ObjectiveTo identify the pathogen species responsible for the wilt disease of Tetradium ruticarpum in Chongqing， investigate there biological characteristics， and screen effective fungicides， so as to provide a theoretical basis for disease control in production. MethodsThe pathogen was isolated via the tissue culture method. Pathogenicity was verified according to Koch's postulates. The pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The mycelial growth rate method was used for biological characterization of the pathogen and fungicide screening. ResultsThe pathogen colonies were nearly circular with irregular edges， white， short， velvety aerial hyphae， and pale purple undersides. Macroconidia were colorless， sickle-shaped， with 3-5 septa， while microconidia were transparent， elliptical， aseptate or with 1-2 septa. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis showed that the pathogen clustered in the same clade as Fusarium fujikuroi with 100% support， which， combined with morphological characteristics， identified the pathogen causing wilt of T. ruticarpum in Chongqing as F. fujikuroi. The optimal conditions for the mycelial growth of F. fujikuroi were mung bean agar （MBA） with glucose as the carbon source， beef extract and yeast powder as nitrogen sources， 28 ℃， pH 7.0， and alternating light/dark conditions. The optimal conditions for sporulation were potato dextrose agar （PDA） with glucose as the carbon source， beef extract as the nitrogen source， 28 ℃， pH 7.0， and complete darkness. Among chemical fungicides， phenazine-1-carboxylic acid exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on F. fujikuroi. Shenqinmycin and tetramycin were the most effective bio-fungicides. ConclusionThis study is the first to report F. fujikuroi as the causal agent of wilt disease in T. rutaecarpa. The chemical fungicide phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and the bio-fungicides shenqinmycin and tetramycin showed strong inhibitory effects against F. fujikuroi.

Abstract The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas：optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic potential of eliminating insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) expression in improving erectile function in mice with cavernous nerve injury (CNI)-induced erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: a sham-operated group and three CNI-induced ED groups. The CNI-induced ED groups were treated with intracavernous injections 3 days before the CNI procedure.These injections included phosphate-buffered saline, scrambled control short hairpin RNA (shRNA), or shRNA targeting mouse IGFBP5 lentiviral particles. One week after CNI, erectile function was evaluated and the penile tissue was then harvested for histological examination and western blot analysis. Additionally, the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were cultured for ex vivo neurite outgrowth assays. Results: Following CNI, IGFBP5 expression in the cavernous tissues significantly increased, reaching its peak at day 7. First, ablation of IGFBP5 expression promotes neurite sprouting in MPG and DRG when exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Second, ablating IGFBP5 expression in CNI-induced ED mice improved erectile function, likely owing to increased neurovascular contents, including endothelial cells, pericytes, and neuronal processes. Third, ablating IGFBP5 expression in CNI-induced ED mice promoted neurovascular regeneration by increasing cell proliferation, reducing apoptosis, and decreasing Reactive oxygen species production. Finally, western blot analysis demonstrated that IGFBP5 ablation attenuated the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway, activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and increased vascular endothelial growth factor and neurotrophic factor expression. Conclusions Ablating IGFBP5 expression enhanced neurovascular regeneration and ultimately improved erectile function in CNI-induced ED mice.

Approximately 10% of the global adult population has diabetes, with accumulating evidence linking suboptimal vitamin D levels to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Current clinical studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glycemic control, prompting significant interest in its potential as a therapeutic intervention. However, further high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to validate its efficacy in glucose metabolism regulation and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. These investigations will provide critical evidence to inform precision medicine approaches for diabetes prevention and management.

Objective: To explore the relationship between sleep quality and mental health among middle school students, so as to provide scientific basis for improving mental health among adolescents. Methods: From September to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 5 713 middle school students aged 13-18 from Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi, and Urumqi. Sleep quality and mental health were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Brief Adolescent Mental Health Assessment Questionnaire. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between sleep quality and various dimensions of mental health among middle school students. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the total PSQI score among middle school students of different age groups ( H=226.49, P <0.01), and there was no statistically significant difference in the psychological health scores of middle school students in different age groups ( H=5.37, P >0.05). In terms of gender, the total PSQI score for girls [5.00 (3.00, 6.00)] was higher than that for boys [4.00 (2.00, 6.00)]; additionally, boys had higher mental health scores [85.00 (75.00, 90.00)] than females [83.00 (70.00, 89.00)], with statistically significant differences ( Z=-10.90, -8.16, P <0.01). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between total PSQI scores and mental health scores ( r=-0.51, P <0.05) among middle school students. After controlling for variables such as maximum oxygen uptake, physical activity and nutritional status, linear regression analysis further confirmed that higher PSQI scores were associated with lower mental health scores ( B=-3.76, 95%CI = -4.15 to -3.38, P <0.01). Conclusion There is a negative correlation between PSQI scores and mental health scores among middle school students, indicating that improving sleep quality may contribute to better mental health among middle school students.

Objective: To explore the association between physical activity and sleep quality among middle school students, so as to provide reference for adolescent sleep improvement. Methods: From September to December 2023, 5 713 middle school students aged 13-18 years were selected from Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi and Urumqi by stratified cluster random sampling method. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Evaluation of Physical Activity Levels of Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18 Years were used to investigate and evaluate sleep quality and physical activity. Comparisons between groups were made using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and associations between physical activity and sleep quality of middle school students were analyzed using Spearman correlation and linear regression methods. Results: The total PSQI scores were 4.0(2.0,6.0) and 5.0 (3.0,6.0) for boys and girls, respectively, with significant sex difference ( Z =-10.90, P <0.01); light physical activity(LPA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity(MVPA) of boys were 18.57 (2.86, 42.86) and 68.57 (35.71, 119.18)min, and girls were 14.29 (0.00, 30.00) and 55.71 (31.43, 92.86)min respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z =3.65, -8.65 , P <0.01). The results of Spearman correlation regression showed that adolescents MVPA was negatively correlated with the total PSQI score ( r =-0.04, P <0.01). After controlling for variables such as mental health, nutritional status and maximum oxygen uptake, the results of linear regression analysis showed that PSQI total score negatively predicted MVPA among middle school students ( B =-4.76, 95% CI =-7.16 to -2.36, P <0.05). Conclusion The longer the duration of physical activity among middle school students, the better the quality of sleep.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of long COVID and to investigate its main influencing factors by examining individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between March and June 2022 in two communities in Shanghai, to lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism and clinical treatment of long COVID, and to provide the basis for the development of inexpensive, convenient, and feasible prevention and intervention strategies. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 6 410 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The incidence and common symptoms of long COVID were analyzed, along with their associations with demographic characteristics, medical history, and behavioral factors. A logistic regression model was used to identify the major factors associated with the development of long COVID symptoms. ResultsThe overall incidence rate of long COVID among the study population was 13.9%. The most commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (65.1%), attention disorders (23.1%), and cough (16.9%). The analysis showed that having underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.580, 95%CI: 2.165‒3.074), a history of allergies (OR=1.418, 95%CI: 1.003‒1.971), current smoking (OR=1.461, 95%CI: 1.013‒2.079), ever smoking (OR=2.462, 95%CI: 1.687‒3.551), a greater number of symptoms during the acute phase [1 symptom (OR=1.778, 95%CI: 1.459‒2.162), 2 symptoms (OR=2.749, 95%CI: 2.209‒3.409), ≥3 symptoms (OR=7.792, 95%CI: 6.333‒9.593)] and aggravated symptoms during the acute phase (OR=1.082, 95%CI: 1.070‒1.094) were factors associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID symptoms. Additionally, individuals who had consumed alcohol in the past year (OR=1.914, 95%CI: 1.344‒2.684) were more prone to objective long COVID symptoms. Among individuals under 50 years of age, females (OR=1.427, 95%CI: 1.052‒1.943) were more likely to develop objective long COVID symptoms. ConclusionThis study has identified the diversity of long COVID symptoms, which involve multiple organs and systems, including fatigue, attention disorders, cough, and joint pain. It has also revealed associations between long COVID and various demographic factors (e.g., age, gender), personal medical history (e.g., underlying chronic diseases, history of allergies), acute-phase characteristics (e.g., number and severity of symptoms), and behavioral factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption). These findings highlight the need for further research and ongoing surveillance of long COVID and may inform the development of more targeted health management strategies for specific populations.

Following the core outcome set standards for development(COS-STAD), this study aims to construct core outcome set(COS) for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of simple obesity. Firstly, a comprehensive review was conducted on the randomized controlled trial(RCT) and systematic review(SR) about TCM treatment of simple obesity that were published in Chinese and English databases to collect reported outcomes. Additional outcomes were obtained through semi-structured interviews with patients and open-ended questionnaire surveys for clinicians. All the collected outcomes were then merged and organized as an initial outcome pool, and then a preliminary list of outcomes was formed after discussion by the working group. Subsequently, two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted with clinicians, methodology experts, and patients to score the importance of outcomes in the list. Finally, a consensus meeting was held to establish the COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity. A total of 221 RCTs and 12 SRs were included, and after integration of supplementary outcomes, an initial outcome pool of 141 outcomes were formed. Following discussions in the steering advisory group meeting, a preliminary list of 33 outcomes was finalized, encompassing 9 domains. Through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a consensus meeting, the final COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity was determined to include 8 outcomes: TCM symptom scores, body mass index(BMI), waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, visceral fat index, body fat rate, quality of life, and safety, which were classified into 4 domains: TCM-related outcomes, anthropometric measurements, quality of life, and safety. This study has preliminarily established a COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity. It helps reduce the heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of outcomes in similar clinical studies, thereby improving the comparability of research results and the feasibility of meta-analysis and providing higher-level evidence support for clinical practice.
Humans ; Obesity/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Treatment Outcome ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of bone acupuncture in improving pain and function in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) and compare it with Jiaji acupuncture. METHODS: From January to December 2023, 80 DLSS patients were treated with acupuncture and divided into bone acupuncture and Jiaji acupuncture groups. Among them, 40 patients in the bone acupuncture group included 15 males and 25 females, with a mean age of (60.60±6.98) years old;anthor 40 patients in the Jiaji acupuncture group included 16 males and 24 females, with a mean age of (61.48±9.55) years old. The Roland Morris disability questionnaire(RMDQ), walking distance, visual analogue scale(VAS), and the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36) of two groups at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment were compared. RESULTS: Eighty patients were followed up for 3 to 5 months with an average of (3.62±0.59) months. There was no significant differences in general data and the scores before treatment between two groups(P>0.05). The RMDQ scores in both groups decreased significantly at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment(P<0.05), at each time point after treatment, the decrease was more significant in the bone acupuncture group than in the Jiaji acupuncture group(P<0.05). The VAS of waist and leg in both groups was significantly lower at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment that before treatment(P<0.05). At all time points after treatment, the waist VAS in the bone acupuncture group was reduced more significant than in the Jiaji acupuncture group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in leg VAS at 2 and 12 weeks after treatment between two groups(P>0.05), the improvement was more significant in the bone acupuncture group in the 4 weeks after treatment than in the Jiaji acupuncture group. The SF-36 scores in both groups were significantly higher at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05);the SF-36 score raised more significant in the bone acupuncture group than in the Jiaji acupunture group(P<0.05). No significant difference in the walking distance between two groups at 2 weeks after treatment(P>0.05);the walking distance in the bone acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). CONCLUSION Bone-penetrating acupuncture moderately improves functional impairment, pain, and quality of life in patients with DLSS, showing better efficacy than Jiaji acupuncture.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Spinal Stenosis/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Pain Management

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard treatment for localized prostate cancer, but the procedure often results in postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). The poor efficacy of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors after surgery highlights the need to develop new therapies to enhance cavernous nerve regeneration and improve the erectile function of these patients. In the present study, we aimed to examine the potential of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in preserving erectile function in cavernous nerve injury (CNI) mice. We found that HB-EGF expression was reduced significantly on the 1 st day after CNI in penile tissue. Ex vivo and in vitro studies showed that HB-EGF promotes major pelvic ganglion neurite sprouting and neuro-2a (N2a) cell migration. In vivo studies showed that exogenous HB-EGF treatment significantly restored the erectile function of CNI mice to 86.9% of sham levels. Immunofluorescence staining showed that mural and neuronal cells were preserved by inducing cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production. Western blot analysis showed that HB-EGF upregulated protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and neurotrophic factor expression. Overall, HB-EGF is a major promising therapeutic agent for treating ED in postoperative RP.
Animals ; Male ; Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor/therapeutic use* ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Mice ; Penis/drug effects* ; Nerve Regeneration/drug effects* ; Penile Erection/drug effects* ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/drug therapy* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Prostatectomy/adverse effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*