AIM: To investigate the differences in morphological structure and retinal blood perfusion between the affected eye and the contralateral healthy eye using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM)before and after surgery, and to evaluate the association of these parameters with functional and anatomical outcomes to inform prognostic assessment. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2023 and December 2024. Consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral IMEM were enrolled; the fellow eye served as an internal control. All participants underwent standardized ophthalmic evaluations, including optical coherence tomography(OCT), OCTA, and color fundus photography. Key quantitative parameters assessed included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, vessel density in the inner capillary plexus(ICP), superficial capillary plexus(SCP), deep capillary plexus(DCP), and choroidal capillary perfusion area(CCPA). Measurements were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively. Correlation analyses were performed between the above parameters and postoperative BCVA and CMT.RESULTS: This study enrolled 30 patients(60 eyes)diagnosed with IMEM, comprising 14 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 65.4±10.8 y.At baseline, IMEM-affected eyes demonstrated significantly reduced BCVA, DCP density, and FAZ area, alongside significantly increased CMT and CCPA, compared with contralateral controls. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased significantly at both 1 and 3 mo(both P<0.05)postoperatively; DCP density and BCVA showed significant improvement(both P<0.05). No significant change in FAZ area was observed postoperatively(P>0.05). At 3 mo postoperatively, BCVA of the affected eye was negatively correlated with CMT(r=-0.549, P=0.022). At 1 mo postoperatively, CMT was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP and FAZ, positively correlated with preoperative CMT, and positively correlated with ICP and SCP at 1 mo postoperatively, and negatively correlated with FAZ at 1 mo postoperatively(all P<0.05). Furthermore, CMT at 3 mo postoperatively was negatively correlated with preoperative DCP(r=-0.498,P=0.042).CONCLUSION:In patients with IMEM, the affected eyes exhibit significantly reduced DCP density and FAZ area, alongside increased CMT and CCPA. Following vitrectomy with membrane peeling, CMT decreased progressively, DCP density demonstrated partial restoration, and vision improved gradually. Preoperatively, smaller CMT larger DCP, and FAZ were associated with more favorable surgical outcomes; postoperatively, smaller ICP and SCP densities—combined with a larger FAZ—also correlated with better functional recovery.

ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi， so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi， and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor（RRF） and three internal standards， and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection（VIP） value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose， and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data， and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis（PCA）， discriminant factor alysis（DFA）， soft independent modeling of class analogies（SIMCA） and statistical quality control analysis（SQCA）. ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi， of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components， the contents of five components（ethyl isovalerate， 2-pentylfuran， benzyl alcohol， nonanal and glacial acetic acid，） in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part（P<0.01）， the contents of β-ionone， patchouli alcohol， α-caryophyllene， linalyl butyrate， valencene， 1，8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part（P<0.01）. Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82， and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted， respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%， the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99， and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose（PCA， DFA， SIMCA and SQCA） can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results， it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.

Objective To evaluate the inhibitory effects of prophylactic administration of α-zearalanol(α-ZAL)on bone microarchitecture and bone resorption activity in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats,and to investigate its regulatory effects on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Methods A total of 606-month-old unmated female Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats weighing(300±20)g were randomly divided into the sham surgery group(Sham group),ovariectomy group(OVX group),solvent group(Oil group),estradiol benzoate treatment group(Post-E2 group),α-ZAL prevention group(Pre-ZAL group),and α-ZAL treatment group(Post-ZAL group),with 10 rats in each group.An osteoporosis rat model was established using the ovariectomy method.Rats in the Sham group underwent the same surgical procedures except for ovarian removal.Seventy-two hours after ovarian removal,the Oil group received intramuscular injections of 0.5 mL of oil solvent,and the Pre-ZAL group received intramuscular injections of α-ZAL(1.5 mg·kg-1),administered every 3 days for 120 consecutive days.The Post-E2 group and Post-ZAL group began intramuscular injections of estradiol benzoate(1.5 mg·kg-1)and α-ZAL(1.5 mg·kg-1),respectively,90 days after ovariectomy,administered every 3 days for 120 consecutive days.After drug administration,bone density and bone tissue microstructure morphology were analyzed using a micro-CT small animal in vivo imaging system and staining methods.Osteoclasts were isolated and their activity was detected.Femoral BMSCs were obtained to assess their osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation capabilities,and uterine tissue morphological changes were observed via histological sections.Results Compared with the OVX group,BMD in the Sham group,Post-E2 group,Pre-ZAL group,and Post-ZAL group increased by 133.12%,75.97%,69.64%,and 24.69%,respectively(all P<0.01).BMD in the Pre-ZAL group was 36.09%higher than in the Post-ZAL group(P<0.01),and there was no significant difference in BMD between the Post-E2 and Pre-ZAL groups(P>0.05).Tb.N in the Sham group,Post-E2 group,Pre-ZAL group,and Post-ZAL group increased by 160.08%,118.14%,94.76%,and 46.76%,respectively,compared with the OVX group(all P<0.01).Tb.Ar increased by 324.21%,203.83%,177.99%,and 82.71%,respectively(all P<0.01).Tb.N in the Pre-ZAL group increased by 32.71%compared to the Post-ZAL group(P<0.05),while Tb.Ar increased by 52.15%(P<0.01).Tb.Sp in the Sham,Post-E2,and Pre-ZAL groups decreased by 58.53%,42.18%,and 35.61%,respectively,compared with the OVX group(all P<0.01).The MAR of the upper tibial cancellous bone in the Sham,Post-E2,and Pre-ZAL groups increased by 257.81%,156.72%,and 142.63%,respectively,compared with the OVX group(all P<0.01),BFR increased by 192.19%,137.23%,and 88.13%,respectively(all P<0.01).MAR and BFR in the Pre-ZAL group increased by 58.10%and 43.63%,respectively,compared with the Post-ZAL group(both P<0.01).There were no significant differences in MAR and BFR between the Post-E2 group and the Pre-ZAL group(P>0.05).MMP-9,TRAP,and CK mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in both the Post-E2 group and the Pre-ZAL group(P<0.01).The osteoblast differentiation capacity of BMSCs in the Post-E2 group and all Post-ZAL groups was enhanced,with a significant increase in the number of mineralized nodules,and the expression levels of OCN,COL1,and OPN mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the ability to differentiate into adipocytes was weakened.The number of intracellular lipid droplets in BMSCs was significantly reduced,the lipid droplet volume was smaller,and the expression levels of PPAR-γ2 and aP2 mRNA were decreased(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the Post-E2 group and the Pre-ZAL group(P>0.05).There was no significant increase in body weight in the Post-E2,Pre-ZAL,and Post-ZAL groups,but uterine weight significantly increased in the Post-E2 group(P<0.05),with marked uterine epithelial hyperplasia.Uterine weight in the Pre-ZAL and Post-ZAL groups showed no significant difference compared to the OVX group(P>0.05),and no significant changes were observed in uterine epithelium.Conclusion α-ZAL can effectively protect bone mass,improve bone microstructure,and reduce estrogen-related uterine adverse reactions by regulating the osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation balance of BMSCs,providing a potential new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which the sanguis draconis flavones(SDF)regulates the reactive oxygen species(ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)pathway to mediate cell pyroptosis and improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)in rats.Methods The experimental rats were randomly divided into the control group(Ctrl),the CIRI group,the low-dose SDF group(SDF-L),the high-dose SDF group(SDF-H),and the SDF-H+ROS/TXNIP pathway activator,trimethylamine oxide(TMAO)group(SDF-H+TMAO).Among them,except for the control group,the remaining rats all needed to establish the CIRI rat model by the modified suture method.Zea Longa scoring was performed on rats from each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and oxidative stress-related factors superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px).Flow cytometry was used to measure the ROS levels.Cerebral edema was detected.Cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of brain tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of pyrolytic effector protein dermolin D(GSDMD).Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the ROS/TXNIP pathway.Results Compared with the control group,a large area of cerebral infarctions were observed in the brain tissue of the CIRI group,accompanied by mild hemorrhage and obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells.Neuronal cells underwent degeneration and necrosis,with sparse and disordered arrangement.The phenomena of nuclear condensation and nucleolus lysis were obvious.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-related punctate protein(ASC),and Caspase-1 increased,while the activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the CIRI group,the pathological damage of brain tissues in the SDF-L group and the SDF-H group was significantly improved.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 decreased.The activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased(P＜0.05);TMAO treatment partially reversed the improvement effect of SDF on CIRI in rats.Conclusion SDF ameliorates cerebral CIRI in rats by inhibiting ROS/TXNIP pathway-mediated pyroptosis.

Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss remained significantly associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.038, 95%CI: 1.035-8.914). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between the number of teeth lost and the incidence of esophageal cancer. When the number of teeth lost was less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increased with the number of teeth lost. When more than 12 teeth were lost, the risk of esophageal cancer decreased as the number of teeth lost increased. Conclusion Tooth loss is a risk factor for the occurrence of esophageal cancer in this natural village. When the number of teeth lost is less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increases with the number of teeth lost.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers. METHODS: The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories. RESULTS: FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45). CONCLUSION An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; China ; Prospective Studies ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Steel ; Fasting/blood* ; Metal Workers ; East Asian People

Objective To study the application value of the supraclavicular and anterior sternocleidomastoid space approach in open thyroid cancer surgery.Methods A retrospective study of 65 patients with thyroid cancer from January 2023 to December 2023 was conducted,the patients were divided into experimental group(30 cases)and control group(35 cases),which received thyroid cancer operation via supraclavicular and Sternocleidomastoid muscle anterior space approach and conventional open thyroid cancer operation respectively.The perioperative period,quality of life,pain and complications were compared between the two groups.Results The incision length,the number of lymph nodes removed,the operation time,the blood loss,the drainage volume,the drainage time and the hospital stay in the observation group were(4.00±0.76)cm,(6.41±0.73),(66.32±2.93)minutes,(37.14±6.69)mL,(1.41±0.59)days and(16.68±1.9),respectively 1)ml and(5.14±1.25)days.The control groups were(5.54±1.03)cm,(4.31±0.68)pieces,(80.42±2.96)minutes,(55.54±2.67)ml,(3.15±0.67)days,(31.19±1.96)ml and(7.88±1.28)days respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.001).Under the effects of interaction,time point effect and inter-group effect,the EQ-5D-5L scale and NRS score will change with the time point variation due to different surgical methods.The incidences of choking cough when drinking water,neck tightness sensation and total adverse events in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.001).Conclusion The supraclavicular and anterior sternocleidomastoid approach can reduce the length of incision,shorten the operation time,reduce postoperative pain and complications,and improve the quality of life of patients with thyroid cancer.

Objective:To observe the efficacy of probiotics in the adjuvant treatment of bronchial asthma and to explore the relationship between their action and intestinal flora.Methods:A total of 76 newly diagnosed patients with mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma treated at Baotou Central Hospital between November 2023 and January 2025 were randomly divided into two groups:the conventional treatment group(n=38)and the combined probiotic treatment group(n=38).Post-treatment comparisons were made between the two groups regarding symptom resolution time,Asthma Control Test(ACT)scores,lung function,fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO)levels,serum inflammatory cytokines,complement levels,and other indicators.Faecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing of gut microbiota.Results:Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between the two groups(P＞0.05).Compared to the conventional treatment group,the combined probiotic group exhibited significantly shorter resolution times for asthma symptoms and lung rales(P＜0.001),significantly higher ACT scores,FEV1,and PEF(P＜0.001),and significantly lower FeNO levels(P＜0.001).Additionally,serum interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and complement C3 levels were significantly reduced(P＜0.001),while serum interleukin-6(IL-10)levels were significantly increased(P＜0.001).16S rDNA sequencing revealed no significant changes in gut microbiota richness or diversity in the conventional treatment group before and after treatment(P＞0.05),whereas intestinal flora richness and diversity were significantly increased in the combined probiotic treatment group compared to the pre-treatment group(P＜0.05).Correlation analysis between gut microbiota and inflammatory markers demonstrated that Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium abundance were negatively correlated with TNF-α levels(P＜0.05),while Escherichia-Shigella,and Streptococcus abundance were positively correlated with TNF-α levels(P＜0.05).Streptococcus and Klebsiella abundance were positively correlated with IL-6 levels(P＜0.05).Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus abundance were negatively correlated with IL-10 levels and positively correlated with complement C3 levels(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Probiotics may assist in improving bronchial asthma symptoms by influencing the gut flora to reduce the inflammatory response.

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a common respiratory emergency,but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures.Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS,but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns.Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance,thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models.Coral calcium hydrogenation(CCH)is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium(CC).Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS re-mains unstudied.In this study,we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice.The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable,demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group.CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema,and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice.CCH promoted mitochon-drial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2(Trx2),improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS,and reduced oxidative stress damage.The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation.