Does adjunctive fixation in conjunction with miniplate affect condylar position and morphology after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy? A retrospective 3-dimensional CT comparative study.

To minimize condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), surgeons add either a bicortical screw or a two-hole plate distal to the conventional single miniplate. Since there have been no previous studies investigating the effect of this combination, our study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of these adjunctive fixation methods (AFM) on condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with retruded mandibles who were treated in the Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The patients were divided into two groups based on the primary predictor variable, which was the addition of AFM - either a single bicortical screw or a two-hole plate in addition to the single miniplate. The primary outcome variable was the condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. Three-dimensional facial CT scans were obtained at three different time points (preoperatively - T0, 1 week postoperatively - T1, and 1 year postoperatively - T2) and analyzed using ITK-SNAP, 3D Slicer, and SlicerSALT software. Intergroup comparisons were conducted with an independent t-test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Correlations between the variables were estimated by Pearson correlation. The study comprised 51 patients (32 females, 19 males; mean age 25.13 ± 4.24 years), involving a total of 81 condyles (21 unilateral and 60 bilateral). There was a significant difference in long-term condylar displacement in favor of AFM along with a single miniplate (p < 0.001). The bicortical screw group recorded less condylar displacement than the two-hole plate group horizontally (0.11 mm vs 0.22 mm) and sagittally (0.03 mm vs 0.17 mm), but more vertically (0.85 mm vs 0.03 mm). Bone formation associated with AFM occurred on all condylar surfaces, compared with only three surfaces in the single miniplate group. The adjunctive method in addition to the single miniplate fixation method showed less condylar displacement and more bone apposition after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. The follow-up duration variable was the only significant determinant for volumetric changes in the condyle.

Evaluation of Different Fixation Methods Combinations After L-Shaped Osteotomy Reduction Malarplasty: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: This in vitro study compared the stability of different fixation method combinations for the zygomatic complex after simulated L-shaped osteotomy reduction malarplasty, a common facial contouring surgery in East Asia with high postoperative complications due to poor fixation methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used 108 zygoma replicas with various fixation methods combinations in the zygomatic body (L-shaped plate with short wing on zygoma and on the maxilla, two bicortical screws, one bicortical screw with L-shaped plate, square plate, and rectangular plate) and zygomatic arch (Mortise-Tenon structure, 3-hole plate, and Mortise-Tenon structure plus short screw). The failure force under incremental load was applied through the Instron tensile machine to a well-stabilized model using a rubber band simulating the masseter muscle and recorded the increasing force digitally. ANOVA test was used for comparison between recorded values (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The results showed that the most stable combination was a six-hole rectangular plate and a Mortise-Tenon structure plus one short screw (358.55 ± 51.64 N/mm2). The results also indicated that the placement vector of the fixation methods around the L-shaped osteotomy and the use of the two-bridge fixation method were important factors in enhancing the stability of the zygomatic complex. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that surgeons should choose appropriate fixation methods based on these factors to reduce postoperative complications and improve surgical outcomes. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The L-shaped Zygomatic Reduction with Oblique or Vertical Resection: Which One is the Optimal Choice?

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the optimal surgical techniques in reduction malarplasty by comparing the difference between the L-shaped osteotomy with vertical and oblique bone resection. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients who visited our department for L-shaped osteotomy with either vertical (Group Ⅰ) or oblique bone resection (Group Ⅱ) from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative and postoperative spiral computed tomography (CT) data were analyzed. The preoperative CT data was also used to simulate the virtual and model surgery. RESULTS: The results showed that a broken-bridge-like structure with a bony gap of 2.86±1.03 mm at the zygomatic arch root was observed in Group Ⅰ, and a mortice and tenon joint structure with a bone overlap of 2.28±0.58 mm was formed in Group Ⅱ. The zygoma in Group Ⅰ displaced significantly in the vertical direction and horizontal direction during the follow-up. Simultaneously, the incidence of complications was higher in Group Ⅰ. In the mechanism analysis through virtual and model surgery, the zygomatic segment was shifted anteriorly and inferiorly in Group Ⅰ, and a bony gap was detected at the zygomatic arch root. Conversely, a superior and posterior movement was performed in Group Ⅱ and it maintained the zygomatic complex integral with bone overlap at the zygomatic arch root upon repositioning. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that L-shaped osteotomy with oblique bone resection could be the optimal choice for reducing zygomatic prominence.

The accuracy of virtual surgical planning assisted management for L-shaped reduction malarplasty: A retrospective study.

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of L-shaped reduction malarplasty with bone setback or resection on the zygoma and the mortice and tenon joint structure on the zygomatic arch under the guidance of virtual surgical planning (VSP). Adult patients with zygomatic protrusion or hypertrophy were enrolled and divided. L-shaped reduction malarplasty with or without bone resection and with the mortice and tenon joint structure on the zygomatic arch was conducted either by digital procedures comprising VSP and three-dimensional (3D) printing titanium templates (Group I) or by conventional methods (Group II). Positions of representative landmarks and superimposition models were analyzed by 3D cephalometry. Satisfaction rate and incidences of clinical complications were compared as well. Satisfactory reduction of zygomatic protrusion or hypertrophy was recognized among all 78 patients. Improved symmetry and great surgical accuracy were observed according to the cephalometry analyses. The bone segment movement of virtual plans and actual results in Group I were measured and showed no obvious difference for the inward movement (5.42 ± 0.98 mm vs. 5.33± 0.93 mm, P = 0.6906) and the sagittal overlap (4.77 ± 1.32 mm vs. 4.87± 1.21 mm, P = 0.7386) at the zygoma roots, along with the step length at the long-arm of the L-shaped osteotomy line (2.43 ± 1.11 mm vs. 2.39± 0.89 mm, P = 0.8665). The high resemblance between virtual plans and actual results was depicted via superimposition models. Meanwhile, a higher satisfaction rate (28 in 36, 78% vs. 20 in 42, 48%) and a lower incidence rate of complications (11 in 36, 31% vs. 21 in 42, 50%) were found in Group I. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the application of VSP in reduction malarplasty could significantly contribute to better surgical accuracy and reduced difficulties in the operation, which would be beneficial to patients with zygoma hypertrophy or prominence.

Morphological Changes of the Mandibular Angle After Orthognathic Surgery with Class III Deformity in East Asia.

The aims of this study were to analyze the morphological changes of the mandibular angle after orthognathic surgery for mandibular setback and investigate related factors. This retrospective study included patients from January 2017 to December 2021 diagnosed with skeletal class III deformity who underwent BSSRO (Group I) or bimaxillary surgery (Group II). Preoperative (T0), within 1 month postoperatively (T1), and 6 months postoperatively (T2) CT scans were collected from 61 patients to three-dimensionally analyze the proximal segment displacement, the linear and angular changes of the mandibular angle. The gonion points moved posteriorly and laterally (P < 0.001), while the inferior movement was not significant (P = 1.000, P = 0.274). The intergonial width increased by 3.32 ± 1.87 mm and 2.34 ± 1.77 mm as revealed by T2 CTs, respectively, in Group I and Group II. Mandibular angle decreased in both groups and by 1.41 ± 2.95° in Group I and 1.37 ± 3.41° in Group II. The increase in intergonial width between T1 and T0 was negatively correlated with the preoperative mandibular angle (P = 0.003) and positively correlated with the transverse outward movement of the proximal segment (P < 0.001). After surgery, the intergonial width increased and the inferior and posterior border of the proximal segment flared outward. The changes in intergonial width and mandibular angle were mainly related to the rotation of the proximal segment, which has a certain impact on the aesthetics of the lower face. Therefore, controlling the position of the proximal segment is of vital importance to lessen the changes in the mandibular angle area.Level of Evidence III. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Biodegradable Polyurethane Scaffolds in Regeneration Therapy: Characterization and In Vivo Real-Time Degradation Monitoring by Grafted Fluorescent Tracer.

There is an urgent need to assess material degradation in situ and in real time for their promising application in regeneration therapy. However, traditional monitoring methods in vitro cannot always profile the complicated behavior in vivo. This study designed and synthesized a new biodegradable polyurethane (PU-P) scaffold with polycaprolactone glycol, isophorone diisocyanate, and l-lysine ethyl ester dihydrochloride. To monitor the degradation process of PU-P, calcein was introduced into the backbone (PU-5) as a chromophore tracing in different sites of the body and undegradable fluorescent scaffold (CPU-5) as the control group. Both PU-P and PU-5 can be enzymatically degraded, and the degradation products are molecularly small and biosafe. Meanwhile, by virtue of calcein anchoring with urethane, polymer chains of PU-5 have maintained the conformational stability and extended the system conjugation, raising a structure-induced emission effect that successfully achieved a significant enhancement in the fluorescence intensity better than pristine calcein. Evidently, unlike the weak fluorescent response of CPU-5, PU-5 and its degradation can be clearly imaged and monitored in real time after implantation in the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. Meanwhile, the in situ osteogeneration has also been promoted after the two degradable scaffolds have been implanted in the rabbit femoral condyles and degraded with time. To sum up, the strategy of underpinning tracers into degradable polymer chains provides a possible and effective way for real-time monitoring of the degradation process of implants in vivo.

Endovenous Microwave Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Lower Limb Varicose Veins.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to retrospectively compare the clinical outcomes of endovenous microwave versus radiofrequency ablation combined with foam sclerotherapy in patients with lower limb varicose veins. METHODS: We identified patients with lower limb varicose veins treated with endovenous microwave ablation or radiofrequency ablation with foam sclerotherapy between January 2018 and June 2021 at our institution. Patients were followed-up for 12 months. Clinical results, including the pre-post-Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire and post-Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire and Venous Clinical Severity Score, were compared. Complications were documented and treated accordingly. RESULTS: We included 287 cases (295 limbs total; endovenous microwave ablation + foam sclerosing agent: n = 142, 146 limbs; radiofrequency ablation + foam sclerosing agent: n = 145, 149 limbs). The operative time was shorter for endovenous microwave ablation than radiofrequency ablation (42.58 ± 15.62 min vs. 65.46 ± 24.38 min, P < 0.05); however, other procedural parameters did not differ. Furthermore, hospitalization costs for endovenous microwave ablation were lower than those for radiofrequency ablation (21,063.74 ± 850.47 yuan vs. 23,312.40 ± 1,035.86 yuan, P < 0.05). At the 12-month follow-up, the great saphenous vein closure rate was similar in both groups (endovenous microwave ablation, 97% [142/146] vs. radiofrequency ablation, 98% [146/149]; P > 0.05). Additionally, the satisfaction or incidence rates of complications were not different among the groups. In both groups, the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire and Venous Clinical Severity Score values were significantly lower 12 months postsurgery than before surgery; however, the postoperative values did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous microwave ablation effectively treated lower limb varicose veins, with similar short-term effects as radiofrequency ablation. Moreover, it had a shorter operative time and was less expensive than endovenous radiofrequency ablation.

Therapeutic properties of isoliquiritigenin with molecular modeling studies: investigation of anti-pancreatic acinar cell tumor and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor activity for treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Introduction: Isoliquiritigenin, one of the components in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is a member of the flavonoids, which are known to have anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, called statins, are used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Material and methods: HMG-CoA reductase activity was determined according to the method described by Takahashi et al. The structure of human HMG-COA reductase in the resolution of 2.22 Å with the X-ray diffraction method (PDB ID: 1HWK) was obtained from the PDB database. Results: In our study, the inhibitory activity of isoliquiritigenin towards HMG-CoA reductase showed a lower value of IC50 = 193.77 ±14.85 µg/ml. For a better understanding of biological activities and interactions, the molecular docking study was performed. The results of molecular docking revealed that isoliquiritigenin with a docking score of -6.740 has a strong binding affinity to HMG-COA reductase. Therefore, this compound could be considered as a potential inhibitor for the enzyme. Also, the activity of isoliquiritigenin against common human pancreatic acinar cell tumor cell lines, i.e. 266-6, TGP49, and TGP47, was evaluated. Conclusions: The cells treated with isoliquiritigenin were assessed by MTT assay for 48 h as regards the cytotoxicity and anti-human pancreatic acinar cell tumor properties in normal (HUVEC) and human pancreatic acinar cell tumor cell lines, i.e. 266-6, TGP49, and TGP47. The IC50 values of isoliquiritigenin were 262, 389, and 211 µg/ml against 266-6, TGP49, and TGP47 cell lines, respectively. The viability of the human pancreatic acinar cell tumor cell line decreased dose-dependently in the presence of isoliquiritigenin. After clinical study, isoliquiritigenin can be utilized as an efficient drug in the treatment of human pancreatic acinar cell tumor in humans.

Xanthogranulomatous cystitis and bilateral ureteral reflux due to bladder neck obstruction: a case report.

Xanthogranulomatous cystitis (XC) is a rare benign disease of chronic granulomatous inflammation. We report a 23-year-old woman with xanthogranulomatous cystitis. She was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of a 1-year history of frequent, urgent dysuria with recurrent fever. An imaging examination showed bilateral ureteral reflux and a normal bladder. Urodynamic findings suggested bladder outlet obstruction and increased post-void residual urine. Finally, the patient underwent endoscopy, and bladder neck obstruction was confirmed. Additionally, we found multiple granulomatous masses in the bladder. Therefore, we performed transurethral resection of the tumor and bladder neck. A histopathological examination of resected tumor tissue showed xanthogranulomatous cystitis, and the patient received anti-infective therapy. Follow-up cystourethroscopic results and urination symptoms returned to normal, and the bilateral ureteral reflux was gradually reduced.

Economic values of reproductive and growth traits in Chinese Yiling sheep.

This study aimed to calculate the economic value (EV) of reproductive and growth traits for Yiling sheep. A bio-economic model was developed to assess the economic value of litter size (LS), litter size at weaning (LSW), age at first lambing (AFL), lambing interval (LI), birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and 6-month body weight (6MW). The sensitivity of the economic value of traits to changes in market prices was also analyzed. In this study, the trait with the highest EV was LSW (427.97 ¥), followed by LS (419.96 ¥), BW (52.13 ¥), 6MW (14.46 ¥), WW (11.03 ¥), AFL (-0.51 ¥), and LI (-9.09 ¥). LS was the most important trait in the production system with a relative economic weight of 22.81%, followed by 6MW and LSW with relative economic weights of 18.98% and 19.01%, respectively. All traits assessed, except AFL and LI, had positive economic values, indicating that genetic improvement of these traits would have a positive impact on profitability. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the economic value of AFL was not sensitive to price changes. All growth traits were unaffected by price changes in labor and medical costs. In addition, the LS, LSW, LI, WW, and 6MW were sensitive to changes in liveweight and feed prices. Generally, as feed prices increased, the economic value of all traits except LI and BW decreased. Except for LI and BW, the economic value of all traits increased due to the rise in liveweight prices. This suggested that liveweight and feed prices significantly affect the profitability of the production system.

Purification and characterization of a glycoprotein from Sipunculus nudus and its immune-enhancing activity to RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Sipunculus nudus, an edible marine invertebrate, has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine in folk remedies. In order to assess the immunoregulatory activity of glycoproteins in Sipunculus nudus and conduct a structure-activity relationship, a glycoprotein (SGP1) with molecular mass of 9.26 kDa was purified from Sipunculus nudus, and its chemical structure as well as immune-enhancing activity was investigated in this study. Structure analysis revealed that SGP1, a protein-dominate glycoprotein with O-glycosidic bonds, contained 92.8 % protein and 3.1 % saccharide. GC-MS result indicated that the saccharide moieties of SGP1 basically consisted of lyxose (Lyx), xylose (Xyl) as well as glucose (Glu) at a molar proportion of 0.87:4.16:1.36. The fourier transform infrared specoscopy (FT-IR) result proved that SGP1 have a typical characteristic of glycoprotein. Besides, circular dichroism (CD) result showed that SGP1 contained 4.1 % α-helix, 42.5 % ß-sheet, 21.4 % ß-turn, and 32.0 % random coil, indicating it's mainly a ß-sheet glycoprotein. The amino acid sequence of SGP1 shared a similarity to the Myohemerythrin (sp|Q5K473|HEMTM) with protein sequence coverage of 28.3 %. Moreover, the activity evaluation results showed that SGP1 exhibited significant immune-enhancing activity to the RAW 264.7 macrophages by promoting macrophages proliferation, enhancing phagocytic capacity, and simultaneously stimulating the secretions of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via NF-κB pathways. In this study, SGP1 as a novel glycoprotein had an obvious immune-enhancing activity to macrophages, and thus could be applied in the functional foods as a potential immunopotentiator for the hypoimmune population.

Genome-wide analysis of PIN genes in cultivated peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.): identification, subcellular localization, evolution, and expression patterns.

BACKGROUND: Auxin is an important hormone in plants and the PIN-FORMED (PIN) genes are essential to auxin distribution in growth and developmental processes of plants. Peanut is an influential cash crop, but research into PIN genes in peanuts remains limited. RESULTS: In this study, 16 PIN genes were identified in the genome of cultivated peanut, resolving into four subfamilies. All PIN genes were predicted to be located in the plasma membrane and a subcellular location experiment confirmed this prediction for eight of them. The gene structure, cis-elements in the promoter, and evolutionary relationships were elucidated, facilitating our understanding of peanut PINs and their evolution. In addition, the expression patterns of these PINs in various tissues were analyzed according to a previously published transcriptome dataset and qRT-PCR, which gave us a clear understanding of the temporal and spatial expression of PIN genes in different growth stages and different tissues. The expression trend of homologous genes was similar. AhPIN2A and AhPIN2B exhibited predominant expression in roots. AhPIN1A-1 and AhPIN1B-1 displayed significant upregulation following peg penetration, suggesting a potential close association with peanut pod development. Furthermore, we presented the gene network and gene ontology enrichment of these PINs. Notably, AhABCB19 exhibited a co-expression relationship with AhPIN1A and AhPIN1B-1, with all three genes displaying higher expression levels in peanut pegs and pods. These findings reinforce their potential role in peanut pod development. CONCLUSIONS: This study details a comprehensive analysis of PIN genes in cultivated peanuts and lays the foundation for subsequent studies of peanut gene function and phenotype.

The importance of remodeling physiological mandibular angle: mandibular "V-line" versus long curved ostectomy.

BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical options for correcting prominent mandibular angles in East Asians have been reported. The objective of this study is to investigate the importance of remodeling physiological mandibular angle by comparing the surgical effects and complications of mandibular "V-line" ostectomy and long curved ostectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent either mandibular "V-line" ostectomy (Group I) or long curved ostectomy (Group II). The outcomes were evaluated using computed tomography (CT) images in combination with medical records and photographs. Data were collected preoperatively and at 6- to 12-month intervals postoperatively. Mandibular angle, posterior mandibular ramus height, radian of the ostectomy line, mandibular symmetry as well as patients' complications were investigated. FACE-Q reports of facial appearance and psychosocial parameters were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All 106 patients showed improved lower facial contours. Although the postoperative mandibular angle (116.67±7.14°vs 118.31±6.80°, P=.233) and mandibular symmetry (2.36±1.21mm vs 2.56±1.19mm, P=.395) were similar in the two groups, larger postoperative posterior mandibular height and lower radian of the ostectomy line were observed in Group I (P < .001). Physiological mandibular angle was also remodeled in Group I. The gonial deficiency, more soft tissue sagging and significant lower FACE-Q scores of facial appearance were observed in Group II (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, "V-line" ostectomy is better suited for achieving a more physiological mandibular angle with less complications compared to mandibular long curved ostectomy. When it comes to mandibular contouring, "V-line" ostectomy may be the preferred option.

Three-dimensional analysis of zygomatic change after L-shaped reduction malarplasty with bone setback or resection.

PURPOSE: Reduction malarplasty is one of the most popular procedures for esthetic facial contouring in East Asians. The retrospective observational study aimed to analyze the association between the zygomatic change and bone setback or resection to propose quantitative guidance for L-shaped reduction malarplasty based on computed tomographic (CT) images. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent L-shaped reduction malarplasty with bone resection (Group I) or without bone resection (Group II). The amount of bone setback and resection was calculated. The unilateral width changes of the anterior, middle, and posterior zygomatic regions as well as zygomatic protrusion change were also evaluated. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the bone setback or resection and the zygomatic changes. RESULTS: Eighty patients who underwent L-shaped reduction malarplasty were included in this study. Significant correlation was observed between the bone setback or resection and the change of anterior, and middle zygomatic width as well as protrusion in both the two groups (P < .001). The correlation between bone setback or resection and the posterior zygomatic width change was not significant (P ＞.05). CONCLUSION: The bone setback or resection of L-shaped reduction malarplasty lead to the anterior and middle zygomatic width and zygomatic protrusion changes. Furthermore, the linear regression equation can be referenced as a guidance for a preoperative surgical plan.

[Long-term Survival in Hospitalized Patients with Lung Cancer among Peasants 
in the Coal-producing Area in Eastern Yunnan, China].

BACKGROUND: Xuanwei and Fuyuan are rural counties, located in the late Permian coal poly area of eastern Yunnan and western Guizhou, where lung cancer mortality rates are among the highest in the China, with similarity for both men and women, younger age at diagnosis and death, and higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In this paper, long-term follow-up of lung cancer cases in local peasants was conducted to observe their survival prognosis and its influencing factors. METHODS: Data of patients diagnosed with lung cancer from January 2005 to June 2011, who had lived in Xuanwei and Fuyuan counties for many years, were collected from 20 hospitals at the local provincial, municipal and county levels. To estimate survival outcomes, individuals were followed up until the end of 2021. The 5-year, 10-year and 15-year survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival differences were examined with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A total of 3,017 cases were effectively followed up (2,537 peasants and 480 non-peasants). The median age at diagnosis was 57 years, and the median follow-up time was 122 months. During the follow-up period, 2,493 cases (82.6%) died. The distribution of cases by clinical stage was as follows: stage I (3.7%), stage II (6.7%), stage III (15.8%), stage IV (21.1%) and unknown stage (52.7%). Treatment at the provincial, municipal and county-level hospitals accounted for 32.5%, 22.2% and 45.3%, respectively, and surgical treatment was performed in 23.3% of cases. The median survival time was 15.4 months (95%CI: 13.9-16.1), and the 5-year, 10-year and 15-year overall survival rates were 19.5% (95%CI: 18.0%-21.1%), 7.7% (95%CI: 6.5%-8.8%) and 2.0% (95%CI: 0.8%-3.9%), respectively. Peasants with lung cancer had a lower median age at diagnosis, higher proportion residing in remote rural areas, and higher use of bituminous coal as a household fuel. They also have a lower proportion of early-stage cases, treatment at provincial or municipal hospitals, and surgical treatment, leading to poorer survival outcomes (HR=1.57). Even when considering factors such as gender, age, residential location, clinical stage at diagnosis, histological type, hospital level of service, and surgical intervention, peasants still exhibit a survival disadvantage. Multivariable Cox model analysis comparing peasants and non-peasants reveals that surgical intervention, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and hospital level of service are common factors influencing survival prognosis, while the use of bituminous coal as a household fuel, hospital level of service and adenocarcinoma (compared to squamous cell carcinoma) are independent prognostic factors for lung cancer survival among peasants. CONCLUSIONS: The lower lung cancer survival rate among peasants is associated with their lower socioeconomic status, lower proportion of early-stage diagnoses, lower proportion of surgical interventions, and treatment at provincial-level hospitals. Furthermore, the impact of other factors such as high-risk exposure to bituminous coal pollution on survival prognosis requires further investigation.

Household air pollution and epigenetic aging in Xuanwei, China.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from indoor combustion of solid fuel is a global health burden linked to lung cancer. In Xuanwei, China, lung cancer rate for nonsmoking women is among the highest in the world and largely attributed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are produced from combustion of smoky (bituminous) coal used for cooking and heating. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), a DNA methylation-based biomarker of aging, has been shown to be highly correlated with biological processes underlying the susceptibility of age-related diseases. We aim to assess the association between HAP exposure and EAA. METHODS: We analyzed data from 106 never-smoking women from Xuanwei, China. Information on fuel type was collected using a questionnaire, and validated exposure models were used to predict levels of 43 HAP constituents. Exposure clusters were identified using hierarchical clustering. EAA was derived for five epigenetic clocks defined as the residuals resulting from regressing each clock on chronological age. We used generalized estimating equations to test associations between exposure clusters derived from predicted levels of HAP exposure, ambient 5-methylchrysene (5-MC), a PAH previously found to be associated with risk of lung cancer, and EAA, while accounting for repeated-measurements and confounders. RESULTS: We observed an increase in GrimAge EAA for clusters with 31 and 33 PAHs reflecting current (ß = 0.77 y per standard deviation (SD) increase, 95 % CI:0.36,1.19) and childhood (ß = 0.92 y per SD, 95 % CI:0.40,1.45) exposure, respectively. 5-MC (ng/m3-year) was found to be associated with GrimAge EAA for current (ß = 0.15 y, 95 % CI:0.05,0.25) and childhood (ß = 0.30 y, 95 % CI:0.13,0.47) exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that exposure to PAHs from indoor smoky coal combustion, particularly 5-MC, is associated with GrimAge EAA, a biomarker of mortality.

Simultaneously mapping loci related to two plant architecture traits by phenotypic recombination BSA/BSR in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

KEY MESSAGE: We developed a new method phenotypic recombination BSA/BSR (PR-BSA/BSR), which could simultaneously identify the candidate genomic regions associated with two traits in a segregating population. Bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) has been widely used for identifying the genomic regions affecting a certain trait. In this study, we developed a modified BSA/bulked segregant RNA-sequencing (BSR-seq) method, which we named phenotypic recombination BSA/BSR (PR-BSA/BSR), to simultaneously identify candidate genomic regions associated with two traits in a segregating population. Lateral branch angle (LBA) and flower-branch pattern (FBP) are two important traits associated with the peanut plant architecture because they affect the planting density and light use efficiency. We generated an F6 population (with two segregating traits) derived from a cross between the inbred lines Pingdu9616 (erect and sequential; ES-type) and Florunner (spreading and alternating; SA-type). The selection of bulks with extreme phenotypes was a key step in this study. Specifically, 30 individuals with recombinant phenotypes [i.e., spreading and sequential (SS-type) and erect and alternating (EA-type)] were selected to generate two bulks. The transcriptomes of individuals were sequenced and then the loci related to LBA and FBP were simultaneously detected via a ΔSNP-index strategy, which involved the direction of positive and negative peaks in the ∆SNP-index plot. The LBA-related locus was mapped to a 6.82 Mb region (101,743,223-108,564,267 bp) on chromosome 15, whereas the FBP-related locus was mapped to a 2.16 Mb region (117,682,534-119,846,824 bp) on chromosome 12. Furthermore, the marker-based classical QTL mapping method was used to analyze the PF-F6 population, which confirmed our PR-BSA/BSR results. Therefore, the PR-BSA/BSR method produces accurate and reliable data.

One Year Follow-Up of Endovascular Microwave Ablation and Concomitant Foam Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Primary Small Saphenous Vein Insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, the microwave ablation catheter specifically for treating lower extremity varicose veins has become popular. However, imited data is available on the efficacy, analysis, and evaluation of endovenous microwave ablation (EMWA) in treating SSV insufficiency. Our objective is to evaluated the feasibility, safety, and 1-year outcomes of EMWA and concomitant foam sclerotherapy of primary small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency. METHODS: Our team carried out a single-center, retrospective analysis of 24 patients treated with EMWAand concomitant foam sclerotherapy for primary SSV insufficiency. All operations were performed using a MWA catheter and polidocanol for the trunk and branches of the SSV, respectively. The SSV occlusion rate was assessed at the 6- and 12-month follow-up examinations using duplex ultrasound. Secondary outcomes included the Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathophysiological (CEAP) clinical class; Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS); Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ); periprocedural pain; and complications. RESULTS: 100% of the cases have been technically successful. At the 6-month follow-up, all treated SSVs were occluded. The 12-month assessment duplex doppler showed anatomical success in patients with 95.8% (95% confidence interval, 0.756-0.994). The CEAP clinical class, VCSS, and the AVVQ had decreased significantly at the 6- and 12-month follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EMWA and concomitant foam sclerotherapy is a feasible and effective technique for treating SSV insufficiency.

Oat Milk Tea Model System: Exploring the Stability of Milk Tea and the Bioaccessibility of Green Tea Polyphenols.

Oat milk has become preferential because of its low calorie nature and high dietary fiber content, but its ability to "curdle" when mixed with tea can affect the consumer acceptability for oat milk tea. In this study, a model system for oat milk tea was made by combining oat milk and green tea extract to evaluate the impacts of the oat milk matrix and green tea extract concentration on the stability and polyphenol bioaccessibility. The stability analysis results showed that adding green tea extract to oat milk influenced the stability of the oat milk tea model systems. In contrast, the 3.0% fat oat milk tea model system exhibited a higher stability than the 1.5% fat oat milk tea model system. In simulated gastrointestinal digestive experiments, tea polyphenols in the oat milk tea model systems were relatively stable in oral and stomach digestive stages, while they clearly degraded in the small intestine digestive stage. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of tea polyphenols was higher for the 3.0% fat oat milk tea model system than for the 1.5% fat oat milk tea model system, especially at low concentrations of green tea extracts (0.05%~0.25%). These results may provide a theoretical reference and data for the formulation of oat milk tea and the bioaccessibility of tea polyphenols in food matrices.

Preliminary clinical observation of double C-arm digital subtraction angiography guidance during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the safety, preliminary clinical experience, and technical advantages of double C-arm digital subtraction angiography -assisted portal vein puncture for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. METHODS: Clinical data of 25 patients with portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis were retrospectively analyzed from January 2021 to June 2022. The fluoroscopy time, puncture time, mean portosystemic pressure gradient, dose area product, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was performed in all 25 patients, with a success rate of 100%. The fluoroscopy time, puncture time, and dose area product were 33.6 ± 8.5 min, 9.1 ± 5.7 min, and 126 ± 53 Gy·cm2, respectively. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from 22.5 ± 6.3 mmHg to 10.5 ± 2.3 mmHg (p < 0.01). No serious intraoperative and postoperative complications were found. CONCLUSION: Double C-arm digital subtraction angiography-assisted portal vein puncture is safe and feasible in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt operation. It can reduce the difficulty of the operation and possesses evident technical advantages.