Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017-2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 10 6 (0.09 × 10 6 -0.27 × 10 6 ) ml and 12.21 × 10 6 (4.52 × 10 6 -19.91 × 10 6 ) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; China ; Body Fat Distribution ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Body Mass Index ; Tissue Donors ; Obesity/complications* ; Spermatozoa ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of molecular targeted agents in children with progressive pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pLGG patients treated with oral targeted therapies at the Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2021. Treatment responses and safety profiles were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 20 enrolled patients, the trametinib group (n=12, including 11 cases with BRAF fusions and 1 case with BRAF V600E mutation) demonstrated 4 partial responses (33%) and 2 minor responses (17%), with a median time to response of 3.0 months. In the vemurafenib group (n=6, all with BRAF V600E mutation), 5 patients achieved partial responses (83%), showing a median time to response of 1.0 month. Comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in progression-free survival rates between the two treatment groups (P>0.05). The median duration of clinical benefit (defined as partial response + minor response + stable disease) was 11.0 months for vemurafenib and 18.0 months for trametinib. Two additional cases, one with ATM mutation treated with olaparib for 24 months and one with NF1 mutation receiving everolimus for 21 months, discontinued treatment due to sustained disease stability. No severe adverse events were observed in any treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Molecular targeted therapy demonstrates clinical efficacy with favorable tolerability in pLGG. Vemurafenib achieves high response rates and induces early tumor shrinkage in patients with BRAF V600E mutations, supporting its utility as a first-line therapy.
Humans ; Glioma/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Brain Neoplasms/genetics* ; Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects* ; Adolescent ; Infant ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics* ; Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use* ; Mutation

The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Child

Objective:To systematically summarize, describe, and evaluate the evidence related to convex baseplates use in adult ostomy patients through an evidence map, in order to identify research gaps and future directions.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, and PubMed, and others, from database inception to September 2024. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies on convex baseplates use in adult ostomy patients were included. Literature quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 bias risk assessment tool and the critical appraisal tool for quasi-experimental studies from the Joanna Briggs Institute Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare. Based on the PICO principle [participant (P) , intervention (I) , comparison (C) , outcome (O) ] , an evidence mapping coding system was extracted and developed by integrating relevant guidelines and consensus. Data extraction and coding were performed using EPPI-Reviewer software, and key evidence characteristics and literature quality were presented using bubble charts.Results:A total of eight randomized controlled trials and six quasi-experimental studies were included. Most of the 14 studies had a high risk of bias. The target populations for interventions were divided into two categories: prevention and treatment. The main complications involved stoma skin-mucosal separation, stoma peristomal dermatitis, and stoma height issues. The main outcome measures included baseplate seal integrity, wound healing, complication rates, clinical symptoms, adverse events, patient acceptance, and quality of life.Conclusions:Most of the studies on convex baseplates has focused on enterostomy patients. The majority of studies have a high risk of bias, and the number of studies is limited. Further clarification is needed on the selection criteria for convex baseplates with different characteristics, and the clinical application effects of convex baseplates urgently need further evaluation.

Objective:To investigate the current status of convex baseplate selection and use among clinical nurses.Methods:A convenience sampling method was employed to survey 1 873 nurses from 180 hospitals across China between November and December 2024 using a general information questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire on convex baseplate selection and use. A total of 1 873 questionnaires were distributed, and 1 860 valid responses were collected, yielding a response rate of 99.31% (1 860/1 873) .Results:Among the 1 860 nurses, 88.98% (1 655/1 860) had access to convex baseplates in clinical practice. However, only 8.82% (146/1 655) used them immediately postoperatively, and only 4.53% (75/1 655) chose convex baseplates without considering any product features. The five common clinical indications for convex baseplate use included stoma retraction (96.62%, 1 599/1 655) , peristomal skin folds or depressions (96.56%, 1 598/1 655) , flush stomas (80.12%, 1 326/1 655) , leakage (70.03%, 1 159/1 655) , and abdominal laxity (66.89%, 1 107/1 655) . Common contraindications for use included peristomal varicose veins (77.46%, 1 282/1 655) , peristoma pressure injuries (75.35%, 1 247/1 655) , stoma prolapse (74.50%, 1 233/1 655) , parastomal hernia (72.87%, 1 206/1 655) , and pyoderma gangrenosum (67.01%, 1 109/1 655) . Key assessment areas when selecting convex baseplates included the stoma itself (97.28%, 1 610/1 655) , peristomal skin (96.50%, 1 597/1 655) , abdominal wall contour (95.41%, 1 579/1 655) , excretion patterns (87.37%, 1 446/1 655) , and previous convex baseplate use (82.36%, 1 363/1 655) . Measures commonly used by nurses to enhance adhesion included the use of stoma belts (95.29%, 1 577/1 655) , barrier rings or paste (94.80%, 1 569/1 655) , smoothing peristomal skin folds (90.57%, 1 499/1 655) , advising patients to limit bending (82.96%, 1 373/1 655) , and abdominal binders (57.28%, 948/1 655) .Conclusions:The clinical application of convex baseplates requires further promotion. Nursing administrators should strengthen training on the selection, characteristics, and indications of convex baseplates, with particular emphasis on the understanding of the five key product features.

Objective To investigate the expression of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3(TIM-3)in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and its relationship with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods TIM-3 expression in monocytes from the peripheral blood of 116 NSCLC patients and 37 healthy volunteers was analyzed via flow cytometry.The expression of TIM-3 in macrophages from tissues was detected via multiplex immunohistochemical staining.Transwell migration experiments were used to detect the migration ability of monocytes.Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of TIM-3 in monocytes.Results Compared with that in healthy volunteers,TIM-3 expression was upregulated in the peripheral blood monocytes of NSCLC patients(P＜0.05).TIM-3 was expressed mainly in macrophages in adjacent tissues and positively correlated with its expression in monocytes in NSCLC patients(P＜0.05).Furthermore,high TIM-3 expression promoted monocyte migration in NSCLC patients(P＜0.05),and high TIM-3 expression in peripheral blood monocytes indicated poor prognosis(P＜0.05).Conclusion TIM-3 expression in peripheral blood monocytes may be a useful indicator of the disease prognosis of NSCLC patients and TIM-3 could be a new target for immunotherapeutic strategies.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is still challenging to prevent or treat. Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increased pyroptosis in chondrocytes may be responsible for cartilage degeneration. This study aims to investigate the effect of ER stress on chondrocyte pyroptosis and the upstream regulatory mechanisms, which have rarely been reported. METHODS: The expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p), and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the levels of ER stress, pyroptosis, and metabolic markers in normal and OA chondrocytes were investigated by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, fluorescein amidite-tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid-fluoromethyl ketone (FAM-YVAD-FMK)/Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, and cell viability assessments. The effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on ER stress and pyroptosis and the hierarchical regulatory relationship between them were analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporters, gain/loss-of-function assays, and rescue assays in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. The mechanistic contribution of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 to chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis and therapeutic prospects were validated radiologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically in surgically induced OA rats. RESULTS: Increased EZH2 and HMGB1, decreased miR-142-3p, enhanced ER stress, and activated pyroptosis in chondrocytes were associated with OA occurrence and progression. EZH2 and HMGB1 exacerbated and miR-142-3p alleviated ER stress and pyroptosis in OA chondrocytes. EZH2 transcriptionally silenced miR-142-3p via H3K27 trimethylation, and miR-142-3p posttranscriptionally silenced HMGB1 by targeting the 3'-UTR of the HMGB1 gene. Moreover, ER stress mediated the effects of EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 on chondrocyte pyroptosis. In vivo experiments mechanistically validated the hierarchical regulatory relationship between EZH2, miR-142-3p, and HMGB1 and their effects on chondrocyte ER stress and pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS A novel EZH2/miR-142-3p/HMGB1 axis mediates chondrocyte pyroptosis and cartilage degeneration by regulating ER stress in OA, contributing novel mechanistic insights into OA pathogenesis and providing potential targets for future therapeutic research.
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/genetics* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; HMGB1 Protein/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Middle Aged

Tujia ethnic group medicine Xuetong is derived from Kadsura heteroclita, the stem of which has the medicinal value for anti-rheumatoid arthritis, liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation effects, and has been widely used in Hunan and Guangdong in China. The selection of reliable and stable reference genes is the basis for subsequent molecular research on K. heteroclita. In this study, GAPDH, TUA, Actin, UBQ, EF-1α, 18S-rRNA, CYP, UBC, TUB, H2A, and RPL were selected as candidate reference genes in Kadsura heteroclita. The gene expression levels of the 11 candidate reference genes of K. heteroclita in its 6 different parts(stem-inside of the cambium, stem-outside of the cambium, fruit, flower, root, and leaf) and under different intervention conditions [drought stress, salt stress, and methyl jasmonate(MeJA) treatment] were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). The expression stability of the 11 candidate reference genes was comprehensively analyzed and evaluated by geNorm, NormFinder, ΔCT algorithm, and RefFinder software. The results showed that the expression of UBC and RPL was relatively stable in 6 different parts, and UBC and GAPDH genes were relatively stable under different intervention conditions. To verify the reliability of reference genes for K. heteroclita, this study further examined the relative expression levels of KhFPS, KhIDI, KhCAS, KhSQE, KhSQS, KhSQS-2, KhHMGS, KhHMGR, KhMVD, KhMVK, KhDXR, KhDXS, KhPMVK, and KhGGPS in different parts and under different intervention conditions, which might relate to the synthesis of the main component(Xuetongsu) of K. heteroclita. The results showed that with UBC and RPL or UBC and GAPDH as the reference genes, the expression trends of these 14 genes were basically consistent in different parts or under different intervention conditions for K. heteroclita. In conclusion, UBC can be used as a reference gene of K. heteroclita for its different parts and different intervention conditions, which lays a foundation for further research on the biosynthetic pathway of main components in K. heteroclita.
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Reference Standards ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Objective:To systematically summarize, describe, and evaluate the evidence related to convex baseplates use in adult ostomy patients through an evidence map, in order to identify research gaps and future directions.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP, and PubMed, and others, from database inception to September 2024. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies on convex baseplates use in adult ostomy patients were included. Literature quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 bias risk assessment tool and the critical appraisal tool for quasi-experimental studies from the Joanna Briggs Institute Centre for Evidence-Based Healthcare. Based on the PICO principle [participant (P) , intervention (I) , comparison (C) , outcome (O) ] , an evidence mapping coding system was extracted and developed by integrating relevant guidelines and consensus. Data extraction and coding were performed using EPPI-Reviewer software, and key evidence characteristics and literature quality were presented using bubble charts.Results:A total of eight randomized controlled trials and six quasi-experimental studies were included. Most of the 14 studies had a high risk of bias. The target populations for interventions were divided into two categories: prevention and treatment. The main complications involved stoma skin-mucosal separation, stoma peristomal dermatitis, and stoma height issues. The main outcome measures included baseplate seal integrity, wound healing, complication rates, clinical symptoms, adverse events, patient acceptance, and quality of life.Conclusions:Most of the studies on convex baseplates has focused on enterostomy patients. The majority of studies have a high risk of bias, and the number of studies is limited. Further clarification is needed on the selection criteria for convex baseplates with different characteristics, and the clinical application effects of convex baseplates urgently need further evaluation.

Objective:To investigate the current status of convex baseplate selection and use among clinical nurses.Methods:A convenience sampling method was employed to survey 1 873 nurses from 180 hospitals across China between November and December 2024 using a general information questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire on convex baseplate selection and use. A total of 1 873 questionnaires were distributed, and 1 860 valid responses were collected, yielding a response rate of 99.31% (1 860/1 873) .Results:Among the 1 860 nurses, 88.98% (1 655/1 860) had access to convex baseplates in clinical practice. However, only 8.82% (146/1 655) used them immediately postoperatively, and only 4.53% (75/1 655) chose convex baseplates without considering any product features. The five common clinical indications for convex baseplate use included stoma retraction (96.62%, 1 599/1 655) , peristomal skin folds or depressions (96.56%, 1 598/1 655) , flush stomas (80.12%, 1 326/1 655) , leakage (70.03%, 1 159/1 655) , and abdominal laxity (66.89%, 1 107/1 655) . Common contraindications for use included peristomal varicose veins (77.46%, 1 282/1 655) , peristoma pressure injuries (75.35%, 1 247/1 655) , stoma prolapse (74.50%, 1 233/1 655) , parastomal hernia (72.87%, 1 206/1 655) , and pyoderma gangrenosum (67.01%, 1 109/1 655) . Key assessment areas when selecting convex baseplates included the stoma itself (97.28%, 1 610/1 655) , peristomal skin (96.50%, 1 597/1 655) , abdominal wall contour (95.41%, 1 579/1 655) , excretion patterns (87.37%, 1 446/1 655) , and previous convex baseplate use (82.36%, 1 363/1 655) . Measures commonly used by nurses to enhance adhesion included the use of stoma belts (95.29%, 1 577/1 655) , barrier rings or paste (94.80%, 1 569/1 655) , smoothing peristomal skin folds (90.57%, 1 499/1 655) , advising patients to limit bending (82.96%, 1 373/1 655) , and abdominal binders (57.28%, 948/1 655) .Conclusions:The clinical application of convex baseplates requires further promotion. Nursing administrators should strengthen training on the selection, characteristics, and indications of convex baseplates, with particular emphasis on the understanding of the five key product features.