Objective: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of menopausal syndrome among postmenopausal women in Pan'an County, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the basis for guiding the health management of postmenopausal women. Methods: From May 2023 to April 2024, the postmenopausal women aged 40 to 69 years in Pan'an County were selected using the random cluster sampling method. Demographic information, lifestyle and prevalence of gynecological diseases were collected through questionnaire surveys. The prevalence of menopausal syndrome was assessed by modified Kupperman Score Scale. Factors affecting menopausal syndrome were analyzed by a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 816 postmenopausal women were surveyed, with an mean age of (57.63±2.92) years and a mean natural menopause age of (49.85±2.13) years. There were 574 cases with menopausal syndrome, with a prevalence of 70.34%. Flashes and sweating, insomnia and irritability were common symptoms, accounting for 62.87%, 47.43% and 41.18%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that monthly personal income of ≤5 000 yuan (<3 000 yuan, OR=3.124, 95%CI: 1.829-5.335; 3 000-5 000 yuan, OR=2.399, 95%CI: 1.370-4.201) and having gynecological diseases (OR=1.970, 95%CI: 1.292-3.004) were associated with a higher risk of menopausal syndrome, while average (OR=0.141, 95%CI: 0.072-0.276) or sufficient sleep quality (OR=0.095, 95%CI: 0.049-0.185) were associated with a lower risk of menopausal syndrome. Conclusion The prevalence of menopausal syndrome among postmenopausal women in Pan'an County is relatively high, and is mainly influenced by personal economic status, sleep quality and the presence of gynecological diseases.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory dendritic cell (DCreg) subset exhibits a unique capacity for inducing immune tolerance among the variety subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) within gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs). Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) is involved in the differentiation of DCregs and the subsequent expansion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) mediated by DCregs, though the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the expansion mechanism of Treg induced by DCreg and the role of FLT3L in this process. METHODS: DCregs were distinguished from other DC subsets isolated from GALTs of BALB/c mice through a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. The functions and mechanisms by which FLT3L promoted Treg expansion via DCregs were investigated in vitro through co-culture experiments involving DCregs and either CD4 + CD25 - T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Additionally, an in vivo experiment was conducted using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice. RESULTS: CD103 + CD11b + DC exhibited DCreg-like functionality and was identified as DCreg for subsequent investigation. Analysis of Foxp3 + Treg percentages within a co-culture system of CD4 + CD25 - T-cells and DCregs, with or without FLT3L, demonstrated the involvement of the FLT3/FLT3L axis in driving the differentiation of precursor T-cells into Foxp3 + Tregs induced by DCregs. Cell migration and co-culture assays revealed that the FLT3/FLT3L axis enhanced DCreg migration toward Tregs via the Rho pathway. Additionally, it was observed that DCregs could promote Treg proliferation through the Notch pathway, as inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester) suppressed Treg expansion within the co-culture system of DCregs and CD4 + T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Furthermore, the FLT3/FLT3L axis influenced JAG1 expression in DCregs, indirectly modulating Treg expansion. In vivo experiments further established that FLT3L promoted DCreg expansion and restored Treg balance in DSS-induced colitis models, thereby ameliorating colitis symptoms in mice. CONCLUSION The FLT3/FLT3L axis is integral to the maintenance of DCreg function in Treg expansion.
Animals ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology* ; Dendritic Cells/immunology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Receptors, Notch/metabolism* ; Lymphoid Tissue/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Coculture Techniques ; Flow Cytometry

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.002.].

An ideal dermal filler should integrate filling, repair, and anti-aging effects, with immediate tissue augmentation, slow degradation, and progressive stimulation of collagen regeneration. However, commonly used hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, while effective for rapid filling, suffer from limited duration of support, weak cell adhesion, and an inability to promote collagen regeneration. Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein from silkworm cocoons, is known for its excellent cell adhesion and collagen-stimulating abilities. However, its limited gelation capability restricts its potential application as a standalone injectable hydrogel. Based on a complementary strategy, this study combines the rapid gelling properties of HA with the collagen regenerative properties of SF to create a co-crosslinked HA-SF hydrogel. The composite hydrogel merges HA's rapid filling effect with SF's strong tissue adhesion and collagen-stimulating abilities. The formulation, physicochemical properties, degradation, biocompatibility, and filling effects of the HA-SF hydrogel were systematically investigated. HA-SF hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties and ensures long-term support while maintaining injectability. Interestingly, after intradermal injection in the UVB-induced photoaging model, HA-SF hydrogel not only enhances hydrogel-cell interaction but also continues to stimulate collagen regeneration, especially type III collagen. This dual action achieves the biological effects of repair and anti-aging while maintaining the filling effect. Proteomic analysis confirms that repair and anti-aging effects are enhanced by the regulation of skin fibroblasts and modulation of amino acid and lipid metabolism. This composite hydrogel holds strong promise for clinical applications, offering a safer, long-lasting, and more natural injectable filler that combines filling, repair, and anti-aging into one system.

Objective To analyze the infectious indicators,HBV s gene mutations and changes in bioinformatics char-acteristics of HBV DNA+/HBsAg-blood donor.Methods A sample of HBV DNA+/HBsAg-was screened by PCR meth-od,and HBsAg/HBsAb/HBeAg/HBeAb/HBcAb of HBV in the sample were detected by ELISA and chemiluminescence methods.The mutation of the HBVs gene fragment in the sample was sequenced and analyzed,and the bioinformatics analy-sis was performed using analysis software.Results The sample showed HBV DNA+,HBsAg-,HBsAb+,HBeAg+,HBe-Ab-and HBcAb+,with an amino acid unit point mutation(P151L)occurred in the HBV s gene,and the spatial structure changed.Conclusion The spatial structural changes in the gene sequence of HBVs may be the reason for the appearance of serological HBsAg-/HBsAb+/HBV DNA+in the test results.

Objective　To explore the effect of Mp1p on host macrophages through transcriptomics combined with metabolomics. Methods Firstly, a THP-1 macrophage strain (THP-1-Mp1p+) stably expressing Mp1p was constructed using lentivirus. Secondly, using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA Seq) technology, the expression level of intracellular mRNA was detected in transcriptomics analysis to determine differentially expressed genes; In metabolomics analysis, metabolite identification was performed through database comparison, and pathway analysis was performed on differential metabolites to reveal potential mechanisms of action. Finally, the results of metabolomics and transcriptomics were combined for analysis, and differential metabolites and genes were analyzed to further elucidate the mechanism of action of Mp1p on macrophages. Results Transcriptome analysis showed that, compared with the negative control group, the THP-1-Mp1p+ group had a total of 1 180 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 345 upregulated genes and 835 downregulated genes. GO enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that there were 135 differentially expressed genes, including 105 in biological processes (BP), 28 in cellular components (CC), and 2 in molecular functions (MF). The KEGG analysis results showed that the effect of Mp1p on THP-1 macrophages was highly correlated with the TNF pathway. The metabolomic analysis found that both the blank control group and the THP-1-Mp1p+ macrophage group achieved good separation between QC samples in both positive and negative ion modes. The threshold for significant differential metabolites was set at: VIP≥1 and T-test P<0.05, resulting in the identification of 488 differential metabolites, with 230 in the positive ion mode and 258 in the negative ion mode. Pathway enrichment analysis of the identified metabolites pointed to significant enrichment in metabolic pathways. The combined analysis confirmed that the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and NF-kappaB signaling pathway were important metabolic pathways involved. Conclusions The virulence factor Mp1p may affect host macrophages by modulating the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and NF-kappaB signaling pathway. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of Mp1p and may offer potential directions for the selection of relevant diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the future.

Objective To evaluate the impact of poor sleep quality on occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)in trauma patients.Methods We prospectively recruited 256 trauma patients hospitalized in 4 general hospitals in Zunyi during the period from October,2021 to November,2022,and 226 of the participants completed the PTSD survey and assessment.The patients'sleep quality within a month before trauma was estimated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and their sleep quality within 7 days after admission was monitored by smart bracelet sleep monitoring;the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version(PCL-C)was used to detect the occurrence of PTSD during the follow-up.Results The detection rate of PTSD in the patients was 19.47%at 1 month and 17.61%at 3 months after trauma.The patients who developed PTSD had poorer sleep quality before the trauma,as shown by significantly higher PSQI scale scores(P<0.001),than those without PTSD,and they showed a sleep abnormality rate as high as 72.73%prior to PTSD onset.Within 7 days after admission,the patients developing PTSD had lower sleep quality scores with more frequent night awakenings(P<0.05).A 1 month and 3 months after trauma,the patients with PTSD had significantly higher PSQI scores than those without PTSD(P<0.05).Conclusion PTSD is more likely to occur in trauma patients with poor sleep quality before trauma.

Objective:To explore the genetic etiology of a fetus with cryptophthalmos detected by prenatal ultrasonography.Methods:A fetus undergoing induced labor at 32nd gestational week due to absence of bilateral eye fissures detected by prenatal ultrasonography in January 2017 was selected as the study subject. Umbilical cord blood sample from the fetus and peripheral blood samples from its parents were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA. Pathogenic variants were screened through whole exome sequencing (WES) and verified by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was verified by bioinformatic analysis and protein structure simulation. Based on the results of genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis was provided to the couple upon their subsequent pregnancy.Results:The couple had four adverse pregnancies previously. The aborted fetus was the fifth, with fused bilateral upper and lower eyelids, poorly developed eyeballs, adhesion of the cornea with the upper eyelid, low-set ears, and abnormal plantar creases, and was diagnosed with cryptophthalmos. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that the fetus has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the FREM2 gene, namely c. 4537G>A (p.D1513N) and c.7292C>T (p.T2431M). Both variants were unreported associated with cryptophthalmos previously. Protein structure simulation showed that they may lead to loss of hydrogen bonds in the protein product. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were predicted to be likely pathogenic (PM1_Supporting+ PM2_Supporting+ PM5+ PP3+ PP4; PM2_Supporting+ PM3+ PP3+ PP4). The mother was performed prenatal diagnosis in her sixth pregnancy based on the variants detected in this family, and delivered a daughter with normal phenotype. Conclusion:The FREM2: c. 4537G>A and c. 7292C>T compound heterozygous variants probably underlay the pathogenesis of cryptophthalmos in this fetus. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of the FREM2 gene.

Objective To evaluate the impact of poor sleep quality on occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)in trauma patients.Methods We prospectively recruited 256 trauma patients hospitalized in 4 general hospitals in Zunyi during the period from October,2021 to November,2022,and 226 of the participants completed the PTSD survey and assessment.The patients'sleep quality within a month before trauma was estimated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and their sleep quality within 7 days after admission was monitored by smart bracelet sleep monitoring;the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version(PCL-C)was used to detect the occurrence of PTSD during the follow-up.Results The detection rate of PTSD in the patients was 19.47%at 1 month and 17.61%at 3 months after trauma.The patients who developed PTSD had poorer sleep quality before the trauma,as shown by significantly higher PSQI scale scores(P<0.001),than those without PTSD,and they showed a sleep abnormality rate as high as 72.73%prior to PTSD onset.Within 7 days after admission,the patients developing PTSD had lower sleep quality scores with more frequent night awakenings(P<0.05).A 1 month and 3 months after trauma,the patients with PTSD had significantly higher PSQI scores than those without PTSD(P<0.05).Conclusion PTSD is more likely to occur in trauma patients with poor sleep quality before trauma.

Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by SLC1A2 gene mutations. Methods:The clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination results, and genetic testing results of a patient with DEE caused by SLC1A2 gene mutations who was treated at Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University on February 6, 2021 were summarized. Cases of SLC1A2 gene mutations were searched using keywords " SLC1A2" and "developmental and epileptic encephalopathy" in CNKI, Wanfang, and PubMed databases, retrieving literature published from the establishment of these databases to September 2024. Bioinformatics analysis was performed; the clinical and genetic characteristics of DEE caused by SLC1A2 gene mutations were summarized. Results:The main manifestations of the patient were rhythmic shaking of the right upper limb or focal motor seizures of bilateral upper limbs, or focal spasm of right upper limb (elevation for once). Ictal electroencephalogram showed 2-3 Hz polymorphic slow waves in the left central area, parietal area and central midline area, affecting the opposite side, or spike rhythm with decreased frequency in the right frontal area, central area and midline area, or polymorphic slow waves in the left central area and central midline area. Whole-exome sequencing indicated a heterozygous de novo mutation in the SLC1A2 gene: c.254T>G/p.Leu85Arg. A total of 7 patients with DEE caused by SLC1A2 gene mutations were retrieved from 5 related literature. All 8 patients (including the patient in our hospital) presented with epileptic seizure, developmental delay, and abnormal EEG; all of them were sporadic cases with de novo heterozygous missense mutations of SLC1A2 gene. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the 4 amino acid residues Gly82, Leu85, Pro289, and Pro333 in the 8 patients were located in the intolerance region of SLC1A2 gene encoding glutamate transporter protein 2 (EAAT2). The 5 amino acid mutations (Leu85Arg, Leu85Pro, Gly82Arg, Pro333Ser, Pro289Arg) in the 8 patients all led to significant changes in number and binding of hydrogen bonds between amino acid residues in EAAT2; except for Gly82Arg mutation, the other 4 mutations could obviously reduce the structural stability of EAAT2. Conclusion:De novo heterozygous missense mutations in SLC1A2 gene can lead to DEE, characterized by developmental delay, EEG abnormalities, and epileptic seizure; these mutations are typically located in critical regions of EAAT2, potentially resulting in reduced protein structural stability.