OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effects of two orthodontic treatment modalities for skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion on specific changes in airway volume, morphology, palatal angle, mandibular rotation, and bone displacement. Results provide scientific evidence for the selection of orthodontic treatment plans and reduce the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion at the Department of Orthodontics, the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2018 to December 2023 were divided into two groups: orthodontic-orthognathic treatment group (18 patients) and camouflage orthodontic treatment group (18 patients). Changes in airway volume, cross-sectional area, palatal angle, mandibular, and tongue positions were observed through pre- and post-operative cone beam computed tomography and 3D cephalometric measurements. RESULTS: In the camouflage orthodontic treatment group, nasopharyngeal volume and oropharyngeal volume statistically increased after treatment (P<0.05). In the orthodontic-orthognathic treatment group, changes in nasopharyngeal volume, nasopharyngeal airway, distance from posterior tongue to pharyngeal wall, palatal angle, mandibular rotation, and hyoid bone displacement were statistically significant after surgery (P<0.05). In the comparison between the two groups after treatment, changes in the distance from posterior tongue to pharyngeal wall, palatal angle, and distance from hyoid bone to sella turcica point were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients in the orthodontic-orthognathic treatment group showed significantly greater changes in oropharyngeal cross-sectional area, palate angle, and tongue position compared with patients in the camouflage orthodontic treatment group. As individuals susceptible to OSAHS often exhibit mandibular retrusion and decreased minimum airway cross-sectional area, special attention should be paid to airway morphology changes when adopting orthodontic-orthognathic treatment to avoid adverse consequences.
Humans ; Hyoid Bone/diagnostic imaging* ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III/therapy* ; Male ; Female ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Cephalometry ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Adult ; Mandible ; Pharynx/diagnostic imaging* ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/etiology* ; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures

Renal metastasis of oral adenoid cystic carcinoma is rare. A patient with bilateral renal metastasis secondary to surgery for oral adenoid cystic carcinoma was reported. The left kidney was treated with radiofrequency ablation, and the right kidney was treated with radical nephrectomy. The creatinine was 74 μmol/L at 3 months after surgery. The multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment model adopted in this case provided diagnosis and treatment ideas for patients with bilateral renal secondary malignant tumors.

In recent decades, the prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout has increased dramatically due to lifestyle changes. The drugs currently recommended for hyperuricemia are associated with adverse reactions that limit their clinical use. In this study, we report that berberine (BBR) is an effective drug candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia, with its mechanism potentially involving the modulation of gut microbiota and its metabolite, succinic acid. BBR has demonstrated good therapeutic effects in both acute and chronic animal models of hyperuricemia. In a clinical trial, oral administration of BBR for 6 months reduced blood uric acid levels in 22 participants by modulating the gut microbiota, which led to an increase in the abundance of Bacteroides and a decrease in Clostridium sensu stricto_1. Furthermore, Bacteroides fragilis was transplanted into ICR mice, and the results showed that Bacteroides fragilis exerted a therapeutic effect on uric acid similar to that of BBR. Notably, succinic acid, a metabolite of Bacteroides, significantly reduced uric acid levels. Subsequent cell and animal experiments revealed that the intestinal metabolite, succinic acid, regulated the upstream uric acid synthesis pathway in the liver by inhibiting adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2 (AMPD2), an enzyme responsible for converting adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to inosine monophosphate (IMP). This inhibition resulted in a decrease in IMP levels and an increase in phosphate levels. The reduction in IMP led to a decreased downstream production of hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid. BBR also demonstrated excellent renoprotective effects, improving nephropathy associated with hyperuricemia. In summary, BBR has the potential to be an effective treatment for hyperuricemia through the gut-liver axis.

Objective:X-linked non-syndromic hearing loss is an extremely rare type of hearing impairment. This study conducted a phenotypic and genetic analysis of a family with X-linked dominant inheritance to explore the causes of hearing loss. Methods:Clinical data were collected from a patient with non-syndromic hearing loss who visited the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2023. Phenotypic and genetic analyses were performed on family members, including audiometric tests, whole-exome sequencing, and PCR-Sanger sequencing verification. Audiological assessments comprised pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, auditory brainstem response, and otoacoustic emission tests. Results:The affected individuals in this pedigree have X-linked dominant non-syndromic deafness caused by mutations in the SMPX gene. The proband, along with their mother and maternal grandmother, exhibit varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel pathogenic variant, NM_014332.3: c. 133-2A>C, in the SMPX gene in the proband. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the proband, proband's mother, and grandmother all carried this pathogenic variant. Conclusion:This study reports a novel pathogenic variant in the SMPX gene, providing additional medical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of X-linked dominant inherited non-syndromic hearing loss. It enriches the mutation spectrum of the SMPX gene.
Humans ; Pedigree ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Male ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Female ; Adult ; Hearing Loss/genetics* ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Muscle Proteins

Objective To observe the value of quantitative CT(QCT)analysis of human body components for predicting microvascular invasion(MVI)status of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods Totally 60 HCC patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into positive group(n=15)and negative group(n=45)based on postoperative pathology findings of MVI or not.Human body composition parameters,including bone mineral density(BMD),subcutaneous fat area(SFA),visceral fat area(VFA),total fat area(TFA)and subcutaneous/visceral fat area ratio(SVR),as well as muscle fat area(MFA),muscle area(MA)and muscle fat infiltration(MFI)of posterior vertebral muscle group based on QCT were compared between groups,and the efficacy of the above parameters for predicting MVI status of HCC was observed.Results SFA,TFA,MFA and MFI were all higher,while MA was lower in positive group than those in negative group(all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of SFA,VFA,TFA,MA,MFA and MFI for predicting MVI status of HCC ranged from 0.673 to 0.790(all P＜0.05).TFA and M FI were both independent risk factors of HCC MVI(both P＜0.05),with AUC of 0.790 and 0.759,respectively.Conclusion QCT analysis of human body components was helpful to predicting MVI status of HCC.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors for special interests in rheumatology diseases in residents after their completion of standardized residency training.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted among general practitioners who participated in residential training in the base from September 1, 2011 to June 30, 2024, and the possible influencing factors were collected and analyzed.Results:Eighty-six cases (63.2%) of general practitioners expressed interest in rheumatology. A higher proportion of physicians showed interest in rheumatology when they engaged in the following activities: taking rheumatology as a subspecialty in practice on rheumtic diseases [16.3% (14/86) vs. 0 (0/50), χ2=15.93, P<0.001], taking night shifts during rheumatology rotation [57.0%(49/86) vs. 20% (10/50), χ2=17.60, P<0.001], studying with mentors of rheumatogy[89.5%(77/86) vs. 54.0%(27/50), χ2=22.19, P<0.001], participating in research on rheamatic diseases[16.3% (14/86) vs. 2.0% (1/50), χ2=6.57, P=0.010], involved in rheumatology outpatient teaching sessions [33.7%(29/86) vs. 8.0% (4/50), χ2=11.38, P<0.001], and receiving career guidance on mentors of rheumatology[39.5%(34/86) vs. 18.0% (9/50), χ2=6.78, P=0.012]. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the following were independent promoting factors for developing interest in rheumatology: taking rheumatology as a subspecialty in practice [ OR(95% CI) =3.82 (1.5,9.7), P=0.005], taking night shifts during rheumatology rotation [ OR(95% CI) =3.41 (1.25,9.28), P=0.017], and studying with mentors of rheumatology[ OR(95% CI) =6.44 (2.18,19.08), P<0.001]. Conclusion:Most residents expressed interest in rheumatology. Taking rheumatology as a practice sub-specialty, taking night shifts and during rotation and learning from mentors have a positive impact on residents interest in rheumatology after their completion of residency.

Objective To evaluate the overall implementation of the WS 76-2020 standard in Anhui Province, China and identify and analyze the factors affecting the implementation of the standard, and to provide a basis for the effective implementation and revision of WS 76-2020. Methods According to the requirements of the Notice of the Department of Regulations in National Health Commission on the 2024 assessment of implementation of mandatory standards, an evaluation of radiological health standards was organized and conducted in Anhui Province. The evaluation involved the three dimensions of standard implementation status, technical content of the standards, and effectiveness of standard implementation, with subsequent data analysis. Results The total evaluation score for WS 76-2020 was 87.83 points, indicating that the standard effectively guided the quality control testing of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment. However, stability testing was either underutilized or not performed in practice. The qualified rate of X-ray diagnostic equipment in the province was 94.26%, with equipment performance issues identified as the leading contributor to non-qualified instances. Expert discussions highlighted recommendations particularly concerning the operability, applicability, and scientific rigor of the standard. Conclusion It is recommended to strengthen the dissemination and training for the standard, promote medical institutions to voluntarily conduct stability testing, provide supplementary clarifications or revisions for problematic clauses, and standardize quality control testing techniques for radiological diagnostic equipment.

Objective:To investigate the effects of low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training on the recovery of rectus abdominis after delivery.Methods:This study used a case-control design. A total of 150 postpartum women with diastasis recti abdominis who were admitted to Women and Infants Hospital of Zhengzhou from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study. The patients were divided into a treatment group ( n = 75, receiving low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training) and a control group ( n = 75, receiving exercise training only) based on the different treatment methods used. Both groups underwent treatment for 8 weeks. The inter-rectus distance, abdominal core muscle strength, pain levels, and thickness of the bilateral rectus abdominis muscles were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, the inter-rectus distances at 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus in the treatment group were all smaller than those in the control group ( t = -3.25, -3.49, -4.52, all P<0.05). The time taken for the treatment group to complete the level 1 test of the eight-level abdominal bridge test was significantly longer than that in the control group [(62.00 ± 7.03) seconds vs. (35.89 ± 6.88) seconds, t = 22.99, P<0.05]. The root mean square values of the transverse abdominis muscle on both the affected side and the healthy side during the stepping test in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group [(6.70 ± 0.92) vs. (5.64 ± 0.89), t = 7.17, P<0.05]. The scores for each item on the Global Pain Scale and the total score in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The thicknesses of the rectus abdominis muscles on both sides (left side: at the umbilicus, 3 cm below the umbilicus; right side: 3 cm above the umbilicus, at the umbilicus, and 3 cm below the umbilicus) in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training can promote the recovery of rectus abdominis function, reduce the inter-rectus distance, improve core muscle strength, increase the thickness of the rectus abdominis, and relieve pain.

AIM:The aim of our study is to investigate the metabolic profile differences during cervical lesion progression and evaluate their potential clinical value in assisting the diagnosis of cervical cancer(CC).METHODS:Ul-tra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-HRMS)was em-ployed to conduct non-targeted metabolomic analysis of cervical swab samples from 43 CC patients,34 high-grade squa-mous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL)patients,and 43 healthy controls.Based on the distinct features among the three groups,principal component analysis(PCA)was used to identify the metabolic differences among CC,HSIL and healthy groups.MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was then employed to perform KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the differential metabo-lites.Finally,random forest machine learning algorithm was used to construct classification prediction models for distin-guishing CC from healthy,HSIL from healthy,and CC from HSIL.The performance of these models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS:A total of 1 543 metabolites were identified across the healthy,HSIL and CC groups after filtration,with 407 metabolites differing between the groups.The study found that metabolite PGE2 was present in all three groups,with its expression levels progressively increasing with the progression of cervical lesions.Differential metabolite enrichment analysis demonstrated that CC is associated with specific cancer-relat-ed metabolic pathways,including the tricarboxylic acid cycle,tyrosine metabolism,tryptophan metabolism,and the pen-tose phosphate pathways.Additionally,the study developed three prediction models based on metabolic products for diag-nosing HSIL and CC:the full model,the simplified model,and the PGE2 model.The results indicated that metabolites ex-hibited strong diagnostic efficiency.Both the full model and the simplified model effectively distinguished CC from HSIL,CC from healthy,and HSIL from healthy.The AUC values for the full model were 0.90,0.92 and 0.84,respectively,while those for the simplified model were 0.81,0.95 and 0.85,respectively.Furthermore,the PEG2 model achieved AUC values of 0.74 and 0.80 for distinguishing CC from healthy and HSIL from healthy,respectively.CONCLUSION:The metabolic profiles of cervical cancer exhibit significant differences during the progression of cervical cancer,and these metabolites hold potential clinical value as biomarkers for cervical lesions.

Renal metastasis of oral adenoid cystic carcinoma is rare. A patient with bilateral renal metastasis secondary to surgery for oral adenoid cystic carcinoma was reported. The left kidney was treated with radiofrequency ablation, and the right kidney was treated with radical nephrectomy. The creatinine was 74 μmol/L at 3 months after surgery. The multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment model adopted in this case provided diagnosis and treatment ideas for patients with bilateral renal secondary malignant tumors.