Objective: Miniscrews are commonly utilized as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in cases of maxillary protrusion and premolar extraction. This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential side effects of two conventional miniscrew configurations on the maxillary incisors. Methods: Eighty-two adult patients with maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion who had undergone bilateral first premolar extraction were retrospectively divided into three groups: non-TAD, two posterior miniscrews only (P-TADs), and two anterior and two posterior miniscrews combined (AP-TADs). Cone-beam computed tomography was used to evaluate the maxillary central incisors (U1). Results: The APTADs group had significantly greater U1 intrusion (1.99 ± 2.37 mm, n = 50) and less retroclination (1.70° ± 8.80°) compared to the P-TADs (–0.07 ± 1.65 mm and 9.45° ± 10.68°, n = 60) and non-TAD group (0.30 ± 1.61 mm and 1.91° ± 9.39°, n = 54).However, the AP-TADs group suffered from significantly greater apical root resorption (ARR) of U1 (2.69 ± 1.38 mm) than the P-TADs (1.63 ± 1.46 mm) and non-TAD group (0.89 ± 0.97 mm). Notably, the incidence of grade IV ARR was 16.6% in the AP-TADs group, significantly higher than the rates observed in the P-TADs (6.7%) and non-TAD (1.9%) groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that after excluding tooth movement factors, the AP-TADs configuration resulted in an additional 0.5 mm of ARR compared with the P-TADs group. Conclusions In cases of maxillary protrusion and premolar extraction, the use of combined anterior and posterior miniscrews enhances incisor intrusion and minimizes torque loss of the maxillary incisors. However, this approach results in more severe ARR, likely due to the increased apical movement and composite force exerted.

Purpose: Biomarkers predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (sPC) before biopsy are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive urine test to predict sPC in at-risk men using urinary metabolomic profiles. Materials and Methods: Urine samples from 934 at-risk subjects and 268 treatment-naïve PC patients were subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics profiling using both C18 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column analyses. Four models were constructed (training cohort [n=647]) and validated (validation cohort [n=344]) for different purposes. Model I differentiates PC from benign cases. Models II, III, and a Gleason score model (model GS) predict sPC that is defined as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-categorized favorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model II), unfavorable-intermediate risk group or higher (Model III), and GS ≥7 PC (model GS), respectively. The metabolomic panels and predicting models were constructed using logistic regression and Akaike information criterion. Results: The best metabolomic panels from the HILIC column include 25, 27, 28 and 26 metabolites in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging between 0.82 and 0.91 in the training cohort and between 0.77 and 0.86 in the validation cohort. The combination of the metabolomic panels and five baseline clinical factors that include serum prostate-specific antigen, age, family history of PC, previously negative biopsy, and abnormal digital rectal examination results significantly increased AUCs (range 0.88–0.91). At 90% sensitivity (validation cohort), 33%, 34%, 41%, and 36% of unnecessary biopsies were avoided in Models I, II, III, and GS, respectively. The above results were successfully validated using LC-MS with the C18 column. Conclusions Urinary metabolomic profiles with baseline clinical factors may accurately predict sPC in men with elevated risk before biopsy.

In recent years, with the continuous development and increasing maturity of interventional techniques, interventional treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD) has been progressively disseminated to county- and city-level hospitals in China. Concurrently, the standardized management of adult CHD (particularly patent foramen ovale) and the lifelong management of complex CHD are gaining increasing clinical attention, while the emergence of new techniques and products continuously advances the discipline. This article aims to review the new progress made in the field of interventional treatment for congenital heart disease in China during 2024. It specifically reviews and analyzes the following key aspects: (1) annual statistics on interventional closure procedures for CHD; (2) recent insights into patent foramen ovale closure; (3) advances in transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement; (4) interventional treatment and lifelong management strategies for complex CHD; (5) new interventional techniques for acquired heart disease; and (6) the application of artificial intelligence in CHD management. Through the synthesis and discussion of these topics, this article seeks to provide a detailed analysis of the current landscape of interventional treatment for CHD in China and project its future development trends.

ObjectiveThe proteome of biological evidence contains rich genetic information, namely single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs) in protein sequences. However, due to the lack of efficient and convenient analysis tools, the application of SAP in public security still faces many challenges. This paper aims to meet the application requirements of SAP analysis for forensic biological evidence’s proteome data. MethodsThe software is divided into three modules. First, based on a built-in database of common non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) and SAPs in East Asian populations, the software integrates and annotates newly identified exonic nsSNPs as SAPs, thereby constructing a customized SAP protein sequence database. It then utilizes a pre-installed search engine—either pFind or MaxQuant—to perform analysis and output SAP typing results, identifying both reference and variant types, along with their corresponding imputed nsSNPs. Finally, SAPTyper compares the proteome-based typing results with the individual’s exome-derived nsSNP profile and outputs the comparison report. ResultsSAPTyper accepts proteomic DDA mass spectrometry raw data (DDA acquisition mode) and exome sequencing results of nsSNPs as input and outputs the report of SAPs result. The pFind and Maxquant search engines were used to test the proteome data of 2 hair shafts of2 individuals, and both obtained SAP results. It was found that the results of the Maxquant search engine were slightly less than those of pFind. This result shows that SAPTyper can achieve SAP fingding function. Moreover, the pFind search engine was used to test the proteome data of 3 hair shafts from 1 European person and 1 African person in the literature. Among the sites fully matched by the literature method, sites detected by SAPTyper are also included; for semi-matching sites, that is, nsSNPs are heterozygous, both literature method and SAPTyper method had the risk of missing detection for one type of the allele. Comparing the analysis results of SAPTyper with the SAP test results reported in the literature, it was found that some imputed nsSNP sites identified by the literature method but not detected by SAPTyper had a MAF of less than 0.1% in East Asian populations, and therefore they were not included in the common nsSNP database of East Asian populations constructed by this software. Since the database construction of this software is based on the genetic variation information of East Asian populations, it is currently unable to effectively identify representative unique common variation sites in European or African populations, but it can still identify SAP sites shared by these populations and East Asian populations. ConclusionAn automated SAP analysis algorithm was developed for East Asian populations, and the software named SAPTyper was developed. This software provides a convenient and efficient analysis tool for the research and application of forensic proteomic SAP and has important application prospects in individual identification and phenotypic inference based on SAP.

Objective To assess the situation and influencing factors of occupational burnout among the staff at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Sichuan Province. Methods A total of 1 038 CDC staff members in Sichuan Province were selected as the study subjects using the stratified random sampling method. Occupational burnout of the staff was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey via an online questionnaire. Results The detection rate of occupational burnout was 42.3% (439/1 038). Binary logistic regression analysis result showed that, after controlling for confounding factors such as education level and alcohol consumption, CDC staffs aged at 20-<31, 31-<41, and 41-<51 years were at higher risk of occupational burnout compared with those ≥51 years (all P<0.05). CDC staffs with 5-<10 or ≥10 years of service had higher occupational burnout risk compared with those with <5 years (both P<0.05). CDC staffs with poor or fair health status, irregular diet, and poor sleep quality had higher risk of occupational burnout compared with those healthy, have regular diet, and good sleep quality (all P<0.05). The risk of occupational burnout increased with higher overtime frequency (all P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational burnout among CDC staffs in Sichuan Province is relatively high. Age, years of service, health status, diet, sleep quality, and overtime frequency are key influencing factors.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of plasma cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 48 NHL patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2020 and December 2022 were selected as NHL group, and another 34 healthy people who underwent physical examimation during the same period were selected as the healthy control group. The levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) - α and IFN-γ in the plasma of patients at first admission and healthy subjects during physical examination were detected by using flow cytometry. The differences in general data and all cytokines levels of both groups were compared. The collinearity stepwise screening was made in 7 cytokines levels, and the screened variables were included in multivariate binary logistic regression model. Plasma cytokines with independent effects on the pathogenesis of NHL were screened. Taking local biopsy, histopathological examination or immunohistochemical examination as the gold standard, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of individual and combined diagnosis of NHL based on the selected cytokines were drawn to judge the diagnostic effect of all indicators on NHL.Results:There were 32 males (66.7%) and 16 females (33.3%) in NHL group, with the median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 56.50 (45.75, 67.50) years; there were 28 males (82.4%) and 6 females (17.6%) in the healthy control group, with the median age of 52.00 (47.50, 55.50) years. There were no statistically significant differences in age and gender composition between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). The levels of IL-2 [1.44 (1.36, 1.85) pg/ml vs. 1.19 (0.86, 1.68) pg/ml] and TNF-α [3.46 (2.68, 4.06) pg/ml vs. 2.23 (1.52, 3.46) pg/ml] in NHL group were higher than those in the healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ levels (all P > 0.05). According to collinear stepwise screening of independent variables, IL-4 and TNF-α were excluded from 7 cytokines, and the other 5 cytokines were included in multivariate logistic regression model, and the result showed that the decreased level of IL-2 ( OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.08-0.53, P = 0.001) and the increased levels of IL-6 ( OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04-1.33, P = 0.009) and IFN-γ ( OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08-1.46, P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for the onset of NHL. The results showed that the area under the curve of IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ and the combination of 3 indexes for the diagnosis of NHL was 0.760 (95% CI: 0.651-0.870), 0.595 (95% CI: 0.468-0.722), 0.508 (95% CI: 0.373-0.642), 0.847 (95% CI: 0.763-0.930), and the optimal cut-off value of the combination of 3 indexes was 0.730 which was calculated by logistic regression model formula; the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 70.2% and 94.1%, respectively. Conclusions:The decreased level of IL-2 and increased levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ at initial diagnosis are risk factors for the onset of NHL. The combined detection of the 3 indexes shows a good value in the diagnosis of NHL.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of sacral canal posterior wall reconstruction in the treatment of symptomatic sacral canal cysts.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted.The clinical data of 80 patients with symptomatic sacral cysts who underwent surgical treatment at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, between June 2018 and September 2024 were collected. There were 19 males and 61 females, with an average age of (49.0±11.3) years (ranged from 23-76 years). The patients were divided into the traditional group ( n=30) and the reconstruction group ( n=50) based on the surgical approach. The traditional group underwent the conventional surgical method without reconstruction of the posterior wall of the sacral canal, while the reconstruction group underwent posterior wall reconstruction of the sacral canal. Postoperative observations included the integrity of the sacral canal posterior wall, wound healing, and symptom improvement in both groups. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation( ± s). Independent samples t-test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test. Ordinal data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between variables. Results:Among the 80 patients, the sacral bone integrity score in the reconstruction group was (1.42±0.49) scores, compared to (3.00±0.00) scores in the traditional group, the reconstruction group showed significantly better results ( P<0.05). Symptom improvement was also significantly different between the two groups ( P=0.038): in the traditional group, 17 patients experienced complete symptom resolution, 6 partial improvement, 7 no improvement, and 0 worsening; in the reconstruction group, 37 had complete symptom resolution, 11 partial improvement, 2 no improvement, and 0 worsening. The effective improvement rate (complete+ partial improvement) in the reconstruction group was significantly better than that in the traditional group ( P=0.012). In terms of wound healing, 76 cases healed well, 4 had delayed healing, and 0 had infections. In the traditional group, 27 healed well, 3 had delayed healing, 0 infections; in the reconstruction group, 49 healed well, 1 had delayed healing, and 0 infections. There was no significant difference in wound healing rate between the two groups ( P=0.146). A significant positive correlation was found between sacral canal posterior wall integrity and symptom improvement ( r=0.288, P=0.010). Conclusion:Sacral canal posterior wall reconstruction significantly improves postoperative anatomical integrity and clinical outcomes without increasing complications, supporting its adoption as a preferred surgical approach for symptomatic sacral canal cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effect of Huanglian-Renshen-Decoction (HRD) on ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus by maintaining islet β -cell identity through regulating paracrine and endocrine glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in both islet and intestine. METHODS: The db/db mice were divided into the model (distilled water), low-dose HRD (LHRD, 3 g/kg), high-dose HRD (HHRD, 6 g/kg), and liraglutide (400 µ g/kg) groups using a random number table, 8 mice in each group. The db/m mice were used as the control group (n=8, distilled water). The entire treatment of mice lasted for 6 weeks. Blood insulin, glucose, and GLP-1 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The proliferation and apoptosis factors of islet cells were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Then, GLP-1, GLP-1R, prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), PC2, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue A (MafA), and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) were detected by Western blot, IHC, IF, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: HRD reduced the weight and blood glucose of the db/db mice, and improved insulin sensitivity at the same time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HRD also promoted mice to secrete more insulin and less glucagon (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, it also increased the number of islet β cell and decreased islet α cell mass (P<0.01). After HRD treatment, the levels of GLP-1, GLP-1R, PC1/3, PC2, MafA, and PDX1 in the pancreas and intestine significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION HRD can maintain the normal function and identity of islet β cell, and the underlying mechanism is related to promoting the paracrine and endocrine activation of GLP-1 in pancreas and intestine.
Animals ; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/metabolism* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/metabolism* ; Insulin-Secreting Cells/pathology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Insulin/blood* ; Mice ; Intestinal Mucosa/pathology* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Islets of Langerhans/pathology*