BACKGROUND: Recent studies have provided compelling evidence that exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) can adversely affect human health. We aim to explore the potential impact of BFRs on adiposity and central obesity. METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) cycles conducted between 2009 and 2014 was used to study the connections between variables. After filtering, we analyzed a sample of 4,110 adults aged 20 years and above. Our goal was to examine the potential association between BFRs and consequences and investigate the part played by oxidative stress and inflammatory markers as intermediaries. To achieve this, we used advanced statistical methods such as weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g-computation (QGC), and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS: The findings showed that among the examined chemicals, exposure to PBDE85 (weight: 41%), PBDE100 (24%), and PBB153 (23%) may be the dominant contributors to general obesity risk. Upon controlling for all variables that could impact the results, it was found that the QGC outcomes indicated a positive correlation between exposure to mixtures of brominated flame retardants and the occurrence of abdominal obesity (OR = 1.187, 95% CI: 1.056-1.334, p = 0.004). Significant contributions were made by PBDE85 (52%), PBB153 (27%), and PBDE100 (21%). Mediation analysis shows that lymphatic cells (LC) and albumin (ALB) partially mediate the link between brominated flame retardants and obesity. The results of BKMR are generally consistent with those of WQS and QGC. CONCLUSION At a population level, our research has revealed a noteworthy correlation between BFRs and obesity. However, further investigation is required through prospective cohort studies and in-depth mechanistic exploratory studies.
Humans ; Flame Retardants/adverse effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Inflammation/epidemiology* ; Obesity/chemically induced* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Nutrition Surveys ; Mediation Analysis ; Young Adult ; United States/epidemiology* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects* ; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/adverse effects*

With the rapid development of implant dentistry, increasing attention has been paid to the long-term stability and aesthetic outcomes of dental implants, among which sufficient volume and quality of soft and hard tissues are considered crucial contributing factors for successful treatment outcomes. Among the various available tissue regeneration strategies, plasmatrix, an autologous biomaterial derived from the patient ' s own peripheral blood, has demonstrated unique and significant clinical value in the regeneration and augmentation of both soft and hard tissues associated with dental implant therapy in recent years. This notable potential is primarily attributed to its rich content of multiple growth factors, viable cells, and a supportive fibrin scaffold, along with its excellent biocompatibility, tunable biodegradation profile, and a relatively simple and rapid preparation process that does not require complex laboratory equipment. As a result, its clinical applications have been continuously expanding across a wide range of indications. Based on a comprehensive review of the existing literature and current research evidence, this article provides an in-depth summary of the advancements in both basic science and clinical applications of plasmatrix in the context of implant dentistry. Particular attention is given to its classification from a materials science perspective, underlying molecular mechanisms, biological effects in promoting tissue regeneration, and its implementation under different clinical scenarios. Furthermore, the article discusses unresolved technical challenges and existing controversies, and outlines potential future directions for research and technological innovation, aiming to provide robust evidence-based guidance for clinical practice as well as a theoretical and methodological reference for future scientific investigations.
Humans ; Biocompatible Materials/therapeutic use* ; Dental Implants ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Fibrin/therapeutic use* ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Dental Implantation/methods* ; Dental Implantation, Endosseous/methods*

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of CDC20 knockdown on proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: CDC20 expression in cervical cancer tissues was analyzed using the TCGA database, and the protein expressions of CDC20 and β-Catenin in clinical specimens of cervical cancer and adjacent tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry. A dual target sgRNA2&7 sequence for CDC20 gene was designed for CDC20 gene knockdown in cervical cancer C33A cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and CDC20 mRNA and protein expression levels in the transfected cells were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The changes in proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasiveness of the transfected cells were evaluated using colony-forming assay, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and Transwell assay. In the animal experiment, naïve C33A cells and the cells with CDC20 knockdown were injected subcutaneously into the left and right axillae of nude mice (n=5) to observe tumor growth. The expressions of CDC20 and β-Catenin proteins in transfected cells and the xenograft were analyzed using Western blotting, and their interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and immunofluorescence co-localization assays. RESULTS: Cervical cancer tissues expressed significantly higher CDC20 and β‑Catenin levels than the adjacent tissues. C33A cells with CDC20 knockdown showed reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and lowered migration and invasion abilities. CDC20 knockdown significantly suppressed the growth of C33A cell xenograft in nude mice, and the tumor-bearing mice did not exhibit obvious body mass changes. CDC20 and β-Catenin levels were both significantly lowered in C33A cells with CDC20 knockdown. Co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization assays confirmed the interaction between CDC20 and β‑Catenin. CONCLUSIONS CDC20 is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues, and CDC20 knockdown can suppress proliferation, invasion, and metastasis while enhancing apoptosis of C33A cells, which is closely related with the regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.
Humans ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Female ; Cdc20 Proteins/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Animals ; Cell Movement ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Nude ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Neoplasm Metastasis

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanisms of Qingre Lidan Jiedu Recipe (QLJR) for improving cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load. METHODS: Seventy-five male SD rats were randomized into normal control group, model group, QLJR group, penicillamine (PCA) group, and QLJR+ PCA group. Except for those in the control group, all the rats were fed a high-copper diet for 12 weeks. The effects of the treatments on cognitive function of the rats were assessed using the Barnes maze and passive avoidance tests. Hippocampal expressions of NIX, FUNDC1 and LC3 of the rats were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, and changes in mitochondrial morphology were observed with transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Behavioral tests showed prolonged target hole latency, shortened latency to enter the dark chamber, and increased error counts of the rats in the model group, which were significantly improved in QLJR+PCA group; the error counts were significantly lower in QLJR+PCA group than in either QLJR or PCA group. Among all the groups, the hippocampal expressions of NIX and FUNDC1 were the lowest and LC3 I/II expression the highest in the model group; NIX and FUNDC1 expressions were significantly higher and LC3 I expression was lower in QLJR+PCA group than in QLJR group and PCA group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed weakened NIX and FUNDC1 expressions and enhanced LC3 expression in the hippocampus of the rats in the model group as compared with those in the normal control and QLJR+PCA groups, but their expressions did not differ significantly between QLJR and PCA groups. The rats in the model group showed obvious structural disarray of the mitochondria, which were improved in all the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS QLJR improves cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load possibly by regulating mitophagy.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Copper/toxicity* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Hippocampus/drug effects* ; Cognition Disorders/drug therapy* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/chemically induced*

Background and aims:Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by complex pathogenesis and limited available therapeutic options.The mechanisms underlying the development and progression of PSCs remain unclear.Liver X receptor beta(LXR-β)is recognized to modulate lipid metabolism and immune response,but its specific involvement in the PSC has not been elucidated.Here,we explored the role and mechanism of LXR-β in PSC induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-collidine(DDC).Methods:CRISPR-Cas9 technology was applied to generate Abcb4(coding MDR2,next named as Mdr2),Nr1h2(coding LXR-β,next named as Lxrβ),and Rag2(coding RAG2)knockout mice.DDC was used to induce PSC.Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were used to assess the extent of hepatic injury and fibrosis.Flow cytometry was used to observe immune cell subsets.Results:We observed a declining trend in hepatic Lxrβ in the PSC model.Unexpectedly,Lxrβ knockout failed to modulate DDC-induced PSC pathogenesis.Concomitantly,assessment of the influence of Rag2 deficiency on PSC progression revealed the absence of aggravated or alleviated hepatic injury or fibrosis in the Rag2-/-DDC mice.However,Lxrβ depletion intensified DDC-induced PSC in the Rag2-/-mice,with more abundant infiltrative inflammatory cells and more severe liver fibrosis.Compared with Rag2-/-DDC mice,Lxrβ-/-Rag2-/-DDC mice had higher serum ALT and AST levels and mRNA expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes.Flow cytometry showed that LXR-β deficiency resulted in a diminished population of hepatic innate immune cells.Conclusion:This study indicated innate immune cell LXR-β deficiency can exacerbate hepatic injury and fibrosis in murine models of PSC suggesting that LXR-β may regulate the function of innate immunity in the fibrotic advancement of PSC.

Objective To analyze the effects of immediate multi-vessel percutaneous coronary inter-vention(MV-PCI)and staged vascular intervention(Staged-PCI,immediate PCI for culprit-only followed by a delayed treatment of all other lesions)on the prognosis in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods A total of 417 elderly acute STEMI patients who underwent PCI in Baoding First Central hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 were enrolled,and according to different treatment strategies,they were divided into MV-PCI group(87 cases)and Staged-PCI group(330 cases).A propensity score matching(PSM)model was established based on baseline data of the two groups,there were 84 cases in each group.During a mean follow-up period of 13.5 months,with the occurrence of main adverse cardi-ovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)as endpoint,the incidence of MACCE was com-pared between the two groups after PSM.Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of MACCE.Results Before PSM,there were significant differences be-tween the two groups in terms of age,proportions of hypertension,diabetes and hyperlipidemia,family history,stroke history,peripheral artery disease,preoperative SBP,lesion vessels(such as left anterior descending branch and left circumflex branch),and number of non-diseased vessels(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the incidences of MACCE and all-cause mor-tality were significantly lower in the MV-PCI group than the Staged PCI group(Plog rank＜0.05).Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that MV-PCI was a protective prognostic factor for MACCE(HR=0.263,95％CI:0.105-0.659,P=0.004)and all-cause death(HR=0.236,95％CI:0.007-0.722,P=0.016).Conclusion MV-PCI can significantly improve the prognosis of elderly patients with acute STEMI with multivessel disease.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of low-and medium-intensity resistance exercise in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)combined with sarcopenia.Methods:In the randomized controlled study, 100 elderly patients with CHF combined with sarcopenia who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College from October 2020 to August 2022 were selected and divided into the control group and the intervention group according to the randomized numerical scale method.In the control group, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor inhibitors, β receptor antagonists, diuretics and other standard heart failure medications were routinely given, as well as nutritional support, health education and guidance; in the intervention group, low-intensity resistance exercise was given in addition to the treatment of the control group, and the two groups were evaluated for the NYHA cardiac function classification, grip strength, 5 times sitting time, 6-meter walking time, serum B-type natriuretic peptide level before and after 12 weeks of treatment; limb skeletal muscle mass index(ASMI), visceral fat area, extracellular water ratio were measured by body composition analyzer; right ventricular internal diameter, left atrial internal diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) were measured by echocardiography.Changes in each index before and after treatment were compared between the 2 groups.Serious adverse cardiovascular events related to training were followed up by outpatient clinic visits or telephone at 4-week interval over 12 weeks.Results:30 cases were dislodged because they could not adhere to the exercise or could not follow up on time, and finally 70 patients were included, 27 in the control group and 43 in the intervention group.Compared with pre-treatment, grip strength[(17.73±4.54)kg vs.(17.00±4.32)kg, t=8.969], limb skeletal muscle mass[(17.57±3.41)kg vs.(17.24±3.34)kg, t=7.170], and ASMI[(6.02±0.72)kg/m 2vs.(5.85±0.67)kg/m 2, t=6.866]were elevated in the intervention group after 12 weeks(all P<0.05); 5 times sitting up time[(16.17±3.25)s vs.(14.54±3.21)s, t=12.808, ]and 6-meter walking time[(12.30±3.24)s vs.(10.76±3.14)s, t=9.391]shortened(all P<0.05).Compared with pre-treatment, the intervention group showed reduced left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter[(59.62±9.07)mm vs.(58.48±9.71)mm, t=4.552], increased LVEF[(34.69±7.93)% vs.(35.88±7.92)%, t=4.752], and increased extracellular water ratio[(39.27±7.74)% vs.(38.92±7.41)%, t=6.058]after 12 weeks(all P<0.05).At 12 weeks of follow-up, no training-related serious adverse events occurred in the intervention group.The difference in the incidence of serious adverse cardiovascular events between the two groups(3.70% vs.2.33%, P>0.05)was not statistically significant. Conclusions:Treatment combined with low-and moderate-intensity resistance exercise improves muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and cardiac function in elderly patients with CHF combined with sarcopenia without increasing the incidence of adverse events.

Objective:To investigate the value of serum vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), pepsinogen ratio (PGR) combined with magnifying chromoendoscopy in the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC).Methods:A retrospective case control study was conducted. The clinical data of 314 patients with gastric cancer who were confirmed by pathological examination in Baoji Central Hospital from January 2018 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected. All patients were divided into EBVaGC group (34 cases) and EB virus negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC) group (280 cases) according to the result of EB virus quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction in serum before treatment, while 50 healthy volunteers who underwent the physical examination in the same period were selected as the control group. The level of VEGF was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum levels of pepsinogen (PG) Ⅰ and PGⅡ were detected by using fluorescence immunochromatography. PGR was calculated by PGⅠ-to-PGⅡ ratio. Electronic magnification gastroscopy was performed, suspicious lesions were stained and the pathological state of gastric tissues was observed. Taking the pathological results of living tissues as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacy of each index alone and the combination detection for EBVaGC was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors of the incidence of EBVaGC.Results:The age of patients in EBVaGC group, EBVnGC group and the healthy control group was (61±10) years, (63±12) years and (61±12) years, respectively; and there were 28 males (82.4%), 228 males (81.4%) and 41 males (82.0%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in age and gender among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). The serum VEGF level and the proportion of positive patients detected by endochromatography in EBVaGC group were higher than those in the EBVnGC group and the healthy control group [VEGF: (253±48) pg/ml vs. (183±38) pg/ml, (92±25) pg/ml; positive proportion: 94.1% (32/34) vs. 77.9% (218/280), 2.0% (1/50)], and the PGR in EBVaGC group was lower than that in EBVnGC group and the healthy control group (2.1±1.0 vs. 3.1±1.1, 14.1±1.9), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The sensitivity of serum VEGF in the diagnosis of EBVaGC was higher than that of PGR [73.5% (25/34) vs. 66.9% (22/34)]. The diagnostic specificity of PGR [78.2% (219/280) vs. 69.3% (194/280)] and accuracy [76.8% (241/314) vs. 69.8% (219/314)] were higher than those of VEGF. The sensitivity [85.3% (29/34)], specificity [82.9% (232/280)] and accuracy [83.1% (261/314)] of magnifying chromoendoscopy in the diagnosis of EBVaGC were higher than those of VEGF and PGR. The sensitivity [94.1% (32/34)], specificity [95.7% (268/280)] and accuracy [95.5% (300/314)] of the 3 combined detection were higher than those of single and pairwise detection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for the incidence of EBVaGC included alcoholism ( OR = 2.310, 95% CI: 1.243-3.581, P = 0.007), spicy food preference ( OR = 1.516, 95% CI: 1.084-2.142, P = 0.026), irregular diet ( OR = 1.448, 95% CI: 1.013-2.104, P = 0.043), family history of gastric cancer ( OR = 2.732, 95% CI: 1.312-4.894, P = 0.001). Conclusions:Serum VEGF and PGR combined with magnifying chromoendoscopy can improve the diagnostic efficiency of EBVaGC, and developing good eating will be helpful to prevent or slow down the progression of stomach diseases.

Objective To investigate the effects of calcitriol intervention on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and wound healing in rats with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Methods Thirty-two male SD rats were divided into normal control(Con)group,DFU group,calcitriol low dose(L)group and calcitriol high dose(H)group.A circular wound of 5 mm in diameter and deep to the fascia was made on the dorsum of the left foot of rats in each group.HE staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the wounds.Immunohistochemical method was selected to compare the distribution of CD34-positive cells and the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT in traumatic tissues of each group.ELISA was adopted in the detection of serum IL-6,IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-7.RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K and AKT in each group,and western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,p-AKT and VEGF.Results Compared with Con group,the expressions of IL-6,IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-7,CD34,PI3K mRNA,AKT mRNA,p-AKT protein,p-PI3K protein,p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT increased,while PI3K protein expression decreased in DFU,L and H groups(P<0.05),VEGF and AKT protein expression decreased in DFV and L groups(P<0.05).Compared with DFU group,the expressions of VEGF,AKT and PI3K protein increased(P<0.05),while the expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT decreased in L and H groups(P<0.05),IL-6 decreased in L group(P<0.05),and CD34 expression increased in H group(P<0.05),while IL-6,IFN-γ,TNF-α and IL-7,PI3K mRNA,AKT mRNA,p-AKT protein and p-PI3K protein expression decreased(P<0.05).Compared with L group,the expressions of CD34,VEGF,AKT and PI3K protein increased(P<0.05),while IL-6,PI3K mRNA,AKT mRNA,p-AKT protein,p-PI3K protein,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT decreased in H group(P<0.05).Conclusions Calcitriol intervention may reduce the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,inhibit inflammation,promote neovascularization,and facilitate wound healing in rats with DFU.