Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are common organic compounds in indoor and outdoor air, and enter the human body primarily through the respiratory tract and directly damage the respiratory system. Previous studies have suggested that exposure to VOCs/SVOCs may associate with the prevalence, incidence, and progression of asthma, but the extent of the associations is still vague. Furthermore, biomarkers for efficient and simple asthma diagnosis, typing, and attack prediction remain unclear at this stage. From the perspective of the collection and detection methods of VOCs/SVOCs, this paper summarized the epidemiological associations and underlying biological mechanisms between VOCs/SVOCs exposure and the prevalence, incidence, and progression of asthma in children/adults. It also demonstrated the application of VOCs/SVOCs in recent years in assisting asthma diagnosis, such as distinguishing asthma patients from the healthy population, differentiating different asthma phenotypes, and predicting asthma acute exacerbations, aiming to provide a scientific basis for improving current asthma management.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a zero-profile three-dimensiaonal (3D)-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage and a conventional titanium plate combined with a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)-Cage in the treatment of single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: The clinical data of 83 patients with single-segment CSM treated with ACDF between January 2022 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into 3D-ZP group (35 cases, using zero-profile 3D-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage) and CP group (48 cases, using titanium plate in combination with PEEK-Cage). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, surgical intervertebral space, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI), vertebral height at the fusion segment, Cobb angle, and other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, complications, interbody fusion, and prosthesis subsidence were recorded and compared between the two groups. VAS score, NDI, and JOA score were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle were measured by imaging. The degree of dysphagia was assessed by the Bazaz dysphagia scale at 1 week and at last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all the 83 patients. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05), but the operation time in the 3D-ZP group was significantly shorter than that in the CP group (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 24-35 months, with an average of 25.3 months, and there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence and grade of dysphagia in CP group were significantly higher than those in 3D-ZP group at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no dysphagia in 3D-ZP group at last follow-up. There was no complication such as implant breakage or displacement in both groups. The intervertebral fusion rates of 3D-ZP group and CP group were 65.71% (23/35) and 60.42% (29/48) respectively at 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups [OR (95%CI)=1.256 (0.507, 3.109), P=0.622]. The JOA score, VAS score, and NDI significantly improved in the 3D-ZP group at 3 months and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle significantly improved in both groups, and the two indexes in 3D-ZP group were significantly better than those in CP group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the incidence of prosthesis subsidence in 3D-ZP group (8.57%) was significantly lower than that in CP group (29.16%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The application of zero-profile 3D-printed Cage and titanium plate combined with PEEK-Cage in single-segment ACDF can both reconstruct the stability of cervical spine and achieve good effectiveness. Compared with the latter, the application of the former in ACDF can shorten the operation time, reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence, and reduce the incidence of dysphagia.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Titanium ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Bone Plates ; Male ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzophenones ; Adult ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Aged ; Polymers ; Ketones ; Polyethylene Glycols

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of periodontitis induced by Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) combined with ligation on cognitive functions in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, ligation group, and ligation + Pn treatment (P+Pn) group. Experimental periodontitis was induced by silk ligation of the first molars followed by topical application of Pn for 6 weeks. After modeling, alveolar bone resorption was assessed using micro-CT and histological analysis. Learning and memory abilities of the mice were evaluated using open field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and Morris water maze test (MWM). Seven weeks after the start of modeling, the mice were sacrificed for examining histopathological changes in the hippocampus using HE and Nissl staining. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of molar ligation, micro-CT revealed horizontal alveolar bone resorption and furcation exposure in the mice, and histological analysis showed apical migration of the junctional epithelium, epithelial ridge hyperplasia, and lymphocyte infiltration, and these changes were obviously worsened in P+Pn group. Alveolar bone height decreased significantly in both ligation groups compared to the control group. Cognitive tests showed that the mice in both of the ligation groups traveled shorter distances in OFT, showed reduced novel object preference in NORT, and exhibited longer escape latencies in MWM, and the mice in P+Pn group had significantly poorer performances in the tests. Histologically, obvious neuronal cytoplasmic degeneration, necrosis, nuclear pyknosis, vacuolation, and reduced Nissl bodies and viable neurons were observed in the hippocampal regions of the mice in the two ligation groups. CONCLUSIONS Pn infection aggravates alveolar bone destruction, accelerates necrosis and causes morphological abnormalities of neuronal cells in the hippocampus to reduce cognitive functions of mice with periodontitis.
Animals ; Periodontitis/microbiology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cognition ; Alveolar Bone Loss ; Hippocampus/pathology* ; Male ; Inflammation ; Maze Learning

Objective To investigate the effects of periodontitis induced by Prevotella nigrescens(Pn)combined with ligation on cognitive functions in mice.Methods Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group,ligation group,and ligation+Pn treatment(P+Pn)group.Experimental periodontitis was induced by silk ligation of the first molars followed by topical application of Pn for 6 weeks.After modeling,alveolar bone resorption was assessed using micro-CT and histological analysis.Learning and memory abilities of the mice were evaluated using open field test(OFT),novel object recognition test(NORT),and Morris water maze test(MWM).Seven weeks after the start of modeling,the mice were sacrificed for examining histopathological changes in the hippocampus using HE and Nissl staining.Results After 6 weeks of molar ligation,micro-CT revealed horizontal alveolar bone resorption and furcation exposure in the mice,and histological analysis showed apical migration of the junctional epithelium,epithelial ridge hyperplasia,and lymphocyte infiltration,and these changes were obviously worsened in P+Pn group.Alveolar bone height decreased significantly in both ligation groups compared to the control group.Cognitive tests showed that the mice in both of the ligation groups traveled shorter distances in OFT,showed reduced novel object preference in NORT,and exhibited longer escape latencies in MWM,and the mice in P+Pn group had significantly poorer performances in the tests.Histologically,obvious neuronal cytoplasmic degeneration,necrosis,nuclear pyknosis,vacuolation,and reduced Nissl bodies and viable neurons were observed in the hippocampal regions of the mice in the two ligation groups.Conclusion Pn infection aggravates alveolar bone destruction,accelerates necrosis and causes morphological abnormalities of neuronal cells in the hippocampus to reduce cognitive functions of mice with periodontitis.

Background The high work intensity and possible subsequently increased susceptibility to occupational hazards of calcium carbide plants may lead to hypertension in workers, but there are few studies on the relationship between occupational hazard exposure and hypertension in workers involving the production process of calcium carbide. Objective To explore the influence of occupational hazards on the incidence of hypertension in calcium carbide plants. Methods Using historical cohort design, the employees of a calcium carbide factory in the western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected as research subjects. According to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population comprised an exposure group of 377 employees (including furnace workers, inspection workers, and maintenance workers) exposed to dust, noise & carbon monoxide, and a control group of 388 employees (including central control workers, electricians, and administrative personnel) without above-mentioned exposure. The total sample size was 765 participants. The follow-up period was from April 2011 to October 2022, and the study endpoint was defined as the conclusion of the follow-up period or diagnosed hypertension in annual occupational health examination. Information on general demographic characteristics, living habits, and work status was collected from all study subjects. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association between occupational hazard exposure and the risk of hypertension among the calcium carbide plant employees. Results The average age, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proportion of males, smoking rate, and alcohol consumption rate in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to baseline, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels increased in the exposure group and the control group at the end of the follow-up (P<0.05). At the end of the follow-up, the average differences between systolic/ diastolic blood pressure and baseline values in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 223 cases of hypertension occurred, with a total follow-up of 2785 person-years, resulting in an incidence density of 8007.18 per 100000 person-years, an average age of onset of (35.90±8.22) years, and an average working age of onset of (2.69±1.97) years. The incidence density in the exposure group was 128.71% higher than that in the control group, and the risk of hypertension in the exposure group was 2.115 times that of the control group. The risk of hypertension was 2.199 times higher for men than for women, 1.344 times higher for those aged 30 and above than for those under 30, 1.546 times higher for smokers than for non-smokers, and 1.750 times higher for drinking workers than for non-drinking ones. The results of Cox proportional hazards regression modeling indicated that the hazard ratio (95%CI) of hypertension among the employees exposed to dust, noise, and carbon monoxide was 2.254 (1.703, 2.982), 1.594 (1.107, 2.295), and 1.567 (1.079, 2.274), respectively, when different covariates (gender, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption) were included. The results of Log-rank test showed that there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of disease-free survival between the exposure group and the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational exposures to dust, noise, and carbon monoxide may increase the risk of hypertension among calcium carbide plant workers.

One patient with kidney stones was prescribed Paishi granules and diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets for pain relief in the outpatient setting.That evening,the patient took 1 sachet of Paishi granules and 1 diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablet together.The patient subsequently developed a generalized rash with itching.Liver function indexes of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(T-BiL),direct bilirubin(D-BiL),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)were all 2 to 6 times higher than the upper limit of normal.After symptomatico treatment,the patients systemic rash had subsided,and the liver function indicators have returned to normal.

One patient with kidney stones was prescribed Paishi granules and diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets for pain relief in the outpatient setting.That evening,the patient took 1 sachet of Paishi granules and 1 diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablet together.The patient subsequently developed a generalized rash with itching.Liver function indexes of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(T-BiL),direct bilirubin(D-BiL),and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)were all 2 to 6 times higher than the upper limit of normal.After symptomatico treatment,the patients systemic rash had subsided,and the liver function indicators have returned to normal.

Purpose To investigate the expression of fuma-rate hydratase(FH)and 2-succinocysteine(2SC)in leiomyoma with singular nuclear features,and to analyze the diagnostic val-ue of these two proteins in fumarase hydratase-deficient(FH-d)uterine leiomyomas.Methods Sixty-seven cases of leiomyoma with singular nuclear features were collected.The expression was detected by immunohistochemical EnVision method,and the relationship between the expression of FH,2SC and the morpho-logical characteristics of FH-d uterine leiomyomas was analyzed,and the relevant literature was reviewed.Results There were 67 patients of leiomyoma with singular nuclear features,among which 27 had FH-d leiomyoma.The positive rate of FH was(2/27,7.41％),significantly lower than that of leiomyomas without FH-d(31/40,77.50％).The positive rate of 2SC(26/27,96.30％)was significantly higher than that of leiomyo-mas without FH-d(11/40,27.50％).The statistical results showed that there was a correlation between the expression of FH and 2SC(P＜0.05);positive expression of FH and 2SC was associated with significant eosinophilic nucleoli,perinucleolar vacuoles,eosinophilic inclusions and antler vessels(P＜0.05).The sensitivity and specificity of FH immunohistochemi-cal identification of FH defective leiomyoma were 92.59％and 77.50％,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of 2SC immunohistochemical were 96.30％and 72.50％for FH defec-tive leiomyomas,respectively.Conclusion In most leiomyomas with FH-d morphology,FH expression is negative and 2SC ex-pression is positive.The combined detection of FH and 2SC can significantly improve the diagnosis of FH defective leiomyoma.

Objective:To retrieve and summarize evidence on non-pharmacological sleep management in adult critically ill patients, providing reference for sleep intervention by ICU medical and nursing staff.Methods:The literature on non-pharmacological sleep management in adult critically ill patients was systematically searched in domestic and foreign databases and guideline websites. The search period was from the establishment of the database to February 2023. After screening the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, two evidence-based trained researchers independently evaluated the quality of the included literature, extracted and summarized evidence.Results:A total of 13 articles were included, including 3 clinical guidelines, 9 systematic reviews, and 1 randomized controlled trial. A total of 21 best pieces of evidence were summarized, covering 5 aspects, including strengthening nurse education and training, improving ward environment, reducing sleep interruption, selecting mechanical ventilation modes reasonably, and promoting physical and mental relaxation.Conclusions:The evidence summarized can provide reference for the development of non-pharmacological sleep management plans for adult critically ill patients. ICU medical and nursing staff should carefully apply evidence in clinical practice based on evidence, fully consider the human resources and actual situation of the department, and combine it with the needs of patients.

Sialidosis is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by NEU1 gene mutation at 6p21.33. It is characterized by myoclonic, ataxia, epilepsy, and decreased vision. A pair of twins with sialidosis type 1 are reported to enrich clinicians ′ understanding of the disease, so as to improve the diagnosis and treatment. The proband was a 16-year-old male. The main symptom was intermittent limb involuntary trembling for 2 years, with paroxysmal loss of consciousness. Fundus examination showed cherry-red spots. His twin brother had similar symptoms, but the overall performance was mild. Whole exome sequencing results showed that both patients carried compound heterozygous mutations of c.239C>T (p.P80L) and c.803A>G (p.Y268C) in NEU1 gene, which were from their normal phenotype mother and father.