Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tooth-supporting tissues, and it constitutes a major global public health concern. Methylation modifications, including DNA methylation, histone methylation, and RNA m6A modification, represent reversible processes coordinately regulated by methyltransferases, demethylases, and binding proteins. In periodontitis, aberrant methylation modifications suppress Toll-like receptor 2 expression, leading to oral microbial dysbiosis. These modifications further disrupt normal immune regulatory functions through C-C motif chemokine ligands, Fc-γ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, and NF-κB signaling pathways, resulting in localized immune-inflammatory imbalance in periodontal tissues. In addition, various methylation modifications regulate the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteoblast-specific transcription factor Osterix (OSX), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), thereby interfering with osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, disrupting bone homeostasis, and ultimately driving alveolar bone resorption. Methylation-related biomarkers demonstrate promising potential for periodontitis screening and prognostic evaluation. While numerous abnormally methylated sites have been identified in periodontitis, the precise signaling pathways and comprehensive epigenetic regulatory networks remain to be fully elucidated. This review systematically summarizes the functional roles of DNA methylation modifications in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and explores their potential value in etiological studies, diagnostic biomarker discovery, and targeted therapeutic interventions, with the aim of providing novel perspectives for periodontitis prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective To improve the efficiency of induced differentiation of primitive neural epithelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSCs-NECs)into functional midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells(DAPs).Methods HiPSCs were cultured in mTeSRTM medium containing DMH1(10 μmol/L),SB431542(10 μmol/L),SHH(200 ng/mL),FGF8(100 ng/mL),purmorphamine(2 μmol/L),CHIR99021(3 μmol/L),and N2(1%)for 12 days to induce their differentiation into primitive neuroepithelial cells(NECs).The hiPSCs-NECs were digested with collagenase IV and then cultured in neurobasal medium supplemented with 1%N2,2%B27-A,BDNF(10 ng/mL),GDNF(10 ng/mL),AA,TGF-β,cAMP,and 1%GlutaMax in the presence of different concentrations of Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632,and the culture medium was changed the next day to remove Y27632.Continuous induction was performed until day 28 to obtain DAPs.Results Human iPSCs expressed the pluripotency markers OCT4,SOX2,Nanog,and SSEA1 and were positive for alkaline phosphatase staining.The hiPSCs-NECs were obtained on day 13 in the form of neural rosettes expressing neuroepithelial markers SOX2,nestin,and PAX6.In digested hiPSCs-NECs,the addition of 5 μmol/L Y27632 significantly promoted survival of the adherent cells,increased cell viability and the proportion of S-phase cells(P<0.01),and reduced the rate of apoptotic cells(P<0.05).On day 28 of induction,the obtained cells highly expressed the specific markers of DAPS(TH,FOXA2,NURR1,and Tuj1).Conclusion Treatment with Y27632(5 μmol/L)for 24 h significantly promotes the survival of human iPSCs-NECs during their differentiation into DPAs without affecting the cell differentiation,which indirectly enhances the efficiency of cell differentiation.

Objective To improve the efficiency of induced differentiation of primitive neural epithelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSCs-NECs)into functional midbrain dopaminergic progenitor cells(DAPs).Methods HiPSCs were cultured in mTeSRTM medium containing DMH1(10 μmol/L),SB431542(10 μmol/L),SHH(200 ng/mL),FGF8(100 ng/mL),purmorphamine(2 μmol/L),CHIR99021(3 μmol/L),and N2(1%)for 12 days to induce their differentiation into primitive neuroepithelial cells(NECs).The hiPSCs-NECs were digested with collagenase IV and then cultured in neurobasal medium supplemented with 1%N2,2%B27-A,BDNF(10 ng/mL),GDNF(10 ng/mL),AA,TGF-β,cAMP,and 1%GlutaMax in the presence of different concentrations of Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632,and the culture medium was changed the next day to remove Y27632.Continuous induction was performed until day 28 to obtain DAPs.Results Human iPSCs expressed the pluripotency markers OCT4,SOX2,Nanog,and SSEA1 and were positive for alkaline phosphatase staining.The hiPSCs-NECs were obtained on day 13 in the form of neural rosettes expressing neuroepithelial markers SOX2,nestin,and PAX6.In digested hiPSCs-NECs,the addition of 5 μmol/L Y27632 significantly promoted survival of the adherent cells,increased cell viability and the proportion of S-phase cells(P<0.01),and reduced the rate of apoptotic cells(P<0.05).On day 28 of induction,the obtained cells highly expressed the specific markers of DAPS(TH,FOXA2,NURR1,and Tuj1).Conclusion Treatment with Y27632(5 μmol/L)for 24 h significantly promotes the survival of human iPSCs-NECs during their differentiation into DPAs without affecting the cell differentiation,which indirectly enhances the efficiency of cell differentiation.

Objective:To investigate functional outcomes and condition-specific quality-of-life (CSQoL) after intersphincteric resection (ISR) in patients with low rectal cancer using traditional and exploratory questionnaires.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in the Characteristic Medical Center of the People′s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Patients with low rectal cancer who underwent ISR with ileostomy reversal from May 2020 to April 2023 were enrolled. An electronic self-assessment survey was sent to enrolled patients at 3 to 6, 12, and 24 to 36 months after reversal, and differences in functional and CSQoL results between the 3 groups were analyzed with generalized estimation equations. Functional outcomes were determined by the Wexner incontinence score (WIS) and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. In line with the five frequency responses ranging from never (score 0) to always (score 4) defined by the WIS, an exploratory survey was used to measure the severity of 16 LARS-specific variables confirmed by the latest international Delphi consensus. Furthermore, CSQoL was evaluated using the fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale (FIQL) and the visual analog scale (VAS).Results:A total of 90 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 64 males and 26 females, aged (58.6±10.4) years (range: 28 to 79 years). The median distance from the distal tumor margin to the anal verge( M(IQR)) was 3.0 (1.5) cm (range: 1.0 to 5.0 cm). There were 55 patients who completed the questionnaires at 3 to 6 months, 59 patients at 12 months, and 40 patients at 24 to 36 months of follow-up, respectively. The summary score of FIQL and VAS improved significantly after reversal (2.33±0.69 vs. 2.40±0.66 vs. 2.79±0.76, χ2=11.703, P=0.003; 5.31±1.65 vs. 5.61±1.90 vs. 6.58±1.92, χ2=12.781, P=0.002), but the differences in the WIS and LARS score did not reach statistical significance (both P>0.05). The survey responses for the LARS-specific variables indicated that “emptying difficulties” and “dissatisfaction with the bowels” were the most frequent symptom and consequence after ISR, respectively. The exploratory severity score for LARS improved significantly among the 3 time periods(34 (14) vs. 31 (13) vs. 23 (17), χ2=13.952, P=0.001). Furthermore, the FIQL summary score was strongly correlated with the LARS severity score ( r s=-0.72, P<0.01). Conclusions:Although a high prevalence of LARS may persist for years, patients reported an improvement in CSQoL and functional outcomes after ISR. The highest priorities recommended by the international consensus might provide better assessments the severity of LARS.

Objective:To investigate functional outcomes and condition-specific quality-of-life (CSQoL) after intersphincteric resection (ISR) in patients with low rectal cancer using traditional and exploratory questionnaires.Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in the Characteristic Medical Center of the People′s Liberation Army Rocket Force. Patients with low rectal cancer who underwent ISR with ileostomy reversal from May 2020 to April 2023 were enrolled. An electronic self-assessment survey was sent to enrolled patients at 3 to 6, 12, and 24 to 36 months after reversal, and differences in functional and CSQoL results between the 3 groups were analyzed with generalized estimation equations. Functional outcomes were determined by the Wexner incontinence score (WIS) and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. In line with the five frequency responses ranging from never (score 0) to always (score 4) defined by the WIS, an exploratory survey was used to measure the severity of 16 LARS-specific variables confirmed by the latest international Delphi consensus. Furthermore, CSQoL was evaluated using the fecal incontinence quality-of-life scale (FIQL) and the visual analog scale (VAS).Results:A total of 90 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 64 males and 26 females, aged (58.6±10.4) years (range: 28 to 79 years). The median distance from the distal tumor margin to the anal verge( M(IQR)) was 3.0 (1.5) cm (range: 1.0 to 5.0 cm). There were 55 patients who completed the questionnaires at 3 to 6 months, 59 patients at 12 months, and 40 patients at 24 to 36 months of follow-up, respectively. The summary score of FIQL and VAS improved significantly after reversal (2.33±0.69 vs. 2.40±0.66 vs. 2.79±0.76, χ2=11.703, P=0.003; 5.31±1.65 vs. 5.61±1.90 vs. 6.58±1.92, χ2=12.781, P=0.002), but the differences in the WIS and LARS score did not reach statistical significance (both P>0.05). The survey responses for the LARS-specific variables indicated that “emptying difficulties” and “dissatisfaction with the bowels” were the most frequent symptom and consequence after ISR, respectively. The exploratory severity score for LARS improved significantly among the 3 time periods(34 (14) vs. 31 (13) vs. 23 (17), χ2=13.952, P=0.001). Furthermore, the FIQL summary score was strongly correlated with the LARS severity score ( r s=-0.72, P<0.01). Conclusions:Although a high prevalence of LARS may persist for years, patients reported an improvement in CSQoL and functional outcomes after ISR. The highest priorities recommended by the international consensus might provide better assessments the severity of LARS.

Objective: To explore the impact of maternal anxiety during pregnancy on social emotional development of toddlers aged 1-3 year old, so as to provide references for scientific early parenting and early intervention for toddlers with social emotional difficulties. Methods: From September 2022 to March 2023, a total of 815 toddlers aged 1-3 who underwent physical examinations and their mothers at Nantong Maternal and Child Health Hospital were enrolled. The Chinese Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (CITSEA) was used to evaluate the social emotional ability among toddlers. Maternal anxiety evaluated using the Self rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) during prenatal visit was collected. Results: The average scores on the externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation and competence domains of the CITSEA were (49.40±9.48,47.42±9.60,48.67± 10.15 , 50.07± 10.20), respectively. Among boys, the score of externalizing domain (50.89±9.45) was higher than that of girls (48.76± 9.50 ), while the score of competence domain (49.22±10.30) was lower than that of girls (51.17±9.84), and the differences were statistically significant( t =2.10, -3.03, P <0.05). The detection rates of abnormalities in the externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation, and competence domains were 7.36%, 7.12%, 7.61%, and 7.24%, respectively. Among them, boys (8.43%,6.32%, 7.96 %,7.49%) and girls (6.19%, 7.99 %,7.22%,6.96%) showed no statistical differences ( χ 2=1.50, 0.85, 0.16, 0.09, P >0.05). There were significant differences in externalizing domain scores（47.77±9.52，49.56±8.95，52.51±9.77） and competence domain scores（51.70±10.38，49.65±10.05，46.68±10.03） among toddlers of different maternal anxiety（normal, mild, moderate to severe） （ F =7.05,7.10, P <0.01）. There were significant differences in the abnormal detection rate of externalizing domain （4.81%，7.54%，11.17%） and competence domain（4.81%，6.96%，11.73%）（ χ 2=6.60，7.98， P ＜0.05）. Conclusion Maternal anxiety during pregnancy has a negative impact on the social emotional development among toddlers. In order to improve social emotional development of toddlers, multidimensional social support and education during pregnancy should be carried out.

Objective: To understand sensory characteristics and its correlation with behavioral problems among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), so as to provide reference basis for early diagnosis and comprehensive intervention of ASD children. Methods: Using cross sectional survey, 193 ASD children trained by Nantong rehabilitation institutions were recruited from September 2021 to February 2022. All children were investigated with the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). Results: Among the 193 ASD children, 106 (54.9%) children had abnormal sensory characteristics, including 45 (23.3%) with possible abnormalities and 61 (31.6%) with obvious abnormalities. The abnormal rate of auditory filtering was the highest in the seven dimensions, reaching 85.0%, followed by low strength/weakness, motor sensitivity, taste/smell sensitivity, low response/seeking sensation, vision/hearing sensitivity and tactile sensitivity. The total incidence of sensory abnormalities was 93.3%. There were significant differences in six dimensions of PSQ scale scores of ASD children with different degrees of sensory abnormalities, including conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic disorders, impulsive hyperactivity, anxiety and hyperactivity index ( H =38.89, 38.90, 19.53, 46.34, 34.54, 54.90, P <0.01). With the aggravation of sensory abnormalities in children with ASD, the scores of all dimensions of the PSQ scale increased significantly. The total score of SSP was negatively correlated with the six dimensions of conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic disorders, impulsive hyperactivity, anxiety and hyperactivity index in PSQ ( r =-0.53, -0.50, -0.32, -0.55, -0.43, -0.61, P <0.01). Conclusion ASD children generally have sensory abnormalities, which coincide with severity of behavioral problems. There is a positive correlation between sensory abnormalities and behavioral problems in ASD children. More attention should be paid to the abnormal sensory characteristics of children with ASD in the future diagnosis and treatment process.

Objective:To explore the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of hepatic sinus obstruction syndrome(HSOS)after orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT).Methods:Clinical data were reviewed for 3 HSOS patients after OLT.Baseline profiles, primary disease, onset, clinical manifestations, abdominal imaging and pathological changes were recorded for summarizing the key points of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of HSOS after OLT.Results:HSOS was an extremely rare complication after OLT with an incidence of 2%(2/117)and a median onset of 15(13-50)days.The major clinical manifestations were hepatic pain, abdominal distension, poor appetite, fatigue, jaundice, oliguria, peritoneal effusion and pleural effusion.Some of them were complicated with acute renal insufficiency.Abdominal ultrasonography revealed that blood stream of hepatic and portal veins was smooth but rather slow and hepatic parenchyma showed uneven echo changes.Abdominal enhanced computed tomography(CT)demonstrated " mosaic" and " map-like" uneven enhancement in portal vein and balance phases.The pathological manifestations of liver biopsy included obvious dilation and congestion of hepatic sinuses, swelling and necrosis of hepatic cells, thickening of hepatic venules and luminal stenosis or occlusion.All of them received immunosuppressants.Tacrolimus was switched to sirolimus, low molecular weight heparin or plus rivaroxaban anticoagulant thrombolytic therapy, methylprednisolone regulatory immunotherapy, albumin supplementation, diuresis, hepatic protection and fluid replacement.Afterward clinical symptoms of 2 patients improved, became cured and discharged.One case died from gastrointestinal hemorrhage and acute renal failure secondary to multiple organ failure.Conclusions:HSOS is an extremely rare but severe complication after OLT.Early diagnosis and fine-tuning of treatment protocols can avoid poor prognosis such as liver and kidney failure and significantly improve patient survival.

AIM: To study the effect of growth hormone (GH) and vitamin E (Vit.E) combined in the treatment of endometrial thinning. METHODS: Twenty female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, model group, GH group and treatment group, with 5 rats in each group. Control group was routinely fed; Rats in model group, GH group and treatment group were injected intrauterine with 95%ethanol during estrus stage to construct a thin endometrial model. Six to eight hours after operation, rats in model group were injected intrauterine with 0.2 mL normal saline, rats in GH group and treatment group were injected with the same amount of GH, and the treatment group was given intragastric treatment of 60 mg/kg Vit.E. The rats were sacrificed 3 estrus cycles (about 2 weeks) after the operation. HE staining was performed on the uterine tissue to identify the model, and the levels of Cytokeratin 19 and Vimentin in the endometrium were detected by immunohistochemical color. RESULTS: The endometrial thickness of the model group was significantly thinner than that of the model group, and the endometrial thickness of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group, but the endometrial thickness of the GH group was slightly lower than that of the control group. The expression levels of keratin and vimentin in model group were lower than those in GH group, control group and treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Endometrial-related proliferation indexes were significantly increased after GH and vitamin E treatment, and GH and vitamin E could effectively promote the proliferation of endometrial cells.

Objective:To investigate high resolution CT (HRCT) manifestations and clinical features of patients infected with the novel coronavirus B.1.617.2 variant.Methods:A total of 125 patients with the novel coronavirus B.1.617.2 variant in Guangzhou Eighth People′s Hospital from May 21 to June 9, 2021 was enrolled. There were 52 males and 73 females, aged from 1 to 92 years old with a median age of 47 year. The clinical features and HRCT characteristics were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Of the 125 patients, the main clinical manifestations were fever in 54 patients, cough in 50 patients, pharyngeal discomfort in 39 patients, and diarrhea in 5 patients. HRCT showed pneumonia in 96 cases, which predominantly had ground-glass opacities in 92 cases, ground-glass opacities combined with local consolidation in 22 cases, consolidation in 11 cases, intralobular interstitial thickening in 51 cases, centrilobular structural thickening in 23 cases, and cord-like lesions in 33 cases. One patient had pleural effusion, and no enlarged lymph nodes were observed in all patients. The lesions were distributed in the subpleural and/or peripheral lung in 96 cases and along the bronchovascular bundle (middle and inner zone) in 24 cases. The time interval from onset to positive HRCT was 3 (1, 4) days in 96 patients with pneumonia on HRCT. HRCT showed absorption after the imaging findings reaching the peak in 20 patients, and the time interval between the first positive HRCT findings and the peak imaging was 6 (3, 7) days in these 20 patients.Conclusions:The novel coronavirus B.1.617.2 variant has a strong infectivity, short viral latency. Lung injury is decreaseel. People of all ages are susceptible and the diseasemay have rapid pnegression. HRCT mainly shows ground glass opacities, which are more common in subpleural and/or in the lung periphery, with interlobular thickening.