Objective To investigate the changes in eosinophil counts and the activation of microglial cells in the brain tissues of mice at different stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, and to examine the role of microglia in regulating the progression of angiostrongyliasis and unravel the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-day and 25-d infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. All mice in infection groups were infected with 30 stage III A. cantonensis larvae by gavage, and animals in the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. Five mice were collected from each of infection groups on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. The general and focal functional impairment was scored using the Clark scoring method to assess the degree of mouse neurological impairment. Five mice from each of infection groups were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice from the control group were sacrificed on the day of oral gavage. Mouse brain tissues were sampled, and the pathological changes of brain tissues were dynamically observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence staining with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) was used to assess the degree of eosinophil infiltration and the counts of microglial cells in mouse brain tissues in each group, and the morphological parameters of microglial cells (skeleton analysis and fractal analysis) were quantified by using Image J software to determine the morphological changes of microglial cells. In addition, the expression of M1 microglia markers Fcγ receptor III (Fcgr3), Fcγ receptor IIb (Fcgr2b) and CD86 antigen (Cd86), M2 microglia markers Arginase 1 (Arg1), macrophage mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1), chitinase-like 3 (Chil3), and phagocytosis genes myeloid cell triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), CD68 antigen (Cd68), and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay in the mouse cerebral cortex of mice post-infection. Results A large number of A. cantonensis larvae were seen on the mouse meninges surface post-infection, and many neuronal nuclei were crumpled and deeply stained, with a large number of bleeding points in the meninges. The median Clark scores of mouse general functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 0 (interquartile range, 0.5), 6 (interquartile range, 1.0), 14 (interquartile range, 8.5) points and 20 (interquartile range, 9.0) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.45, P < 0.01), and the median Clark scores of mouse focal functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 2 (interquartile range, 2.5), 7 (interquartile range, 3.0), 18 (interquartile range, 5.0) points and 25 (interquartile range, 6.5) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.72, P < 0.01). The mean scores of mice general and focal functional impairment were all higher in the infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant difference in the eosinophil counts in mouse brain tissues among the five groups (F = 40.05, P < 0.000 1), and the eosinophil counts were significantly higher in mouse brain tissues in the 14-d (3.08 ± 0.78) and 21-d infection groups (5.97 ± 1.37) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.28) (both P values < 0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of microglia immunofluorescence showed a significant difference in the counts of microglial cells among the five groups (F = 17.66, P < 0.000 1), and higher Iba1 levels were detected in mouse brain tissues in 14-d (5.75 ± 1.28), 21-d (6.23 ± 1.89) and 25-d infection groups (3.70 ± 1.30) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.30) (all P values < 0.05). Skeleton and fractal analyses showed that the branch length [(162.04 ± 34.10) μm vs. (395.37 ± 64.11) μm; t = 5.566, P < 0.05] and fractal dimension of microglial cells (1.30 ± 0.01 vs. 1.41 ± 0.03; t = 5.266, P < 0.05) were reduced in mouse brain tissues in the 21-d infection group relative to the control group. In addition, there were significant differences among the 5 groups in terms of M1 and M2 microglia markers Fcgr3 (F = 48.34, P < 0.05), Fcgr2b (F = 55.46, P < 0.05), Cd86 (F = 24.44, P < 0.05), Arg1 (F = 31.18, P < 0.05), Mrc1 (F = 15.42, P < 0.05) and Chil3 (F = 24.41, P < 0.05), as well as phagocytosis markers Trem2 (F = 21.19, P < 0.05), Cd68 (F = 43.95, P < 0.05) and Apoe (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) in mice brain tissues. Conclusions A. cantonensis infections may induce severe pathological injuries in mouse brain tissues that are characterized by massive eosinophil infiltration and persistent activation of microglia cells, thereby resulting in progressive deterioration of neurological functions.

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the early triggers of vascular remodeling during pulmonary hypertension (PH) with complex predisposing mechanisms, mainly via an unbalanced generation of vasoactive factors, increased expression of growth factors, prothrombotic elements, and inflammatory markers. Conventional treatment regimens are restricted to a single therapeutic pathway, which usually leads to limited clinical outcomes. Combination therapies targeting multiple cells and several signaling pathways are increasingly adopted in PH treatment. Herein, inspired by the cocrystal pleomorphism theory, we prepared rod-shaped nanococrystals of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor antagonist (bosentan, BST) and the anti-inflammatory drug (andrographolide, AG) for targeting the pulmonary endothelium and alleviating PH. The 525 nm-sized co-delivery system displayed a rod-like morphology, preferentially accumulated in the pulmonary endothelium and alleviated pulmonary artery (PA) remodeling. A three-week treatment with the preparation significantly alleviated the monocrotaline (MCT)- or Sugen 5416/hypoxia (SuHx)-induced PH by reducing the pulmonary artery pressure, increasing the survival rate, improving the hemodynamics, and inhibiting vascular remodeling. Mechanistically, the nanococrystals collaboratively repaired endothelial dysfunction by suppressing the pathways of ET-1/NF-κB/ICAM-1/TNF-α/IL-6. In conclusion, the cocrystal-based strategy offers a promising approach for constructing co-delivery systems. The developed rod-shaped nanococrystals effectively target the pulmonary endothelium and relieve experimental PH.

The high prevalence of childhood caries poses a considerable threat to children's overall health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concepts offers a distinctive and valuable perspective on caries prevention. This study explores TCM's conceptualization of dental caries in relation to the physiological characteristics of children and proposes targeted preventive strategies, including holistic care, dietary regulation, and lifestyle modification. In addition, the study highlights the role of traditional modalities, such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and tuina, in caries prevention, while emphasizing the importance of supporting children's mental health. The integration of TCM with modern medical practices holds promise for advancing research into the prevention and treatment of caries. Furthermore, promoting the overall improvement of children's health.
Dental Caries/prevention & control* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Child ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Moxibustion ; Life Style ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

Objective To investigate the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and its association with hepatic fibrosis during the development of alveolar echinococcosis, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the role of LSEC in the development and prognosis of hepatic injuries and hepatic fibrosis caused by alveolar echinococcosis. Methods Forty C57BL/6 mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into a control group and 1-, 2- and 4-week infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was intraperitoneally injected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while each mouse in the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline using the same method. All mice were sacrificed 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-infection and mouse livers were collected. The pathological changes of livers were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and hepatic fibrosis was evaluated through semi-quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining-positive areas. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were examined using immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and the fenestrations on the surface of LSECs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Primary LSECs were isolated from mouse livers, and the mRNA expression of LSEC marker genes Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf was quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Results Destruction of local liver lobular structure was observed in mice 2 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis protoscoleces, and hydatid cysts, which were surrounded by granulomatous tissues, were found in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection. Semi-quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining showed a significant difference in the proportion of collagen fiber contents in mouse livers among the four groups (F = 26.060, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of collagen fiber contents was detected in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group [(11.29 ± 2.58)%] than in the control group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining revealed activation of a few HSCs and ECM deposition in mouse livers 1 and 2 weeks post-infection, and abundant brown-yellow stained α-SMA and COL1A1 were deposited in the lesion areas in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection, which spread to surrounding tissues. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in α-SMA (F = 7.667, P < 0.05) and COL1A1 expression (F = 6.530, P < 0.05) in mouse levers among the four groups, with higher α-SMA [(7.13 ± 3.68)%] and COL1A1 expression [(13.18 ± 7.20)%] quantified in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in the fenestration frequency (F = 37.730, P < 0.001) and porosity (F = 16.010, P < 0.001) on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups, and reduced fenestration frequency and porosity were observed in the 1-[(1.22 ± 0.48)/μm² and [(3.05 ± 0.91)%] and 2-week infection groups [(3.47 ± 0.10)/μm² and (7.57 ± 0.23)%] groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the average fenestration diameter on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups (F = 15.330, P < 0.001), and larger average fenestration diameters were measured in the 1-[(180.80 ± 16.42) nm] and 2-week infection groups [(161.70 ± 3.85) nm] than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Stabilin-1 (F = 153.100, P < 0.001), Stabilin-2 (F = 57.010, P < 0.001), Ehd3 (F = 31.700, P < 0.001), CD209b (F = 177.400, P < 0.001), GATA4 (F = 17.740, P < 0.001), and Maf mRNA expression (F = 72.710, P < 0.001), and reduced mRNA expression of Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf genes was quantified in three infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions E. multilocularis infections may induce capillarization of LSECs in mice, and result in a reduction in the expression of functional and phenotypic marker genes of LSECs, and capillarization of LSECs occurs earlier than activation of HSC and development of hepatic fibrosis.

Objective To understand the changing trend of dementia disease burden attributed to high BMI in China from 1990-2019, and to provide a basis for the development of dementia prevention and control strategies. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019(GBD2019)，the changes in disease burden were analyzed using indicators such as deaths, disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs) and their standardized rates. The differences between sexes and age groups were compared. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of changes in the disease burden of dementia attributable to high BMI in China. Results From 1990 to 2019, the burden of dementia disease attributed to high BMI continued to increase, with 20,300 more deaths, 404,200 more DALYs, and more than a four-fold increase in both mortality and DALYs rates. The overall burden of disease was greater for women than for men, but the rate of increase in the burden of disease was higher for men than for women. The disease burden in the age group of 80 and over was significantly higher than in other age groups. Conclusion Attention should be paid to people with high BMI, especially for the prevention and control of dementia risk in older age groups with high BMI. Active countermeasures should be taken to control the occurrence of dementia.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have confirmed that the new compound cottonrose hibiscus leaf gel plaster has a good effect in the treatment of acute soft tissue swelling. OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy of compound cottonrose hibiscus leaf gel plaster in the treatment of synovitis of the knee joint. METHODS:Seventy-two patients with knee synovitis were selected from Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from December 2019 to May 2021.These patients were randomly divided into a trial group and a control group,with 36 cases in each group.The trial group was treated with compound cottonrose hibiscus leaf gel plaster,once a day,12 hours each time,while the control group was treated with Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel,twice a day.After 28 days of treatment,visual analog scale score,WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index score,quality of life score(SF-36),thickness of knee synovium and comprehensive curative effect were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Visual analog scale scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).Visual analog scale scores in the trial group after 7,14 and 28 days of treatment were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index scores of the two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index scores in the trial group after 7,14 and 28 days of treatment were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).(3)The SF-36 quality of life score in the two groups after 28 days of treatment was higher than that before treatment(P<0.05).SF-36 quality of life score in the trial group after 28 days of treatment was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).(4)After 28 days of treatment,the thickness of knee synovium in the trial group was less than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the effective rate in the trial group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).(5)These findings indicate that compared with Diclofenac Diethylamine Emulgel,the compound cottonrose hibiscus leaf gel plaster can better relieve knee pain,enhance knee joint function,reduce synovial hyperplasia,and elevate the overall quality of life of patients.

Objective:To evaluate the role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxidase-1 (HO-1) in reduction of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury by the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs)-derived exosomes (hucMSCs-exo) in mice.Methods:The hucMSCs were cultured, and exosomes were extracted and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and Western blot. Thirty-six male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice, weighing 20-25 g, were used. Thirty mice were selected and divided into 5 groups ( n=6 each) by a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), sham operation + Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group (Sham + ML385 group), renal I/R group (I/R group), renal I/R + exosome group (I/R+ EXO group), and renal I/R + exosome + Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 group (I/R+ EXO+ ML385 group). A model of renal I/R injury was prepared by clamping the bilateral renal pedicles for 45 min followed by perfusion in anesthetized animals. ML385 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 45 min before preparing the model in Sham+ ML385 group and I/R+ EXO+ ML385 group, and hucMSCs-exo 100 μg was injected via the tail vein at 15 min before reperfusion in I/R+ EXO group and I/R+ EXO+ ML385 group. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) concentrations were detected at 24 h of reperfusion. The renal tissues were obtained for examination of the pathological changes and for determination of contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA (by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). The left 6 mice were allocated to sham operation group (Sham-IM group, n=3) and renal I/R group (I/R-IM group, n=3) by a random number table method for VISQUE in living imaging observation. Results:The exosomes showed a typical cup-shaped morphology with a transmission electron microscope, the nanoparticles tracked and analyzed the average diameter of the exosome, with an average diameter of 96.7 nm, and the positive expression of surface markers CD9, CD63 and TSG101 was detected using Western blot. The renal fluorescence intensity value was significantly increased in I/R-IM group as compared with Sham-IM group ( P<0.05). Compared with Sham group, the serum BUN and Cr concentrations were significantly increased, the contents of IL-6, TNF-α and MDA and ROS levels were increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of renal tissues were aggravated in I/R group, and no significant change was found in serum BUN and Cr concentrations in Sham+ ML385 group ( P>0.05). Compared with I/R group, the serum BUN and Cr concentrations were significantly decreased, the contents of IL-6, TNF-α and MDA and ROS levels were decreased, the activity of SOD was increased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of renal tissues were significantly attenuated in I/R+ EXO group. Compared with I/R+ EXO group, the serum BUN and Cr concentrations were significantly increased, the contents of IL-6, TNF-α and MDA and ROS levels were increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of renal tissues were aggravated in I/R+ EXO+ ML385 group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which hucMSCs-exo reduces renal I/R injury may be related to activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in mice.

Objective To investigate the effect of Nutlin-3a,a mouse double minute 2 homolog(MDM2)inhibitor,on lipid metabolism of mouse adipose.Methods High-fat diet-induced obesity(DIO)C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group injected with DMSO and an experimental group injected with Nutlin-3a.Then we conducted glucose tolerance(GTT)and insulin tolerance(ITT)tests.The epididymal white adipose tissue(eWAT),inguinal white adipose tissue(iWAT)and brown adipose tissue(BAT)of animals were isolated and microscopy of WATs with hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the morphological changes of adipocytes.The expression of lipid metabolism related gene cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector C(CIDEC)in eWAT were detected by qPCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,Nutlin-3a was found to promote the body weight(P＜0.001),but no effect on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in DIO mice.Nutlin-3a treatment decreased the size of adipocytes and fat deposition in adipose tissue and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of CIDEC in eWAT.Conclusions Nutlin-3a inhibits the formation of lipid droplets by downregulating expression of CIDEC in white adipose tissue.

Heart development protein with EGF-like domains 1 (HEG1) is a novel mucin-like membrane protein with a long O-glycosylation region and EGF domain. HEG1 plays critical roles in embryo development and cardiogenesis, and is closely related to the occurrence and progression of malignant tumors. Here this article demonstrates the research progress on HEG1 in cardiovascular formation and tumor development in recent years, to inspire new ideas for the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of related diseases.