OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation of component content with colorimetric values during the roasting process of Ziziphus jujuba ， and to provide criteria for discriminating the roasting degree of Z. jujuba . METHODS Samples were prepared by dry stir-frying for different roasting times. The eight main components in raw Z. jujuba and the samples stir-fried for different roasting times-namely adenosine， magnoflorine， jujuboside A， spinosin， 6-feruloylspinosin， betulinic acid， oleic acid， and linoleic acid-were quantitativel y analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The chromaticity values were determined using a UV spectrophotometer. The correlation and differences between the chromaticity values of Z. jujuba at different roasting times and their components content were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis， linear regression analysis， principal component analysis （PCA） ， cluster heatmap analysis （CHA）， and partial least squares discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） to clarify the processing endpoint. RESULTS As the roasting time increased， the contents of linoleic acid and oleic acid decreased， while the contents of other components exhibited an increasing trend. Concurrently， the colorimetric value L* and E*ab were observed to decline， whereas the a* value demonstrated a gradual increase. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that L* and E*ab exhibited a significant negative correlation with the contents of adenosine， spinosin， 6-feruloylspinosin， jujuboside A， betulinic acid and magnoflorine （ P ＜0.05）. The results of linear regression analysis indicate that the content of six components, including adenosine， in the medicinal material can be preliminarily predicted by analyzing the colorimetric values of Z. jujuba powder. PCA and CHA successfully classified raw and stir-fried samples. The PLS-DA results indicated that L*， E*ab， a*， linoleic acid content， and oleic acid content were the main parameters that differentiated the color and quality of Z. jujuba at different roasting times. After frying for 9 to 10 minutes， the colorimetric values L* and E*ab decreased to their minimum values and stabilized， while a* remained consistently high with little variation；simultaneously， the concentrations of the six major components， excluding linoleic acid and oleic acid， reached their peak levels. CONCLUSIONS A significant correlation between the colorimetric values of Z. jujuba and the contents of six components， including adenosine， is confirmed. The optimal roasting time range is determined to be 9-10 minutes. Furthermore， the colorimetric value-component content correlation analysis method established in this study proved to be practical and applicable for discriminating the roasting degree of Z. jujuba .

Objective: To compare the effects of height-desk-chair matching on the viewing distance of primary school students before and after intervention, so as to provide scientific basis for the hygiene management of desks and chairs. Methods: From April to June 2025, a random cluster sampling method was used to select 141 third grade students from three classes equipped with adjustable desks and chairs in a primary school in Hefei City for a height-desk-chair matching intervention study. The height of students desks and chairs was adjusted according to the standard height and height range specified in the Functional Sizes and Technical Requirements of Chairs and Tables for Educational Institutions (GB/T 3976-2014), with an intervention period of one week. Before and after the intervention, eye use data were measured by using the electronic smart device "Cloud Clip", while collecting data on vision data viewing distance, time spent using eyes at close range and outdoor time, desk and chair height, and physical examination. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the factors related to viewing distance before the intervention of height-desk-chair matching, and a paired t-test was used to analyze the difference in viewing distance before and after the intervention. A mixed effects model was used to explore the effect of height desk and chair adaptation intervention on viewing distance. Results: The compliance rates for desk and chair adjustments before and after the intervention were 1.4% and 18.4%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=22.84, P <0.01). The viewing distance increased from (30.48±5.01) cm before intervention to (32.06±5.75) cm post intervention, with a statistically significant difference ( t=4.57, P <0.01). The proportion of students meeting the viewing distance standard increased from 33.3% to 51.1%. The linear mixedeffects model results indicated that the association between height appropriate desk and chair interventions and viewing distance was statistically significant, regardless of whether covariates such as time spent using eyes at close range and outdoor time were adjusted ( β=-1.58, 95%CI = -2.25 to -0.91; β=-1.14, 95%CI =-1.85 to -0.43, both P <0.05). Conclusion Height adjusted desks and chairs, which can effectively increase the viewing distance for primary school students, has positive implications for improving healthy eye care behaviors among children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To review the main fixation methods for proximal tibial extra-articular fractures based on clinical and biomechanical results, and to provide evidence for clinical application. METHODS: Extensive related literature at home and abroad was conducted in recent years, and external fixation systems such as external fixation braces and external locking plates, as well as internal fixation systems such as plates and intramedullary nails, were systematically reviewed regarding their application indications, clinical efficacy, and biomechanical results in proximal tibial extra-articular fractures. RESULTS: External fixation systems have advantages in fractures with open or severe soft tissue injury, facilitating wound management and maintaining stability of the fracture site to some extent. However, in proximal tibial extra-articular fractures with good soft tissue conditions, internal fixation systems such as plates and intramedullary nails are still the first choice. Some studies have found that intramedullary nails allow patients to bear weight early, with shorter fracture healing time and higher rate of malunion, while other studies have found that both intramedullary nails and plates have similar clinical efficacy and can achieve satisfactory treatment results. CONCLUSION The choice of fixation method for proximal tibial extra-articular fractures depends not only on the type of fracture, but also on the surgeon's habits and operational skills. Larger-scale studies are still needed to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of intramedullary nails and locking plates in the treatment of proximal tibial extra-articular fractures.
Humans ; Tibial Fractures/surgery* ; Bone Plates ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/instrumentation* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Fracture Healing ; External Fixators ; Bone Nails ; Fracture Fixation/instrumentation* ; Treatment Outcome ; Biomechanical Phenomena

Parameters of peripheral blood cell have been shown as the potential predictors of erectile dysfunction (ED). To investigate the clinical significance of hematological parameters for predicting the risk of rapid ejaculation, we established a rat copulatory model on the basis of ejaculation distribution theory. Blood samples from different ejaculatory groups were collected for peripheral blood cell counts and serum serotonin (5-HT) tests. Meanwhile, the relationship between hematological parameters and ejaculatory behaviors was assessed. Final analysis included 11 rapid ejaculators, 10 normal ejaculators, and 10 sluggish ejaculators whose complete data were available. The platelet (PLT) count in rapid ejaculators was significantly lower than that in normal and sluggish ejaculators, whereas the platelet distribution width (PDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly greater in rapid ejaculators. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the PLT was an independent protective factor for rapid ejaculation. Meanwhile, rapid ejaculators were found to have the lowest serum 5-HT compared to normal and sluggish ejaculators ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the PLT and serum 5-HT ( r = 0.662, P < 0.001), indicating that the PLT could indirectly reflect the serum 5-HT concentration. In addition, we assessed the association between the PLT and ejaculatory parameters. There was a negative correlation between ejaculation frequency (EF) and the PLT ( r = -0.595, P < 0.001), whereas there was a positive correlation between ejaculation latency (EL) and the PLT ( r = 0.740, P < 0.001). This study indicated that the PLT might be a useful and convenient diagnostic marker for predicting the risk of rapid ejaculation.
Male ; Animals ; Ejaculation/physiology* ; Rats ; Platelet Count ; Pilot Projects ; Serotonin/blood* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Mean Platelet Volume ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; ROC Curve ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture manipulation on treatment of intractable facial paralysis (IFP), and verify the practicality and precision of the Anzhong Facial Paralysis Precision Scale (Eyelid Closure Grading Scale, AFPPS-ECGS). METHODS: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to June 2024. Eighty-nine IFP participants were randomly assigned to an ordinary acupuncture group (OAG, 45 cases) and a characteristic acupuncture group (CAG, 44 cases) using a random number table method. The main acupoints selected included Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Dicang (ST 4), Chengjiang (CV 24), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Jiache (ST 6), Fengchi (GB 20), and Hegu (LI 4). The OAG patients received ordinary acupuncture manipulation, while the CAG received characteristic acupuncture manipulation. Both groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week, with 10 times per course, lasting for 10 weeks. Facial recovery was assessed at baseline and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment course by AFPPS-ECGS and the House-Brackmann (H-B) Grading Scale. Infrared thermography technology was used to observe the temperature difference between healthy and affected sides in various facial regions. Adverse events and laboratory test abnormalities were recorded. The correlation between the scores of the two scales was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: After the 2nd treatment course, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in AFPPS-ECGS scores (P<0.05), with even greater significance after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Similarly, H-B Grading Scale scores demonstrated significant differences between groups following the 3rd treatment course (P<0.05). Regarding temperature measurements, significant differences in temperatures of frontal and ocular areas were observed after the 2nd course (P<0.05), becoming more pronounced after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Additionally, mouth corner temperature differences reached statistical significance by the 3rd course (P<0.05). No safety-related incidents were observed during the study. Correlation analysis revealed that the AFPPS-ECGS and the H-B Grading Scale were strongly correlated (r=0.86, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.91 at baseline, and after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd treatment course, respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is an effective treatment for IFP, and the characteristic acupuncture manipulation enhances the therapeutic effect. The use of the AFPPS-ECGS can more accurately reflect the recovery status of patients with IFP. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200065442).
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the regulatory effect of LINC00837/miR-671-5p/SERPINE2 functional axis on pathological processes of fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: RA-FLS were transfected with a LINC00837 overexpression plasmid (pcDNA3.1-LINC00837), a LINC00837 interference plasmid (siRNA-LINC00837), or their respective negative control plasmids (pcDNA3.1-NC and siRNA-NC). Dual luciferase was used to verify the targeting relationship between LINC00837 and miR-671-5p and between miR-671-5p and SERPINE2. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of LINC00837, miR-671-5p and SERPINE2 in normal FLS or the transfected cells, whose proliferation and migration abilities were assessed using Edu assay and scratch healing assay and by detecting the expression levels of Ki-67, PCNA, E-cadherin and N-cadherin with Western blotting. The changes in cellular secretion of the inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, IL-17, IL-4 and IL-10) were examined using ELISA. RESULTS: Dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that LINC00837 was capable of binding to the 3'-UTR of miR-671-5p, and the latter bound to the 3-UTR of SERPINE2 at specific binding sites between them. Compared with normal FLS, RA-FLS showed significantly increased expressions of LINC00837 and SERPINE2, lowered miR-671-5p expression and enhanced proliferation and migration abilities with increased expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Transfection of RA-FLS with pcDNA-LINC00837 further enhanced cell proliferation and migration and the changes in the inflammatory cytokines, while transfection with si-LINC00837 produced the opposite changes. CONCLUSIONS RA-FLS have a LINC00837/miR-671-5p/SERPINE2 functional axis, which regulates cell proliferation, migration and secretion of inflammatory factors, and interventions targeting LINC00837 may provide a potential strategy to regulate the pathological processes in RA-FLS.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Humans ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Movement ; Synovial Membrane/pathology* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics* ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Synoviocytes/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Transfection

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Sangma Zhike Formula (SMZKF) for relieving cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in rats with postinfectious cough (PIC). METHODS: Male SD rat models were established by cigarette smoke exposure with intranasal LPS instillation and capsaicin aerosol inhalation. From day 19 following the start of PIC modeling, the rats received daily treatment with saline (model group), low-, medium-, and high-dose SMZKF, and compound methoxyphenamine (ASM) via gavage for 10 consecutive days (n=8). The assessments included behavioral changes, cough sensitivity (latency and frequency), lung histopathology, inflammatory cell counts and cytokine/mediator levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue, and expressions of proteins related with cough hypersensitivity and pyroptosis. RESULTS: The rat models of PIC exhibited reduced mental alertness, accelerated respiration, and pronounced symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and facial scratching with significantly shortened cough latency and increased 5-min cough frequency. Histopathological analysis revealed collapsed alveolar structures, thickened alveolar septa, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchi and peribronchial regions, accompanied by elevated bronchial and alveolar inflammation scores of the rat models. In the BALF, inflammatory cell counts and the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGE-2, and TXA-2 were all markedly elevated, and the pulmonary oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were also significantly increased. The pulmonary expressions of cough hypersensitivity-related proteins (TRPV1, SP, CGRP, and NK1R) and pyroptosis-associated markers (P-NF-κB, NLRP3, ACS, cleaved caspase-1, cleaved IL-1β, and GSDMD-N) were significantly upregulated in the model group. SMZKF interventions significantly ameliorated these pathological changes in the rat models, and high-dose SMZKF produced a similar therapeutic efficacy to that of ASM. CONCLUSIONS SMZKF alleviates cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in PIC rats possibly by inhibiting TRPV1-mediated SP/NK1R signaling and the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
Animals ; Cough/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Male ; TRPV Cation Channels/metabolism* ; Rats ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Inflammation ; Signal Transduction

Attention is the cornerstone of effective functioning in a complex and information-rich world. While the neural activity of attention has been extensively studied in the cortex, the brain-wide neural activity patterns are largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of neural activity across the mouse brain during attentional processing using EEG and c-Fos staining, utilizing hierarchical clustering and c-Fos-based functional network analysis to evaluate the c-Fos activation patterns. Our findings reveal that a wide range of brain regions are activated, notably in the high-order cortex, thalamus, and brain stem regions involved in advanced cognition and arousal regulation, with the central lateral nucleus of the thalamus as a strong hub, suggesting the crucial role of the thalamus in attention control. These results provide valuable insights into the neural network mechanisms underlying attention, offering a foundation for formulating functional hypotheses and conducting circuit-level testing.
Animals ; Attention/physiology* ; Mice ; Brain/physiology* ; Male ; Electroencephalography ; Reaction Time/physiology* ; Brain Mapping ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Choice Behavior/physiology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism*

Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Implants ; Mouth Mucosa/surgery* ; Keratins