Ferroptosis is a key driver of the onset and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. By exploring the role of ferroptosis in COPD from the perspective of "qi deficiency with retention and stagnation"， it is considered that mitochondrial dysfunction and imbalanced antioxidant defenses are the microscopic manifestations of "qi deficiency"， whereas iron accumulation and lipid peroxide deposition constitute the pathological basis of "retention and stagnation". In traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the treatment principle is tonifying deficiency and benefiting qi， scattering retention and unblocking stagnation. Its mechanism involves improving the antioxidant system and mitochondrial function to enhance cellular resistance to ferroptosis， as well as relieving pulmonary iron overload， excessive lipid peroxidation， and inflammatory factor release to reduce the accumulation of pathological products， thereby exerting therapeutic effects on COPD.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among newly detained populations in eastern China, to identify high-risk groups, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating tuberculosis prevention and control strategies in the prison system. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the newly admitted detainees in two prisons in eastern China in 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors and previous disease history of the research subjects were collected through a structured questionnaire survey. The LTBI status of the detainees was determined using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) method. Lasso regression was used to screen variables, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the influencing factors of LTBI. ResultsA total of 305 detainees were included in the study. The median age of detainees was 35 (31, 43) years. The study population was predominantly male (67.21%), of Han ethnicity (95.41%), had a junior or senior high school education (59.34%), and was unemployed (31.80%). A history of smoking was reported by 52.79% of participants, while 57.70% reported no alcohol consumption. The majority had no history of hypertension (85.90%), diabetes mellitus (93.77%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (97.38%), familial genetic diseases (95.08%), surgery or trauma (73.77%), drug use (92.79%), or hepatitis (93.77%). The LTBI rate was 14.75%. After comparing the demographic characteristics of LTBI and non-infected groups, it was found that smoking history (χ²=7.40, P=0.025), drug use history (χ²=5.49, P=0.019), and HIV infection (χ²=8.12, P=0.004) were statistically correlated with LTBI infection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.08, 95%CI: 1.60‒10.42, P=0.003], HIV infection (aOR=11.57, 95%CI: 2.50‒53.51, P=0.002) and drug use (aOR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.02‒9.09, P=0.046) were risk factors for LTBI. ConclusionThe LTBI rate among newly detainees in two prisons in eastern China is slightly lower than that among long-term detainees. Early screening and intervention should be implemented for newly detainees, with particular attention focused on high-risk groups such as those with a history of smoking, HIV infection, or drug use.

Objective To investigate alteration in brain gray matter volume in kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)and its correlation with post-traumatic stress symptoms(PTSS)in KTRs so as to provide neuro-imaging evidence for early detection and intervention of PTSS in KTRs.Methods Forty-six KTRs and 46 age-,sex-,and education-matched heath control(HCs)underwent brain MRI scanning with 3D T1-weighted structural images.Voxel-based morphometry(VBM)was applied to compare the gray matter volume between the two groups.For regions with significant differences in gray matter volume between KTRs and HCs,we analyzed the correlations with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R)scores,which assess the severity of PTSS.Results Compared to HCs,KTRs showed significant reductions in gray matter volume in the bilateral precentral gyrus,middle frontal gyrus,supplementary motor area,medial paracingulate gyrus,and bilateral middle temporal gyrus(all P＜0.05,TFCE-FWE correction).The gray matter volume of the left middle frontal gyrus in KTRs was negatively correlated with their IES-R scores(r=-0.235,P=0.022).Conclusion KTRs exhibit abnormal gray matter volume,and the gray matter volume of the left middle frontal gyrus is correlated with the severity of PTSS.

Objective:To investigate the differences in acute intestinal injury and regulatory mechanisms in mice following carbon ion FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) and conventional dose rate radiotherapy (CONV-RT).Methods:Healthy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups: control group, FLASH-RT group (100 Gy/s), and CONV-RT group (0.1 Gy/s), with 9 mice in each group. All mice received carbon ion whole abdominal radiotherapy. DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and cell proliferation were evaluated by measuring the expression of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) and nuclear-associated antigen 67 (Ki67) using immunohistochemistry; apoptosis was analyzed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL); transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the differences in molecular pathways between FLASH-RT and CONV-RT.Results:Compared with the CONV-RT group, the FLASH-RT group showed significantly reduced intestinal γ-H2AX signal at 3 h after radiotherapy ( t=3.80, P<0.01), significantly increased expression of Ki67 at the base of intestinal crypts at 6 h after radiotherapy ( t=4.30, P<0.001), and a significantly decreased number of TUNEL-positive cells at 12 h after radiotherapy ( t=3.08, P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that FLASH-RT specifically activated the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway, avoiding the excessive activation of CONV-RT-induced nuclear factor-κB and B cell receptor inflammatory pathways as well as the inhibition of energy metabolism. Conclusions:Compared with CONV-RT, carbon ion FLASH-RT can reduce DSB damage, preserve the proliferative activity of intestinal stem cells, activate the IGF pathway, and regulate inflammatory, immune, and metabolic pathways, thereby significantly alleviating acute intestinal epithelial injury. Specifically, the regulation of repair pathways mediated by reduced DSB and the inhibition of inflammatory pathways are potential protective mechanisms for normal tissues.

FLASH irradiation (FLASH-IR) is one of the cutting-edge research directions in the field of tumor radiotherapy. Previous studies have demonstrated that FLASH-IR can effectively eradicate tumors while significantly reducing damage to normal tissues, exhibiting unique biological effects characterized by high efficiency and low toxicity. Monte Carlo simulation at the microscopic scale is a critical method for studying radiobiological effects and has been widely applied in conventional radiotherapy research. In recent years, its application in microscopic reaction analysis and mechanistic exploration of FLASH-IR has grown rapidly. This article systematically reviews the latest advances and key challenges in microscopic Monte Carlo simulation studies of FLASH-IR, aiming to provide theoretical insights and method ological guidance for future research.

Objective: To investigate the association between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and periodontitis and to provide new epidemiologic evidence on the factors affecting periodontitis. Methods: Data on MHR, periodontitis, and other covariates were selected from the NHANES(National Health and Nutrition Examination) database for 3 cycles of subjects in 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014, and a total of 8 456 study subjects were included. The study participants were grouped according to the prevalence of periodontitis (presence or absence), and three regression models (unadjusted covariates, partially adjusted covariates, and fully adjusted covariates) were constructed to analyze the relationship between MHR and periodontitis by using a weighted logistic regression method with stepwise adjustment for confounders. MHR was divided into four groups from Q1 to Q4 according to quartiles from small to large for weighted trend analysis, and the nonlinear relationship between MHR (continuous) and periodontitis was analyzed using a restricted cubic spline with subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results: All three logistic regression models showed a positive association between MHR and periodontitis (OR = 2.92, 95%CI: 2.14-3.99, P<0.001 (not adjusted); OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.39-2.78, P<0.001 (partially adjusted); OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.10-2.39, P = 0.017 (fully adjusted)). Trend analysis showed a significantly higher risk of developing periodontitis in the Q4 group compared with the Q1 group in both single (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.58-2.33, P<0.001) and multifactorial analyses (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03-1.64, P = 0.029). Restricted cubic spline results did not support a nonlinear relationship between MHR and periodontitis (P for nonlinear>0.05), subgroup analysis showed no significant interaction between the covariates and MHR (P>0.05), and sensitivity analysis also showed a positive correlation between MHR and periodontitis (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.31-2.14, P<0.001). Conclusion MHR is positively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis.

Objective To investigate alteration in brain gray matter volume in kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)and its correlation with post-traumatic stress symptoms(PTSS)in KTRs so as to provide neuro-imaging evidence for early detection and intervention of PTSS in KTRs.Methods Forty-six KTRs and 46 age-,sex-,and education-matched heath control(HCs)underwent brain MRI scanning with 3D T1-weighted structural images.Voxel-based morphometry(VBM)was applied to compare the gray matter volume between the two groups.For regions with significant differences in gray matter volume between KTRs and HCs,we analyzed the correlations with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R)scores,which assess the severity of PTSS.Results Compared to HCs,KTRs showed significant reductions in gray matter volume in the bilateral precentral gyrus,middle frontal gyrus,supplementary motor area,medial paracingulate gyrus,and bilateral middle temporal gyrus(all P＜0.05,TFCE-FWE correction).The gray matter volume of the left middle frontal gyrus in KTRs was negatively correlated with their IES-R scores(r=-0.235,P=0.022).Conclusion KTRs exhibit abnormal gray matter volume,and the gray matter volume of the left middle frontal gyrus is correlated with the severity of PTSS.

Objective:To explore the molecular epidemiological characteristics of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Beijing from 2023 to 2024.Methods:In the longitudinal study, 9 834 children with ARI were enrolled from August 2023 to December 2024, including the influenza-like illness (ILI) group from emergency and outpatient department receiving influenza virus (Flu) and HMPV test and the ARI inpatient group for 13 common respiratory pathogen screening test including HMPV, Flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and so on. All respiratory samples positive with HMPV were genotyped by amplifying and sequencing of G gene and further phylogenetic analysis. The χ2 test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare the positive rate and basic clinical data of the 2 groups. Results:Among 9 834 enrolled patient, there were 5 276 male and 4 558 female children, with age 5.4 (1.9, 8.2) years. In ILI group of 1 460 patients, there were 83 cases (5.7%) positive for HMPV, with the age 4.9 (3.6, 6.6) years and children under 6.0 years old 59 cases (71.1%). Among 8 374 ARI inpatients, there were 256 cases (3.1%) positive for HMPV, with age 3.5 (1.3, 6.4) years and children under 6.0 years old 188 cases (73.4%). The HMPV positive rate and the age of children positive for HMPV in ARI inpatient group were significantly lower than that in ILI group (both P<0.001). In December, 2024, the HMPV positive rates of ILI and ARI inpatient group (21.3% (17/80), 15.0% (47/314)) were significantly higher than the total positive rates of each group (both P<0.001). Among 279 subtyped specimens, there were 155 cases (55.6%) belonging to genotype A and 124 cases (44.4%) belonging to genotype B. Sub-lineage A2.2.2 containing 111nt-insertions was predominate one in 2023 with positive ratio 89.2% (91/102), and B2 was predominate in 2024 with positive ratio 64.4% (114/177). Conclusions:From 2023 to 2024, the positive rate of HMPV in the ILI group was higher than that in the ARI inpatient group, suggesting a common epidemic of HMPV infection. Children positive for HMPV in the ARI inpatient group were younger than that in the ILI group. A severe epidemic of HMPV was observed in the winter of 2024, which requires attention. Sub-lineage A2.2.2 with 111nt-duplicate insertions and B2 were the predominant epidemic strains in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion is characterized by maxillary protrusion,mandibular retrognathia,or a combination of both,and often accompanied by vertical dimensional discrepancies;treatment is complex,and combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgery is needed for the adult patients.Clear aligner therapy has gradually been applied in complex orthodontic cases.However,limited cases have been reported domestically and internationally regarding the application of clear aligner therapy combined with orthognathic surgery.This article presented a case of a patient with skeletal class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion treated with the combined therapy and analyzed the clinical efficacy of the treatment appraoch to provide reference for the clinical practice.Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth 18,28,38,and 48,as well as orthodontic teeth 15,25,34,and 44,was performed in stages before orthodontic treatment.Clear aligner therapy was used for preoperative orthodontics.In sagittal plane,a super-complete class Ⅱ canine and molar relationship and a 13-14 mm overjet of the anterior teeth were established.The maxillary and mandibular arch morphology was matched horizontally.The orthognathic surgery included maxillary LeFort Ⅰ osteotomy,bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy(BSSRO)and chinplasty.Fine occlusal adjustment was conducted after operation.After treatment,the skeletal relationship between upper and lower jaw was corrected to normal;subspinale-nasion-supramental angle(ANB)was improved from 12.3° to 4.7°;the patient established the class Ⅰ canine and molar relationship,with normal overjet and overbite;root parallelism was good and there was no obvious root resorption;the facial soft tissue profile was significantly improved,and nasion-subnasale-pogonion angle(N-Sn-Pg)was improved from 143.9° to 162.8°.The curative effect was stable 1 year after operation.Clear aligner therapy can efficiently complete combined orthodontic and orthodontic surgery in the complex cases.Compared with the fixed appliance,it is more beneficial to the patients'need for beauty and the maintenance of periodontal health.

The patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion are frequently complicated by idiopathic condylar resorption(ICR),which may lead to temporomandibular joint(TMJ)dysfunction and dentofacial deformities.This article reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a 24-year-old female patient with skeletal Class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion accompanied by ICR.The patient's chief complaints were anterior open bite and TMJ pain,and was diagnosed with ICR through clinical examination and imaging.After stabilizing condylar resorption with occlusal splint therapy,combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment was performed.The 42-month follow-up revealed:well-aligned dentition with complete closure of diastemas,significant improvement of protrusive facial profile(ANB angle reduced by 4.2°),complete resolution of TMJ pain and clicking,and establishment of stable Class Ⅰ occlusion.Three-dimensional CT demonstrated satisfactory condylar bone remodeling and normalized joint space.Through multidisciplinary treatment,both occlusal function and facial aesthetics were significantly improved.This case demonstrates that orthodontic-orthognathic treatment should be performed after condylar stabilization in ICR patients,and occlusal splint therapy serves as an effective preoperative intervention.