The development of atherosclerosis （AS） is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities. These alterations are fundamentally characterized by metabolic reprogramming， in which the tricarboxylic acid （TCA） cycle serves as a central regulatory hub. Disruption of the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates， including succinate， α -ketoglutarate， and itaconate， contributes to AS progression through multiple mechanisms， such as the modulation of oxidative stress， inflammation， and glucose and lipid metabolic networks. Owing to their multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory properties， bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） have demonstrated unique advantages in correcting metabolic dysregulation. Flavonoids， glycosides， and other bioactive constituents of TCM can target key enzymes and metabolites involved in the TCA cycle， thereby restoring aberrant metabolic reprogramming， alleviating endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress， inflammation， and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders， ultimately improving metabolic homeostasis and attenuating the progression of AS.

The development of atherosclerosis （AS） is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities. These alterations are fundamentally characterized by metabolic reprogramming， in which the tricarboxylic acid （TCA） cycle serves as a central regulatory hub. Disruption of the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates， including succinate， α -ketoglutarate， and itaconate， contributes to AS progression through multiple mechanisms， such as the modulation of oxidative stress， inflammation， and glucose and lipid metabolic networks. Owing to their multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory properties， bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） have demonstrated unique advantages in correcting metabolic dysregulation. Flavonoids， glycosides， and other bioactive constituents of TCM can target key enzymes and metabolites involved in the TCA cycle， thereby restoring aberrant metabolic reprogramming， alleviating endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress， inflammation， and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders， ultimately improving metabolic homeostasis and attenuating the progression of AS.

Objective: To examine the associations of pet ownership and daily outdoor activity duration with depressive symptoms in middle school students, so as to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies of depressive symptoms in middle school students. Methods: Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 83 601 middle and high school students from 103 districts and counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected in 2024. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect demographic data, household pet ownership, outdoor activity duration, and depressive symptoms of the research subjects. The comparison of reporting rates of depressive symptoms among different groups of middle school students was conducted using a χ 2 test. The association between pet ownership and outdoor activity duration and depressive symptoms among middle school students was evaluated using a Logistic regression model, and stratified analysis was conducted among different genders and regions to control for potential confounding factors and evaluate the stability of the association. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among middleschool students in Inner Mongolia was 17.2%. Significant differences in depressive symptom reporting rates were observed across sex, grade, ethnicity, surveillance site, parental education, menarche/spermarche status, boarding status, smoking and alcohol use, daily breakfast consumption, school bullying, continuous 30 minute headphone use in a noisy environment, and often use the Internet ( χ 2=8.07-2 672.57, all P <0.01). Both pet ownership ( OR =0.78, 95% CI =0.75-0.81) and ≥2 h/d of outdoor activity( OR =0.81, 95% CI =0.78-0.84) were inversely associated with depressive symptoms;compared to the without owning pets and < 2 h of outdoor activity daily group, students who both owned pets and engaged in ≥2 h of outdoor activity daily had an even lower risk ( OR =0.83, 95% CI =0.78-0.87)(all P <0.05). Conclusion Pet ownership and increased daily outdoor activity duration may help mitigate depressive symptoms among middle school students.

Background The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a vast area with a wide array of ecological environments, resulting in considerable regional variations in air pollution characteristics. Current research is limited by a scarcity of systematic, region-wide studies and risk assessments. Objective To assess the health risks associated with inhalation exposure to nine heavy metal and metalloid elements in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) for the population of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Methods From the 10th to the 16th of each month throughout 2023, atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at designated monitoring sites in 12 leagues (cities) across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to analyze the characteristics and trends in concentration. The health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was employed to evaluate both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the heavy metal elements beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), hydrargyrum (Hg), plumbum (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) and the metalloid elements stibium (Sb) and arsenic (As). Results In 2023, a total of 1206 valid PM_2.5 samples were analyzed from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The annual average PM_2.5 concentrations in Inner Mongolia, as well as in the cities of Ordos, Wuhai, and the Alxa League, all exceeded the national limit of 35 μg·m⁻³. The PM_2.5 concentrations across the leagues (cities) exhibited a clear seasonal variation, peaking in winter, followed by spring, and reaching a minimum in summer and autumn. The median PM_2.5 concentration in Ordos throughout the year was higher than that in the other leagues (cities) of the region. Concerning health risks, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the 9 elements detected in each league (city) were all below 1, indicating acceptable levels. However, the non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn, Cr, and As were relatively high; specifically, Ordos City displayed the highest non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn (7.74×10⁻¹) and Cr (2.97×10⁻²), while Chifeng City recorded the highest value for As (2.34×10⁻³). The carcinogenic risk values for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni fell within the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁵, representing an acceptable level. The health risks varied with age, and the elderly residents faced the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Conclusion While the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metals and metalloids within atmospheric PM_2.5 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are generally within acceptable limits, the potential risks that Mn, As, and Cr pose to the health of elderly people warrants particular attention, and Ordos and Chifeng cities exhibit notably higher health risks among other areas. It is recommended that regular, long-term monitoring be conducted, taking into account the specific conditions at monitoring sites across each league (city), and that targeted air quality management strategies be implemented to protect public health.

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of de novo lipogenesis and modulates lipid homeostasis. Although numerous SCD1 inhibitors were tested for treating metabolic disorders both in preclinical and clinic studies, the tissue-specific roles of SCD1 in modulating obesity-associated metabolic disorders and determining the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition remain unclear. Here a novel role for intestinal SCD1 in obesity-associated metabolic disorders was uncovered. Intestinal SCD1 was found to be induced during obesity progression both in humans and mice. Intestine-specific, but not liver-specific, SCD1 deficiency reduced obesity and hepatic steatosis. A939572, an SCD1-specific inhibitor, ameliorated obesity and hepatic steatosis dependent on intestinal, but not hepatic, SCD1. Mechanistically, intestinal SCD1 deficiency impeded obesity-induced oxidative stress through its novel function of inducing metallothionein 1 in intestinal epithelial cells. These results suggest that intestinal SCD1 could be a viable target that underlies the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition in the treatment of obesity-associated metabolic disorders.

Objective:To investigate auricular acupressure combined with massage-tapping exercises on body indicators, blood lipids, and liver function in patients with obesity-related fatty liver disease.Methods:This retrospective study included 78 patients with obesity-related fatty liver disease admitted to Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on different treatment methods: the conventional group (36 patients receiving conventional interventions) and the combined group (36 patients receiving auricular acupressure combined with massage-tapping exercises in addition to conventional interventions). The total response rates, physical indicators (body weight, body mass index), blood lipid levels (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and liver function indicators (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results:The total response rate in the combined group was 94.87% (37/39), which was significantly higher than the 76.92% (30/39) in the conventional group ( χ2 = 5.19, P < 0.05). After intervention, the combined group showed lower body weight [(70.42 ± 8.32) kg vs. (75.84 ± 8.46) kg], lower body mass index [(24.32 ± 1.26) kg/m2 vs. (25.48 ± 1.30) kg/m2], lower triglycerides [(1.62 ± 0.42) mmol/L vs. (2.94 ± 0.78) mmol/L], lower total cholesterol [(5.24 ± 0.54) mmol/L vs. (6.72 ± 0.66) mmol/L], lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [(2.14 ± 0.46) mmol/L vs. (2.78 ± 0.50) mmol/L], lower aspartate aminotransferase [(35.32 ± 4.38) U/L vs. (40.16 ± 5.14) U/L], lower alanine aminotransferase [(31.05 ± 4.20) U/L vs. (37.24 ± 4.56) U/L], and lower gamma-glutamyltransferase [(43.35 ± 8.74) U/L vs. (57.62 ± 9.04) U/L] levels compared with the conventional group. The combined group showed higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level compared with the conventional group [(1.85 ± 0.26) mmol/L vs. (1.26 ± 0.30) mmol/L]. All differences were statistically significant ( t = 2.85, 4.00, 9.31, 10.84, 5.88, 4.48, 6.24, 7.09, 9.28, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:The combination of auricular acupressure and massage-tapping exercises is effective in treating obesity-related fatty liver disease in patients. This approach can regulate physical indicators, improve lipid metabolism, and enhance liver function, making it a method worth promoting in clinical practice.

Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Ordos City and provide reference and theoretical guidance for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:The surveillance data of human brucellosis cases and the serological surveillance data of key occupational populations reported by the Ordos City Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2013 to 2022 were collected and analyzed descriptively. ArcGIS 10.8 software was used to draw a spatial distribution map of human brucellosis in Ordos City, and SPSS 26.0 software was used to conduct Spearman correlation analysis to further explore the impact of economic factors on human brucellosis.Results:From 2013 to 2022, a total of 8 676 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Ordos City, with an average annual incidence rate of 40.93/100 000. In 2022, 2 570 cases were reported, with an incidence rate of 116.78/100 000, reaching the peak in the past 10 years. The cases were mainly distributed in Dalad Banner, Hangjin Banner, and Otog Front Banner, with a total of 6 415 cases, accounting for 73.94% of the total number of cases. The spatial distribution spread from north to south and from north to east. The majority of cases were in the age group of 40 to 65 years old (6 061 cases, accounting for 69.86%), male (6 089 cases, accounting for 70.18%), and farmers and herdsmen (7 367 cases, accounting for 84.91%). The median time interval between onset and diagnosis was 16 days. The positive rate of serological surveillance in key occupational groups was 5.38% (7 058/131 229). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the number of agricultural legal entities, the number of animal husbandry legal entities, regional gross domestic product, per capita disposable income of rural and pastoral residents, total agricultural output value, the number of cattle and sheep at the end of the year, milk production, and mutton production were important factors affecting the incidence of brucellosis ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of brucellosis in Ordos City is on the rise, and the epidemic situation is severe. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and joint prevention and control of human brucellosis to prevent the spread and expansion of the epidemic.

Objective·To explore the value of combined diaphragm and intercostal muscle ultrasound assessment compared with conventional diaphragm ultrasound in predicting the weaning outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.Methods·Mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis,consecutively admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from October 2022 to December 2023,were selected.During the peri-weaning period,after the patient's sepsis condition improved and the patient passed the spontaneous breathing trial(SBT),ultrasound evaluation of respiratory muscles was performed by ultrasound qualified personnel with ultrasound qualification and experience in bedside ultrasound examination.Diaphragm excursion(DE),thickening fraction of diaphragm(TFD),and thickening fraction of intercostal muscle(TFic)were measured,respectively.The patients were divided into a successful weaning group(n=114)and a failed weaning group(n=24)according to the weaning results.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to analyze the value of diaphragm ultrasound and intercostal muscle ultrasound,alone and in combination,in predicting ventilator weaning outcome.Results·TFic and TFic/TFD were significantly higher in the failed weaning group during SBT than in the successful weaning group(all P<0.05).The areas under the ROC curve(AUROC)of DE,TFD,and TFic to predict weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis during the period of SBT were 0.689(0.591?0.776),0.657(0.557?0.747),and 0.769(0.676?0.846),respectively,whereas the combined indexes TFic/TFD and TFic&TFD_mix had AUROCs of 0.867(0.786?0.925)and 0.860(0.778?0.920),respectively.TFic/TFD with a cutoff value of>0.95 had a sensitivity of 86.7%and a specificity of 75.3%in predicting weaning failure,and TFic&TFD_mix with a cutoff value of>0.13 had a sensitivity of 86.6%and a specificity of 80.9%in predicting weaning failure.Moreover,the intercostal muscle ultrasonography method had an intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)of 0.890 and an extra-observer ICC of 0.876 for measurement reliability,which were both rated as good(P<0.001).Conclusion·Combined diaphragm and intercostal muscle ultrasonography provides a more comprehensive picture of the patient's overall respiratory muscles,and has a higher guiding value in predicting the weaning outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis than diaphragm ultrasound alone.

To develop biocontrol agents for the control of kiwifruit bacterial canker, we isolated a strain CXG2-5 with inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the pathogen of kiwifruit bacterial canker, from the rhizosphere soil of kiwifruit by the plate confrontation test. The strain was identified by morphological observation, physiological and biochemical tests, and molecular biological methods. The indoor control efficacy of the strain was determined by the inoculation of the strain into detached branches with wounds and into leaf discs by vacuum infiltration. The ability of the strain to expand and colonize leaf veins was determined by fluorescent labeling and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the strain was prepared into microcapsules, the field control efficacy of which was evaluated. The strain CXG2-5 was identified as Pseudomonas benzenivorans. It demonstrated good antagonistic activity against Psa, with an inhibition zone diameter of 22 mm and an inhibition rate of 72.7%. The preventive effects of the strain on kiwifruit bacterial canker were better than the therapeutic effects on both detached branches and leaves, with the preventive effects reaching 65% and 92.4%, respectively. The control effect of microcapsules of this strain in the field reached 60.89%, which was slightly lower than that of 20% kasugamycin and higher than that of Bacillus subtilis wettable powder. In conclusion, strain CXG2-5 serves as a candidate for the control of kiwifruit bacterial canker, and the prepared microcapsules have good value for development and application.
Actinidia/microbiology* ; Plant Diseases/prevention & control* ; Pseudomonas syringae ; Pseudomonas/isolation & purification* ; Capsules ; Antibiosis ; Biological Control Agents ; Pest Control, Biological/methods*

This study aims to explore protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)on intestinal damage caused by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in chicks.Network pharmacology was initially employed to determine the target proteins of wolfberry in the prevention and treatment of IBD.Following this,protein-protein interaction analy-sis,GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,and molecular docking studies were conducted.Subsequently,an animal study was conducted:a total of 100 one-day-old male Hy-line brown lay-ing hens were randomly divided into five groups:a blank control group(CON),an LPS treatment group(LPS),a low-dose LBP group(LPS+LBP 0.25 g/L,L-LBP),a medium-dose LBP group(LPS+LBP 0.5 g/L,M-LBP),and a high-dose LBP group(LPS+LBP 1 g/L,H-LBP).Upon reac-hing 21 days old,duodenal,jejunal,ileal,and cecal tissues were collected to determine SOD and GSH-Px levels.Furthermore,the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,IL-6,IL-1β and TP53 in the intestinal tissues were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.The results demonstrated that network pharmacology identified 45 active ingredients in wolfberry that target 116 key protein sites,including TNF,AKT1 and IL6.The primary objectives focus on signaling pathways including AGE-RAGE,IL-17,TNF,HIF-1,and NF-κB.Molecular docking showed excellent ligand-receptor docking scores,with stable binding facilitated by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.Compared to the LPS group,the 0.5 g/L LBP exhibited notably higher levels of SOD and T-AOC.In comparison with the LPS group,the medium and high-dose LBP experimental groups showed notably decreased the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,AKT1,IL-6,and IL-1β,while TP53 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated(P＜0.01).In summary,wolfberry exerts preventive and therapeutic effects on IBD through a multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway mecha-nism.