AIM:To evaluate the effects of periocular injection of triamcinolone acetonide combined with dexamethasone on ocular surface function and tear dynamics in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, 26 TAO patients(52 eyes)treated between September 2020 and September 2023 received periocular injections of triamcinolone acetonide(20 mg)and dexamethasone(2.5 mg). Clinical parameters, including clinical activity score(CAS), ocular surface disease index(OSDI), Schirmer I test(SⅠt), tear film breakup time(BUT), tear meniscus height(TMH), corneal fluorescein staining(FL), meibomian gland loss, and lipid secretion score, were assessed at baseline, 1 wk, and 1 mo post-injection.RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in CAS, OSDI, SⅠt, BUT, TMH, FL score, and meibomian gland secretion score before and after injection in the included patients(all P<0.05). At 1 wk after injection, there were differences in CAS, OSDI, SⅠt, BUT, TMH, FL score, and meibomian gland secretion score compared with those before injection(all P<0.0167). At 1 mo after injection, there were differences in CAS, OSDI, SⅠt, BUT, TMH, FL score, and meibomian gland secretion score compared with those at 1 wk after injection(all P<0.0167). At 1 mo after injection, there were no differences in CAS, OSDI, SⅠt, BUT, TMH, FL score, and meibomian gland secretion score compared with those before injection(all P>0.05). There was a difference in meibomian gland dropout score before and after injection in the included patients(P<0.05), but pairwise comparisons showed no differences(P=0.900, 0.306). During the treatment period, 1 patient experienced transient elevation of intraocular pressure(25 mmHg), which was alleviated after control with intraocular pressure-lowering medication, and no cases of secondary glaucoma occurred.CONCLUSION: Periocular injection of triamcinolone acetonide combined with dexamethasone provides short-term improvement in ocular surface symptoms, tear film stability and secretion in TAO patients. However, efficacy diminishes over time and does not reverse structural damage. Long-term maintenance therapy is recommended.

The legal and regulatory system for the import of blood products in China has undergone a three-stage evolution of"safety first,demand-driven and standard upgrading",ultimately forming a dual control framework that centers on infectious disease prevention and control as well as quality approval.While the current policy effectively ensures biosafety,it also faces several deep-seated contradictions.These include the worsening imbalance between supply and demand,limited access to clinically needed blood products,and insufficient alignment with international standards.Moreover,strict regulation has also constrained technological innovation and market diversification.To address these challenges,it is suggested to establish a synergy mechanism that integrates a"clinical urgent need list,"hierarchical supervision,and mutual recognition of Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP).By implementing dynamic access,risk classification management,and international certification mutual recognition,it is possible to achieve compatible development between the safety baseline and medical accessibility.

Objective To analyze the role and mechanism of PD-L1 in oral cancer metastasis based on TCGA and GEO databases.Methods The expression characteristics and clinical significance of the PD-L1 in oral cancer were analyzed using the TCGA database.PD-L1 mRNA levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)in various oral cancer cell lines.CCK-8,scrath test,Transwell-migration,and matrigel-invasion assays were employed to assess the effects of PD-L1 on proliferation,migration,and invasion of oral cancer cells.The interaction network between PD-L1 and functional genes in patients with oral cancer was constructed using STRING software and the GEO database,and key pathways were screened by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis.The regulatory relationship between PD-L1 and key genes was validated by RT-qPCR.Results TCGA data revealed that PD-L1 was highly expressed in patients with oral cancer and was correlated with lymph node metastasis(P＜0.01).PD-L1 was also highly expressed in oral cancer cell lines and its inhibition significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of Cal27 and SCC25 cells(P＜0.05).KEGG analysis indicated that PD-L1 activated the Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)pathway by upregulating C-X-C motif chemokine ligand(CXCL)9 and CXCL10,thereby promoting STAT1 expression to regulate oral cancer metastasis.Inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway further suppressed the proliferation,migration,invasion,and expression of STAT1,CXCL9,and CXCL10 in Cal27 and SCC25 cells(P＜0.05).Conclusions PD-L1 may promote oral cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by upregulating CXCL9 and CXCL10 to regulate the JAK/STAT pathway and enhance STAT1 expression,ultimately driving oral cancer growth and metastasis.

The legal and regulatory system for the import of blood products in China has undergone a three-stage evolution of"safety first,demand-driven and standard upgrading",ultimately forming a dual control framework that centers on infectious disease prevention and control as well as quality approval.While the current policy effectively ensures biosafety,it also faces several deep-seated contradictions.These include the worsening imbalance between supply and demand,limited access to clinically needed blood products,and insufficient alignment with international standards.Moreover,strict regulation has also constrained technological innovation and market diversification.To address these challenges,it is suggested to establish a synergy mechanism that integrates a"clinical urgent need list,"hierarchical supervision,and mutual recognition of Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP).By implementing dynamic access,risk classification management,and international certification mutual recognition,it is possible to achieve compatible development between the safety baseline and medical accessibility.

Objective·To investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of mouse mandibular osteoblasts on B cell differentiation and development.Methods·Single-cell suspensions from mouse mandibular bone were prepared using an optimized enzymatic digestion method and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro.Osteogenic potential was validated by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,and alizarin red S(ARS)staining.The spatial localization relationship between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues was examined via immunofluorescence staining.High-purity hematopoietic progenitor cells were isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting.A Transwell co-culture system was established to assess the regulatory effects of different osteoblast concentrations(5×104,2.5×105,and 5×105 cells/well)on B cell differentiation(5×104 cells/well).Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR were employed to evaluate B cell viability and differentiation.Additionally,RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of osteoblast-secreted factors associated with B cell development during osteogenic differentiation.Results·Mandibular osteoblasts exhibited robust osteogenic potential,as confirmed by ALP/ARS staining and high expression of osteogenic markers(Runx2,Osx,Ocn,and Alp)via RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence revealed close spatial proximity between osteoblasts and B cells in mandibular tissues.In the co-culture system,osteoblasts promoted B cell differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence demonstrated that osteoblasts significantly upregulated key genes involved in B cell development(Ebf1,Rag1,Il7r,and Pax5;all P<0.001).Furthermore,osteoblast-derived factors(Il7,Baff,and Flt3l)were markedly elevated during osteogenic differentiation(all P<0.05).Conclusion·Mandibular osteoblasts enhance B cell differentiation and development in a concentration-dependent manner,likely through secreting growth factors that upregulate critical B cell differentiation genes.

Given the escalating number of cancer patients and the consequent rise in demand for radiation therapy in China, there is an urgent need to establish and improve a talent cultivation system for radiation dosimetrists. The United States, with an early-established cultivation system for radiation dosimetrists, boasts relatively mature and comprehensive systems of academic education and qualification certification. This study summarized and analyzed the educational and certification patterns for radiation dosimetrists in the United States based on public data from relevant institutions, related literature, and interviews with American radiation dosimetrists. Meanwhile, this study delved into and assessed the shortcomings in China′s radiation dosimetry education, examination, certification, and career advancement pathways. Furthermore, this study offered suggestions and recommendations for constructing a novel pattern tailored to the cultivation of radiation dosimetrists in China, in order to facilitate the high-quality development of the medical dosimetry discipline.

Medical physicists play an important role in radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine practices. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggests that medical physicists should be trained and achieve professional certifications. Many developed countries/regions have established comprehensive examination and certification programs for medical physicists. However, these systems are yet to be improved in China. This leads to a lack of control over the professional competence and practice standards in the workforce, posing a negative impact on the quality and safety of China’s clinical services in radiation medicine. The International Medical Physics Certification Board (IMPCB) is aimed at accrediting national/regional medical physics certification programs and providing certification of individual medical physicists in countries/regions lacking such certification programs. This study introduces the procedures and specific method for China’s medical physicists to achieve professional certifications via IMPCB, aiming to help improve their professionalism.

Objective To analyze the role and mechanism of PD-L1 in oral cancer metastasis based on TCGA and GEO databases.Methods The expression characteristics and clinical significance of the PD-L1 in oral cancer were analyzed using the TCGA database.PD-L1 mRNA levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)in various oral cancer cell lines.CCK-8,scrath test,Transwell-migration,and matrigel-invasion assays were employed to assess the effects of PD-L1 on proliferation,migration,and invasion of oral cancer cells.The interaction network between PD-L1 and functional genes in patients with oral cancer was constructed using STRING software and the GEO database,and key pathways were screened by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis.The regulatory relationship between PD-L1 and key genes was validated by RT-qPCR.Results TCGA data revealed that PD-L1 was highly expressed in patients with oral cancer and was correlated with lymph node metastasis(P＜0.01).PD-L1 was also highly expressed in oral cancer cell lines and its inhibition significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of Cal27 and SCC25 cells(P＜0.05).KEGG analysis indicated that PD-L1 activated the Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)pathway by upregulating C-X-C motif chemokine ligand(CXCL)9 and CXCL10,thereby promoting STAT1 expression to regulate oral cancer metastasis.Inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway further suppressed the proliferation,migration,invasion,and expression of STAT1,CXCL9,and CXCL10 in Cal27 and SCC25 cells(P＜0.05).Conclusions PD-L1 may promote oral cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion by upregulating CXCL9 and CXCL10 to regulate the JAK/STAT pathway and enhance STAT1 expression,ultimately driving oral cancer growth and metastasis.

Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.

Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.