Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent and intractable ocular disease induced by a variety of causes. Elevated sphingomyelin (SM) levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected on the ocular surface of DED patients, particularly in the meibomian glands. Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2), one of the proteins involved in SM synthesis, would light a novel way of developing a DED therapy strategy. Herein, we report the design and optimization of a series of novel thiophene carboxamide derivatives to afford 14l with an improved highly potent inhibitory activity on SM synthesis (IC_{50, SMS2} = 28 nmol/L). Moreover, 14l exhibited a notable protective effect of anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis on human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) under TNF-α-hyperosmotic stress conditions in vitro, with an acceptable ocular specific distribution (corneas and meibomian glands) and pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles (t _{1/2, cornea} = 1.11 h; t _{1/2, meibomian glands} = 4.32 h) in rats. Furthermore, 14l alleviated the dry eye symptoms including corneal fluorescein staining scores and tear secretion in a dose-dependent manner in mice. Mechanically, 14l reduced the mRNA expression of Tnf-α, Il-1β and Mmp-9 in corneas, as well as the proportion of very long chain SM in meibomian glands. Our findings provide a new strategy for DED therapy based on selective SMS2 inhibitors.

In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes are the ubiquitous glial cells that have complex morphological and molecular characteristics. These fascinating cells play essential neurosupportive and homeostatic roles in the healthy CNS and undergo morphological, molecular, and functional changes to adopt so-called 'reactive' states in response to CNS injury or disease. In recent years, interest in astrocyte research has increased dramatically and some new biological features and roles of astrocytes in physiological and pathological conditions have been discovered thanks to technological advances. Here, we will review and discuss the well-established and emerging astroglial biology and functions, with emphasis on their potential as therapeutic targets for CNS injury, including traumatic and ischemic injury. This review article will highlight the importance of astrocytes in the neuropathological process and repair of CNS injury.
Astrocytes/drug effects* ; Humans ; Animals ; Central Nervous System/pathology* ; Central Nervous System Diseases/physiopathology*

Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted tracer 64Cu-FAP inhibitor (FAPI)-XT117 in patients with malignant solid tumors, and to compare with 18F-FDG. Methods:This self-controlled study was conducted on fifteen patients (8 males, 7 females; age (60 ±9) years) with malignant solid tumors from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2023 and December 2023. Each subject underwent 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT at 30, 60, and 120min post-injection and was assigned to three dose cohorts (111MBq, 148MBq, and 185MBq; 5 patients in each cohort), and safety assessments were conducted within 24h after injection. In addition, all patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at 60min post-injection. Time-activity curves were generated for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117, and the dosimetry was calculated. Image quality was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and the optimal injected activity and imaging time point were determined. The paired t test was used to compare differences of the lesion detection count and SUV max between 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Time-activity curves of 68Ga-FAPI-XT117 revealed prominent uptake in the uterus, while the background activity in other organs remained low, with the whole-body effective dose of (0.0084±0.0021)mSv/MBq. The optimal imaging time point for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT was 60min post-injection, with an optimal administered activity of 111MBq. Compared with 18F-FDG, 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 demonstrated significantly higher uptake and more lesions in lymph-node metastases (SUV max: 8.6±3.8 vs 15.3±6.8, t=2.33, P=0.048; number of lesions: 8.3±5.4 vs 15.0±6.4; t=4.21, P=0.003) and distant metastases (SUV max: 11.8±3.7 vs 20.9±7.2, t=3.66, P=0.022; number of lesions: 7.0±3.2 vs 12.4±3.7, t=2.86, P=0.046). Conclusions:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT is well tolerated in patients with solid tumors, with a controllable radiation risk. Moreover, it outperforms 18F-FDG PET/CT in the assessment of metastases.

Objective:Under the background of the"Healthy Shanxi 2030"strategy,it systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and equilibrium of health resource allocation in Shanxi Province,and explores the optimization path to promote the high-quality development of health care.Methods:Based on the health statistics of Shanxi Province from 2012 to 2023,it systematically analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and equilibrium of health resource allocation in Shanxi Province by using Gini coefficient,Theil index and statistical description method.Results:The total number of health resources in Shanxi Province continues to grow steadily,and by the end of 2023,the total number of medical and health institutions in the province will reach to 37 838,the number of hospital beds will reach to 223 650,and the total number of health technicians will be 260 536.Despite this,the imbalance of regional allocation is still significant,showing a"core-periphery"structure.According to the calculation of the Gini coefficient and the Theil index,from 2011 to 2023,the overall equilibrium of the health resources allocation in Shanxi Province showed a gradual improvement trend,which was reflected in the fact that the Gini coefficient of the number of health institutions decreased from 0.287 to 0.268,and the Theil index decreased by 42.40％.However,the structural imbalance of key human resources such as registered nurses is still significant,and the Gini coefficient continues to be higher than 0.30.The regional differences are mainly due to the economic gradient differentiation,policy orientation and population aging pressure,among which the Gini coefficient in the Jinzhong region group is 0.33,and the contribution of regional differences to the overall imbalance is more than 51.00％.Conclusion:Promote the balanced allocation of health resources and help achieve the strategic goal of"Healthy Shanxi"by optimizing the spatial distribution of resources,strengthening the capacity of grassroots services,improving the talent training and mobility mechanism,and deepening the reform of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system.

Objective To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured using electric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 (χ² = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61). Conclusions The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.

Geriatric oral health care encounters significant challenges with the increase in the proportion of older individuals. Age-related changes in the dentition, muscles, and joints result in a decline in objective masticatory function, subjective restoration requirements, and acceptability among the elderly population, with individual variations influenced by systemic health. Considering functional requirements, the adaptability of stomatognathic and systemic health conditions, health economics and other factors, the authors believe that it should not be limited to the conventional "one-to-one" strategy for replacing missing teeth in geriatric prosthodontics. There is an urgent need for a precise and adaptable restoration strategy that is more suitable for older individuals. The proposal of a new concept of functional tooth loss updates the minimal restoration standards for elderly patients and establishes the theory of age-friendly functional restoration. Based on the restoration strategy of functional tooth loss, this paper proposes a new concept termed "age-friendly functional restoration of the stomatognathic system", which integrates treatment considerations including endodontics, periodontology, mucosa, muscles, temporomandibular joint, and systemic health. Efforts should be made in four areas as follows. Firstly, the "assessment of accessible function" should be enhanced by considering the interrelationship between stomatognathic and systemic health. Secondly, the "evaluation of appropriate function" is supposed to be optimised in view of subjective needs and objective evaluation of the stomatognathic system. Moreover, the "formulation of treatment plans" needs to be accomplished with the aid of assistive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to accurately exert appropriate functional restoration. Lastly, the "management and maintenance of health" is likely to be strengthened through follow-ups, propaganda and education, and preventive healthcare, so as to improve quality of life and ultimately achieve healthy ageing among older individuals.
Humans ; Tooth Loss/therapy* ; Aged ; Stomatognathic System ; Oral Health ; Dental Care for Aged ; Dental Restoration, Permanent/methods*

Abstract In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen rapidly, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health. To provide scientific, systematic, and standardized weight management guidance for overweight and obese children and adolescents, the study focuses on the core concept of healthy lifestyle intervention, integrates multidisciplinary expert opinions and research findings,and proposes a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention framework covering scientific exercise intervention, precise nutrition and diet, optimized sleep management, and standardized psychological support. It calls for the establishment of a multi agent collaborative management mechanism led by the government, implemented by families, fostered by schools, initiated by individuals, optimized by communities, reinforced by healthcare, and coordinated by multiple stakeholders. Emphasizing a child and adolescent centered approach, the consensus advocates for comprehensive, multi level, and personalized guidance strategies to promote the internalization and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It serves as a reference and provides recommendations for the effective prevention and control of overweight and obesity, and enhancing the health level of children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency and related factors of ineffective triggering (IT) and double triggering (DT) in patients with acute brain injury undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a single-center observational trial. Patients with acute brain injury [traumatic brain injury, stroke, and post-craniotomy for brain tumors] undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University between June 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Respiratory parameters and waveforms during the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation were recorded, with 15-minute waveform segments collected 4 times daily. Airway occlusion pressure (P_0.1) was measured via end-expiratory hold at the end of each recording. IT and DT were identified based on airway pressure, flow, and esophageal pressure waveforms, and the ineffective triggering index (ITI) and DT incidence were calculated. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with IT and DT. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients with acute brain injury were ultimately enrolled, including 19 cases of traumatic brain injury (20.2%), 39 cases of stroke (41.5%), and 36 cases of post-craniotomy for brain tumor (38.3%). Supratentorial injury was observed in 49 patients (52.1%), while infratentorial injury was identified in 45 patients (47.9%). A total of 94 patients with 1 018 datasets were analyzed; 684 (67.2%) datasets were on pressure support ventilation (PSV), and 334 (32.8%) were on mandatory ventilation. IT was detected in 810 (79.6%) datasets, with a median incidence of 2.1% (0.3%, 12.0%). Datasets demonstrating IT were characterized by lower P_0.1, higher tidal volume (VT), reduced respiratory rate (RR), and decreased minute ventilation (MV) compared to those without IT. The proportion of datasets exhibiting IT was higher during PSV than in mandatory ventilation [83.8% (573/684) vs. 71.0% (237/334), P < 0.05], while, the prevalence of ITI ≥ 10% was lower [23.8% (163/684) vs. 33.5% (112/334), P < 0.05]. DT was detected in 305 datasets (30%), with a median incidence of 0.6% (0.4%, 1.3%). Datasets exhibiting DT were characterized by higher VT, reduced RR, and lower pressure support levels. The incidence of DT was lower in PSV compared to mandatory ventilation modes [0% (0%, 0.3%) vs. 0% (0%, 0.5%), P < 0.05]. The post-craniotomy for brain tumors group exhibited higher ITI, lower RR, reduced MV, and a greater proportion of infratentorial lesions, compared to the TBI group. The infratentorial lesion group demonstrated higher ITI and incidence of DT compared to the supratentorial lesion group [ITI: 3.1% (0.7%, 17.8%) vs. 1.5% (0%, 8.3%), incidence of DT: 0% (0%, 0.5%) vs. 0% (0%, 0%), both P < 0.05]. After adjusting for confounding factors through multivariate logistic regression analysis, infratentorial lesion [odds ratio (OR) = 2.029, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.465-2.811, P < 0.001], lower P_0.1 (OR = 0.714, 95%CI was 0.616-0.827, P < 0.001), and mandatory ventilation (OR = 1.613, 95%CI was 1.164-2.236, P = 0.004) were independently associated with IT. Additionally, infratentorial lesion (OR = 1.618, 95%CI was 1.213-2.157, P = 0.001), large tidal volume (OR = 1.222, 95%CI was 1.137-1.314, P < 0.001), lower pressure support levels (OR = 0.876, 95%CI was 0.829-0.925, P < 0.001), and mandatory ventilation (OR = 2.750, 95%CI was 1.983-3.814, P < 0.001) were independently associated with DT. CONCLUSION IT and DT were common in patients with acute brain injury. Infratentorial lesions and mandatory ventilation were independently associated with both IT and DT.
Humans ; Respiration, Artificial/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Brain Injuries/therapy* ; Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Brain Injuries, Traumatic/therapy* ; Logistic Models ; Aged ; Adult

Objective:To investigate the effect of cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) gene knockout on maxillary expansion osteogenesis and its regulatory mechanism on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC).Methods:Nineteen wild type (WT) and nineteen CKAP4 gene knockout (Ckap4 -/-) mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected to establish a mouse model of rapid maxillary expansion. Samples were taken on the 7th and 14th day after the operation. Micro-CT and HE staining were used to evaluate bone regeneration. Tissue proteins in the modeled area were collected, and Western blotting analysis (WB) was used to detect the protein expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OCN). BMSC were isolated from WT and Ckap4 -/- mice. The expression of surface markers CD29, Sca-1, CD44, CD45, CD34, and CD11b was detected by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation ability was detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). After 7 days of osteogenic induction, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and WB were used to detect the expression levels of RUXN2, ALP, OCN, protein kinase B (AKT), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT). After 21 days, alizarin red staining and cetyl pyridine chloride quantification were used to detect the differences in mineralized nodule formation in each group. In CKAP4 gene knockout BMSC, the small-molecule AKT agonist sc79 (4 μg/ml) was added as the intervention group (Ckap4 -/- +sc79), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment was used as the control group (Ckap4 -/- +DMSO). After osteogenic induction, RT-qPCR, WB, and alizarin red staining were used to compare the osteogenic differentiation differences between the two groups of cells. Results:The micro-CT results showed that at 7 days and 14 days after surgery, the new bone volume in the Ckap4 -/- group [(0.070±0.010) and (0.146±0.019) mm 3] was significantly lower than that in the WT group [(0.094±0.006) and (0.196±0.013) mm 3] (both P<0.01). HE-stained histological sections showed that the area of new bone tissue in the Ckap4 -/- group at 7 days and 14 days after surgery [(0.101±0.008) and (0.158±0.010) mm 2] was also significantly lower than that in the WT group [(0.116±0.005) and (0.183±0.008) mm 2] (both P<0.05). WB was used to detect the tissue proteins in the maxillary modeling area of mice in the two groups 7 days after surgery. The results showed that the expression levels of ALP, RUNX2 and OCN in the Ckap4 -/- group were significantly lower than those in the WT group. BMSC from wild-type mice and CKAP4 knockout mice were both positively expressed for CD29, CD44, and Sca-1, and basically not expressed for CD45, CD34, and CD11b. EdU assay showed that there was no significant difference in the proliferation ability of cells in the two groups. After 21 days of osteogenic induction of BMSC, alizarin red staining results showed that the number of mineralized nodules in the Ckap4 -/- group was significantly less than that in the WT group. After adding sc79, the number of mineralized nodules increased significantly, which was consistent with the results of cetyl pyridine chloride quantification. After 7 days of osteogenic induction, It was found that the expression levels of ALP, RUNX2, and OCN in the CKAP4 -/-group (0.751±0.066, 0.484±0.040, 0.679±0.063) were significantly lower than those in the WT group (1.000±0.113, 1.000±0.081, 1.000±0.113) (all P<0.001). The results of WB were consistent with those of RT-qPCR. At the same time, the WB results showed that the level of p-AKT protein in the CKAP4 -/-group (0.518±0.114) was significantly lower than that in the WT group (1.000±0.234) ( P<0.05). After treatment with sc79 for 7 days of osteogenic induction, RT-qPCR was used to detect the gene expression levels of ALP, RUNX2, and OCN. The results showed that the expression levels in the CKAP4 -/-+sc79 group (2.755±0.353, 4.800±0.990, 2.524±0.137) were significantly higher than those in the CKAP4 -/-+DMSO group (1.000±0.078, 1.000±0.247, 1.000±0.175) (all P<0.001). Conclusions:CKAP4 knockout inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of BMSC by reducing the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby suppressing osteogenesis in maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Qingwen Baidu Drink in treating sepsis-induced lung injury.METHODS One hundred C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Qingwen Baidu Drink low-dose group,Qingwen Baidu Drink medium-dose group,and Qingwen Baidu Drink high-dose group,with 20 mice in each group.HE staining was used to examine the pathological changes of lung tissues.ELISA was used to detect the expression levels of serum interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),chemokine ligand 10(CXCL10)and plasma coagulation factor Ⅲ(F3).qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1),cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)in lung tissues.The number of platelets(PLT)in plasma was analyzed by routine blood analysis instrument.Immunofluorescence a-nalysis was used to detect vascular endothelial cadherin(VE-cadherin),endothelial adhesion junction marker occludin 5(CLDN5)and pericyte marker neuronal collagen antigen 2(NG2)in alveolar capillary endothelial cells.Western blot was used to detect the pro-tein expression levels of cysteine-containing aspartate proteinase 11(Caspase11),GSDMD and GSDMD-N in mouse lung tissues.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the lung tissue of the mice in the model group showed obvious pathological dam-age.The levels of serum IL-1β,TNF-α,and CXCL10 and the mRNA expression levels of MCP-1,COX-2,and IFN-γ in lung tis-sue were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the number of PLT and the content of F3 in plasma were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The fluorescence expression of VE-cadherin,CLDN5,and NG2 proteins in lung tissue was significantly enhanced(P<0.01),while the expression of Caspase11 and GSDMD-N proteins was increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the pathological damage of the lung tissue of the mice in all doses of Qingwen Baidu Drink groups was alleviated,the levels of serum IL-1β,TNF-α,and CXCL10 and the mRNA expression levels of MCP-1,COX-2,and IFN-γ in lung tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the number of PLT and the content of F3 in plasma were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the fluorescence expression of VE-cadherin,CLDN5,and NG2 proteins in lung tissues was weakened(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of Caspase11 and GSDMD-N/GSDMD proteins was reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Qingwen Baidu Drink can inhibit the activation of GSDMD-N and Caspase11,reduce the release of inflammatory factors,decrease blood loss and damage to vascular barrier function,and thus improve the lung injury caused by sepsis.