Objective To explore risk factors for cardiac valve calcification (CVC) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and evaluate its impact on cardiovascular events and mortality. Methods Retrospective selection of 223 patients with MHD admitted to the Department of Nephrology of Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2024, and enrollment completed within one week of June 30, 2019. Patients were divided into CVC and non-CVC groups. Baseline data and 5-year follow-up data were collected. The binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors for CVC. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the survival rate of patients. Cox proportional hazard regression model was applied to evaluate the impact of CVC on the survival rates of MHD patients. Results Totally, 223 MHD patients with an average age of (58.4±13.5) years and an average dialysis duration of (64.0±55.4) months were involved. Among them, 136(61.0%) were males, 117(52.5%) were complicated with CVC. Age, dialysis duration, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the serum corrected total calcium and phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) were independent related factors for CVC (P＜0.05). Both all-cause mortality (46.6% vs 28.7%) and cardiovascular mortality (33.3% vs 16.0%) were significantly higher in the CVC group than those in the non-CVC group (P＜0.01). Conclusions Age, dialysis duration, the primary disease, calcium and phosphate, and inflammation- and nutrition-related serum indicators are associated with CVC in MHD patients. CVC significantly increases mortality risk of MHD patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the registration accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images while registering to virtual craniodentofacial patients based on soft tissue and the dentition registration method. METHODS: Virtual dentofacial patients out of 13 selected participants who needed CBCT scanning were established by impression with a registered-block impression (RBI) based on digital dental images, three-dimensional (3D) facial images and maxillofacial CBCT images. CBCT images were processed in the Mimics software program, establishing the craniofacial virtual patients based on CBCT images (CCTs). Registration between virtual patients from RBI and CCT, using the soft tissue in lower half face (STE) and dentition (DTN) as the reference area, respectively, forming two kinds of virtual craniofacial patients based on digital dental images, 3D facial images and skeletal images of CBCT (hiding the soft tissue and dental casts from CBCT). Three-dimensional deviation analysis was performed in the upper half face and lower half face of facial images from CBCT between two kinds of virtual craniodentofacial patients and compared with 3D facial images from RBI and recorded as root mean square error (RMSE). Paired-t test was used to compare the deviations of RMSEs between the upper and lower half of the face and the upper half of the face of facial images from CCT, respectively, between the two kinds of virtual craniodentofacial patients based on STE and DTN methods. RESULTS: Paired-t tests showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the upper and lower half faces of facial images from CCT between STE and DTN (P>0.05), but the deviation of RMSEs of the upper half face of facial images from CCT in STE was smaller than those in DTN [(1.696±0.420) mm vs. (1.752±0.424) mm, P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION The registration accuracy of CBCT registered in virtual craniodentofacial patients using soft tissue as the reference area was higher.
Humans ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography/methods* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods* ; Male ; Face/anatomy & histology* ; Female ; Adult ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Young Adult ; User-Computer Interface

The disturbance of the human microbiota influences the occurrence and progression of many diseases. Live therapeutic bacteria, with their genetic manipulability, anaerobic tendencies, and immunomodulatory properties, are emerging as promising therapeutic agents. However, their clinical applications face challenges in maintaining activity and achieving precise spatiotemporal release, particularly in the harsh gastrointestinal environment. This review highlights the innovative bacterial functionalized encapsulation strategies developed through advances in physicochemical and biological techniques. We comprehensively review how bacterial encapsulation strategies can be used to provide physical barriers and enhanced adhesion properties to live microorganisms, while introducing superior material properties to live bacteria. In addition, this review outlines how bacterial surface coating can facilitate targeted delivery and precise spatiotemporal release of live bacteria. Furthermore, it elucidates their potential applications for treating different diseases, along with critical perspectives on challenges in clinical translation. This review comprehensively analyzes the connection between functionalized bacterial encapsulation and innovative biomedical applications, providing a theoretical reference for the development of next-generation bacterial therapies.

Objective To investigate the trend of dynamic changes and the mechanisms of P2X7R by which berberine(BBR)alleviates chronic retinal light injury in mice.Methods A total of 90 mice were randomly divided into three groups,a blank control group(n=10),a group exposed to low-intensity blue light(500 lux)for 12 hours per day for a duration of 3 months,which was referred to as the LD group(n=40),and another group given BBR at a dose of 200 mg/kg via gastric gavage on top of the blue light exposure for the LD group,which was referred to as the LD+BBR group(n=40).After the light exposure and gavage were completed,eye tissues were collected from the mice.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the protective effects of berberine on chronic retinal light damage in mice.TUNEL assay was performed to assess the effect of berberine on apoptotic cells in mice with chronic retinal light injury.Additionally,quantitative polymerase chain reaction(QPCR)was performed to assess the expression level of P2X7 receptors in chronic retinal light injury relieved by BBR.Results Compared with the blank control group,the LD group exhibited abnormal retinal morphology,with some ganglion cells displaying reduced nuclei,a deeper stain,and loose arrangement.In the LD group,the cells in the inner nuclear layer appeared to be slightly more loosely arranged,while the cells in the outer nuclear layer cells were arranged in a disorderly way.Furthermore,the thickness of the outer nuclear layer of the retina from mice in the LD group was(47.11±2.01)μm,and a significant number of apoptotic cells were observed in the outer nuclear layer,resulting in an apoptosis rate of(71.16±5.99)％(P＜0.05).In contrast,the LD+BBR group showed mild abnormal retinal morphology with loosely arranged ganglion cells.In the LD+BBR group,the cells in both inner and outer nuclear layers of retina exhibited relatively intact morphology,uniform staining pattern,and tight arrangement.Moreover,the thickness measurement for outer nuclear layer revealed a value of(54.07±2.05)μm,and there were only a few apoptotic cells present,resulting in an apoptotic rate of(16.02±2.68)％(P＜0.05).Compared with that of the blank control group,the relative expression of P2X7R mRNA in the retinas of the LD group was upregulated,with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant(P＜0.05).The relative expression of P2X7R mRNA in the retinas of the LD+BBR group was downregulated,showing no statistical significance compared with that of the blank control group.However,compared with that of the LD group,the relative expression of P2X7R mRNA in the retinas of the LD+BBR group showed a significant downward trend,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Berberine can alleviate chronic retinal photodamage in mice,and inhibit the activation of P2X7R,thereby preventing the formation of retinal photodamage.

[Objective]To assess the repeatability(intra-operator variability)and reproducibility(inter-operator variability)of a new partial coherence interferometry(PCI)-based ocular biometer,Myopia Master,and its agreement with IOL Master 500 for measuring axial length(AL)and corneal curvature(K)in children aged 8-12 years.[Methods]The same operator measured school children with the Myopia Master and the IOL Master 500 in random order to assess agreement.Additionally,some of these children received measurements from another operator using the Myopia Master to assess repeatability and reproducibility.AL,flat keratometry(Kf),steep keratometry(Ks),mean keratometry(Km),J0 and J45 were analyzed.The repeatability and reproducibility were assessed by the within-subject standard deviation(Sw),test-retest repeatability(TRT),coefficient of variation(CoV)and intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC).The agree-ment between the Myopia Master and the IOL Master 500 was assessed by Bland-Altman plots and 95%limits of agree-ment(LoA).[Results]Both repeatability and reproducibility of the Myopia Master were high for AL measurements(Sw=0.02 mm,ICC=0.999;Sw=0.04 mm,ICC=0.998),but moderate for K measurements(Sw range,0.04 to 0.12 D,ICC range,0.861 to 0.991;Sw range,0.06 to 0.20 D,ICC range,0.835 to 0.992).There were significant mean differences be-tween the Myopia Master and the IOL Master 500 in measurements of AL(-0.01±0.04)mm,Kf(-0.09±0.15)D,Ks(-0.47±0.40)D,and Km(-0.28±0.23)D,J0(0.18±0.20)D and J45(-0.01±0.12)D.[Conclusions]The Myopia Master provided high repeatability and reproducibility for AL measurements in schoolchildren with myopia,but the Myopia Master and the IOL Master 500 cannot be used interchangeably in measuring AL and K.

The fundamental pathogenic mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the gastrointestinal tract,are still not fully understood.Dipeptidyl peptidase Ⅳ(DPP-4)is a glycoprotein found on the cell surface that has signaling and enzymatic properties.In addition,there is growing evidence from animal models and clinical trials that DPP-4 inhibitors have potential impacts beyond only lowering blood sugar levels,such as immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capabilities.This article reviews the biological properties of DPP-4 and its research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.It also discusses the mechanism of DPP-4 in IBD,aiming to provide a more in-depth understanding of the role of DPP-4 in IBD.

ObjectiveTo explore the imbalance of paravertebral muscle group for patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation. MethodsFrom January, 2022 to January, 2023, 30 patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (observation group) and 30 healthy people matching in general data (control group) were measured the tension and stiffness of multifidus and erector spinae with MyotonPRO, while the observation group was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the time of disease was also recorded. ResultsThe mean of bilateral tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae was more in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 5.407, P < 0.001), and the tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were more than those of the unaffected side in the observation group (|t| > 11.219, P < 0.001). The tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were positively correlated with VAS score (r > 0.942, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with JOA score (|r| > 0.886, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side increase after unilateral lumbar disc herniation, resulting in asymmetry.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of echo intensity of ultrasound image for quality of quadriceps femoris in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsFrom March to December, 2021, 33 patients with unilateral KOA in Guangdong Provincial Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. Ultrasound was used to observe the cross sections of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL), and the images were saved. Two independent raters analyzed the average gray value of the picture with the Image J. One of the raters repeated the measurement. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated and the Bland-Altman charts were drawn. ResultsThe gray value was higher in the RF, VM and VL in the affected side than in the healthy side (t > 2.262, P < 0.05). The inter-rater reliability was excellent, with ICC 0.982 to 0.995, SEM 1.60 to 3.82, CV 1.49% to 5.90%, and MDC value 4.43 to 10.59. The test-retest reliability of the rater was excellent, with ICC 0.969 to 0.990, SEM 2.37 to 5.41, CV 2.22% to 4.84%, and MDC value 6.57 to 15.00. Bland-Altman charts analysis showed that the consistency was good. ConclusionThe quadriceps femoris muscle quality is different between the affected and the healthy sides in patients with unilateral KOA. It is reliable to evaluate muscle echo intensity by Image J.

OBJECT IVE To investigate the influential factors of direct economic burden of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （AECOPD）patients in hospital ，and to provide related suggestions to reduce the direct economic burden of hospitalization. METHODS During Dec. 1st，2019-Oct. 31st，2020，the data of 1 923 AECOPD patients admitted into the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were collected. The information of demographic sociological characteristics，clinical characteristics and cost characteristics were collected ；descriptive analysis ，single factor regression analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were adopted to investigate the influential factors of direct economic burden of hospitalization. On the basis of literature review ，relevant suggestions were put forward to reduce the direct economic burden of AECOPD patients in hospital. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The median of hospitalization cost of AECOPD patients was 15 621.00 yuan. The multiple linear stepwise analysis regression analysis revealed that the influential factors of direct economic burden of AECOPD patients in descending order （by partial regression coefficient ）were the length of stay （logarithmic conversion value ）， admission to ICU ，surgical treatment ，discharge outcome ，whether to salvage ，the use of respirator ，common complications and smoking history （model F＝572.200，R2＝0.750，P＜0.001）. It is suggested to strengthen comprehensive hospital management and promote multidisciplinary cooperation to reduce hospitalization days ；strictly follow the diagnosis and treatment guidelines and clinical pathways to avoid deterioration of the condition and transfer to ICU treatment ；control indications for surgery to avoid“ask for great treatment with only miner illness ”；do a good job in the publicity and education of disease and smoking cessation ，and improve the self-management ability of patients.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a multi-dimensional peripheral quick contrast sensitivity function (pqCSF) measurement established based on Bayesian probability estimation algorithm.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.Nineteen eyes of 12 healthy emmetropic subjects in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University from September 2017 to March 2018 were included, with an average age of (22.92±2.91) years.The average spherical power and cylindrical power were (-0.34±0.52)D and (-0.30±0.42)D, respectively, and the average uncorrected vision acuity was≥1.0.Based on the Bayesian probability algorithm, the peak contrast sensitivity γ max, the peak spatial frequency ? max, the bandwidth β and the low contrast intercept δ were used to quickly describe the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) curve of the full spatial frequency through multi-dimensional pqCSF method.The 16 peripheral visual field positions of all subjects were tested at 6°, 12°, 18° and 24° eccentricity of the superior, inferior, the temporal and nasal visual field by the pqCSF method, but the 18° eccentricity of temporal field, which was near the physiological blind spot, was excluded.The area under Log CSF (AULCSF) of different peripheral visual fields and the Log CSF of 19 spatial frequencies (distributed at equal intervals in logarithmic units) were compared.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki, and the study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University (No.2018KYPJ017). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to any examination. Results:With the increase of eccentricity in different visual fields, the AULCSF decreased gradually, and there were significant differences in AULCSF between different eccentricities (all at P<0.05). The AULCSF of the nasal and temporal visual field at 6°, 12° and 24° eccentricity was significantly larger than that of the superior and inferior visual field (all at P<0.05). As the distance from the fovea was increased, the pqCSF, the AULCSF, and the high-frequency cutoff were all decreased, and the standard deviation of AULCSF was increased gradually. Conclusions:The pqCSF method can depict a relatively complete peripheral CSF curve of a wide peripheral visual field, and reflect the function quality of the peripheral vision comprehensively and accurately.