Objective:To evaluate the effect of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass on cognitive function, cerebral perfusion, and integrity of white matter tracts by comparing cognitive function scores, fractional anisotropy (FA), time to maximum (T max), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) at different time points before and after STA-MCA bypass, and analyze the relations of cognitive function with cerebral perfusion and white matter tract integrity so as to provide evidences for treatment of moyamoya disease (MMD) patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; 30 MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment received STA-MCA bypass at Department of Neurosurgery, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Lianyungang First People's Hospital) from January 2023 to August 2024 were enrolled. Before and 1, 3, and 6 months after STA-MCA bypass, all patients accepted Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), CT perfusion imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Differences in MoCA score, CBF, T max, and FA at different time points before and after surgery were compared. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation of MoCA score with cerebral perfusion parameters and FA. Results:(1) In these MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment, CBF 3 and 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly increased compared with that before STA-MCA bypass, and CBF 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly higher than that 1 and 3 months after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05); T max 1, 3 and 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly shortened compared with that before STA-MCA bypass, and T max 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly shortened than that 1 and 3 months after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05); FA 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly increased compared with that before, and 1 and 3 months after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05); MoCA score 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly increased compared with that before and 1 month after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05). (2) In MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment, the preoperative MoCA score was positively correlated with preoperative CBF and FA ( r s=0.428, P=0.018; r s=0.438, P=0.015) and negatively correlated with preoperative T max ( r s=-0.380, P=0.039); 6 months after STA-MCA bypass, the MoCA score was positively correlated with CBF and FA ( r s=0.365, P=0.047; r s=0.400, P=0.028) and negatively correlated with T max ( r s=-0.371, P=0.043). Conclusion:STA-MCA bypass can improve cerebral perfusion, white matter fiber tract repair and cognitive function in MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment, and improvement of cognitive function is related to cerebral perfusion and white matter fiber tract repair.

A chemical investigation of secondary metabolites (SMs) from Aspergillus nidulans resulted in the identification of five novel dioxopiperazine (DKP)-diphenyl ether hybrids, designated as diphenylemestrins A-E (1-5). These compounds 1-5 represent the first known dimers combining DKP and diphenyl ether structures, with compound 4 featuring an uncommon dibenzofuran as the diphenyl ether component. The structural elucidation and determination of absolute stereochemistry were accomplished through spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Notably, diphenylemestrin C (3) exhibited moderate cytostatic activity against NB4 cells, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 21.99 μmol·L^-1, and induced apoptosis at higher concentrations.
Aspergillus nidulans/metabolism* ; Diketopiperazines/pharmacology* ; Molecular Structure ; Phenyl Ethers/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective:To evaluate the effect of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass on cognitive function, cerebral perfusion, and integrity of white matter tracts by comparing cognitive function scores, fractional anisotropy (FA), time to maximum (T max), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) at different time points before and after STA-MCA bypass, and analyze the relations of cognitive function with cerebral perfusion and white matter tract integrity so as to provide evidences for treatment of moyamoya disease (MMD) patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; 30 MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment received STA-MCA bypass at Department of Neurosurgery, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University (Lianyungang First People's Hospital) from January 2023 to August 2024 were enrolled. Before and 1, 3, and 6 months after STA-MCA bypass, all patients accepted Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), CT perfusion imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Differences in MoCA score, CBF, T max, and FA at different time points before and after surgery were compared. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation of MoCA score with cerebral perfusion parameters and FA. Results:(1) In these MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment, CBF 3 and 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly increased compared with that before STA-MCA bypass, and CBF 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly higher than that 1 and 3 months after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05); T max 1, 3 and 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly shortened compared with that before STA-MCA bypass, and T max 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly shortened than that 1 and 3 months after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05); FA 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly increased compared with that before, and 1 and 3 months after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05); MoCA score 6 months after STA-MCA bypass was significantly increased compared with that before and 1 month after STA-MCA bypass ( P<0.05). (2) In MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment, the preoperative MoCA score was positively correlated with preoperative CBF and FA ( r s=0.428, P=0.018; r s=0.438, P=0.015) and negatively correlated with preoperative T max ( r s=-0.380, P=0.039); 6 months after STA-MCA bypass, the MoCA score was positively correlated with CBF and FA ( r s=0.365, P=0.047; r s=0.400, P=0.028) and negatively correlated with T max ( r s=-0.371, P=0.043). Conclusion:STA-MCA bypass can improve cerebral perfusion, white matter fiber tract repair and cognitive function in MMD patients with mild cognitive impairment, and improvement of cognitive function is related to cerebral perfusion and white matter fiber tract repair.

Existing epidemiologic and clinical studies have demonstrated that obesity is associated with the risk of a variety of cancers. In recent years, an increasing number of experimental and clinical studies have unraveled the complex relationship between obesity and cancer risk and the underlying mechanisms. Obesity-induced abnormalities in immunity and biochemical metabolism, including chronic inflammation, hormonal disorders, dysregulation of adipokines, and microbial dysbiosis, may be important contributors to cancer development and progression. These contributors play different roles in cancer development and progression at different sites. Lifestyle changes, weight loss medications, and bariatric surgery are key approaches for weight-centered, obesity-related cancer prevention. Treatment of obesity-related inflammation and hormonal or metabolic dysregulation with medications has also shown promise in preventing obesity-related cancers. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms through which obesity affects the risk of cancer at different sites and explore intervention strategies for the prevention of obesity-associated cancers, concluding with unresolved questions and future directions regarding the link between obesity and cancer. The aim is to provide valuable theoretical foundations and insights for the in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between obesity and cancer risk and its clinical applications.
Humans ; Adipokines/metabolism* ; Bariatric Surgery ; Inflammation/therapy* ; Neoplasms/prevention & control* ; Obesity/therapy* ; Risk Factors

Objective:To investigate the effect of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus.Methods:Clinical data of patients with post-traumatic lower extremity shortening and talipes equinovarus treated by the Ilizarov technique in the Department of Orthopaedics of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from January 2013 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The annular external fixator was installed on the affected limb according to the Ilizarov principle of external fixation. 3 days after the operation, the internal and lateral screw rods were adjusted at the speed of 2 mm/d to gradually correct the talipes equinovarus. 7 days after surgery, the lower leg was lengthened at a speed of 1 mm/d. After the foot was corrected, the foot external fixator was continued to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks, and then the fixator was removed and the foot was immobilized with a brace for 6 to 8 weeks. The lower leg fixator was removed after the lower extremity length was restored and the bone mineralization at the extension site was good. The length of both lower extremities, angle of talonavicular joint, angle of plantar flexion and dorsal extension of the ankle, and range of motion of ankle were compared before surgery and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the affected feet were scored and rated using the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system, which was divided into four grades: excellent, good, medium, and poor. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and each measurement index and ICFSG score were expressed in Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used to compare the preoperative and last follow-up data, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 31 patients were enrolled, including 17 males and 14 females. The age was 15-18 years old, with an average of 16.5 years old. There were 16 cases on the right side and 15 cases on the left side. The lower extremity shortening was 45-75 mm, with an average of 65 mm. The fixation time of the external fixator was 4.5-6 months after surgery, with an average of 5 months, and the follow-up time was 22-28 months, with an average of 25.5 months. The length of the affected lower extremity recovered, the shape was basically satisfactory, and the plantar gait was restored. At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative period, the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle of the foot (23.0°±2.1° vs. 8.5°±2.6°), from lateral talocalcaneal angle the foot (27.0°±4.3° vs. 11.2°±4.4°), ankle plantar flexion angle (24.5°±6.8° vs. 51.1°±6.5°), ankle dorsiflexion angle (5.8°±3.5° vs. -46.8°±7.0°) and ankle range of motion (30.3°±8.2° vs. 4.2°±1.6°) were statistically significant ( P <0.01). ICFSG score: The points at the last follow-up (8.0 ± 4.2) were significantly lower than that before the operation (41.9 ± 5.3) ( P<0.01), of which 18 were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were medium. Two cases had recurrent deformities in the later stage, and the results were satisfactory after the fusion of the talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint and the anteposition of the posterior tibial tendon in the second stage. There were 4 cases of toe contracture deformity, which did not recur after the release of the flexor digitorum longus tendon at the toe. Anterior ankle impingement was observed in 5 cases and improved after the arthroscopic osteophyte removal. After the lower extremity extension was in place, the external fixator was replaced by the intramedullary nail for walking in 6 patients. The infection of the nail path occurred in 7 cases, which improved after replacement of fixing pins and dressing change of the nail path. Conclusion:The application of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus has the advantages of small trauma and dynamic control of deformity correction, which can achieve good result.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus.Methods:Clinical data of patients with post-traumatic lower extremity shortening and talipes equinovarus treated by the Ilizarov technique in the Department of Orthopaedics of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from January 2013 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The annular external fixator was installed on the affected limb according to the Ilizarov principle of external fixation. 3 days after the operation, the internal and lateral screw rods were adjusted at the speed of 2 mm/d to gradually correct the talipes equinovarus. 7 days after surgery, the lower leg was lengthened at a speed of 1 mm/d. After the foot was corrected, the foot external fixator was continued to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks, and then the fixator was removed and the foot was immobilized with a brace for 6 to 8 weeks. The lower leg fixator was removed after the lower extremity length was restored and the bone mineralization at the extension site was good. The length of both lower extremities, angle of talonavicular joint, angle of plantar flexion and dorsal extension of the ankle, and range of motion of ankle were compared before surgery and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the affected feet were scored and rated using the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system, which was divided into four grades: excellent, good, medium, and poor. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and each measurement index and ICFSG score were expressed in Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used to compare the preoperative and last follow-up data, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 31 patients were enrolled, including 17 males and 14 females. The age was 15-18 years old, with an average of 16.5 years old. There were 16 cases on the right side and 15 cases on the left side. The lower extremity shortening was 45-75 mm, with an average of 65 mm. The fixation time of the external fixator was 4.5-6 months after surgery, with an average of 5 months, and the follow-up time was 22-28 months, with an average of 25.5 months. The length of the affected lower extremity recovered, the shape was basically satisfactory, and the plantar gait was restored. At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative period, the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle of the foot (23.0°±2.1° vs. 8.5°±2.6°), from lateral talocalcaneal angle the foot (27.0°±4.3° vs. 11.2°±4.4°), ankle plantar flexion angle (24.5°±6.8° vs. 51.1°±6.5°), ankle dorsiflexion angle (5.8°±3.5° vs. -46.8°±7.0°) and ankle range of motion (30.3°±8.2° vs. 4.2°±1.6°) were statistically significant ( P <0.01). ICFSG score: The points at the last follow-up (8.0 ± 4.2) were significantly lower than that before the operation (41.9 ± 5.3) ( P<0.01), of which 18 were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were medium. Two cases had recurrent deformities in the later stage, and the results were satisfactory after the fusion of the talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint and the anteposition of the posterior tibial tendon in the second stage. There were 4 cases of toe contracture deformity, which did not recur after the release of the flexor digitorum longus tendon at the toe. Anterior ankle impingement was observed in 5 cases and improved after the arthroscopic osteophyte removal. After the lower extremity extension was in place, the external fixator was replaced by the intramedullary nail for walking in 6 patients. The infection of the nail path occurred in 7 cases, which improved after replacement of fixing pins and dressing change of the nail path. Conclusion:The application of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus has the advantages of small trauma and dynamic control of deformity correction, which can achieve good result.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of cine three-dimensional (3D) balanced steady-state free precession (b-SSFP) imaging combined with a non-local means (NLM) algorithm for image denoising in evaluating cardiac function in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with rTOF (mean age, 12 years; range, 7–18 years) were enrolled to undergo cardiac cine image acquisition, including two-dimensional (2D) b-SSFP, 3D b-SSFP, and 3D b-SSFP combined with NLM. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) of the two ventricles were measured and indexed by body surface index. Acquisition time and image quality were recorded and compared among the three imaging sequences. Results: 3D b-SSFP with denoising vs. 2D b-SSFP had high correlation coefficients for EDV, ESV, SV, and EF of the left (0.959– 0.991; p < 0.001) as well as right (0.755–0.965; p < 0.001) ventricular metrics. The image acquisition time ± standard deviation (SD) was 25.1 ± 2.4 seconds for 3D b-SSFP compared with 277.6 ± 0.7 seconds for 2D b-SSFP, indicating a significantly shorter time with the 3D than the 2D sequence (p < 0.001). Image quality score was better with 3D b-SSFP combined with denoising than with 3D b-SSFP (mean ± SD, 3.8 ± 0.6 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6; p = 0.005). Signal-to-noise ratios for blood and myocardium as well as contrast between blood and myocardium were higher for 3D b-SSFP combined with denoising than for 3D b-SSFP (p < 0.05 for all but septal myocardium). Conclusion The 3D b-SSFP sequence can significantly reduce acquisition time compared to the 2D b-SSFP sequence for cine imaging in the evaluation of ventricular function in children with rTOF, and its quality can be further improved by combining it with an NLM denoising method.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of cine three-dimensional (3D) balanced steady-state free precession (b-SSFP) imaging combined with a non-local means (NLM) algorithm for image denoising in evaluating cardiac function in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with rTOF (mean age, 12 years; range, 7–18 years) were enrolled to undergo cardiac cine image acquisition, including two-dimensional (2D) b-SSFP, 3D b-SSFP, and 3D b-SSFP combined with NLM. End-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) of the two ventricles were measured and indexed by body surface index. Acquisition time and image quality were recorded and compared among the three imaging sequences. Results: 3D b-SSFP with denoising vs. 2D b-SSFP had high correlation coefficients for EDV, ESV, SV, and EF of the left (0.959– 0.991; p < 0.001) as well as right (0.755–0.965; p < 0.001) ventricular metrics. The image acquisition time ± standard deviation (SD) was 25.1 ± 2.4 seconds for 3D b-SSFP compared with 277.6 ± 0.7 seconds for 2D b-SSFP, indicating a significantly shorter time with the 3D than the 2D sequence (p < 0.001). Image quality score was better with 3D b-SSFP combined with denoising than with 3D b-SSFP (mean ± SD, 3.8 ± 0.6 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6; p = 0.005). Signal-to-noise ratios for blood and myocardium as well as contrast between blood and myocardium were higher for 3D b-SSFP combined with denoising than for 3D b-SSFP (p < 0.05 for all but septal myocardium). Conclusion The 3D b-SSFP sequence can significantly reduce acquisition time compared to the 2D b-SSFP sequence for cine imaging in the evaluation of ventricular function in children with rTOF, and its quality can be further improved by combining it with an NLM denoising method.

Objective:To develop a prototype artificial intelligence image recognition system for detecting dental caries, especially those without cavities, in children.Methods:Seven hundred and twelve intraoral photos, which were taken by dental professionals using a digital camera from October 2013 to June 2020 in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, were collected from the children who received dental treatment under general anesthesia. The well-documented post-treatment electronic dental record of each child was identified as label standard to determine whether the teeth were carious and the type of caries types such as caries that had become cavities (caries with cavities), pit and fissure caries that had not become cavities (pit and fissure caries) and proximal caries which the marginal ridge enamel had not been destroyed (proximal caries). The various teeth and caries types were labeled by pediatric dentists using VoTT software (Windows 2.1.0, Microsoft, U S A). There were five labeled groups: pit and fissure caries, approximal caries, non-carious approximal surfaces, caries with cavities and teeth without caries (including intact fillings). Each group was randomly divided into training dataset, validation dataset and test dataset at a ratio of 6.4∶1.6∶2.0 by using random number table. After using the labeled training dataset for deep learning training, a deep learning-based artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition system for detecting dental caries was established, with the caries probability greater than 50.0% as the criterion for determining caries. Sensitivity and accuracy were used as indicators of recognition specificity.Results:Seven hundred and twelve single-jaw intraoral photographs were segmented and annotated into 953 pit and fissure caries, 1 002 approximal caries, 3 008 caries with cavities, 3 189 teeth without caries and 862 non-carious approximal surfaces, totaly 9 014 labels. The sensitivities and specificities of the test set were 96.0% and 97.0% for caries with cavities, 95.8% and 99.0% for pit and fissure caries and 88.1% and 97.1% for approximal caries.Conclusions:The current AI system developed based on deep learning of the intra-oral photos in the present study showed the ability to detect dental caries. Furthermore, the AI system could accurately verify different types of dental caries such as caries with cavities, pit and fissure caries and proximal caries.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with special types of esophageal ulcer.Methods:The data of 53 cases of esophageal ulcer in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from October 2014 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, and the prognosis was followed up by telephone.Results:The average age of onset was (51.2±13.4)years old. 84.91% of the patients (45/53) had unknown causes. 66.67% (34/51) had symptoms of discomfort or pain in the esophageal region. 67.92% (36/53) of the ulcers involved the lower esophageal segment and 52.83% (28/53) involved the middle thoracic segment of the esophagus. The common pathological changes were chronic inflammation and squamous cell hyperplasia. Nearly 1/3 of the patients had no improvement, deterioration or recurrence after treatment. All 7 patients with T cell spot test of tuberculosis infection (TSPOT) positive and other tuberculosis infection were treated effectively.Conclusions:Special types of esophageal ulcer are common in middle-aged men, most of the patients have unknown etiology. The most common clinical symptom is the discomfort or pain in the area of esophagus. The common involved part is the lower part of esophagus. The curative effect is not good or easy to recur. Antituberculosis therapy may be effective in patients with TSPOT positive and other TB infection bases.