[Prevalence and influencing factors of patients with comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in residents aged 35-75 years in Tianjin].

Objective: To investigate the current comorbidity status among hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in residents aged 35-75 years in Tianjin and to explore the main influencing factors to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease comorbidity. Methods: From June 2019 to November 2023, 10 districts (Hedong, Hexi, Dongli, Beichen, Nankai, Xiqing, Wuqing, Baodi, Jizhou, and Binhai New District) in Tianjin were selected as the project sites. The community and natural village was used as the primary sampling unit, and each project site selected the screening sites by cluster random sampling method. Residents aged 35-75 who lived in the screening sites for 6 months and above were surveyed by questionnaire, physical examination, and biochemical tests. The chi-square test, analysis of variance, and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Age-standardized prevalence was based on the data of the sixth national census. Results: A total of 146 832 participants were included in this study, including 61 994 males (42.22%) and 84 838 females (57.78%), with an age of (56.83±8.84) years. The number of people with only one disease was 55 485 (37.79%), the number of people with two diseases was 36 942 (25.16%), and the number of people with three diseases was 9 683 (6.59%). The prevalence of hypertension combined with dyslipidemia was the highest (17.23%), and the standardized prevalence were 14.44%. The prevalence rates of three diseases and hypertension combined with diabetes was 6.59% and 4.98%, respectively, and the standardized prevalence was 5.42% and 4.11%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes combined with dyslipidemia was 2.95%, and the standardized prevalence was 2.45%. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age (65- 75 years old: OR=2.69, 95%CI: 2.28-3.18), overweight/obesity (overweight: OR=2.21, 95%CI: 2.02-2.41; obesity: OR=4.50, 95%CI: 4.03-5.02), daily smoking (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.72-2.24), regular and heavy drinking (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.18-2.27), family history of hypertension/diabetes/hyperlipidemia (family history of hypertension: OR=81.17, 95%CI: 74.68-88.22; family history of diabetes: OR=15.26, 95%CI: 13.71-16.99; family history of hyperlipidemia: OR=7.13, 95%CI: 5.92-8.59), tea drinking (occasional tea drinking group: OR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.52-2.00; frequent tea drinking group: OR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.92-2.59) were risk factors for the comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia (all P<0.05), while higher education level was a protective factor (senior high school/technical secondary school: OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.72-0.86; college/bachelor's degree and above: OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.53-0.68, all P<0.001). Conclusions: The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia is high in residents aged 35-75 years in Tianjin. It is necessary to strengthen the co-management of blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid in key populations with old age, overweight/obesity, junior high school education or below, daily smoking, daily drinking, occasional or frequent tea drinking, and family history of hypertension/diabetes/dyslipidemia, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation on depression.

OBJECTIVES: Sexual minorities may be more vulnerable to mental disorders. Previous studies have found associations between diet and depression, but no studies have focused on the interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation regarding depression. This study aims to explore the interaction between nutrition-related parameters and sexual orientation regarding depression. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis using NHANES 2007-2016 data. METHODS: This study utilized data from NHANES 2007-2016, with 11,065 participants involved. Nutrition-related parameters were evaluated using the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) and the dietary inflammation index (DII), while depression was obtained through Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression and stratified analysis of subgroups were used in this study. RESULTS: Compared to those who consumed healthy and anti-inflammatory diets, the ORs for depression in groups consuming unhealthy and pro-inflammatory diets were 1.366 (95%CI:1.073,1.738) and 1.652 (95%CI:1.345,2.028), respectively. Sexual minorities have a higher risk of depression than heterosexuals. There is an interaction effect (P = 0.037) between HEI-2015 and sexual orientation on depression, while it was not found in DII. Subgroup analysis indicated that the interaction between sexual orientation and HEI-2015 persisted in males (P = 0.024), but not in females. CONCLUSION: Both diet and sexual orientation had impacts on depression. There was an interaction between HEI-2015 and sexual orientation on depression, and this association was different by gender. Sexual minorities who are Gay/lesbian, Bisexual, and Something else are at higher risk for depression, and adopting healthy eating patterns and anti-inflammatory diets that are consistent with the recommendations of the USDA may appropriately reduce the risk of depression.

[A comparative study of the efficacy of customized titanium plates versus conventional maxillary protraction in the treatment of skeletal class â ¢ patients].

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of customized titanium plate and conventional maxillary protraction treatment in patients with skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion during growth spurt. Methods: During growth spurt, skeletal class Ⅲ patients with maxillary hypoplasia who were treated in the Department of Orthodontics, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology from August 2018 to July 2021 were prospectively enrolled. They were treated with maxillary protraction using customized titanium plates (customized titanium plate group) and conventional methods (conventional protraction group), respectively. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were collected before and after treatment for conventional cephalometric analysis, including SNA angle (angle between Sella, Nasion and A point), ANB angle (angle between A point, Nasion, and B point), FH-MP angle (mandibular plane angle), Y-axis angle, U1-L1 angle (upper to lower central incisor angle), U1-SN angle (upper incisor to SN plane angle), anterior and lower height, maxillary length, etc. The stable basicranial line (SBL) was used as the reference line to measure the distance from each reference point (ANS point, A point, Prn point, Sn point, UL point etc.) to the stable basicranial vertical line (VerT, the perpendicular line of the skull base line at the intersection point of the anterior wall of the sella image and the inferior edge of the anterior bed process). Paired t-tests were performed on the cephalometric data before and after maxillary protraction treatment in the two groups, and two independent samples t-tests were performed to compare the differences in the efficacy of the two maxillary protraction methods. Results: A total of 20 patients (9 males and 11 females), aged (10.8±1.3) years, were included in the personalized titanium plate group. A total of 20 patients (8 males and 12 females), aged (10.5±1.1) years, were included in the conventional protraction group. The SNA angle, ANB angle, FH-MP angle, Y-axis angle, anterior lower height, maxillary length, ANS-VerT distance, A-VerT distance, Prn-VerT distance, Sn-VerT distance, and UL-VerT distance were significantly higher than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). The changes of SNA angle, ANB angle and A-VerT before and after treatment in the personalized titanium plate group [3.15°±2.28°, 4.64°±1.40°, (4.41±3.43) mm, respectively] were significantly higher than those in the traditional group [2.13°±2.69°, 2.81°±1.10°, (3.13±4.76) mm, respectively](P<0.05), and the changes of U1-L1 angle and U1-SN angle before and after treatment (-0.76°±7.42° and 1.74°±6.38°, respectively) was significantly lower than that of the control group (-5.14°±6.62° and 4.57°±5.24°, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions: Maxillary protraction can effectively improve skeletal class Ⅲ relationships in growing patients. The linear measurements using the SBL line as a reference plane visualize the sagittal improvement in sagittal relationship after maxillary protraction. The customized titanium plate maxillary protraction treatment has a clear therapeutic effect on patients with skeletal class Ⅲ deformities, and its dental effect is relatively small.

[Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of pediatric gliomas: analysis of 111 cases].

Objective: To summarize the clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics of various types of pediatric glioma, and to explore the differences in the morphology and clinical significance among various types of pediatric glioma. Methods: Based on the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors, this study classified or reclassified 111 pediatric gliomas that were diagnosed at Guangzhou Medical University Affiliated Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2020 to June 2023. The clinical manifestations, imaging findings, histopathology, and molecular characteristics of these tumors were analyzed. Relevant literature was also reviewed. Results: The 111 patients with pediatric glioma included 56 males and 55 females, with the age ranging from 10 days to 13 years (average age, 5.5 years). Clinically, manifestations presented from 5 days to 8 years before the diagnosis, including epilepsy in 16 cases, increased intracranial pressure in 48 cases and neurological impairment in 66 cases. MRI examinations revealed tumor locations as supratentorial in 43 cases, infratentorial in 65 cases, and spinal cord in 3 cases. There were 73 cases presented with a solid mass and 38 cases with cystic-solid lesions. The largest tumor diameter ranged from 1.4 to 10.6 cm. Among the 111 pediatric gliomas, there were 6 cases of pediatric diffuse low-grade glioma (pDLGG), 63 cases of circumscribed astrocytoma glioma (CAG), and 42 cases of pediatric diffuse high-grade glioma (pDHGG). Patients with pDLGG and CAG were younger than those with pDHGG. The incidence of pDLGG and CAG was significantly lower in the midline of the infratentorial region compared to that of pDHGG. They were more likely to be completely resected surgically. The pDLGG and CAG group included 4 cases of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, showing histological features of high-grade gliomas. Among the high-grade gliomas, 13 cases were diffuse midline gliomas and also showed histological features of low-grade glioma. Immunohistochemical studies of H3K27M, H3K27ME3, p53, ATRX, BRAF V600E, and Ki-67 showed significant differences between the pDLGG and CAG group versus the pDHGG group (P<0.01). Molecular testing revealed that common molecular variations in the pDLGG and CAG group were KIAA1549-BRAF fusion and BRAF V600E mutation, while the pDHGG group frequently exhibited mutations in HIST1H3B and H3F3A genes, 1q amplification, and TP53 gene mutations. With integrated molecular testing, 2 pathological diagnoses were revised, and the pathological subtypes of 35.3% (12/34) of the pediatric gliomas that could not be reliably classified by histology were successfully classified. Conclusions: There are significant differences in clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, molecular variations, and prognosis between the pDLGG, CAG and pDHGG groups. The integrated diagnosis combining histology and molecular features is of great importance for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of pediatric gliomas.

Autophagy Regulates Age-Related Jawbone Loss via LepR+ Stromal Cells.

Bone aging and decreased autophagic activity are related but poorly explored in the jawbone. This study aimed to characterize the aging jawbones and jawbone-derived stromal cells (JBSCs) and determine the role of autophagy in jawbone mass decline. We observed that the jawbones of older individuals and mice exhibited similar age-related bone loss. Furthermore, leptin receptor (LepR)-lineage cells served as the primary source for in vitro cultured and expanded JBSCs, referred to as LepR-Cre+/JBSCs. RNA-sequencing data from the jawbones and LepR-Cre+/JBSCs showed the upregulated expression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway during aging. Through single-cell transcriptomics, we identified a decrease in the proportion of osteogenic lineage cells and the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in LepR-lineage cells in aging bone tissues. Reduced basal autophagic activity, diminished autophagic flux, and decreased osteogenesis occurred in the jawbones and LepR-Cre+/JBSCs from older mice (O-mice; O-JBSCs). Pharmacologic and constitutive autophagy activation alleviated the impaired osteogenesis in O-JBSCs. In addition, the suppression of mTOR-induced autophagy improved the aging phenotype of O-JBSCs. The activation of autophagy in LepR-Cre+/JBSCs using chemical autophagic activators reduced the alveolar bone resorption in O-mice. Therefore, our study demonstrated that ATG molecules and pathways are crucial in jawbone aging, providing novel approaches to understanding age-related jawbone loss.

Oil uptake via marine snow: Effects on blue mussels (Mytilus sp.).

Accidental oil spills into the ocean can lead to downward transport and settling of oil onto the seafloor as part of marine snow, as seen during the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The arctic and subarctic regions may favor conditions leading to this benthic oil deposition, prompting questions about the potential impacts on benthic communities. This study investigated the effects of oil-contaminated marine snow uptake on the blue mussel (Mytilus sp.). We exposed mussels for four days to 1) oil-contaminated marine snow (MOS treatment), or to 2) chemically-enhanced water-accommodated fraction (CEWAF) of oil plus unaggregated food particles (CEWAF treatment). Both oil treatments received the same nominal concentration of oil and food. Two controls were included: 1) Clean seawater plus unaggregated food (agg-free control) and 2) clean seawater plus marine snow (marine snow control). After the exposure, mussels were allowed to recover for ten days under clean, running seawater. Samples were taken right before and after the exposure period, and after the recovery phase for the following endpoints: distribution (partitioning) of oil compounds between seawater and MOS, and between seawater and mussel tissue; DNA damage (assessed via the comet assay); clearance rate; and condition index [tissue dry weight (g) divided by shell length (mm)]. Some discernable patterns were found in the partitioning of oil compounds between seawater and MOS. However, these patterns did not translate to any significant differences in the partitioning of oil compounds into mussel tissue between the two oil treatments. DNA damage did not exceed background levels (10% tail DNA or less; to be expected in healthy, viable cells) at any sampling time point, but significantly higher DNA damage was observed in CEWAF-T compared to MOS-T mussels after the recovery phase. After the exposure, a significant difference emerged in the clearance rate between the CEWAF treatment and the agg-free control, but not between the MOS treatment and the marine snow control. All mussels except those from the CEWAF treatment exhibited an increased condition index after the exposure time. Together, these results suggest that aggregates could moderate the effects of oil exposure on blue mussels, possibly by providing better, more concentrated nutrition than unaggregated food particles.

[Establishing reference ranges of serum vitamin K in healthy children].

Objective: To establish and validate reference intervals of serum vitamin K for healthy children in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2023, involving 807 healthy children aged 0 to 14 years, selected by stratified random sampling based on the population distribution of children in eastern, central, western, and northeastern China. Sample collection was carried out in 16 hospitals across 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Basic information of the children was collected using a standardized self-design questionnaire. Serum levels of vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7)) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals was established by direct approach. The children were divided into different groups by age. Inter-group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, and the reference intervals (P2.5-P97.5) were determined using non-parametric methods. Screening 40 healthy children for small sample validation based on age groups within the reference range(25 from eastern, 10 from central, and 5 from western regions). Results: The age of the 807 children was 5.00 (2.00, 9.81) years, and 495 (61.3%) were males and 312 (38.7%) females. Reference intervals were established for 795 children, of whom 303 children were aged 1 month to 3 years and 492 were aged 4 to 14 years. The reference intervals for serum vitamin K1 were 0.09-4.54 µg/L for children aged 1 month to 3 years, and 0.10-1.73 µg/L for 4-14 years. For MK-7, the intervals were 0.07-1.42 µg/L for 1 month to 3 years and 0.19-2.03 µg/L for 4-14 years. The reference intervals for MK-4 in children aged 1 month to 14 years were 0-0.42 µg/L. The measured values of serum vitamin K1, MK-4, and MK-7 in the validation samples did not exceed the reference limit in more than 2 samples. Conclusion: Reference intervals for vitamin K1, MK-4, and MK-7 in healthy children aged 1 month to 14 years have been established and validated, and can be used to assess vitamin K nutritional status in children.

[Construction of competitive endogenous RNA regulatory network and clinical verification for repeated implantation failure].

Objective: To construct a repetitive implantation failure (RIF)-related competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network and validate with clinical samples. Methods: RIF-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) from the high-throughput gene expression omnibus (GEO) database Expression profile data set were obtained to construct a ceRNA regulatory network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. At the same time, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to explore hub genes in the network. This retrospective study collected RIF patients and controls (at least one pregnancy history after assisted conception) who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for assisted pregnancy from 2020 to 2021 at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. In the endometrial tissue of patients with 1 pregnancy history, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the mRNA expression levels of RIF-related hub genes, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to verify protein expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1). Results: A RIF-related ceRNA regulatory network consisting of 32 lncRNAs, 31 miRNAs and 88 mRNAs was constructed, and 7 RIF-related hub genes were identified using WGCNA. By intersecting 88 mRNAs and hub genes in the ceRNA network, two RIF-related key genes were obtained, i.e., VCAM1 and interleukin-2 receptor α (interleukin-2 receptor α, IL-2RA). In clinical verification, the ages of the control group and RIF group [M (Q1, Q3)] were 26.50 (25.00, 34.00) and 30.50 (25.75, 35.25) years old, respectively (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA [0.30 (0.15, 0.42) vs 0.99 (0.69, 1.34), P=0.001] and protein expression [0.44 (0.16, 1.27) vs 2.39 (1.58, 2.58), P<0.001] of VCAM1 in the endometrium of the RIF group were both reduced. Conclusions: This study uses bioinformatics analysis methods to construct a RIF-related ceRNA regulatory network, and it is confirmed through clinical samples that the expression level of VCAM1 in the endometrial tissue of RIF patients is significantly reduced.

[Pathogenic investigation of human respiratory syncytial virus infection in kindergarten children in Tongzhou District, Beijing City in 2023].

The study focused on individuals with influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and other respiratory symptoms) in three kindergartens in Tongzhou District, Beijing City, in April 2023. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were collected, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect common respiratory pathogens in the collected specimens. Positive specimens were subjected to sequencing analysis of the highly variable region of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) G protein, homology analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis. A total of 25 fever cases were collected from 3 kindergartens, aged 3-8 years old, with an age M (Q1, Q3) of 4 (3.5, 5) years old. Ten confirmed cases of HRSV positive were screened and detected using the fluorescent quantitative PCR method, with a total detection rate of 40% (10/25). Typing identification and sequencing analysis confirmed that the main epidemic type was HRSV subtype B, which was highly homologous and closely related to previous epidemic strains in the region. Through pathogen investigation and analysis, it was preliminarily determined that this epidemic was dominated by HRSV subtype B.

[Study on novel inflammatory indicators in marathon exercise monitoring].

To analyze the changes in lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, homocysteine, and novel inflammatory indices (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index) before and after competitions in amateur marathon runners, and to assess the effects of myocardial injury due to acute exercise and the value of novel inflammatory indices in marathon exercise monitoring. This paper is an analytical study. Amateur athletes recruited by Beijing Hospital to participate in the 2022 Beijing Marathon and the 2023 Tianjin Marathon, and those who underwent health checkups at the Beijing Hospital Medical Checkup Center from January to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects, and 65 amateur marathon runners (41 males and 24 females) and 130 healthy controls (82 males and 48 females) were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Peripheral blood was collected one week before, immediately after, and one week after running, and routine blood tests, cardiac enzymes, infarction markers, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, and homocysteine were performed to calculate the values of novel inflammatory indexes. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman's rank correlation analysis were used to compare the differences in the levels of each index between the amateur marathon population and the health checkup population, and to compare the changes and correlations of each index at the three time points in the amateur marathoners.The results showed that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios of the healthy physical examination population and 65 amateur marathoners 1 week before running were 1.73 (1.33, 2.16) and 1.67 (1.21, 2.16), the platelet-lymphocyte ratios were 122.75 (96.69, 155.89) and 120.86 (100.74, 154.63), and the systemic immune inflammation index was 398.62 (274.50, 538.69) and 338.41 (258.62, 485.38), etc.; on 1 week before running, immediately after running and 1 week after running, lactate dehydrogenase of 65 amateur marathon runners was 173.00(159.00, 196.50)U/L,284.00(237.50, 310.50)U/L, 183.00(165.50, 206.50)U/L, creatine kinase was 131.00(94.30, 188.20)U/L,318.00(212.00, 573.15)U/L,139.00(90.55, 202.40)U/L, creatine kinase isoenzyme was 2.50(1.76, 3.43)µg/L,6.24(4.87, 10.30)µg/L,2.73(1.57, 4.40)µg/L.In 65 amateur marathon runners, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, high sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, homocysteine, and novel inflammation markers were significantly elevated in the immediate post-run period compared with 1 week before the run, and the differences were statistically significant (Z=-7.009, Z=-6.813, Z=-6.885, Z=-7.009, Z=-7.009, Z=-6.656; P<0.05 for the above indicators).Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index all showed significant positive correlation with the pre-and post-run rates of change of high-sensitivity troponin T (ρ=0.28, P=0.03;ρ=0.31, P=0.01;ρ=0.27, P=0.03); these 3 markers were also significantly and positively correlated with the pre-and post-run rates of change in a collection of myocardial-related markers such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isozymes, high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor, and homocysteine, respectively(r=0.446, P=0.039; r=0.452, P=0.033; r=0.449, P=0.036).In addition, the platelet-lymphocyte ratio was positively correlated with the pre-and post-run rates of change in creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzymes(ρ=0.27, P=0.03;ρ=0.28, P=0.02).In conclusion, acute myocardial injury may be triggered during marathon exercise. Changes in novel inflammatory markers were significantly associated with changes in myocardial enzymes, infarction markers, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursors, and homocysteine, which may be of value for the prediction of myocardial injury during exercise.

[Characterization of 19 novel gene mutation sites associated with autosome-dominant polycystic kidney disease].

By analyzing the of genetic testing data of patients with renal polycystic kidney disease and their relatives, this study aims to identify unreported novel gene mutation sites associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Structural prediction software was employed to investigate protein structural changes before and after mutations, explore genotype-phenotype correlations, and enrich the ADPKD gene database. In this single-center retrospective study, patients with multiple renal cysts diagnosed from January 2019 to February 2023 at the Zhong Da Hospital Southeast University were included. Genetic and clinical data of patients and their families were collected. Unreported novel gene mutation sites associated with ADPKD were identified. The AlphaFold v2.3.1 software was used to predict protein structures. Changes in protein structure before and after mutations were compared to explore genotype-phenotype correlations and enrich the ADPKD gene database. Twelve mutated genes associated with renal cysts were detected in 52 families. Nineteen novel gene mutation sites associated with ADPKD were identified, including 17 mutations in the PKD1 gene (one splicing mutation, seven frameshift mutations, four nonsense mutations, one whole-codon insertion, and four missense mutations); one ALG9 missense mutation; and one chromosomal structural variation. Truncating mutations in the PKD1 gene were correlated with a more severe clinical phenotype, while non-truncating mutations were associated with greater clinical heterogeneity. Numerous novel gene mutation sites associated with ADPKD remain unreported. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the pathogenicity of these novel mutation sites, establish genotype-phenotype correlations, and enrich the ADPKD gene database.

Development and test of the laser blow-off impurity injection system in experimental advanced superconducting tokamak.

The Laser Blow-Off (LBO) impurity injection system is a crucial tool for studying impurity transport and plasma behavior. Conducting proactive impurity transport research is challenging on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) due to the uncontrollable generation of impurity sources; therefore, it is necessary to develop a laser blow-off impurity injection system for injecting controlled trace impurity particles. This study presents the design and test results of an LBO system for the EAST. The system aims to provide precise and repeatable control over the timing and quantity of impurity injection. The system primarily consists of a laser source, two mirrors, a moveable focusing lens, a target material, and a vacuum system. The movement of the focusing lens is achieved by a three-dimensional displacement system. The operation of the system is completed by a remote control system. With the accurate control system, the laser spot diameter is adjustable, allowing for modification of impurity injection quantity. The test results demonstrate that the system can rapidly detect external trigger signals and ensure precise timing for the impurity injection. Furthermore, this system can also quickly change the focal point of the laser spot, addressing the requirements for impurity injections during the experiments with less than 0.4 mm position error for laser spot focusing. Test results have shown that the aluminum film material can be peeled off by the LBO system when the laser energy exceeds 650 mJ and the smallest ablation spot is about 1 mm. This study is of significant importance for conducting plasma impurity transport research on the EAST.

[A comparative study of a two-stage surgical approach combining coronectomy with microimplant anchorage traction for extraction of impacted mandibular third molars with different traction angles].

Objective: To establish a two-stage surgical procedure of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) extractions assisted by coronectomy and microimplant anchorage traction and to investigate the influencing factors of root movement and the effects of different traction angles on the clinical outcomes. Methods: Fifty-three IMTM in contact with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) that underwent tooth extraction in the Peking University School of Stomatology from January 2022 to June 2023 were included, with coronectomy and microimplant anchorage implantation in the first stage of the surgery, root traction was achieved with orthodontic elastic and microimplant anchorages by about 600 g of force, when the IMTM root was detached from IAN, a second surgery was performed to extract the residual root. The basic information of patients and M3M, data on the microimplant anchorage implantation and traction, imaging measurements, and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: The movement distance of the residual roots was (1.80±0.92) mm, and the duration of traction was (32.9±7.9) d. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the residual root movement distance was significantly correlated with age, gender, number of roots, traction angle, and depth of the distal bone defect of the second molar (P<0.05). The smaller the traction angle, the more significant the movement of the residual roots (P=0.044). In one case (1.9%, 1/53), the patient experienced abnormal sensation in the lower lip 16 days after traction. Conclusions: The two-stage surgical method of combined coronectomy with rapid traction technique to extract the IMTM allows for rapid movement of the residual root and reduces the risk of IAN injury. The efficiency of root movement can be accelerated by appropriately reducing the traction angle during surgery. The traction effect can be predicted based on indicators such as age, gender, number of roots and depth of distal bone defects of second molar.

Ion temperature and rotation velocity measurements of carbon and boron ions using VUV spectroscopy on EAST.

A space-resolved vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy is employed to measure impurity emission profiles (500-3200 Å) on EAST. This study successfully captures C IV (1548.20 and 1550.77 Å) lines emitted from carbon ions and derives ion temperatures using Doppler broadening and a collision model based on their intensity ratios. Both the emission intensity and ion temperature profiles are determined. However, the calculated results reveal a lower temperature of around 10-20 eV with the collision model, suggesting a potential need for further correction in subsequent calculations. Furthermore, this study explores relative rotation velocities from the Doppler shift, indicating an increase in toroidal rotation velocity with applied neutral beam injection. The measured results exhibit concordance with the charge exchange recombination spectrometer data. Furthermore, during boron powder dropping discharges on EAST, B II (1623.60, 1623.79, 1623.95, 1624.02, 1624.17, and 1624.38 Å) emission lines exhibiting a similar time behavior trend with boron powder injection are identified. Ion temperatures are measured using B II (1362.46 Å) through the Doppler broadening method. These techniques hold significant promise for future impurity analysis at the edge of EAST, providing valuable insights into the behavior of carbon and boron ions.

[Advances in the application of minimal residual disease in non-metastatic colorectal cancer].

In recent years, the application of minimal residual disease (MRD) in solid tumors has gained widespread attention. MRD typically refers to the presence of residual cancer cells that remain undetectable by imaging after curative treatments, such as surgical resection. The presence of MRD post-surgery is significantly associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence. In colorectal cancer, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) serves as an effective marker for assessing MRD, particularly in non-metastatic (stages I-III) colorectal cancer. As a real-time, accurate, and convenient biomarker, ctDNA can effectively predict tumor recurrence, guide postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy decisions, and provide crucial information for recurrence monitoring. The application prospects of ctDNA detection technology are vast, promising more precise and individualized treatment plans for colorectal cancer patients. This article comprehensively analyzes the progress in the application of ctDNA for detecting MRD in non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients, elaborates on its guiding role in clinical treatment decisions, and envisions the future development directions in this field.

[Clinical analysis of seven cases of primary hyperoxaluria type 1].

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of seven patients (four men and three women) with primary hyperoxaluria (PH) type 1 (PH1) in the Department of Nephrology of Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University from January 2018 to October 2023. The mean age at disease onset was 32.1 (range: 26-42) years. The mean age at diagnosis was 40.6 (range: 28-51) years. All patients initially had kidney stones, and three patients were found to have renal insufficiency at the time of disease onset. Among them, two patients underwent hemodialysis immediately. Symptoms at the first visit included bone pain (n=7), joint pain or deformity (n=5), fatigue (n=5), hypotension (n=3), and subcutaneous nodules (n=2). Four patients had a family history of PH. All patients had varying degrees of anemia (60-114 g/L), significant hypoalbuminemia (16.5-32.1 g/L), and hypercoagulable state (D-dimer: 2 230-12 781 µg/L). Seven patients received maintenance hemodialysis; their mean age was 37.7 (range: 26-50) years. The mean duration from disease onset to hemodialysis was 5.6 (range: 0-20) years. Five patients repeatedly experienced dialysis access dysfunction. Three patients underwent kidney transplantation before a diagnosis was made, and all transplanted kidneys lost function due to oxalate deposition. The mean follow-up duration was 14.43 (range: 4-38) months. Unfortunately, one patient died. All seven patients underwent computed tomography of the abdomen. All patients suffered skeletal abnormalities, bilateral nephrolithiasis, and nephrocalcinosis. Six patients carried AGXT gene mutations, including four compound heterozygous mutations and two pure homozygous mutations.The mutation sites included: c.823-824dup.AG (p.S275Rfs*38)(exon 8), c.815-816ins.GA (p.S275Rfs*38)(exon 8), c.595G>A (p.G199S) (exon 5), c.32C>G (p.P11R) (exon 1), and c.638C>T (p.A213V)(exon 6). According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, two loci were identified as likely pathogenic variants, seven were identified as pathogenic variants, and one locus was identified as having uncertain significance. In addition, patients 1 and 4 underwent skin biopsy, patient 2 underwent renal transplant biopsy, and patient 3 underwent bone marrow biopsy. Interestingly, significant oxalate deposition was found in the tissues. Therefore, PH1 is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease. This study not only enhanced the understanding of the clinical characteristics of PH1 patients but also had great significance in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.