Solitary Myofibroma of the oral and maxillofacial regions in pediatric patients: A clinicopathological analysis of ten patients and review of 75 cases.

BACKGROUND: The imaging manifestations of oral and maxillofacial myofibroma/myofibromatosis can vary among patients. Although many clinical cases have been reported, a consensus on the clinicopathological features of and treatment principles for this disease is lacking. PURPOSE: This study aimed to summarize the clinicopathological features of solitary myofibroma of the oral and maxillofacial regions in pediatric patients. METHODS: The clinical data, histological features, and immunohistochemical characteristics of ten pediatric patients who underwent surgical removal and subsequent pathological diagnosis of myofibroma were collected and retrospectively and cross-sectionally analyzed. RESULTS: Seven patients were male, and 3 were female, with ages ranging from 3 months to 6 years (mean: 2.6 years). The patients presented with solitary lesions involving the mandibular gingiva and adjacent mandible (4 patients), mandible (2 patients), oral floor and submandibular area and adjacent mandible (1 patient), gingiva (1 patient), maxilla (1 patient), and oropharynx (1 patient). Light microscopy revealed spindle-shaped tumor cells organized in bundles or vortex patterns, forming a hemangiopericytoma-like perivascular pattern, whereas immunohistochemical staining revealed diffuse smooth muscle actin (SMA) positivity. All patients underwent surgical resection, and none experienced recurrence over the 12- to 82-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Solitary myofibroma in the oral and maxillofacial regions is predominantly observed in infants and young children, with a higher incidence among males. The prognosis is favorable following localized lesion resection or curettage of jawbone lesions. Accurate recognition of the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of the disease will reduce the misdiagnosis rate.

Analysis Of Factors Related To Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis In Patients With Head And Neck Tumors Undergoing Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in patients with head and neck tumors undergoing radiotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective collection was conducted on patients with head and neck tumors who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in our hospital from April 1, 2015 to April 1, 2019. They were divided into an incidence group (n=48) and a non-incidence group (n=76) based on whether RIOM occurred, and relevant data was collected for comparison. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of tumor type, smoking percentage, education level percentage, tumor stage, oral mucosal inflammation stage, radiotherapy dose, mucosal protectants, and oral hygiene condition(P<0.05); The regression analysis results showed that smoking (OR=1.274, 95% CI: 1.095-2.007), high-dose radiotherapy (OR=1.223, 95% CI: 1.098-2.077), and poor oral hygiene (OR=1.367, 95% CI: 1.024-2.890) were risk factors for RIOM. CONCLUSION: Smoking, high-dose radiotherapy, and poor oral hygiene were risk factors for RIOM in head and neck patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Establishment and evaluation of MIRA-qPCR assay for the rapid and sensitively detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Aim: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common cause of respiratory infections, and its incidence has increased post-COVID-19 due to "immune debt." Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the standard for detecting MP, but it has a lengthy detection time. This study aimed to establish a highly sensitive rapid detection method for MP.Materials & methods: We developed an integrated assay combining multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification (MIRA) with qPCR, referred to as MIRA-qPCR, for the rapid detection of MP, delivering results within approximately 40 min.Results: The analytic sensitivity of the MIRA-qPCR assay was 10 copies per reaction, and it exhibited no cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens, ensuring high specificity. Clinical sample analysis demonstrated higher sensitivity for MIRA-qPCR compared to qPCR reported in the literature, and 100% concordance with commercial qPCR kit.Conclusion: The MIRA-qPCR method established in this study is a promising tool for the clinical detection of MP, offering significant advantages for the rapid diagnosis of MP infections.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacteria that can make us sick. It mainly affects the lungs and can cause a sickness called "walking pneumonia". This is because it can make you poorly, but not so badly that you are unable to walk around. This bacteria spreads when someone that is infected sneezes or coughs. It is important that M. pneumoniae can be diagnosed quickly. This article looks at a new, fast way to identify infection called MIRA-quantitative PCR.

[Water and heat transfer characteristics in summer maize farmland and its response to environmental factors in the old course of Yellow River]. / é»„æ²³æ• é“åŒºå¤çŽ‰ç±³å†œç”°æ°´çƒ­ä¼ è¾“ç‰¹å¾åŠå¯¹çŽ¯å¢ƒå› å­çš„å“åº”.

Accurate assessment of material and energy exchange between land and atmosphere is essential for water resources management and sustainable development of agriculture. To understand the characteristics of energy distribution and the dynamic change process of water and heat fluxes within the maize farmland ecosystem in the old course of Yellow River and their response to meteorological factors, we utilized the eddy covariance measurements and the full-element automatic weather station to continuously observe energy fluxes and conventional meteorological elements of summer maize farmland in the old course of Yellow River during 2019-2020. We analyzed the variation of energy fluxes and the effects of environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and wind speed. Additionally, we calculated the energy closure rate and the proportion of energy distribution during the growth stage. The results showed that the peaks of net radiation, sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux occurred between 11:00 and 14:00, and the peak of soil heat flux occurred between 14:00 and 15:00. In terms of energy distribution, energy consumption of summer maize farmland during the whole growth period was dominated by latent heat flux and sensible heat flux. Energy was mainly consumed by sensible heat flux at sowing-emergence stage, accounting for 37.1% of net radiation, respectively. Energy in the rest of growth stages was dominated by latent heat flux. The energy closure rate during the whole growth period was better, with a coefficient of determination of 0.83, and the closure rate was higher in day and lower at night. Precipitation affected latent heat flux and sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux was more sensitive to precipitation. The increase of latent heat flux after rainfall was lower in late growth stage than in early growth stage. During the whole growth period of summer maize, solar radiation was the most significant meteorological factor affecting both sensible heat flux and latent heat flux, followed by vapor pressure deficit. The contribution of temperature and vapor pressure deficit to latent heat flux was significantly higher than sensible heat flux, while the relative contribution of wind speed, relative humidity, and solar radiation to latent heat flux was lower than sensible heat flux. Leaf area index and fractional vegetation cover had a significant positive correlation with latent heat flux and a significant negative correlation with sensible heat flux. Our results could deepen the understanding of water and heat transfer law of summer maize farmland in the old course of Yellow River, providing a theoretical basis for efficient water use of crops.

Eight new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

Phytochemical investigation of Gynostemma pentaphyllum led to the purification of five novel dammarane-type triterpene isolates, gypenosides B1 - B5 (1-5). Their structures were determined through comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and HRESIMS data. Of note, 1-3 are inseparable mixtures of epimers due to their unstable nature, and a total of eight dammarane-type triterpene saponins were identified. Additionally, the protective activities of these new compounds against PC12 cell injury induced by hypoxia were evaluated.

In Situ Electrochemical Interfacial Polymerization for Covalent Organic Frameworks with Tunable Electrochromism.

A rapid in situ synthesis of electrochromic covalent organic frameworks (EC-COFs) was proposed by using green electrochemical interface polymerization of N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(p-aminophenyl)p-phenylenediamine (TPDA) and 2,5-dihydroxy-p-phenylenedicarboxaldehyde (DHBD). The synthetized TPDA-DHBD films exhibit stable polymorphic colour variations under different applied potentials, which can be attributed to the redox state changes of bis(triphenylamine) and imine electroactive functional groups within the COFs skeleton. TPDA-DHBD represents markedly different electrochromisms from red to cyan due to the steric hindrance effect caused by the presence of UO22+, demonstrating the unique tunability of COFs materials. This work offers a new feasible idea for rapid EC-COFs synthesis and tunable EC-COFs realization.

Hiptage yangshuoensis (Malpighiaceae), a new species on karst hills close to Lijiang River, Guangxi, China, based on molecular and morphological data.

Hiptage yangshuoensis K.Tan & K.S.Nguyen, a new species of Hiptage collected from a karst cliff close to the Lijiang River, Northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated based on molecular and morphological data. Hiptage yangshuoensis shares some morphological similarities with the H. multiflora F.N.Wei, but easily distinguished by its long pedicels with articulate at top, one large calyx gland, oblanceolate middle wing and lanceolate lateral wings of samara, and young branch covered rusty sericeous. The new species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), which showed distinct systematic distinctiveness from the most morphologically similar species, H. multiflora.

Role of subjective well-being and resilience in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation among older adults with moderate to severe ADL limitations in Chinese nursing homes.

PURPOSE: Hopelessness is a risk factor for suicidal ideation, whereas subjective well-being and resilience are protective factors. Nevertheless, the complicated mechanism underlying these factors has not been fully investigated among older people with moderate to severe ADL limitations in nursing homes. This cross-sectional study investigated the potential role of resilience in mediating the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation as well as whether subjective well-being can moderate this mediating effect. METHODS: Older individuals (N = 332; aged ≥ 65 years; 158 males, 174 females) with moderate to severe ADL limitations from 10 nursing homes in Chongqing, China, completed this cross-sectional study from July to December 2022. Hopelessness, resilience, subjective well-being and suicidal ideation were measured. The mediating and moderating effects were explored via regression analysis with bootstrap methods. RESULTS: A total of 32.8 % (109/332) of the participants reported current suicidal ideation. The relationship between suicidal ideation and hopelessness was partly influenced by resilience (indirect effect = 0.13, 95 % CI = 0.07∼.20). Subjective well-being moderated the impact of resilience on suicidal ideation (moderating effect = 0.01, 95 % CI = 0.00∼.01) and indirectly impacted the effect of hopelessness on suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize the importance of resilience and subjective well-being in mitigating suicidal ideation, which is a prevalent issue among older adults residing in nursing homes with moderate to severe ADL limitations in China.

Increasing cotton lint yield and water use efficiency for subsurface drip irrigation without mulching.

Introduction: Planting without mulching can eliminate the residual film pollution caused by the long-term use of plastic film covers, but it will increase soil moisture evaporation and heat loss and severely reduce water use efficiency and cotton productivity in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields in arid regions. It is unclear whether the advantages of subsurface drip irrigation and nighttime irrigation can be leveraged to reduce the amount of irrigation applied in fields, improve the soil and leaf hydrothermal environments, and increase the synchronicity of yield and water use efficiency (WUE). Methods: Therefore, in a two-year field experiment (2019-2020), cotton was grown under different irrigation treatments (I5, 3753 m3 ha-1; I4, 3477 m3 ha-1; I3, 3201 m3 ha-1; I2, 2925 m3 ha-1; and I1, 2649 m3 ha-1). The soil volumetric moisture content, soil temperature, leaf relative water content (RWC), daily changes in gas exchange parameters, lint yield, and WUE were evaluated. Results and discussion: The results showed that reducing irrigation can reduce the soil volumetric moisture content (0-40 cm soil layer), increase the soil temperature and soil temperature conductivity, and increase the leaf temperature, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), and WUE; however, reducing irrigation is not conducive to increasing the leaf RWC, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), or transpiration rate (Tr). There was no significant difference in WUE between the I3 and I4 treatments from 8:00 to 20:00, but the lint yield in these treatments increased by 2.8-12.2% compared to that in the I5 treatment, with no significant difference between the I3 and I4 treatments. In addition, a related analysis revealed that the positive effects of the leaf hydrothermal environment on the Pn and soil temperature on the WUE occurs during the same period (10:00-16:00). Overall, an irrigation amount of 3201-3477 m3 ha-1 applied with a subsurface nighttime irrigation system without mulching can enhance the soil moisture content and soil temperature, maintain a high photosynthetic capacity, and increase the lint yield and WUE. These results revealed that the negative impacts of plastic film contamination in arid areas can be alleviated.

The effect and safety of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for STEMI patients after PCI: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a common acute ischemia heart disease that causes serious damage to human health worldwide. Even though morbidity and mortality have significantly decreased by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), an additional cardiac protection strategy is still required. Acupuncture therapy has presented a dominant cardiac protection in many studies lately. Thus, we aim to evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy in STEMI patients after PCI through a randomized controlled trial. METHODS/DESIGN: This study describes a protocol of multicenter, double-blinded, parallel-controlled, randomized controlled trial. Ninety-six patients with STEMI aged 18-85 years who undergoing PCI will be recruited from the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Third Hospital of Chengdu Traditional Chinese Medicine University/Chengdu Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Zhaotong Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to the verum acupuncture plus basic therapy (i.e., treatment) group or the sham acupuncture plus basic therapy (i.e., control) group. These participants will be treated for 5 days and then will be followed up for 24 weeks. Any adverse events will be recorded throughout the study to evaluate safety. DISCUSSION: The present study aims to investigate the effect and safety of acupuncture for patients with STEMI after PCI and set up standardized treatment programs for acupuncture of these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration ID: [ChiCTR2400081117]), on February 22, 2024.

Metal-organic frameworks for organic transformations by photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis.

Organic transformation by light-driven catalysis, especially, photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis, denoted as photo(thermal) catalysis, is an efficient, green, and economical route to produce value-added compounds. In recent years, owing to their diverse structure types, tunable pore sizes, and abundant active sites, metal-organic framework (MOF)-based photo(thermal) catalysis has attracted broad interest in organic transformations. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of MOF-based photo(thermal) catalysis for organic transformations. First, the general mechanisms, unique advantages, and strategies to improve the performance of MOFs in photo(thermal) catalysis are discussed. Then, outstanding examples of organic transformations over MOF-based photo(thermal) catalysis are introduced according to the reaction type. In addition, several representative advanced characterization techniques used for revealing the charge reaction kinetics and reaction intermediates of MOF-based organic transformations by photo(thermal) catalysis are presented. Finally, the prospects and challenges in this field are proposed. This review aims to inspire the rational design and development of MOF-based materials with improved performance in organic transformations by photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis.

Genomic Anatomy of Homozygous XX Females and YY Males Reveals Early Evolutionary Trajectory of Sex-determining Gene and Sex Chromosomes in Silurus Fishes.

Sex chromosomes display remarkable diversity and variability among vertebrates. Compared with research on the X/Y and Z/W chromosomes, which have long evolutionary histories in mammals and birds, studies on the sex chromosomes at early evolutionary stages are limited. Here, we precisely assembled the genomes of homozygous XX female and YY male Lanzhou catfish (Silurus lanzhouensis) derived from an artificial gynogenetic family and a self-fertilized family, respectively. Chromosome 24 (Chr24) was identified as the sex chromosome based on resequencing data. Comparative analysis of the X and Y chromosomes showed an approximate 320 kb Y-specific region with a Y-specific duplicate of anti-Mullerian hormone type II receptor (amhr2y), which is consistent with findings in 2 other Silurus species but on different chromosomes (Chr24 of Silurus meridionalis and Chr5 of Silurus asotus). Deficiency of amhr2y resulted in male-to-female sex reversal, indicating that amhr2y plays a male-determining role in S. lanzhouensis. Phylogenetic analysis and comparative genomics revealed that the common sex-determining gene amhr2y was initially translocated to Chr24 of the Silurus ancestor along with the expansion of transposable elements. Chr24 was maintained as the sex chromosome in S. meridionalis and S. lanzhouensis, whereas a sex-determining region transition triggered sex chromosome turnover from Chr24 to Chr5 in S. asotus. Additionally, gene duplication, translocation, and degeneration were observed in the Y-specific regions of Silurus species. These findings present a clear case for the early evolutionary trajectory of sex chromosomes, including sex-determining gene origin, repeat sequence expansion, gene gathering and degeneration in sex-determining region, and sex chromosome turnover.

SPOP expression is associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Speckle Type POZ Protein (SPOP), despite its tumor type-dependent role in tumorigenesis, primarily as a tumor suppressor gene is associated with a variety of different cancers. However, its function in pancreatic cancer remains uncertain. METHODS: SPOP expression and the association between its expression and patient prognosis and immune function were evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0) database, cBioportal, and various bioinformatic databases. Enrichment analysis of SPOP and the association between SPOP expression with clinical stage and grade were analyzed using the R software package. Then immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to estimate the correlation between SPOP and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: As part of our study, we assessed that SPOP was anomalously expressed in kinds of cancers, associated with clinical stage and outcomes. Meanwhile, SPOP also played a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The expression level of SPOP was significantly correlated to tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our study uncovered the potential corrections in SPOP with TICs, suggesting that SPOP may act as a biomarker for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer.

Reduction of Ketones and Coupling of Ketyls by a Zn-Zn-Bonded Compound.

The α-diimine-ligated Zn-Zn-bonded compound [K(THF)2]2[LZn-ZnL] (1, L = [(2,6-iPr2C6H3)NC(Me)]22-) displays diverse reactivities toward a variety of ketones. In the reaction of 1 with benzophenone or 4,4'-di-tert-butylbenzophenone, a multielectron transfer process was observed to give bimetallic (Zn/K) complexes with both ketyl radical fragments and C-C coupled pinacolate moieties (products 2 and 3). In contrast, treating 1 with 9-fluorenone only afforded pinacolate complex 5. Moreover, the reactions of 1 with N- or O-heterocycle-functionalized ketones, i.e., di(2-pyridyl)ketone, 2,2-pyrrolidinone, 9-xanthenone, or 10-methyl-9(10H)-acridone, were also carried out. Besides different transformations of the ketone moiety, the heteroatoms (nitrogen or oxygen) are also involved in coordination with zinc or potassium ions, yielding discrete aggregates or polymeric structures of products 6-9.

Impact of exercise dosages based on American College of Sports Medicine recommendations on lipid metabolism in patients after PCI: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The impact of exercise dosages based on American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) recommendations on lipid metabolism in patients after PCI remains unclear. This study conducted a meta-analysis of reported exercise dosages from the literature to address this knowledge gap. METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled studies of exercise interventions in patients after PCI, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Based on the recommended exercise dosages from ACSM for patients with coronary heart disease, exercise doses in the literature that met the inclusion criteria were categorized into groups that were highly compliant with ACSM recommendations and those with low or uncertain ACSM recommendations. The topic was the effect of exercise dose on lipid metabolism in post-PCI patients. This was assessed using standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for changes in triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. RESULTS: This systematic review included 10 randomized controlled studies. The subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the high compliance with ACSM recommendations group for triglycerides [SMD=-0.33 (95% CI -0.62, -0.05)], total cholesterol [SMD=-0.55 (95% CI -0.97, -0.13)], low-density lipoprotein [SMD=-0.31 (95% CI -0.49, -0.13)], high-density lipoprotein [SMD = 0.23 (95% CI 0.01, 0.46)], and body mass index [SMD=-0.52 (95% CI -0.87, -0.17)]. Compared to the low or uncertain compliance with ACSM recommendations group, the high compliance group exhibited significant differences in improving TC levels (-0.55(H) vs. -0.46(L)), HDL levels (0.23(H) vs. 0.22(L)), and BMI (-0.52(H) vs. -0.34(L)). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that high compliance with ACSM-recommended exercise dosages has significant impacts on improving TC levels, HDL levels, and BMI. However, no advantage was observed for TG or LDL levels.

Netrin-1 Is an Important Mediator in Microglia Migration.

Microglia migrate to the cerebral cortex during early embryonic stages. However, the precise mechanisms underlying microglia migration remain incompletely understood. As an extracellular matrix protein, Netrin-1 is involved in modulating the motility of diverse cells. In this paper, we found that Netrin-1 promoted microglial BV2 cell migration in vitro. Mechanism studies indicated that the activation of GSK3ß activity contributed to Netrin-1-mediated microglia migration. Furthermore, Integrin α6/ß1 might be the relevant receptor. Single-cell data analysis revealed the higher expression of Integrin α6 subunit and ß1 subunit in microglia in comparison with classical receptors, including Dcc, Neo1, Unc5a, Unc5b, Unc5c, Unc5d, and Dscam. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) measurement confirmed the high binding affinity between Integrin α6/ß1 and Netrin-1. Importantly, activation of Integrin α6/ß1 with IKVAV peptides mirrored the microglia migration and GSK3 activation induced by Netrin-1. Finally, conditional knockout (CKO) of Netrin-1 in radial glial cells and their progeny led to a reduction in microglia population in the cerebral cortex at early developmental stages. Together, our findings highlight the role of Netrin-1 in microglia migration and underscore its therapeutic potential in microglia-related brain diseases.

Measurable residual disease testing by next generation sequencing is more accurate compared with multiparameter flow cytometry in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Results of measurable residual disease (MRD)-testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) correlate with relapse risk in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy or an allotransplant from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical relative or HLA-matched unrelated donor. We studied cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and survival prediction accuracy using a NGS-based MRD-assay targeting immunoglobulin genes after 2 courses of consolidation chemotherapy cycles in 93 adults with B-cell ALL most receiving HLA-haplotype-matched related transplants. Prediction accuracy was compared with MRD-testing using multi-parameter flow cytometry (MPFC). NGS-based MRD-testing detected residual leukemia in 28 of 65 subjects with a negative MPFC-based MRD-test. In Cox regression multi-variable analyses subjects with a positive NGS-based MRD-test had a higher 3-year CIR (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.37; 95 % Confidence Interval [CI], 1.34-8.5; P = 0.01) and worse survival (HR = 4.87 [1.53-15.53]; P = 0.007). Some data suggest a lower CIR and better survival in NGS-MRD-test-positive transplant recipients but allocation to transplant was not random. Our data indicate MRD-testing by NGS is more accurate compared with testing by MPFC in adults with B-cell ALL in predicting CIR and survival. (Registered in the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau Registration N 2007-1007 and in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR-OCH-10000940 and ChiCTROPC-14005546]).

Recommendations for managing adult acne and adolescent acne based on an epidemiological study conducted in China.

There are numerous differences between adult acne and adolescent acne in terms of causes, distribution, and characteristics of skin lesions, as well as treatment. This paper aims to summarize the differences between adult and adolescent acne in China, in order to propose more suitable ways to improve their quality of life. We collected basic information, acne-related information, acne-affecting factors, quality of life scores and treatment-related information of acne patients. A total of 552 questionnaires were collected. Adult acne is typically predominant on the cheeks, similar to adolescent acne, with a relatively lower incidence in other areas, apart from the jawline. Pigmentation and depressed scars are present in nearly half of acne patients, while hypertrophic scars are less frequently observed. Teenagers often have a higher consumption of dairy products, sugary drinks, and high-sugar and high-fat foods. Eczema is more common in adult acne. Additionally, more adults than teenagers experience stress and poor quality of life related to acne. Adolescents are more likely to seek treatment online and on social media. Clinicians must thoroughly evaluate diverse risk factors and formulate personalized acne management strategies for patients with different types of acne.

Comparative effects of insulin pump and injection on gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy outcomes and serum biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Insulin injection is the basic daily drug treatment for diabetic patients. AIM: To evaluate the comparative impacts of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). METHODS: Based on the treatment modality received, the patients were allocated into two cohorts: The CSII group and the multiple daily injections (MDI) group, with each cohort comprising 210 patients. Comparative assessments were made regarding serum levels of serum-secreted frizzled-related protein 5, homocysteine, and C1q/TNF-related protein 9. Furthermore, outcomes such as fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose levels, pain assessment scores, and the incidence of complications were evaluated post-treatment. RESULTS: The CSII group displayed notably lower fasting plasma glucose and 2-h postprandial glucose levels in comparison to the MDI group (P < 0.05). Subsequent analysis post-treatment unveiled a significantly higher percentage of patients reporting no pain in the CSII group (60.00%) in contrast to the MDI group (36.19%) (P < 0.05). Additionally, the CSII group exhibited a markedly reduced occurrence of fetal distress and premature rupture of membranes compared to the MDI group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant variances observed in other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups (P > 0.05). A statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups (χ 2 = 11.631, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The utilization of CSII via an insulin pump, as opposed to MDI, can significantly enhance the management of insulin administration in patients with GDM by diversifying the sites of insulin delivery. This approach not only promotes optimal glycemic control but also regulates metabolic factors linked to blood sugar, reducing the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications. The clinical relevance and importance of CSII in GDM management highlight its wide-ranging clinical usefulness.

Electroacupuncture Alleviates Memory Deficits in APP/PS1 Mice by Targeting Serotonergic Neurons in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus.

OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a significant global concern, but effective drugs able to slow down AD progression is still lacked. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive impairment in individuals with AD. However, the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood. This study aimed at examining the neuroprotective properties of EA and its potential mechanism of action against AD. METHODS: APP/PS1 transgenic mice were employed to evaluate the protective effects of EA on Shenshu (BL 23) and Baihui (GV 20). Chemogenetic manipulation was used to activate or inhibit serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Golgi staining, western blot, and immunostaining were utilized to determine EA-induced neuroprotection. RESULTS: EA at Shenshu (BL 23) and Baihui (GV 20) effectively ameliorated learning and memory impairments in APP/PS1 mice. EA attenuated dendritic spine loss, increased the expression levels of PSD95, synaptophysin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus. Activation of serotonergic neurons within the DRN can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD by activating glutamatergic neurons mediated by 5-HT1B. Chemogenetic inhibition of serotonergic neurons in the DRN reversed the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and memory. CONCLUSION: EA can alleviate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by activating serotonergic neurons in the DRN. Further study is necessary to better understand how the serotonergic neurons-related neural circuits involves in EA-induced memory improvement in AD.