OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of removing microglia from spinal cord on nerve repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. METHODS: Thirty-nine 6-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group ( n=12), SCI group ( n=12), and PLX3397+SCI group ( n=15). The PLX3397+SCI group received continuous feeding of PLX3397, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, while the other two groups were fed a standard diet. After 14 days, both the SCI group and the PLX3397+SCI group were tested for ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) to confirm that the PLX3397+SCI group had completely depleted the spinal cord microglia. The SCI model was then prepared by clamping the spinal cord in both the SCI group and the PLX3397+SCI group, while the control group underwent laminectomy. Preoperatively and at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postoperatively, the Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) was used to assess the hind limb function of mice in each group. At 28 days, a footprint test was conducted to observe the gait of the mice. After SCI, spinal cord tissue from the injury site was taken, and Iba1 immunofluorescence staining was performed at 7 days to observe the aggregation and proliferation of microglia in the spinal cord. HE staining was used to observe the formation of glial scars at the injury site at 28 days; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence staining was applied to astrocytes to assess the extent of the injured area; neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate neuronal survival. And 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess axonal survival at 60 days. RESULTS: All mice survived until the end of the experiment. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the microglia in the spinal cord of the PLX3397+SCI group decreased by more than 95% compared to the control group after 14 days of continuous feeding with PLX3397 ( P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the BMS scores in the PLX3397+SCI group and the SCI group significantly decreased at different time points after SCI ( P<0.05). Moreover, the PLX3397+SCI group showed a further decrease in BMS scores compared to the SCI group, and exhibited a dragging gait. The differences between the two groups were significant at 14, 21, and 28 days ( P<0.05). HE staining at 28 days revealed that the SCI group had formed a well-defined and dense gliotic scar, while the PLX3397+SCI group also developed a gliotic scar, but with a more blurred and loose boundary. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the number of microglia near the injury center at 7 days increased in the SCI group than in the control group, but the difference between groups was not significant ( P>0.05). In contrast, the PLX3397+SCI group showed a significant reduction in microglia compared to both the control and SCI groups ( P<0.05). At 28 days after SCI, the area of spinal cord injury in the PLX3397+SCI group was significantly larger than that in SCI group ( P<0.05); the surviving neurons significantly reduced compared with the control group and SCI group ( P<0.05). The axonal necrosis and retraction at 60 days after SCI were more obvious. CONCLUSION The removal of microglia in the spinal cord aggravate the tissue damage after SCI and affecte the recovery of motor function in mice, suggesting that microglia played a neuroprotective role in SCI.
Animals ; Spinal Cord Injuries/surgery* ; Microglia/pathology* ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nerve Regeneration/drug effects* ; Spinal Cord/pathology* ; Pyrroles/administration & dosage* ; Aminopyridines/administration & dosage* ; Recovery of Function ; Disease Models, Animal ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Microfilament Proteins/metabolism* ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the gene expression profile in rat pancreatic ductal stem cells(PDSCs)when induced to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells(IPCs),with the goal of identifying key genes involved in this differentiation process.Methods The expanded PDSCs were categorized into a normal control(NC)group and an induced(Tre)group.PDSCs continued expansion culture in NC group,and cultured in induction medium for 28 days to facilitate the differentiation of PDSCs into IPCs in Tre group.Dithizone staining was employed to morphologically assess whether the cells exhibited a reddish-brown coloration,indicating a positive result.The immunofluorescence staining method was used to detect the expression of insulin(Ins)and PDX1 in the cells following induction.Additionally,ELISA was conducted to measure the Ins release from IPCs,thereby verifying the responsiveness of the induced cells to glucose-stimulated Ins secretion.Concurrently,cells were collected on induction days 0 and 28 for RNA sequencing(RNA-seq),and differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were analyzed and functionally annotated.The analysis revealed that regulatory factor X3(RFX3)was overexpressed in PDSCs,and the impact of RFX3 upregulation on differentiation induction was subsequently verified.Results Compared with NC group,DTZ staining was positive,PDX1 and Ins proteins were expressed,and an increased release of Ins in response to sugar stimulation was demonstrated in the Tre group.RNA-seq analysis identified 4270 DEGs,and functional enrichment analysis utilizing the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases revealed associations with Ins response,positive regulation of Ins secretion,pancreatic endocrine cell development,and overall pancreatic development.Additionally,functionally related genes such as ALDHA2,CREB5,EIF6,FOXO1,RFX3,WNT5a,OGT,GPR39,SMAD6,and TRPM2 were identified,indicating involvement in the cell cycle,TGF-β1 signaling pathway,FOXO signaling pathway,and Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of the differentiation of pancreatic ductal stem cells(PDSCs)into insulin-producing cells(IPCs).Furthermore,the upregulation of RFX3 can inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 within 72 hours,thereby promoted the formation and release of Ins from insulin-positive cells.Conclusions Multiple genes and signaling pathways associated with pancreatic β-cell function collectively regulate the differentiation of rat PDSCs into IPCs.Notably,the upregulation of RFX3 enhances this differentiation process.

As a critical component of oral diseases,the management of pulp and periapical diseases is undergoing a transformation to-ward personalized,precise,and minimally invasive therapies,driven by advancements in diagnostic and treatment technologies.These innovations have significantly improved the success rate of pulp preservation and tooth retention.The application of multimodal imaging,artificial intelligence,and molecular biology detection technologies has introduced new dimensions to the diagnosis and treatment of pulp diseases.The integration of dental microscopes with static/dynamic guided endodontics systems has enhanced root canal debride-ment efficiency.Breakthroughs in bioactive material development have achieved dual progress in infection control and tissue regeneration for pulp and periapical lesions.Furthermore,tissue engineering strategies combining stem cell delivery with biomimetic scaffold materials offer novel approaches for regenerating the pulp-dentin complex.This review summarizes recent technological advances to provide a scientific basis for optimizing clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To investigate the gene expression profile in rat pancreatic ductal stem cells(PDSCs)when induced to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells(IPCs),with the goal of identifying key genes involved in this differentiation process.Methods The expanded PDSCs were categorized into a normal control(NC)group and an induced(Tre)group.PDSCs continued expansion culture in NC group,and cultured in induction medium for 28 days to facilitate the differentiation of PDSCs into IPCs in Tre group.Dithizone staining was employed to morphologically assess whether the cells exhibited a reddish-brown coloration,indicating a positive result.The immunofluorescence staining method was used to detect the expression of insulin(Ins)and PDX1 in the cells following induction.Additionally,ELISA was conducted to measure the Ins release from IPCs,thereby verifying the responsiveness of the induced cells to glucose-stimulated Ins secretion.Concurrently,cells were collected on induction days 0 and 28 for RNA sequencing(RNA-seq),and differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were analyzed and functionally annotated.The analysis revealed that regulatory factor X3(RFX3)was overexpressed in PDSCs,and the impact of RFX3 upregulation on differentiation induction was subsequently verified.Results Compared with NC group,DTZ staining was positive,PDX1 and Ins proteins were expressed,and an increased release of Ins in response to sugar stimulation was demonstrated in the Tre group.RNA-seq analysis identified 4270 DEGs,and functional enrichment analysis utilizing the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases revealed associations with Ins response,positive regulation of Ins secretion,pancreatic endocrine cell development,and overall pancreatic development.Additionally,functionally related genes such as ALDHA2,CREB5,EIF6,FOXO1,RFX3,WNT5a,OGT,GPR39,SMAD6,and TRPM2 were identified,indicating involvement in the cell cycle,TGF-β1 signaling pathway,FOXO signaling pathway,and Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of the differentiation of pancreatic ductal stem cells(PDSCs)into insulin-producing cells(IPCs).Furthermore,the upregulation of RFX3 can inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 within 72 hours,thereby promoted the formation and release of Ins from insulin-positive cells.Conclusions Multiple genes and signaling pathways associated with pancreatic β-cell function collectively regulate the differentiation of rat PDSCs into IPCs.Notably,the upregulation of RFX3 enhances this differentiation process.

As a critical component of oral diseases,the management of pulp and periapical diseases is undergoing a transformation to-ward personalized,precise,and minimally invasive therapies,driven by advancements in diagnostic and treatment technologies.These innovations have significantly improved the success rate of pulp preservation and tooth retention.The application of multimodal imaging,artificial intelligence,and molecular biology detection technologies has introduced new dimensions to the diagnosis and treatment of pulp diseases.The integration of dental microscopes with static/dynamic guided endodontics systems has enhanced root canal debride-ment efficiency.Breakthroughs in bioactive material development have achieved dual progress in infection control and tissue regeneration for pulp and periapical lesions.Furthermore,tissue engineering strategies combining stem cell delivery with biomimetic scaffold materials offer novel approaches for regenerating the pulp-dentin complex.This review summarizes recent technological advances to provide a scientific basis for optimizing clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To predict the potential suitable distribution areas of Polygala tenuifolia in Shanxi Province;To provide basis for the excavation and utilization of existing resources and the selection of cultivation areas of Polygala tenuifolia.Methods The distribution information of 1 102 Polygona tenuifolia samples was collected(Among them,there were 1 060 samples of Polygala tenuifolia Willd.,42 samples of Polygala sibirica L.).Combined with the 55 ecological factor data,the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS were applied to analyze the main ecological factors affecting the distribution of Polygala tenuifolia.Results The dominant ecological factors for the suitability distribution of Polygala tenuifolia were vegetation type,precipitation,temperature,etc.The potential suitable distribution areas of Polygala tenuifolia in Shanxi Province were mainly concentrated in Linfen,Lvliang,Taiyuan,Changzhi,Jinzhong,southeastern of Yuncheng,northwestern of Xinzhou,southwestern of Shuozhou,etc.Conclusion The ecological suitability zoning map of Polygala tenuifolia Willd.and Polygala sibirica L.was obtained,which can provide reference for the reasonable selection of planting areas and standardized production of Polygala tenuifolia in Shanxi Province.

Objective To establish the distribution zoning of Ziziphus jujuba var.spinosa in Shanxi Province;To help the development of Z.jujuba var.spinosa industry in Shanxi Province.Methods Combined with the information of longitude and latitude of sample points from the forth national survey resources and environment factors data in Grid Database of Spatial Information of TCM Resources,the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS were applied to analyze the main environmental factors affecting the suitability distribution of Z.jujuba var.spinosa.Results Dominant ecological factors for the suitability distribution of Z.Jujuba var.spinosa were vegetation type,lowest temperature of coldest month,monthly precipitation in November,monthly precipitation in October,altitude,and slope.The reclassified suitability grid data of ArcGIS software showed that Z.jujuba var.spinosa suitability distribution area including 0.73×104 km2 of high suitability area,1.41×104 km2 of medium suitability area and 4.33×104 km2 of low suitability area.The potential suitable distribution areas of Z.jujuba var.spinosa were mainly concentrated in the central and southern Shanxi Province.Conclusion This study shows that the most suitable growth area of Z.jujuba var.spinosa is mainly located in central and southern Shanxi Province,which can provide reference for the development,utilization and standardized planting of wild resources of Z.jujuba var.spinosa.

Objective:To analyze the clinical effect of navigation-assisted cosmetic incision for reduction and internal fixation in treating unilateral B-type zygomatic fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed on clinical data of 35 patients with unilateral type B zygomatic fracture treated from January 2018 to December 2019 in First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. There were 20 males and 15 females at age range of 5-62 years [(38.7±11.3)years]. Navigation-assisted cosmetic incision for reduction and internal fixation was performed for 17 patients (navigation group), and empirical incision to reduction and internal fixation was performed for 18 patients (convention group). The length of bony zygomatic process (zygomatic process) and width of zygomatic temporal point (frontal width) of the bilateral zygomatic bone were measured on the horizontal axis of CT at 1 week after operation. The absolute values of the difference of bony zygomatic process degree and frontal bony width between affected side and the healthy side were compared between the two groups. The patients′ satisfaction and occurrence of complications such as lower eyelid ectropion, incision infection and facial nerve injury were compared between the two groups at half a year after operation.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-24 months [(9.3±1.2)months]. The absolute difference of bony zygomatic process was 0.60(0.25, 0.85) mm in navigation group, and was 0.75 (0.20, 1.98)mm in convention group ( P>0.05). The absolute difference of frontal bony width was (0.37±0.11)mm in navigation group, and was (2.47±0.63)mm in convention group ( P<0.01). Satisfaction rates by both objective evaluation and subjective evaluation in navigation group were better than that in convention group at half a year after operation (both P<0.05). Navigation group showed lower eyelid ectropion in 1 patient and incision infection in 1 patient. Convention group showed facial nerve injury in 1 patient and incision infection in 2 patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between navigation group [12%(2/17)] and conventional group [17%(3/18)] ( P>0.05). Conclusion:For unilateral type B zygomatic fracture, navigation-assisted cosmetic incision for reduction and internal fixation can more accurately restore the frontal width, and improve satisfaction rate as compared with empirical reduction and internal fixation.

Objective To explore the changes in serum concentrations of angiogenic factors in patients with unstable angina pectoris.Methods A total of 60 patients with unstable angina pectoris was eligible for study and divided into diabetes group ( A group, n =20) and non-diabetes group (B group, n =40).Another 30 general-matched healthy subjects from medical examination center were enrolled as control group .Serum samples were collected , and serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, angiogenin, angiostatin, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB ( PDGF-BB) were measured by cytokine array technology and compared between the groups .Results Compared with the control group, the serum concentrations of VEGF [(325.2 ±210.1)pg/ml] and angiopoietin-2 [(3031.3 ±1865.5)pg/ml] were sig-nificantly increased in patients with unstable angina pectoris (both P <0.05).Whereas,no significant differences in serum concentra-tions of angiogenin,angiopoietin-1,angiostatin,bFGF,and PDGF-BB were detected between control group and patient groups .There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of above all 7 biomarkers between diabetes group and non-diabetes group .Con-clusions Serum concentrations of VEGF and angiopoietin-2 were increased in patients with unstable angina pectoris ,and diabetes didn't affect the increases in serum concentrations of VEGF and angiopoietin-2 caused by unstable angina pectoris .

Objective: To investigate the effects of Chinese herbal drug-containing serum, prepared by administration of Chinese herbal medicine for activating blood (Xiongshao Capsule, XS) or for activating blood and detoxifying (Xiongshao Capsule plus Huanglian Capsule, XSHL) in rats, on cell viability, oxidative damage and apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Methods: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, positive control group (simvastatin 1.8 mg/kg), activating blood (XS, 0.135 g/kg) group, and activating blood and detoxifying (XS Capsule 0.135 g/kg and Huanglian Capsule 0.135 g/kg, XSHL) group. Corresponding drugs were continuously administered to the rats for 7 days and then drug-containing serum was harvested 1 hour after the last administration. HUVECs isolated from newborn children by collagenase digestion were stimulated by ox-LDL (100 μg/L) and incubated with corresponding drug-containing serum for 24 hours. Untreated HUVECs were also used as a normal control. The morphology and structure of HUVECs were observed by an inverted microscope. Cell viability was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method, and cell membrane damage was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was examined by spectrophotometry, and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cell lysate was examined by thiobarbituric acid assay. HUVECs were stained with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide and analyzed on a flow cytometry to determine apoptosis. Results: Compared with the normal HUVECs, the cell viability and the activity of SOD were significantly decreased while the content of MDA and apoptosis rate were significantly increased after 24-hour ox-LDL stimulation (P<0.01, P<0.05). Simvastatin-, XS-, and XSHL-containing serum significantly promoted the ox-LDL-stimulated HUVEC viability and inhibited early apoptosis (P<0.01, P<0.05), while had no significant effect on LDH leakage. Simvastatin-containing serum and XS-containing serum also showed significant decrease in MDA content and increase in SOD activity, while XSHL-containing serum showed no significant effects. There was no significant difference between the XS-containing serum group and the XSHL-containing serum group. Conclusion: Both sera containing XSHL and XS show protective action against the oxidative damage and apoptosis of HUVECs induced by ox-LDL.