In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Sixty CTS patients were randomly divided into a transverse group and a longitudinal group, with 30 patients in each group. The transverse group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above and below the median nerve along the short axis, while the longitudinal group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above the median nerve along the long axis. The patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Levine scores, and median nerve cross-section area (CSA) were assessed before treatment, on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment. The median nerve conduction indexes (motor conduction: latency [Lat], amplitude[Amp], motor conduction velocity [MCV]; sensory conduction: Lat, Amp, sensory conduction velocity [SCV]) were evaluated before treatment and on the 30th day after treatment. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Levine scores, and median nerve CSA were reduced in both groups on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment (P<0.05); the transverse group showed lower VAS and Levine scores and smaller CSA than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). On the 30th day after treatment, motor and sensory Lat was reduced (P<0.05), motor and sensory Amp was increased (P<0.05), and MCV and SCV were faster (P<0.05) in both groups. The transverse group had shorter Lat, higher Amp, and faster MCV and SCV than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The ultrasound-guided needle knife release with transverse and longitudinal pathways could both effectively alleviate pain and improve median nerve conduction in CTS patients, with the transverse pathway showing superior efficacy to longitudinal pathway.
Humans ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Adult ; Median Nerve/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Neural Conduction ; Aged ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the innervated medial plantar flap for reconstructing soft tissue defects, particularly in the weight-bearing zone, after resection of foot tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients with malignant skin and soft tissue tumors of the foot treated between October 2023 and December 2024. The cohort included 8 males and 4 females, aged 42-67 years (mean, 57.5 years). Tumor types comprised malignant melanoma (5 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (4 cases), arsenical keratosis (2 cases), and tumor-induced osteomalacia (1 case). Soft tissue defects located in the heel weight-bearing region in 10 cases and non-weight-bearing ankle region in 2 cases, with defect sizes ranging from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. Preoperative photon-counting CT angiography (PC-CTA) was performed to assess the medial plantar artery and its perforators. All patients underwent radical tumor resection with confirmed negative margins. The resulting defects were reconstructed using a innervated medial plantar flap incorporating sensory branches of the medial plantar nerve. The flap donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft harvested from the ipsilateral inguinal region. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all 12 patients. All flaps survived completely without vascular compromise, partial necrosis, or total loss. Incisions healed primarily without dehiscence or infection. Minor skin graft necrosis occurred at the donor site in 3 patients, which healed within 2-3 weeks with routine dressing changes. No donor site complication (e.g., tendon or nerve injury) occurred. Patients were followed up 2-16 months (mean, 10.3 months). At last follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence. Flaps exhibited good color and texture match with surrounding tissue, restored sensation, and all feet achieved normal weight-bearing activity. CONCLUSION The innervated medial plantar flap, precisely designed based on PC-CTA localization, provides reliable blood supply and effective sensory restoration. It is an ideal method for reconstructing soft tissue defects after foot tumor resection, especially in the heel weight-bearing region.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Adult ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/surgery* ; Surgical Flaps/blood supply* ; Foot/surgery* ; Skin Neoplasms/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Melanoma/surgery*

Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO₂, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO₂ and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics* ; Photosynthesis/physiology* ; Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis* ; Plant Leaves/genetics* ; Scenedesmus/enzymology* ; Carbon Cycle/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism/genetics* ; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*

Objective We aimed to observe the differences in the effects of different acupuncture technique on the endometrium of mice with simple endometrial hyperplasia model and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods According to the random number tables,32 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank control group,a model group,a quick needle group and a retaining needle group,with 8 mice in each group. A mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia was established using bilateral ovariectomy combined with estrogen loading. In the quick needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral for "Yinbai"(SP1) points and withdrawn immediately,with the treatmeat performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. In the retaining needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral "Yinbai"(SP1) points and the needles were retained for 15 min each time,with the treatment also performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. After the intervention,samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes in the mouse uterine tissue;ELISA was used to detect serum estradiol level;flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages(M1/M2) and immunohistochemical method was used to measure the expression of CD86 and CD206 in uterine tissue;and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in uterine tissue. Results The endometrium of mice in the model group showed simple hyperplasia. Compared with the blank control group,the endometrium of the model group was thickened (P<0.01);the level of estradiol in the serum was increased (P<0.01);M1/M2 in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),the expression of CD86 was decreased (P<0.01),and the positive expression of CD206 was increased (P<0.01);and the level of IFN-γ protein expression in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),and the expression of IL-13 protein was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the endometrial thicknesses of the quick needle group and the retaining needle group were reduced (P<0.05),the levels of estradiol in serum were reduced (P<0.05),M1/M2 in uterine tissues increased (P<0.01),and the reduction of CD206 positive expression,and IL-13 protein expression reduced (P<0.01);the level of CD86 positive expression,IFN-γ protein expression increased (P<0.01). Compared with the quick needle group,IL-13 protein expression increased in the retaining needle group (P<0.01).Conclusion Both quick needle and retaining needle may be through the regulation of the expression of IFN-γ and IL-13,thus prompting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type,inhibiting the pro-cell proliferative ability and tissue repair ability of M2 type macrophages,thus reducing the degree of endometrial hyperplasia,and the quick needle group was superior to the retaining needle group in regulating the expression of IL-13.

Objective:To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors.Methods:From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions.Results:Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects ( χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients ( χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications ( χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment ( R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not ( OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions:Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

Objective To explore the method and feasibility of establishing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) model in Bama miniature pig by using autologous jugular vein, and to provide a large animal model for the development of PDA occluder and the study of pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. Methods Five male Bama miniature pigs weighing about 45 kg were selected to gain the PDA model of the autogenous jugular vein, which was fixed by glutaraldehyde and anastomosed between the ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery. The patency of PDA was confirmed by echocardiography and angiocardiography immediately and one week after the operation. Two animals were selected to undergo transcatheter closure of PDA via femoral vein 1 week after the operation, and the rest were euthanized to obtain PDA and lung tissue for pathological examination. Results The PDA model was successfully established in all five animals with a success rate of 100.0%. Immediately and 1 week after the operation, echocardiography and angiography showed that PDA blood flow was unobstructed, and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that PDA endothelialization was good. One week after the operation, two animals were successfully treated with transcatheter femoral vein occlusion. The pathological examination of lung tissue showed thickening of the intima and muscular layer of pulmonary arterioles, thickening of pulmonary interstitium and infiltration of neutrophils. Conclusion It is safe and feasible to establish a large animal model of PDA by using autogenous jugular vein anastomosis between the ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery. The model can be used for the development of PDA interventional occlusive devices and the pathophysiological study of congenital heart disease-related pulmonary hypertension.

Objective:To study the expression of stomatin-like protein 2(STOML2)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)tissue and the effects of STOML2 on the tumorigenicity of OSCC cells(OSCCCs)in vitro and in vivo,and the related mechanism.Methods:The protein expression of STOML2 in OSCC and adjacent tissues of 56 patients was detected.OSCCCs SCC-15 were divided into 2 groups.Stom12-siRNA plasmid was transfected into the cells of experimental group and Mock-siRNA plasmid was transfected into the cells of control group.The mRNA and protein expression of STOML2,CDK4 and P16 in the cells was detected by qPCR and Western blot respectively.The cell cycle of the cells was detected by flow cytometry,and the proliferation of the cells was detected by CCK8 asay.The tumorigenicity of the cells was detected by subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice.Results:The positive rate of STOML2 in OSCC and adjacent tissues was 92.86％(52/56)and 8.93％(5/56)respectively(P＜0.001).After siRNA transfection,STOML2 mRNA expression in SCC-15 cells of experimental group and control group was(0.43±0.09)and(1.23±0.19),STOML2 protein ex-pression was(0.52±0.11)and(0.94±0.17)respectively.CDK4 expression was(0.33±0.13)and(1.18±0.17),P16 expression was(0.93±0.12)and(0.29±0.03),respectively.In CCK8 assay the absorbance of SCC-15 cells in experimental group and control group was(1.11±0.24)and(2.19±0.28),in flow cytometry the percentage of cells in G2/M phase was 35.72％±5.33％and 18.65％±3.71％(P＜0.05),respectively.In vivo test showed that the volume(μm3)of subcutaneous transplanted tumor was 1 192.07 ±250.9 and 2 280.5±600.1,the weight(g)of mice was 0.65±0.30 and 1.62±0.40,respectively.Conclusion:STOML2 expression increases in OSCC,STOML2 affects the tumorigenic ability of OSCCCs in vitro and in vivo by regulating P16 related pathways.