ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

Objective To understand mosquito density, species composition, and seasonal variations around the Beijing Capital International Airport(BCIA)and provide scientific evidence for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control. Methods Meteorological data were collected from 2016 to 2022, and mosquito density was monitored at seven surveillance sites around the BCIA from May to October each year using CO2-baited mosquito traps to analyze the relationship between mosquito density and meteorological factors. Results In total,68 518 female mosquitoes were captured, with a mosquito density of 10.20 per light · hour. The dominant species was Culex pipiens pallens(73.90%), followed by Aedes albopictus(9.71%)and Ae. vexans(9.29%);the mosquito density was highest in 2016(14.8 per light·hour)and lowest in 2022(4.46 per light·hour). Significant statistical differences were observed in mosquito density among different species(F=18.118, P<0.05). The density of Cx. pipiens pallens and other mosquito species showed a mutually exclusive trend; the peak of mosquito density varied based on years and habitats, with significant statistical differences in mosquito density among different habitats(F=8.504, P<0.05). The highest mosquito density was observed near the Wenyu River(21.50 per light·hour), whereas the lowest was recorded at the BCIA construction site(2.44 per light· hour). The monthly average temperature(r=0.595), monthly average highest temperature(r=0.575), and monthly average lowest temperature(r=0.624)showed moderate positive correlations, whereas the monthly average air pressure(r=-0.484)showed a moderate negative correlation. The monthly average minimum temperature was included in the regression model(F=25.575, P<0.000), and the equation Y=1.029X4-8.181 was used. The monthly average air pressure 2 months prior(b=-2.418, β=-1.619, P<0.05)and the monthly average relative humidity(b=-0.739, β=-1.201, P<0.05)significantly negatively predicted the mosquito density. Notably, the regression equation used was y=2526.170+(-2.418)X9+(-0.739)X13. The exposure-response analysis revealed that the density of mosquitoes was not linearly related to the average monthly air pressure, rainfall, and duration of sunshine. Conclusions The dominant mosquito species around the BCIA was Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. vexans. During the control of Cx. pipiens pallens, the impact on other mosquito species must also be considered. Environmental management, breeding sites, and scientific use of pesticides should be prioritized based on the activity periods of mosquitoes. Further studies on mosquitoes and meteorological factors should be conducted to provide references and novel avenues for mosquito control.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of gut microbiota distribution in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome（CVS）complicated by constipation.Methods:The children with CVS, aged from 1 to 16 years, who were admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from June 2022 to January 2024, were divided into constipation group and normal group(non-constipation group) according to whether they were complicated with constipation or not.The clinical data and stool samples of children were collect. The abundance, diversity and composition of intestinal flora in fecal samples of two groups were detected by metagenomics sequencing.Results:A total of 20 children with CVS were collected, including 10 patients in constipation group and 10 patients in normal group.There were no significant differences in general demographic data between the two groups, including age at admission, age at first onset, body mass index, gender distribution, disease severity, endoscopic findings, and abdominal pain patterns.Microbiome analysis yielded 470 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with 414 OTUs identified in normal group and 56 OTUs in constipation group. The abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in constipation group were significantly lower than those in normal group. Principal coordinate analysis and principal component analysis indicated significant structural differences in gut microbiota composition between the two groups. LEfSe analysis revealed distinct taxonomic patterns between the two groups, with the normal group demonstrating predominant representation of Firmicutes at the phylum level, while the constipation group showed higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the carbon metabolism pathways was significantly enriched in the constipation group.Conclusion:There are significant differences in intestinal flora between CVS children with and without comorbid constipation.Bacteroides and Actinomycetes play an important role in constipation of children with CVS. The diversity and metabolic function of intestinal flora may be one of the pathological mechanisms of CVS complicated with constipation.

The ocean plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle,and base on the"dual carbon"goals,ocean carbon sinks have received widespread attention.Shellfish aquaculture is one of the most important sources of carbon sinks in fisheries,which has an important impact on the offshore carbon cy-cle.As global temperature rises and ocean acidification intensifies,the capacity of the ocean to absorb CO2 will change.However,the effects of high temperature on the physiology and transcriptome related to carbon metabolism in Mytilus coruscus are not clear enough.This study investigated the effects of high temperatures on the total carbon content,carbon metabolism,antioxidant-related enzyme activities,and the transcriptome of Mytilus coruscus.The results showed that high temperature significantly inhibited the activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase,increased carbonic anhydrase activity(P＜0.05),de-creased the ATP content of digestive glands(P＜0.05),and affected glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle,leading to a significant decrease in the mussel's ability to sequester carbon.High temperature re-sulted in significant(P＜0.05)increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde,and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase.Observations by transmission electron microscopy showed that high temperatures damaged the subcellular structure of the digestive gland in Mytilus coruscus,resulting in the shrinkage of the nucleolus,swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum,and a significant reduction in the mitochondrial cristae.Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum,antigen pro-cessing and presentation,and MAPK signaling pathway.The downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in necroptosis,DNA replication,and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway.In antioxidant-related DEGs,the upregulated DEGs include vitamin K epoxide reductase,peroxidases,heat shock protein 105 kD,heat shock protein 70 kD,and superoxide dismutase;The downregulated DEGs mainly included NADPH oxidase,glutathione reductase,cytochrome b-245,cytochrome P450,and quinone reductase.The up-regulated genes enriched in the carbon metabolism pathway included chitinase,phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase,phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,galactokinase,and inositol trisphosphate 3-kinase.The downregulated genes included aldose-1-epimerase,carbonic anhydrase,galactose mutaro-tase,acyl-CoA synthetase,alcohol dehydrogenase,and hexokinase.In conclusion,high temperature has an inhibitory effect on the activities of enzymes and the expression of genes related to carbon metabolism in Mytilus coruscus.The results of this study are intended to provide a scientific basis for the healthy de-velopment of mussel aquaculture and the assessment of carbon sinks.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of gut microbiota distribution in children with cyclic vomiting syndrome（CVS）complicated by constipation.Methods:The children with CVS, aged from 1 to 16 years, who were admitted to Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from June 2022 to January 2024, were divided into constipation group and normal group(non-constipation group) according to whether they were complicated with constipation or not.The clinical data and stool samples of children were collect. The abundance, diversity and composition of intestinal flora in fecal samples of two groups were detected by metagenomics sequencing.Results:A total of 20 children with CVS were collected, including 10 patients in constipation group and 10 patients in normal group.There were no significant differences in general demographic data between the two groups, including age at admission, age at first onset, body mass index, gender distribution, disease severity, endoscopic findings, and abdominal pain patterns.Microbiome analysis yielded 470 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), with 414 OTUs identified in normal group and 56 OTUs in constipation group. The abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in constipation group were significantly lower than those in normal group. Principal coordinate analysis and principal component analysis indicated significant structural differences in gut microbiota composition between the two groups. LEfSe analysis revealed distinct taxonomic patterns between the two groups, with the normal group demonstrating predominant representation of Firmicutes at the phylum level, while the constipation group showed higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the carbon metabolism pathways was significantly enriched in the constipation group.Conclusion:There are significant differences in intestinal flora between CVS children with and without comorbid constipation.Bacteroides and Actinomycetes play an important role in constipation of children with CVS. The diversity and metabolic function of intestinal flora may be one of the pathological mechanisms of CVS complicated with constipation.

The ocean plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle,and base on the"dual carbon"goals,ocean carbon sinks have received widespread attention.Shellfish aquaculture is one of the most important sources of carbon sinks in fisheries,which has an important impact on the offshore carbon cy-cle.As global temperature rises and ocean acidification intensifies,the capacity of the ocean to absorb CO2 will change.However,the effects of high temperature on the physiology and transcriptome related to carbon metabolism in Mytilus coruscus are not clear enough.This study investigated the effects of high temperatures on the total carbon content,carbon metabolism,antioxidant-related enzyme activities,and the transcriptome of Mytilus coruscus.The results showed that high temperature significantly inhibited the activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase,increased carbonic anhydrase activity(P＜0.05),de-creased the ATP content of digestive glands(P＜0.05),and affected glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle,leading to a significant decrease in the mussel's ability to sequester carbon.High temperature re-sulted in significant(P＜0.05)increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde,and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase.Observations by transmission electron microscopy showed that high temperatures damaged the subcellular structure of the digestive gland in Mytilus coruscus,resulting in the shrinkage of the nucleolus,swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum,and a significant reduction in the mitochondrial cristae.Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum,antigen pro-cessing and presentation,and MAPK signaling pathway.The downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in necroptosis,DNA replication,and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway.In antioxidant-related DEGs,the upregulated DEGs include vitamin K epoxide reductase,peroxidases,heat shock protein 105 kD,heat shock protein 70 kD,and superoxide dismutase;The downregulated DEGs mainly included NADPH oxidase,glutathione reductase,cytochrome b-245,cytochrome P450,and quinone reductase.The up-regulated genes enriched in the carbon metabolism pathway included chitinase,phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase,phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,galactokinase,and inositol trisphosphate 3-kinase.The downregulated genes included aldose-1-epimerase,carbonic anhydrase,galactose mutaro-tase,acyl-CoA synthetase,alcohol dehydrogenase,and hexokinase.In conclusion,high temperature has an inhibitory effect on the activities of enzymes and the expression of genes related to carbon metabolism in Mytilus coruscus.The results of this study are intended to provide a scientific basis for the healthy de-velopment of mussel aquaculture and the assessment of carbon sinks.

Electromagnetic fields can regulate the fundamental biological processes involved in bone remodeling. As a non-invasive physical therapy, electromagnetic fields with specific parameters have demonstrated therapeutic effects on bone remodeling diseases, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Electromagnetic fields can be generated by the movement of charged particles or induced by varying currents. Based on whether the strength and direction of the electric field change over time, electromagnetic fields can be classified into static and time-varying fields. The treatment of bone remodeling diseases with static magnetic fields primarily focuses on fractures, often using magnetic splints to immobilize the fracture site while studying the effects of static magnetic fields on bone healing. However, there has been relatively little research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis using static magnetic fields. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, a type of time-varying field, have been widely used in clinical studies for treating fractures, osteoporosis, and non-union. However, current clinical applications are limited to low-frequency, and research on the relationship between frequency and biological effects remains insufficient. We believe that different types of electromagnetic fields acting on bone can induce various “secondary physical quantities”, such as magnetism, force, electricity, acoustics, and thermal energy, which can stimulate bone cells either individually or simultaneously. Bone cells possess specific electromagnetic properties, and in a static magnetic field, the presence of a magnetic field gradient can exert a certain magnetism on the bone tissue, leading to observable effects. In a time-varying magnetic field, the charged particles within the bone experience varying Lorentz forces, causing vibrations and generating acoustic effects. Additionally, as the frequency of the time-varying field increases, induced currents or potentials can be generated within the bone, leading to electrical effects. When the frequency and power exceed a certain threshold, electromagnetic energy can be converted into thermal energy, producing thermal effects. In summary, external electromagnetic fields with different characteristics can generate multiple physical quantities within biological tissues, such as magnetic, electric, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal effects. These physical quantities may also interact and couple with each other, stimulating the biological tissues in a combined or composite manner, thereby producing biological effects. This understanding is key to elucidating the electromagnetic mechanisms of how electromagnetic fields influence biological tissues. In the study of electromagnetic fields for bone remodeling diseases, attention should be paid to the biological effects of bone remodeling under different electromagnetic wave characteristics. This includes exploring innovative electromagnetic source technologies applicable to bone remodeling, identifying safe and effective electromagnetic field parameters, and combining basic research with technological invention to develop scientifically grounded, advanced key technologies for innovative electromagnetic treatment devices targeting bone remodeling diseases. In conclusion, electromagnetic fields and multiple physical factors have the potential to prevent and treat bone remodeling diseases, and have significant application prospects.

AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Compound Fufangteng Mixture(CFM)on cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced immunosuppression in mice.METHODS Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the blank control group,the model group,the levamisole hydrochloride group(40 mg/kg)and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose CFM groups(3.75,7.5,10 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group,and given respective intervention orally once daily for 14 days.On the 5th to 7th day of administration,with the blank control group given normal saline intraperitoneally,the other groups underwent intraperitoneal CTX injections(80 mg/kg).24 hours after the last administration,organ indices of thymus and spleen were calculated;splenic histopathological alterations were assessed by HE staining;serum levels of IL-2,IL-6 and IgG were quantified using ELISA;splenic CD4+,CD8+T lymphocytes,alongside CD86+and CD206+macrophages populations were analyzed by flow cytometry;and splenic expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS In CTX-treated mice,CFM administration mitigated body weight loss;enhanced thymus weight and thymic index;ameliorated splenic immune cell populations,elevated serum levels of cytokines IL-2,IL-6 and IgG in serum;and upregulated splenic levels of CD45+CD3+T lymphocytes and F4/80+CD11b+macrophages,alongside increasing the expression of CD4,CD8 and F4/80 surface markers.CONCLUSION CFM alleviates CTX-induced immunosuppression state in mice by modulating immune cells,restoring immune function and enhancing anti-inflammatory and tissue repair capabilities.

Objective To investigate the potential mechanisms by which the natural herbal monomer scutellarin alleviates ischemic stroke(IS)using network pharmacology and in vivo experimental validation.Methods Potential targets of scutellarin were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction and PharmMapper,and standardized via UniProt.IS-related differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were obtained from the GSE22255 dataset in the GEO database,with screening criteria of|log10FC|≥1 and P＜0.05.Venny 2.1.0 analysis was used to identify overlapping targets.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using STRING and visualized in cytoscape.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses were performed.Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina 1.5.6 to assess the binding affinity between scutellarin and hub targets.Middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)mouse model was established and divided into sham,MCAO,and MCAO+scutellarin groups.Real-time PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of hub genes and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt pathway components in the ischemic cortex.Results A total of 325 scutellarin targets and 2168 IS-related DEGs were identified,with 29 overlapping targets.GO analysis yielded 51 biological processes,5 cellular components,and 8 molecular functions.KEGG enrichment highlighted PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways.PPI analysis identified Caspase-3,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2),peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha(PPARA),and interleukin-2(IL-2)as key hub proteins.Molecular docking showed strong binding affinities between scutellarin and these proteins.Real-time PCR result confirmed that scutellarin modulated the expression of hub genes and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusion In the MCAO mouse model,scutellarin exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating targets such as CASP3,EGFR,PTGS2,PPARA,and IL-2,and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,exhibiting multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics.