Objective: To investigate the effects of a Twin-Block appliance combined with slow maxillary expansion (SME) on transverse dental and skeletal parameters in adolescent patients with Angle Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion, and to provide a reference for clinical orthodontic practice. Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 21 adolescents with Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion who underwent two-phase treatment with a Twin-Block appliance combined with SME at the Department of Orthodontics, College & Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, in 2021 to 2023 were consecutively enrolled. In the first phase, a functional appliance was used to coordinate the skeletal relationship between the maxilla and mandible by leveraging growth potential. In the second phase, a fixed appliance was employed for fine adjustments of the dental arches based on the specific condition. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained before treatment (T0) and after the first phase of functional correction (T1). Transverse measurements at the first molar region, including molar buccolingual inclination, dental arch width, and basal bone width, were performed using Dolphin 3D Imaging software. Changes between T0 and T1 were statistically analyzed. Results: After the first phase of treatment, the left and right maxillary first molars showed a significant increase in buccal inclination by 5.47° ± 1.38° and 5.35° ± 1.61°, respectively (P<0.001). The arch width in the maxillary first molar region also increased by (2.68 ± 1.14) mm, and the basal bone width increased by (1.14 ± 1.24) mm (all P<0.001). The proportion of skeletal expansion accounted for an average of 42.86%, while dental expansion accounted for 57.14%. No statistically significant changes were observed in any mandibular transverse measurements (all P>0.05). Conclusion In adolescent patients with Angle Class Ⅱ division 1 malocclusion accompanied by maxillary transverse deficiency, Twin-Block appliance combined with SME can effectively expand maxillary dental arch and basal bone width while improving sagittal relationship, thereby correcting transverse discrepancy. The maxillary width changes were predominantly dental.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of functional pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle function, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethodsFrom February, 2024 to July, 2025, 40 female patients with SUI were recruited from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital and advertisements. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 20) and experimental group (n = 20). The control group received conventional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, and the experimental group received functional pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation training, for eight weeks. The data of pelvic floor muscle strength, pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG), 1-hour urine pad test and Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire (I-QOL) were collected before and after training. The compliance rate was counted after training. ResultsOne case dropped down in the control group and three cases dropped down in the experimental group. After treatment, the pelvic floor muscle strength increased in both groups (|Z| > 3.317, P < 0.01), the pre-resting average value, sustained contraction average value and durable contraction average value of sEMG improved in the control group (|t| > 2.731, P < 0.05), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t > 9.215, P < 0.001) and the I-QOL score significantly increased (|t| > 13.229, P < 0.001) in both groups; compared with the control group, the pelvic floor muscle strength significantly increased (Z = -2.281, P = 0.023), the mass of 1-hour urine pad significantly reduced (t = 4.215, P < 0.001), the I-QOL score significantly increased (t = -4.501, P < 0.001), and the compliance rate significantly increased (Z = -2.798, P < 0.01) in the experimental group . ConclusionFunctional pelvic floor muscle training can significantly improve pelvic floor muscle strength, incontinence symptoms and quality of life in female patients with SUI.

As a type of acute cerebrovascular disease,stroke is one of the most common fatal and disabling diseases in the world,which seriously threatens the quality of life of patients;however,there are still limited treatment methods for this disease in clinical practice.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has a long history and good efficacy in the treatment of stroke,and the active components of TCM can alleviate nerve injury caused by stroke by improving the development and progression of various pathophysiological mechanisms such as nerve inflammation,oxidative stress,and blood-brain barrier damage.This article reviews the role of active components of TCM in the treatment of ischemic stroke,in order to provide more ideas and options for the clinical treatment of this disease in the future.

Objective To explore the relationships between social support,positive coping,caregiver burden and family resilience of primary caregivers of first-stroke patients.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 307 primary caregivers of first-stroke patients in 2 tertiary hospitals in Shanghai by convenience sampling method.Social support rating scale,simplified coping style questionnaire,Zarit caregiver burden interview,and family resilience assessment scale were used for questionnaire survey.Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation models were used for data analysis.Results A total of 288 valid questionnaires were collected,and the effective recovery rate was 93.81％.Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between family resilience and social support,family resilience and positive coping,and social support and positive coping(r=0.375,0.627,and 0.277;all P＜0.01),while caregiver burden and social support,caregiver burden and positive coping,and family resilience and caregiver burden were all negatively correlated(r=-0.203,-0.343,and-0.444;all P＜0.01).The mediating effect model was constructed with positive coping and caregiver burden as mediating variables,social support as independent variables,and family resilience as dependent variables.The results showed that social support could mediate family resilience through positive coping,with a mediating effect of 0.164,accounting for 26.1％of the total effect;social support could also affect the family resilience of the primary caregivers of first-stroke patients through the partial chain mediating effect of positive coping and caregiver burden,with a mediating effect value of 0.032,accounting for 5.1％of the total effect.Conclusion Social support can predict family resilience among primary caregivers of first-stroke patients,and positive coping and caregiver burden play chain mediating roles in the impact of social support on family resilience.

Objective To study the oral health status of officers and soldiers in a certain unit,so as to provide a basis for the formulation and implementation of oral health support plans.Methods A total of 437 officers and soldiers in a certain unit were enrolled to assess their oral health status through questionnaire survey and clinical examination.Results The prevalences of dental caries and periodontal diseases were 87.6%(383/437)and 90.4%(395/437),respectively;the detection rates of impacted third molars,recurrent aphthous stomatitis,other mucosal diseases,and temporomandibular joint disorders were 12.6%(55/437),54.2%(237/437),29.5%(129/437),and 19.2%(84/437),respectively.In terms of oral medical needs,23.3%(102/437)patients did not need treatment,66.1%(289/437)required elective treatment,9.2%(40/437)required early treatment,and 1.4%(6/437)required urgent treatment.Conclusion Officers and soldiers in this study have a variety of oral diseases,with periodontal diseases having the highest prevalence.Supportting plans should be formulated based on the characteristics of the prevalence of oral diseases among them,and regular oral diagnosis and treatment should be carried out to prevent the development and progression of oral diseases.

Objective To compare the application effects of plankton multiplex polymerase chain reac-tion-capillary electrophoresis(PCR-CE),SYBR Green Ⅰ real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)and microwave digestion-vacuum filtration-automated scanning electron microscopy(MD-VF-Auto SEM)in the diagnosis of drowning.Methods Lung,liver and kidney tissues from 212 drowned corpses and 30 non-drowned corpses were examined respectively by the three drowning-related plankton testing methods,and the detection rates of plankton in each tissue by three methods were compared.Results In drowned corpses,the total detection rates of PCR-CE,qPCR,and MD-VF-Auto SEM were 93.9%,96.2%,and 95.3%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The detection rate of lung tissue by MD-VF-Auto SEM(100%)was higher than those of PCR-CE and qPCR(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in the detection rates of the three methods in liver or kidney tissues(P>0.05).In non-drowning corpses,a small number of diatoms(less than 10 cells/10 g)were detected by MD-VF-Auto SEM method,only in liver and kidney tissues,while the other two methods yielded negative results for all tissues.Conclusion All three methods have good efficacy in the examination of drowned corpses.The MD-VF-Auto SEM method directly observes diatom morpho-logical characteristics through scanning electron microscopy,and the qualitative and quantitative analy-ses are intuitive and accurate.It has great advantages in the examination of difficult degradation samples.The PCR-CE method and qPCR method have a low sample demand(0.5 g),are easy to operate and have short detection time(4-7 h).They are easy to be applied in the grassroots depart-ments and are suitable for the rapid determination of drowned corpses in routin cases.The combina-tion of the two DNA methods with the MD-VF-Auto SEM method can increase the detection rate of plankton,ensuring the reliability of examination results.This combined use is of significant importance in the application of drowning diagnosis.

The inference of tissue origin of body fluid stains is crucial for case investigation and court proceedings.However,traditional methods for identification of body fluid stains,such as morpho-logical,chemical,and immunoassay identifications have certain limitations,and there is an urgent need for more efficient methods for confirmatory experiments.In recent years,the rapid development of tran-scriptomics technology has provided new means for the identification of tissue origin of body fluid stains.Different types of RNA in the transcriptome have their own advantages.This paper elaborates in detail on the application of different types of RNA,such as mRNA,miRNA,circRNA,lncRNA,piRNA and microbial transcriptomics in body fluid identification,and summarizes their respective ad-vantages and limitations,in order to provide a reference for related research.

Objective:To evaluate the role of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the spinal membrane in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced alleviation of morphine-triggered opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) and the relationship with phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in rats.Methods:Forty-eight clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 240-260 g, in which intrathecal catheters were successfully implanted, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: normal saline group (NS group), morphine group (M group), morphine+ EA group (ME group), and morphine+ EA+ CB1 antagonist group (MEA group). The OIH model was established by intrathecal injection of morphine 15 μg (10 μl) twice a day for 7 consecutive days. The equal volume of normal saline 10 μl was given instead in NS group. EA of the " Yanglingquan" (GB34) and " Zusanli" (ST36) acupoints lasting 30 min was performed after the first administration of medication each day, with a current intensity of 2 mA and frequency of 2 Hz in ME group. In MEA group, morphine (15 μg) and CB1 antagonist AM251 30 μg (10 μl) were intrathecally injected twice a day for 7 consecutive days, with other treatments similar to those previously described in ME group. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before administration (T 0) and on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after administration (T 1-4). Rats were deeply anesthetized and sacrificed at T 3, 4 after administration, and the L 4-6 spinal cord tissues were collected for determination of the expression of membrane CB1, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 by Western blot. Results:Compared with NS group, the MWT was significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at T 3, 4 in M, ME and MEA groups, the expression of spinal membrane CB1 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly up-regulated at T 4 after administration in M group, and the expression of spinal membrane CB1 was significantly up-regulated at T 3, 4 after administration in ME and MEA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with M group, the MWT was significantly increased and the TWL was prolonged at T 3, 4, and the expression of p-ERK1/2 was down-regulated at T 4 after administration in ME group ( P<0.05), no significant change was found in MWT or TWL at T 3, 4 in MEA group ( P>0.05), and the expression of spinal membrane CB1 was significantly up-regulated at T 3, 4 after administration in ME and MEA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with ME group, the MWT was significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at T 3, 4, and the expression of spinal membrane CB1 and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated at T 4 after administration in MEA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Up-regulation of spinal membrane CB1 expression is involved in EA-mediated alleviation of morphine-induced OIH, which is associated with the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rats.