The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) has garnered increasing attention for its role in regulating both mature behaviors and brain development. It has been established that OXTR mediates a range of effects that are region-specific or period-specific. However, the current studies of OXTR expression patterns in mice only provide limited help due to limitations in resolution. Therefore, our objective was to generate a comprehensive, high-resolution spatiotemporal expression map of Oxtr mRNA across the entire developing mouse brain. We applied RNAscope in situ hybridization to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Oxtr in the brains of male mice at six distinct postnatal developmental stages (P7, P14, P21, P28, P42, P56). We provide detailed descriptions of Oxtr expression patterns in key brain regions, including the cortex, basal forebrain, hippocampus, and amygdaloid complex, with a focus on the precise localization of Oxtr⁺ cells and the variance of expression between different neurons. Furthermore, we identified some neuronal populations with high Oxtr expression levels that have been little studied, including glutamatergic neurons in the ventral dentate gyrus, Vgat⁺Oxtr⁺ cells in the basal forebrain, and GABAergic neurons in layers 4/5 of the cortex. Our study provides a novel perspective for understanding the distribution of Oxtr and encourages further investigations into its functions.
Animals ; Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism* ; Male ; Brain/growth & development* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Animals, Newborn

Modulating Tankyrases (TNKS), interactions with USP25 to promote TNKS degradation, rather than inhibiting their enzymatic activities, is emerging as an alternative/specific approach to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identified UAT-B, a novel neoantimycin analog isolated from Streptomyces conglobatus, as a small-molecule inhibitor of TNKS-USP25 protein-protein interaction (PPI) to overcome multi-drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The disruption of TNKS-USP25 complex formation by UAT-B led to a significant decrease in TNKS levels, triggering cell apoptosis through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, UAT-B successfully inhibited the CRC cells growth that harbored high TNKS levels, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing cell line-based and patient-derived xenografts, as well as APC^min/+ spontaneous CRC models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the TNKS-USP25 PPI using a small-molecule inhibitor represents a compelling therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment, and UAT-B emerges as a promising candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations.

AIM:To explore the effect of the peripheral defocus spectacle lenses and orthokeratology(OK)on the control of myopia progression and the impact on vision related quality of life in children and adolescents.METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 237 children initially diagnosed with myopia in the ophthalmology department of Huzhou Central Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to different correction methods: peripheral defocus spectacle lenses group(105 cases, 105 eyes)and OK lens group(132 cases, 132 eyes). The Vision Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Primary and Secondary School Students was used to follow up the both groups of myopic children, and the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), spherical equivalent(SE), and axial length(AL)were recorded at the first visit and 1 a of follow-up.RESULTS:After wearing lenses for 1 a, both the peripheral defocus spectacle lenses group and OK lens group showed an increase in SE and AL, but there was no statistical difference between two groups(P>0.05). The changes in SE and AL in the peripheral defocus spectacle lenses group were greater than those in the OK lens group(all P=0.001). After 1 a of follow-up, in the emotional dimension scores, the peripheral defocus spectacle lenses group of children's vision-related quality of life scales scored higher than in the OK lens group(P<0.05). Compared with the baseline value, the change in the emotional dimension scores of the OK lens group was greater than that in the peripheral defocus spectacle lens group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:OK lenses are superior to peripheral defocus spectacle lenses in controlling the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Both correction methods can significantly improve myopic children's vision-related quality of life, with OK lenses being better at improving the emotional dimension of vision-related quality of life.

Objective: To explore the effects of protein powder on the bioavailability of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in blood and kidneys of rats and renal function change. Methods: Twenty-four rats of the SD strain were randomly divided into the negative control group, PFASs group and protein powder group, with 8 rats (half males and half females) in each group. PFASs included 13 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 8 perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), and the mixture was used as a test subject for intervention. The rats in the negative control group were given deionized water at doses of 20 mL/kg·bw, in the PFASs group were given 5 mL/kg·bw of PFASs mixtures and 15 mL/kg·bw of deionized water, and in the protein powder group were given 5 mL/kg·bw of PFASs mixtures and 15 mL/kg·bw of protein powder (0.258 g/mL). After intervention for 28 successive days, body weight and kidney mass were weighed, and the kidney volume index was calculated. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The PFCAs, PFSAs and PFASs contents were quantified in blood and kidney using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry, and the bioavailability was estimated. Results: There was no significant differences in kidney mass, kidney volume index, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen among the negative control group, PFASs group and protein powder group (all P>0.05). The bioavailability of blood PFCAs, PFSAs and PFASs in the protein powder group was not significantly different from the PFASs group (all P>0.05). Compared with the PFASs group, the bioavailability of PFCAs, PFSAs and PFASs were significantly increased in kidneys of male rats in the protein powder group (all P<0.05), while were not significant different in those of female rats (all P>0.05). Conclusion Protein powder at the dose of this study can significantly improve the bioavailability of PFASs in kidneys of male rats, while there no obvious effects on the bioavailability of blood PFASs and renal function.

Objective To investigate the role of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)in hepatocyte regeneration after acet-aminophen(APAP)-induced injury in human normal liver cell(L02)and its possible mechanism.Methods L02 cells were cultured in vitro,and cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay.The optimal concentration and duration of APAP and the concentration of TLR4 inhibitor(TAK-242)were determined.The protein expression levels of nu-clear factor-κB(NF-κB),microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3),p62,receptor interacting protein kinase 1(RIP1),receptor interacting protein kinase 3(RIP3),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),phosphorylation of STAT3(p-STAT3),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blot.The mRNA expression levels of TLR4,NF-κB,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inter-leukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β),PCNA,Cyclin D1 and Ki67 were detected by qRT-PCR.Results Ac-cording to the results of CCK-8,L02 cells were treated with 5 mmol/L APAP for 24,36,48 h to simulate liver in-jury and regeneration model in vitro,and TAK-242 100 nmol/L was pretreated 2 ht before APAP to inhibit TLR4.Compared with the control group,the protein levels of NF-κB,RIP1,p-STAT3,PCNA,Cyclin D1 and the mRNA levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β and PCNA increased in the APAP 24 h group;the protein levels of NF-κB,RIP1,RIP3,p-STAT3,PCNA,Cyclin D1 and the mRNA levels of TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1 β,PCNA and Cyclin D1 in-creased in the APAP 36 h group;the protein levels of NF-κB,RIP1,p-STAT3,PCNA,Cyclin D1 and the mRNA levels of TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,PCNA,Cyclin D1 and Ki67 increased in the APAP 48 h group.The protein levels of NF-κB,RIP1,RIP3,p-STAT3,PCNA,Cyclin D1 and the mRNA levels of TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,PCNA,Cyclin D1,Ki67 significantly decreased in APAP+TAK-242 24 h and 48 h group than the APAP group at the same time point;the protein levels of NF-κB,PCNA and the mRNA levels of TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,PCNA and Ki67 in APAP+TAK-242 36 h group were also significantly lower than those in APAP 36 h group.Compared with the control group,autophagy was activated in the APAP group,while autophagy was inhibited in the APAP+TAK-242 group.Conclusion TLR4 may affect the TLR4/NF-κB pathway,up-regulate the levels of inflammatory factors and autophagy,and promote hepatocyte regeneration after APAP-in-duced liver injury in L02 cells.

Objective To investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)combined with immunosuppressants(IS)on immune rejection in a rat model of liver transplantation.Methods F344 rats were divided into Normal group(without any intervention),PS group(injected with an equal volume of normal saline),MSC group(injected with MSC),IS group(injected with IS),and MSC+IS group(injected with MSC and IS),with 8 rats in each group.For all rats except those in the Normal group,the Kamada's double-cuff method was used to establish a model of orthotopic liver transplantation,without reconstruction of the hepatic artery.HE staining and Masson staining were performed for rat liver tissue,and the degree of liver fibrosis was analyzed;immunohistochemical experiments were used to measure the infiltration of T cells and NK cells,and immunofluorescence assay was used to analyze macrophage M2 polarization.A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups,and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves,and the log-rank test was used for survival analysis.Results Compared with the PS group,the MSC+IS group had a significantly prolonged survival time(P＜0.01),and the MSC group,the IS group,and the MSC+IS group had a significant improvement in the histological structure of the liver and a significant reduction in the degree of liver fibrosis(all P＜0.000 1),as well as a significant reduction in the infiltration of NK and T cells(all P＜0.000 1)and a significant increase in the degree of macrophage M2 polarization(all P＜0.000 1).The MSC+IS group had a significantly better effect than the MSC group and the IS group.Conclusion MSCs combined with IS can improve liver histopathology,reduce inflammatory cell infiltration,promote macrophage M2 polarization,and exert an immunosuppressive effect in rats after liver transplantation.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.

Objective:To investigate the value of implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) in the diagnosis and treatment of patients over 60 years old with unexplained syncope.Methods:This was a multi-center, prospective cohort study. Between June 2018 and April 2021, patients over the age of 60 with unexplained syncope at Beijing Hospital, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing Anzhen Hospital and Puren Hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their decision to receive ICM implantation (implantation group and conventional follow-up group). The endpoint was the recurrence of syncope and cardiogenic syncope as determined by positive cardiac arrhythmia events recorded at the ICM or diagnosed during routine follow-up. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to compare the differences of cumulative diagnostic rate between the 2 groups. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of diagnosis of cardiogenic syncope in patients with unexplained syncope.Results:A total of 198 patients with unexplained syncope, aged (72.9±8.25) years, were followed for 558.0 (296.0,877.0) d, including 98 males (49.5%). There were 100 (50.5%) patients in the implantation group and 98 (49.5%) in the conventional follow-up group. Compared with conventional follow-up group, patients in the implantation group were older, more likely to have comorbidities, had a higher proportion of first degree atrioventricular block indicated by baseline electrocardiogram, and had a lower body mass index (all P<0.05). During the follow-up period, positive cardiac arrhythmia events were recorded in 58 (58.0%) patients in the ICM group. The diagnosis rate (42.0% (42/100) vs. 4.1% (4/98), P<0.001) and the intervention rate (37.0% (37/100) vs. 2.0% (2/98), P<0.001) of cardiogenic syncope in the implantation group were higher than those in the conventional follow-up group (all P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative diagnostic rate of cardiogenic syncope was significantly higher in the implantation group than in the traditional follow-up group ( HR=11.66, 95% CI 6.49-20.98, log-rank P<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that ICM implantation, previous atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus or first degree atrioventricular block in baseline electrocardiogram were independent predictors for cardiogenic syncope (all P<0.05). Conclusions:ICM implantation improves the diagnosis and intervention rates in patients with unexplained syncope, and increases diagnostic efficiency in patients with unexplained syncope.

Objective To explore the correlation between changes in cerebral blood flow and auditory cognitive function in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment(aMCI).Methods The aMCI patients who visited the Memory Clinic of Beijing Friendship Hospital from July 2022 to September 2023 were selected as the research subjects,and gender and age matched healthy controls were included in the comparative study.All subjects underwent ASL scans using 3.0 T MRI and underwent a Chinese"repeat-recall"verbal cognitive function test(RRT)as an assessment of auditory cognitive abilities,and the correlation between cerebral blood flow(CBF)changes and auditory cognitive function was finally analyzed.Results A total of 26 patients with aMCI and 32 normal healthy were included.Regardless of the high and low context and signal to noise ratio(SNR),the auditory cognitive ability of the aMCI group significantly decreased compared to the control group(P<0.01).The standardized CBF value of the left inferior parietal lobule in the aMCI group was significantly reduced compared to the control group(0.921±0.234 vs 1.247±0.076,P<0.001).Correlation analysis showed that the standardized CBF value of the left inferior parietal lobule in the aMCI group was correlated with auditory cognitive ability under low contextual conditions of-5 dB signal-to-noise ratio(r=0.857,P<0.001).Conclusion CBF in the left inferior parietal lobe in patients with aMCI may have some relevance for auditory cognitive impairment.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of an anti-inflammatory mixture on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis in rats, as well as its possible mechanisms.Methods:A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the sham group, septic ALI model group (model group), 3-methyladenine (3-MA) control group, and anti-inflammatory mixture pretreatment group, with 10 rats in each group. Cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) was performed to reproduce a septic ALI model. The rats in the sham group only underwent opening and closing the abdomen without perforation and ligation. Both groups were given saline gavage and intraperitoneal injection for 3 consecutive days before surgery. The 3-MA control group was given intraperitoneal injection of saline and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA 15 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days before modeling. The anti-inflammatory mixture pretreatment group was given 8.8 mL/kg of anti-inflammatory mixture by gavage [the composition of anti-inflammatory mixture: rhubarb 15 g (after the next), coptis chinensis 15 g, baical skullcap root 12 g, magnoliae cortex 12 g, dahurian patrinia herb 30 g] and saline intraperitoneal injection for 3 consecutive days before modeling. The rats in each group were anesthetized 24 hours after surgery and died due to abdominal aortic blood collection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6). Lung tissue was taken and then the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. Lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio was measured. After hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the histopathological changes of the lungs were observed under light microscopy. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of autophagy markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ (LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ) and Beclin-1 protein in lung tissue. Autophagosomes in lung tissue were observed with transmission electron microscopy.Results:Compared with the sham group, the rats in the model group exhibited severe destruction of lung tissue structure, with significant infiltration of inflammatory cells, the lung W/D ratio and the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in serum and BALF were significantly increased, the expressions of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and Beclin-1 protein were down-regulated, the autophagosomes were more. The rats in the 3-MA control group exhibited more severe lung tissue injury as compared with the model group, the lung W/D ratio and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and BALF were further increased, the expressions of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and Beclin-1 protein still showed a decrease tendency as compared with the sham group, and the autophagosomes were less than that in the model group. Compared with the model group, the anti-inflammatory mixture pretreatment group showed milder lung tissue injury with a minimal amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, the lung W/D ratio was significantly reduced (7.07±1.02 vs. 11.33±1.85, P < 0.05), the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in both serum and BALF were significantly decreased [IL-1β (ng/L): 26.04±3.86 vs. 40.83±5.46 in serum, 17.75±2.02 vs. 26.86±4.32 in BALF; IL-6 (ng/L): 91.28±10.15 vs. 129.44±13.05 in serum, 76.06±7.51 vs. 120.91±7.47 in BALF, all P < 0.05], and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and Beclin-1 protein expression were significantly increased [LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio: 1.23±0.02 vs. 0.60±0.02, Beclin-1 protein (Beclin-1/GAPDH): 2.37±0.33 vs. 0.62±0.05, both P < 0.05]. Furthermore, an increase in the number of autophagosomes was observed. Conclusion:The anti-inflammatory mixture improves lung injury in rats with sepsis induced by CLP and reduce inflammation levels, potentially through upregulation of Beclin-1-mediated autophagy.