BACKGROUND:Human periodontal stem cells have a certain inhibitory effect on the pro-inflammatory function of M1-type macrophages,and it is not clear whether icariin,which has anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological activities,can enhance the inhibitory effect of human periodontal stem cells on M1-type macrophages. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of icariin on M1 macrophages after pretreatment of human periodontal stem cells. METHODS:Primary human periodontal stem cells were isolated,cultured and characterized.THP-1 was induced and M1-type macrophages were identified by immunofluorescence staining and PCR.Human periodontal stem cells were cultured with α-MEM complete medium containing concentrations of 10-7,10-6,10-5,and 10-4 mol/L icariin,and the cytotoxicity of Icariin on human periodontal stem cells was detected by the CCK-8 assay at 1,3,5,and 7 days,respectively.α-MEM complete medium,untreated α-MEM conditioned medium for human periodontal stem cells and α-MEM conditioned medium for human periodontal stem cells pretreated with icariin for 24 hours were conditioned with RPMI-1640 complete medium in a 1:1 ratio for M1-type macrophages in the control,untreated,and pretreated groups,and 24 hours later,the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages was detected by RT-PCR.The protein expression of inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages was detected by ELISA.The expression of surface markers and nuclear factor-κB pathway-related proteins in M1/M2 macrophages was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CCK-8 assay results showed that 10-7,10-6,10-5,10-4 mol/L icariin was not cytotoxic to the human periodontal stem cells,and from day 5 onwards,all the concentrations increased the cell viability,and promoted the cell proliferation.10-4 mol/L icariin was selected for follow-up experiment.(2)RT-PCR and ELISA results showed that compared with the control group,the untreated group and the pretreated group both decreased the expression and secretion of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α of M1-type macrophages(P<0.05),and the pretreated group was lower than the untreated group(P<0.05).(3)Western blot assay results showed that compared with the untreated group,the expression of CD86 was significantly lower in the pretreated group(P<0.05);compared with the control group,the expression of CD206,a surface marker of M2-type macrophages,was elevated in both the untreated and pretreated groups(P<0.01),and it was significantly higher in the pretreated group than in the untreated group(P<0.01).In M1-type macrophages after 24 hours of conditioned culture,compared with the control group,the expression of nuclear factor-κB/P65 was decreased in the untreated group and the pretreated group(P<0.01),and the expression of p-IκBα was decreased only in the pretreated group(P<0.01);the expression of both nuclear factor-κB/P65 and p-IκBα was significantly reduced in the pretreated group compared with the untreated group(P<0.05),while the difference of IκBα in the three groups was not statistically significant.(4)These results indicated that icariin enhanced the inhibitory effect of human periodontal stem cells on M1-type macrophages,and this effect may be related to the inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway of macrophages.

AIM: To observe the influence of different intraocular lens implantation methods on visual quality in patients with cataract.METHODS: Retrospective study. Totally 85 patients(113 eyes)with cataract who received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation in the hospital June 2020 to December 2023 were selected. According to the different implanted lenses, they were divided into monofocal group(42 cases, 55 eyes)and bifocal group(43 cases, 58 eyes). The uncorrected near visual acuity(UNVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UIVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), best corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA), best corrected intermediate visual acuity(BCIVA), best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), contrast sensitivity(CS), objective visual quality, National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25)scores and complications were compared between both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery.RESULTS:At 3 mo after surgery, the UNVA(LogMAR)of the bifocal group was significantly better than that of the monofocal group(0.24±0.06 vs 0.53±0.13, P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in UIVA, UDVA, BCNVA, BCIVA and BCDVA between the two groups(all P>0.05). The 18 c/d spatial frequency scotopic CS in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that in the monofocal group(0.84±0.17 vs 0.92±0.22, P<0.05), while the CS in other frequency was not statistically significant(all P>0.05); the objective scatter index(OSI)was higher in the bifocal group than that in the monofocal group(P<0.05), while OV 20% and OV 9% were lower than those in monofocal group(all P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in modulation transfer function cut off(MTFcut off), Strehl ratio(SR)and OV 100% between the two groups(all P>0.05). The scores of overall visual acuity and near visual activity in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery were higher than those in the monofocal group(all P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in the scores of dimensions of overall health, distance visual activity, peripheral visual acuity, color vision, dependence degree, social function, social role and mental health between the two groups(all P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined with bifocal intraocular lens implantation can provide more ideal near visual acuity and visual-related quality of life for patients with cataract, but its objective visual quality is worse, The two types of intraocular lenses have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is still necessary to choose the appropriate intraocular lens according to the actual needs of patients.

AIM: To observe the influence of different intraocular lens implantation methods on visual quality in patients with cataract.METHODS: Retrospective study. Totally 85 patients(113 eyes)with cataract who received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation in the hospital June 2020 to December 2023 were selected. According to the different implanted lenses, they were divided into monofocal group(42 cases, 55 eyes)and bifocal group(43 cases, 58 eyes). The uncorrected near visual acuity(UNVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UIVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), best corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA), best corrected intermediate visual acuity(BCIVA), best corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), contrast sensitivity(CS), objective visual quality, National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25)scores and complications were compared between both groups of patients at 3 mo after surgery.RESULTS:At 3 mo after surgery, the UNVA(LogMAR)of the bifocal group was significantly better than that of the monofocal group(0.24±0.06 vs 0.53±0.13, P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in UIVA, UDVA, BCNVA, BCIVA and BCDVA between the two groups(all P>0.05). The 18 c/d spatial frequency scotopic CS in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that in the monofocal group(0.84±0.17 vs 0.92±0.22, P<0.05), while the CS in other frequency was not statistically significant(all P>0.05); the objective scatter index(OSI)was higher in the bifocal group than that in the monofocal group(P<0.05), while OV 20% and OV 9% were lower than those in monofocal group(all P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in modulation transfer function cut off(MTFcut off), Strehl ratio(SR)and OV 100% between the two groups(all P>0.05). The scores of overall visual acuity and near visual activity in the bifocal group at 3 mo after surgery were higher than those in the monofocal group(all P<0.001), but there were no statistical differences in the scores of dimensions of overall health, distance visual activity, peripheral visual acuity, color vision, dependence degree, social function, social role and mental health between the two groups(all P>0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification combined with bifocal intraocular lens implantation can provide more ideal near visual acuity and visual-related quality of life for patients with cataract, but its objective visual quality is worse, The two types of intraocular lenses have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it is still necessary to choose the appropriate intraocular lens according to the actual needs of patients.

BACKGROUND:Multiple studies and observations have indicated a close relationship between inflammation,metabolites,and osteoporosis.However,it is still unclear whether there is a genetic causal effect between inflammation-related proteins and osteoporosis and whether metabolites play a mediating role in this process.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationships between inflammation-related proteins and osteoporosis using Mendelian randomization method as well as the mediating effect of plasma metabolites in this process.METHODS:Summary data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)were used,with osteoporosis data sourced from the Fengenn database,and GWAS data on inflammation-related proteins and plasma metabolites obtained from published studies.The inverse-variance weighted method was primarily used to assess the exposure-outcome relationships.Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses were used to explore the causal relationships between inflammation-related proteins and osteoporosis,and two-step Mendelian randomization was used to discover potential mediating metabolites.Sensitivity analyses were then performed to further validate the robustness of the results.Cochran's Q test was used to assess heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated using the MR-Egger intercept and MR-PRESSO methods.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The initial bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis identified five inflammation-related proteins that showed a positive causal relationship with osteoporosis and no reverse causal relationship.Artemin(odds ratio[OR]=0.895,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.819-0.979,P=0.015)was negatively associated with osteoporosis,whereas chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 1(OR=1.100,95%CI:1.002-1.209,P=0.046),chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11(OR=1.150,95%CI:1.043-1.268,P=0.005),interleukin 17C(OR=1.087,95%CI:1.004-1.176,P=0.040),and tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis(OR=1.108,95%CI:1.002-1.226,P=0.046)were positively associated with osteoporosis.Sensitivity analyses indicated no heterogeneity or pleiotropy in these causal effects.Subsequently,we conducted a two-step Mendelian randomization to discover potential mediating metabolites.This study showed that 1-palmitoyl-gpc(16:0)increased the negative effect of Artemin on osteoporosis.5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol monosulfate increased the risk of osteoporosis mediated by chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 1 and chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11.The ratio of α-ketoglutarate to succinate led to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11 and interleukin-17C.Spermidine and the ratio of proline to trans-4-hydroxyproline contributed to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by chemokine(C-X-C Motif)ligand 11.12,13-DiHOME contributed to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by interleukin-17C.The sulfate level of piperine metabolite C16H19NO3(3)and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate contributed to an increased risk of osteoporosis mediated by tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis.In conclusion,the above data indicate that some inflammation-related proteins can influence the risk of osteoporosis,both positively and negatively,and some of these effects are mediated by plasma metabolites.This provides new insights for future investigations into the occurrence and development mechanisms of osteoporosis.

Objective To explore the effect of improved operating room nursing on vitrectomy patients with diabetic retinopathy based on change theory.Methods A total of 100 patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent vitrectomy in Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from January to December 2023 were selected as study objects.Fifty patients admitted from January to June 2023 were included in control group and received routine nursing in operating room after vitrectomy,and fifty patients admitted from July to December 2023 were included in experimental group to receive improved operating room nursing based on change theory.Operation time,postoperative intraocular pressure,operative stress index,complications and nursing satisfaction were compared between two groups.Results The operation time of experimental group was significantly shorter than that of control group,and the postoperative intraocular pressure was significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.05).At the end of operation,heart rate,mean arterial pressure and mixed venous blood oxygen saturation of two groups were significantly higher than those before operation(P<0.05),heart rate and mean arterial pressure of experimental group were significantly lower than those of control group,and mixed venous blood oxygen saturation was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.05).The complication rate of experimental group was significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.05).The nursing satisfaction score of experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The application of improved operating room nursing based on change theory to vitrectomy patients with diabetic retinopathy can shorten the operation time,reduce the stress of surgery,promote postoperative recovery,reduce the incidence of complications,and improve the satisfaction of operating room nursing.

Diabetes of the exocrine pancreas(DEP) refers to a complication of diseases of the exocrine pancreas, associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Recent evidence has indicated that DEP, after type 2 diabetes, has become the second most common type of adults-onset diabetes, with a higher prevalence than type 1 diabetes. DEP is not a single condition but encompasses various exocrine pancreatic disorders that lead to hyperglycemia through different mechanisms, creating significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review examines the latest research on the risk factors and pathogenesis of DEP, aiming to provide insights to improve its clinical management strategies.

Objective:To analyze the prospective associations between liver biomarkers and mortality among Chinese middle-aged and elderly populations and to evaluate the mortality risk predictive value.Methods:A total of 22 758 participants from the 3 rd resurvey of the China Kadoorie Biobank were included. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the prospective associations of 5 liver biomarkers with mortality. These liver biomarkers included two liver imaging biomarkers (liver fat attenuation parameter, liver stiffness measurement) and three serum liver enzyme biomarkers [gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), ALT, and AST]. Restricted cubic spline was used to assess the nonlinear associations between biomarkers and mortality. The area used the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate the predictive ability of the models after incorporating liver biomarkers into traditional prediction models for mortality. Results:The mean age of the participants was (65.2±9.1) years, with a median follow-up of 1.5 years, during which 307 deaths occurred. Compared to individuals without hepatic steatosis, those with severe hepatic steatosis had a 79% higher risk of mortality, with a HR of 1.79 (95% CI: 1.06-3.03). Compared to individuals without hepatic fibrosis, those with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis had higher mortality risks of 48% and 91%, respectively (both P<0.05). For each standard deviation increase in GGT, the mortality risk increased by 10% ( HR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.05-1.15), with the positive association plateauing at higher GGT levels. AST exhibited a U-shaped association with mortality risk. The AUC of the prediction model adding liver biomarkers into traditional prediction factors was 0.718 (95% CI: 0.679-0.757), with an increase of 0.030 ( P<0.001) compared with the traditional model. Conclusions:Severe hepatic steatosis, higher levels of hepatic fibrosis, and elevated GGT levels are significantly associated with higher mortality risk. AST shows a U-shaped nonlinear association with mortality risk. Incorporating liver biomarkers into traditional risk prediction models enhance the ability to predict mortality.

Objective:To investigate the prospective associations between plasma metabolites and the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Chinese adults.Methods:This study analyzed plasma metabolomics data from 2 183 healthy adults in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB), measured using targeted mass spectrometry. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the associations between 630 metabolites and the risk of all-cause mortality. Cause-specific hazard regression models evaluated the associations between metabolites and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, cancer, and other-cause mortality. Stepwise regression was used to identify key metabolites independently associated with all-cause mortality, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the improvement in predictive performance when these metabolites were added to traditional risk prediction models.Results:The mean age of the participants was (53.2±9.8) years, 65.1% of whom were female. During a median follow-up of 14.5 years, 231 deaths occurred. A total of 44 metabolites were significantly associated with the risk of all-cause mortality [false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P<0.05], primarily including triglycerides, ceramides, and amino acids. Additionally, 29 and 15 metabolites were found to be associated with cancer and other-cause mortality, respectively, but no metabolites were significantly associated with CVD mortality after FDR corrections. Adding 14 metabolites independently associated with all-cause mortality into the traditional prediction model significantly improved its predictive performance. Specifically, incorporating metabolites into the traditional model, which already included laboratory biomarkers, increased the AUC to 0.798 (95% CI: 0.755-0.843), an improvement of 0.088 compared to the traditional model ( P<0.001). Conclusions:Multiple metabolites are significantly associated with mortality risk and can substantially improve the accuracy of mortality risk prediction models. These findings provide new insights into the physiological mechanisms of aging and offer valuable clues for personalized health risk assessment.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of integrating virtual simulation technology with case-based learning(CBL)in the teaching of clinical blood transfusion testing technology.Methods From January to June 2024,99 undergraduate students majoring in medical laboratory science at our university were selected and divided into an observation group(50 students)and a control group(49 students)based on their classes.The control group followed a traditional theoretical teaching model,while the observation group employed virtual simulation technology combined with CBL.Results The study compared as-sessment scores for theory learning,practical skills,case analysis,and comprehensive quality,teaching effects such as coordina-tion and cooperation abilities,self-efficacy measured by the GSES scale,and teaching satisfaction between the two groups.The results indicated that the observation group had significantly higher scores in all assessment categories,teaching effect abilities,and total GSES scores compared to the control group(P＜0.05).The total teaching satisfaction rate in the observation group reached 100%,significantly higher than the 80% in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The integration of virtual simu-lation technology with CBL innovates the teaching model for clinical blood transfusion testing courses,effectively enhancing students'professional skills and comprehensive quality,boosting self-efficacy,and achieving high student satisfaction,demon-strating significant potential for broader application.

Objective To explore the effect of rituximab on cellular immunity and cytokines in children with new-onset steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS).Methods Clinical data of 60 children with new-onset SSNS treated at Xuzhou Children's Hospital from December 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Children were allocated according to rituximab use into a control group(no rituximab)and an observation group(rituximab).The relapse rate,T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokines before and after treatment,and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between groups.Results The relapse rate was lower in the observation group than in the control group(27%vs 73%,P<0.05).After treatment,CD3+and CD4+T-lymphocyte counts,the CD4+/CD8+ratio,and serum interleukin-2 increased in the observation group and were higher than in the control group(P<0.05).Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels decreased after treatment in the observation group and were lower than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,CD8+T-lymphocyte counts decreased,interferon-γ increased,and interleukin-10 decreased in both groups,with no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions Rituximab can reduce the relapse rate in children with new-onset nephrotic syndrome and shows good safety.Its therapeutic effect is achieved by regulating the number and function of T cells and by modulating the anti-inflammatory effects of cytokines.