Objective To establish an oxidative stress mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD) by applying 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to the back and post-auricular skin of KM mice, and to evaluate the regulatory role of the RAGE-NLRP3 axis (receptor for advanced glycation end products-NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 axis) in AD-related oxidative stress, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for AD treatment. Methods Twenty SPF-grade female KM mice were randomly divided into a control group (Control group) and an experimental group (DNFB group), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the Control group were treated with an acetone-olive oil vehicle (acetone: olive oil = 3:1) on their back and post-auricular skin. Mice in the DNFB group were treated with 0.5% DNFB (prepared by adding 0.5 g DNFB per 100 mL of acetone-olive oil vehicle) on the same areas, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The severity of skin lesions was scored on days 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 14 of treatment. On day 14, scratching behavior and ear thickness were evaluated. Ear swelling was evaluated on the final day by measuring bilateral ear thickness three times with a vernier caliper; the three measurements were averaged. HE staining was used to observe morphological and structural changes of cells in the back skin tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in skin tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression levels of oxidative stress-related molecules, including NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), caspase-1 (cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease 1), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Results On day 14, the back skin lesion scores of the Control group and DNFB group were (0.20±0.42) and (9.93±1.30) (P<0.000 1), respectively. Scratching behavior scores were (5.00±2.05) and (49.26±8.49) episodes, respectively (P<0.000 1), and ear thicknesses were (213.00±11.87) μm and (765.93±140.47) μm (P<0.000 1), respectively. The DNFB group exhibited marked skin dryness, desquamation, and thickening. HE staining results showed that skin inflammation was obvious in the DNFB group, consistent with the pathological features of AD. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the Control group, the mRNA expression level of RAGE in skin tissues of the DNFB group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression level of RAGE was also significantly increased (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with the Control group, skin tissue sections of the DNFB group exhibited thickened stratum corneum and fibrotic proliferation of fibroblasts in the interstitium under microscopic observation, with a significant increase in RAGE protein expression in the skin tissues (P<0.01). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in skin tissues of the DNFB group were all significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion The AD mouse oxidative stress model has been successfully established by topical DNFB application. RAGE may promote the development of AD by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release, forming an oxidative-inflammatory cascade, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic target for AD.

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen (FIB) combined with lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on ESCC patients who underwent esophagectomy in the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University from 2015 to 2018. Based on the cut-off values of preoperative FIB and LMR, the F-LMR scoring system was constructed, and patients were divided into three groups according to the F-LMR score. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year progression free survival (PFS), and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. Results Finally 260 patients were collected, including 237 males and 23 females, with a median age of 64 years (IQR: 59-70). The 5-year OS rates for patients with F-LMR score of 0, 1, and 2 were 24.44%, 51.69%, and 67.31%, respectively, and the 5-year PFS rates were 15.56%, 42.37%, and 57.62%, respectively. Lower preoperative F-LMR scores were associated with worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that deeper tumor invasion, presence of lymph node metastasis, larger tumor maximum diameter, and lower preoperative F-LMR score were independent risk factors for OS. Conclusion The F-LMR scoring system based on the preoperative FIB and LMR may serve as an effective tool for predicting the prognosis of patients with ESCC.

Objective: To explore the effects of personality and sleep quality with psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents, so as to provide a reference basis for precise interventions of junior and senior high school students mental health. Methods: In October 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select 9 034 students aged 12-17 from Shiyan City as the study subjects. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) were used to collect information on sleep quality and psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Between group comparison was conducted by using t-test and Chi-square test. Generalized linear models were employed to analyze the interaction and joint effects of personality and sleep quality on psychological distress. Results: The generalized linear model analysis showed that the interaction between personality and sleep quality on psychological distress was statistically significant of junior and senior high school students(effect size=0.80, P <0.01). The general linear model analysis indicated that, after adjusting for variables such as age, gender, screen time, and daily sitting time with the extroverted and good sleep quality group as the reference, the introverted and poor sleep quality group had the largest mean difference in psychological distress scores (difference=0.51, P <0.05). When stratified by sleep quality, psychological distress scores were higher in the introverted and neutral personality groups with both poor and good sleep quality compared to the extroverted group (poor sleep quality: introverted difference=3.71, neutral difference=1.14; good sleep quality: introverted difference=2.23, neutral difference=0.57, all P < 0.05). When stratified by personality, psychological distress scores were higher in the poor sleep quality groups for introverted, neutral, and extroverted individuals compared to their good sleep quality counterparts (differences=8.66, 7.83, 7.34, all P < 0.05 ). Conclusions Personality and sleep quality have interactive and joint effects on psychological distress of junior and senior high school stduents. Personalized psychological interventions should be developed based on personality and sleep quality.

ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in clinicopathological features and prognosis between patients with drug-induced vanishing bile duct syndrome （VBDS） and those with VBDS induced by autoimmune liver disease， and to summarize the key points for clinical differentiation. MethodsA total of 67 patients who were diagnosed with VBDS by liver biopsy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Wuxi Fifth People’s Hospital from January 2018 to June 2024 were enrolled as subjects， among whom 18 had drug-induced VBDS （D-VBDS group） and 49 had VBDS induced by autoimmune liver disease （A-VBDS group）. Related data were collected， including general information， clinical symptoms and signs， laboratory markers， liver pathomorphological features， and prognosis. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsAmong the 67 VBDS patients， female patients accounted for a higher proportion （80.60%）， and the patients aged 40 — 59 years accounted for 55.22%； there were 18 patients （26.87%） with D-VBDS and 49 patients （73.13%） with A-VBDS. Yellow urine （83.58%） was the most common clinical symptom in VBDS patients， followed by fatigue （64.18%）， poor appetite （64.18%）， jaundice of the sclera （62.69%）， abdominal distension （23.88%）， pruritus （23.88%）， nausea and vomiting （20.90%）， and fever （13.43%）. Compared with the D-VBDS group， the A-VBDS group had a significantly higher degree of plasma cell infiltration and a significantly lower degree of canalicular bile plugs （χ²=14.186， 6.568， both P<0.05）. Compared with the A-VBDS group， the D-VBDS group had significantly higher peak levels of alanine aminotransferase， total bilirubin， direct bilirubin， and indirect bilirubin （Z=-2.546， -2.957， -2.628， -2.772， all P<0.05）. Compared with the D-VBDS group， the patients in the A-VBDS group were more likely to develop liver cirrhosis （χ²=4.682， P=0.030）. ConclusionThe levels of alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin and liver pathomorphological features are objective indicators for differentiating D-VBDS from A-VBDS， and they are of great importance for clarifying diagnosis and determining the degree of liver injury. Patients with A-VBDS are more likely to develop liver cirrhosis.

Objective: Previous studies have discovered a correlation between cigarette smoking and cortical thickness and surface area, but the causal relationship remains unclear. The objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the causal association between them. Methods: To derive summary statistics from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on cortical thickness, surface area, and four smoking behaviors: 1) age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk); 2) smoking initiation (SmkInit); 3) smoking cessation (SmkCes); 4) cigarettes per day (CigDay). Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was employed to examine genetic association analysis. Furthermore, for traits with significant genetic associations, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted. Results: The LDSC analysis revealed nominal genetic correlations between AgeSmk and right precentral surface area, left caudal anterior cingulate surface area, left cuneus surface area, left inferior parietal surface area, and right caudal anterior cingulate thickness, as well as between CigDay and left caudal middle frontal surface area, between SmkCes and left entorhinal thickness, and between SmkInit and left rostral anterior cingulate surface area, right rostral anterior cingulate thickness, and right superior frontal thickness (rg=-0.36–0.29, p<0.05). MR analysis showed a unidirectional causal association between left caudal middle frontal surface area and CigDay (βIVW=0.056, pBonferroni=2×10-4). Conclusion Left caudal middle frontal surface area has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of smoking behavior.

Objective To understand the changes in self-rated health among middle-aged and elderly individuals in China and the influencing factors,providing a reference for improving health and promoting healthy aging.Methods Using data from the China Health and Aged Care Tracking Survey(CHARLS)from 2011 to 2020,this study analyzed 3595 middle-aged and elderly individuals(≥45 years old)who participated in all five rounds of the survey from 2011 to 2020.Univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression were employed to analyze the influencing factors of self-rated health changes.Results Among the 3 595 middle-aged and elderly individuals,26.54％reported an increase in self-rated health,28.40％reported a decrease,and 45.06％reported no change.The multinomial logistic regression results indicated that compared to those with unchanged self-rated health,individuals whose self-rated health declined were more likely to have an increased number of Activities of Daily Living(ADLs),a higher number of chronic diseases,not engaging in at least 10 minutes of light physical activity per week,and a decline in life satisfaction levels.The odds ratios for these factors were 1.415(OR=1.415,95％CI:1.181～1.694),1.479(OR=1.479,95％CI:1.225～1.785),1.454(OR=1.486,95％CI:1.172～1.804),and 1.263(OR=1.237,95％CI:1.043～1.530),respectively.In contrast,individuals whose self-rated health improved,compared to those with unchanged health,were more likely to report an increase in life satisfaction levels,while an increase in ADLs and chronic diseases negatively impacted self-rated health improvement.The odds ratios for these factors were 1.698(OR=1.698,95％CI:1.425～2.023),0.769(OR=0.769,95％CI:0.646～0.915),and 0.689(OR=0.689,95％CI:0.549～0.865),respectively.Conclusion From 2011 to 2020,the self-rated health of middle-aged and elderly individuals in China has slightly declined,with a focus on improving physical health status,increasing physical activity,and addressing mental health as key areas for enhancing self-rated health among the elderly in China.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of long non-coding RNA RMRP(LncRNA RMRP) on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R)-induced ferroptosis in mouse HL-1 cardiomyocytes by regulating miR-766-5p. Methods: HL-1 cells were cultured in vitro, and OGD/R models were established. The expression levels of LncRNA RMRP in HL-1 cells at various reperfusion time points were subsequently quantified using qRT-PCR. The LncRNA RMRP small RNA interference fragment(si-RMRP) and its corresponding negative control(si-NC), as well as the miR-766-5p inhibitor and its respective negative control(inhibitor-NC), were transfected into HL-1 cells. Subsequently, the cells were subjected to OGD/R treatment. CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate cell viability. Assay kits were employed to measure the levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the cell supernatant, as well as the intracellular levels of malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione(GSH), and ferrous ion(Fe2+). qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to assess the expression levels of LncRNA RMRP and miR-766-5p. Western blot analysis was conducted to assess the expression levels of proteins associated with ferroptosis including GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the sponge adsorption relationship between LncRNA RMRP and miR-766-5p. Results: As reperfusion time extended, the expression level of LncRNA RMRP in cells progressively increased(P2+ levels within the cells, and decreased the activities of SOD and GSH in cells(P2+ levels within the cells, and promoting SOD and GSH activities in cells(PP < 0. 01) . Furthermore , silencing LncRNA RMRP upregulated the protein expression levels of GPX4 , SLC7A11 , and FTH1(P < 0. 01) . The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that LncRNA RMRP could regulate the expression of miR-766- 5p through a sponge adsorption mechanism. Partial inhibition of miR-766-5p inhibitor expression could mitigate the improvement effect caused by LncRNA RMRP silencing on OGD/R-induced ferroptosis in HL-1 cells. Conclusion Silencing LncRNA RMRP inhibits OGD/R-induced ferroptosis in HL-1 cells , potentially through the sponge-mediated regulation of miR-766-5p expression.

Forensic medicine has been designated as a first-level discipline,presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of forensic medicine.Since the 1980s,the establishment of foren-sic medicine discipline and the cultivation of high-level forensic talents have become hot topics in the development of forensic medicine in China.Since the 13th Five-Year Plan,the forensic team of Shanxi Medical University has been aiming at the forefront,proposing the development goals of"Five First-class"and the discipline development path"Six Major Achievements".It has selected benchmark disci-plines,identified gaps in disciplinary development,unified thoughts,formulated completion timelines,concentrated superior resources,assigned tasks to individuals,and created an"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"forensic medicine discipline construction model with the characteristics of the new era.The construction model of forensic medicine has achieved good results in the goals,discipline frame-work,scientific research,talent cultivation,discipline team and platform construction,forming a rela-tively complete discipline construction and management system,and accumulating valuable experience for the construction of first-level discipline and high-level talent cultivation of forensic medicine.