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Abstract We evaluate the value of oral contrast-enhanced gastric ultrasonography (OCUS) by comparing it with conventional gastroscopy in diagnosing and staging benign peptic ulcer. From July 2018 to December 2020, 44 patients with gastroscopy-confirmed benign peptic ulcers (a total of 45 ulcers were detected), who also received OCUS, were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient’s ultrasound images were compared with gastroscopy and pathology findings. The characteristics of ultrasonic images of different stages of ulcer were analysed. A total of 43 ulcers were detected by OCUS in 44 patients with benign peptic ulcers. There were no false positive results among the OCUS exams, but two ulcers were misdiagnosed. OCUS for benign peptic ulcer staging also shows acceptable clinical practice results. OCUS is useful for detecting and staging benign peptic ulcer, and may be considered an alternative method for conventional gastroscopy. OCUS is especially useful in the follow-up of BPU treatment, but futher study is needed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of benign and malignant ulcers.

Abstract Background This study was designed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of mSEPT9 to four blood markers (CEA, CA19-9, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)). In addition, we aimed to determine the combined diagnostic efficacy of mSEPT9, CEA, CA19-9, PLR and NLR in colorectal cancer. Methods A total of 567 participants were enrolled in the study, including 308 CRC patients, 61 colorectal polyp patients and 198 healthy subjects confirmed by colonoscopy and/or tissue biopsy. Plasma samples were collected for tests. Results The positive rate of mSEPT9 in CRC (71.8%) was markedly higher than that in either the colorectal polyps group (27.9%) or the healthy controls (6.1%) (P

Abstract Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major global public health issue. There is limited research on the relationship between ambient temperature and AIS hospital admissions, and the results are controversial. Our objective is to assess the short-term impact of ambient temperature on the risk of AIS hospital admissions in Yancheng, China. Methods We collected data on daily AIS hospital admissions, meteorological factors, and air quality in Yancheng from 2014 to 2019. We used Poisson regression to fit generalized linear models and distributed lag non-linear models to explore the association between ambient temperature and AIS hospital admissions. The effects of these associations were evaluated by stratified analysis by sex and age. Results From 2014 to 2019, we identified a total of 13,391 AIS hospital admissions. We observed that the influence of extreme cold and heat on admissions for AIS manifests immediately on the day of exposure and continues for a duration of 3–5 days. Compared to the optimal temperature (24.4 °C), the cumulative relative risk under extreme cold temperature (-1.3 °C) conditions with a lag of 0–5 days was 1.88 (95%CI: 1.28, 2.78), and under extreme heat temperature (30.5 °C) conditions with a lag of 0–5 days was 1.48 (95%CI: 1.26, 1.73). Conclusions There is a non-linear association between ambient temperature and AIS hospital admission risk in Yancheng, China. Women and older patients are more vulnerable to non-optimal temperatures. Our findings may reveal the potential impact of climate change on the risk of AIS hospital admissions.

Abstract Background The role of tumor inflammatory microenvironment in the advancement of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, is widely acknowledged. ELL-associated factor 2 (EAF2), a tumor suppressor that has been identified in the prostate, is often downregulated in prostate cancer. Earlier investigations have shown that mice with EAF2 gene knockout exhibited a substantial infiltration of inflammatory cells into the prostatic stroma. Methods A cohort comprising 38 patients who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and subsequently undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) was selected. These patients were pathologically graded according to the Gleason scoring system and divided into two groups. The purpose of this selection was to investigate the potential correlation between EAF2 and CD163 using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Additionally, in vitro experimentation was conducted to verify the relationship between EAF2 expression, macrophage migration and polarization. Results Our study demonstrated that in specimens of human prostate cancer, the expression of EAF2 was notably downregulated, and this decrease was inversely associated with the number of CD163-positive macrophages that infiltrated the cancerous tissue. Cell co-culture experiments revealed that the chemotactic effect of tumor cells towards macrophages was intensified and that macrophages differentiated into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) when EAF2 was knocked out. Additionally, the application of cytokine protein microarray showed that the expression of chemokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) increased after EAF2 knockout. Conclusions Our findings suggested that EAF2 was involved in the infiltration of CD163-positive macrophages in prostate cancer via MIF. Graphical abstract

Abstract Limited studies have triangulated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or hypertension risk utilizing both observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches. We employed data from the Norwegian Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) to conduct cross-sectional (n = 5854) and prospective (n = 3592) analyses, as well as one-sample MR (n = 86,324). We also used largest publicly available data for two-sample MR. Our cross-sectional analyses showed a 25 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D was associated with a 1.73 mmHg decrease in SBP (95% CI − 2.46 to − 1.01), a 0.91 mmHg decrease in DBP (95% CI − 1.35 to − 0.47) and 19% lower prevalence of hypertension (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.90) after adjusting for important confounders. However, these associations disappeared in prospective analyses. One-sample and two-sample MR results further suggested no causal relationship between serum vitamin D levels and blood pressure or hypertension risk in the general population.

Objective: To study the relationships of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with dental caries and periodontitis in a general Norwegian adult population. Methods: We analysed a subsample of 1605 participants from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway that had serum 25(OH)D levels measured in HUNT3 (2006-08) and oral health assessed in the HUNT4 Oral Health Study (2017-19). Negative binomial and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the ratios of means (RMs; for count oral outcomes) and prevalence ratios (PRs; for dichotomous oral outcomes). Results: Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with the number of decayed teeth in a dose-response gradient (

Abstract We aimed to identify the severity and duration of COVID-19 infection on complications after allo-HSCT. Enrolled 179 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were categorized into long-term infection (> 18 days, n = 90) or short-term infection group (≤ 18 days, n = 89) according to the median duration of COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 was categorized as asymptomatic infection, mild, moderate, severe, and critical illness according to guidelines of National Institutes of Health. Particularly, severe illness and critical illness were classified as serious infection. Asymptomatic infection, mild illness and moderate illness were classified as non-serious infection. The 150-day probabilities of poor graft function (PGF), cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were significantly higher in long-term infection group. The 150-day probabilities of CMV pneumonia and NRM after COVID-19 were higher in serious infection group. The 150-day probabilities of overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in long-term and serious infection group. In multivariable analysis, the severity of COVID-19 was associated with NRM and OS, and the duration of COVID-19 was associated with PGF. In summary, our data reported that the severity and duration of COVID-19 were associated with several complications and contribute to poor outcomes after allo-HSCT.

Abstract Objective Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas (CPs). The potential benefits of brachytherapy for CPs have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this work was to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the long-term efficacy and adverse reactions profile of brachytherapy for CPs. Materials and methods The relevant databases were searched to collect the clinical trials on brachytherapy in patients with CPs. Included studies were limited to publications in full manuscript form with at least 5-year median follow-up, and adequate reporting of treatment outcomes and adverse reactions data. Stata 12.0 was used for data analysis. Results According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 6 clinical trials involving 266 patients with CPs were included in this meta-analysis. The minimum average follow-up was 5 years. The results of the meta-analysis showed that 1-year, 2–3 years and 5 years progression free survival rates (PFS) are 75% (95%CI: 66-84%), 62% (95%CI: 52-72%) and 57% (95%CI: 22-92%), respectively. At the last follow-up, less than 16% of patients with visual outcomes worser than baseline in all included studies. While, for endocrine outcomes, less than 32% of patients worser than baseline level. Conclusion In general, based on the above results, brachytherapy should be considered as a good choice for the treatment of CP.

Abstract Ovarian cancer (OV) poses a significant challenge in clinical settings due to its difficulty in early diagnosis and treatment resistance. FOXP4, belonging to the FOXP subfamily, plays a pivotal role in various biological processes including cancer, cell cycle regulation, and embryonic development. However, the specific role and importance of FOXP4 in OV have remained unclear. Our research showed that FOXP4 is highly expressed in OV tissues, with its elevated levels correlating with poor prognosis. We further explored FOXP4’s function through RNA sequencing and functional analysis in FOXP4-deficient cells, revealing its critical role in activating the Wnt signaling pathway. This activation exacerbates the malignant phenotype in OV. Mechanistically, FOXP4 directly induces the expression of protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7), a Wnt-binding receptor tyrosine pseudokinase, which causes abnormal activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Disrupting the FOXP4-Wnt feedback loop by inactivating the Wnt signaling pathway or reducing FOXP4 expression resulted in the reduction of the malignant phenotype of OV cells, while restoring PTK7 expression reversed this effect. In conclusion, our findings underscore the significance of the FOXP4-induced Wnt pathway activation in OV, suggesting the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway in OV treatment.

Abstract Background There is an urgent unmet need for effective initial treatment for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) adding to the standard first-line therapy with corticosteroids after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods We performed a multicentre, open-label, randomized, phase 3 study. Eligible patients (aged 15 years or older, had received allo-HSCT for a haematological malignancy, developed aGVHD, and received no previous therapies for aGVHD) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 5 mg/m2 MTX on Days 1, 3, or 8 and then combined with corticosteroids or corticosteroids alone weekly. Results The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) on Day 10. A total of 157 patients were randomly assigned to receive either MTX plus corticosteroids (n = 78; MTX group) or corticosteroids alone (n = 79; control group). The Day 10 ORR was 97% for the MTX group and 81% for the control group (p = .005). Among patients with mild aGVHD, the Day 10 ORR was 100% for the MTX group and 86% for the control group (p = .001). The 1-year estimated failure-free survival was 69% for the MTX group and 41% for the control group (p = .002). There were no differences in treatment-related adverse events between the two groups. Conclusions In conclusion, mini-dose MTX combined with corticosteroids can significantly improve the ORR in patients with aGVHD and is well tolerated, although it did not achieve the prespecified 20% improvement with the addition of MTX. Trial registration The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04960644).

BackgroundWheat germ is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease resistance properties in animals. However, its effect on the gut of Sichuan white geese remains unclear.MethodIn this study, thirty 250-day-old geese were divided into three equal groups, the control group, LWG group (21.8% wheat germ) and HWG group (43.6% wheat germ), the experiment lasted 12 weeks. We assessed various aspects of geese intestinal health, including barrier function, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, immunity, microbiota, and metabolism.ResultsThe study revealed a significant increase in villus height (VH), villus height-to-crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio, amylase, and lipase activities in the duodenum and ileum, increased putrescine levels in the duodenum and jejunum, as well as spermidine levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). LWG increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the duodenum, while decreasing levels of intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA), serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LWG increased the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae_unclassified, Ligilactobacillus, and Roseburia, as well as increased levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid, while decreasing the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum, Flavonifractor, and Klebsiella. Additionally, we observed 17 up-regulated genes and 25 down-regulated genes in the jejunum, which are associated with the cell cycle and immunity. These genes play roles in pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle regulation, and pathways associated with immune modulation. On the other hand, HWG increased intestinal VH and spermidine levels, as well as amylase and lipase activities in the duodenum (P < 0.05). It also elevated ileal T-AOC and sIgA levels (P < 0.05), while reducing intestinal MDA content, serum LPS levels, DAO activity, and propionic acid in cecum contents (P < 0.05). Moreover, HWG increased the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Oscillospiraceae_unclassified, and Roseburia (P < 0.05).ConclusionOverall, wheat germ diets, particularly the LWG diet demonstrated the ability to enhance antioxidant capacity, digestibility, immunity, and barrier properties of the intestinal tract, while modulating the gut microbiota and metabolism. Therefore, wheat germ diets hold promise in improving intestinal health by preserving barrier function and regulating flora structure.

China has abundant straw resources, but challenges in utilization persist. Utilization rates need improvement, and environmental pollution from straw burning remains a significant issue. Accurate and intelligent remote sensing classification of straw types is crucial for enhancing straw utilization and preventing straw burning. This paper proposed a new approach for the intelligent classification of maize straw types, using the DenseNet201 deep transfer learning algorithm based on RGB images captured by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The sample labels dataset was established for maize straw types, utilizing DenseNet201 deep transfer learning algorithm to pre-train the sample set. This pre-training facilitated model transfer and parameter initialization. Subsequently, the second round of deep transfer learning was performed to construct the final maize straw type remote sensing classification models using DenseNet201 deep transfer learning algorithm. This model and results were subsequently compared with maize straw type classification by the ResNet50 and GoogLeNet deep transfer learning algorithms, as well as maize straw type classification using DenseNet201, ResNet50, and GoogLeNet deep learning algorithms. The results showed that the accuracy of the pre-trained maize straw type deep transfer learning remote sensing classification model surpassed that of the untrained maize straw type deep learning remote sensing classification model, resulting in an enhancement of accuracy by 8.59%, 7.38%, and 1.28%, respectively. The DenseNet201 deep transfer learning model for maize straw types exhibited the highest accuracy with the overall accuracy of 95.57%, and the kappa coefficient of 0.9410. Hence, the DenseNet201 deep transfer learning classification of maize straw types enabled the attainment of intelligent remote sensing recognition of maize straw types. The classification methodology, model, and results presented in this paper can serve as valuable technical references, offering essential information support for agricultural and environmental protection departments actively involved in the comprehensive utilization of straw resources and atmospheric environmental protection efforts.

Natural environments play a crucial role in transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Development of methods to manage antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in natural environments are usually limited to the laboratory or field scale, partially due to the complex dynamics of transmission between different environmental compartments. Here, we conducted a nine-year longitudinal profiling of ARGs at a watershed scale, and provide evidence that restrictions on livestock farms near water bodies significantly reduced riverine ARG abundance. Substantial reductions were revealed in the relative abundance of genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (42%), MLSB (36%), multidrug (55%), tetracyclines (53%), and other gene categories (59%). Additionally, improvements in water quality were observed, with distinct changes in concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphorus, ammonium, nitrite, pH, and dissolved oxygen. Antibiotic residues and other pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) maintain at a similarly low level. Microbial source tracking demonstrates a significant decrease in swine fecal indicators, while human fecal pollution remains unchanged. These results suggest that the reduction in ARGs was due to a substantial reduction in input of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes from animal excreta. Our findings highlight the watershed as a living laboratory for understanding the dynamics of AMR, and for evaluating the efficacy of environmental regulations, with implications for reducing environmental risks associated with AMR on a global scale.

BackgroundSince the outbreak of COVID-19, China has implemented a series of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), effectively containing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as well as various respiratory pathogens. With the continuous relaxation of restrictions, China has entered a new phase of the post-pandemic era. However, the epidemiological differences of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) between the two phases in Ningbo and even in China remain unclear.MethodsData of children aged 0–14 years who visited the Ningbo Medical Center LiHuiLi Hospital due to acute respiratory tract infections from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected. PCR was used to detect 13 respiratory pathogens and the macrolide-resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.ResultsAmong 10,206 children, 2,360 were infected with MP (23.12%). Among the total, the MP positive rate during the NPI phase (6.35%) was significantly lower than that during the non-NPI phase (34.28%), while the macrolide resistance rate increased from 62.5% (NPI phase) to 81.1% (non-NPI phase). The rate of MP co-infection increased from 11.2% (NPI phase) to 30.3% (non-NPI phase). MP infection exhibited obvious seasonality, with the highest prevalence in autumn (30.0%) followed by summer (23.6%). There were differences in MP positivity rates among different age groups, with the highest among school-age children at 39.5%. During the NPI phase, all age groups were less susceptible to MP, while during the non-NPI phase, the susceptible age for MP was 4–12 years, with 8 years being the most susceptible. The susceptible age for MP co-infection was 0–6 years. MP exhibited antagonistic effects against numerous pathogens. Compared to MP single infection, the proportion of pneumonia was higher in MP co-infection cases.ConclusionThe removal of NPIs significantly impacted the spread of MP, altering population characteristics including age, seasonality, macrolide resistance, and MP co-infection rates.

In this paper, we studied a Hadamard-type fractional Riemann-Stieltjes integral boundary value problem. The existence of nontrivial solutions was obtained by using the fixed-point method when the nonlinearities can be superlinear, suberlinear, and have asymptotic linear growth. Our results improved and generalized some results of the existing literature.

In this work, we investigate a Riemann-Liouville-type impulsive fractional integral boundary value problem. Using the fixed point index, we obtain two existence theorems on positive solutions under some conditions concerning the spectral radius of the relevant linear operator. Our method improves and generalizes some results in the literature.

Cellular traction forces (CTFs) are generated by adherent cells and involved in regulating migration, morphology, and homeostasis. Accurate measurement of CTFs is crucial for understanding fundamental biological processes such as morphogenesis, angiogenesis, and wound healing. However, directly measuring CTFs, which typically range in the nanonewton scale, is challenging. Cellular traction force microscopy (TFM) has been developed to quantify CTFs, but detailed operational procedures and complex data analysis limit its applicability. In this study, hydrogels embedded with fluo-spheres serve as the substrate for TFM measurement under a detailed TFM protocol. Additionally, we designed a user-friendly program for easy parameter setting. An open-source program called Python Fourier transform traction cytometry (pyFTTC) is introduced for data analysis, utilizing particle image velocimetry (PIV) to calculate the traction force from a batch of images. Cross-correlation based PIV and L2-regularized FTTC are applied to all images for data analysis. This article provides a straightforward protocol for quantifying CTFs in standard laboratories, facilitating both cell biology studies and biomaterials development.

Abstract Background Green tea has been reported to be potentially protective against the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the association between green tea consumption and incident CVD in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with overweight/obesity. Methods A total of 4756 Chinese overweight/obese T2D patients were recruited and followed up for 6.27 years. Information on green tea consumption was collected at baseline using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident CVD according to green tea consumption were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results Compared with non-habitual consumers, participants who consumed > 5 g/day of green tea leaves reduced the risk of CVD by 29% (95%CI: 0.55–0.92), stroke by 30% (95%CI: 0.51–0.95) and coronary heart disease (CHD) by 40% (95%CI: 0.40–0.89). Similarly, participants who consumed green tea for ≥ 40 years reduced the risk of CVD by 31% (95%CI: 0.54–0.88), stroke by 33% (95%CI: 0.50–0.90) and CHD by 39% (95%CI: 0.42–0.88). Among participants with 5 g/day of tea leaves and > 40 years of tea consumption were associated with 59% (95%CI: 0.23–0.72) and 57% (95%CI: 0.26–0.74) reduced risk of stroke, respectively. However, among participants with ≥ 5-year history of T2D, > 5 g/day of tea leaves and > 40 years of tea consumption were associated with a 50% (95%CI: 0.30–0.82) and 46% (95%CI: 0.35–0.85) reduced risk of CHD, respectively. Conclusions Green tea consumption is associated with reduced risk of CVD, stroke, and CHD in overweight/obese T2D patients.

Abstract Background Human health is seriously threatened by antibiotic-induced intestinal disorders. Herein, we aimed to determine the effects of Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) combined with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on the intestinal barrier function of antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis neonatal mice. Methods An antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis neonatal mouse model was created using antibiotic cocktails, and the model mice were randomized into the control, AI-2, LGG, and LGG + AI-2 groups. Intestinal short-chain fatty acids and AI-2 concentrations were detected by mass spectrometry and chemiluminescence, respectively. The community composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing, and biofilm thickness and bacterial adhesion in the colon were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Transcriptome RNA sequencing of intestinal tissues was performed, and the mRNA and protein levels of HCAR2 (hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2), claudin3, and claudin4 in intestinal tissues were determined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and western blotting. The levels of inflammatory factors in intestinal tissues were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). D-ribose, an inhibitor of AI-2, was used to treat Caco-2 cells in vitro. Results Compared with the control, AI-2, and LGG groups, the LGG + AI-2 group showed increased levels of intestinal AI-2 and proportions of Firmicutes and Lacticaseibacillus, but a reduced fraction of Proteobacteria. Specifically, the LGG + AI-2 group had considerably more biofilms and LGG on the colon surface than those of other three groups. Meanwhile, the combination of AI-2 and LGG markedly increased the concentration of butyric acid and promoted Hcar2, claudin3 and claudin4 expression levels compared with supplementation with LGG or AI-2 alone. The ELISAs revealed a significantly higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level in the control group than in the LGG and LGG + AI-2 groups, whereas the interleukin 10 (IL-10) level was significantly higher in the LGG + AI-2 group than in the other three groups. In vitro, D-ribose treatment dramatically suppressed the increased levels of Hcar2, claudin3, and claudin4 in Caco-2 cells induced by AI-2 + LGG. Conclusions AI-2 promotes the colonization of LGG and biofilm formation to improve intestinal barrier function in an antibiotic-induced intestinal dysbiosis neonatal mouse model.

In order to improve the efficiency of energy utilization, the integrated energy system (IES) has emerged. The IES typically acts as a whole system during operations, the subsystems are separated, and the interests of each system are independent. In this paper, considering the relationship between the various energy systems, non-cooperative game theory is used to establish the optimal dispatch model. The proposed model mainly relies on the relationship between the cooperation and competition among various subsystems to obtain the maximum benefit they can accept. Furthermore, the basic definition is combined with the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the problem. The results show that the optimization strategy proposed in this paper can operate safely and reliably, and effectively distribute the benefits of each energy system.

Abstract Background Research focusing on the association between serum vitamin D and oral health outcomes in children, such as dental caries and molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), shows inconsistent results. Previous studies have predominantly investigated dental caries and MIH as dichotomized outcomes, which limits the information on their distribution. In addition, the methods used for analysing serum vitamin D have varied. The present study aimed to investigate potential associations between serum vitamin D status measured by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the prevalence, as well as the number of teeth, affected by dental caries or MIH among 7–9-year-old Norwegian children. Methods The study had a cross-sectional design and included 101 children aged 7–9 years. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured and included as continuous (per 25 nmol/l) and categorised (insufficient (

Abstract Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces the unfolded protein response (UPR), and prolonged ER stress leads to cell apoptosis. Despite increasing research in this area, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we discover that ER stress upregulates the UPR signaling pathway while downregulating E2F target gene expression and inhibiting the G2/M phase transition. Prolonged ER stress decreases the mRNA levels of E2F2, which specifically regulates the expression of F-Box Protein 5(FBXO5), an F-box protein that functions as an inhibitor of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase complex. Depletion of FBXO5 results in increased ER stress-induced apoptosis and decreased expression of proteins related to PERK/IRE1α/ATF6 signaling. Overexpression of FBXO5 wild-type (not its ΔF-box mutant) alleviates apoptosis and the expression of the C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP)/ATF. Mechanistically, we find that FBXO5 directly binds to and promotes the ubiquitin-dependent degradation of RNF183, which acts as a ubiquitin E3 ligase in regulating ER stress-induced apoptosis. Reversal of the apoptosis defects caused by FBXO5 deficiency in colorectal cancer cells can be achieved by knocking down RNF183 in FBXO5-deficient cells. Functionally, we observed significant upregulation of FBXO5 in colon cancer tissues, and its silencing suppresses tumor occurrence in vivo. Therefore, our study highlights the critical role of the FBXO5/RNF183 axis in ER stress regulation and identifies a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer treatment.

ABSTRACTGBM is one of the most malignant tumor in central nervous system. The resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) is inevitable in GBM and the characterization of TMZ resistance seriously hinders clinical treatment. It is worthwhile exploring the underlying mechanism of aggressive invasion and TMZ resistance in GBM treatment. Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze the association between RND1 and a series of EMT-related genes. Colony formation assay and cell viability assay were used to assess the growth of U87 and U251 cells. The cell invasion status was evaluated based on transwell and wound-healing assays. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression in GBM cells. Treatment targeted RND1 combined with TMZ therapy was conducted in nude mice to evaluate the potential application of RND1 as a clinical target for GBM. The overexpression of RND1 suppressed the progression and migration of U87 and U251 cells. RND1 knockdown facilitated the growth and invasion of GBM cells. RND1 regulated the EMT of GBM cells via inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3-β. The promoted effects of RND1 on TMZ sensitivity was identified both in vitro and in vivo. This research demonstrated that the overexpression of RND1 suppressed the migration and EMT status by downregulating AKT/GSK3-β pathway in GBM. RND1 enhanced the TMZ sensitivity of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may contribute to the targeted therapy for GBM and the understanding of mechanisms of TMZ resistance in GBM.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among elderly people worldwide. However, there are currently no effective treatments for AMD. Oxidative stress-induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration and the inflammatory response are the main causes of AMD. In this study, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated rhodium nanozyme (PEG-RhZ) with excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) elimination capability was synthesized for the treatment of AMD. PEG-RhZs protected RPE cell viability and barrier function upon exposure to oxidative stress stimuli. Additionally, microglial migration and iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α expression were inhibited by PEG-RhZs. In the acute phase of the AMD model, PEG-RhZs significantly alleviated RPE oxidative damage and inhibited microglial activation. In the late stage of the AMD model, PEG-RhZs reduced photoreceptor loss and improved vision impairment. Furthermore, PEG-RhZs showed good biocompatibility and stability both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of PEG-RhZs for AMD treatment.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: AMD is a kind of retinal degenerative disease that poses heavy health burden globally. PEG-RhZs exhibiting robust ROS and RNS scavenging capabilities have shown promise in safeguarding retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from oxidative stress, suppressing microglia activation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, mitigating loss of retinal photoreceptor cells, and ameliorating visual impairment. The commendable antioxidant properties, biological safety, and biostability of PEG-RhZs offer valuable insights for the clinical management of AMD.

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) is a common anesthetic side effect in cardiac surgery. However, the role of oxygen saturation monitoring in reducing postoperative delirium has been controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to analyze whether NIRS monitoring during cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched using the related keywords for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception to March 16, 2024. This review was conducted by the Preferred Reporting Project and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic review. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium, and the second outcomes included the length of ICU stay, the incidence of kidney-related adverse outcomes, and the incidence of cardiac-related adverse outcomes.ResultsThe incidence of postoperative delirium could be reduced under the guidance of near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (OR, 0.657; 95% CI, 0.447–0.965; P = 0.032; I2 = 0%). However, there were no significant differences in the length of ICU stay (SMD, 0.005 days; 95% CI, −0.135–0.146; P = 0.940; I2 = 39.3%), the incidence of kidney-related adverse outcomes (OR, 0.761; 95% CI, 0.386–1.500; P = 0.430; I2 = 0%), and the incidence of the cardiac-related adverse outcomes (OR, 1.165; 95% CI, 0.556–2.442; P = 0.686; I2 = 0%) between the two groups.ConclusionNear-infrared spectroscopy monitoring in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass helps reduce postoperative delirium in patients.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier, CRD42023482675

Abstract Purpose Lung cancer (LC) and breast cancer (BC) are the most common causes of brain metastases (BMs). Time from primary diagnosis to BM (TPDBM) refers to the time interval between initial LC or BC diagnosis and development of BM. This research aims to identify clinical, molecular, and therapeutic risk factors associated with shorter TPDBM. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all diagnosed LC and BC patients with BM at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from 2016 to 2020. A total of 570 patients with LC brain metastasis (LCBM) and 173 patients with breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for further analysis. BM free survival time curves were generated using Kaplan–Meier analyses. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to identify risk factors associated with earlier development of BM in LC and BC, respectively. Results The median TPDBM was 5.3 months in LC and 44.4 months in BC. In multivariate analysis, clinical stage IV and M1 stage were independent risk factors for early development of LCBM. LC patients who received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, pulmonary radiotherapy, and pulmonary surgery had longer TPDBM. For BC patients, age ≥ 50 years, Ki67 ≥ 0.3, HER2 positive or triple‐negative breast cancer subtype, advanced N stage, and no mastectomy were correlated with shorter TPDBM. Conclusions This single‐institutional study helps identify patients who have a high risk of developing BM early. For these patients, early detection and intervention could have clinical benefits.

Basiliximab is an important treatment for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD). We performed this retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of basiliximab treatment in SR-aGVHD patients following matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (MSD-HSCT) ( n = 63). Overall response rate (ORR) was 63.5% and 54% at any time and at day 28 after basiliximab treatment. Grade III–IV aGVHD before basiliximab treatment predicted a poor ORR after basiliximab treatment. The rates of virus, bacteria, and fungi infections were 54%, 23.8%, and 3.1%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 730 (range, 67–3,042) days, the 1-year probability of overall survival and disease-free survival after basiliximab treatment were 58.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 47.6%–72.2%) and 55.4% (95% CI = 44.3%–69.2%), respectively. The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality after basiliximab treatment were 18.9% (95% CI = 8.3%–29.5%) and 33.8% (95% CI = 21.8%–45.7%), respectively. Comorbidities burden before allo-HSCT, severity of aGVHD and liver aGVHD before basiliximab treatment showed negative influences on survival. Thus, basiliximab was safe and effective treatment for SR-aGVHD following MSD-HSCT.

BackgroundCuprizone (CPZ)-treated mice show significant demyelination, altered gut microbiome, and depressive-like behaviors. However, the effects of venlafaxine (Ven) on the gut microbiome and depressive-like behavior of CPZ-treated mice are largely unclear.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were fed a chow containing 0.2% cuprizone (w/w) for 5 weeks to induce a model of demyelination. Meanwhile, the gut microbiota and depressive-like behaviors were assessed after the mice were fed with Ven (20 mg/kg/day) or equal volumes of distilled water for 2 weeks by oral gavage from the third week onward during CPZ treatment.ResultsCPZ treatment decreased the sucrose preference rate in the sucrose preference test and increased the immobility time in the tail-suspension test, and it also induced an abnormality in β-diversity and changes in microbial composition. Ven alleviated the depressive-like behavior and regulated the composition of the gut microbiota, such as the increase of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in CPZ-treated mice.ConclusionThe anti-depressant effects of Ven might be related to the regulation of gut microbiota in the CPZ-treated mice.

Abstract High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) materials, as promising nanomaterials, have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their excellent performance in the field of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The four core effects of HEAs, including the high‐entropy effect, severe lattice distortion effect, sluggish diffusion effect, and cocktail effect, are pivotal in underpinning their remarkable mechanical and thermodynamic properties. Nevertheless, the intricate geometric and electronic structures of HEAs make their catalytic mechanisms exceptionally complex and challenging to decipher. In particular, a thorough analysis of the underlying factors responsible for the outstanding catalytic activity, selectivity, and the ability to maintain stable hydrogen production, even at high current densities, in HEAs is lacking. To provide a systematic exploration of the design and application of HEAs in HER systems, this review commences with an examination of the physicochemical properties of HEAs. It covers a wide range of topics, including the synthesis methods of HEAs, and the major reaction mechanisms of HERs, and presents innovative methods and approaches for designing HEAs specifically in the context of HERs.

Objectives To estimate the shape of the causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk in a Mendelian randomisation framework.Design Mendelian randomisation analyses of two prospective population-based cohorts.Setting Individuals of European ancestries living in Norway or the UK.Participants 56 150 participants from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway and 366 385 participants from UK Biobank recruited by postal invitation.Outcomes All-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular, cancer, non-cardiovascular non-cancer).Results A previously published non-linear Mendelian randomisation analysis of these data using the residual stratification method suggested a J-shaped association between genetically predicted BMI and mortality outcomes with the lowest mortality risk at a BMI of around 25 kg/m2. However, the ‘constant genetic effect’ assumption required by this method is violated. The reanalysis of these data using the more reliable doubly-ranked stratification method provided some indication of a J-shaped relationship, but with much less certainty as there was less precision in estimates at the lower end of the BMI distribution. Evidence for a harmful effect of reducing BMI at low BMI levels was only present in some analyses, and where present, only below 20 kg/m2. A harmful effect of increasing BMI for all-cause mortality was evident above 25 kg/m2, for cardiovascular mortality above 24 kg/m2, for cancer mortality above 30 kg/m2 and for non-cardiovascular non-cancer mortality above 26 kg/m2. In UK Biobank, the association between genetically predicted BMI and mortality at high BMI levels was stronger in women than in men.Conclusion This research challenges findings from previous conventional observational epidemiology and Mendelian randomisation investigations that the lowest level of mortality risk is at a BMI level of around 25 kg/m2. Our results provide some evidence that reductions in BMI will increase mortality risk for a small proportion of the population, and clear evidence that increases in BMI will increase mortality risk for those with BMI above 25 kg/m2.

Leukemia caused by environmental chemical pollutants has attracted great attention, the malignant leukemic transformation model of TK6 cells induced by hydroquinone (HQ) has been previously found in our team. However, the type of leukemia corresponding to this malignant transformed cell line model needs further study and interpretation. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of malignant proliferation of leukemic cells induced by HQ remains unclear. This study is the first to reveal the expression of aberrant genes in leukemic cells of HQ-induced malignant transformation, which may correspond to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The expression of Linc01588, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), was significantly up-regulated in CLL patients and leukemic cell line model which previously described. After gain-of-function assays and loss-of-function assays, feeble cell viability, severe apoptotic phenotype and the increased secretion of TNF-α were easily observed in malignant leukemic TK6 cells with Linc01588 deletion after HQ intervention. The tumors derived from malignant TK6 cells with Linc01588 deletion inoculated subcutaneously in nude mice were smaller than controls. In CLL and its cell line model, the expression of Linc01588 and miR-9–5p, miR-9–5p and SIRT1 were negative correlation respectively in CLL and cell line model, while the expression of Linc01588 and SIRT1 were positive correlation. The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that Linc01588 & miR-9–5p, miR-9–5p & SIRT1 could bind directly, respectively. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-9–5p successfully rescued the severe apoptotic phenotype and the increased secretion of TNF-α caused by the Linc01588 deletion, the deletion of Linc01588 in human CLL cell line MEC-2 could also inhibit malignant biological characteristics, and the phenotype caused by the deletion of Linc01588 could also be rescued after overexpression of SIRT1. Moreover, the regulation of SIRT1 expression in HQ19 cells by Linc01588 and miR-9–5 P may be related to the Akt/NF-κB pathway. In brief, Linc01588 deletion inhibits the malignant biological characteristics of HQ-induced leukemic cells via miR-9–5p/SIRT1, and it is a novel and hopeful clue for the clinical targeted therapy of CLL.

Background Heart rate variability (HRV) is commonly used to evaluate the short-term prognosis of coronary artery diseaseas a well-known non-invasive indicator of cardiac autonomic function. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a commonly usedsuigical treatment of coronary artery disease, however, major adverse cardiac event (MACE) such as malignant arrhythmias and recurrent myocardial infarction are common after suigical treatment. Although dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) can reduce the occurrence of MACE to a certain extent, it is prone to be complicated with gastrointestinal bleeding, and unable to consistently improve the prognosis of PCI. Ocular acupuncture can effectively reduce the duration and frequency of chest pain, and exercise therapy can enhance the function of heart and blood vessels. The application of ocular acupuncture and exercise combination therapy (OAECT) after PCI remains to be explored. Objective To investigate the effect of OAECT on postoperative heart rate variability and prognosis of patients treated with PCI. Methods A total of 32 CHD patients after PCI with moderate and low risk attending Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected and randomly divided into the OAECT group and drug treatment group in a 1∶1 allocation ratio. Patients in the OAECT group received OAECT in addition to DAPT, patients in the drug treatment group received DAPT alone, patients in both 2 groups completed the 2-week intervention. The data of patients was collectedas follows: (1) Baseline indicators: gender, age, height, weight, blood pressure, respiratory rate, interval between onset and intervention, education level, occupation, severity of coronary artery disease, and number of underlying diseases. (2) Main indicators: HRV within 24 h after PCI and on the day of the end of 2-week intervention, including the standard deviation of all normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN) , standard deviation of all 5-minute RR intervals (SDANN) , mean of the standard deviation of all NN intervals for all 5-min segment of 24 hours (SDNN index) , root mean square of difference between adjacent NN intervals (rMSSD) , percent of NN50 in the total number of NN intervals (PNN50) , high frequency (HF) , low frequency (LF) low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) values. Prognosis at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention assessed by MACE, including cardiac or all-cause deaths, malignant arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, severe heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction, repeat PCI and chest pain recorded by telephone and outpatient consultations. (3) Secondary indicators: C-reactive protein (CRP) , N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) , creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) , high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) . (4) Safety indicators: the occurrence of complications after PCI such as subcutaneous hematoma, skin lesions, muscle soreness, respiratory abnormalities and stroke, all the outcome indicators were measured within 24 hours after PCI and on the day of the end of 2-week intervention. Results There was no significant difference in LF/HF, SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index, LF, HF, RMSSD and PNN50 between the 2 groups (P>0.05) . There were significant differences in LF/HF, SDNN and SDANN (P0.05) . The incidence rates of MACE and adverse reactions in the OAECT group were lower than DAPT group (P

Abstract Background Screening for Tuberculosis (TB) is a critical tactic for minimizing the prevalence of illness within schools. Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT), in turn, effectively staves off the development of TB from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Unfortunately, there is limited research on LTBI and TPT among students. This study aimed to assess LTBI among freshmen in Changping District and advocate for the implementation of TPT. Methods The prospective study collected data from 12 educational institutions within the Changping District of Beijing. The Kolmogorov − Smirnov test and other statistical methods were used for statistical analysis, $${x}^{2}$$ x 2 was obtained using the formula $${x}^{2}=$$ x 2 = nΣA2/nRnC-1, df = (C-1) (R-1). We analyzed potential factors impacting the LTBI rate, and scrutinized the possible causes behind the low application of TPT and its efficacy for LTBI treatment, China. Results Among 19,872 freshmen included in this study, 18 active TB cases (91 per 10,0000) and 2236 LTBI cases (11.6% of 19,223) were identified, respectively. Furthermore, of those with LTBI, 1045 (5.4% of 19,223) showed a strong positive for purified protein derivative (PPD), but only 312 opted for TB preventive treatment. There appeared to be no significant difference in the prevalence of LTBI and TPT rate between male and female students. Concurrently, 11 (71 per 100,000) and 7 (158 per 100,000) cases of active tuberculosis were identified in 6 universities and 6 higher vocational colleges, respectively. Interestingly, almost all freshmen who underwent TPT came from universities, suggesting a statistically significant disparity in TPT rate (χ2 = 139.829, P

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a typical pollutant that affects human health, climate, and environmental and ecological conditions. China has been experiencing high concentrations of SO2, particularly in urban areas, since the 1990s. In 2010, a “joint prevention and control” (JPC) policy was issued to address air pollution problems and strengthen the regulation of SO2 emissions. This study aimed to describe the mitigation effects of this policy on SO2 emissions in 116 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2017. We applied global and local Moran's I indices to confirm the presence of significant spatial autocorrelation in SO2 emissions and constructed four spatial models to assess the effect of the JPC policy in reducing SO2 emissions and its transmission mechanism. We found that the policy decreased SO2 emissions by 1.89 × 104 tons, SO2 intensity by 1.70 tons per km2, and SO2 per capita of 158.49 tons per 10,000 people in each city, on average, all of which are significant changes. The empirical results also show that population growth, economic structure, and environmental protection significantly decrease SO2 emissions. Finally, we recommended policies to encourage regional cooperation under the JPC policy, with the aim of promoting further reductions in SO2 emissions.

Abstract Purpose Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid malignancy in children. Despite current intensive treatment, the long-term event-free survival rate is less than 50% in these patients. Thus, patients with NB urgently need more valid treatment strategies. Previous research has shown that STAT3 may be an effective target in high-risk NB patients. However, there are no effective inhibitors in clinical evaluation with low toxicity and few side effects. Astaxanthin is a safe and natural anticancer product. In this study, we investigated whether astaxanthin could exert antitumor effects in the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cancer cell line. Method MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the effect of astaxanthin on the proliferation and colony formation of SK-N-SH cells. Flow cytometry assays were used to detect the apoptosis of SK-N-SH cells. The migration and invasion ability of SK-N-SH cells were detected by migration and invasion assays. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels. Animal experiments were carried out and cell apoptosis in tissues were assessed using a TUNEL assay. Result We confirmed that astaxanthin repressed proliferation, clone formation ability, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells through the STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, the highest inhibitory effect was observed when astaxanthin was combined with si-STAT3. The reason for this may be that the combination of astaxanthin and si-STAT3 can lower STAT3 expression further than astaxanthin or si-STAT3 alone. Conclusion Astaxanthin can exert anti-tumor effect on SK-N-SH cells. The inhibitory effect was the higher when astaxanthin was combined with si-STAT3.

Abstract Lung cancer (LC) mortality rates are still increasing globally. As survival is linked to stage, there is a need to identify markers for earlier LC diagnosis and individualized treatment. The whole blood transcriptome of LC patients represents a source of potential LC biomarkers. We compared expression of > 60,000 genes in whole blood specimens taken from LC cases at diagnosis (n = 128) and controls (n = 62) using genome-wide RNA sequencing, and identified 14 candidate genes associated with LC. High expression of ANXA3, ARG1 and HP was strongly associated with lower survival in late-stage LC cases (hazard ratios (HRs) = 2.81, 2.16 and 2.54, respectively). We validated these markers in two independent population-based studies with pre-diagnostic whole blood specimens taken up to eight years prior to LC diagnosis (n = 163 cases, 184 matched controls). ANXA3 and ARG1 expression was strongly associated with LC in these specimens, especially with late-stage LC within two years of diagnosis (odds ratios (ORs) = 3.47 and 5.00, respectively). Additionally, blood CD4 T cells, NK cells and neutrophils were associated with LC at diagnosis and improved LC discriminative ability beyond candidate genes. Our results indicate that in whole blood, increased expression levels of ANXA3, ARG1 and HP are diagnostic and prognostic markers of late-stage LC.

In this study, an in-depth analysis of the microstructure and hardness of 6082 aluminum alloy under a novel solution-forging integrated process was conducted by performing a series of isothermal uniaxial compression tests at various strain rates and aging durations. The results indicated that the highest hardness was 125.0 ± 1.2 HV at peak aging with a forming strain rate of 10 s−1; a 16.1% improvement compared to the conventional T6 forming process. The deformation reduced the subsequent peak aging time from 8 h in the conventional process to 6 h. In addition, the composite phases, including short-range disordered B'/U2 phase and composite phase with multiple structures, were also observed under a strain rate of 10 s−1 with 6 h of aging. As the strain rate increased, the grain size increased, accompanied by an increase in dislocation density. For the integrated process, the deformation microstructure would inherit to the aging state and affect the precipitation kinetics during aging, including grain morphology, dislocation density, and the aging precipitated phase, especially for the formation of composite phase; these were the main reasons for the higher hardness after ageing when compared to the hardness of the alloy under traditional T6 state.

Abstract Objective To describe a novel method of medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right‐angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction and to compare the reconstruction outcome of orbital floor reconstruction with modified and traditional methods. Methods The data of 23 patients who underwent maxillectomy and orbital floor defect reconstruction by individualized titanium mesh in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. While eight patients received modified orbital floor reconstruction with titanium mesh and angled screwdriver (group A), 15 patients received traditional orbital floor reconstruction (group B). The contact area with buccal flap for titanium mesh in groups A and B was calculated. Titanium mesh deformation, fracture or exposure was recorded. Postoperative ophthalmic function and success of esthetic restoration were assessed. Results Mean follow‐up was for 15.7 months (range, 9–22 months). The contact area with buccal flap for the modified titanium mesh in group A (13.11 ± 1.41 cm2) was significantly less than that of the traditional titanium mesh in group B (21.83 ± 1.23 cm2; p .05). No specific complications were reported. Conclusion We propose a novel method of zygomatic medial fixation of titanium mesh with a right‐angled screwdriver for orbital floor and maxillary reconstruction, which has the potential to prevent the postoperative exposure of titanium mesh. Level of Evidence Level III (Retrospective comparative study).

This study aimed to determine the effects of different doses of Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) on lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora of sows. Forty-five Landrace sows (3–6 parity) were randomly assigned to the following three treatments from 85 days of gestation to 21 days after farrowing: a control diet (CON, basal diet), a low-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.2% ATC, basal diet + 0.2% ATC), and a high-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.4% ATC, basal diet + 0.4% ATC). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 4.98%, increased milk fat, total solids, and freezing point depression on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05), increased serum concentration of Triiodothyronine, Thyroxin, and Estradiol on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 9.38% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased serum concentration of IgG, IgM, and IFN-γ, CD4 on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05) and increased serum concentration of immunoglobulin A ( IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M ( IgM), complement 3 (C3), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05), while the supplementation of 0.4% ATC reduced serum concentration of IL-2 on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC significantly increased serum concentration of catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the supplementation of ATC affected the relative abundance of the intestinal flora at different taxonomic levels in sows and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as in the norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014 group of sows, while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Phascolarctobacterium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. These data revealed that the supplementation of ATC during late gestation and lactation can improve lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and the gut microbiota. Compared with supplementation of 0.4% ATC, 0.2% ATC enhances the levels of thyroid-related hormones, specific antibodies, and cytokines in serum, promotes the diversity of beneficial gut microbiota, beneficial bacteria in the intestine, reduces the population of harmful bacteria, and thereby bolsters the immunity of sows. Hence, 0.2% ATC is deemed a more optimal concentration.