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.

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 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.

Objective:To identify independent risk factors for early recurrence following curative resection of resectable pancreatic cancer and establish a nomogram prediction model.Methods:Clinical data from 405 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer treated at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from February 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into a training cohort (265 patients form February 2010 to December 2018) and a validation cohort (140 patients from January 2019 to December 2020) based on surgery dates. Optimal cutoff values for clinical variables were determined using X-tile software. Independent risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier curves for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were generated across subgroups, and a nomogram was developed to predict early recurrence (within 1 year post-surgery). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tROC) curves was drawn and area under the curve (AUC) metrics were utilized to evaluate predictive accuracy, while model reliability was assessed by calibration curves. Individualized risk scores derived from the nomogram were stratified into high- and low-risk groups using X-tile-derived cutoff values. Survival differences between groups were analyzed via log-rank tests. The clinical application value was judged by decision curve analysis (DCA) compared to TNM staging. Results:In the training cohort, 139 patients (52.45%) experienced early recurrence, with a median RFS of 11.1 months [interquartile range ( IQR): 6.0-26.0]. The validation cohort reported 70 early recurrences (50.00%) and a median RFS of 11.8 months ( IQR: 4.9-21.4). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between early recurrence and tumor diameter, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), systemic immune-inflammation index (SⅡ), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Multivariate analysis identified tumor diameter ≥3.75 cm ( HR=1.718, 95% CI 1.223-2.412, P=0.002), CA19-9≥218 U/ml ( HR=1.567, 95% CI 1.107-2.220, P=0.011), CA125≥20.98 U/ml ( HR=2.501, 95% CI 1.768-3.539, P<0.001), SⅡ≥388.28 ( HR=1.708, 95% CI 1.096-2.662, P=0.018), and PNI<53.18 ( HR=0.596, 95% CI 0.404-0.879, P=0.009) as independent risk factors for early recurrence. The nomogram achieved AUC values of 0.771 and 0.708 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed survival probabilities. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly lower 1-year RFS rates in high-risk versus low-risk groups for both cohorts (training: HR=3.65, 95% CI 2.45-5.44, P<0.001; validation: HR=2.37, 95% CI 1.39-4.06, P=0.001). DCA indicated superior net benefit of the nomogram over TNM staging across threshold probabilities of 0.2-0.9. Conclusions:The proposed nomogram effectively integrates clinical and serological biomarkers to preoperatively assess early recurrence risk in resectable pancreatic cancer patients, offering enhanced precision for clinical decision-making.

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.

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 identify independent risk factors for early recurrence following curative resection of resectable pancreatic cancer and establish a nomogram prediction model.Methods:Clinical data from 405 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer treated at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from February 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into a training cohort (265 patients form February 2010 to December 2018) and a validation cohort (140 patients from January 2019 to December 2020) based on surgery dates. Optimal cutoff values for clinical variables were determined using X-tile software. Independent risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier curves for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were generated across subgroups, and a nomogram was developed to predict early recurrence (within 1 year post-surgery). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tROC) curves was drawn and area under the curve (AUC) metrics were utilized to evaluate predictive accuracy, while model reliability was assessed by calibration curves. Individualized risk scores derived from the nomogram were stratified into high- and low-risk groups using X-tile-derived cutoff values. Survival differences between groups were analyzed via log-rank tests. The clinical application value was judged by decision curve analysis (DCA) compared to TNM staging. Results:In the training cohort, 139 patients (52.45%) experienced early recurrence, with a median RFS of 11.1 months [interquartile range ( IQR): 6.0-26.0]. The validation cohort reported 70 early recurrences (50.00%) and a median RFS of 11.8 months ( IQR: 4.9-21.4). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between early recurrence and tumor diameter, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), systemic immune-inflammation index (SⅡ), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Multivariate analysis identified tumor diameter ≥3.75 cm ( HR=1.718, 95% CI 1.223-2.412, P=0.002), CA19-9≥218 U/ml ( HR=1.567, 95% CI 1.107-2.220, P=0.011), CA125≥20.98 U/ml ( HR=2.501, 95% CI 1.768-3.539, P<0.001), SⅡ≥388.28 ( HR=1.708, 95% CI 1.096-2.662, P=0.018), and PNI<53.18 ( HR=0.596, 95% CI 0.404-0.879, P=0.009) as independent risk factors for early recurrence. The nomogram achieved AUC values of 0.771 and 0.708 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed survival probabilities. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly lower 1-year RFS rates in high-risk versus low-risk groups for both cohorts (training: HR=3.65, 95% CI 2.45-5.44, P<0.001; validation: HR=2.37, 95% CI 1.39-4.06, P=0.001). DCA indicated superior net benefit of the nomogram over TNM staging across threshold probabilities of 0.2-0.9. Conclusions:The proposed nomogram effectively integrates clinical and serological biomarkers to preoperatively assess early recurrence risk in resectable pancreatic cancer patients, offering enhanced precision for clinical decision-making.

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

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

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.