Objective: To quantitatively assess the health risk of preservatives from beverages around primary schools in Anshun City, and to provide scientific basis for precise food safety supervision. Methods: From December 2023 to July 2024, 602 beverage samples were randomly collected from within 100 meters of 19 primary schools in Anshun City. The content of benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and dehydroacetic acid was detected according to GB 5009 series standards. Combined with children s physiological parameters (body weight 30 kg, daily intake 0.15 L), the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) models were used to evaluate health risks. Results: The total detection rate of preservatives from beverages around primary schools was 63.0%, and the total over limit rate was 9.0%. The detection rate of preservatives in flavored beverages was the highest (72.6%), and the highest over limit rate of preservatives in special purpose beverages was the highest (17.2%). The single preservative HQ (benzoic acid up to 0.47 ) and mixed HI (up to 0.55) of all samples were below 1(safety threshold). However, the HQ value of benzoic acid in flavored beverages (0.47) was 2.9 times that of sorbic acid (0.16), contributing significantly to health risk. Sensitivity analysis showed that if the daily consumption increased to 0.3 L, the HI value of flavored beverages would rise to 1.11, exceeding the safety threshold. Enterprise scale analysis showed that the exceedance rate of special purpose beverages in large enterprises reached 30.0%, while micro enterprises, accounting for a dominant market share (52.2%), constituted the main source of children s daily exposure to their products. Conclusions The overall health risk of perservatives in beverages sold near primary schools in Anshun City is controllable, but there is a noticeable risk of gradient. The risk of children’s exposure to preservatives through beverage consumption should not be ignored.

Purpose: The role of the Clinical Treatment Score post-5 years (CTS5) in male breast cancer (MBC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of CTS5 between MBC and female breast cancer (FBC). Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative/estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer between 2010 and 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model were used for statistical analysis. Results: This study included 169,869 patients, comprising 168,422 (99.1%) FBC and 1,447 (0.9%) MBC patients. More MBC patients had intermediate risk (IR)/high risk (HR) disease compared to FBC patients (17.7% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001). MBC patients had an inferior overall survival (OS) but similar breast cancer-specific survival compared to those with FBC. Sensitivity analyses showed that sex was an independent prognostic factor associated with OS but not breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) in both the low-risk (LR) and IR/HR cohorts. Those with MBC exhibited significantly worse OS (p < 0.001) than FBC patients in both cohorts. In MBC patients, those with IR/HR disease had significantly worse OS (p < 0.001) and BCSS (p < 0.001) compared to those with LR disease. For FBC patients, the IR/HR group had also significantly worse OS (p < 0.001) and BCSS (p < 0.001) compared to the LR group. Conclusion Our findings highlight critical differences in clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes between MBC and FBC, suggesting the need for sex-tailored approaches in breast cancer management.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of microcapsules with different matrix stiffness on the survival, proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to further explore the relationship between matrix stiffness and MSCs osteogenic behavior, and to evaluate the in vivo histological responses and osteogenic-related protein expression of the microcapsules using an animal subcutaneous implantation model. MethodsIn this study, three-dimensional carbon nanofiber (CNF)/sodium alginate (SA) microcapsules with different matrix stiffness were constructed. By adjusting the CNF content, three groups of microcapsules with stiffness values of 27.05, 35.90, and 52.40 kPa were prepared, and their physicochemical properties, including morphology, mechanical properties, particle size, chemical structure, and degradation properties, were characterized. The effects of these microcapsules with different stiffness on the survival, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs were evaluated. Live/dead staining was used to observe cell survival and distribution in the microcapsules, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) were examined to assess osteogenic differentiation. Immunofluorescence staining was further performed to observe the expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and integrin β1 under different stiffness conditions. In addition, a rat subcutaneous implantation model was used to evaluate the in vivo tissue compatibility of the microcapsules. Histological staining and immunohistochemical analysis were carried out to examine local tissue responses and the expression of osteogenic-related proteins. ResultsThe results showed that all three groups of microcapsules exhibited regular and uniform morphology and similar particle size, and all groups showed good degradability. Except for the differences in mechanical properties, no obvious differences were found in the other physicochemical properties among the three groups. Live/dead staining indicated that all groups of microcapsules had good cytocompatibility. MSCs in the low-stiffness group were mostly round, whereas cells in the medium- and high-stiffness groups showed more obvious spreading. Higher matrix stiffness was more favorable for MSC adhesion, growth, and survival. ALP staining and quantitative analysis showed that ALP activity increased significantly with increasing matrix stiffness. The expression of the osteogenic-related proteins OPN and OCN also increased with increasing stiffness, and the high-stiffness group showed the strongest positive signals. Immunofluorescence results further indicated that YAP and integrin β1 fluorescence signals tended to increase in MSCs with increasing matrix stiffness, suggesting that matrix stiffness may influence MSC osteogenic differentiation through stiffness-related cell adhesion and mechanotransduction. In vivo experiments showed that all three groups of microcapsules exhibited good histocompatibility after subcutaneous implantation, although different degrees of degradation and local tissue response were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of OPN and OCN increased with increasing matrix stiffness, and the high-stiffness group exhibited higher expression of these osteogenic-related proteins. ConclusionCNF endows SA microcapsules with tunable matrix stiffness. While maintaining good biocompatibility, the high-stiffness microenvironment can effectively promote the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, accompanied by increased ALP activity and enhanced OPN and OCN expression. The increased YAP and integrin β1 fluorescence signals in the high-stiffness group further indicate that matrix stiffness is closely related to cellular mechanical responses. These findings provide a three-dimensional cell carrier with potential application value for MSC delivery and bone tissue regeneration based on mechanical microenvironment regulation.

Objective Using cockroach surveillance data in Nanjing from 2017 to 2024, we have descriptively analyzed population characteristics and changes in insecticide resistance among Blattella germanica, and have established a seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to predict monthly population densities in Nanjing spanning the year 2025. Methods B. germanica density and infestation rate were monitored using the sticky trap method, and insecticide resistance was assessed using the residual contact method. Our ARIMA model was applied to fit and estimate cockroach density fluctuations over time. Results From 2017 to 2024, B. germanica accounted for 94.90% of all cockroach specimens captured in Nanjing, with an average density of 0.37 cockroaches per trap and an average infestation rate of 5.56%. Significant differences in density and infestation rate were observed among different habitats (P＜0.001). Significant downward annual trends in both density and infestation rate were found (P＜0.05). ARIMA was found to be the optimal model for fitting the density data from 2017 to 2024 (0, 1, 1) × (0, 1, 1)1 2. Conclusions From 2017 to 2024, B. germanica was overwhelmingly the dominant cockroach species in Nanjing, with both its density and infestation rate declining annually. A positive correlation was observed between the amount and proportion of insecticide use and the development of insecticide resistance (P＜0.05). The established model demonstrated good performance in predicting monthly B. germanica densities in Nanjing throughout 2025, providing a valuable reference for future surveillance and control efforts.

AIM To investigate the effects of Yunpi Tongchang Formula on intestinal mucosal barrier damage in rats with opioid-induced constipation(OIC)of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome.METHODS In contrast to the 10 rats of the blank group,the 50 rats of the modeling group were induced into models of OIC of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern by 7 days consecutive administration of both subcutaneous loperamide injection and alternating gavage of activated carbon ice water and vinegar.Following successful modeling,rats were randomly allocated into the model group,the mosapride citrate tablet group(1.35 mg/kg),and the high-dose,medium-dose,and low-dose Yunpi Tongchang Formula groups(15.12,7.56,3.78 g/kg),with 8 mice in each group.Upon the completion of the 14 days treatment,the rats had their TCM Syndrome scores assessed;their fecal water content,initial black stool excretion time,and small intestine propulsion rate measured;their colon tissue morphology observed by HE staining;their serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β detected by ELISA;their expressions of occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)in colon tissues detected by immunohistochemistry;their mRNA expressions of MyD88,TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues detected by RT-qPCR;and their protein expressions of MyD88,TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissues detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the blank group,the model group had higher TCM Syndrome scores(P＜0.01);lower fecal water content and small intestine propulsion rate(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);longer initial black stool excretion time(P＜0.01);more mucosal edema in colon tissue,obvious inflammatory infiltration,and glandular disorder;increased serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1 β(P＜0.05);decreased colon expressions of ZO-1 and occludin(P＜0.01);and increased mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65(P＜0.01).Compared to the model group,both the medium-dose Yunpi Tongchang Formula group and the mosapride citrate tablet group demonstrated effectively reduced TCM syndrome scores(P＜0.01);increased fecal water content and small intestine propulsion rate(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and shorter initial black stool excretion time(P＜0.01);improved colon mucosal edema and inflammatory infiltration;decreased serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);upregulated protein expressions of ZO-1 and occludin(P＜0.01);and downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Yunpi Tongchang Formula significantly ameliorates constipation symptoms in OIC rat models of Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome because of its efficacy in attenuating intestinal inflammation and preserving the integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier structure,with its mechanistic action in downregulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

AIM To explore the clinical effects of Heiguteng Zhuifeng Huoluo Capsules combined with warm acupuncture at musculotendinous pathological nodes on patients with knee osteoarthritis due to Cold-Dampness Obstruction and Fixed Impediment.METHODS One hundred and sixty patients were randomly assigned into control group(80 cases)for 4-week intervention of both warm acupuncture at musculotendinous pathological nodes and Celecoxib Capsules,and observation group(80 cases)for 4-week intervention of Heiguteng Zhuifeng Huoluo Capsules,warm acupuncture at musculotendinous pathological nodes and Celecoxib Capsules.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,WOMAC scores,Lequesne indices,pain mediators(PGE2,β-EP),growth factors(TGF-β1,IGF-1),bone metabolism indices(OPG,RANKL),TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,WOMAC scores,Lequesne indices,PGE2,RANKLE,TLR4,NF-κB(P＜0.05),and increased β-EP,growth factors,OPG(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No serious adverse events or reactions were observable in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with knee osteoarthritis due to Cold-Dampness Obstruction and Fixed Impediment,Heiguteng Zhuifeng Huoluo Capsules combined with warm acupuncture at musculotendinous pathological nodes can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve knee joint pain,and enhance joint functions,whose action mechanisms may contribute to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway expression and regulations of serum TGF-β1,IGF-1,OPG,RANKL levels.

Objective:To construct an evaluation indicator system for accessories of patient monitor,so as to provide a basis for clinical management,equipment procurement,and technical improvement for accessories of medical monitor.Methods:The initial selection indicators of corresponding accessories of three types of monitoring of medical monitors,including electrocardiogram(ECG),blood oxygen saturation(SpO2)and non-invasive blood pressure(NIBP),were determined through literature research,expert consultation,and actual investigation.The Delphi method was adopted to conduct two rounds of questionnaire consultation for experts from clinical medicine,biomedical engineering and other fields in medical institutions included Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital,The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University and Medical Institute of Chengdu Institute of Metrology Verification and Testing.The evaluation indicators were screened and optimized,and the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)was used to calculate the weights of each indicator.The consistency test was conducted to verify the rationality of the evaluation indicator system.Results:The evaluation indicator system for accessories of medical monitor included three first-level indicators:clinical value,cost value,and management value.The number of second-level indicators about ECG,SpO2 and NIBP of evaluation indicator system were respectively 10,9 and 8,and the number of third-level indicators of that were respectively 20,19,and 14.In the first-level indicators,the clinical value had the highest weight,with 72.49%for ECG,70.88%for SpO2 and 70.32%for NIBP.In the second-level indicators,the accuracy(28.70%for ECG,38.13%for SpO2 and 43.03%for NIBP)and safety(27.47%for ECG,26.48%for SpO2 and 23.06%for NIBP)were the core indicators.The weights of cost value and management value were between 14.62%and 17.41%,and between 12.27%and 12.89%,respectively.Conclusion:The evaluation indicator system for accessories of medical monitor integrates multi-dimensional expert opinions and quantitative analysis,highlights the priority principle for clinical performance.It can provide theoretical support for optimizing selection about accessory for medical institutions,and improving quality of monitoring,and promoting standardized management in the industry.

This article presents a comprehensive review of new methods for target identification of complex components in tradi-tional Chinese medicine(TCM)and research progress in their applications.It systematically summarizes classical approaches and cutting-edge technical systems for target identification,cov-ering multiple strategies such as proteomic analysis,fluorescence resonance energy transfer(FRET)technology,network pharma-cology prediction models,high-throughput biochip screening,tar-get capture strategies based on molecular affinity fishing,gene site-directed mutagenesis verification,and co-crystallization structure analysis of target proteins.The review emphasizes the critical role of target identification in elucidating the action mechanisms of TCM and facilitating new drug development,lay-ing a foundation for promoting the modernization of TCM.

Objective:To explore the changes of brain excitation/inhibition balance and gray matter volume (GMV) and their correlations with clinical features in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS).Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed; 83 BECTS children enrolled from Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University from January 2015 to January 2024 were selected as BECTS group. During the same period, 101 age- and gender-matched healthy children were recruited as healthy control group through advertisements in local primary schools. Data of conventional MRI and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) of the two groups were collected. Whole brain GMV was analyzed by voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and Hurst index was calculated based on time series data of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal of rs-fMRI. Correlations of GMV and Hurst index with disease duration and onset age in children with BECTS were explored by Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Compared with the healthy control group, the BECTS group had significantly increased GMV and decreased Hurst index in the bilateral Rolandic region ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that in the BECTS group, GMV in bilateral Rolandic region was negatively correlated with onset age ( r=-0.267, P=0.015) and positively correlated with disease course ( r=0.267, P=0.015); Hurst index in bilateral Rolandic region was positively correlated with onset age ( r=0.323, P=0.003) and negatively correlated with disease course ( r=-0.240, P=0.029); Hurst index was negatively correlated with GMV in bilateral Rolandic region ( r=-0.328, P=0.003). Conclusion:BECTS children have excitation/inhibition imbalance in epilepsy-related regions and cortical structural delay, and both of them are related to onset age and disease course.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR)feature-tracking strain analysis in risk stratification of diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF).Methods:In this retrospective study,a total of 215 patients with diabetic HFpEF who underwent CMR at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fuwai Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 were included.Myocardial strain parameters were calculated using CMR feature-tracking technology.Patients were followed up by medical records or telephone calls.Composite endpoint event,all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization during follow-up were recorded.Patients were divided into event group and event-free group.Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for the outcomes in diabetic HFpEF.The effects of hypertension and obesity on the prognosis of diabetic HFpEF patients and whether they affect the prognostic value of CMR feature-tracking strain analysis were also analyzed.Results:During a follow-up of(7.1±1.8)years,93(43.3%)patients had endpoint events(event group),including 28 all-cause deaths and 65 heart failure hospitalization.Compared with the event-free group(n=122),patients in the event group had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction,higher prevalence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement,and significantly reduced global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain,global radial strain,and global systolic longitudinal strain rate(all P<0.05).The absolute GLS value was significantly lower in event group than in event-free group,regardless of the presence of hypertension and obesity.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate(HR=0.983,95%CI:0.972-0.993,P=0.001),left atrial volume index(HR=1.015,95%CI:1.005-1.026,P=0.004),and GLS(HR=1.142,95%CI:1.060-1.231,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic HFpEF patients.However,adjusted N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was not an independent prognostic factor.The cut-offvalue of GLS to predict outcome was-14.09%from ROC curve analysis.The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that in patients with and without hypertension and obesity,patients with the GLS>-14.09%had lower event-free survival compared to patients with GLS≤-14.09%(all P<0.05),and the ability of GLS to predict adverse outcomes was not affected by hypertension and obesity.Conclusions:GLS obtained by CMR feature-tracking strain analysis is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in diabetic HFpEF,and its ability to predict adverse outcomes is independent of hypertension and obesity.