ObjectiveTo evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of assisted reproductive technology （ART） in women with a history of thyroid cancer who retained fertility intentions after completing cancer treatment. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 61 patients with a history of thyroid cancer who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection and embryo transfer （IVF/ICSI-ET）. These patients were included as the case group. A total of 122 non-cancer patients who received ART during the same period were selected as the control group using 1∶2 matching based on age and oocyte retrieval time. Baseline characteristics， outcomes of the first ART cycle， and cumulative pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the basic data， the total amount of gonadotropin （Gn） and the days of use between the case group and the control group （P>0.05）. However， the case group had significantly fewer retrieved oocytes， mature oocytes （MII）， lower fertilization and cleavage rates， and fewer transferable and high-quality embryos， as well as fewer embryos transferred during the first cycle （P < 0.05）. However， there was no significant difference in the rate of first embryo implantation and first clinical pregnancy between the two groups （P>0.05）. In the analysis of cumulative outcomes， the two groups did not show statistically significant differences in the cumulative pregnancy rate， clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle， the number of oocyte retrieval cycles required per live birth， the number of embryo transfer cycles required per live birth， and the number of embryos used for each live birth （P>0.05）. However， the cumulative live birth rate was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group （P=0.005）. ConclusionAfter treatment for thyroid cancer， when ART is used to help pregnant women， the pregnancy outcome is comparable to that of women without tumors. Individualized reproductive management and timely fertility preservation strategies are recommended to optimize reproductive outcomes in this population.

ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of gingerol， an active component of ginger， on Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） infection， and to preliminarily explore its mechanism related to extracellular vesicles （EVs）. MethodsS.aureus infection models were established in human umbilical vein endothelial cell （HUVECs）， Vero E6 cells， and C57BL/6 mice. Experimental groups included control， infection， and gingerol-treated groups. Bacterial load and VE-cadherin protein expression were detected using immunofluorescence and Western blot. EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. miRNA sequencing was performed on EVs. ResultsGingerol treatment significantly reduced the bacterial load in both in vitro and in vivo infection models and upregulated VE-cadherin expression. miRNA sequencing of EVs revealed that S. aureus infection upregulated the expression of hsa-miR-320c， while gingerol treatment reversed this abnormal expression. Bioinformatic analysis further predicted that the target genes of hsa-miR-320c were significantly enriched in cell junction-related pathways. ConclusionGingerol exhibits clear antibacterial and host-protective effects， by regulating hsa-miR-320c in EVs to maintain endothelial barrier integrity.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miglitol on regulating the energy metabolism of brown adipocytes by activating UCP1 and preventing cold injury in mice after cold exposure. Methods Primary brown adipocytes were induced into mature adipocytes, the effect of miglitol on the viability of brown adipocytes was investigated by MTT method, the lipid droplet consumption level of cells after drug administration was investigated by Oil Red O staining technology, and the level of UCP1, a key protein of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes, was detected by Western blotting. The activity of anti-frostbite was investigated in cold exposure at 4 ℃ and −20 ℃. KM mice, which were randomly divided into control group, cold exposure group, miglitol group and all-trans retinoic acid group, and after 7 days of repeated administration, the body surface temperature of mice was detected by infrared thermal imaging system, the anal temperature change was detected by anal thermometer, and the expression levels of UCP1 and PGC1-α in adipose tissue were detected by immunoblotting. Results Compared with the control group, the lipid droplet consumption and UCP1 expression levels in brown adipocytes in the miglitol group were significantly increased. The levels of body surface temperature and rectal temperature increased significantly after cold exposure, and the levels of UCP1 and PGC1α in the brown adipose tissue of mice increased significantly, which indicated that the miglitol could activate the critical proteins UCP1 and PGC1α of the thermogenesis pathway, increase the thermogenesis of mice after cold exposure, and thus improve the effect of cold injury for toe swelling. Conclusion Miglitol could play a role in improving cold injury and body temperature in mice by increasing the level of UCP1 and PGC1α, which are key targets of the thermogenesis pathway to promote the thermogenesis of brown fat.

BACKGROUND: The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences. RESULTS: Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [ n  = 278] vs . 43.7% [ n  = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs . 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses. CONCLUSION This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; China ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of external fixation and internal fixation with steel plate in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures (AO-23C type), based on the principles of Chinese osteosynthesis (CO). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with unstable distal radius fractures between January 2022 and February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the CO external fixation group and internal fixation group. CO external fixation group consisted of 25 patients, including 7 males and 18 females, aged from 37 to 56 years old with an average of ( 52.6±11.3) years old. Among them, there were 7 patients of traffic accidents and 18 patients of falls, resulting in a total of 25 patients of closed fractures and no open fractures, the treatment was conducted using closed reduction and CO external fixation. The internal fixation group consisted of 23 patients, comprising 8 males and 15 females, age ranged from 41 to 59 years old, with an average age of(53.3±13.7) years old. Among them, 8 patients resulted from car accidents while the remaining 15 patients were caused by falls. All 23 patients were closed fractures without any open fractures observed. The technique of open reduction and internal fixation with steel plate was employed. The perioperative data, including injury-operation time, operation duration, blood loss, and length of hospital stay, were assessed in both groups. Additionally, the QuickDASH score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Range of motion and grip strength assessment, imaging findings such as palmar inclination angle, ulnar declination angle, radius length, articular surface step, intra-articular space measurements were also examined along with any complications. RESULTS: The follow-up duration ranged from 0 to 24 months, with an average duration of (16.0±3.8) months. The CO external fixation exhibited significantly shorter time from injury to operation (2.4±3.3) d vs (7.4±3.7) d, shorter operation duration (56.27±15.23) min vs (74.10±5.26) min, lower blood loss (14.52±6.54) ml vs (32.32±10.03) ml, and reduced hospitalization days (14.04±3.24 )d vs (16.45±3.05) d compared to the internal fixation group (P<0.05). The QuickDASH score at 12 months post-operation was (8.21±1.64) in the CO external fixation group, while no significant difference was observed in the internal fixation group (7.04±3.64), P>0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS between two groups at 6 weeks, as well as 1 and 3 months post-surgery (P>0.05). Additionally, there were no significant disparities observed in terms of range of motion and grip strength between two groups at the 2-year follow-up after the operation (P>0.05). After 12 months of surgery, the CO external fixation group exhibited a significantly smaller palmar inclination angle (17.90±2.18) ° vs (19.87±3.21) °, reduced articular surface step (0.11±0.03) mm vs (0.17±0.02) mm, and shorter radius length (8.16±1.11) mm compared to the internal fixation group (9.59±1.02) mm, P<0.05. The ulnar deviation angle and intra-articular space did not show any significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The reduced fell within the allowable range between the CO external fixation group (23 out of 25 cases) and the internal fixation group (21 out of 23 cases) was not statistically significant (P=0.29). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION Both the CO external fixation and open reduction with plate internal fixation demonstrate clinical efficacy in managing unstable distal radius fractures. The CO external fixation offers advantages in shorter injury-to-operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and decreased surgical durations, while radial shortening is more effectively controlled by internal fixation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures/physiopathology* ; Adult ; Bone Plates ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; External Fixators ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation/methods* ; Wrist Fractures

Objective:To compare the efficacy of the transverse process-lateral pedicle approach and curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 66 patients with OVCF admitted to the Second People′s Hospital of Hefei from December 2021 to June 2023, including 9 males and 57 females aged 60-89 years [(75.6±7.5)years]. The injured segments included T 11 in 17 patients, T 12 in 17, L 1 in 17, and L 2 in 15. Among them, 33 patients underwent vertebroplasty via the transverse process-lateral pedicle approach (lateral approach group), while other 33 patients underwent curved vertebroplasty (curved group). The surgical duration, number of X-ray fluoroscopy, bone cement injection volume, and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Additionally, the restoration efficiency of vertebral height and the correction degree of spinal scoliosis Cobb angle at 2 days postoperatively were compared between the two groups. The changes in serum levels of stress factors including noradrenaline, adrenaline, and cortisol preoperatively and at 2 days postoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) preoperatively, at 2 days, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. The incidence of complications was assessed in the two groups. Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-14 months [(13.2±0.5)months]. The surgical duration and number of X-ray fluoroscopy in the lateral approach group were (30.9±4.1)minutes and (5.9±3.3)times, which were significantly lower than (35.8±3.9)minutes and (9.9±4.4)times in the curved group ( P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of bone cement injection volume, length of hospital stay, restoration efficiency of vertebral height at 2 days postoperatively, or the correction degree of spinal scoliosis Cobb angle ( P>0.05). The levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, and cortisol at 2 days postoperatively were (57.3±4.8)ng/ml, (49.9±4.2)ng/ml, (159.3±20.5)nmol/L in the lateral approach group, and (64.3±4.5)ng/ml, (58.3±4.4)ng/ml, (183.5±21.2)nmol/L in the curved group, which were all significantly increased compared with those preoperatively [(42.3±3.5)ng/ml, (38.5±2.8)ng/ml, (128.4±12.3)nmol/L in the lateral approach group and (42.0±3.5)ng/ml, (39.0±3.0)ng/ml, (128.5±12.3)nmol/L in the curved group] ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, and cortisol preoperatively ( P>0.05). The levels of noradrenaline, adrenaline, and cortisol at 2 days postoperatively in the lateral approach group were significantly lower than those in the curved group ( P<0.01). The VAS scores for low back pain in the lateral approach group and the curved group were 3(2, 5)points and 5(3, 6)points at 2 days postoperatively, 3(2, 4)points and 3(2, 4)points at 6 months postoperatively, and 2(2, 3)points and 2(2, 4)points at the last follow-up, which were all significantly lower than those preoperatively [7(7, 9)points and 8(6, 9)points] ( P<0.05). Moreover, the VAS scores for low back pain were further decreased over time postoperatively ( P<0.05). The ODI values in the lateral approach group and curved group were (33.4±4.4)% and (33.7±4.3)% at 2 days postoperatively, (23.8±1.6)% and (23.8±1.7)% at 6 months postoperatively, and (15.6±0.9)% and (15.6±0.9)% at the last follow-up, which were all significantly lower than (67.4±4.3)% and (67.5±4.3)% preoperatively ( P<0.05). Moreover, the ODI values were further decreased over time postoperatively ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the VAS scores for low back pain or ODI values preoperatively, at 2 days, 6 months postoperatively or at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The complication rate was 12.1% (4/33) in the lateral approach group, which was significantly lower than 51.5% (17/33) in the curved group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Although both the transverse process-lateral pedicle approach vertebroplasty and the curved vertebroplasty can achieve good therapeutic effects in the treatment of OVCF, the former has shorter surgical duration, fewer times of X-ray fluoroscopy, lower trauma stress levels at 2 days postoperatively, and fewer complications.

Social working memory (SWM)-the ability to maintain and manipulate social information in the brain-plays a crucial role in social interactions. However, research on SWM is still in its infancy and is often treated as a unitary construct. In the present study, we propose that SWM can be conceptualized as having two relatively independent components: "externally oriented SWM" (e-SWM) and "internally oriented SWM" (i-SWM). To test this external-internal hypothesis, participants were tasked with memorizing and ranking either facial expressions (e-SWM) or personality traits (i-SWM) associated with images of faces. We then examined the neural correlates of these two SWM components and their functional roles in empathy. The results showed distinct activations as the e-SWM task activated the postcentral and precentral gyri while the i-SWM task activated the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex and superior frontal gyrus. Distinct multivariate activation patterns were also found within the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex in the two tasks. Moreover, partial least squares analyses combining brain activation and individual differences in empathy showed that e-SWM and i-SWM brain activities were mainly correlated with affective empathy and cognitive empathy, respectively. These findings implicate distinct brain processes as well as functional roles of the two types of SWM, providing support for the internal-external hypothesis of SWM.
Humans ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology* ; Male ; Female ; Empathy/physiology* ; Young Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Adult ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Brain Mapping ; Facial Expression ; Social Behavior ; Facial Recognition/physiology* ; Social Perception ; Personality/physiology*

Sennoside A (SA), a typical prodrug, exerts its laxative effect only after its transformation into rheinanthrone catalyzed by gut microbial hydrolases and reductases. Hydrolases have been identified, but reductases remain unknown. By linking a photoreactive group to the SA scaffold, we synthesized a photoaffinity probe to covalently label SA reductases and identified SA reductases using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). From lysates of an active strain, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (B. pseudocatenulatum), 397 proteins were enriched and subsequently identified using mass spectrometry (MS). Among these proteins, chromate reductase/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) phosphate (NADPH)-dependent flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase/oxygen-insensitive NADPH nitroreductase (nfrA) was identified as a potent SA reductase through further bioinformatic analysis and The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) database screening. We also determined that recombinant nfrA could reduce SA. Our study contributes to further illuminating mechanisms of SA transformation to rheinanthrone and simultaneously offers an effective method to identify gut bacterial reductases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the independent and combined effects of air pollutants, meteorological factors, and greenspace exposure on new tuberculosis (TB) cases. METHODS: TB case data from Shanghai (2013-2018) were obtained from the Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Environmental data on air pollutants, meteorological variables, and greenspace exposure were obtained from the National Tibetan Plateau Data Center. We employed a distributed-lag nonlinear model to assess the effects of these environmental factors on TB cases. RESULTS: Increased TB risk was linked to PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, and rainfall, whereas NO ₂, SO ₂, and air pressure were associated with a reduced risk. Specifically, the strongest cumulative effects occurred at various lags: PM _2.5 ( RR = 1.166, 95% CI: 1.026-1.325) at 0-19 weeks; PM ₁₀ ( RR = 1.167, 95% CI: 1.028-1.324) at 0-18 weeks; NO ₂ ( RR = 0.968, 95% CI: 0.938-0.999) at 0-1 weeks; SO ₂ ( RR = 0.945, 95% CI: 0.894-0.999) at 0-2 weeks; air pressure ( RR = 0.604, 95% CI: 0.447-0.816) at 0-8 weeks; and rainfall ( RR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.076-1.833) at 0-22 weeks. Green space exposure did not significantly impact TB cases. Additionally, low temperatures amplified the effect of PM _2.5 on TB. CONCLUSION Exposure to PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, and rainfall increased the risk of TB, highlighting the need to address air pollutants for the prevention of TB in Shanghai.
China/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Tuberculosis/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Meteorological Concepts ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects* ; Environmental Exposure ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Air Pollution ; Middle Aged

Objective·To investigate the reparative effects of photo-crosslinked gelatin methylacrylated(GelMA)hydrogel scaffolds loaded with tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)on cartilage defects in rabbit knee joints.Methods·Photo-crosslinked GelMA hydrogel scaffolds loaded with TUDCA were prepared by the ultraviolet light irradiation method.The physicochemical properties of GelMA hydrogel scaffolds were characterized,and the cumulative release rate of TUDCA was determined.A rabbit knee cartilage defect model was established,and 18 rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups,with six rabbits in each group:the control group(no treatment was applied to the cartilage defect),the GelMA group(the cartilage defect was filled with GelMA hydrogel scaffold),and the GelMA+TUDCA group(the cartilage defect was filled with the GelMA hydrogel scaffold loaded with TUDCA).At 12 weeks postoperatively,the concentrations of two inflammatory factors in synovial fluid,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β),were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).After euthanasia,knee cartilage samples were harvested for gross observation,safranin O-fast green staining,and toluidine blue staining.The repair of the cartilage defects was evaluated according to the International Cartilage Repair Society(ICRS)and Modified O'Driscoll Score(MODS)systems.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect type Ⅱ collagen(COL-Ⅱ)protein in the cartilage tissue,and Western blotting was used to assess the protein levels of aggrecan(ACAN)and COL-Ⅱ.Results·GelMA hydrogel scaffolds exhibited a more compact microstructure after ultraviolet light irradiation,along with an suitable mass swelling ratio and compressive modulus.The TUDCA-loaded photo-crosslinked GelMA hydrogel scaffolds demonstrated effective and sustained TUDCA release,achieving a cumulative release rate of 90.2%±2.5%within 28 d.ELISA results showed that compared to the control and GelMA groups,the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the synovial fluid of the GelMA+TUDCA group were significantly reduced(P<0.001).In the GelMA+TUDCA group,the cartilage defects were nearly fully repaired,with a smooth surface and good integration with the surrounding tissue.The number of newly formed chondrocytes increased,displaying orderly alignment,and the neocartilage exhibited excellent formation.Both ICRS and MODS scores were significantly higher in the GelMA+TUDCA group than those in the control and GelMA groups(P<0.001).Additionally,the expression levels of ACAN and COL-Ⅱ proteins were significantly elevated in the GelMA+TUDCA group compared to the control and GelMA groups(P<0.001).Conclusion·Photo-crosslinked GelMA hydrogel scaffolds loaded with TUDCA can effectively promote the repair of cartilage defects in rabbit knee joints.