Objective: To explore the therapeutic effects of different surgical methods for temporomandibular joint disc reduction and anchoring surgery, providing reference for optimizing this surgical procedure. Method: The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. 173 patients (195 joints) who underwent temporomandibular joint disc repositioning and anchoring surgery were selected for retrospective analysis. Patients were categorized into groups A (traditional preauricular incision-scalpel/tissue scissors anterior attachment release), 35 patients (40 joints), B (traditional preauricular incision-plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode anterior attachment release), 42 patients (46 joints), C (revised tragus incision - scalpel/tissue scissors anterior attachment release), 50 patients (58 joints), and D (revised tragus incision-plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode anterior attachment release), 46 patients (51 joints). After a 6-month postoperative follow-up, the differences in maximum mouth opening (MMO), visual analogue scale (VAS), effective rate of joint disc reduction, incidence of preauricular numbness, obvious scars among patients in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months were compared postoperatively. Results: After surgery, the MMO of all four groups of patients initially shrunk and then gradually increased compared to before surgery. At the 1-month follow-up after surgery, the plasma bipolar radiofrequency release (B+D) group had a smaller impact on the patient’s MMO compared to the surgical knife/tissue scissors release (A+C) group (P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores for all four groups showed a gradual decrease from pre-operative levels, with the (B+D) group scoring significantly lower in the first month post-surgery compared to the (A+C) group (P < 0.05). Six months post-surgery, the rate of joint disc reduction of the four groups were higher than 95%, with no significant differences observed between the groups (P > 0.05). Patients in the revised tragus incision (C+D) group experienced a lower rate of preauricular numbness compared to those in the traditional preauricular incision (A+B) group (4.59% vs. 12.79%, P < 0.05), The incidence of obvious scars in the (C+D) group was significantly lower than that in the (A+B) group (3.67% vs. 23.26%, P < 0.05). Conclusion The revised tragus incision is superior to traditional preauricular incision in terms of protecting the auriculotemporal nerve and the scars were more inconspicuous. Further, the plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode is superior to the scalpel/tissue scissors in terms of mouth opening recovery and pain control. For temporomandibular joint disc reduction and anchoring surgery, a modified tragus incision combined with plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode to release the anterior attachment of the joint disc can be recommended as a surgical option.

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba, can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

In this study, we presented the isolation and characterization of eight novel seco-guaianolide sesquiterpenoids (1-8) and two known guaianolide derivatives (9 and 10), from the aerial part of Achillea alpina L.. Compounds 1-3 were identified as guaianolides bearing an oxygen insertion at the 2, 3 position, while compounds 4-8 belonged to a group of special 3-nor guaianolide sesquiterpenoids. The structural elucidation of 1-8, including their absolute configurations, were accomplished by a combination of spectroscopic data analysis and quantum electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. To evaluate the potential antidiabetic activity of compounds 1-10, we investigated their effects on glucose consumption in palmitic acid (PA)-mediated HepG2-insulin resistance (IR) cells. Among the tested compounds, compound 7 demonstrated the most pronounced ability to reverse IR. Moreover, a mechanistic investigation revealed that compound 7 exerted its antidiabetic effect by reducing the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which was achieved through the suppression of the NLRP3 pathway.
Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology* ; Circular Dichroism ; Cytokines ; Glucose ; Hep G2 Cells ; Insulin Resistance

Objective To analyze the factors influencing the levels of occupational exposure in medical radiation workers in China, and to provide a scientific basis for determining the key points of radiation protection in the medical sector. Methods The individual monitoring data on occupational external exposure in medical radiation workers in 2021 were collected from the “National Individual Dose Registry”. The Chi-squared test and logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing the levels of occupational exposure in medical radiation workers. Results The Chi-squared test showed that gender, occupational category, medical institution category, region, number of radiation workers per thousand population, and regional per capita GDP were significantly associated with occupational exposure in medical radiation workers exceeding the annual effective dose of 5 mSv and an annual effective dose limit of 20 mSv (χ² = 21.456−262.329, 7.601−78.650, P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis further showed that gender, occupational category, region, and number of radiation workers per thousand population were factors influencing the occupational exposure in medical radiation workers exceeding the annual effective dose of 5 mSv (χ² = 14.621−170.857, P < 0.05); gender, occupational category, region, and regional per capita GDP were factors influencing the occupational exposure in medical radiation workers exceeding the annual effective dose of 20 mSv (χ² = 5.401−48.709, P < 0.05). Conclusion Male radiation workers in interventional radiology and in central China have high risks of exceeding annual effective doses of 5 and 20 mSv. Moreover, high number of radiation workers per thousand population and regional per capita GDP are associated with low risks. Medical institutions should maintain a sufficient number of radiation workers and strengthen training on radiation protection knowledge for male and interventional radiology workers to enhance their radiation protection awareness. Investigation of the factors contributing to the high occupational exposure in central China should be intensified, and targeted effective measures should be conducted to reduce the occupational exposure in medical radiation workers.

【Objective】 To analyze the basic characteristics of whole blood donors from blood stations before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. 【Methods】 After excluding invalid data, data related to the basic characteristics of whole blood donors collected from 26 blood stations in China during 2018 to 2021 were statistically analyzed, including the trend of total whole blood donors, the number of repeated blood donors, the frequency of blood donation, the average age of donors and the recruitment of first-time blood donors. 【Results】 Affected by the epidemic, 8 out of 14 indicators were with large variations, accounting for 57%. The overall growth rate of total whole blood donors during the epidemic was higher than before the epidemic (P<0.05).The number of repeated blood donors has shown an increased trend, with a higher number during the epidemic than before (P<0.05). The frequency of blood donation was lower during the epidemic than before(P<0.05).Average ages of blood donors and female blood donors fluctuated widely during the epidemic, both higher than those before the epidemic(P<0.05).The donation rate of first-time blood donors <25 years old and ≥25 years old varied widely and irregularly during the epidemic (both P<0.05). The percentage of first-time blood donors fluctuated irregularly during the epidemic, with overall percentage lower than that before the epidemic(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Whole blood donors from 26 blood stations increased after the outbreak of COVID-19, and some indicators in certain areas showed significant fluctuations during the epidemic.

Medical Physics is an interdiscipline which is formed by applying the basic principles, methods, and techniques of physics to clinical medical research such as prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases, and it is a compulsory professional basic course for medical students. However, there are many medical students reflect that the content of this course is obscure and difficult to understand. Teaching effect is not ideal. The main reasons are that the teaching method is single and the reference materials are few. Based on the actual situation of the course, Hebei Medical University, China promotes formative evaluation from the content of teaching materials, teaching means, and other aspects. At the same time, by combining with the Internet, the digital construction has been realized, deepening the reform of the Medical Physics curriculum, and remarkable results have been achieved.

Objective:To evaluate the role of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) in endogenous protective mechanism of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and the relationship with transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β 1)/Smad3 signaling pathway. Methods:Twenty-four SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 20-23 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=8 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), hepatic I/R group (IR group) and hepatic I/R plus CD73 specific inhibitor group (APCP group). The hepatic hilum was only exposed but not occluded in group S. The hepatic portal was occluded for 30 min followed by reperfusion to develop the model of hepatic I/R in anesthetized animals in group IR.CD73-specific inhibitor APCP 40 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected, and 10 min later hepatic I/R was performed.Orbital venous blood samples were collected at 6 h of reperfusion for determination of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations.Then the mice were sacrificed, and liver tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of CD73, TGF-β 1 and phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) (by Western blot), contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (with a visible spectrophotometer) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of liver tissues (with a light microscope). Results:Compared with group S, the concentrations of AST and ALT in serum and contents of IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA in liver tissues were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of CD73, TGF-β 1 and p-Smad3 was up-regulated in IR and APCP groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group IR, the concentrations of AST and ALT in serum and contents of IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA in liver tissues were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of CD73, TGF-β 1 and p-Smad3 in liver tissues was down-regulated in group APCP ( P<0.05). The pathological changes of liver tissues were accentuated in group APCP as compared with group IR. Conclusions:CD73 is involved in the process of endogenous protective mechanism of hepatic I/R injury in mice, which may be related to the regulation of TGF-β 1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To evaluate the role of microRNA-10a (miRNA-10a) in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and the relationship with transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β 1)/Smad2 signaling pathway. Methods:Twenty-four SPF healthy male adult C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), renal I/R group (IR group), renal I/R plus miRNA-10a antagonist group (I group), and renal I/R+ miRNA-10a agonist group (M group). The mouse model of renal I/R was developed by clamping the left renal pedicle for 45 min followed by reperfusion in anesthetized animals.miRNA-10a antagonist and agonist 20 nmol were injected via the tail vein once every 24 h for 3 consecutive days starting from 72 h before surgery in group M and group I, respectively, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in S and IR groups.Blood samples were collected from the orbital vein at 24 h of reperfusion to determine the concentrations of the serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Then the mice were sacrificed, and the kidney tissues were taken for determination of the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, contents of interleukin-1 beta (IL-β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and expression of TGF-β 1 and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes.The damage to the renal tubules was scored. Results:Compared with group S, the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased in IR, I and M groups, and the activity of SOD was significantly decreased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was up-regulated in IR and M groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group IR, the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly decreased, the activity of SOD was increased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was down-regulated in group I, and the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was up-regulated in group M ( P<0.05). Compared with group I, the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was up-regulated in group M ( P<0.05). Conclusions:miRNA-10a is involved in the process of renal I/R injury and is related to activation of TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling pathway in mice.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can carry a variety of bioactive components including nucleic acids, proteins and small molecule metabolites, and their value in tumor diagnosis and treatment has been widely recognized. However, current studies on EV inclusions mainly focus on RNA and protein, and the role of small molecule metabolites that can most directly reflect the cell state in EV remains unclear. EV metabolomics in cancer research has gradually gained traction in recent years. There are still many challenges in EV metabolomics research due to the complexity of pretreatment and low content of metabolite, but its value in regulating tumor progression and serving as tumor markers has gradually emerged, which is expected to provide new targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment.