ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis （AS） in mice， focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 （TRPV1）. MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout （ApoE^-/-） mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group （0.02 g·kg^-1·d^-1） and low-， medium-， and high-dose Renshentang groups （1.77， 3.54， 7.08 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， with 12 mice in each group. ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group （n=9）. After continuous administration for 12 weeks， mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， as well as the expression of TRPV1， phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase （p-PI3K）， and phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt） in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） mRNA expression in the aorta， and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation （P<0.01） and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root （P<0.01）. The expression levels of TRPV1， p-PI3K， and p-Akt were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation （P<0.01）， significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels （P<0.01）， and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1， p-PI3K， p-Akt， and eNOS mRNA （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway， which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.

Objective: To evaluate the classroom environmental management and CO 2 volume concentration in primary and secondary schools from Liaoning, Tianjin, and Shanghai, thereby providing a scientific basis for developing targeted strategies to improve classroom air quality. Methods: From December 16 to 26, 2024, by using stratified random cluster sampling method, the questionnaire survey was conducted in 72 primary and secondary schools (24 each of primary, junior high, and regular high schools) across Liaoning, Tianjin and Shanghai. Information on heating, ventilation and other classroom environmental management was collected. Additionally, 108 classrooms were selected for on site microclimate measurements, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and CO 2 volume concentration. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to explore related factors of classroom CO 2 volume concentration. Results: Among the three provinces/municipalities, 20.8% of schools regularly monitored the microclimate. The overall compliance rate for classroom CO 2 volume concentration was 17.6%. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CO 2 volume concentration in regular and junior high school classrooms were higher than in primary school classrooms ( β=0.067, 0.046, 95%CI =0.036-0.099, 0.013-0.080); classrooms ventilated regularly in the morning and afternoon had higher CO 2 volume concentration than those ventilated during every break between classes ( β=0.043, 95%CI = 0.007- 0.080); both temperature ( β=0.010, 95%CI =0.004-0.016) and humidity ( β=0.003, 95%CI =0.002-0.004) were positively correlated with CO 2 volume concentration (all P <0.05). Conclusions Excessive CO 2 volume concentration in primary and secondary school classrooms is a prominent issue, and ventilation frequency is a key intervenable factor for controlling CO 2 levels. It is recommended to promote ventilation during every break between classes as a core management measure and to emphasize air quality supervision in regular high school classrooms.

Tetrodotoxin（TTX）is a potent neurotoxin known for its specific sodium channel blocking effects, widely used in biomedical research. While TTX has been identified in various marine organisms, its true origin remains unclear, and the specific biosynthetic pathways are yet to be elucidated. The reported sources of TTX and the progress in research on TTX biosynthesis were summarized, with a focus on potential microbial sources of TTX, which could provide scientific reference for the production and biosynthesis studies of TTX.

Objective: To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery. Results: A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays. Conclusion Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.

Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Objective To conduct Monte Carlo simulations on the microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radiation source, investigate dose distributions under various conditions, and provide assistance in optimizing radiotherapy plans. Methods A microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radiation source model was established based on the MCNP5 software. Theoretical calculation formulas were used to validate the simulation results. The dose distributions under different activities and positions were obtained through simulations using the MCNP5 transport program. By fitting the simulation data, the relationship between the safe distance for at-risk organs and treatment time was analyzed. Results As the distance from the origin increased in the X-direction, the distance required for the absorbed dose rate to decrease to half its original value increased, and the isodose lines became sparser. The shapes of the dose distribution diagrams under different activities were consistent, presenting concentric polygons and concentric circles at different distances. Under the condition of the same lethal dose, the difference in the safe distance between two organs increased with time; under different lethal dose conditions, the differences were not significant whether between similar organs or between different organs. Conclusion The Monte Carlo method can accurately describe the radiation field generated by the microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radioactive source during high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Quantitative analysis of the radiation field will help optimize the radiotherapy plan.

Objective To conduct Monte Carlo simulations on the microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radiation source, investigate dose distributions under various conditions, and provide assistance in optimizing radiotherapy plans. Methods A microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radiation source model was established based on the MCNP5 software. Theoretical calculation formulas were used to validate the simulation results. The dose distributions under different activities and positions were obtained through simulations using the MCNP5 transport program. By fitting the simulation data, the relationship between the safe distance for at-risk organs and treatment time was analyzed. Results As the distance from the origin increased in the X-direction, the distance required for the absorbed dose rate to decrease to half its original value increased, and the isodose lines became sparser. The shapes of the dose distribution diagrams under different activities were consistent, presenting concentric polygons and concentric circles at different distances. Under the condition of the same lethal dose, the difference in the safe distance between two organs increased with time; under different lethal dose conditions, the differences were not significant whether between similar organs or between different organs. Conclusion The Monte Carlo method can accurately describe the radiation field generated by the microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radioactive source during high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Quantitative analysis of the radiation field will help optimize the radiotherapy plan.

Objective To conduct Monte Carlo simulations on the microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radiation source, investigate dose distributions under various conditions, and provide assistance in optimizing radiotherapy plans. Methods A microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radiation source model was established based on the MCNP5 software. Theoretical calculation formulas were used to validate the simulation results. The dose distributions under different activities and positions were obtained through simulations using the MCNP5 transport program. By fitting the simulation data, the relationship between the safe distance for at-risk organs and treatment time was analyzed. Results As the distance from the origin increased in the X-direction, the distance required for the absorbed dose rate to decrease to half its original value increased, and the isodose lines became sparser. The shapes of the dose distribution diagrams under different activities were consistent, presenting concentric polygons and concentric circles at different distances. Under the condition of the same lethal dose, the difference in the safe distance between two organs increased with time; under different lethal dose conditions, the differences were not significant whether between similar organs or between different organs. Conclusion The Monte Carlo method can accurately describe the radiation field generated by the microselectro-HDR¹⁹²Ir radioactive source during high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Quantitative analysis of the radiation field will help optimize the radiotherapy plan.

Objective: Negative symptoms in schizophrenia indicate a poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of negative symptoms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between negative symptoms in schizophrenia and frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA). Methods: The study used a 32-channel electroencephalography to acquire alpha power in 4 target-paired sites in each patient. Regional alpha asymmetry was calculated based on the alpha power using EEGLAB Frontal Alpha Asymmetry Toolbox. Results: Sixty schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms (PNS), 72 stabilized schizophrenia (SS) patients, and 73 healthy control (HC) participants were enrolled in this study. No significant differences were observed in FAA between the PNS and SS groups, although both groups exhibited reduced P3-P4 alpha asymmetry compared to HCs. A positive correlation was found between F7-F8 alpha asymmetry and illness duration. Additionally, a predictive model based on P3-P4 alpha asymmetry scores was able to differentiate schizophrenia patients from HCs, achieving a sensitivity of 71.2% and a specificity of 72.6%. Conclusion This study highlighted that parietal alpha asymmetry could serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for schizophrenia.

Objective: Whether elevation in plasma levels of amyloid and tau protein biomarkers are better indicators of cognitive decline than higher baseline levels in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains understudied. Methods: We included 67 participants with twice testing for AD-related plasma biomarkers via immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assays (amyloid beta [Aβ]1-40, Aβ1-42, total tau [t-Tau], phosphorylated tau [p-Tau] 181, and alpha-synuclein [α-Syn]) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) over a 1-year interval. We examined the correlation between biomarker levels (baseline vs. longitudinal change) and annual changes in the MMSE scores. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to compare the biomarkers. Results: After adjustment, faster cognitive decline was correlated with lower baseline levels of t-Tau (β=0.332, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 (β=0.369, p=0.015) and rapid elevation of t-Tau (β=-0.330, p=0.030) and p-Tau 181 levels (β=-0.431, p=0.004). However, the levels (baseline and longitudinal changes) of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and α-Syn were not correlated with cognitive decline. aMCI converters had lower baseline levels of p-Tau 181 (p=0.002) but larger annual changes (p=0.001) than aMCI non-converters. The change in p-Tau 181 levels showed better discriminatory capacity than the change in t-Tau levels in terms of identifying AD conversion in patients with aMCI, with an area under curve of 86.7% versus 72.2%. Conclusion We found changes in p-Tau 181 levels may be a suitable biomarker for identifying AD conversion.