Nano-hydroxyapatite/Polyamide 66 cage in anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety between titanium mesh cage (TMC) and nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 cage (n-HA/PA66) in the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) through anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We implemented a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases, including Wanfang, China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wipu, PubMed, Cochran, Embase, and Web of Science. To ensure a thorough examination of available literature, the databases were searched from their inception to January 2023. Two independent researchers evaluated the quality of the included studies by using established criteria. We used RevMan 5.4 (Review Manager Web, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) to facilitate data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: This analysis included seven controlled clinical studies. The meta-analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of operating time, intraoperative bleeding, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, preoperative and final follow-up C2-7 Cobb angles, and intervertebral fusion rate (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the final follow-up JOA [MD = 0.77, 95% CI (0.58, 0.97), p < 0.00001], VAS [MD = -0.50, 95% CI (-0.71, -0.30), p < 0.00001], and sedimentation rate [RR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.18, 0.48), p < 0.00001]. CONCLUSIONS: The use of n-HA/PA66 in ACCF for treating CSM is safe and effective treatment with positive clinical efficacy. In addition, n-HA/PA66 has both effective clinical efficacy and significantly lower fusion settling rates compared to TMC.

[Evaluation of the effect of internet-based dietary self-management on blood pressure in high-risk population of hypertension in Haikou City community].

To explore the effect of Internet+diet self-management intervention technology on the blood pressure control of hypertension high-risk population through the intervention of hypertension high-risk population in Haikou City community, so as to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The multi-stage cluster sampling method was used, and 295 hypertension high-risk participants were recruited from 15 communities in Haikou City from July to December 2021. The 15 communities were randomly divided into three groups: blank group, traditional group and Internet plus group by random number table method. The blank group referred to the group (99 participants) that did not take special intervention measures but the routine interventions in accordance with the "National Basic Public Health Service Standards (the Third Edition) Health Education Service Standards". On the basis of the blank group, the traditional group (95 participants) was intervened by giving additional traditional methods such as holding lectures and distributing popular science books. The Internet plus group (101 participants) was given additional Internet measures on the basis of the intervention of the traditional group. After 6 months, questionnaires, laboratory biochemical tests, and physical measurements were conducted. SPSS 25.0 software was applied for data analysis. Measurement data that followed normal distribution were statistically described by using mean±standard deviation, analysis of variance was used for inter group comparisons before intervention, analysis of covariance was used for inter group comparisons after intervention, and Bonferroni adjustment was used for pairwise comparisons between groups. Measurement data that did not follow the Normal distribution were represented by M (Q1, Q3). The rank sum test was used for inter group comparison. The k sample Kruskal Wallis single factor ANOVA was used to compare the distribution between different groups. Counting data were described by composition ratio or rate. Under the premise of balanced comparison between groups before intervention, Chi-squared test was used for inter group comparison after intervention, and Bonferroni adjustment method was used for pairwise comparison between groups. The results showed that a total of 295 participants were included, with males accounting for 35.6% (105) and females accounting for 64.4% (190). The age ranged from 55 to 74 years old, with an average age of (64.69±5.73) years. The number of married accounted for 95.6% (282 participants). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, family history, education level, occupation, marital status, drinking habits, regular exercise, dietary status, SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (diastolic blood pressure), pulse pressure difference, BMI (body mass index), folic acid, and 24-hour urine sodium among the three groups upon enrollment (P values>0.05). After the intervention, the drinking rate was as follows: Internet plus group (29, 28.7%)

Communicating the risks of handling bats: analysing approaches used by Australian stakeholders in the context of Australian bat lyssavirus.

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a member of the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is found in Australian bat species. It is of public health concern because of the rabies-like syndrome it causes in humans, resulting in government health and wildlife agencies using varied communication approaches to inform targeted audiences about zoonotic risks associated with handling bats. Despite these warnings, the number of reports of human-bat interactions remains high. This paper details a survey conducted to analyse the approaches utilised by a range of stakeholders to educate and communicate warnings to their target audiences. The survey focused on identifying the target audiences, communication methods used, along with the message frequency, content, and perceived effectiveness. Analysis of the top three messages delivered by stakeholders revealed that over half were information-focused messages and over a third, instruction-focused. Stakeholders identified the need to balance messaging about bat handling risks with information regarding the vulnerable status of bats and their environmental significance. Whilst the most common and (perceived) effective method of communication was one-on-one discussions, it was also identified to be ineffective for targeting mass audiences leading stakeholders to recognise the need to adapt to more efficient means of communication. The outcomes of this study may be useful to improve risk communication strategies regarding ABLV in Australia.

[Role of gut microbiota in perioperative neurocognitive disorders after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in rats with humanized gut flora].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether gut microbiota disturbance after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) contributes to the development of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from healthy individuals and patients with PND after CPB to prepare suspensions of fecal bacteria, which were transplanted into the colorectum of two groups of pseudo-germ-free adult male SD rats (group NP and group P, respectively), with the rats without transplantation as the control group (n=10). The feces of the rats were collected for macrogenomic sequencing analysis, and serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured with ELISA. The expression levels of GFAP and p-Tau protein in the hippocampus of the rats were detected using Western blotting, and the cognitive function changes of the rats were assessed with Morris water maze test. RESULTS: In all the 3 groups, macrogenomic sequencing analysis showed clustering and clear partitions of the gut microbiota after the transplantation. The relative abundances of Klebsiella in the control group (P < 0.005), Akkermansia in group P (P < 0.005) and Bacteroides in group NP (P < 0.005) were significantly increased after the transplantation. Compared with those in the control group, the rats in group NP and group P showed significantly decreased serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α and lowered expression levels of GFAP and p-Tau proteins (all P < 0.05). Escape platform crossings and swimming duration in the interest quadrant increased significantly in group NP (P < 0.05), but the increase was not statistically significant in group N. Compared with those in group P, the rats in group NP had significantly lower serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α and protein expressions of GFAP and p-Tau (all P < 0.05) with better performance in water maze test (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients receiving CPB, disturbances in gut mirobiota contributes to the development of PND possibly in relation with inflammatory response.

[Efficacy and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in diabetic macular edema patients with and without prior vitrectomy: a retrospective cohort study].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients with and without prior vitrectomy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on DME patients who received IDI treatment at the Aier Eye Hospital, Beijing from March 2018 to August 2020. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had undergone vitrectomy or not. Clinical and follow-up data, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central macular thickness (CMT), occurrence of ocular and systemic complications, and time to DME recurrence and retreatment, were collected before and after IDI injection at 15 days, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test, and generalized estimating equations. Results: Thirty-six patients (41 eyes) were included, with 19 patients (21 eyes) in the vitrectomy group and 17 patients (20 eyes) in the non-vitrectomy group. Compared with baseline, BCVA of eyes in the vitrectomy group was significantly improved at 15 days after IDI injection, with values of 1.00 (0.52, 1.31) and 0.61 (0.30, 1.00), respectively (Z=-2.10, P=0.036); BCVA of eyes in the non-vitrectomy group was significantly improved at 1 month after IDI injection, with values of 0.76 (0.60, 1.35) and 0.52 (0.10, 0.70), respectively (Z=-2.24, P=0.025). Compared with baseline, CMT of eyes in both groups was significantly reduced at all follow-up time points after 15 days of IDI injection (all P<0.05). In the vitrectomy group, CMT before and 15 days after injection were 487 (438, 661) µm and 389 (340, 553) µm, respectively (Z=-3.45, P<0.001); in the non-vitrectomy group, CMT before and 15 days after injection were 486 (410, 641) µm and 323 (290, 396) µm, respectively (Z=-4.07, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in BCVA and CMT between the two groups at all follow-up time points (all P>0.05). The time to DME recurrence was 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) months in the vitrectomy group and 5.0 (4.0, 5.0) months in the non-vitrectomy group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.675). Four eyes (19.0%) in the vitrectomy group and three eyes (15.0%) in the non-vitrectomy group had high IOP, with no significant difference (P=0.529). No severe ocular or systemic complications were observed in any patients. Conclusions: IDI treatment is safe and effective in DME patients with and without prior vitrectomy, with similar efficacy, but with faster onset of action in patients with prior vitrectomy. There was no significant difference in DME recurrence within 6 months after IDI injection between the two groups.

A prognostic model based on ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA signatures and immunotherapy responses for non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks high in the incidence of malignant tumors, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered cell death mechanism based on iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The role of ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and associated prognostic mechanisms in NSCLC require investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We constructed a prognostic multi-lncRNA signature based on ferroptosis-related differentially expressed lncRNAs in NSCLC. The levels of ferroptosis-related lncRNA in normal lung cells and lung adenocarcinoma cells were verified by RT-PCR. RESULTS: We identified eight differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with NSCLC prognosis. The expression of AC125807.2, AL365181.3, AL606489.1, LINC02320, and AC099850.3 was upregulated, while SALRNA1, AC026355.1, and AP002360.1 were downregulated in NSCLC cell lines. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that a high-risk patient group was associated with poor NSCLC prognosis. A risk assessment model based on ferroptosis-related lncRNAs was superior to NSCLC prognosis based on traditional clinicopathological features. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified immune- and tumor-related pathways in low-risk group patients. In addition, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed that T cell function during APC co-inhibition, APC co-stimulation, chemokine receptor (CCR), MHC class I, parainflammation, T cell co-inhibition, and check-point expression differed significantly between low- and high-risk groups. M6A-related mRNA comparisons between these groups also revealed significant differences in ZC3H13, RBM15, and METTL3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our new model of lncRNA-associated ferroptosis effectively predicted NSCLC prognoses.

[Psychological effect of physical function dependence on maintenance hemodialysis patients and their primary family caregivers].

Objective: To investigate the psychological effect of physical function dependence on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and their primary family caregivers. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey. The MHD patients in the hemodialysis centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from March 2022 to June 2022 were enrolled. The patients' demographics and laboratory data were collected. Katz and Lawton-Brody questionnaires were used to assess patients' physical function, and Five Item Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) was used to evaluate the psychological conditions of the patients and their primary family caregivers. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of MHI-5 scores of the patients and their primary family caregivers. Results: A total of 116 patients were included, with 61 males and 55 females. There were 47 patients (40.5%) with physical function dependence. In the physical function dependence group, serum albumin (t=-2.512, P=0.013), MHI-5 scores of patients and their primary family caregivers (t=-8.461, P < 0.001; t=-8.533, P < 0.001) and male ratio (χ2=8.467, P=0.002) were significantly lower, and the age (t=9.754, P < 0.001) and the proportions of hypertension (χ2=20.421, P < 0.001), diabetes (χ2=10.470, P=0.002), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (χ2=9.898, P=0.003) were significantly higher than those in the normal physical function group. The incidence of mental disorders in MHD patients was 39.7%(46/116), and the incidence of mental disorders in the physical function dependence group was significantly higher than that in the normal physical function group [72.3%(34/47) vs. 17.4%(12/69), χ2=35.275, P < 0.001]. The incidence of mental disorders in the primary family caregivers was 32.8%(38/116), and the incidence of mental disorders in the primary family caregivers of physical function dependence group was significantly higher than that in the normal physical function group [66.0%(31/47) vs. 10.1%(7/69), χ2=39.536, P < 0.001]. The incidence of mental disorders in the primary family caregivers of MHD patients who were not spouses was significantly higher than that of spouses [46.0%(29/63) vs. 17.0%(9/53), χ2=11.028, P=0.001], and in physical function dependence group, the incidence of mental disorders in non-spouses was significantly higher than that in spouses [80.6%(25/31) vs. 37.5%(6/16), χ2=8.749, P=0.003]. Multiple linear analysis showed that bathing (ß=-5.182, P=0.015), doing laundry (ß=-7.053, P < 0.001), taking medication (ß=-8.680, P=0.003), and female patients (ß=-2.982, P=0.030) were the influencing factors of MHI-5 scores decline in MHD patients. Bathing (ß=-4.404, P=0.032), preparing meals (ß=-3.954, P=0.041), managing money (ß=-5.067, P=0.021), and female patients (ß=-2.466, P=0.042) were the influencing factors of MHI-5 scores decline in primary family caregivers. Conclusions: The incidence of physical function dependence in MHD patients is high, and its manifestations and influencing factors are diverse. The incidence of mental disorders in MHD patients and their primary family caregivers is also high, especially in patients with physical function dependence and non- spouse family caregivers. Clinicians should pay attention to and assess the physical function dependence of MHD patients as early as possible, and intervene in time. At the same time, they should also pay attention to the mental health of MHD patients and their primary family caregivers.

[Health-adjusted life expectancy in residents in Guangzhou, 2010-2019].

Objective: To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) in Guangzhou from 2010 to 2019, and quantize the comprehensive impact of different causes and sequelae on health. Methods: The LE, HALE, and cause-excluded health adjusted life expectancy (CEHALE) were estimated using cause-of-death surveillance datasets from Guangzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2010 to 2019 and open data from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Joinpoint log-linear regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend and described spatial distribution. Results: In 2019, the LE in residents in Guangzhou was 82.9 years (80.1 years in men and 85.9 years in women), and the HALE was 75.6 years (74.0 years in men and 77.3 years in women). Compared with the urban fringe, the central urban area had higher LE and HALE, and the differences between LE and HALE were small. The LE and HALE in Guangzhou showed an increasing trend from 2010 to 2019. The LE increased by 2.8 years (AAPC=0.4, 95%CI: 0.3-0.4), with the increase of 2.8 years in men and 2.9 years in women. The HALE increased by 2.4 years (AAPC=0.3, 95%CI: 0.3-0.4), with the increase of 2.5 years in men and 2.2 years in women. The median healthy life lost due to communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases was 6.2 years (AAPC=-4.2, 95%CI: -5.3--3.1), while the median healthy life lost due to non-communicable diseases was 14.7 years (AAPC=1.6, 95%CI: 0.9-2.3), the median healthy life expectancy reduced by injury was 6.3 years (AAPC=-3.5, 95%CI: -4.5--2.6). Musculoskeletal disorders, skin and subcutaneous diseases, cardiovascular diseases, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes and kidney diseases were the top five diseases causing healthy life expectancy loss. Conclusion: The LE and HALE in residents in Guangzhou increased steadily from 2010 to 2019, but the quality of life in the urban fringe was lower than that of the central urban area. Non-communicable diseases were the leading causes of healthy life expectancy loss. Health policies and prevention measures should be developed according to area specific characteristics, and social medical resources should be rationally allocated to key diseases to reduce their disease burden.

Monolithic integration of a 10 µm cut-off wavelength InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice diode on GaAs platform.

At room temperature, a 10 µm cut-off wavelength coincides with an infrared spectral window and the peak emission of blackbody objects. We report a 10 µm cut-off wavelength InAs/GaSb T2SL p-i-n diode on a GaAs substrate with an intentional interfacial misfit (IMF) array between the GaSb buffer layer and GaAs substrate. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the heterostructure on GaSb-on-GaAs is epitaxial, single-crystalline but with a reduced material homogeneity, extended lattice defects and atomic segregation/intermixing in comparison to that on the GaSb substrate. Strain-induced degradation of the material quality is observed by temperature-dependent current-voltage measurements. The T2SL with the IMF array appears as a potentially effective route to mitigate the impact of the lattice mismatch once its fabrication is fully optimized for these systems, but additional strain compensating measures can enable a low cost, scalable manufacturing of focal plane arrays (FPA) for thermal imaging cameras for spectroscopy, dynamic scene projection, thermometry, and remote gas sensing.

[Characteristics of liver function changes in 111 elderly patients with COVID-19 pneumonia].

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of liver function changes in 111 elderly patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: 111 elderly patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from February 5 to March 3, 2020 were enrolled. According to the severity of disease and liver function condition, they were divided into severe group (n=40), normal group (n=71), abnormal liver function group (n=86) and normal liver function group (n=25). The indexes related to liver function changes [total bilirubin (TBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT)] and related influencing factors were analyzed. Results: Among 111 cases, 86 (77.5%) had abnormal liver function of varying degrees, and 28 (25.2%) had liver injury. The abnormal rates of TBil, AST, ALP and GGT were significantly higher in the severe group than normal group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in age, ribavirin, glucocorticoid and the application of lopinavir-ritonavir tablets between the abnormal liver function and the normal group (P>0.05). The proportion of male was significantly higher in the abnormal liver function than normal liver function group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Elderly COVID-19 patients have a higher proportion of abnormal liver function, and patients in the severe group are more likely to have higher level of TB, AST, ALP and GGT. The abnormal liver function may be related to the direct viral infection of the liver and the inflammatory immune response of the body after infection in elderly patients.

[Clinical features and significance of coagulation dysfunction in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome].

To analyze the changes of coagulation function in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and its relationship with thrombocytopenia, and to explore its value as an early predictor of the severity of SFTS. The clinical data of 428 SFTS patients (70 deaths and 358 survivors) admitted to the Department of Infectious Disease at Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2014 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The differences of coagulation parameters and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores between the two groups were compared. The results showed that abnormal coagulation function was commonly presented in SFTS patients. Bleeding was more frequent in mortality group (41.4% vs. 26.5%). The D-dimer levels in mortality patients were significantly higher above normal range. Activated partial thrombin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) were significantly prolonged. The levels of prothrombin time (PT), TT, APTT, international standardized ratio (INR) and D-dimer between mortality group and survival group started to separate from day 5-6. The difference of fibrinogen (FIB) level developed on day 7-8, while platelet counts between the two groups were significant different from day 9-10. The mortality rate increased according to the increase of baseline DIC score. When DIC score reached 6, the mortality rate surged to 66.67%. Excessive platelet consumption is mediated by significant coagulation abnormalities during disease course, and coagulation parameters are more sensitive than platelet count as an early predictor of severe SFTS.

Real-world circulating tumor DNA analysis depicts resistance mechanism and clonal evolution in ALK inhibitor-treated lung adenocarcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Sequential treatment with different generations of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors have been widely applied to ALK-positive lung cancer; however, resistance mutations inevitably developed. Further characterization of ALK resistance mutations may provide key guidance to subsequent therapies. Here we explored the emergence of secondary ALK mutations during sequential ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in a real-world study of Chinese lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) patients. METHODS: A clinical-genomic database was queried for lung ADC patients with at least one ALK inhibitor treatment and at least one plasma sample collected following ALK inhibitor treatment. Targeted genome profiling was performed with a 139-gene panel in baseline tumor tissue and serial plasma samples of patients. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients met inclusion criteria. ALK G1202R was more common in patients with echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK v3 fusion, whereas ALK L1196M was more common in v1. TP53 mutant patients were significantly associated with harboring multiple ALK resistance mutations (P = 0.03) and v3+/TP53 mutant patients had the highest rate of multiple ALK resistance mutations. The sequential use of ALK TKI led to an increased incidence of concurrent ALK mutations along the lines of therapies. Alectinib had a lower rate (9%) harboring ALK resistance mutation as first-line ALK TKI compared with crizotinib (36%). ALK compound mutations identified included ALK D1203N/L1196M, ALK G1202R/L1196M, and ALK G1202R/F1174C, which may be lorlatinib resistant. Using paired pretreatment and post-treatment samples, we identified several ALK-independent resistance-related genetic alterations, including PTPRD and CNKN2A/B loss, MYC, MYCN and KRAS amplification, and EGFR19del. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential postprogression plasma profiling revealed that increased lines of ALK inhibitors can accelerate the accumulation of ALK resistance mutations and may lead to treatment-refractory compound ALK mutations. The selection for optimal first-line TKI is very important to achieve a more efficacious long-term strategy and prevent the emergence of on-target resistance, which may provide guidance for clinical decision making.

Effects of Atomoxetine Hydrochloride on Regulation of Lifespan in Drosophila Model.

Nootropics (smart drugs) are used by students to enhance cognitive performance which have been reported times in recent years. However, some of the nootropics are central nervous system stimulants which are very likely to lead to addiction or complications such as vomiting and dizziness. Are there nootropics that can improve learning behavior while having potential positive effect on health? Here, we reported that Atomoxetine (ATX) has sex-specific effect on prolonging the life span of female Drosophila melanogaster. Further study indicated that ATX enhanced female resistance to heat stress and their vertical climbing ability, but it did decrease the number of eggs laid. ATX increased food-intake and sleep time both of females and males, and significantly reduced the 24h spontaneous activity of females and males. Our results present the sex dimorphic effect of ATX on life span regulation in Drosophila, and support further research on the beneficial role of ATX and the mechanisms in other animal models.

Trem1 Induces Periodontal Inflammation via Regulating M1 Polarization.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by destruction of nonmineralized and mineralized connective tissues. This study evaluated the role of Trem1 (triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 1) in periodontitis by influencing polarization of M1 macrophages through the STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway. Trem1 was significantly upregulated in the gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis, as identified by high-throughput RNA sequencing, and positively correlated with levels of M1 macrophage-associated genes. The results of flow cytometry, Western blotting, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that knockdown of Trem1 in RAW 264.7 cells decreased polarization of M1 macrophages and increased polarization of M2 macrophages, while overexpression of Trem1 exerted an opposite effect. Furthermore, a mouse model of Trem1 knockout periodontitis exhibited limited infiltration of macrophages and decreased expression levels of M1 macrophage-associated genes in periodontitis lesions and bone marrow-derived macrophages. Importantly, we found that Trem1 could regulate polarization of M1 macrophages through STAT3/HIF-1α signaling as evidenced by RNA sequencing. Moreover, inhibition of Trem1 and HIF-1α could suppress the expression level of proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin 1ß) and upregulate the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 10) in periodontitis. Collectively, we identified that the Trem1/STAT3/HIF-1α axis could regulate polarization of M1 macrophages and is a potential candidate in the treatment of periodontitis.

[Status quo regarding the recruit requirements of public health-related employers and training scheme for undergraduates majored in preventive medicine in colleges and universities].

Objective: To investigate public health-related professions' recruit requirements and understand the training scheme for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates in colleges and universities in China. Methods: An online questionnaire was adopted to collect data on the recruit requirements of public health-related professions. Information on the core courses, internship, and practical training for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates was collected through universities' official websites. Results: The employers had a high requirement for education and specific majors. Also, administration professions attached importance to comprehensive quality, while professional positions to professional skills. 47.2% (67/142) employers made Talent Introduction Programs for the next three years. 20.0% (3/15) universities offered all the core courses required by national standards. For internship and practical training, both clinical practice and professional practice's median durations were 16 and 11 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Employers showed significant demand for public health graduates and having a high requirement for personal ability and comprehensive quality. The universities should improve the setting of core courses and strengthen students' practical ability and overall quality.

[A survey on the willingness of college students majoring in public health to work in their majors].

Objective: To understand the basic qualities, practitioners will and related influences, of undergraduate, master, and doctoral students majoring in public health (hereinafter referred to as public health students), and explore the influencing factors of practitioners will. Methods: Through the online questionnaire survey, we collected information on the basic qualities of the public health students, their practitioners will and related influencing factors, and their opinions on the current state of public health in China. χ2 test and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of public health students' willingness to engage in public health related work, and word frequency analysis was used to conduct a descriptive analysis of public health students' views on public health in China. Results: A total of 2 081 pieces of valid information were collected, of which 86.54% (1 801/2 081) of the students in the school chose to engage in public health related work in the future. For public health students, the higher the target after-tax monthly income (OR=0.345, 95%CI: 0.158-0.751), the lower the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future; Very satisfied with school employment guidance work (OR=4.072, 95%CI: 1.234-13.436) compared with very dissatisfied, the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future is higher. Conclusion: The willingness of students in public health related majors to engage in public health related majors in China is mainly affected by three factors: payment levels, employment guidance and professional post recognition. It is recommended to appropriately raise the salaries of public health related positions. Strengthening school employment guidance training and professional identity training is conducive to enhancing the willingness of public health students to engage in relevant work in their profession.

Advances in research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to provide currently available information on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this mini-review, we explored the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar electronic databases, with regards to the searching terms "gut microbiome, cancer, intestinal flora, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor". By reviewing and analyzing the literature, we analyzed how the bacterial microbiome influences the immune system and cancer, as well as how changes in symbiotic flora may be applied to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. RESULTS: The microbiota is related to the development of tumors and may promote canceration. In recent years, a number of studies have confirmed the influence of intestinal flora on immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, and studies have also shown the link between the intestinal microbiome and treatment-related immune toxicity. Antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and hormones affect the composition of the gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal flora is closely related to cancer. Intestinal flora has a certain impact on cancer occurrence, cancer treatment, cancer immunotherapy efficacy, and side effects.

[Employment, turnover intention and the associated factors among public health graduates in China].

Objective: To understand the employment situation of graduates of public health-related majors and explore the associated factors of turnover intention among public health practitioners in China. Methods: In April 2020, the convenient sampling method was used to recruit public health related graduates from 98 universities with public health-related majors from 31 provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (only including working or unemployed status, no requirement for graduation years). A total of 1 322 questionnaires were collected, of which 1 165 (88.1%) were valid. Through the network questionnaire survey, the information of public health graduates' work situation, job satisfaction and turnover intention were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the associated factors of turnover intention, and structural equation model was constructed to explore the correlation between turnover intention and job satisfaction. Results: The age of 1 165 graduates was (28.1±4.8) years. Among them, 719 (61.7%) were female and 856 (73.5%) graduates were engaged in public health-related work after graduation. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those over 30 years old, graduates under 30 years old had higher turnover intention (OR=2.531, 95%CI: 1.549-4.155). Compared with those with junior or no title, graduates with senior title had higher turnover intention (OR=2.310, 95%CI: 1.047-5.162). The results of structural equation model analysis showed that the four factors of job satisfaction, 'salary and welfare', 'promotion development', 'work itself', and 'internal and external environment', were negatively correlated with turnover intention. The internal and external environment had the greatest impact on turnover intention (total effect =-0.539). Conclusion: Most graduates of public health-related majors are engaged in public health-related work in China. Age, professional title and job satisfaction are the associated factors of turnover intention.

microRNA-29b mediates Th17/Treg imbalance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting IL-22.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways induced mainly by cigarette smoking. In the current study, cigarette smoke extract (CSE) was used to develop an in vitro COPD model using human bronchial epithelium (HBE) cells to expound the possible role of microRNA-29b (miR-29b) in COPD. Firstly, miR-29b and interleukin (IL)-22 expression was assessed in serum of 20 healthy non-smokers, 20 healthy smokers and 20 COPD patients as well as CSE-treated HBE cells. Then, miR-29b and IL-22 expression was altered to evaluate their functions in Th17/Treg ratio. miR-29b inhibited Th17/Treg ratio and levels of IL-22; whereas overexpression of IL-22 reversed these trends. Moreover, rescue experiments found that IL-22 neutralized the repressive effects of miR-29b on Th17/Treg ratio and inflammatory response. Finally, we found that miR-29b blocked the JAK/STAT3 pathway in CSE-treated HBE cells. These data highlighted that miR-29bs modulated Th17/Treg imbalance in CSE-induced experimental COPD through inhibition of IL-22-dependent JAK/STAT3 pathway.