ObjectiveTo clearly identify the difference between rescue injuries and agonal injuries and to avoid duplicate identifications and misidentifications. MethodsBased on the forensic pathological data of 5 923 cases of death cause identification from 2013 to 2022 in Sun Yat-sen University Forensic Identification Center and Guangzhou Tianhe District Branch of Guangzhou Public Security Bureau， this study retrospectively studied the characteristics of rescue injuries and agonal injuries seen in cause of death identification and their influence on cause of death identification. ResultsAmong all the 5 923 cases， 640 cases were found to have rescue injuries or agonal injuries， and 624 cases received treatment， of which 609 cases were found to have rescue injuries （97.60%）， 44 cases were found to have agonal injuries， and 13 cases were found to have both types of injuries. Among the 640 cases， 441 were male and 199 were female. The age of death was discontinuously distributed from 0 to 95 years old. The leading cause of death was disease， followed by mechanical injury and asphyxia. The main manifestations of rescue injuries were rib and sternum fractures， soft tissue injuries in the prechest area or face， and pericardial rupture. The most common injuries in agonal stage were falling after unconsciousness， inhalation of foreign body in respiratory tract or multiple violent injuries. Among the 640 cases， 19 cases were repeatedly identified， including 15 cases of rescue injuries， 6 cases of agonal injuries， and 2 cases of both types of injuries. Compared with the cases where neither type of injuries was detected， the repeated identification rate of treatment injuries and agonal injuries was significantly increased （χ²=4.04， P=0.044； χ²=43.49， P<0.001）. Among the 640 cases， 11 cases （1.72%） were misidentified as the initial injuries in the first identification， and 13 cases had combined rescue injuries or agonal injuries that were involved in death. ConclusionsBy elucidating the epidemiological characteristics of the two types of injuries， this study proved that the two types of injuries were associated with higher rates of repeated identification and misidentification， which provided a reference for reducing repeated identification and misidentification and improving the accuracy of cause of death identification.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the left spermatic vein transposition to the great saphenous vein in treating left varicocele (VC) secondary to nutcracker syndrome (NCS). Methods: Clinical data of 8 patients treated during Feb.2020 and Feb.2023 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.A meticulous preoperative evaluation of the vascular status of the spermatic vein and the great saphenous vein was performed using color Doppler ultrasound.A spermatic vein-great saphenous vein shunt surgery was performed in patients who were strictly selected.The clinical symptoms and hemodynamics of renal vein were compared before and after operation. Results: The median age of patients was 23.5(18-33) years.There was a notable reduction in post-exercise scrotal and lower back pain in all patients，and the score of scrotal pain decreased to 0 in 7 patients. The median quantification of urinary protein was 352.8(54.4-687.3) mg prior to surgical intervention，which significantly diminished to 125.5(25.9-255.1) mg 6 months after operation.Notably，3 cases of preoperative positive urine occult blood tests were undetectable in the subsequent postoperative assessments.The median peak blood flow velocity at the site of stenosis in the left renal vein measured at 74.4(48.7-117.6) cm/s preoperatively，subsequently reduced to 45.1(25.5-61.2) cm/s postoperatively.During the 6-month follow-up，no recurrence of varicocele，vascular anastomotic stenosis or thrombosis were observed. Conclusion: Our research indicates that spermatic vein to great saphenous vein bypass is safe and feasible in the treatment of left varicocele secondary to nutcracker syndrome for strictly selected patients，which can effectively alleviate renal vein congestion without significant complications.

Objective: To determine the association between the intake of five major types of prepackaged foods and the growth and development of school aged children, so as to provide a theoretical basis for guiding school aged children and their parents to make healthy prepackaged food choices. Methods: Based on data from the South West China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Cohort (SCCNG), 381 children (6-11 years of age) were selected by stratified cluster sampling. Dietary intake and pubertal development were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Children were followed up until November 2022. Binary Logistic regression models were used to analyze the prospective association between prepackaged food intake and the growth and development of school aged children. Results: The total intake of the five major types of prepackaged foods was 316.1 (197.1,501.4) g/d. After 2 years of follow up evaluations, 16.5% of school aged children were shown to be overweight and obese. Early spermarche occurred in 12.6% of boys and early menarche occurred in 15.4% of girls. The following findings were suggested after adjusting for the mothers education level, average gross monthly family income, whether or not the family had one child only, geographic area of residence, body mass index Z score, average duration of daily exercise, and total dietary energy intake: convenience food intake might increase the risk of early spermarche ( OR =9.37); fruit and vegetable intake might decrease the risk of early spermarche and menarche ( OR =0.33,0.17); and fish, poultry, meat, and egg intake might increase the risk of early menarche ( OR =7.59)( P <0.05). Intake of the five types of prepackaged foods was not associated with being overweight or obese after adjusting for confounders ( OR =1.40, 0.57, 0.73, 1.33,1.57, P >0.05). Conclusions The relationship between intake of the five major types of prepackaged foods and pubertal development is inconsistent and no significant correlation was detected between the intake of prepackaged foods and overweight or obese children. Nutrition education should be strengthened to help children and their parents choose healthy prepackaged foods.

Objective To investigate the expression of allograft inflammatory factor-1(AIF-1)in the testicular model of diabetes mellitus(DM)rats as well as its significance.Methods The rat model of DM testis(DMT)was established,which were randomly divided into the DM testis 4-week group(DMT4W),DM testis s 8-week group(DMT8W)and the DM testis 12-week group(DMT12W).The normal control group(NC group)was randomly divided into three subgroups:NC 4-week(NC4W),NC 8-week(NC8W)and NC 12-week(NC12W).The morphologic changes of testis in the different groups was detected by histopathology.The expression of AIF-1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of AIF-1 and NF-κB p65 protein was observed by immunofluorescence.Results The histopathological results suggested that the numbers of spermatogenic cells,sertoli cells,interstitial cells and sperms in the DMT group were significantly decreased,as compared with the NC group.The immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of AIF-1 protein was significantly increased in the DMT group,as compared with the NC group(P<0.05).The intensity of AIF-1 and NF-κB p65 in the DMT group was significantly increased by immunofluorescence,as compared with the NC group.Conclusion The over expression of AIF-1 protein in DMT tissue suggests that it may play an important role in the pathological process of DMT and may become a new therapeutic target and diagnostic marker in the future.

[摘 要] 目的：研究芳香烃受体（AHR）在乳腺癌中的表达及其对乳腺癌细胞增殖、凋亡和药物敏感性的调控机制。方法：通过GEPIA数据库数据分析乳腺癌组织及癌旁组织中AHR的表达水平，探讨其与患者生存期的关联。利用基因敲低和过表达技术构建AHR表达变化的乳腺癌细胞，采用CCK-8实验、细胞计数和流式细胞分析等方法评估AHR对细胞增殖、凋亡和药物敏感性的影响，通过免疫印迹法验证相关分子机制。此外，利用AHR激动剂6-甲酰基吲哚并[3,2-B]咔唑（FICZ）研究外源性激活AHR对乳腺癌细胞多柔比星（DOX）敏感性的影响。结果：GEPIA数据库数据分析结果显示，乳腺癌组织中AHR呈明显低表达（P < 0.05）；对155例乳腺癌患者的生存期进行统计分析也显示AHR低表达与不良预后呈正相关（P < 0.05）。敲低AHR促进细胞增殖（P < 0.05），过表达则能抑制其增殖（P < 0.05）并促进其凋亡（P < 0.05）。外源激活AHR能增强乳腺癌细胞对DOX的敏感性（P < 0.05）。AHR可与MYC基因启动子结合，抑制MYC表达（P < 0.05），从而影响乳腺癌的进展。结论：AHR在乳腺癌中通过调控MYC表达影响细胞增殖和凋亡，外源激活AHR可能成为提高乳腺癌细胞对DOX敏感性的治疗策略。

Objective: To investigate the prospective effects of intake of each food group on the development of lung function of pupils,so as to provide theoretical basis for promoting the healthy development of lung function and preventing chronic respiratory diseases in Chinese children. Methods: A cluster stratified sampling method was used to select a total of 893 pupils in grades 2-5 from Chengdu in November 2021. Dietary data of respondents were collected using a food frequency questionnaire within the past year,then the food group intake was categorized into T1, T2 and T3 from low to high by the trichotomous method, and anthropometric measurements including lung capacity were obtained in 2022. Logistic regression models and test for trend were used to analyze the prospective effects of intake of each food group on lung function development of pupils. Results: Among male students, consumption of vegetables [118.6(50.5, 188.2)g/d] and milk and dairy products [200.0(73.3, 250.0)g/d] were higher in the excellent lung capacity group than in the non excellent lung capacity group [90.0(37.1, 192.9), and 178.6(35.7, 250.0)g/d],with statistically significant differences ( Z =-1.98, -2.24); among girls, the group with excellent lung capacity consumed less staple food [391.1(273.6, 511.4)g/d] than the group with non excellent lung capacity [407.4(309.5, 594.3)g/d], and the group with excellent lung capacity consumed more aquatic products [31.2(14.6, 69.8)g/d] and milk and dairy products [215.0(107.1, 250.1) g/d ] than that of the non excellent lung capacity [19.4(10.7, 58.3), 114.3(35.7, 250.0)g/d] ( Z =-2.01, -3.33, -5.10)( P < 0.05 ). After adjusting for energy, body mass index Z score(BMI Z ), mother s education level, averge family income monthly, whether presence of smokers in the living environment, and whether participation in physical activities during the past week, among male students, T3 group of vegetable intake ( OR =0.48, 95% CI = 0.27-0.86), T2 group of bean and soy product intake ( OR = 0.52 , 95% CI =0.27-0.96)，T2 and T3 groups of milk and dairy products intake (T2： OR =0.54, 95% CI =0.31-0.93; T3： OR = 0.52 , 95% CI =0.30-0.90) were negatively associated with non excellent lung capacity ( P <0.05). Among girls, T3 group of aquatic product intake( OR =0.52, 95% CI =0.28-0.97), T2 and T3 groups of milk and dairy product (T2: OR =0.44, 95% CI =0.25- 0.76 ;T3: OR =0.33, 95% CI =0.19-0.59) were negatively associated with nonexcellent lung capacity, whereas the T2 group of red meat intake ( OR =2.51, 95% CI =1.37-4.67) was positively associated with non excellent lung capacity. Non excellent lung capacity was found to be negatively associated with vegetable and milk and dairy product intake in boys by test for trend; in girls, milk and dairy products intake was negatively associated with non excellent lung capacity, whereas red meat intake was positively associated with non excellent lung capacity ( t =-1.13，-0.44；-3.03，1.95, P trend <0.05). Conclusions Milk and dariy products intakes reduce the risk of non excellent lung capacity in pupils, vegetables intakes reduce the risk of non excellent lung capacity in boys, and the intake of red meat increases the risk of non excellent lung capacity in girls. Promoting rational food choices is necessary for children to improve healthy lung development.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum sclerostin and sarcopenia-related indicators in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and to find biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets that can take into account both osteoporosis and sarcopenia.Methods:It was a single-centre cross-sectional study. The clinical data of CKD stage 5 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis regularly and CKD stage 1-5 non-dialysis inpatients in the Hemodialysis Centre of Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were collected retrospectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of serum sclerostin. The anthropometric data such as height, weight, upper arm circumference, upper arm muscle circumference, skinfold thickness, pinch strength and handgrip strength were measured. Body composition analyzer was used to measure the body composition. The patients were divided into CKD stage 1-3 group, CKD stage 4-5 group, and stage 5 hemodialysis group. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and chi-square test were used to compare the differences of demographics and clinical characteristics in different stages of CKD. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were utilized to analyze the correlation between serum sclerostin and sarcopenia-related indicators in CKD patients. Results:The study included 104 patients with CKD stage 5 hemodialysis and 104 patients with CKD stage 1-5 non-dialysis patients, with age of (61.8±13.7) years old and 114 males (54.8%). There were 89 patients (42.8%) with diabetic nephropathy and 67 patients (32.2%) with sarcopenia. As renal injury progressed, serum sclerostin levels were 0.4 (0.3, 0.9) ng/L, 0.5 (0.3, 1.1) ng/L, and 1.1 (0.6, 2.3) ng/L in patients with CKD stage 1-3, stage 4-5, and stage 5 undergoing hemodialysis ( χ2=8.934, P<0.001), and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 16.4% (10/61), 34.9% (15/43), and 40.4% (42/104) ( χ2=10.312, P=0.006), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum sclerostin was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r=-0.314, P<0.001), pinch strength ( r=-0.229, P=0.007), skinfold thickness ( r=-0.254, P<0.001), appendicular skeletal muscle index ( r=-0.169, P=0.010), body cell mass ( r=-0.174, P=0.020), and phase angle ( r=-0.264, P<0.001), and positively correlated with serum phosphorus ( r=0.227, P=0.002) and intact parathyroid hormone ( r=0.297, P<0.001). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that lg[appendicular skeletal muscle index] was negatively correlated with male ( β=0.330, t=5.675, P<0.001) and serum sclerostin ( β=-0.125, t=-2.143, P=0.033), and positively correlated with body mass index ( β=0.474, t=8.090, P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum sclerostin can be used as a good index and a potential therapeutic target for sarcopenia in CKD patients.

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory caspase-dependent programmed cell death, plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and activating inflammatory responses. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is an aseptic force-induced inflammatory bone remodeling process mediated by the activation of periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitor cells. However, whether and how force induces PDL progenitor cell pyroptosis, thereby influencing OTM and alveolar bone remodeling remains unknown. In this study, we found that mechanical force induced the expression of pyroptosis-related markers in rat OTM and alveolar bone remodeling process. Blocking or enhancing pyroptosis level could suppress or promote OTM and alveolar bone remodeling respectively. Using Caspase-1^-/- mice, we further demonstrated that the functional role of the force-induced pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells depended on Caspase-1. Moreover, mechanical force could also induce pyroptosis in human ex-vivo force-treated PDL progenitor cells and in compressive force-loaded PDL progenitor cells in vitro, which influenced osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, transient receptor potential subfamily V member 4 signaling was involved in force-induced Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells. Overall, this study suggested a novel mechanism contributing to the modulation of osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone remodeling under mechanical stimuli, indicating a promising approach to accelerate OTM by targeting Caspase-1.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Rats ; Bone Remodeling/physiology* ; Caspase 1 ; Periodontal Ligament ; Pyroptosis ; Tooth Movement Techniques

Objective: To investigate the effects of plateau environment exposure on the reproductive system of male rats, so as to provide the reference for mechanisms of reproductive damage in plateau environment. Methods: Sixty SPF-grade 12-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the plain-exposed group, the 1 day-, 3 day-, 7 day-, 14 day- and 28 day- plateau-exposed groups. The rats in the plain-exposed group were raised under normal conditions for 28 days, while the rats in the plateau-exposed groups were raised in a simulated high-altitude plateau chamber. After the completion of the designated feeding periods, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and testicular tissue and abdominal aortic blood were collected to detect the testicular index and evaluate sperm quality. Histological and cellular morphologies of the testicular tissue were analyzed. Additionally, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen (ROS) in the testicular tissue were determined, along with serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T). Conclusions Plateau environment may cause a decrease in testicular index and sperm quality, impair mitochondrial function, induce oxidative stress, and thus affect reproductive system of male rats. However, there are signs of self-repair in the reproductive system with the increase of exposure duration.

Objective:To detect key genes of local glucocorticoid therapy in oral lichen planus(OLP)through transcriptome sequencing.Methods:The study prospectively enrolled 28 symptomatic patients who visitied Department of Oral Mucosa,Peking University Hospital of Stomatology from November 2019 to March 2023.Topical inunction of 0.1 g/L of dexamethasone was applied for 1 min,3 times daily for 4 weeks.The patients'signs and pain symptoms were recorded and they were classified as effective group and ineffective group according to the treatment outcome.Their mucosa samples were collected before treatment.After isolating total RNA,transcriptome sequencing was performed.The gene expression data obtained by sequencing were analyzed differently using the DESeq2 package in R software,and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the basis of the hypergeometric distribution algorithm to describe the biological function of differentially expressed genes(DEGs),accordingly detecting sensitivity related molecular affecting therapeutic effect of dexamethasone.Results:After 4 weeks treatment by topical dexamethasone,13 cases of the 28 OLP pa-tients responding well with the sign score reducing from 7.0(4.5,9.0)to 5.0(3.0,6.3),pain score decreasing from 5.0(2.0,5.5)to 2.0(0.0,3.5),oral health impact profile lessening from 5.0(3.5,9.0)to 1.0(0.0,5.0)significantly(P＜0.01)were classified as effective group and 15 cases with poor response to the drug were sorted as ineffective group.There were no significant differences of demographic and baseline levels of clinical features,especially disease severity between these two groups.A total of 499 DEGs including 274 upregulated and 225 downregulated genes were identified between ef-fective group and ineffective group.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that upregulated genes in effective group compared with ineffective group including CLDN8,CTNNA3,MYL2 and MYLPF were associated with leukocyte transendothelial migration,while downregulated genes were significantly enriched in tumor necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin-17(IL-17),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathways,and cortisol synthesis and secretory.Conclusion:High expressions of CLDN8,CTNNA3,MYL2 and MYLPF genes in patients with oral lichen planus have a good clinical response to topical dexamethasone,while patients with high expression genes of inflammation pathway such as TNF,IL-17,NF-κB and corti-sol synthesis and secretion received poor effect.