ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the novel magnolol ester derivative YW and to investigate its effects on chondrocyte senescence and preliminary mechanisms. MethodsMagnolol and p-methylbenzoic acid were used as raw materials to synthesize the magnolol ester derivative YW （Molecular Formula： C₂₆H₂₄O₃， Molecular Weight： 384.17， HPLC Purity >96%） via DCC/DMAP-catalyzed esterification. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. A lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced RAW264.7 macrophage activation model and an interleukin-1β （IL-1β）-induced rat primary chondrocyte model were established. The release and mRNA expression of inflammatory factors including nitric oxide （NO）， IL-1β， tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， Griess reagent method， and quantitative real-time PCR （RT-qPCR）. The expression of senescence markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， pro-interleukin-1β （pro-IL-1β）， lysine acetyltransferase 7 （KAT7）， cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A （p21）， and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A （p16）， as well as proteins related to chondrocyte extracellular matrix synthesis and catabolism， were analyzed by Western blot （WB）. Molecular docking was performed using Discovery Studio 2019 to validate target binding. ResultsYW exhibited no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations ≤20 μmol/L. YW concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory cytokine release， significantly downregulated iNOS， Pro-IL-1β protein， and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression （P<0.01）. YW stably bound to KAT7 protein （binding energy： -94.2 kcal/mol）； YW downregulated KAT7 and aging marker protein expression in naturally aged and IL-1β-induced chondrocyte models （P<0.01）； YW regulated chondrocyte matrix synthesis and catabolic protein expression in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes （P<0.01）. ConclusionYW inhibits macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokine release while downregulating KAT7 and senescence marker protein expression in chondrocytes， thereby blocking chondrocyte senescence.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of magnolol ester derivative YW against cisplatin （Cis）-induced acute kidney injury （AKI） and to explore its effect and preliminary mechanisms on Cis-induced AKI. MethodsThe research group designed and synthesized the magnolol ester derivative YW using magnolol as the parent core. Molecular docking was employed to predict the binding interaction between YW and lysine acetyltransferase 7 （KAT7）. A Cis-induced AKI model was established in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were divided into the normal control group， model group， YW low/medium/high dose groups （17.5， 35， 70 mg/kg）， and the positive control amifostine group. Renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine （Scr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels. Pathological changes were evaluated via HE staining and scoring of kidney tissues. Protein expression levels of kidney injury molecule 1 （KIM-1）， lysine acetyltransferase 7 （KAT7）， and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A （p21） in kidney tissues were detected by Western blot （WB）. HK-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of YW； cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. WB was used to detect the expression levels of the renal injury marker KIM-1， KAT7， and its downstream protein p21. Cellular senescence was assessed by senescence-associated β-galactosidase （SA-β-Gal） staining. ResultsYW could stably bind to KAT7. In vivo experiments showed that， compared with the model group， all YW dose groups， especially the medium and high doses， significantly reduced the elevated levels of Scr and BUN in AKI mice （P<0.001） and effectively ameliorated renal histopathological damage. YW significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of KIM-1， KAT7， and p21 in kidney tissues （P<0.05）. Concentrations of YW≤10 μmol/L had no significant effect on HK-2 cell viability. YW inhibited the Cis-induced decline in HK-2 cell viability （P<0.05）， suppressed the Cis-induced upregulation of KIM-1， KAT7， and p21 proteins （P<0.05）， and significantly decreased the percentage of SA-β-Gal-positive cells （P<0.01）. ConclusionYW suppresses the expression of KAT7 and p21 proteins and inhibits the decline in HK-2 cell viability in cisplatin-induced AKI， significantly mitigates HK-2 cell senescence， and improves renal function， providing preliminary experimental evidence for developing AKI treatment strategies based on structural optimization of natural products.

ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.

Objective: o analyze the epidemic characteristics of five sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including syphilis, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for the prevention and control strategies of STDs. Methods: Data of the onset time and diagnostic types of STDs cases in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023 were collected from the Infectious Disease Surveillance System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The temporal, regional and population characteristics of five types of STDs was analyzed using the descriptive epidemiological method. Results: A total of 10 895 cases of STDs were reported in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 47.83/105. The average annual reported incidence rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections were 41.11/105, 2.83/105, 2.59/105, 0.43/105 and 0.85/105, respectively. The reported incidence rate of STDs showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023 (P<0.05), with an average annual growth rate of -3.44%. The reported incidence rates of syphilis and gonorrhea showed a decreasing trend (both P<0.05), with average annual growth rates of -4.26% and -6.47%, respectively. The reported incidence rate of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection showed an increasing trend (P<0.05), with an average annual growth rate of 22.32%. Baoying County, Guangling District and Hanjiang District had the top three reported incidence rates of STDs, at 56.61/105, 55.61/105 and 46.50/105, respectively. The average annual reported incidence rate of STDs among males was higher than that among females (53.19/105 vs. 42.54/105, P<0.05). The STD cases were primarily people aged 50 years and above, with 6 641 cases accounting for 60.95%. The occupations of STD cases were mainly farmers, housekeepers and unemployed, with 4 670 and 3 273 cases accounting for 42.86% and 30.04%, respectively. Conclusions The overall reported incidence of STDs in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023 showed a downward trend, while the reported incidence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection showed an upward trend. The individuals aged 50 years and above, farmers, housekeepers and the unemployed were identified as high-risk groups for STDs.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive, high temporal-resolution technique for monitoring brain activity. However, affected by the volume conduction effect, EEG has a low spatial resolution and is difficult to locate brain neuronal activity precisely. The surface Laplacian (SL) technique obtains the Laplacian EEG (LEEG) by estimating the second-order spatial derivative of the scalp potential. LEEG can reflect the radial current activity under the scalp, with positive values indicating current flow from the brain to the scalp (“source”) and negative values indicating current flow from the scalp to the brain (“sink”). It attenuates signals from volume conduction, effectively improving the spatial resolution of EEG, and is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in neural engineering. This paper provides a systematic overview of the principles and development of SL technology. Currently, there are two implementation paths for SL technology: current source density algorithms (CSD) and concentric ring electrodes (CRE). CSD performs the Laplace transform of the EEG signals acquired by conventional disc electrodes to indirectly estimate the LEEG. It can be mainly classified into local methods, global methods, and realistic Laplacian methods. The global method is the most commonly used approach in CSD, which can achieve more accurate estimation compared with the local method, and it does not require additional imaging equipment compared with the realistic Laplacian method. CRE employs new concentric ring electrodes instead of the traditional disc electrodes, and measures the LEEG directly by differential acquisition of the multi-ring signals. Depending on the structure, it can be divided into bipolar CRE, quasi-bipolar CRE, tripolar CRE, and multi-pole CRE. The tripolar CRE is widely used due to its optimal detection performance. While ensuring the quality of signal acquisition, the complexity of its preamplifier is relatively acceptable. Here, this paper introduces the study of the SL technique in resting rhythms, visual-related potentials, movement-related potentials, and sensorimotor rhythms. These studies demonstrate that SL technology can improve signal quality and enhance signal characteristics, confirming its potential applications in neuroscientific research, disease diagnosis, visual pathway detection, and brain-computer interfaces. CSD is frequently utilized in applications such as neuroscientific research and disease detection, where high-precision estimation of LEEG is required. And CRE tends to be used in brain-computer interfaces, that have stringent requirements for real-time data processing. Finally, this paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of SL technology and envisages its future development. SL technology boasts advantages such as reference independence, high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, enhanced source connectivity analysis, and noise suppression. However, it also has shortcomings that can be further improved. Theoretically, simulation experiments should be conducted to investigate the theoretical characteristics of SL technology. For CSD methods, the algorithm needs to be optimized to improve the precision of LEEG estimation, reduce dependence on the number of channels, and decrease computational complexity and time consumption. For CRE methods, the electrodes need to be designed with appropriate structures and sizes, and the low-noise, high common-mode rejection ratio preamplifier should be developed. We hope that this paper can promote the in-depth research and wide application of SL technology.

BACKGROUND:With the continuous progress of science and technology,the introduction of new technologies and methods will bring more possibilities and new breakthroughs for the application of shape memory alloys in the fields of assistive and rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE:To review the application status of shape memory alloys in assistive and rehabilitation equipment,discuss their main methods,techniques and results,summarize and put forward suggestions,hoping that shape memory alloys can be continuously optimized and bring more new changes for the development of assistive and rehabilitation equipment. METHODS:WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases were searched by computer."Shape memory alloys,application progress,orthodontics,orthopedic,prosthesis,rehabilitation,properties,implantation,mechanical properties,nickel-titanium memory alloys,actuation"were used as Chinese search terms."Shape memory alloys,application,orthodontics,orthopedic,prosthetics,rehabilitation,properties,implant,drive,progress,prostheses"were used as English search terms.Finally,91 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Shape memory alloy has the characteristics of corrosion resistance,wear resistance,biocompatibility,fatigue resistance,kink resistance and other properties.Compared with other traditional materials(stainless steel,titanium alloy,cobalt-chromium alloy,etc.),shape memory alloy has lower elastic modulus and no biological toxicity,which is suitable for long-term implantation as an implant prosthesis.Due to its shape memory effect and excellent mechanical properties,it is mainly used as a driving element or as a bridge connecting the device and the human body in artificial limbs,orthoses and rehabilitation equipment.(2)The use of shape memory alloy drive elements can reduce the weight of the device,eliminate noise,easy to operate,easy to carry,better assist joint movement;compared with the use of pneumatic,hydraulic,and electrical drive methods of the device,it has obvious advantages.(3)In addition,shape memory alloy can produce permanent and stable stress during deformation.Compared with stainless steel,titanium alloy and aluminum alloy,shape memory alloy has a higher material recovery rate and does not need to be replaced and adjusted frequently,so it is more practical in the correction of deformity.(4)At present,shape memory alloy is most commonly used in orthosis,and the best clinical application effect is in stapes prosthesis.However,due to the limitations of technology and cost,shape memory alloys are rarely used in artificial limbs and rehabilitation equipment,and there is a lack of large sample size studies on the application effect.(5)Although shape memory alloys have been developed in the field of auxiliary and rehabilitation,there are still many problems:it is difficult to accurately control the shape memory alloys;the cooling speed of shape memory alloy is slow;the deformation speed of shape memory alloy cannot be controlled;there is a lack of comparative research and expert consensus on shape memory alloys with different properties;shape memory alloys are costly and expensive.(6)In the future,attention should be paid to the development of new shape memory alloys,increase comparative research,and use new technologies and methods(such as 4D printing)to solve the existing problems,so as to develop high-performance assistive devices and rehabilitation equipment.

Objective: To investigate the association between expression levels of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1) gene and gout, so as to provide the basis for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of gout. Methods: A total of 179 patients diagnosed with gout at the outpatient department of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital were enrolled in the case group, while 179 healthy individuals matched by age (within 5 years) were selected as the control group. Demographic information, lifestyle, dietary intake and biochemical blood indicators were collected through questionnaires and laboratory tests. The relative expression levels of KCNQ1 gene mRNA were quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of KCNQ1 gene mRNA levels in distinguishing gout. The association between the relative expression level of KCNQ1 gene mRNA and gout, the interaction effects of the relative expression levels of KCNQ1 gene mRNA with dietary intake and biochemical blood indicators on gout were analyzed using a multivariate conditional logistic regression model. Results: There were 112 males (62.57%) and 67 females (37.43%) in the case group, with a mean age of (41.32±10.12) years. There were 98 males (54.75%) and 81 females (45.25%) in the control group, with a mean age of (40.24±7.62) years. The mRNA expression levels of the KCNQ1 gene were higher in the case group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.897 (95%CI: 0.865-0.928). Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis revealed that KCNQ1 gene mRNA expression levels were positively associated with gout risk (OR=1.430, 95%CI: 1.171-1.747). Significant interactions were observed between KCNQ1 mRNA expression and seafood intake (OR=2.107, 95%CI: 1.175-3.779), KCNQ1 gene mRNA expression and uric acid levels (OR=2.373, 95%CI: 1.366-4.119), as well as between uric acid levels and seafood intake (OR=2.321, 95%CI: 1.159-4.678). Conclusion The expression levels of the KCNQ1 gene may increase the risk of gout and further increase the risk through interaction with seafood intake and uric acid levels.

Objective: To investigate the awareness rate of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for AIDS and its influencing factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Methods: From January to June 2024, MSM aged ≥16 years in Yangzhou City were recruited using the snowball sampling method. Basic information, sexual behavior characteristics, awareness and usage of nPEP, and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for AIDS were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting awareness of nPEP among MSM were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 740 participants were enrolled, with a median age of 29 (interquartile range, 14) years. There were 497 participants with a college degree and above educational level, accounting for 67.16%. A total of 541 participants resided in urban areas, accounting for 73.11%. The awareness rate of nPEP was 57.30%. The primary channels for awareness were the internet and healthcare institution promotions, with 159 and 119 participants, accounting for 37.50% and 28.07%, respectively. A total of 57 participants had utilized nPEP, with a usage rate of 7.70%. The main reason for using nPEP was having unprotected sex, with 21 participants, accounting for 36.84%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that unmarried MSM (OR=2.369, 95%CI: 1.236-4.540) and those who were aware of PrEP (OR=28.067, 95%CI: 17.664-44.597) had a significantly higher likelihood of being aware of nPEP. Conclusions The awareness rate and usage rate of nPEP among MSM in Yangzhou City are both relatively low. Awareness of nPEP is mainly influenced by marital status and whether participants are aware of PrEP.

Objective: To investigate the potential protective effect of Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills (STDP) on ischemia-reperfusion injury and its underlying mechanisms in improving endothelial cell function in coronary microvascular disease (CMVD). Methods: A rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury with CMVD was established using ligation and reperfusion of the left anterior descending artery. The effect of STDP (21.6 mg/kg) on cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Evans blue staining. The effects of STDP on the microvascular endothelial barrier were assessed based on nitric oxide production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, structural variety of tight junctions (TJs), and the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, occludin, and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin proteins. The mechanisms of STDP (50 and 100 ng/mL) were evaluated by examining the expression of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), Ras Homolog family member A (RhoA), and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) proteins and the distribution of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in an oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model. Results: The administration of STDP on CMVD rat model significantly improved cardiac and microvascular endothelial cell barrier functions (all P < .05). STDP enhanced the structural integrity of coronary microvascular positioning and distribution by clarifying and completing TJs and increasing the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, and VE-cadherin in vivo (all P < .05). The S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited by STDP in vitro, leading to the regulation of endothelial cell TJs, adhesion junctions, and cytoskeletal morphology. Conclusion STDP showed protective effects on cardiac impairment and microvascular endothelial barrier injury in CMVD model rats induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through the modulation of the S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Circadian rhythms are core regulatory mechanisms that evolved to align biological functions with the Earth's rotation. These rhythms are conserved across organisms from unicellular life to multicellular species and play essential roles in metabolism, immune responses, and sleep-wake cycle. Circadian disruptions are strongly associated with various diseases. Over the past decades, genetic studies in Drosophila and mice have identified key conserved clock genes and uncovered transcription-translation feedback loops governing circadian regulation. Additionally, rhythmic neurons in the brain integrate complex neural circuits to precisely regulate physiological and behavioral rhythms. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the neuronal circuit mechanisms of rhythmic neurons in the Drosophila brain and discusses future directions for translating circadian rhythm research into chronomedicine and precision therapies.
Animals ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics* ; Neurons/physiology* ; Drosophila/physiology* ; Brain/physiology* ; Nerve Net/physiology*