OBJECTIVETo investigate MUC2 expression in rat colons induced by probiotics and its effects on the inhibition of E.coli K1 (E44) penetration of the intestinal barrier by probiotics.

METHODSSD rats were subjected to intragastric administration of probiotics, E44, or probiotics +E44 on a daily basis for 7 days, and MUC2 expression in the colons was determined by RT-PCR. MUC2-targeted shRNA (shRNA MUC2) and scrambled shRNA plasmids (shRNA NC) were respectively transfected into Lovo cells, and the efficiency of MUC2 knockdown was determined using qRT-PCR. Competitive exclusion assay was used to evaluate the effects of the probiotics against E44 adhesion and invasion.

RESULTSIntestinal MUC2 mRNA expression was up-regulated in the rats after intragastric administration of probiotics, while E44 administration caused significantly lowered MUC2 expression. MUC2 expression was down-regulated (by 66.7%) by transfection with shRNA MUC2 in Lovo cells as compared with the negative control and mock control cells. The inhibition of E44 adherence and invasion by probiotics was significantly attenuated in transfected Lovo cell culture (in which the relative adhesion and invasion rates of E44 were 56.64% and 66.64%, respectively) as compared with those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONThe up-regulation of MUC2 in rat colons can be one of the mechanisms of the probiotics in antagonizing the translocation of the pathogenic bacteria. Silencing MUC2 expression causes attenuated inhibitory effect of the probiotics on E. coli K1 penetration across human intestinal epithelial cells.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colon ; drug effects ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Escherichia coli ; pathogenicity ; Escherichia coli Infections ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Gene Silencing ; Humans ; Mucin-2 ; genetics ; Probiotics ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transfection

Objective:To investigate the outcome and prognostic factors associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).Methods:PSC patients admitted to Xijing Hospital from May 2009 to May 2020 were included. Data of demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging tests, and ERCP consultations were collected to explore the population characteristics and clinical efficacy of ERCP treatment, and to follow up disease progression, transplant-free survival, and overall survival .Results:A total of 74 patients with PSC were included in this study, with a median age of 53 years, 54.1% (40/74) male. Patients combined with bile duct dominant stenosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and another autoimmune liver disease were 32.4% (24/74), 18.9% (14/74), and 17.6% (13/74), respectively, and those undergoing ERCP were 36.5% (27/74). Logistic regression analysis showed that high total bilirubin ( OR=12.33, 95% CI: 1.24-122.63, P=0.032) and bile duct dominant stenosis ( OR=24.67, 95% CI: 3.40-178.88, P=0.002) were independent high-risk factors for ERCP consultation. The operation and clinical success rates of ERCP were both 96.3% (26/27). As of the last follow-up, the proportions of patients progressing to cirrhosis, bile duct cancer, liver transplantation and death were 9.5% (7/74), 4.1% (3/74), 5.4% (4/74) and 18.9% (14/74), respectively. The five-year survival rate of the follow-up patients ( n=54) was 83.3%. The differences in transplant-free survival ( P=0.933) and overall survival ( P=0.608) between ERCP patients and non-ERCP patients were not statistically significant. Transplant-free survival of those who were companied with pruritus ( HR=5.30, 95% CI: 1.50-18.90, P=0.010) was shorter. Conclusion:PSC patients have higher proportion of IBD and less autoimmune liver disease. Higher proportion of patients with higher total bilirubin or bile duct dominant stenosis receive ERCP. While the short-term efficacy of ERCP is satisfactory, the long-term prognosis is still suboptimal. Patients with pruritus have a shorter transplant-free survival.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of biting pencils among pupils living in Harbin, Guangzhou, and Beijing and to compare the differences among these cases. Methods: Stratified sampling method was used to select four elementary schools in Harbin and Guangzhou from April 2015 to April 2016. Firstly, Simple random sampling method was used in every grade (grade 1-grade 5) to select 3 or 4 classes (71 classes in total).After the sample selection, questionnaire surveys were conducted among pupils and their guardians (anyone of their guardians) who belonged to these classes. Secondly, the study extracted part of these pupils to conduct a field survey. Every school was classified by grade, and every grade adopted the method of random sampling to select one classes (20 classes in total). Meanwhile, the study randomly selected pupils from 10 classes in 2 elementary schools in Beijing. All together, 1 627 pupils participated in the field survey. The questionnaire included general information about the students and their guardians, the situation of biting pencils, the awareness of the harm of biting pencils, etc.; the field survey considered if participates' pencils have tooth marks and the severity of the marks, etc. χ² was applied to test and compare the differences among pupils of different genders and different cities. The comparison focused on the proportion of students who bited pencils, the proportion of pencils with tooth marks and the proportion of students and guardians already awared of the harm of biting pencils, etc. Results: The number of the valid questionnaires in Harbin and Guangzhou were 1 842, and 1 210, respectively. The occurrence rate of pupils biting pencils in Harbin (18.0% (333/1 842)) was higher than that in Guangzhou (11.3% (137/1 210)) (χ²=29.16, P=0.001). Specifically, in Harbin, the rate of boys biting pencils was 21.9% (212/965), which was higher than girls (13.8% (121/877)) (χ²=27.04, P=0.001). Similarly, in Guangzhou, the rate of boys biting pencils was 14.5% (92/632), which was also higher than girls (7.7% (45/578)) (χ²=15.34, P=0.001). The awareness rate of the harm of biting pencils among students from these two cities were 88.5% (1 611/1 819), and 90.8% (1 098/1 208), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant as well (χ²=4.39, P= 0.020). Compared with these data, the awareness rate of the harm of biting pencils among guardians from these two cities were 74.7% (1 339/1 791), and 79.4% (832/1 047), respectively as well as the statistically significant difference appeared (χ²=9.83, P=0.007). The result of field survey showed the rate of tooth-marked pencils in Harbin, Guangzhou and Beijing was 30.5% (187/613), 14.8% (79/534), and 28.3% (136/480), respectively. The difference was also statistically significant (χ²=42.68, P=0.001). The degree of tooth marks was mainly mild, while the percentage of mild degree in Guangzhou (54.4%(43/79)) and Beijing (41.2% (56/136)) was apparently higher than that of Harbin (39.0% (73/187)). The difference was not statistically significant (χ²=7.01, P=0.136). Conclusion The behavior of biting pencils existed universally among pupils in Harbin, Guangzhou, and Beijing , which the situation of pupils biting pencils in Harbin and Beijing was more serious than that in Guangzhou. Pupils, parents and teachers should pay attention to such a behavior.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for moderate to severe pancreatitis (PEP) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) .Methods:Data of 6 731 patients diagnosed as having biliary and pancreatic diseases with initial papilla who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from June 2010 to June 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Parameters related to intubation and postoperative complications were prospectively collected. The main end point was moderate to severe PEP. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors for moderate to severe PEP.Results:The incidence of overall PEP and moderate to severe PEP in 6 731 ERCP patients with initial papilla were 5.3% ( n=359) and 1.0% ( n=68) respectively. Univariate analysis showed that female, indications of ERCP, cannulation method, cannulation time, cannulation attempts, times of inadvertent pancreatic duct cannulation and cannulation with or without trainee involvement were all associated with moderate to severe PEP ( P<0.10). Multivariate analysis showed that female ( OR=2.32, 95% CI:1.28-4.21, P=0.006), non-common bile duct stones indication ( OR=2.04, 95% CI:1.16-3.59, P=0.014), cannulation time ≥5 min ( OR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.20-4.13, P=0.011), inadvertent pancreatic duct cannulation time ≥1 ( OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.03-3.44, P=0.040) and non-trainee involvement cannulation ( OR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.02-3.22, P=0.043) were independent risk factors for moderate to severe PEP. Conclusion:The independent risk factors for moderate to severe PEP include female, non-common bile duct stones indication, non-trainee involvement cannulation and difficult cannulation. Great importance should be attached to these factors above during the whole perioperative period of ERCP.

The clinical changes of ulcerative colitis （UC） with the main syndrome of large intestine dampness-heat and the alterations of intestinal flora in UC were summarized to reveal the underlying mechanism. After review of the treatment methods for UC with the syndrome of large intestine dampness-heat， we identified the representative traditional Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions and explored the treatment mechanisms. Furthermore， we probed into the associations of UC and the treatment methods with the intestinal flora. The related articles were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）. The available studies have shown that Akkermansia muciniphila， Escherichia coli， Enterococcus， and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are closely associated with Chinese medicines in UC patients with the syndrome of large intestine dampness-heat. However， due to the shortcomings in clinical research and the susceptibility of intestinal flora to diverse factors， it is still challenging to accurately characterize the intestinal flora changes associated with diseases. Additionally， the research on the mechanisms of Chinese medicines in regulating intestinal flora in UC patients with the syndrome of large intestine dampness-heat remains to be improved. The feasibility of using Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions for precise regulation of intestinal flora in these patients is still debatable. In this regard， scientific issues such as the biological connotation of UC with the syndrome of large intestine dampness-heat and the correlation between syndrome and intestinal flora have become primary research tasks. Additionally， attention should also be paid to the interactions between the intestinal lumen exposure profile of Chinese medicines and intestinal flora. Finally， the thinking of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and the concepts of modern medicine should be combined for the research on the formulation of TCM regimens for regulating intestinal flora in treating UC.

Objective:To observe the detrimental effect of airborne black carbon suspension solution of different concentrations on the tear film function of mice.Methods:Twenty-eight SPF-grade male BALB/c mice, aged 6-8 weeks, were randomly divided into four groups, 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, 5 mg/ml group, and control group, with 7 mice in each group.The right eyes of mice were dropped by 4 μl of 0.5 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml black carbon suspension, or phosphate buffer solution, 3 times a day according to grouping.Tear volume, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and conjunctival congestion were assessed before treatment and 4, 7, 10, and 14 days after treatment.The use and care of experimental animals complied with the Regulations for Administration of Laboratory Animals in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (No.XHDW-2022-053).Results:At 14 days after treatment, the tear volumes of 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, 5 mg/ml group and control group were (2.74±0.74), (2.73±0.76), (2.31±0.67), and (5.31±0.36)mm, respectively.TBUT of the four groups were (4.87±0.28), (4.00±0.76), (3.23±0.43), and (6.22±0.22)seconds, respectively.CFS of the four groups were 4(3, 4), 5(5, 6), 7(7, 8) and 0(0, 1) points, respectively.Conjunctival congestion grades of the four groups were 2(2, 3), 2(2, 3), 3(2, 3) and 0(0, 1), respectively.There were statistically significant differences in tear volume among the four groups at different time points ( Fgroup=83.325, P<0.001; Ftime=86.551, P<0.001; Finteraction=5.181, P<0.001). Before and at each time point after treatment, tear volumes were significantly lower in 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, and 5 mg/ml group than in control group, and tear volumes in 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, and 5 mg/ml group were significantly lower at 4, 7, 10, and 14 days after treatment than before treatment (all at P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in TBUT among the four groups at different time points ( Fgroup=75.130, P<0.001; Ftime=56.265, P<0.001; Finteraction=6.103, P<0.001). Before and at each time point after treatment, TBUT was significantly shorter in 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, and 5 mg/ml group than in control group, and the TBUT was significantly shorter in 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, and 5 mg/ml group at 4, 7, 10, and 14 days after treatment than before treatment, shorter in 1 mg/ml group and 5 mg/ml group at 14 days after treatment than 4, 7 and 10 days after treatment (all at P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in CFS score and conjunctival congestion grades among the four groups at different time points, but the interactions between concentration group and measurement time were not statistically significant (CFS: Hgroup=59.249, P<0.001; Htime=49.959, P<0.001; Hinteraction=15.980, P=0.192.conjunctival congestion grade: Hgroup=57.622, P<0.001; Htime=42.062, P<0.001; Hinteraction=12.565, P=0.401). Before and at each time point after treatment, the CFS scores and conjunctival congestion grades were significantly higher in 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, and 5 mg/ml group than in control group, and CFS scores and conjunctival congestion grades were significantly higher in 0.5 mg/ml group, 1 mg/ml group, and 5 mg/ml group at 4, 7, 10, and 14 days after treatment than before treatment (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:The exposure of airborne black carbon on the ocular surface causes damage to tear film function and ocular surface inflammation in BALB/c mice.Within a certain concentration and time range, the tear secretion decreases, TBUT shortens, CFS and conjunctival congestion increase.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), characterized by pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, are the most common chronic orofacial pain. However, the etiologies and pathologies of TMD related chronic pain are poorly understood. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow without invasiveness, and has been widely used in chronic pain research. We reviewed recent fMRI studies exploring the brain changes of patients with painful TMD to investigate the role of central nervous system in abnormal pain perception and impaired pain modulation, and to summarize the effects of splint therapy, in the hope of facilitating the clinical diagnosis and treatment of TMD.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the synergistic interaction between the deltoid muscle and the rotator cuff muscle group in patients with rotator cuff tears (RCT), as well as the impact of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) on deltoid muscle strength. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 42 RCT patients who met the selection criteria and were treated between March 2022 and March 2023. There were 13 males and 29 females, with an age range of 42-77 years (mean, 60.5 years). Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.0±1.6. CSA measurements were obtained from standard anteroposterior X-ray films before operation, and patients were divided into two groups based on CSA measurements: CSA>35° group (group A) and CSA≤35° group (group B). Handheld dynamometry was used to measure the muscle strength of various muscle group in the shoulder (including the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid). The muscle strength of the unaffected side was compared to the affected side, and muscle imbalance indices were calculated. Muscle imbalance indices between male and female patients, dominant and non-dominant sides, and groups A and B were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between muscle imbalance indices and CSA as well as VAS scores. RESULTS: Muscle strength in all muscle groups on the affected side was significantly lower than on the unaffected side ( P<0.05). The muscle imbalance indices for the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and anterior, middle, and posterior bundles of the deltoid were 14.8%±24.4%, 5.9%±9.7%, 7.2% (0, 9.1%), 17.2% (5.9%, 26.9%), 8.3%±21.3%, and 10.2% (2.8%, 15.4%), respectively. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus were significantly lower in male patients compared to female patients ( P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between male and female patients or between the dominant and non-dominant sides ( P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of infraspinatus and VAS score ( P<0.05), and a positive correlation between CSA and the muscle imbalance indices of middle bundle of deltoid ( P<0.05). There was no correlation between the muscle imbalance indices of other muscle groups and VAS score or CSA ( P>0.05). Preoperative CSA ranged from 17.6° to 39.4°, with a mean of 31.1°. There were 9 cases in group A and 33 cases in group B. The muscle imbalance indices of the anterior bundle of the deltoid was significantly lower in group A compared to group B ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in muscle imbalance indices among other muscle groups between group A and group B ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with RCT have a phenomenon of deltoid muscle strength reduction, which is more pronounced in the population with a larger CSA.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Shoulder ; Rotator Cuff Injuries/surgery* ; Shoulder Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Rotator Cuff/surgery* ; Muscle Strength ; Deltoid Muscle