Linyi City Chinese Medicine Hospital

Superficial dermal fibroblastic/myofibroblastic proliferation comprises a spectrum of tumours, most of which present as solitary lesions. Generalized forms are exceptionally rare. To describe and analyse a novel entity clinically manifested as disseminated firm papules and histologically characterized by fibroblastic/myofibroblastic proliferation. We conducted a retrospective analysis of eight patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2024, collected from four medical centres. Histopathological review of haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections was performed, alongside available immunohistochemical studies. Whole-exome sequencing was carried out on genomic DNA from three patients, to explore potential genetic causes. The cohort consisted of five female and three male individuals (median age 18 years; range 14-26) presenting with multiple skin-coloured to dark-red papules predominantly on the extremities, buttocks and chest. Histopathology revealed fascicular proliferations of bland spindle cells in the superficial dermis. Immunohistochemically, the lesions were weakly positive for smooth muscle actin and negative for CD68, CD34, desmin and S100 protein, with loss of elastic fibres. No relevant germline driver mutations were detected in peripheral blood DNA. Spontaneous regression occurred in five patients during follow-up. We propose the term 'disseminated myofibroblastic papulosis' for this newly recognized, probably underdiagnosed entity. Given its benign behaviour and frequent self-resolution, a watchful waiting approach after diagnosis is recommended.

The aim of this study is to elucidate the effects and mechanism of narirutin (NR) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Flow cytometry, xenograft model, cell counting kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed to assess NR's effects on CRC prevention. Lipid accumulation, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids were measured to study NR's effects on fatty acid metabolism in CRC cells. NR's targets and action mechanism in CRC were explored utilizing network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking. Changes in proteins involved in proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fatty acid metabolism, and targets were determined via western blot. In vitro, NR suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and fatty acid metabolism but promoted apoptosis. Invivo, NR inhibited tumor growth and reduced the levels of proteins related to proliferation and fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, NR directly targeted adenosine A3 receptor (ADORA3) and inhibited its expression. ADORA3 overexpression attenuated NR's inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and fatty acid metabolism. NR suppressed fatty acid metabolism and malignant biological behaviors of CRC cells, which was involved in the inhibition of ADORA3. This study reveals the anticancer activity of NR in CRC, providing experimental evidence for its further development as an adjuvant therapy or chemopreventive agent for CRC.

Bitter almond is not only a widely used food, but also a classic tonic Chinese medicine, which mainly contains amygdalin (Amy), a bitter compound. Amy possesses multiple beneficial pharmacological activities, such as anticancer properties, blood sugar reduction, and immune enhancement. Based on previous research about the biological properties of Amy in different ion strength solutions, it was found to have certain self-assembly potential. In this study, a Ca2+ assisted self-assembly nanoparticle based on Amy is fabricated. The ability of metal ions to form Amy nanoparticles is explored with respect to the Amy concentrations, proportion of constituents, and temperature conditions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was employed for detection, revealing that the diameter of Amy-Ca2+ nanoparticles (ACNPs) ranges from 122 to 459nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.377. Subsequently, the assembly mechanism of ACNPs is investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, and H nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) spectra. It is demonstrated that there is a hydrogen bonding interaction between Amy and Ca2+, and it is likely that the non-hydroxyl hydrogen at the position of the Amy sugar group interacts with Ca2+. Furthermore, the potential of ACNPs in an antivirus assay was validated by using respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as an infection model. The results reveal that Amy exhibits anti-RSV activity to some degree, and when combined with calcium sulfate (CaSO4), another common food additive, it significantly enhances the anti-RSV effect. The enhanced anti-RSV effect may be attributed to the self-assembly phenomenon of Amy and Ca2+. In addition, in vitro hemolysis assays and cytotoxicity tests have demonstrated that ACNPs are biocompatible and safe. All in all, this study reveals the potential application of natural ingredient Amy in antivirus bioaction, highlighting its dual roles as a bioactive ingredient.

Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is a rare, potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the thyroid gland, characterized by rapid progression. We report a rare pediatric case of AST caused by Eikenella corrodens, secondary to a pyriform sinus fistula (PSF), initially misdiagnosed as subacute thyroiditis (SAT). A retrospective analysis highlights the diagnostic challenges and emphasizes the need for early suspicion of PSF in recurrent AST. Timely imaging (CT/laryngoscopy) and pathogen-directed antibiotics are critical to prevent life-threatening complications. This case underscores the importance of considering atypical pathogens and underlying anatomical anomalies in pediatric AST to guide targeted therapy.

BackgroundThe sequential distalization of teeth may affect the final efficacy of molar distalization in clear aligner treatment (CAT), necessitating additional anchorage protection for distalized posterior teeth. This study aimed to examine the anchorage protection effects of a distal uncoverage clear aligner (DUCA) and Class II elastic traction on the distalized second molar during maxillary first molar distalization.Materials and methodsFinite element models of maxillary first molar distalization in CAT were constructed. Two different designs of CAs—a distal coverage aligner (DCA) and a DUCA—were utilized for maxillary first molar distalization after the second molar had been distalized by 2 mm. The force value of Class II elastic traction was set to 0, 1, 2, and 3 N. The displacement of the maxillary teeth and CAs was recorded.ResultsSignificant biomechanical differences were observed between DCA and DUCA. The initial closure of the space between the first and second molars in the DUCA group was mostly due to the first molar distalization. In comparison to DCA, DUCA exhibited less mesial displacement of the second molar and greater anterior anchorage loss. The anchorage loss reduction of the canines caused by Class II traction was the most pronounced, whereas the impact on the second molar was minimal.ConclusionDuring first molar distalization in CAT, the anchorage protection effect of Class II elastic traction on the distalized second molar was limited. The utilization of a DUCA can effectively mitigate anchorage loss of second molar. Simultaneously, it is crucial to apply a greater Class II traction force to protect the anterior anchorage.

PurposeTo evaluate the availability of human resources for ophthalmic services in mainland China.MethodsIn 2021, we conducted a nationwide survey of ophthalmic outpatient services across 2996 tertiary hospitals and 10,404 secondary hospitals in 31 provinces in mainland China.ResultsThe response rate was 73.6% (9856/13400), with 78.7% (7759/9856) providing ophthalmic services. By 2021, the total number of ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, and optometrists was 48,652, 64,495, and 14,320, respectively. The densities (per 50,000 population) were 1.7, 2.25, and 0.47, respectively. The density of ophthalmologists was < 1 only in the XiZang region. The average doctor-patient ratio was 2584.8. In Shanghai and Zhejiang provinces, this ratio exceeded 4000.ConclusionThere are currently 1.7 ophthalmologists, 2.25 nurses, and 0.47 optometrists for every 50,000 people in China. The number of ophthalmologists has reached the global average, but the number of optometrists is far below the global average. And the medical pressure across China is uneven, with some provinces such as Shanghai and Zhejiang facing enormous pressure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of upper airway ventilation function after molar distalization with aligners in adult patients by computational fluid dynamic simulation. A total of 15 subjects were included (3 males and 12 females, with an average age of 20.00 ± 0.50 years) who required en masse distal movement of the whole dentition using Invisalign aligners. The software Mimics 19.0 was used to reconstruct the upper airway based on their CBCT images and measure the minimum cross-sectional area and volume before and after treatment. Then the upper airway flow during inspirations was simulated and evaluated using Ansys software. At last, the morphologic and hydrodynamic parameters before and after treatment were compared using paired T-test. For morphological evaluation, the volume changes of velopharynx, glossopharynx and hypopharynx volume revealed no statistically significance after treatment compared to the data before treatment, the minimum cross section of upper airway decreased significantly. For hydrodynamics parameters, the minimum pressure, maximum shear force, velopharynx and glossopharynx pressure drop increased 50.2Pa, 0.66Pa, 5.78Pa and 5.32Pa respectively. At last, the correlation analysis between CFD data and MCA is of no statistical significance. Non-extraction molar distalization using invisible aligners and mini-screws may lead to adverse changes in upper airway fluid dynamics, potentially increasing the risk of pharyngeal collapse. The combination of invisible appliances with anchorage implants for the distalization of maxillary and/or mandibular teeth has emerged as a prevalent orthodontic technique. Clinicians should consider the potential impact on respiratory function when contemplating such treatment for patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions or those at a higher risk of ventilation issues.