Effects of different periodontal interventions on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Periodontal disease is widespread among pregnant women, and it is possible that taking action to improve oral health conditions can make improvements in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Herein, we summarize the recent evidence using a network meta-analysis to assess the effects of different periodontal treatment intervention strategies on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. Materials and methods: Randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation of the included literature were performed, the R studio 4.2.2 "netmeta" package was used for the network meta-analysis. Results: A total of 20 studies were included, and 5 adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preterm birth and/or low birth weight infants, small for gestational age, and pre-eclampsia) were considered to examine the effects of different periodontal treatment interventions strategies on the risk of the abovementioned outcome indicators. The results of the network meta-analysis demonstrated that the three periodontal treatment intervention strategies of sub- and/or supra-gingival scaling and root planing + chlorhexidine rinsing (SRP + CR), sub- and/or supra-gingival scaling and root planing+chlorhexidine rinsing + tooth polishing and plaque control (SRP + CR + TP), and sub- and/or supra-gingival scaling and root planing +sonic toothbrush + tooth polishing and plaque control (SRP + ST + TP) reduced the risk of preterm birth [odds ratio (OR) = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.10-0.88), OR = 0.25, 95CI% (0.10-0.63), OR = 0.28, 95CI% (0.11-0.69), respectively]. In addition, two periodontal treatment intervention strategies, SRP + CR and SRP + CR + TP, were effective methods in terms of the risk of preterm birth and/or low birth weight [OR = 0.18, 95CI% (0.06-0.52), OR = 0.31, 95CI% (0.12-0.79)]. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that the risk of preterm birth and preterm birth and/or low birth weight can be reduced with certain periodontal treatment intervention strategies. Future studies should focus on optimizing intervention strategies and the optimal timing for different periods of pregnancy, in order to provide a reference for pregnant women's healthcare. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=407901, CRD42023407901.

Dynamic changes in the gel properties, microbial community, and volatile flavor profile of Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) sausages inoculated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CY1-2.

Spanish mackerel is an important economic fish species in China, but corruption undermines its overall economic value. Fermentation serves as a crucial technique for preserving perishable fish in developing countries. This study aimed to examine the dynamic changes in the gel properties, physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) of Spanish mackerel sausages inoculated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CY1-2 during fermentation. The correlation between key microorganisms and VFCs was explored using a two-way orthogonal partial least squares analysis. The results showed that the group inoculated with strain CY1-2 exhibited significant improvements compared with the control group after 40 h of fermentation. Specifically, gel strength increased by 207.7%, total free amino acids increased by 37.49%, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates increased by 34.12% and 58.73%, and TVB-N levels decreased by 54.2%, respectively. In addition, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 36 VFCs were detected in fermented sausages, including 9 aldehydes, 9 hydrocarbons, 7 alcohols, 4 acids, 2 ketones, and 5 esters. High-throughput sequencing demonstrated that the bacterial profiles were altered in sausages inoculated with strain CY1-2 during fermentation. Enhydrobacter dominated initially but was quickly replaced by Macrococcus after 8 h of fermentation, while Lactobacillus became the dominant genus after 40 h. Correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus played important roles in the production of VFCs in the fermented sausages. Notably, Lactobacillus was positively associated with 2-undecanone, pentadecane, and hexanal. This study confirmed that strain CY1-2 inoculation could enable the production of high-quality fermented fish sausages.

Expert Consensus on Big Data Collection of Skin and Appendage Disease Phenotypes in Chinese.

The collection of big data on skin and appendage phenotypes has revolutionized the field of personalized diagnosis and treatment by enabling the evaluation of individual characteristics and early detection of abnormalities. To establish a standardized system for collecting and measuring big data on phenotypes, a systematic categorization of measurement entries has been undertaken, accompanied by recommendations on measurement entries, environmental equipment requirements, and collection processes, tailored to the needs of different usage scenarios. Specific collection sites have also been recommended based on different index characteristics. A multi-center, multi-regional collaboration has been initiated to collect big date on phenotypes of healthy and diseased skin in the Chinese population. This data will be correlated with patient disease information, exploring the factors influencing skin phenotype, analyzing the phenotypic data features that can predict prognosis, and ultimately promoting the exploration of the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of skin diseases and therapeutic approaches. Non-invasive skin measurement robots are also in development. This consensus aims to provide a reference for the study of phenomics and the standardization of phenotypic measurements of skin and appendages in China.

Shopping around: Comparing Cd(II) sorption performance of disparate functional groups-modified microcrystalline cellulose composites.

The structure-function relationship of functionalized microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites as adsorbents remains unclear. Herein, the orange peel-derived MCC (i.e., OP-OH-H-25) was treated by different functional agents to prepare adsorbents for cadmium (Cd(II)) removal. Mercaptoacetic acid and orthophosphoric acid did not apparently impact MCC's surface site types and contents. Alternatively, they efficiently purified OP-OH-H-25 and generated OP-OH-SH and OP-OH-P samples with increased cellulose amounts. In contrast, the glycine modification produced OP-OH-NH2 with fewer sulfhydryl/carboxyl functional groups and more amide/amino sites. The pH-dependent Cd(II) removal trends by the MCC-related materials showed three successive stages with disparate sorption modes. The Cd(II) sorption kinetics processes on OP-OH-SH, OP-OH-P, and OP-OH-NH2 reached equilibrium after 0.25 h, faster than 0.5 h on OP-OH-H-25. The maximum Cd(II) sorption capacities of MCC-related adsorbents were OP-OH-P (151.81 mg/g) > OP-OH-SH (150.80 mg/g) > OP-OH-H-25 (124.90 mg/g) > > OP-OH-NH2 (55.23 mg/g). OP-OH-P exhibited the strongest Cd(II) sorption ability under the interference of mixed aquatic components. The intrinsic Cd(II) sorption mechanisms were identified as inner-sphere complexation and cation-π bond interaction. Overall, the select priority of modifying agents is orthophosphoric acid > mercaptoacetic acid > > glycine when preparing functionalized MCC adsorbents for purifying Cd(II)-polluted water systems.

Factors influencing safe use of drugs among community residents: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Researchers have paid little attention to the safety of drug use among community residents (CRs). Irrational use of drugs can lead to health risks. We investigated the situation of knowledge-attitude-practices (KAP) of CRs in Shenzhen (China) for safe use of drugs, and analyzed the main factors influencing drug use. METHODS: A multi-stage, random sampling method was used. We used a validated questionnaire to conduct an online questionnaire survey on the demographic characteristics and KAP of safe use of drugs of CRs in 10 administrative districts of Shenzhen City. The KAP score of safe use of drugs of CRs was analyzed. Influencing factors were identified using a single-factor chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 7269 valid questionnaires were collected. The average scores of knowledge, attitude, and behavior were (9.08 ± 1.49) (possible range: 0-10), (37.82 ± 3.96) (possible range: 8-40), and (35.82 ± 4.56) (possible range: 8-40), respectively, indicating that they had a better grasp of safe use of drugs. Logistic regression analysis showed that sex, age, education level, occupation, monthly household income per capita, marital status, health status, and different sources of information were the main factors affecting the knowledge and behavior of safe use of drugs of CRs. In addition to the marital status variable, other variables also have a significant impact on attitude towards safe use of drugs of CRs. CONCLUSIONS: Male sex, lower education level, lower income level, average/poor self-rated health status, and single source of drug-use information were the main factors affecting safe use of drugs based on KAP theory. The government and medical workers should carry out various forms of drug-education activities for people with different needs, encourage CRs to learn safe use of drugs, and promote safe use of drugs by CRs through diverse information sources.

Suspected adverse drug reactions of rivaroxaban reported in the United States food and drug administration adverse event reporting system database: a pharmacovigilance study.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the safety profiles of rivaroxaban-associated suspected adverse events by mining the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: A disproportionality analysis of spontaneously reported suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was conducted. The reports in FAERS from 2014 to 2024 were compiled. Frequentist and Bayesian statistics were both applied to calculate drug-AE combinations in system organ classes and preferred-term levels. Reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) methods were analyzed and used to compare the suspected AEs. Results: Of 77,384 ADR reports, 66,705 (86.20%) were serious rivaroxaban AE reports. The most common age group was above 65 years. The suspected adverse effects of rivaroxaban emerging for system organ classes (SOCs) primarily included "Gastrointestinal disorders"; "Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications", "Nervous system disorders" and "Vascular disorders". Ranked by EBGM, the top signal strength of suspected AE signals of rivaroxaban under ROR algorithm at the preferred-term (PT) level were "Haemorrhagic arteriovenous malformation" (N = 571, ROR = 756.520, PRR = 754.029, Information Component (IC) = 7.197, Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) = 146.725), "Gastrointestinal vascular malformation haemorrhagic" (N = 197, ROR = 211.138, PRR = 210.950, IC = 6.614, EBGM = 97.923), and "Diverticulum intestinal haemorrhagic" (N = 722, ROR = 169.898, PRR = 169.210, IC = 6.458, EBGM = 97.920). Moreover, uncommon but significantly suspected AE signals, such as "Coagulation factor X level increased", "Basal ganglia haematoma", and "Proctitis haemorrhagic" were observed. Notably, "Gastrointestinal haemorrhage" (N = 13,436, ROR = 80.477, PRR = 74.460, IC = 5.729, EBGM = 53.042), "Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage"(N = 2,872, ROR = 73.978, PRR = 72.797, IC = 5.706, EBGM = 52.198) and "Internal haemorrhage" (N = 2,368, ROR = 91.979, PRR = 80.899, IC = 5.813, EBGM = 56.212) exhibited relatively high occurrence rates and signal strengths. From 2014 to 2024, the IC values of rivaroxaban-associated suspected AEs for "Surgical and medical procedures" and "Cardiac disorders" showed an annual increasing trend in the time-span analysis. Based on the various visulization plots, a key discovery is that "Gastrointestinal hemorrhage" emerged as the most significant suspected AE across five algorithms. The exciting finding was that the MGPS algorithm revealed a higher risk of suspected AEs under the "Investigations" category. However, the results of the analyses of the other algorithms at the SOC level were not akin to this. Moreover, the results of signal mining for the three main types of indication populations with adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including Atrial fibrillation, Cerebrovascular accident prophylaxis, and Deep vein thrombosis were shown that "Gastrointestinal haemorrhage", "Epistaxis", "Haematuria", "Rectal haemorrhage", and "Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage" were detected as the most common and significant signals of suspected adverse events. Conclusion: Rivaroxaban has risks of various suspected adverse reactions while providing therapeutic effects and being used widely. Our pharmacovigilance study may provide valuable hints that practitioners should closely monitor occurrences of "Gastrointestinal disorders", "Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications" and "Nervous system disorders", and other events in clinical applications. Consequently, it remains to persist in monitoring rivaroxaban, assessing the associated risks in the future.

A Comparative Study on the Application of Robotic Hair Restoration Technology Versus Traditional Follicular Unit Excision in Male Androgenetic Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: The robotic hair transplant technology, ARTAS, has a series of fine mechanical structure and an intelligent recognition system that allows it to independently select hair follicular units (FUs) and effectively harvest hair. After entering China in 2016, ARTAS has attracted the attention of hair transplant surgeons and hair loss patients given its advantages in a short learning curve and simple operation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety between the ARTAS system and follicular unit excision (FUE) in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and to further promote the improvement and upgrading of ARTAS technology concerning hair transplantation. METHODS: Thirteen Chinese male patients with Norwood-Hamilton II-IV AGA aged 25-35 years were enrolled in this study. The donor site of each patient was randomly divided into left and right regions, receiving ARTAS on one side and FUE on the other. Yield, transection, and discard rates of hair FUs from both sides were compared. Safety of the procedures in whole, as well as follow-up results were investigated and evaluated. RESULTS: The total yield rate on the ARTAS side was lower than on the FUE side (82.05% vs. 90.03%, p > 0.05); the total discard rate on the ARTAS side was higher than on the FUE side (10.71% vs. 5.46%, p < 0.05); the total transection rate on the ARTAS side was lower than on the FUE side (13.17% vs. 13.96%, p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in patient satisfaction (efficacy), and no side effects or complications were detected during or after all surgeries. CONCLUSION: The current iteration of Robotic hair transplant technology is effective and safe, and can be recommended for AGA hair transplantation surgery.

Enhanced health risk of soil heavy metal exposure following an extreme rainstorm under climate change.

Widespread concerns raised in changes in the health risk of soil heavy metals exposure due to extreme rainstorm under climate change. However, the impacts of extreme rainstorm on human exposure risk and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, soil properties, speciation distribution and bioaccessibility of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soil samples, which were collected before and after extreme rainstorm, were measured, subsequently the soil oral exposure risk of heavy metals was assessed based on bioaccessibility. Results indicate that extreme rainstorm can significantly enhance the accumulated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic exposure risk by 10.1-188.3 %, with lowland soil posing 1.3-1.7 times higher risk than highland soil. The increase in exposure risk varies among elements in highland and lowland soil. Specifically, the exposure risk for Cd and Pb increased by 2.5-9.7 times, whereas that for Cu decreased by 43.2 % - 60.6 %. The risk of Zn and Ni exposure exhibits complex trends, with an increase of 37.2 %-104.8 % in lowland soil but a decrease of 9.4 %-46.5 % in highland soil. Bioaccessibility variations are the primary risk factors for soil heavy metal exposure during extreme rainstorms, not total concentration. Mechanistically, the extreme rainstorm directly increases soil moisture content and reduce organic matter concentration, leading to an increment in the proportion of bio-utilization speciation and decrement in the speciation bounding to Fe/Mn oxides of soil heavy metals. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of soil heavy metal positively correlates with their bio-utilization speciation and negatively correlates with their speciation bounding to Fe/Mn oxides, which ultimately increasing exposure risk. Our study suggests the necessity that attentions should be paid to the enhanced health risk associated with soil heavy metal exposure following extreme rainstorm, particularly for population residing in lowland areas.

The Causal Role of Uterine Fibroid in Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study on European Populations.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between uterine fibroids and keloid/hypertrophic scars has been contradictory. Our research employs a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to establish a clearer understanding of this potential causal link. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of uterine fibroids on keloid/hypertrophic scars and the effect of keloid/hypertrophic scars on uterine fibroids. PURPOSE: We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between uterine fibroids and keloid/ hypertrophic scars. METHOD: Our bidirectional MR study utilized summarized data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) focused on European populations. Our primary tool for establishing causality was the Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW) method. To reinforce the IVW findings, we also applied four alternative MR methods: MR-Egger, Maximum Likelihood, Weighted Mode, and Weighted Median. RESULT: The IVW method indicated a significant causal link, with uterine fibroids greatly raising the likelihood of developing keloids (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.202, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.045-1.381; P=0.010) and hypertrophic scars (OR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.039-1.519; P=0.018). Parallel results were observed with the MR-Egger, Maximum Likelihood, Weighted Mode, and Weighted Median methods. Sensitivity analyses indicated robustness in these findings, with no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Conversely, the reverse MR analysis did not demonstrate an increased risk of uterine fibroids due to keloids or hypertrophic scars. CONCLUSION: This study elucidates a significant causal effect of uterine fibroids on the development of keloid and hypertrophic scars, offering valuable insights into their pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

Analysis of Intestinal Microbiota in Schizophrenic Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: Our goal is to examine the correlation between gut microbiota and the cooccurrence of schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes. Methods: We conducted a study on the intestinal microbiota of 4 distinct groups: simple schizophrenia group (SC), schizophrenia with type 2 diabetes group (TS), type 2 diabetes group (T2DM), and normal population control group (HC), comprising a total of 35 subjects. Results: The bacteria phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucobacteria were consistently present across all 4 groups. Significantly higher intestinal microbiota richness was observed in the T2DM compared to the other group, and the intestinal microbiota richness in TS significantly lower than that of the SC. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the presence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with schizophrenia may affect the composition of their gut microbiota. We hypothesize that the concurrent existence of both diseases could potentially lead to alterations in the structure of gut microbiota, potentially influencing treatment effectiveness and outcomes.

Autologous Cultured Tissue Engineering Epidermal Sheet Transplantation to Treat Vitiligo of the Hands.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous therapeutic modalities for vitiligo, their efficacy varies. Managing vitiligo affecting the hands poses a particularly intricate challenge, with outcomes trailing those in other anatomical regions. OBJECTIVE: Assess the determinants influencing the efficacy and safety of autocultured tissue engineering epidermal sheets transplantation in treating hand vitiligo, observed over a 6-month follow-up period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 33 patients who underwent treatment for hand vitiligo using autocultured tissue engineering epidermal sheets transplantation. Repigmentation extent was evaluated by 2 dermatologists. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 33 patients, including 24 males and 9 females, with an average age of 26.91 ± 9.24 years (range: 10-49 years). The mean duration of the disease was 11.61 ± 7.83 years (range: 1.5-34 years). Vitiligo lesion stability ranged from 6 months to 4 years, with an average duration of stability calculated at 1.715 ± 1 year. After 6 months, 75.8% (25/33) of patients exhibited a favorable response, with 39.4% (13/33) showing complete or near-complete repigmentation. No adverse events, such as infections or scar formation, were recorded. CONCLUSION: The authors' investigation suggests that autocultured tissue engineering epidermal sheets transplantation is a highly effective and safe therapeutic approach for hand vitiligo, offering a promising treatment avenue.

ACKR1+ Endothelial Cells Mediate Leukocyte Infiltration and Synergize with SFRP2/ASPN+ Fibroblasts to Promote Skin Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Skin fibrosis is the most typical pathological manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma (LS) with unclear etiology and few effective treatments. Though excessive collagen secretion by fibroblasts is the primary cause of skin fibrosis, many lines of evidence suggested that vascular damage was the initiating event and various cell types along with fibroblasts worked together to contribute to the pathogenesis of skin fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: We sought to explore the relationships between vascular endothelial cell lesions and immune cell infiltration, along with the cell-cell interactions among various cell types within the fibrotic skin ecosystem. METHODS: Single-cell RNA-seq (10x Genomics) was performed on skin biopsies of 3 healthy donors and 7 SSc patients in Chinese. The additional 3 localized scleroderma patients' data from NCBI database (GSE160536) were integrated by Harmony. CellChat package (v1.5.0) was applied to analyze cell communication network. Transwell assay and subcutaneous bleomycin (BLM) injection in mice were used to explore the role of ACKR1 on immune cell infiltration. Milo single-cell western blot was applied to show the activation of fibroblast subclusters. RESULTS: A total of 62,295 cells were obtained and subpopulations of stromal and immune cells were identified. Interaction network analysis revealed that multiple chemokines secreted by macrophages, pericytes, and pro-inflammatory fibroblasts could bind with Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (ACKR1), which is highly expressed on ACKR1+ endothelial cells of lesion skin. Transwell assay revealed that over-expressed ACKR1 in HUVEC facilitated leukocyte infiltration under the treatment of IL8. The BLM mice showed enhanced ACKR1 expression, massive immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis in skin, which could be attenuated by ACKR1 inhibition. Furthermore, infiltrated macrophages with TGFB1 or PDGFB high production could activate SFRP2/ASPN+ fibroblasts to contribute to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and the SOX4-ASPN axis plays an important role in the TGF-ß signaling cascade and the etiology of skin fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that highly expressed ACKR1 in endothelial cells of fibrotic skin tissue promotes immune cell infiltration, and SFRP2/ASPN+ fibroblasts synergize to exacerbate skin fibrosis.

Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Gang Huo Qing wen granules in the treatment of influenza based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics.

Influenza (Flu) is a severe health, medical, and economic problem, but no medication that has excellent outcomes and lowers the occurrence of these problems is now available. GanghuoQingwenGranules (GHQWG) is a common Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of influenza (flu). However, its methods of action remain unknown. We used network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of GHQWG in flu. TCMSP and various types of literature were used to obtain active molecules and targets of GHQWG. Flu-related targets were found in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database, the DisFeNET database, the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), and the DrugBank database. To screen the key targets, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. DAVID was used to analyze GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. Target tissue and organ distribution was assessed. Molecular docking was used to evaluate interactions between possible targets and active molecules. For the ideal core protein-compound complexes obtained using molecular docking, a molecular dynamics simulation was performed. In total, 90 active molecules and 312 GHQWG targets were discovered. The PPI network's topology highlighted six key targets. GHQWG's effects are mediated via genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, as well as the TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways, according to GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the active compounds and tested targets had strong binding capabilities. This analysis accurately predicts the effective components, possible targets, and pathways involved in GHQWG flu treatment. We proposed a novel study strategy for future studies on the molecular processes of GHQWG in flu treatment. Furthermore, the possible active components provide a dependable source for flu drug screening.

Predictive value of circulating immune cell changes in response to PD-1 blockade and TKI therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the dynamic changes in circulating immune cells following immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and interventional therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: HCC patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), TKI, and ICI treatment were included in the treatment group. Peripheral blood samples were collected from these patients before each cycle of PD-1 blockade treatment. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to assess the composition of peripheral immune cells and identify PD-1-expressing T cells. RESULTS: The treatment group showed a median time-to-tumor progression (TTP) of 8 months and an overall survival (OS) of 19 months. In comparison, the control group had 6 months and 15 months respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P = 0.029 for TTP and P = 0.020 for OS). In HCC patients receiving Lenvatinib, more circulating natural killer (NK) cells were noted. After 1-2 cycles of PD-1 antibody treatment, a general decline in the proportion of circulating PD-1+T cells was found, indicating individual variations in response. CONCLUSION: Circulating immune cells have the potential to serve as indicators of the response to immunotherapy, providing a means to monitor dynamic changes and optimize treatment for HCC.

Fu'cupping Physical Permeation-Enhancing Technique Enhances the Therapeutic Efficacy of Corydalis yanhusuo Gel Plaster.

Corydalis yanhusuo, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat various pains, and its active ingredients are alkaloids. This study aimed to develop a new type of transdermal gel plaster containing the extract of C. yanhusuo. Studies have shown that Fu'cupping physical permeation-enhancing technique can promote the penetration of alkaloids and improve the efficacy of drugs. A transdermal gel plaster containing the extract of C. yanhusuo was prepared and optimized using an orthogonal experimental design. The skin permeation ability of the gel plaster was studied in vitro, while the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the prepared patch alone or with Fu'cupping physical permeation-enhancing technique were evaluated in a rat model. The formulation of a gel plaster containing C. yanhusuo extract was successfully prepared with an optimized composition consisting of glycerin (15 g), sodium polyacrylate (2 g), silicon dioxide (0.3 g), ethanol (2 g), aluminum oxide (0.1 g), citric acid (0.05 g), the C. yanhusuo extract (3 g), and water (15 g). The cumulative transdermal permeation of dehydrocorydaline, corypalmine, tetrahydropalmatine, and corydaline in 24 h was estimated to be 569.7 ± 63.2, 74.5 ± 13.7, 82.4 ± 17.2, and 38.9 ± 8.1 µg/cm2, respectively. The in vitro diffusion of dehydrocorydaline and corydaline followed the zero-order kinetics profile, while that of corypalmine and tetrahydropalmatine followed a Higuchi equation. The prepared gel plaster significantly reduced paw swelling, downregulated inflammatory cytokines, and mitigated pain induced by mechanical or chemical stimuli. The Fu'cupping physical permeation-enhancing technique further improved the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the patch. The combined application of the Fu'cupping physical permeation-enhancing technique and the alkaloid gel plaster may be effective against inflammation and pain.

A comprehensive literature review and an international expert consensus on the management of scalp seborrheic dermatitis in adults.

Seborrheic Dermatitis of the scalp (SSD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin condition. Current SSD treatments mainly consist of topical applications of anti-fungals and anti-inflammatory agents. to review information about SSD and to provide dermatologists with practical recommendations for managing adult SSD. Material and methods: Between September and December 2023, an international group of experts in dermatology and hair and scalp disorders met to discuss published data about SD, SSD, dandruff, and management options. A total of 131 manuscripts available from PubMed were analysed, discussed and used for the present consensus. Each author was asked to complete a table listing currently used treatments to treat SSD according to the literature and to their own experience. The authors confirmed their use and regimen and commented on local treatment exceptions. They then agreed on prescription practices and proposed a general treatment approach. Currently, approved therapies to manage moderate and severe forms of SSD do not exist and there is a need for adapted and approved medications that treat efficiently and safely the disease. We propose a treatment algorithm that allows for the treatment of all severity grades of SSD. This algorithm may be completed with local treatment specifications. Despite the lack of approved therapies to manage moderate forms of SSD, a treatment algorithm is proposed and may help prescribers to manage SSD more efficiently.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensing Platform for Trace Malondialdehyde Detection in Tears.

Disease biomarkers in tears are crucial for clinical diagnosis and health monitoring. However, the limited volume of tear samples, low concentration of tear biomarkers, and complex tear composition present challenges for precise testing. We introduce a spot-on testing platform of metal-organic framework (MOF)-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capillary column, which is capable of target molecules selective separation and enrichment for tear biomarkers in situ detection. It consists of Au nanostars for effective SERS signal and a porous MOF shell for separating impurities through molecular sieving effect. This platform allows for simultaneous collection and detection of tear, capturing the disease biomarker malondialdehyde in tears with a 9.38 × 10-9 mol/L limit of detection. Moreover, we designed a hand-held device based on this tubular SERS sensor, successfully diagnosing patients with dry eye disease. This functional capillary column enables noninvasive and rapid diagnosis of biomarkers in biofluids, providing potential for disease diagnosis and healthcare monitoring.

Radiation and male reproductive system: Damage and protection.

Male fertility has been declining in recent decades, and a growing body of research points to environmental and lifestyle factors as the cause. The widespread use of radiation technology may result in more people affected by male infertility, as it is well established that radiation can cause reproductive impairment in men. This article provides a review of radiation-induced damage to male reproduction, and the effects of damage mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the understanding of the effects of radiation on male reproduction, and provide information for research into drugs that can protect the reproductive health of males.