Background Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) may impair lung function through various mechanisms; however, it remains uncertain whether BaP induces ferroptosis in lung tissue cells, resulting in lung function impairment. Objective To investigate the ferroptosis of lung tissue cells triggered by subchronic BaP exposure in mice and its correlation with lung injury, and to explore the function of ferroptosis in BaP-induced lung tissue damage. Method Seventy-two healthy 3-weeks-old male C57BL/6J mice were acclimatized for 1 week and then randomly divided into six groups: control group (corn oil 10 mL·kg⁻¹), low-dose BaP group (2.5 mg·kg⁻¹), medium-dose BaP group (5 mg·kg⁻¹), high-dose BaP group (10 mg·kg⁻¹), BaP+ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) group (10 mg·kg⁻¹+1 mg·kg⁻¹), and Fer-1 group (1 mg·kg⁻¹), with 12 mice each group. Corn oil and BaP were administered via gavage every other day, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1 the subsequent day, throughout a period of 90 d. Whole-body plethysmography was applied to detect lung function; hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe lung tissue injury and fibrosis; microscopy of alveolar epithelial cells was conducted to reveal mitochondrial morphology; biochemical assays were used to measure the content of tissue iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), as well as the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed to reveal the protein and mRNA expression of ferroptosis markers. Results Compared to the control group, the high-dose BaP group showed a significant increase in expiration time (Te) (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in ratio rate of achieving peak expiratory flow (Rpef), tidal volume (TVb), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), minute volume (MVb), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.05 or 0.01). Based on the results of HE and Masson staining, partial destruction of alveolar structures, thickening of alveolar walls, infiltration of inflammatory cells, significant thickening of tracheal walls and a large deposition of collagen fibers in lung tissue were observed in the medium- and high-dose BaP groups. By microscopy, the alveolar epithelial cells exposed to low-dose BaP showed condensed chromatin, and the mitochondria exposed to medium and high-dose BaP showed wrinkles, increased mitochondrial membrane density, and diminished mitochondrial cristae. Compared to the control group, in the medium- and high-dose BaP groups, the lung tissue iron content and the expression levels of ACSL4 protein and mRNA significantly elevated (P<0.01 or 0.05), while the mRNA expression level of SLC7A11 significantly decreased (P<0.05); in the high-dose BaP group, the MDA content, COX2 protein, and PTGS2 mRNA expression levels significantly increased (P<0.05 or 0.01), GSH content and GSH-Px activity, GPX4 protein and mRNA expression levels, and the expression level of SLC7A11 protein significantly decreased (P<0.01 or 0.05). The ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 markedly reversed respiratory function, morphology, mitochondrial alterations, and the aforementioned ferroptosis-related biochemical indicators. Conclusion Subchronic exposure to BaP can induce ferroptosis in mice lung tissue cells, resulting in compromised lung function.

The leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor LILRB4(ILT3 or CD85k),a member of the immunosuppressive re-ceptor family,is expressed predominantly on the cell membranes of immune cells of myeloid origin,and exerts an immunosuppressive effect in immune regulation by activating either the autoinhibitory motif(ITIM)or by inhibiting Fc receptor activation motif(ITAM).In tumors,activation of LILRB4 receptor generates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that assists in tumor invasion and metastasis,and in inflammatory diseases,LILRB4 is expressed on a variety of cells,such as monocytes,macrophages,mast cells,etc.,and attenuates inflammatory responses.Currently,LILRB4 has become a therapeutic target for tumors and various inflammatory diseases,and anti-LILRB4 monoclonal antibodies against acute myeloid leukemia(AML)have entered clinical trials.This review dis-cusses LILRB4 in terms of its structural distribution,signaling,therapeutic targets,and new drug development.

Objective Polymorphic microsatellite markers developed for Apodemus peninsulae can enrich its genetic data and lay a foundation for genetic quality control and gene mapping.Methods Microsatellite loci were screened based on the genome sequence of Apodemus peninsulae,and microsatellite primers were identified.The genetic diversity of the population was analyzed by multiplex PCR.Results Thirty microsatellite markers were successfully developed and evaluated using 60 samples of Apodemus peninsulae.A total of 152 alleles were detected,with an average of 5.067 alleles per locus.The average observed heterozygosity was 0.592.The average Shannon index was 1.265.The average polymorphism information content was 0.598.Conclusions Based on the microsatellite loci developed in this study,the genetic diversity of Apodemus peninsulae can be effectively analyzed,laying a foundation for establishing genetic quality standards and detection method.

As individuals age, the desire to address skin aging in the face and neck becomes increasingly prevalent among those interested in enhancing their appearance.Microfocused ultrasound offers a non-invasive approach to address concerns such as wrinkles and sagging skin.This article presents a thorough examination of the mechanisms and principles underlying microfocused ultrasound technology, its effectiveness in combating signs of aging in various regions of the face and neck, its potential synergies with other treatment modalities, and its benefits and possible side effects.The objective is to provide guidance for healthcare professionals in utilizing microfocused ultrasound for facial and neck rejuvenation.

Mink are small,fur-bearing mammals with significant economic value.They have also recently demonstrated immense potential as novel experimental animal models owing to their unique biological characteristics and similarities with humans in terms of their respiratory systems,immune responses,and other characteristics.This article comprehensively reviews applied research on the use of mink as an experimental animal model,encompassing their use as animal models for influenza virus infection,COVID-19,animal behavior,canine distemper,vomiting,enzyme digestion,testicular degeneration,and self-injurious behavior.The importance of animal welfare is also emphasized,and the broad prospects for the use of mink as an experimental animal model in scientific research are proposed,offering valuable insights and a reference for the extensive application of mink as a novel experimental animal model in the future.

Mink are small,fur-bearing mammals with significant economic value.They have also recently demonstrated immense potential as novel experimental animal models owing to their unique biological characteristics and similarities with humans in terms of their respiratory systems,immune responses,and other characteristics.This article comprehensively reviews applied research on the use of mink as an experimental animal model,encompassing their use as animal models for influenza virus infection,COVID-19,animal behavior,canine distemper,vomiting,enzyme digestion,testicular degeneration,and self-injurious behavior.The importance of animal welfare is also emphasized,and the broad prospects for the use of mink as an experimental animal model in scientific research are proposed,offering valuable insights and a reference for the extensive application of mink as a novel experimental animal model in the future.

Background There is a lack of research evidence on the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in China. Objective To explore the association between frequency of SSB consumption before pregnancy and risk of GDM in pregnant women in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a scientific basis for targeted interventions to control maternal blood glucose. Methods The recruitment to the China Birth Cohort study started in October 2020. Pregnant women at 6-16 weeks who had their first prenatal examination at five hospitals in Shaanxi Province were recruited. A maternal health questionnaire was used to collect basic information about pregnant women. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to collect the consumption of carbonated beverages, fruit and vegetable juice beverages, coffee beverages, and milk tea beverages in one year before pregnancy, which were summed to obtain the SSB consumption. Pregnant women were divided into three groups according to SSB consumption, namely <1 serving·week⁻¹, 1-4 servings·week⁻¹, and ≥5 servings·week⁻¹. GDM was confirmed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24-28 weeks of gestation. A binary logistic regression model was applied to explore the association between SSB consumption and risk of GDM. Multiple linear regression was applied to investigate the associations between SSB consumption (per 1-serving·d⁻¹ increase) and OGTT fasting plasma glucose, 1-hour glucose, and 2-hour glucose. Results A total of 3811 pregnant women were finally enrolled in this study, of which 752 developed GDM, with an incidence rate of 19.7%. The incidence rates of GDM in pregnant women with SSB consumption frequency of <1 serving·week⁻¹, 1-4 servings·week⁻¹, and ≥5 servings·week⁻¹ were 18.0%, 21.1%, and 26.8%, respectively. After adjusting for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), education, number of children born, family history of diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity level, and total energy intake, the risk of GDM increased by 26% (OR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.50) in the 1-4 servings·week⁻¹ group and by 76% (OR=1.76, 95%CI: 1.31, 2.38) in the ≥5 servings·week⁻¹ group compared to the <1 serving·week⁻¹ SSB consumption group, respectively. Further stratified analysis revealed no interaction effect (P_interaction>0.05) between SSB consumption and maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, or first labor or not. For each additional SSB consumption per day, the risk of GDM increased by 94% (OR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.37, 2.75); and the maternal OGTT 1-hour glucose and 2-hour glucose increased by 0.33 mmol·L⁻¹ and 0.18 mmol·L⁻¹, respectively (P<0.05), and no significant increase in fasting plasma glucose was found (P>0.05). Conclusion Higher SSB consumption before pregnancy increases the risk of GDM in pregnant women.

Objective:To explore the symptom cluster characteristics of early postoperative patients with head and neck cancer and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:From June 2020 to June 2022, convenience sampling was used to select 230 head and neck cancer patients who underwent surgery in the Head and Neck Thyroid Surgery of Henan Cancer Hospital as the research subject. The questionnaire survey was conducted using the Demographic and Disease Characteristics Questionnaire, Chinese version of M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head & Neck, Self-perceived Burden Scale for Cancer Patient, and Medical Outcome Study Social Support Scale. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used for statistics.Results:A total of 230 questionnaires were distributed, and 215 qualified questionnaires were collected, with an effective rate of 93.48%. Postoperative patients with head and neck cancer had four symptom clusters, including pain-gastrointestinal symptom cluster, fatigue-sleep-emotional symptom cluster, head and neck cancer-specific symptom cluster, and vocal/swallowing disorders symptom cluster. Medical social support, per capita monthly income of families, type of head and neck cancer, self-perceived burden and complications were the influencing factors of pain-gastrointestinal symptom cluster ( P<0.05). Medical social support, disease staging, complications, self-perceived burden, and per capita monthly income of families were the influencing factors of fatigue-sleep-emotional symptom cluster ( P<0.05). Medical social support, complications, treatment methods, and type of head and neck cancer were the influencing factors of head and neck cancer-specific symptom cluster ( P<0.05). Medical social support, complications, treatment methods, course of disease, and per capita monthly income of families were the influencing factors of vocal/swallowing disorders symptom cluster ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Postoperative patients with head and neck cancer have multiple symptom clusters and are influenced by psychological, social, and disease factors. Medical and nursing staffs should pay attention to the symptom cluster of postoperative head and neck cancer patients with low levels of social support, heavy self-perceived burden, and complications, and scientifically formulate interventions to reduce the burden of patient symptom cluster and promote rehabilitation.

Objective:To understand the symptom clusters of patients with indwelling tracheal cannula after head and neck cancer surgery, and to identify the sentinel symptoms of different symptom clusters.Methods:A total of 197 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent surgical treatment in Department of Head, Neck and Thyroid Surgery in Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Henan Cancer Hospital) from June 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects by the convenient sampling method. On the 7th day after surgery, general information questionnaire and Anderson Symptom Inventory, Head and Neck Module were used, and exploratory factor analysis was used to extract symptom clusters. Apriori association analysis was used to identify sentinel symptoms in the symptom clusters.Results:There were 4 symptom clusters in patients with indwelling tracheal cannula after head and neck cancer surgery, including head and neck cancer-specific symptom cluster, pain-digestive tract symptom cluster, voice/swallowing disorder symptom cluster and fatigue-sleep-emotional symptom cluster. Oral and throat mucus was the sentinel symptom of head and neck cancer-specific symptom cluster, nausea was the sentinel symptom of pain-digestive tract symptom cluster, numbness and needling sensation were the sentinel symptom of voice/swallowing disorder symptom cluster, sadness was the sentinel symptom of fatigue-sleep-emotional symptom cluster.Conclusions:Patients with indwelling tracheal cannula after head and neck cancer surgery have more symptoms, which are combined into symptom clusters, and sentinel symptoms exist in each symptom cluster, suggesting that medical workers should take sentinel symptoms as the entry point for symptom cluster management to achieve effective management of symptoms.