Objective: To evaluate the performance of 5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in visualizing dental pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues in vivo in the young adult population, thereby providing a basis for the application of high-field MRI technology in clinical oral examinations. Methods: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the hospital. A total of 15 healthy volunteers (413 permanent teeth altogether) were recruited and underwent full-mouth 5T MRI scans. Among them, six volunteers (168 permanent teeth) also received both 3T MRI and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Two dental specialists independently evaluated the imaging quality of the dental pulp and PDL on the images using a 5-point Likert scale and recorded the number of detectable root canals for each tooth. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using weighted kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Non-parametric tests were employed to compare differences in imaging performance among different tissue structures, tooth positions, and imaging modalities. Results: 5T MRI can achieve in vivo imaging for most dental pulp tissues and partial periodontal membrane structures. There was a high level of agreement between the two raters in their imaging scores for the dental pulp and PDL (dental pulp κ = 0.934, PDL κ = 0.737). The imaging scores for dental pulp were significantly higher than those for PDL (P < 0.001), and the scores for molar dental pulp were lower than those for premolars and anterior teeth. In the multimodal comparison involving six volunteers, the raters showed good consistency in scoring dental pulp and PDL imaging across 5T MRI, 3T MRI, and CBCT, as well as in root canal counts (5T MRI for dental pulp κ = 0.971, 3T MRI for dental pulp κ = 0.933, CBCT for dental pulp κ = 0.964; 5T MRI for PDL κ = 0.625, 3T MRI for PDL κ = 0.667, CBCT for PDL κ = 0.571; ICC for root canal counts all ≥ 0.990). The imaging scores for dental pulp and PDL using 5T MRI were significantly higher than those using 3T MRI (dental pulp: P < 0.001; PDL: P = 0.022), but there was no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of the number of root canals between the two (P > 0.05). Although the imaging scores for dental pulp and PDL as well as the detection rate of the number of root canals with 5T MRI were inferior to those with CBCT (dental pulp: P < 0.001; PDL: P = 0.02; number of root canals: P < 0.05), 5T MRI can truly achieve "direct imaging" of these two soft tissues. Conclusion 5T MRI enables effective in vivo direct imaging of dental pulp and PDL tissues in the young adult population, indicating its potential clinical application value in the diagnosis and treatment of pulp and periodontal diseases.

Objective:To gain a understanding of the occurrence of cognitive impairment among residents in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis (drinking water-borne fluorosis) areas, and to study its influencing factors.Methods:In March 2023, a cluster sampling method was used to select local residents aged 18 and above from the drinking water-borne fluorosis areas in Jishan County, Shanxi Province as survey subjects. General demographic data were collected through face-to-face surveys, and a random urine sample was collected once to determine urinary fluoride level. Cognitive function was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and the survey subjects were divided into a cognitive impairment group ( < 27 points) and a control group (27 - 30 points) based on the MMSE scores. A multiple logistic regression model and a decision tree model based on chi-squared automatic interaction detector were constructed to analyze the factors affecting cognitive impairment, and the model fitting effect was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:A total of 3 301 subjects were included in the survey, including 2 081 females and 1 220 males. There were 1 515 subjects < 60 years old and 1 786 subjects ≥60 years old, with urinary fluoride level [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 2.92 (1.78, 4.54) mg/L. There were 1 939 cases in the cognitive impairment group and 1 362 cases in the control group, with a detection rate of 58.74% (1 939/3 301) for cognitive impairment; and the differences in gender, age, education level, marital status, annual household income, alcohol consumption, smoking distribution, and urinary fluoride level between the two groups were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female, ≥60 years, and urinary fluoride > 4.54 mg/L were risk factors for cognitive impairment [ OR (95% CI): 1.25 (1.01, 1.54), 2.66 (2.26, 3.14), 1.32 (1.06, 1.65), P < 0.05]. Education level of primary school or above, annual household income≥12 000 yuan, and mild alcohol consumption were protective factors for cognitive impairment [ OR (95% CI): 0.15 (0.09, 0.25), 0.58 (0.48, 0.68), 0.67 (0.51, 0.87), P < 0.05]. The analysis results of the decision tree model showed that age had the greatest impact on the occurrence of cognitive impairment, followed by annual household income, education level, and urinary fluoride. The areas under the ROC curves of the multiple logistic regression and decision tree model were 0.72 and 0.70 ( P < 0.001), respectively, indicating good model fitting performance. Conclusion:The detection rate of cognitive impairment in residents of drinking water-borne fluorosis areas is relatively high, and age, annual household income, education level, and urinary fluoride are all influencing factors for occurrence of cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND:Casein kinase 2 binding protein 1 (CKIP-1) is an important negative control gene in bone formation.After the deletion of this gene,the overall bone of mice was significantly enhanced,and bone formation and bone density were significantly increased.microRNA (miRNA) as the early found small molecular regulator has a regulatory effect on most of the coding genes and plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of miRNA/CKIP-1 axis on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from osteoporosis patients.METHODS:The miRNA-Seq technology was used to detect the changes of miRNA in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in 32 patients with osteoporosis treated in the Department of Orthopedics,Kaifeng Central Hospital from March to June 2022 and healthy people in the physical examination center during the same period.The Targetscan website was used to predict the miRNA targeted to regulate CKIP-1.Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the binding of miRNA and CKIP-1 promoter DNA.miR-192-5p analogs (miR-192-5p mimics)/negative control (NC mimics) or miR-192-5p inhibitors (miR-192-5p inhibitor)/negative control (NC inhibitor) were transfected in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.On days 7 and 14 after osteogenic induction,the expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2),osteocalcin,anti-osteopontin,bone sialoprotein,and CKIP-1,and the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and alizarin red staining.The regulatory effect of miR-192-5p/CKIP-1/axis on osteogenic differentiation of cells was detected by western blot assay and alizarin red staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy group,the expression levels of 16 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated and those of 53 miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in the osteoporosis group (P<0.05).Using Targetscan website and verified by luciferase reporter gene experiment,it was found that miR-192-5p and CKIP-1 had complementary nucleotide sequences (P<0.05).Overexpression of miR-192-5p significantly increased the expression levels of Runx2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone sialoprotein (P<0.05),and inhibition of miR-192-5p significantly decreased the expression levels of Runx2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone sialoprotein (P<0.05).After silencing the expression of CKIP-1,the protein levels of Runx2,osteocalcin,and osteopontin increased (P<0.05);the inhibitory effect of knockdown of miR-192-5p on osteogenic differentiation of cells was reversed.Above results confirm that the expression of miR-192-5p is decreased in osteoporosis.miR-192-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting the inhibition of CKIP-1 expression.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism by which Gongfa Static Training regulates mitophagy through the PTEN-in-duced kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway in skeletal muscle insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS T2DM mouse model was established using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin(STZ)intraperitoneal injection.Mice were ran-domly divided into a model group,a metformin group,an aerobic exercise group,and a Gongfa Static Training group.The intervention effects of Gongfa Static Training were evaluated by measuring fasting blood glucose,Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resist-ance(HOMA-IR),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),lipid metabolism indicators,mitochondrial function in the gastrocnemius muscle,and the expression of PINK1 and Parkin-related genes and proteins.RESULTS Gongfa Static Training significantly reduced fasting blood glucose,HbA1c,and insulin resistance index in T2DM mice,improved lipid metabolism,and enhanced insulin sensitivity.It improved the structure and function of mitochondria in the gastrocnemius muscle by upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin.CONCLUSION Gongfa Static Training improves mitochondrial function and insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of T2DM mice by regulating the PINK1/Parkin pathway.

Trichinella spiralis zinc metalloproteinase NAS-36 gene(TsNas36)is a member of the zinc metalloproteinase family found in excretory secretory products(ESP)of T.spiralis.In this study,TsNas36 gene was cloned and expressed,and its biological characteristics and temporal and spatial characteristics were identified.These results provide a theoretical and material basis for ex-ploring the biological function of TsNas36 gene.Bioinformatics analysis showed that TsNas36 was 470 amino acids(AA)in length with a molecular weight of about 54.69 kDa,no transmembrane region,and contained a signal peptide(1-20 AA),an Astacins domain(116-320 AA)and a CUB domain(355-470 AA).There were five active site residues located at amino acids 216(His),217(Glu),220(His),226(His)and 275(Tyr).The expression plasmid pET-28a(+)/TsNas36 was constructed and induced to express in E.coli BL21(DE3)to obtain the recombinant protein rTs-Nas36.The recombinant protein was used to immunize rabbits to obtain anti-rTsNas36 polyclonal antibody serum.Indirect ELISA results showed that the antibody titer reached 1∶105.qRT-PCR and Western blot results showed that the transcription levels of TsNas36 were significantly higher in newborn larvae(NBL)than in adult worm(AW)and muscle larva(ML)stages.Immunofluo-rescence results showed that TsNas36 was only localized in the epidermis of NBL.In summary,this study characterized the biological characteristics of the TsNas36 gene and found that this gene is highly period-specific and may be involved in the unique developmental process of NBL.

Neurological diseases are characterized by high rates of disability, mortality, recurrence, and prolonged disease courses, making Neurological Intensive Care Unit patients vulnerable during the transition phase to risks such as downgraded monitoring and reduced treatment and nursing support. These factors contribute to higher rates of unplanned ICU readmission, decreased patient satisfaction, and reduced quality of life. Effective transitional care can reduce adverse events and improve clinical outcomes. This article introduces the relevant concepts of transitional care for Neurological Intensive Care Unit patients, summarizes domestic and international transitional care models, and explores the application outcomes of these models to provide guidance and support for transitional care practices in Neurological Intensive Care Unit patients.

Magnetic stimulation has made significant strides in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, current magnetic stimulation techniques lack the precision to accurately modulate specific nuclei and cannot realize deep brain magnetic stimulation. To address this, we utilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as mediators to achieve precise targeting and penetration. We investigated the effects of magnetic fields with varying frequencies on neuronal activity and compared the activation effects on neurons using a 10-Hz precise magneto-stimulation system (pMSS) with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in mice. Oxytocin levels, dendritic morphology and density, and mouse behavior were measured before and after pMSS intervention. Our findings suggest that pMSS can activate oxytocinergic neurons, leading to upregulation of oxytocin secretion and neurite outgrowth. As a result, sociability was rapidly improved after a one-week pMSS treatment regimen. These results demonstrate a promising magneto-stimulation method for regulating neuronal activity in deep brain nuclei and provide a promising therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder.
Animals ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology* ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods* ; Male ; Social Behavior ; Mice ; Oxytocin/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/physiology*

BACKGROUND:Casein kinase 2 binding protein 1 (CKIP-1) is an important negative control gene in bone formation.After the deletion of this gene,the overall bone of mice was significantly enhanced,and bone formation and bone density were significantly increased.microRNA (miRNA) as the early found small molecular regulator has a regulatory effect on most of the coding genes and plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of miRNA/CKIP-1 axis on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from osteoporosis patients.METHODS:The miRNA-Seq technology was used to detect the changes of miRNA in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in 32 patients with osteoporosis treated in the Department of Orthopedics,Kaifeng Central Hospital from March to June 2022 and healthy people in the physical examination center during the same period.The Targetscan website was used to predict the miRNA targeted to regulate CKIP-1.Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the binding of miRNA and CKIP-1 promoter DNA.miR-192-5p analogs (miR-192-5p mimics)/negative control (NC mimics) or miR-192-5p inhibitors (miR-192-5p inhibitor)/negative control (NC inhibitor) were transfected in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.On days 7 and 14 after osteogenic induction,the expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2),osteocalcin,anti-osteopontin,bone sialoprotein,and CKIP-1,and the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and alizarin red staining.The regulatory effect of miR-192-5p/CKIP-1/axis on osteogenic differentiation of cells was detected by western blot assay and alizarin red staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy group,the expression levels of 16 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated and those of 53 miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in the osteoporosis group (P<0.05).Using Targetscan website and verified by luciferase reporter gene experiment,it was found that miR-192-5p and CKIP-1 had complementary nucleotide sequences (P<0.05).Overexpression of miR-192-5p significantly increased the expression levels of Runx2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone sialoprotein (P<0.05),and inhibition of miR-192-5p significantly decreased the expression levels of Runx2,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and bone sialoprotein (P<0.05).After silencing the expression of CKIP-1,the protein levels of Runx2,osteocalcin,and osteopontin increased (P<0.05);the inhibitory effect of knockdown of miR-192-5p on osteogenic differentiation of cells was reversed.Above results confirm that the expression of miR-192-5p is decreased in osteoporosis.miR-192-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by targeting the inhibition of CKIP-1 expression.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism by which Gongfa Static Training regulates mitophagy through the PTEN-in-duced kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway in skeletal muscle insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS T2DM mouse model was established using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin(STZ)intraperitoneal injection.Mice were ran-domly divided into a model group,a metformin group,an aerobic exercise group,and a Gongfa Static Training group.The intervention effects of Gongfa Static Training were evaluated by measuring fasting blood glucose,Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resist-ance(HOMA-IR),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),lipid metabolism indicators,mitochondrial function in the gastrocnemius muscle,and the expression of PINK1 and Parkin-related genes and proteins.RESULTS Gongfa Static Training significantly reduced fasting blood glucose,HbA1c,and insulin resistance index in T2DM mice,improved lipid metabolism,and enhanced insulin sensitivity.It improved the structure and function of mitochondria in the gastrocnemius muscle by upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin.CONCLUSION Gongfa Static Training improves mitochondrial function and insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of T2DM mice by regulating the PINK1/Parkin pathway.

Objective: To investigate the value of decreased carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9) kinetics in predicting short-term outcomes and determining prognosis among advanced biliary or pancreatic cancer patients receiving first-or second-line therapy in the real world. Methods : Eighty-nine patients were retrospectively collected with advanced biliary or pancreatic cancer, especially on the CA19-9 dynamics and decline rates at different time points. This study evaluated the association of CA19-9 changes with clinicopathological features, short-term response to antitumor therapy, and survival outcomes. Results : The enrolled patients recorded baseline CA19-9 levels ranging from 1.20 to 65 706.40 U/ml, with a median of 303.11 U/ml. There was no statistical correlation between baseline CA19-9 levels and gender, age, body mass index, primary tumor site, hepatic metastases, pulmonary metastases, lymph node metastases, peritoneal metastases, performance status, treatment lines, and combinations of drug types. Baseline CA19-9 levels were not associated with systemic immunoinflammatory index, prognostic nutritional index, and total bilirubin. A 25% or 50% decrease in CA19-9 after 2-3 therapy courses indicated short-term efficacy in reaching tumor objective remission or disease control. Both combinations of multiple drug types and a 25% decline in CA19-9 after one course of treatment were independent prognostic factors that affected the longer progression-free survival of patients receiving first or second line of treatment. Conclusion Decreased CA19-9 kinetics has specific values in predicting the efficacy and prognosis of advanced biliary or pancreatic cancer.