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Objective: The present study intended to analyze the characteristics of intestinal floral composition and the relationship with serum cytokines in individuals with egg allergy. Methods: A total of 20 subjects were recruited in this study. The abundance and composition of intestinal flora were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the serum levels of food allergy-related cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-5 were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The differences in the structure of intestinal flora and the levels of cytokines were compared between the egg allergy and control groups and the correlation between them was analyzed. Results: The serum levels of IL-4 and IL-5 were significantly higher in the egg allergy group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that Betaproteobacteriales, Burkholderiaceae and Eubacterium_hallii group were significantly enriched in the allergy group (P < 0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the abundance of Weissella cibaria and Escherichia and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13. However, the abundance of Burkholderiaceae and uncultured_Parasutterella abundance was positively correlated with transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) and IL-13. Conclusion: This study provides a scientific basis for determining the specific intestinal flora of egg-allergic individuals and for exploring the implication of intestinal flora in preventing or treating egg allergy.

Objective To discuss the possible etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of epidermoid cysts of the jaw and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods A case of an epidermoid cyst in the right mandible with retained deciduous teeth and succedaneous impacted teeth was reviewed and analyzed in combination with the relevant literature. Results A patient presented with a mass in the right mandible that had persisted for 1 month after being found at imaging examination. Tooth 83 was retained, and tooth 43 was unerupted. Swelling was characterized by no obvious tenderness, fluctuation, or table tennis sensation and was observed in the lingual alveoli of teeth 83, 44, and 45. Imaging revealed a low-density shadow in the apex of teeth 83, 44, 45, and 46, approximately 1.9 cm × 2.6 cm × 1.6 cm in size, which wrapped around the dental crown of tooth 43. Preliminary diagnoses were as follows: right mandibular mass thought to be a dentigerous cyst; impacted tooth 43; and retained primary tooth 83. The mass in the right mandible was removed, and teeth 43 and 83 were extracted under intravenous and inhalation anesthesia. During the operation, the mass was observed to have a thin cyst wall and contained bean-like residue. Histopathological examination indicated an epidermoid cyst in the right mandible. At the 1-week follow-up examination, the patient reported no discomfort, and the surgical area showed good recovery. According to the literature, epidermoid cysts are benign cysts originating from ectopic ectodermal tissue that can occur throughout the body but rarely in the oral cavity and are even extremely rarer in the jaw. Epidermoid cysts of the jaw, which have no specific clinical manifestations, can be confused with odontogenic cysts such as dentigerous cysts and odontogenic tumors. Dental pulp tests and other techniques can serve as a reference for clinicians. The diagnosis is confirmed via histopathology. Surgical removal is a common treatment, with a good prognosis and a low recurrence rate. Conclusion The principle of treatment for an epidermoid cyst of the jaw is similar to that for a jaw cyst. The prognosis is good when the cyst is removed completely.

This article reports on a systematic review of literature on the experiences of substitute teachers, also known as casual or relief teachers. This occupational group are an essential part of school improvement efforts, allowing release time for other teachers to participate in professional learning, complete administrative duties, and attend to personal matters. Although a ubiquitous component of the teaching workforce, little is known about their work conditions, motivations, experiences, and support. This study involved a mixed-methods research synthesis approach. Peer-reviewed studies and dissertations that examined the experiences and needs of substitute teachers in primary/elementary, middle, and secondary/high schools were examined. The study found that, although substitute teachers are a heterogeneous group, their conditions and experiences are less than satisfactory, exacerbated by a lack of targeted support. Education systems need to consider professionalizing this occupational group further. In addition, systems need to develop policies and practices that improve substitute teachers' work.