Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Education is a crucial element in the development of acupuncture as a discipline, providing essential talent support for its future advancement. A structured interview was conducted with renowned acupuncture expert Professor ZHAO Jiping, focusing on key topics such as the core of acupuncture education, the connotation and development of acupuncture textbooks, and acupuncture teaching models. Through in-depth discussion, the current problems in acupuncture education were analyzed, and possible solutions were explored, aiming to offer ideas for the innovative development of acupuncture education.
Acupuncture/trends* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; China

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 ( MCMDC2 ) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) demonstrated that MCMDC2 deleterious variants caused meiotic arrest in three patients (c.1360G>T, c.1956G>T, and c.685C>T) and hypospermatogenesis in one patient (c.94G>T), as further confirmed through immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that MCMDC2 was substantially expressed during spermatogenesis. The variants were confirmed as deleterious and responsible for patient infertility through bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses. The results revealed four MCMDC2 variants related to NOA, which contributes to the current perception of the function of MCMDC2 in male fertility and presents new perspectives on the genetic etiology of NOA.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Meiosis/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/genetics* ; Adult ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Alleles ; Infertility, Male/genetics*

Objective:This study aims to investigate the influence of microvessel density（MVD） and microlymphatic vessel density（MLVD） on the prognosis of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma（HPSCC） and to develop a nomogram prediction model for prognosis based on pathological characteristics. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinicopathological and follow-up data from HPSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment at our institution between June 2010 and June 2020. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor tissues and adjacent normal margin tissues to evaluate MVD and MLVD. The associations among MVD, MLVD, and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors affecting overall survival（OS）. Based on these findings, a nomogram model was constructed and its predictive accuracy was assessed using C-index, receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve, and calibration curve. Results:Both MVD and MLVD were significantly higher in HPSCC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Patients in the high MVD and high MLVD groups exhibited significantly lower OS rates than those in the low MVD and low MLVD groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that N stage, recurrence, nerve invasion, lymph node capsule invasion, MVD, and MLVD were independent prognostic factors of OS. Based on these factors, a nomogram prognosis model was successfully constructed. The nomograms demonstrated superior performance in terms of C-index, area under the ROC curve, and calibration, outperforming the AJCC TNM staging system. Conclusion:Elevated MVD and MLVD levels are associated with poorer prognosis in HPSCC patients. The nomogram model based on pathological features provides valuable insights for clinical assessment and decision-making.
Humans ; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/blood supply* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Microvascular Density ; Nomograms ; Lymphatic Vessels/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood supply* ; Microvessels/pathology* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of dihydroartemisinin(DHA)on the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)in the tumor microenvironment in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(HPSCC).METHODS The influence of conditioned media from CAFs and normal fibroblasts(NFs)on tube formation was assessed using a tube formation assay.Secreted protein levels of IL-6,VEGFA,and VEGFC were measured by immunofluorescence and ELISA.Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of α-SMA,p-STAT3,STAT3,VEGF-A,and VEGF-C within the STAT3 signaling pathway.After treatment with DHA,the optimal concentration for DHA's effect was determined using CCK8 assays and morphological observations of cells.The impact of DHA on angiogenesis was analyzed through tube formation assays,changes in IL-6 expression were detected using ELISA and immunofluorescence,and alterations in α-SMA,p-STAT3,and STAT3 expression were examined by Western blot.RESULTS Both CAFs and NFs exhibited pro-angiogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic effects,with CAFs showing a more pronounced impact.Activated CAFs overexpressed and secreted high levels of IL-6,VEGF-A,and VEGF-C.The concentration of IL-6 in the conditioned medium supernatants of CAF1 and CAF2 was significantly higher than that of NF1 and NF2(P1<0.001,P2<0.05).Similarly,the concentration of VEGF-A was significantly increased(P1<0.05,P2<0.01),and the concentration of VEGF-C was also significantly increased(P1<0.05,P2<0.01).Treatment with DHA inhibited the activated state of CAFs,reducing the expression and secretion of IL-6 and p-STAT3,thereby suppressing tube formation.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that CAFs promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in HPSCC via activation of the STAT3 pathway.DHA effectively inhibits this process,suggesting a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HPSCC.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among malignant tumors in China.Persistent subsolid nodules(SSNs)are closely associated with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.Artificial intelligence(AI),as an emerging technology,is capable of performing in-depth analysis of large-scale imaging data through autonomous learning and possesses the ability to predict outcomes from new data,demonstrating great potential and application prospects in the assessment of SSNs.AI can not only effectively assist radiologists in diagnosis and treatment,but also improve work efficiency while reducing misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis rates.This review summarizes the recent applications and research progress of AI in the assessment of SSNs,to provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of SSNs.

Objective:To analyze the effect of long-term care insurance on the incidence of falls in old people with disability, and the modification effect of different living arrangements.Methods:Based on the discharge diagnosis records of the hospitalization in urban residents who applied for long-term care insurance in Chengdu from July 2014 to June 2021, those who received long-term care insurance were selected as the intervention group and those who received no long-term care insurance were selected as the control group, the changes in the incidence of falls before and after the long-term care were analyzed using difference-in-differences method, and the modification effects of different living arrangements were explored using stratified analysis.Results:Long-term care insurance significantly reduced the risk for monthly incidence of falls in older adults [average treatment effects on treated (ATT) = -1.21% (95% CI: -1.82%--0.60%)], and the effect increased over time (ATT=-1.26%, 95% CI: -1.93%--0.59%). Long-term care insurance had a significant effect on reducing the incidence of falls in old people living with spouses/family members (ATT=-0.92%, 95% CI: -1.47%--0.37%) and in nursing facilities/hospitals (ATT=-2.10%, 95% CI: -3.81%--0.40%), but it had no significant effect in those living alone. Conclusions:Long-term care insurance can effectively reduce the incidence of falls in old people with disability, showing a positive effect. Living with family members or in nursing facilities/hospitals has a modification effect of the implementation of long-term care insurance policy. It is necessary to pay attention to key populations in the future and expand the coverage of long-term care insurance.