Keratoconus is an adolescent-onset blinding eye disease characterized by the protrusion and thinning of the central or paracentral cornea. The cause of keratoconus remains unclear, though its onset and progression arise from a multifactorial interplay involving a polygenic background, environmental exposures, and biomechanical decompensation. Recent studies have demonstrated significant gender differences in the pathogenesis and progression of keratoconus.At the epidemiological level, most studies suggest that the disease shows a male predominance; in terms of clinical features, male patients tend to experience an earlier onset and present with more severe clinical phenotypes, such as more serious corneal morphological deterioration; at the pathological mechanism level, sex hormone expression differences and genetic susceptibility differences play a key role in disease progression; this difference further affects the formulation of clinical prevention and treatment strategies, such as early warning screening for high-risk male groups and individualized corneal cross-linking intervention timing. This article reviews gender differences in keratoconus from the perspectives of epidemiology, clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment, and pathological mechanisms, providing relevant references and insights for future clinical practice.

From July 22 to 24, 2026, the 2nd International Symposium on Environment and Reproductive Health and the 20th National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine were successfully held in Shanghai. The conference brought together experts, scholars, young researchers, and graduate students from Harvard University, National University of Singapore, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other domestic and foreign universities and scientific research institutions to carry out in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge issues such as environment and reproductive health, environmental exposure and health effects, occupational health, disease risks, and toxicological mechanisms. The conference featured a main hall, multiple sessions, an editorial board memebers & experts forum, excellent paper reports, a postgraduate parallel forum, and keynote presentations. This postgraduate symposium, themed "Research and practice: Healing the schism", attracted a total of 113 papers. This year marked the first time that the National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine was jointly held with an international academic conference. It further expanded the high-level platform for academic exchange and young talent cultivating, and promoted the deep integration of scientific research innovation, achievement dissemination, and public health practice.

Diabetic kidney disease （DKD） is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus （DM） and a primary cause of chronic kidney disease （CKD） and end-stage renal disease （ESRD）. Inflammation is currently a hot topic in exploring the pathogenesis of DKD. Macrophages， T cells， interleukins， tumor necrosis factor， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome， Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT） signaling pathway， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）-related signaling pathway all play a role in regulating the inflammation of DKD and accelerating its progression. Astragali Radix， a Chinese herbal medicine， is widely used in the treatment of DKD and possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have revealed that active ingredients of Astragali Radix， including polysaccharides， astragaloside Ⅳ， total flavonoids， calycosin， and quercetin， can regulate multiple signaling pathways to ameliorate the microinflammatory state and alleviate kidney damage， thereby slowing down the progression of DKD. This article systematically reviews the factors influencing the inflammation in DKD and analyzes recent research findings and mechanisms concerning active ingredients of Astragali Radix in the management of DKD inflammation， aiming to offer novel insights and directions for the prevention， treatment， and research of DKD.

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Objective To analyze the correlations of autoimmune diseases(AIDs)with the risk of developing pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases.Methods A total of 451,497 participants from the UK Biobank were recruited,with the primary outcomes being pancreatic endocrine and exo-crine diseases.International Classification of Diseases 9/10(ICD9/10)codes were used to define each AIDs,the pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases.Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess the relationships between AIDs and pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases,with adjustments for age,gender,ethnicity,Townsend deprivation index,smoking,alcohol consumption,body mass index,waist circumference,hip circumference,hypertension,dyslipidemia,and gallstones.Results A total of 415,497 participants were included,among which 37,482 de-veloped pancreas-related diseases during follow-up.Among patients with AIDs,the proportions of those with pancreatic exocrine and endocrine diseases were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Rheumatoid arthritis[HR(95％CI):1.438(1.161 to 1.781)],ankylosing spondylitis[HR(95％CI):1.675(1.009 to 2.780)],ulcerative colitis[HR(95％CI):1.335(1.037 to 1.719)],and Crohn's disease[HR(95％CI):1.530(1.154 to 2.028)]were all associated with an increased risk of de-veloping pancreatic exocrine diseases(all P＜0.05);additionally,rheumatoid arthritis[HR(95％CI):1.119(1.004 to 1.248)],ulcerative colitis[HR(95％CI):1.324(1.175 to 1.491)],sys-temic sclerosis[HR(95％CI):2.08(1.355 to 3.191)],and Crohn's disease[HR(95％CI):1.394(1.197 to 1.624)]were also associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic en-docrine diseases(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Overall AIDs and some specific AIDs are associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatic endocrine and exocrine diseases,and early preven-tion of pancreatic diseases in patients with AIDs should be emphasized in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of adeno-associated virus vector 5 (AAV5)-mediated hepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression on serum triglyceride (TG) metabolism and hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) in mice.Methods:Ten male C57BL/6 Lpl+/- mice were randomly divided into two groups by a random number table: the Lpl+/- control group and the Lpl+/- gene therapy group, with five mice in each group. The Lpl+/- control group received a tail vein injection of AAV5 vector carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene (AAV5-EGFP), while the Lpl+/- gene therapy group received a tail vein injection of AAV5 vector carrying the human LPLS447X gene (AAV5-LPLS447X). Oral fat tolerance tests were performed at 14, 28, and 56 days post-injection. Twenty wild-type ICR mice were randomly divided into a control group and a gene therapy group, with ten mice in each group. The ICR control group was injected with AAV5-EGFP, and the ICR gene therapy group was injected with AAV5-LPLS447X. Fourteen days after injection, the mice underwent intraperitoneal injection of P407 solution (0.5 g/kg) and caerulein (200 μg/kg) to induce HTG-AP. Serum TG, total cholesterol (TC), amylase, lipase levels, and plasma LPL activity after heparin injection were measured by microplate reader. Plasma LPL concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). LPL mRNA expression levels in the liver, heart, and adipose tissue of Lpl+/- mice were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). LPL protein expression in the liver tissue of ICR mice was detected by immunohistochemistry at 28 days after gene therapy. Histopathological changes in the pancreas were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results:Compared to the Lpl+/- control group, the Lpl+/- gene therapy group showed a significant decrease in serum TG levels starting from day 21. After oral administration of olive oil, the increase and peak of serum TG levels were significantly lower than those in the control group. Furthermore, hepatic LPL mRNA expression levels were significantly higher (1.96±0.11 vs 1.02±0.12) with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Compared to the ICR control group, the ICR gene therapy group showed a significant decrease in serum TG and TC levels, and plasma LPL activity (0.17±0.05 mEq/L·h -1vs 0.06±0.02 mEq/L·h -1) was significantly higher at 28 days after heparin injection with statistical significance (all P value <0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed high expression of LPL protein on the hepatocyte membrane in the liver of ICR gene therapy group mice. Moreover, pancreatic edema, inflammatory infiltration, and acinar cell necrosis were significantly alleviated compared to the control group. Conclusions:LPLS447X treatment can promote LPL expression in the liver of mice, significantly reduce TG levels, and alleviate the severity of HTG-AP.

With the growing emphasis on maternal and child oral health, the significance of managing oral health across preconception, pregnancy, and infancy stages has become increasingly apparent. Oral health challenges extend beyond affecting maternal well-being, exerting profound influences on fetal and neonatal oral development as well as immune system maturation. This expert consensus paper, developed using a modified Delphi method, reviews current research and provides recommendations on maternal and child oral health management. It underscores the critical role of comprehensive oral assessments prior to conception, diligent oral health management throughout pregnancy, and meticulous oral hygiene practices during infancy. Effective strategies should be seamlessly integrated across the life course, encompassing preconception oral assessments, systematic dental care during pregnancy, and routine infant oral hygiene. Collaborative efforts among pediatric dentists, maternal and child health workers, and obstetricians are crucial to improving outcomes and fostering clinical research, contributing to evidence-based health management strategies.
Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Infant ; Consensus ; Mouth Diseases/therapy* ; Pregnancy Complications/therapy* ; Oral Health ; Infant, Newborn ; Delphi Technique ; Oral Hygiene

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of adeno-associated virus vector 5 (AAV5)-mediated hepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression on serum triglyceride (TG) metabolism and hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) in mice.Methods:Ten male C57BL/6 Lpl+/- mice were randomly divided into two groups by a random number table: the Lpl+/- control group and the Lpl+/- gene therapy group, with five mice in each group. The Lpl+/- control group received a tail vein injection of AAV5 vector carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene (AAV5-EGFP), while the Lpl+/- gene therapy group received a tail vein injection of AAV5 vector carrying the human LPLS447X gene (AAV5-LPLS447X). Oral fat tolerance tests were performed at 14, 28, and 56 days post-injection. Twenty wild-type ICR mice were randomly divided into a control group and a gene therapy group, with ten mice in each group. The ICR control group was injected with AAV5-EGFP, and the ICR gene therapy group was injected with AAV5-LPLS447X. Fourteen days after injection, the mice underwent intraperitoneal injection of P407 solution (0.5 g/kg) and caerulein (200 μg/kg) to induce HTG-AP. Serum TG, total cholesterol (TC), amylase, lipase levels, and plasma LPL activity after heparin injection were measured by microplate reader. Plasma LPL concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). LPL mRNA expression levels in the liver, heart, and adipose tissue of Lpl+/- mice were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). LPL protein expression in the liver tissue of ICR mice was detected by immunohistochemistry at 28 days after gene therapy. Histopathological changes in the pancreas were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results:Compared to the Lpl+/- control group, the Lpl+/- gene therapy group showed a significant decrease in serum TG levels starting from day 21. After oral administration of olive oil, the increase and peak of serum TG levels were significantly lower than those in the control group. Furthermore, hepatic LPL mRNA expression levels were significantly higher (1.96±0.11 vs 1.02±0.12) with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Compared to the ICR control group, the ICR gene therapy group showed a significant decrease in serum TG and TC levels, and plasma LPL activity (0.17±0.05 mEq/L·h -1vs 0.06±0.02 mEq/L·h -1) was significantly higher at 28 days after heparin injection with statistical significance (all P value <0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed high expression of LPL protein on the hepatocyte membrane in the liver of ICR gene therapy group mice. Moreover, pancreatic edema, inflammatory infiltration, and acinar cell necrosis were significantly alleviated compared to the control group. Conclusions:LPLS447X treatment can promote LPL expression in the liver of mice, significantly reduce TG levels, and alleviate the severity of HTG-AP.

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

The 18th National Postgraduate Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine, co-sponsored by the Editorial Board of Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine and the School of Public Health of Sun Yat-sen University, was successfully held on August 22 to 25, 2024 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Adhering to the theme of “Research and practice: Healing the schism”, the symposium aims to enliven academic thinking, expand research horizons, encourage innovation, enhance inter-university exchanges, and strengthen talent cultivation, especially to promote the close integration of academic research and public health practice. A total of 105 papers were received from 38 universities. The symposium also gathered about 160 participants, mainly authors postgraduates from universities and experts and professors in the field of environmental and occupational medicine. All the participants discussed the latest research advances and future development trends of environmental and occupational medicine, and endeavor to apply the research results in public health practice.