ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of drinking chlorinated water on the intestinal flora of rats and mice and to explore differences in the intestinal microecological responses of model animals to chlorine stimulation in chlorinated drinking water systems. MethodsSix 8-week-old male SD rats and six 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were acclimated for 5 days. Subsequently, the drinking water for both rats and mice was changed from pure water to water containing free chlorine at a concentration of 25.4–32.4 nmol/L. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, during which all animals were fed the same diet. Fecal samples were collected before the intervention (week 0, as the control group) and on the last day of week 3 and week 8 (as the chlorinated water group), and microbial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, including α diversity (Chao1 and Shannon indices), β diversity [principal component analysis (PCA)], and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis. ResultsAfter 3 weeks of intervention, α diversity of the intestinal flora in both rats and mice in the chlorinated water group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). After 8 weeks of intervention, no significant difference in α diversity was observed between rats in the chlorinated water group and those in the control group, whereas α diversity in mice remained significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). β diversity analysis showed significant alterations in microbial structure in the chlorinated water group. LEfSe analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the abundances of Bacteroides and Ruminococcus were significantly reduced in the chlorinated water group, and microbial disturbance was more pronounced in mice [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) > 4.0], with a greater decrease in microbial diversity and a larger number of differentially abundant genera. ConclusionConsumption of chlorinated water can alter the diversity and structure of the intestinal flora in both rats and mice, with mice being more sensitive to this exposure. These findings suggest that the potential effects of chlorine on gut microecology should be considered in drinking water management and model selection for animal experiments.

BACKGROUND:Total knee arthroplasty serves as an effective intervention for the treatment of late-stage knee joint disorders.However,prosthetic liners are prone to wear and failure due to internal stress variations,resulting in limited lifespan and decreased postoperative patient activity.Addressing how to enhance prosthetic design to meet a broader range of patient needs constitutes a significant focus in prosthesis research. OBJECTIVE:Based on the morphological design of the meniscus,we propose an asymmetric design prosthesis and compare it with a symmetric posterior stabilized prosthesis.The stress distribution patterns and variations in the contact area of the liners for both prostheses were analyzed to explore whether the asymmetric prosthesis design offers advantages over the symmetric design. METHODS:Using the finite element method,we simulated the osteotomy and prosthesis assembly in a knee osteoarthritis patient.Two different prostheses(asymmetric design and posterior stabilized)were employed to establish post-total knee arthroplasty knee joint models.Under flexion conditions at 0°,10°,20°,and 30°,we investigated the Mises stress on the femoral and tibial components as well as the liner.Additionally,by comparing the contact area on the inner and outer sides of the liner,we aimed to explore the changes in biomechanics and alterations in motion behavior in the post-total knee arthroplasty knee joint. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Throughout the flexion range from 0 to 30 degrees,the Mises stress peak on the liner exhibited a trend of initial decrease followed by an increase,with the stress on the medial side consistently surpassing that on the lateral side.(2)In comparison to the posterior stabilized prosthesis,the asymmetrically designed prosthesis demonstrated smaller stress peaks.At a flexion angle of 30 degrees,the Mises stress peak values of the medial and lateral parts of the asymmetric prosthesis were 15.81 MPa and 11.95 MPa,and those of the posterior stabilization prosthesis were 16.70 MPa and 13.76 MPa.The difference of Mises stress on the medial part was 5.33%,and the difference of Mises stress on the lateral part was 13.15%.Comparing the peak Mises stress on the femoral and tibial components,the asymmetric component was always lower than the posterior stable component during knee flexion.(3)In the upright position at 0 degrees,the medial contact area of the posterior stabilization prosthesis was 17.96 mm2,and the lateral contact area was 34.10 mm2.The contact area on the inner and outer sides of the asymmetric design prosthesis liner was 105.47 mm2 and 107.80 mm2,respectively,indicating a larger contact area with a smaller difference between the inner and outer sides.(4)These results suggest that the biomechanical performance of the asymmetric prosthesis is superior,contributing to the maintenance of knee joint stability and improved joint mobility.This design,to a certain extent,mimics the rotational motion mechanism of the knee joint about the medial condyle as an axis,making it a more effective choice for knee joint prosthesis selection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Sixty CTS patients were randomly divided into a transverse group and a longitudinal group, with 30 patients in each group. The transverse group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above and below the median nerve along the short axis, while the longitudinal group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above the median nerve along the long axis. The patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Levine scores, and median nerve cross-section area (CSA) were assessed before treatment, on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment. The median nerve conduction indexes (motor conduction: latency [Lat], amplitude[Amp], motor conduction velocity [MCV]; sensory conduction: Lat, Amp, sensory conduction velocity [SCV]) were evaluated before treatment and on the 30th day after treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Levine scores, and median nerve CSA were reduced in both groups on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment (P<0.05); the transverse group showed lower VAS and Levine scores and smaller CSA than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). On the 30th day after treatment, motor and sensory Lat was reduced (P<0.05), motor and sensory Amp was increased (P<0.05), and MCV and SCV were faster (P<0.05) in both groups. The transverse group had shorter Lat, higher Amp, and faster MCV and SCV than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The ultrasound-guided needle knife release with transverse and longitudinal pathways could both effectively alleviate pain and improve median nerve conduction in CTS patients, with the transverse pathway showing superior efficacy to longitudinal pathway.
Humans ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Adult ; Median Nerve/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Neural Conduction ; Aged ; Ultrasonography

Objective:To investigate the application value of intraoperative sliding rail computed tomography （CT） in complicated and difficult cochlear implantation by analyzing the cases of complicated and difficult cochlear implantation. Methods:The clinical data of patients with complicated and difficult cochlear implantation assisted by sliding rail CT were retrospectively analyzed, the intraoperative complications and the number of electrode adjustments were summarized, and the patients were followed up. Results:A total of 51 subjects were included in this study, including 46 patients with inner ear malformation, 2 patients with cochlear ossification, there were 7 patients underwent secondary scanning to adjust the electrode and achieved satisfactory implantation position. Conclusion:Intraoperative CT scanning is a reliable adjunctive tool for determining the placement of complex cochlear implantation, and it improves the accuracy of difficult cochlear implantation surgeries.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Cochlear Implants ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Cochlea ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Infant

Polysaccharides, a class of complex macromolecules, are distinguished by their diverse biological functions and essential role in functional foods. The distinctive biological activities of polysaccharides from medicine and food homology materials (MFPs), including immunomodulation, carbohydrate metabolism regulation, and lipid metabolism regulation properties, have attracted considerable scientific attention. The relationship between polysaccharides and gut microbiota is fundamental to human health, as polysaccharides demonstrate efficacy in ameliorating various conditions-from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to obesity and diabetes-through their influence on intestinal flora composition and diversity. Although polysaccharide research and applications show promise, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding extraction and purification methodologies, and the complete understanding of their biological mechanisms. Future investigations should prioritize understanding the correlation between polysaccharide structure and function, advancing large-scale production and application technologies, and establishing productive interdisciplinary collaborations. MFPs demonstrate significant potential for advancing sustainable development and human health, building upon current research findings. This paper presents a comprehensive review of global developments in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, and applications of MFPs, emphasizing opportunities for scientific and technological innovations in specialized dietary food development.
Polysaccharides/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Functional Food/analysis* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Animals

Organic ultraviolet absorbers (OUVs) have been widely used in personal care products and industrial products due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, with the advancement of science and technology and the deepening of research, the potential risks of OUVs have gradually emerged. They have been proven to be persistent, bioconcentrated and potential endocrine disruptors that may pose a threat to human health. In recent years, some OUVs have been widely detected in environmental and human samples worldwide, and the concentration of detection has been increasing year by year, which has attracted extensive attention both domestically and internationally. This article summarizes the research results of OUVs exposure in recent years from two aspects: external environmental exposure and internal human exposure, aiming to provide a valuable reference for the subsequent research on human exposure and health risk assessment of OUVs.

Objective To analyze the prescription patterns of Professor Huang Feng,a nationally renowned traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)practitioner,in treating osteomyelitis using data mining methods.Methods Prescription data from effective medical records of osteomyelitis treated by Professor Huang Feng between January 2018 and December 2022 were collected and screened.Microsoft Excel,SPSS Modeler 18.0,and SPSS Statistics 25 were used to analyze the frequency and the distribution of properties,flavors,and meridian tropism of prescribed medications,along with association rule analysis and cluster analysis of high-frequency drugs.Results A total of 137 prescriptions involving 86 Chinese medicinals were included.Eighteen high-frequency medicinals(frequency＞30 times)were identified,namely Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Astragali Radix,Coicis Semen,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma,Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Bletillae Rhizoma,Rehmanniae Radix,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Dendrobii Caulis,Polygalae Radix,Lablab Semen Album,Corydalis Rhizoma,Angelicae Dahuricae Radix,Drynariae Rhizoma,Sanguisorbae Radix,Poria,and Mume Fructus.Most of the prescribed medicinals were neutral in nature,sweet,bitter,and pungent in flavor,and had the meridian tropism of liver,spleen,and lung meridians.Association rule analysis yielded 67 drug association rules,and the high-support combinations were the drug combinations of Astragali Radix respectively with Coicis Semen,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,reflecting the compatibility principles of supplementing and invigorating qi-blood,activating blood circulation to resolve stasis,and draining dampness to remove toxins.Cluster analysis revealed three core clusters:Cluster 1 consisted of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Astragali Radix,Coicis Semen,Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Bletillae Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Angelicae Dahuricae Radix,Mume Fructus,Polygalae Radix and Sanguisorbae Radix;Cluster 2 consisted of Rehmanniae Radix and Dendrobii Caulis;Cluster 3 consisted of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Lablab Semen Album,Corydalis Rhizoma and Poria.Conclusion For the treatment of osteomyelitis,Professor Huang Feng follows the principle of combining supporting healthy qi with eliminating pathogens,focuses on clearing damp-heat and pathogenic toxins accompanied by activating blood circulation to resolve stasis,and lays stress on adaptation to local condition and activating spleen-stomach to reinforce vital qi.

Objective:To examine the funding landscape of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)concerning research focused on the elderly as a specific demographic group.It seeks to analyze prevailing research hotspots and to offer insightful research ideas for scholars in this field.Methods:The study employed a retrospective research design.It involved retrieving data on approved projects related to the elderly from the NSFC's official database, covering the period from 2000 to 2020.The data set included variables such as funding year, project title, project category, supporting institution, and funding amount(application codes: H1901, H1902, H1903).Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel software, while visual analysis was performed using CiteSpace software.Results:Between 2000 and 2020, a total of 710 projects focused on geriatrics received funding, amounting to RMB 361, 032, 300, 000.This period exhibited a fluctuating upward trend in both the number of projects and the total funding amount.The primary funding categories were face-to-face projects and youth science fund projects, which together accounted for 44.4%(315/710), 34.4%(244/710)respectively.The distribution of project-relying units demonstrated significant regional imbalance, with Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai being the predominant areas.Notably, Nanjing Medical University, Peking University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranked as the top three institutions, with funding percentages of 5.9%(42/710), 5.4%(38/710), and 4.5%(32/710), respectively.The research themes encompassed nucleoplasmic interactions, brain networks, and bioinformatics, among others.Conclusions:The NSFC has consistently provided funding for in-depth research in the critical field of geriatrics.The primary research directions focus on aspects such as the mechanisms of aging and the pathogenesis of neurological diseases associated with aging.With the application of innovative technologies and methodologies, significant breakthroughs and achievements are anticipated in geriatrics, contributing to the improvement of health outcomes and the enhancement of the quality of life for the elderly.

Objective:To investigate the anatomical characteristics of the atlantoaxial joint associated with nonuniform settlement of the C 2 lateral mass (C 2LM-NUS) and its correlation with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and imaging data of 522 hospitalized patients (288 males, 234 females; mean age 60.8±11.2 years; range 18-83 years) who underwent CT scans of the head/neck or cervical spine at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Multiplanar reconstruction of CT data was performed to measure the settlement of the C 2 lateral mass (C 2LMS). Patients with a difference in bilateral C 2LMS (d-C 2LMS) >1.4 mm were classified into the C 2LM-NUS group (137 cases; 71 males, 66 females; mean age 63.3±11.6 years), while the normal group included 385 patients (217 males, 168 females; mean age 59.9±11.0 years). Imaging parameters of the atlantoaxial joint were measured, including the C 1, 2 coronal inclination angle (C 1, 2 CI), atlanto-dental interval (ADI), lateral atlanto-dental interval (LADI), coronal deviation angle of the odontoid (Od-CDA), and C 1, 2 relative rotation angle (C 1, 2 RRA). Osteoarthritis prevalence was recorded. A normal C 0-C 3 finite element (FE) model was constructed using CT data from a 48-year-old female in the normal group. A C 2LM-NUS FE model was developed based on anatomical differences between the C 2LM-NUS and normal groups, and stress distribution on the C 2 lateral mass articular surface was analyzed under flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation torques. Results:The C 2LM-NUS group exhibited asymmetric atlantoaxial joint morphology, with bilateral differences in C 1, 2CI and LADI of 8.5°(5.8°, 11.3°) and 0.8(0.1, 1.4) mm, respectively, significantly greater than those in the normal group [1.7°(0.8°, 2.7°) and 0.2(0.1, 0.5) mm, P<0.05]. Od-CDA and C 1, 2RRA were 3.9°(2.0°, 5.4°) and 7.2°(5.0°, 10.0°) in the C 2LM-NUS group, exceeding the normal group's values [0°(0°, 1.0°) and 0°(0°, 5.5°), P<0.05]. The prevalence of C 2LM-NUS was 37.8% in the atlantoaxial osteoarthritis group, significantly higher than in the non-osteoarthritis group (22.8%, P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in age (68.3±9.4 vs. 58.6±10.8 years), sex distribution (50/69 vs. 238/165), and C 1, 2RRA [5.6°(0°, 8.2°) vs. 3.8°(0°, 6.2°)] between the osteoarthritis and non-osteoarthritis groups ( P<0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, and C 1, 2RRA, binary logistic regression identified C 2LM-NUS as an independent risk factor for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis [ OR=2.024, 95% CI (1.300, 3.150), P<0.001]. FE analysis demonstrated a reduced C 1, 2 range of motion in the C 2LM-NUS model, with elevated stress concentrations on the settled side lateral mass during simulated flexion-extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Conclusions:The study indicated that C 2LM-NUS is associated with asymmetric anatomical changes in the atlantoaxial joint, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Stress concentration on the C 2 lateral mass articular surface, caused by C 2LM-NUS, is a biomechanical contributor to this heightened risk.

Objective To investigate changes in the pro-inflammatory mediator S100A8/9 and NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway in a rat kidney-aging model induced by D-galactose.Methods Twelve SD rats were divided into control and D-galactose groups,and injected subcutaneously in the back of the neck with D-galactose(150 mg/kg)to establish a rat model of kidney aging.Kidney samples were collected under anesthesia after 8 weeks.Kidneys were stained for senescence-associated beta-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal),mRNA expression levels of the aging-related genes p21,p16,and p53 were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Serum urea nitrogen and creatinine,and catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the kidney tissues were detected.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by dihydroethdium staining and protein expression levels of collagen Ⅲ,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),Protein expression of S100A8/9 was detected by immunofluorescence,and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 levels in kidney tissues and key factors in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β inflammatory pathway were detected by Western Blot.A renal senescence model using HK-2 cells was constructed using H2O2 in vitro,and expression levels of the senescence proteins p21 and p16 and mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory factors IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected.Cell senescence was observed by SA-β-Gal staining.The effects of the S100A8/9 inhibitor paquinimod on expression levels of S100A8/9 and NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway-related proteins in the aging model were also detected.Results mRNA levels of the aging genes p21,p16,and p53 in kidney tissues were significantly increased in rats in the D-galactose group compared with the control group(P＜0.01),and SA-β-Gal staining showed a significant increase in senescent cells(P＜0.01).Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels increased(P＜0.05),CAT,GSH-PX,and SOD activities decreased(P＜0.01),while MDA activity increased in the D-galactose group(P＜0.01).Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and TGFβ1 expression and the ROS content in tissues increased(P＜0.05).Glomeruli were atrophied or absent in the D-galactose group,the lumens of the renal sacs and renal tubules were enlarged,the nuclei were deeply stained and constricted,and numerous collagen fibers were deposited.Levels of S100A8 and S100A9 protein(P＜0.01),as well as NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β increased(P＜0.05).Paquinimod alleviated HK-2 cell senescence and decreased expression levels of the senescence proteins p21 and p16,and mRNA levels of the inflammatory factors IL-18 and TNF-α(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The number of senile cells was also decreased,shown by SA-β-Gal staining(P＜0.01).Paquinimod also inhibited the protein expression of S100A8 and S100A9(P＜0.01)and NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusions S100A8/9 participates in the chronic inflammatory response by activating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β pathway,thereby promoting D-galactose-induced renal aging.