Myelin is an essential structure that facilitates rapid saltatory conduction in the nervous system. Discrepancies in myelin microstructure are a hallmark of numerous neurological disorders, rendering the assessment of myelin integrity and content an indispensable tool in clinical diagnostics and neuroscience research. Extensive research has been dedicated to scrutinizing its biochemical makeup and morphology under normal, pathological, and experimental conditions over the years. In this review, we present an updated summary of the myelin sheath's structure, composition, and developmental trajectory. We systematically enumerate and contrast eight prevalent myelin staining techniques across dimensions of sensitivity, specificity, and resolution, delving into their underlying staining principles. With an initial application of myelin histology on the mouse demyelination model, our review accentuates the accurate delineation of myelination and the microstructural analysis of the myelin sheath. Such insights are anticipated to significantly contribute to the evaluation and understanding of white matter pathologies.
Myelin Sheath/metabolism* ; Animals ; Humans ; Demyelinating Diseases/pathology* ; Staining and Labeling/methods*

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of plasma phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217) in the association between periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: In this case-control study, patients diagnosed with MCI in the Neurology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University from November 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the case group (MCI group). Cognitively normal (CN) volunteers, matched for age and education level and recruited from the physical examination center during the same period, served as the control group (CN group). The general demographic data of the study participants were collected. The Beijing versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and activities of daily living scale (ADL) were used to assess neuropsychological functions. Clinical periodontal examinations were conducted, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated, and the periodontitis stage was determined in accordance with the 2018 classification. Fasting elbow venous blood samples were collected in the morning, and blood biochemical indicators were measured. Plasma p-tau217 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, partial correlation analysis, multivariate Logistic regression analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis, and mediation effect analysis. RESULTS: Among the 192 participants, 96 belong to the MCI group and 96 to the CN group. The prevalence of periodontitis was 63.5% in the MCI group and 43.8% in the CN group, with a statistically significant difference (χ²=7.561, P=0.006). The plasma p-tau217 levels in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the CN group [7.00 (4.27-9.65) ng/mL versus 2.02 (0.80-3.81) ng/mL, Z=-8.108, P<0.001]. Partial correlation analysis revealed that plasma p-tau217 levels were positively correlated with all the clinical periodontal indices (all P<0.001). After adjustments for baseline covariates, multivariate Logistic regression indicated that periodontitis was an independent risk factor for MCI. Patients with periodontitis had a 1.977-fold higher MCI risk than those without periodontitis (OR=1.977, 95%CI: 1.088-3.594, P=0.025). Moreover, the MCI risk for stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ periodontitis and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis was 1.878 times (OR=1.878, 95%CI: 1.029-3.425, P=0.040) and 2.625 times (OR=2.625, 95%CI: 1.073-6.246, P=0.035) higher than that for patients without periodontitis, respectively. Trend test showed that the MCI risk increased with periodontitis severity (P_trend=0.016). After adjustments for baseline covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that periodontitis was an independent risk factor for increased plasma p-tau217 levels (β=3.309, 95%CI: 2.363-4.254, P<0.001). Compared with patients without periodontitis, those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ periodontitis (β=1.838, 95%CI: 0.869-2.806, P<0.001) and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis (β=5.539, 95%CI: 4.442-6.636, P<0.001) had significantly higher plasma p-tau217 levels. In addition, trend test indicated that plasma p-tau217 levels increased with periodontitis severity (P_trend<0.001). After adjustments for baseline covariates, RCS regression analysis further revealed that PISA had a positive linear dose-response relationship with MCI risk (P_overall=0.002, P_nonlinear=0.344) and plasma p-tau217 levels (P_overall<0.001, P_nonlinear=0.140). After adjustments for baseline covariates, mediation analysis showed that plasma p-tau217 mediated the association between periodontitis and MCI, with a mediation proportion of 13.99% (95% Bootstrap CI: 0.38%-49.39%, P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS Periodontitis was independently positively associated with MCI risk, and plasma p-tau217 plays a mediating role in this association.
Humans ; Cognitive Dysfunction/complications* ; tau Proteins/blood* ; Periodontitis/complications* ; Case-Control Studies ; Male ; Female ; Phosphorylation ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Activities of Daily Living

Gene synthesis is an enabling technology that supports the development of synthetic biology. The existing approaches for de novo gene synthesis generally have tedious operation, low efficiency, high error rates, and limited product lengths, being difficult to support the huge demand of synthetic biology. The assembly and error correction are the keys in gene synthesis. This study first designed the oligonucleotide sequences by reasonably splitting the virus genome of approximately 10 kb by balancing the parameters of sequence design software ability, PCR amplification ability, and assembly enzyme assembly ability. Then, two-step PCR was performed with high-fidelity polymerase to complete the de novo synthesis of 3.0 kb DNA fragments, and error correction reactions were performed with T7 endonuclease Ⅰ for the products from different stages of PCR. Finally, the virus genome was assembled by 3.0 kb DNA fragments from de novo synthesis and error correction and then sequenced. The experimental results showed that the proposed method successfully produced the DNA fragment of about 10 kb and reduced the probability of large fragment mutations during the assembly process, with the lowest error rate reaching 0.36 errors/kb. In summary, this study developed an efficient de novo method for synthesizing a viral genome of about 10 kb with T7 endonuclease Ⅰ-mediated error correction. This method enabled the synthesis of a 10 kb viral genome in one day and the correct plasmid of the viral genome in five days. This study optimized the de novo gene synthesis process, reduced the error rate, simplified the synthesis and assembly steps, and reduced the cost of viral genome assembly.
Genome, Viral/genetics* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; DNA, Viral/genetics* ; Bacteriophage T7/enzymology* ; Synthetic Biology/methods*

Bacillus is a class of spore-producing Gram-positive bacteria that produce a variety of antimicrobial substances with different structures and functions. The application of the antimicrobial substances produced by Bacillus can effectively inhibit the activity of harmful bacteria and fungi and promote the sustainable development of green agriculture. The antimicrobial substances produced by Bacillus mainly include proteins, lipopeptides, polyketones, and polypeptides. This paper reviews the synthesis gene clusters, synthesis pathways, structures, and mechanisms of various antimicrobial substances produced by Bacillus and discusses the challenges in the industrial application of these antimicrobial substances. Furthermore, this paper clarifies the future research and development focuses and prospects the application prospects, and provides comprehensive theoretical support for the in-depth research and wide application of the antimicrobial substances produced by Bacillus.
Bacillus/genetics* ; Anti-Infective Agents/metabolism* ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics* ; Antimicrobial Peptides/biosynthesis* ; Lipopeptides/biosynthesis*

Objective To observe the effects of asiaticoside on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy(DN)rats by regulating the Hippo-yes-associated protein(YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif(TAZ)signaling pathway.Methods A DN rat model was established by feeding a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,low-and high-dose asiaticoside groups,and high-dose asiaticoside+XMU-MP-1(Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway activator)group,with a normal group set as control.After group intervention,blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),fasting blood glucose(FBG),and 24-hour urinary protein levels were measured.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe renal histopathological changes,Masson staining was used to assess renal fibrosis,and Western Blot was used to detect the protein expressions of YAP and TAZ in renal tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group showed disordered renal tissue structure,enlarged and irregular cystic cavities,enlarged renal tubules with thickened basement membranes,inflammatory cell infiltration,and significant collagen deposition in the glomeruli,renal tubules,and vascular walls.The levels of FBG,BUN,SCr,24-hour urinary protein,and the protein expressions of YAP and TAZ in renal tissue were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-and high-dose asiaticoside groups showed significant improvement in renal tissue damage and fibrosis,with reduced levels of FBG,BUN,SCr,24-hour urinary protein,and decreased protein expressions of YAP and TAZ in renal tissue(P＜0.05).Compared with the high-dose asiaticoside group,the high-dose asiaticoside+XMU-MP-1 group showed a reversal in all the above indicators.Conclusion Asiaticoside may alleviate renal fibrosis and improve renal injury in DN rats by inhibiting the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway.

Objective To comprehensively assess the predictive value of C-reactive protein(CRP)/D-dimer(D-D)and albumin/fibrinogen(FAR)in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and to construct a nomogram model for predicting post-procedural MACE in CHD patients.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 201 CHD patients who underwent PCI at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University between June 2022 and March 2025.These patients were divided into MACE group(n=77)and non-MACE group(n=124)based on whether MACE occurred or not.84 CHD patients from another medical center were also collected as the validation set.The expression levels of CRP/D-D and FAR were compared between the two groups;independent predictors of postoperative MACE in CHD patients were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses;the predictive value of CRP/D-D and FAR for the occurrence of postoperative MACE in CHD patients was assessed using ROC curves;A nomogram model was established integrating indicators such as CRP/D-D and FAR,and internal and external validations of the nomogram model were conducted using ROC curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA)curves.Results Compared with CHD patients in the non-MACE group,CRP/D-D and FAR levels were significantly higher in the MACE group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that age,NTproBNP,WBC,CRP/D-D,and FAR were independent risk factors for postoperative MACE in CHD patients(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC predicted by CRP/D-D combined with FAR was higher than that of CRP/D-D alone(Z=3.473,P<0.001),and FAR alone(Z=2.812,P<0.05).The Nomogram model constructed based on the aforementioned factors was validated internally and externally,and the results showed that the Nomogram model had good calibration,excellent discriminative ability,and reliable clinical utility,accurately predicting the risk of postoperative MACE.Conclusion The CRP/D-D ratio and FAR,as emerging composite biomarkers,showed significant predictive ability in predicting the risk of MACE after PCI in patients with CHD,providing a new reliable tool for clinical risk stratification.

Objective: To explore perceived social support levels of vocational school students and associated factors, so as to provide a basis for the fine tuned construction of social support networks for vocational school students. Methods: Adopting a combination of multi stage cluster sampling and convenience sampling method, a sample of 11 767 vocational school students in Shanghai City and Jiangsu Province were selected to conduct two surveys (November 2021 and November 2022) by using a self administered electronic questionnaire regarding personal, family, school information and the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS). Correlates were analyzed by generalized linear estimating equations (GEE). Results: The total perceived social support scores in percentage at baseline and follow up survey were (66.13±20.46) and (67.65±21.18). The results of GEE showed that in terms of personal characteristics, girls had higher emotional support and evaluative support scores than boys ( B=0.60, 0.68, P < 0.05 ); extraversion, non-smoking, non-drinking, exercising ≥1 time per week, and better quality of sleep were positively correlated with the total score and the different types scores of precieved social support, and time spent on the Internet >2 h/d was negatively correlated with the total score and the different types scores of precieved social support ( B=1.03-4.49, -4.04--0.58, P < 0.05 ). In terms of family characteristics, parents not in marriage and living with (external) grandparents were negatively correlated with the total score and different types scores of percieved social support, while family characteristics such as satisfaction with family income (average, satisfactory, very satisfactory) and parents education level of junior high school and above were positively correlated with the total score and the different types scores of precieved social support ( B=-1.34--0.37, 0.57-2.37, P <0.05). In terms of school characteristics, without experience of bullying in school and the number of same sex or opposite sex friends >1 were positively correlated with the total score and different types scores of perceptual social support, and without serving as an officer of a student organization was negatively correlated with the total score and the different types scores of precieved social support ( B= 1.21- 5.04, -2.00--0.76, P <0.05). Conclusions The levels of overall and different types of precieved social support among vocational school students need to be improved. According to individual, family, and school related factors of precieved social support can help to target the improvement of students precieved social support level.

Objective: To develop an assessment tool for risky road behavior tendencies among middle school students in western China, as well as to determine the relevant indices and their weights, so as to provide the reference for road safety prevention and control for middle school students in western China. Methods: A Delphi study was employed to construct the assessment tool for risky road behavior tendencies among middle school students in western China. In August 2023, eighteen experts in related fields such as traffic safety, education, and healthcare were invited to achieve Delphi consensus. The final indices were initially selected based on the consulting results,followed by the determination of their individual and combined weights using the analytic hierarchy process. Results: The finalized assessment tool comprised 3 primary indicators, 13 secondary indicators, and 100 tertiary indicators. The positivity coefficient of experts was 100%, accompanied by the authority coefficient 0.90. The mean importance scores for the three primary indicators varied from 4.67 to 4.78, while those for the 13 secondary indicators ranged from 4.22 to 4.89. The Kendall coefficient W was statistically significant at 0.32 ( χ 2=96.83, P <0.05). The weights assigned to the three primary indicators were:ability (0.329 4), opportunity (0.337 3), and motivation (0.333 3). The secondary indicators with the top three highest combined weights were social influence (0.027 4), knowledge (0.027 3), and skills (0.026 7). Conclusions The assessment tool for risky road behavior tendencies among middle school students in western China demonstrates high expert consensus, with balanced weighting of primary and secondary indicators. Expanded use of the assessment tool would provide the data support for intervention work.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of the methionine synthase reductase （MTRR） rs10380 C＞T gene polymorphism on methotrexate （MTX） plasma concentration， adverse drug reaction， and prognosis in children with intracranial tumors. METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from children with intracranial tumors， and genomic DNA was extracted. The MTRR rs10380 C＞T genotype was analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. The association of the MTRR rs10380 C＞T gene polymorphism with the ratio of MTX plasma concentration to dose （C/D ratio）， adverse drug reaction， tumor recurrence， and metastasis was analyzed. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the association of the rs10380 genotype and MTRR gene expression and its possible mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 75 children were included in the study. The distribution frequencies of the wild-type CC genotype and C allele of rs10380 were 62.67% and 81.33%， respectively， while the distribution frequencies of the variant CT genotype and T allele were 37.33% and 18.67%， respectively， which were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium（P＞0.05）. The incidence of electrolyte disorders （51.06%） and tumor metastasis rate （57.45%） in children with the CC genotype were significantly higher than those with the CT genotype （P＜0.05）. No significant differences were observed in the 24-hour and 42-hour C/D ratios and recurrence rates between the two genotypes of children （P＞0.05）. Bioinformatics analysis showed that MTRR protein mainly works in conjunction with 10 proteins， including MMAA， and was involved in various biological processes such as sulfur amino acid biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS The MTRR rs10380 CC genotype may be a risk factor for electrolyte disorders and tumor metastasis in children with intracranial tumors after MTX chemotherapy.

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of Anchusa italica Retz on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion inju-ry in rats based on the target network of active compounds in Anchusa italica Retz.Methods The rat model of cerebral ische-mia-reperfusion injury was established by the thread occlusion method.After performing ischemia for 1.5 h and then reperfusion for 24 h,the neurological function of rats was scored and the volume of cerebral infarction was measured by the 2,3,5-triphenyltet-razolium chloride staining method.The molecular network analysis technique of network pharmacology,protein-protein interaction network,gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis,KEGG signal pathway analysis,and molecular docking was used to study the mechanism of Anchusa italica Retz in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Results The administration of An-chusa italica Retz could significantly improve the neurobehavioral dysfunction caused by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and reduce the pathological injury of brain tissue.Anchusa italica Retz could regulate inflammation,apoptosis,protein phosphorylation,and other biological processes through 143 ischemic stroke-related targets,and interfere with the TNF signal pathway,VEGF signal pathway,HIF-1 signal pathway,and other pathways.Conclusion Network pharmacology and experimental verification had shown that Anchusa italica Retz could effectively reduce brain injury and protect neurological function through multi-target,multi-mechanism,and holistic treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.