OBJECTIVE To explore the changes of brain white matter of the patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)with magnetic resonance diffusional kurtosis imaing(DKI).METHODS There were 38 patients with OSAHS examined by polysomnogram(PSG)from November 2017 to June 2021,and 32 non-OSAHS controls matched in gender and age who were included in this study.All the subjects were scanned by DKI.The different encephalic regions through comparing kurtosis fractional anisotropy(KFA)values of all encephalic regions between the two groups were found,and the relationship between the KFA values of the different encephalic regions in OSAHS patients and the apnea-hypopnea index(AHI),lowest saturation oxygen(LSaO2)and the percent of the total record time spent below 90%oxygen saturation(TS90%)in PSG were analyzed.RESULTS The KFA values of white matter fiber tracts in corpus callosum,bilateral corona radiata,cingulate gyrus,right superior cerebellar peduncle and inferior cerebellar peduncle of OSAHS group were obviously lower than control group(P<0.05).After controlling for age and body mass index(BMI),the partial correlation between AHI and the KFA values of corpus callosum,left posterior corona radiata,right anterior corona radiata,cingulate gyrus in OSAHS group were also negative(r=-0.344,-0.380,-0.406,-0.53,P<0.05).The partial correlation between LSaO2 and the KFA values of corpus callosum,left posterior corona radiata,right anterior corona radiata,cingulate gyrus,right superior cerebellar peduncle in OSAHS group were also positive(r=0.366,0.406,0.446,0.404,0.342,P<0.05).The partial correlation between TS90%and the KFA values of corpus callosum,left posterior corona radiata,right anterior corona radiata,cingulate gyrus,right superior cerebellar peduncle and inferior cerebellar peduncle in OSAHS group were also negative(r=-0.414,-0.352,-0.355,-0.336,-0.456,-0.360,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Recurrent apnea and hypoxemia at night of OSAHS patients can cause damage to white matter fibers in parts of encephalic regions.

Objective We aimed to investigate the effects of Biejiajian Pills on MHCC-97H hepatoma cells and whether Biejiajian Pills regulate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway through miR-885-5p.Methods SPF SD rats (n = 10) were randomly divided into the blank group and the Biejiajian Pills (1.1 g/kg) group to prepare blank and Biejiajian Pills-containing serum. MHCC-97H cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into the model group, blank serum groups with different concentrations (5％, 10％, 15％, and 20％), the serum containing Biejiajian Pills group, and the blank group without cells. Cell proliferation was detected by the CCK-8 assay, and the optimal intervention time and concentration of drug-containing serum were screened. MHCC-97H cells were divided into the blank control group (no intervention), the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum group (20％ Biejiajian Pills-containing serum), the miR-885-5p mimics group (transfected with miR-885-5p mimics), the miR-NC group (transfected with miR-885-5p NC), and the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum + miR-885-5p mimics group (treated with 20％ Biejiajian Pills-containing serum and transfected with miR-885-5p mimics). Cells in each group were cultured for 72 hours. A dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the targeting relationship between miR-885-5p and EGFR. Cell proliferation was detected by the CCK-8 assay, cell migration and invasion abilities were detected by the cell scratch assay and the Transwell invasion assay. Annexin V-APC/PI double staining was performed to detect the apoptosis level, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was conducted to determine the mRNA expression levels of miR-885-5p, EGFR, MEK, and ERK1/2. The expression levels of EGFR, p-EGFR, MEK, p-MEK, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), and CyclinD1 were determined by Western blotting analysis. The subcutaneous tumor model of MHCC-97H hepatoma cells in nude mice was established by subcutaneous injection to observe the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills of different doses(0.55,1.1,2.2 g/kg).Results The optimal concentration and intervention time of Biejiajian Pills-containing serum were 20％ and 72 hours, respectively. Meanwhile, the dual luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-885-5p could directly target EGFR. No statistical significances between the blank control group and the miR-NC group were observed (P>0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the proliferation rates of MHCC-97H hepatoma cells in the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum group, the miR-885-5p mimics group, and the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum + miR-885-5p mimics group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and their migration and invasion abilities were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). At the same time, the protein expression levels of CyclinD1 and MMP1, which are closely related to cell proliferation and invasion, were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The proportions of late apoptotic cells and the proportion of total apoptotic cells were significantly increased (P<0.01). In the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum group, the miR-885-5p mimics group, and the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum + miR-885-5p mimics group, miR-885-5p mRNA was significantly upregulated (P<0.01) and EGFR, MEK, and ERK1/2 were significantly downregulated at the mRNA level (P<0.05, P<0.01). EGFR, MEK, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited (P<0.01), and the Biejiajian Pills-containing serum + miR-885-5p mimics group showed the best effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). The subcutaneous liver tumor model in nude mice verified that Biejiajian Pills can inhibit tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Biejiajian Pills can promote apoptosis of MHCC-97H hepatoma cells and inhibit their proliferation, invasion, and migration. The mechanism may be related to the targeted regulation of the EGFR/MAPK/ERK signaling pathway by miR-885-5p.

Objective:To design and fabricate a new open-window customized tray by newly developed digital software,and to eval-uate its accuracy and fitness.Methods:A matte metal model of a standard mandibular Ken's class Ⅱ dental defect was selected as the initial model,scanned by a desktop scanner and saved in STL format.The model inverted concave filling,tray edge line and support bracket were completed in tray design software;handles,overflow holes and occlusal dike structures were added to complete the tray design.3D printing technology was used to produce 10 pairs of new open-window customized pallets made of polyacrylic acid.The pal-lets were scanned and the data were imported into Geomagic software,the pallet tissue surface was taken as a common area,the pallet CAD data were aligned with the 3D scanning data,and the deviation between the two was mesured by 3D deviation analysis.The"pal-let-model"data was obtained by repositioning the pallet on the initial model and imported into Geomagic software,and the"initial model"and"pallet"data were aligned to the"pallet-model"and"pallet"data respectively.The"initial model"and"pallet"data were aligned to the"pallet-model"data,and the distance deviation between the pallet inner surface data and the initial model data was measured and analyzed.Results:The average deviation of the inner surface printing accuracy of the new windowed customized pallet from the overall RMS estimate(mm)of the design data was 0.140±0.021,that of the support bracket area 0.115±0.024,and that of the free end saddle base area 0.185±0.036,respectively.The average deviation of the average gap size(mm)between the in-ner surface of the pallet and the outer surface of the initial model was 0.998±0.042,that of the support bracket area 0.1 1 9±0.048,and that of the saddle-base area of the free end 0.989±0.082,respectively.Conclusion:The new pallet made by the newly developed software has good accuracy and suitability,and can be used for the fabrication of corrective impressions for free-end dental defects.

Objective:To design and manufacture removable partial dentures with a new configuration,and to evaluate their accuracy and suitability.Method:A structure with abutment tooth preparation was designed in the mesh structure of the bracket.The resin substrate of buccal and tissue surfaces was designed using a layered method.Selective laser melting(SLM),digital light processing(DLP)and CNC cutting techniques were used to produce a pure titanium new configuration removable local denture bracket,base res-in part and crown,respectively,followed by splicing and assembling the new removable partial denture configuration(Test group).The samples in control group was a traditional design removable partial denture bracket made by SLM technology,and the final denture was completed by conventional tooth placement and filling with glue.10 samples were included in each group.The accuracy and suita-bility of the sample were examined,data were statistically analyzed.Results:The accuracy(3D deviation,mm)of the test and control group was 0.153±0.019 and 0.153±0.011(P=0.978),the overall suitability(3D deviation,mm)of the 2 groups was 0.191±0.006 and 0.187±0.007(P=0.218),respectively.Conclusion:The configurtion is simplified and more feassible to design and manufac-ture removable partial denture with proper accuracy and suitability.

Objective:To explore the brain white matter damage in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) using diffusional kurtosis imaging(DKI), and to analyze its relationship with anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment in patients.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study. Fifty confirmed cases (47 males and 3 females) of moderate to severe OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography(PSG) from November 2017 to December 2022 were selected as OSAHS group(age range from 22 to 65 years old, with median age of 40 years old), and 32 healthy controls(27 males and 5 females) of non-OSAHS diagnosed by PSG were selected as control group(age range from 19 to 56 years old, with median age of 34 years old). DKI scanning, Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-Ⅱ(BDI-Ⅱ), and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA) scores were performed in all subjects. Differences in kurtosis fractional anisotropy(KFA) of various brain regions were compared between the two groups to identify differential brain regions. Correlations were analyzed between KFA reduction and anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment in OSAHS patients. To study the correlation between brain injury and anxiety, depressive mood, and cognitive dysfunction, statistical methods such as non-parametric tests for two independent samples, chi-square tests, and partial correlation analysis, were used to analyze the evaluation indicators of the two groups.Results:The KFA values in right external capsule, left anterior corona radiata, right anterior corona radiata, left posterior corona radiata, right posterior corona radiata, left superior corona radiata, right superior corona radiata, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, genu of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum, body of corpus callosum, posterior cingulate gyrus of moderate to severe OSAHS group were all lower than those in the control group( t=-2.247, -3.028, -3.955, -4.871, -2.632, -2.594, -2.121, -2.167, -3.129, -2.015, -2.317, -2.313, -2.152, P<0.05). For the moderate to severe OSAHS group, the correlation between AHI and KFA values of right posterior corona radiata, right superior corona radiata, left anterior corona radiata, left posterior corona radiata, left superior corona radiata, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, genu of corpus callosum, body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum were all negative( r=-0.378, -0.307, -0.337, -0.343, -0.341, -0.613, -0.390, -0.384, -0.396, P<0.05). The correlation between LSO 2 and KFA values of right anterior corona radiata, right posterior corona radiata, right superior corona radiata, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, left anterior corona radiata, left posterior corona radiata, left superior corona radiata, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, genu of corpus callosum, body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum, posterior cingulate gyrus were all positive( r=0.330, 0.338, 0.425, 0.312, 0.433, 0.358, 0.410, 0.459, 0.473, 0.659, 0.489, 0.356, P<0.05). The correlation between BAI scores and KFA values of right external capsule, right anterior corona radiata, left posterior corona radiata, left superior corona radiata, body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum were all negative( r=-0.306, -0.372, -0.296, -0.346, -0.318, -0.386, P<0.05). The correlation between BDI-Ⅱ scores and KFA values of right superior corona radiata, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, left anterior corona radiata, genu of corpus callosum, body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum were all negative( r=-0.334, -0.289, -0.309, -0.310, -0.503, -0.469, P<0.05). The correlation between MoCA scores and KFA values of right posterior corona radiata, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, left anterior corona radiata, left superior corona radiata, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, genu of corpus callosum, body of corpus callosum, splenium of corpus callosum were all positive( r=0.368, 0.431, 0.324, 0.410, 0.469, 0.384, 0.369, 0.309, P<0.05). Conclusions:With the aggravation of OSAHS, the damage to some brain regions becomes more pronounced in moderate to severe OSAHS patients. These damage brain functional areas are closely related to the anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment of patients.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering is increasingly viewed as a promising avenue for functional cartilage reconstruction.However, chondrocyte dedifferentiation during in vitro culture remains an obstacle for clinical translation of tissue engineered cartilage. Re-differentiated induction have been employed to induce dedifferentiated chondrocytes back to their original phenotype. Regrettably, these strategies have been proven to be only moderately effective. METHODS: To explore underlying mechanism, RNA transcriptome sequencing was conducted on primary chondrocytes (P0), dedifferentiated chondrocytes (P5), and redifferentiated chondrocytes (redifferentiation-induction of P5, P5.R). Based on multiple bioinformatics analysis, LGR5 was identified as a target gene. Subsequently, stable cell lines with LGR5 knocking-down and overexpression were established using P0 chondrocytes. The phenotypic changes in P1 and P5 chondrocytes with either LGR5 knockdown or overexpression were assessed to ascertain the potential influence of LGR5 dysregulation on chondrocyte phenotypes. Regulatory mechanism was then investigated using bioinformatic analysis, protein–protein docking, immunofluorescence co-localization and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: The current study found that dysregulation of LGR5 can significantly impact the dedifferentiated phenotypes of chondrocytes (P5). Upregulation of LGR5 appears to activate the PI3K/AKT signal via increasing the phosphorylation levels of AKT (p-AKT1). Moreover, the increase of p-AKT1 may stabilize b-catenin and enhance the intensity of Wnt/b-catenin signal, and help to restore the dedifferentated phenotype of chondrocytes. CONCLUSION LGR5 can modulate the phenotypes of chondrocytes in P5 passage through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of moderate to severe pain in patients with non-small cell lung cancer within 3 days after lobectomy.Methods:The clinical data of 297 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from December 2020 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A numerical rating scale was used to score the most severe pain within 3 days after surgery. Pain score ≥ 4 was defined as moderate to severe pain. The risk factors for moderate to severe pain were analyzed by binary Logistic regression. General linear model repeated measures and linear mixed models were used to analyze the trend of risk factors influencing postoperative pain with time.Results:The incidence of moderate to severe pain was 34.2% (102/297), 59.8% (178/297), 66.4% (198/297), and 28.2% (84/297) on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 after surgery respectively. The risk for moderate to severe pain was significantly higher in patients undergoing thoracotomy than patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery on days 1 ( OR = 1.99, P = 0.009), 2 ( OR = 3.08, P < 0.001), and 3 ( OR = 3.88, P < 0.001) after surgery. However, the risk for moderate to severe pain in patients undergoing thoracotomy was slightly, but not significantly, higher than that in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery ( OR = 1.53, P = 0.087). The risk for moderate to severe pain was higher in female patients than male patients on day 2 ( OR = 1.62, P = 0.077), and in particular on day 3 after surgery ( OR = 2.39, P = 0.002). Prophylactic use of parecoxib significantly reduced the risk of moderate to severe pain on day 0 ( OR = 0.32, P = 0.004), 1 ( OR = 0.20, P < 0.001), 2 ( OR = 0.36, P < 0.001) and 3 ( OR = 0.56, P = 0.047). Conclusion:The incidence of moderate to severe pain on days 1 and 2 after lobectomy was relatively high in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Patients undergoing thoracotomy have a higher risk of moderate to severe pain than those who underwent thoracoscopic surgery. Female patients have a higher risk for moderate to severe pain on days 2 and 3 after surgery than male patients. Prophylactic use of parecoxib can decrease the risk for moderate to severe pain in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective:To investigate the effect of intravenous anesthesia on the detection rate of lesions in diagnostic gastroscopy.Methods:A total of 9 071 subjects who underwent diagnostic gastroscopy at the Digestive Endoscopy Center of Yangzhou University Affiliated Hospital from March 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Data were collected from the gastroscopy quality control system, including age, gender, examination physician, Helicobacter pylori infection, examination method, withdrawal time, number of images left, number of biopsies, biopsy site, gastroscopy diagnosis, pathological diagnosis, etc. They were divided into anesthesia group and general group based on the examination method, and propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on the two groups of subjects. Excluding confounding factors, the detection of lesion location and lesion type in two groups of subjects was analyzed; Simultaneously, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of the detection rate of precancerous lesions and malignant tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract.Results:After PSM, 1 655 subjects were included in both groups. In terms of lesion location, the detection rate of gastric body lesions in the anesthesia group was higher than that in the general group ( P<0.05), and the detection rate of esophageal lesions in the anesthesia group was lower than that in the general group ( P<0.05); In terms of lesion types, the detection rate of precancerous lesions such as gastric polyps, mucosal protrusions, mucosal atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia in the anesthesia group was higher than that in the general group (all P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that intravenous anesthesia was an independent influencing factor for the detection rate of precancerous lesions and malignant tumors in diagnostic gastroscopy ( OR=1.338, 95% CI: 1.070-1.674, P<0.05). Conclusions:Intravenous anesthesia is an independent influencing factor for the detection rate of precancerous lesions and malignant tumors in diagnostic gastroscopy, and can improve the detection rate of upper gastrointestinal lesions.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Enolase inhibition (ENOblock) on autophagy- related protein expression and motor function promotion after spinal cord injury in rats.Methods:A total of 160 female SD rats were divided into sham-operation group, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) autophagy inhibitor treatment group (3-MA group), spinal cord injury group and ENOblock treatment group (ENOblock group) according to the random number table, with 40 rats per group. Back laminectomy without injury to the spinal cord was performed in sham-operation group. Spinal cord injury at T 8 was induced by using a modified Allen weight-drop apparatus to establish a spinal cord injury model in the rest three groups. 3-MA and ENOblock groups were injected 3-MA (2.5 mg/kg) and ENOblock (100 μg/kg) into the caudal vein immediately after injury, respectively. Sham-operation and spinal cord injury groups were injected same dose of isotonic sodium chloride solution into the caudal vein. At 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after injury, BBB score was used to evaluate lower limb motor function. At day 3 after injury, the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II to LC3-I and protein expressions of autophagy effector protein (Beclin-1) and polyubiq-uitinbinding protein (p62) were detected by Western blotting. At day 7 after injury, LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 positive cells in the injured area of the spinal cord were determined by immunofluorescence staining. At day 3 after injury, the mRNA expressions of Beclin-1 and Enolase in the injured area of the spinal cord were detected by RT-PCR. Results:At 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after injury, BBB score was lowered in 3-MA group [(1.4±1.1)points, (2.4±0.9)points, (3.8±1.8)points, (7.6±1.1)points, (9.0±2.1)points], spinal cord injury group [(0.8±0.5)points, (1.8±0.9)points, (3.6±0.9)points, (6.2±1.3)points, (8.0±0.7)points] and ENOblock group [(2.0±0.9)points, (2.2±0.8)points, (4.8±1.1)points, (10.6±1.5)points, (13.2±0.8)points] compared to sham-operation group [(21.0±0.0)points at all time points] (all P<0.05). Moreover, the score in ENOblock group was significantly higher than that in spinal cord injury group at 14, 21 days after injury, and the score in 3-MA group was significantly higher than that in spinal cord injury group at day 21 after injury (all P<0.05). At day 3 after injury, Western blotting showed that the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and protein expressions of Beclin-1 and p62 were 0.46±0.10, 0.41±0.03, 0.81±0.03 in sham-operation group, 0.66±0.06, 0.69±0.02, 0.59±0.05 in 3-MA group, 0.85±0.06, 1.07±0.03, 0.41±0.02 in spinal cord injury group and 0.68±0.06, 0.66±0.08, 0.55±0.02 in ENOblock group. By comparison, spinal cord injury group showed significantly higher ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and protein expression of Beclin-1 and significantly lower protein expression of p62 than sham-operation group (all P<0.05); 3-MA and ENOblock groups showed significantly lower ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and protein expression of Beclin-1 and significantly higher protein expression of p62 than spinal cord injury group (all P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and protein expressions of Beclin-1 and p62 between 3-MA and ENOblock groups (all P>0.05). At day 7 after injury, immunofluorescence staining showed that LC3-II and Beclin-1 positive cells in 3-MA and ENOblock groups were less than those in spinal cord injury group. At day 3 after injury, RT-PCR showed that mRNA expressions of Beclin-1 and Enolase in spinal cord injury group (1.08±0.16, 0.98±0.17) were higher than those in sham-operation group (0.25±0.06, 0.29±0.03). Moreover, mRNA expressions of Beclin-1 and Enolase in 3-MA group (0.77±0.11, 0.72±0.04) and ENOblock group (0.81±0.10, 0.64±0.09) were lower than those in spinal cord injury group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in mRNA expressions of Beclin-1 and Enolase between 3-MA and ENOblock groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Autophagy activity is significantly up-regulated after spinal cord injury in rats. ENOblock can inhibit autophagy and promote motor function recovery in rats by regulating the expression of autophagy-related proteins.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between gallbladder polyps and colon polyps of different locations.Methods:Healthy subjects who underwent colonoscopy in the Physical Examination Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from January 2020 to October 2022 were included. They were divided into the proximal colon group and the distal colon group according to the location of colon polyps. Gallbladder polyps were compared with other known risk factors for colon cancer. Different parts and types of polyps were further explored.Results:A total of 2 811 patients had colon polyps, including 1 668 males and 1 143 females, with an average age of 47.3 years. One hundred and seventy-one (6.1%) had gallstones, and 459 (16.3%) had gallbladder polyps. The incidence of gallbladder polyps was higher in the proximal colon polyp group (21.7%, 93/429). Gallbladder polyps were independently associated with proximal colon polyps, including hyperplastic polyps ( OR=1.525, P=0.029) and adenomatous polyps ( OR=1.425, P=0.017). There was no significant correlation between gallbladder polyps and distal colon polyps. Conclusion:Gallbladder polyps are associated with proximal colon polyps, and colonoscopy screening is recommended for people with gallbladder polyps.