BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

Objective To analyze the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors of workers in non-metallic mineral product industry in Yunfu City. Methods A total of 947 frontline workers from 24 non-metallic mineral products enterprises in Yunfu City were selected as the research subjects using the stratified random sampling method. The OHL level of the workers were assessed using the Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations. Results The overall OHL level of the research subjects was 58.3% (552/947). The OHL levels across four dimensions, from highest to lowest, were basic knowledge of occupational health protection (94.7%), healthy work practices and behaviors (81.8%), legal knowledge of occupational health (65.5%), and basic skills of occupational health protection (25.9%). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that workers with 2.0-<10.0 years and ≥10 years of work experience had higher OHL levels than those with <2.0 years of work experience (all P<0.01). Workers with a high school education or above had higher OHL levels than those with a junior high school education or below (all P<0.01). Workers in large- and medium-sized enterprises had higher OHL levels than those in small and micro-sized enterprises (both P<0.01). Conclusion The OHL levels of workers in Yunfu City's non-metallic mineral products industry can be further improved, particularly the occupational health protection skills and related legal knowledge. Workers with short seniority, low educational level, and in small and micro enterprises should be the key groups for improving OHL levels.

Objective To analyze a case of violations by an occupational medical examination (OME) institution and to explore the key control points for the supervision and management of OME institutions, as well as the core role of quality assessment in this context. Methods An OME institution suspected of illegal activities was used as the study subject. Retrospective analysis was conducted. Clues of suspected violations were identified by an on-site quality assessment. After investigation and verification by the local health authorities, legal action was taken against the institution for its violations. Results During an on-site quality assessment, the Guangdong Province OME quality control expert group discovered that the OME institution violated regulations, including unqualified personnel file, exceeding the scope of services category, issuing false reports, failing to report suspected occupational diseases on time, and failing to notify workers about suspected occupational diseases as required. The evidence was then submitted to the Guangdong Province OME Quality Control Center, which subsequently forwarded the case to local health administration department for filing and investigation. After the investigation, penalties were imposed on the OME institution for its illegal activities. Conclusion The key supervision and inspection points in the quality assessment of OME institutions include personnel file configuration, the quality control management system and its implementation, the quality of OME reports, and information reporting. Quality assessment plays a pivotal role in ensuring the legal and compliant practice of OME institutions, safeguarding the health rights and interests of workers, and enhancing the overall standard of the OME industry.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge. METHODS: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility. RESULTS: The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.

Objective To investigate the situation and influencing factors of preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) among dust-exposed workers in a wooden furniture manufacturing enterprise. Methods A total of 562 dust-exposed workers from a wooden furniture enterprise in Guangdong Province were selected as the study subjects using the convenience sampling method. The result of health-status questionnaire and occupational medical examinations among the participants were studied, and the influencing factors of PRISm were studied using the binary logistic regression analysis method. Results The detection rate of PRISm was 22.1% (124/562) among the study subjects. Binary logistic regression result showed that male workers had a higher risk of PRISm than female workers (P<0.01). Current smokers had a higher risk of PRISm than non-smokers (P<0.05). Workers with longer duration of exposure to occupational hazards had a higher risk of PRISm (P<0.05), those with higher grade of small-airway dysfunction had a higher risk of PRISm (P<0.01). In terms of body mass index, overweight or obese workers showed a higher detection rate of PRISm than those with normal weight (P<0.01). Greater amount of smoking pack per year had a higher risk of PRISm (P<0.01). Conclusion Dust-exposed workers in the wooden furniture manufacturing industry show a relatively high detection rate of PRISm. Male, current smoker, longer duration of exposure to occupational hazards, small airway dysfunction, overweight or obese, and smoking pack per year are influencing factors of PRISm among the dust-exposed workers in the wooden furniture manufacturing industry.

Anxiety disorder is a major symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a comorbidity rate of ~40%. However, the neural mechanisms of the emergence of anxiety in ASD remain unclear. In our study, we found that hyperactivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) pyramidal neurons (PNs) in Shank3 InsG3680 knock-in (InsG3680^+/+) mice is involved in the development of anxiety. Electrophysiological results also showed increased excitatory input and decreased inhibitory input in BLA PNs. Chemogenetic inhibition of the excitability of PNs in the BLA rescued the anxiety phenotype of InsG3680^+/+ mice. Further study found that the diminished control of the BLA by medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and optogenetic activation of the mPFC-BLA pathway also had a rescue effect, which increased the feedforward inhibition of the BLA. Taken together, our results suggest that hyperactivity of the BLA and alteration of the mPFC-BLA circuitry are involved in anxiety in InsG3680^+/+ mice.
Animals ; Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism* ; Basolateral Nuclear Complex/metabolism* ; Mice ; Anxiety/metabolism* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; Pyramidal Cells/physiology* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neural Pathways/physiopathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Microfilament Proteins

Objective: To explore the impact of five-flavor Sophora flavescens enteric-coated capsules (FSEC) on the intestinal flora of rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), so as to provide the reference for the mechanism of FSEC in treating UC. Methods: Forty SPF-grade Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the mesalazine group and the FSEC group. Except the control group (0.9% sodium chloride solution), the other 3 groups used 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days to establish UC model. After successful modeling, the control group and the model group were given 2 mL/kgbw of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage for 2 weeks, while the mesalazine group and the FSEC group were given 2 mL/kgbw of mesalazine suspension (0.2 g/kg) and FSEC granule suspension (2.16 g/kg), respectively. Pathological changes of colon tissue were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Rat fecal samples were collected, and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on intestinal flora. The α and β diversity of intestinal flora among the four groups were compared, and the dominant flora was screened using LEfSe analysis. Results: Compared with the control group, the model group showed a significant loss of colonic crypts and a large infiltration of inflammatory cells. Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the FSEC group exhibited a slight loss of colonic crypts, a small amount or an absence inflammatory cell infiltration, and improved tissue damage. The α-diversity analysis showed that compared with the control group, the Chao1 and Shannon indices in the model group increased, while the Simpson index decreased; compared with the model group, the Chao1 and Shannon indices in the mesalazine group and the FSEC group decreased, and the Simpson index increased（all P<0.05）. The β-diversity analysis showed that the sample distance between the FSEC group and the control group were more closer than that between the model group and the control group. LEfSe analysis results showed that the dominant bacteria in the model group were mainly from the Alistipes and Oscillospira. In the FSEC group, the dominant bacteria were from the Ruminococcus and Prevotella. Conclusion FSEC can improve the structures of intestinal flora, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Prevotella, reduce the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Alistipes, and alleviate the inflammatory response in UC rats.