Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of single-balloon and double-balloon enteroscopy in diagnosing pediatric small bowel diseases and assess the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography enterography (CTE) for small bowel diseases using enteroscopy as the reference standard. METHODS: Clinical data from 576 children who underwent enteroscopy at Hunan Children's Hospital between January 2017 and December 2023 were retrospectively collected. The children were categorized based on enteroscopy type into the single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) group (n=457) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) group (n=119), and the clinical data were compared between the two groups. The sensitivity and specificity of CTE for diagnosing small bowel diseases were evaluated using enteroscopy results as the standard. RESULTS: Among the 576 children, small bowel lesions were detected by enteroscopy in 274 children (47.6%).There was no significant difference in lesion detection rates or complication rates between the SBE and DBE groups (P>0.05), but the DBE group had deeper insertion, longer procedure time, and higher complete small bowel examination rate (P<0.05). The complication rate during enteroscopy was 4.3% (25/576), with 18 cases (3.1%) of mild complications and 7 cases (1.2%) of severe complications, which improved with symptomatic treatment, surgical, or endoscopic intervention. Among the 412 children who underwent CTE, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing small bowel diseases were 44.4% and 71.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS SBE and DBE have similar diagnostic efficacy for pediatric small bowel diseases, but DBE is preferred for suspected deep small bowel lesions and comprehensive small bowel examination. Enteroscopy in children demonstrates relatively good overall safety. CTE demonstrates relatively low sensitivity but comparatively high specificity for diagnosing small bowel diseases.
Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Double-Balloon Enteroscopy/statistics & numerical data* ; Single-Balloon Enteroscopy/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Operative Time ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Intestine, Small/surgery* ; Intestinal Diseases/surgery*

Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are linked to numerous chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and type II diabetes. Previous research identified the natural flavonoid diosmin, derived from Chrysanthemum morifolium, as a regulator of glucose metabolism. However, its effects on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms remained unexplored. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway serves a critical function in glucose and lipid metabolism. The relationship between diosmin and the AMPK pathway has not been previously documented. This investigation examined diosmin's capacity to reduce lipid content through AMPK pathway activation in hepatoblastoma cell line G2 (HepG2) and 3T3-L1 cells. The study revealed that diosmin inhibits lipogenesis, indicating its potential as an anti-obesity agent in obese mice. Moreover, diosmin demonstrated effective MASLD alleviation in vivo. These findings suggest that diosmin may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and MASLD.
Diosmin/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/enzymology* ; Mice ; Obesity/enzymology* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Male ; 3T3-L1 Cells ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Chrysanthemum/chemistry* ; Lipogenesis/drug effects*

Air Pollution/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Environmental Monitoring

The breakthrough progress of implantable brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) technology in the field of clinical trials has attracted widespread attention from both academia and industry. The development and advancement of this technology have provided new solutions for the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders. However, challenges from many aspects make it difficult for iBCIs to further implement and transform technologies. This paper illustrates the key challenges restricting the large-scale development of iBCIs from the perspective of system implementation, then discusses the latest clinical application progress in depth, aiming to provide new ideas for researchers. For the system implementation part, we have elaborated the front-end signal collector, signal processing and decoder, then the effector. The most important part of the front-end module is the neural electrode, which can be divided into two types: piercing and attached. These two types of electrodes are newly classified and described. In the signal processing and decoder section, we have discussed the experimental paradigm together with signal processing and decoder for the first time and believed that the experimental paradigm acts as a learning benchmark for decoders that play a pivotal role in iBCIs systems. In addition, the characteristics and roles of the effectors commonly used in iBCIs systems, including cursors and robotic arms, are analyzed in detail. In the clinical progress section, we have divided the latest clinical progress into two categories: functional rehabilitation and functional replacement from the perspective of the application scenarios of iBCIs. Functional rehabilitation and functional replacement are two different types of application, though the boundary between the two is not absolute. To this end, we have first introduced the corresponding clinical trial progress from the three levels: application field, research team, and clinical timeline, and then conducted an in-depth discussion and analysis of their functional boundaries, in order to provide guidance for future research. Finally, this paper mentions that the key technical challenges in the development of iBCIs technology come from multiple aspects. First of all, from the signal acquisition level, high-throughput and highly bio-compatible neural interface designing is essential to ensure long-term stable signal acquisition. The electrode surface modification method and electrode packaging were discussed. Secondly, in terms of decoding performance, real-time, accurate, and robust algorithms have a decisive impact on improving the reliability of iBCIs systems. The third key technology is from the perspective of practicality, we believe that the signal transmission mode of wireless communication is the trend of the future, but it still needs to overcome challenges such as data transmission rate and battery life. Finally, we believe that issues such as ethics, privacy, and security need to be addressed through legal, policy, and technological innovation. In summary, the development of iBCIs technology requires not only the unremitting efforts of scientific researchers, but also the participation and support of policymakers, medical professionals, technology developers, and all sectors of society. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, iBCIs technology will achieve wider clinical applications in the future and make important contributions to improving the quality of life of patients.

ObjectiveHemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in the red blood cells of many animals. The primary function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from lung to tissues. It is composed of two identicalα‑globin subunits and two identical β‑globin subunits. Hemoglobin has unique magnetic properties. The paramagnetism of deoxyhemoglobin, and the diamagnetism of oxyhemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin have been reported previously. Studies have also shown that external magnetic field affected blood flow rate, but whether magnetic field may affect the oxygenation rate of hemoglobin remains unknown. Here in this study, we are aiming to address this question with recombinant hemoglobin. Human hemoglobin and yak hemoglobin were selected as the research objects, and a recombinant protein expression and purification system was established to explore the magnetic field effects on the oxygenation rate of hemoglobin, as well as the differences in the oxygenation rate between human hemoglobin and yak hemoglobin under external magnetic field. MethodsThe recombinant expression and purification system of human and yak hemoglobin was established. The recombinant hemoglobin expression was further optimized and appropriated inducing temperature and IPTG concentration were screened. Recombinant human hemoglobin and yak hemoglobin were purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography and further by size-exclusion chromatography. SDS-PAGE was used to validate the purification, and UV-Vis spectrum and EPR were used to characterize the biochemical properties of recombinant hemoglobin. Deoxyhemoglobin of human and yak were placed under 0.3 T external magnetic field to test the magnetic field effects on oxygenation rate, and geomagnetic field condition was used as a sham control. The UV-Vis spectrum data were measured every 10 min, and the concentration and proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin were calculated to analyze the effects of magnetic field on the oxygenation rate of hemoglobin. The magnetic properties of human oxygenated hemoglobin and human deoxygenated hemoglobin have been measured by SQUID, a superconducting quantum interference magnetic measurement system. Three biological replications were performed for each experiment. The possible mechanism of the effect of magnetic field on the oxygenation rate of hemoglobin has been investigated and discussed. ResultsHuman and yak hemoglobin were successfully expressed and purified by E.coli prokaryotic expression system. The optimal expression temperature was 30℃, and the most suitable IPTG concentration was 1 mmol/L. EPR results suggested that trace amount of methemoglobin existed both in the purified human hemoglobin and yak hemoglobin proteins. The oxygenation rate of yak hemoglobin appeared to be faster than that of human hemoglobin, and the additional magnetic field treatment significantly increased the oxygenation rate of both human and yak hemoglobin, and yak hemoglobin was more sensitive to magnetic field than human hemoglobin. The paramagnetism of deoxyhemoglobin was verified by SQUID measurement. However, the diamagnetism of oxygenated hemoglobin remains uncertain, probably due to the presence of trace amount of methemoglobin in the sample of oxygenated hemoglobin, which was consistent with EPR results. ConclusionIn this study, human and yak hemoglobin were successfully expressed and purified. The purified hemoglobin proteins have similar function and conformational states as native protein. External static magnetic field facilitates hemoglobin oxygenation, and yak hemoglobin seems more sensitive to magnetic field compared with human hemoglobin. These findings provide theoretical basis for the potential applications of applying magnetic field to improve hypoxia symptoms in clinical practice in the future.

Objective To investigate the interventional effects of Icariin(IC A)combined with prednisone acetate tablets(PAT)in rats with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS)model.Methods Male SD rats were used to construct the SRNS model with 2 injections of adriamycin(ADR),and were randomly divided into the model group,PAT group,ICA group,and the combined group,with 10 rats in each group after successful modeling;another 10 rats were taken as the blank group.The blank and model groups were given 0.9％NaCl;the PAT group was given 6.3 mg·kg-1·d-1 PAT;the ICA group was given 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 ICA;and the combined group was given 6.3 mg·kg-1·d-1 PAT+50 mg·kg-1·d-1 ICA.The volume of gavage of the five groups of rats was 1 mL·100 g-1,and the drug was administered once a day for 6 weeks.The renal function and blood lipid level of rats in each group were compared;the expression of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase Ⅱ α(CaMK Ⅱα),cofilin-1 and F-actin were detected by Western blotting.Results Urinary protein quantification values at 8 weeks in blank,model,PAT,ICA and combined groups were(6.66±1.48),(178.38±8.96),(161.56±5.49),(157.13±8.32)and(96.90±5.05)mg·24 hi-1;serum creatinine levels were(30.90±1.79),(41.10±2.77),(34.90±2.03),(35.10±2.18)and(31.90±2.47)μmol·L-1;triglycerides levels were(0.87±0.14),(2.30±0.41),(1.94±0.44),(1.17±0.59)and(0.89±0.30)mmol·L-1;total cholesterol levels were(1.54±0.08),(2.53±0.22),(2.14±0.59),(2.27±0.31)and(1.93±0.32)mmol·L-1;the relative expression levels of CaMK Ⅱ α proteins were 0.88±0.09,0.65±0.06,0.71±0.08,0.76±0.07 and 0.88±0.08;the p-Cofilin-1/Cofilin-1 ratios were 0.56±0.27,2.52±0.04,0.75±0.02,0.91±0.20 and 0.53±0.05;the relative expression levels of F-actin protein were 0.93±0.01,0.64±0.01,0.75±0.02,0.80±0.01 and 0.85±0.00,respectively.The differences of the above indexes in the model group were statistically significant compared with those in the blank group and the combined group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion ICA combined with PAT can improve renal function,lipid levels,improve renal histopathological structure,and promote skeletal protein remodeling in SRNS rats by regulating CaMK Ⅱ α/Cofilin-1/F-actin pathway.

Objective To study the common basis and association between sickness behaviour and occurrence of classical symptoms of kidney yang deficiency of rats with adriamycin nephropathy.Methods The SD rats were given adriamycin by tail-vein injection for 2 times(4.0 and 3.5 mg·kg-1,one week apart)to construct the model of nephrotic syndrome with Chinese medicine symptom of kidney yang deficiency.After successful modeling,the model rats were randomly divided into adriamycin group(ADR group),corticosterone group(CORT group)and hydrocortisone group(HYD group),with 12 rats per group;another 12 normal rats were taken as normal group.In the HYD group,25 mg·kg-1·d-1 HYD was administered for 14 d to establish kidney yang deficiency model with simple hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex(HPA)axis inhibition.CORT group was adding 25 μg·mL-1 corticosterone to the water for 6 weeks,and the others drinking water supplied.The levels of urinary 17-hydroxy steroid were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Glucocorticoid receptor(GR)and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)protein expression levels in kidney and hypothalamus were detected by Western blotting.Results In the normal,ADR,CORT and HYD groups,the urinary 17-hydroxysteroid levels were(19.14±1.94),(10.07±1.62),(20.30±1.55)and(14.23±2.37)μg·L-1;the relative expression levels of GR protein in hypothalamic were 0.63±0.05,0.11±0.05,0.85±0.08 and 0.35±0.06;the relative expression levels of NF-κB protein in hypothalamic were 0.06±0.03,0.96±0.03,0.59±0.01 and 0.23±0.04;the relative expression levels of GR protein in kidney tissue were 0.94±0.06,0.06±0.02,0.40±0.02 and 0.09±0.08;the relative expression levels of NF-κB protein in kidney tissue were 0.07±0.05,0.81±0.12,0.72±0.07 and 0.49±0.08,respectively.Compared with the ADR and HYD groups,the above indexes in the normal group were statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).And compared with the ADR group,the relative expression levels of NF-κB protein in renal tissue with CORT group were not statistically significant(P＞0.05),but the other indexes in CORT group were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).Conclusion HPA axis dysfunction with GR damaged and activated inflammatory levels are the common basis for the combination of typical symptoms of kidney yang deficiency and sickness behaviour which characterised by"deficiency and cold syndrome".