eIF3a is a N ⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) reader that regulates mRNA translation by recognizing m⁶A modifications of these mRNAs. It has been suggested that eIF3a may play an important role in regulating translation initiation via m⁶A during infection when canonical cap-dependent initiation is inhibited. However, the death of animal model studies impedes our understanding of the functional significance of eIF3a in immunity and regulation in vivo. In this study, we investigated the in vivo function of eIF3a using eIF3a knockout and knockdown mouse models and found that eIF3a deficiency resulted in splenic tissue structural disruption and multi-organ damage, which contributed to severe sepsis induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ectopic eIF3a overexpression in the eIF3a knockdown mice rescued mice from LPS-induced severe sepsis. We further showed that eIF3a maintains a functional and healthy immune system by regulating B cell function and quantity through m⁶A modification of mRNAs. These findings unveil a novel mechanism underlying sepsis, implicating the pivotal role of B cells in this complex disease process regulated by eIF3a. Furthermore, eIF3a may be used to develop a potential strategy for treating sepsis.

Objective:To understand the incidence trend of meningococcal meningitis from 1990 to 2023 and major pathogenic serogroups of Neisseria ( N.) meningitidis from 2006 to 2023 in China and the time trend of the incidence of meningococcal meningitis caused by main pathogenic serogroups, and provide reference for the prevention and control of meningococcal meningitis. Methods:The study used the data from "National Epidemic Data Compile" from 1990 to 2003 and the data from China Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System from 2004 to 2023 to analyze the incidence trend of meningococcal meningitis in China from 1990 to 2023 by Joinpoint regression method. Based on the data of the national meningococcal meningitis surveillance information reporting and management system from 2006 to 2023, the incidence of meningococcal meningitis caused by different serogroups of N. meningitidis was described and analyzed, and the trend χ2 test was performed to analyze the change of the incidence of meningococcal meningitis caused by N. meningitidis A, B, and C. Results:The overall incidence of meningococcal meningitis in China showed a downward trend from 1990 to 2023 [average annual percent change (AAPC)=-14.80%, P<0.001], with the most obvious decline from 2005 to 2012 [annual percent change (APC)=-31.01%, P<0.001]. The incidence of meningococcal meningitis decreased in both men and women (AAPC=-14.69% and -15.05%, both P<0.001). A total of 1 178 serogroup specific cases of meningococcal meningitis were reported in China from 2006 to 2023, the proportion of serogroup C was highest (32.5%), followed by unclassified (22.3%), B (20.1%), A (18.4%), W (4.5%), Y (2.0%) and X (0.2%). The results of trend χ2 test indicated that the incidence of meningococcal meningitis caused by N. meningitidis A and C showed downward trends (both P<0.001) and the incidence of meningococcal meningitis caused by N. meningitidis B showed an upward trend in general population and young children (0-4 years old group) from 2006 to 2023 (both P<0.05). Conclusion:The incidence of meningococcal meningitis showed a downward trend in China from 1990 to 2023, but it is still necessary to pay more attention to the incidence of meningococcal meningitis caused by N. meningitidis B in age group aged 0-4 years and by multi serogroups at same time in general population.

Objective We investigated the effects of ICAM5 in the hippocampus on the alcohol drinking preference of mice,and the potential mechanisms.Methods An alcohol two-bottle choice model was developed in 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice,which were randomly divided to two groups:water group and alcohol group.The protein expression of ICAM5 in the hippocampus,amygdala,and medial prefrontal cortex was detected.An ICAM5-overexpressing adeno-associated virus was constructed and injected into the hippocampus by stereotaxic method.The expression level of ICAM5 protein in the hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot.We then detected the alcohol preference and locomotor activity of mice with a conditioned place preference(CPP)experiment,open field test,and loss-of-righting reflex test.Western blot analysis was used to identify the neuron F-actin/G-actin ratio.Using Golgi staining,the morphology of dendritic spines was identified.Results The expression of ICAM5 in the hippocampus of alcohol two-bottle choice model mice in the alcohol group was considerably lower than that of the water group(P＜0.001).The specific expression of ICAM5 in the hippocampus of mice was observed by fluorescence microscopy.In the open field experiment,the staying time and moving distance of the AAV-ICAM5 group were significantly increased compared with those of the control group(P＜0.01).In the CPP experiment,the residence time of AAV-ICAM5 mice in the alcohol-paired compartment was significantly lower than that of control mice(P＜0.001).In the loss-of-righting reflex experiment,overexpression of ICAM5 significantly reduced sedation latency(P＜0.01),but significantly shortened the duration of sedation(P＜0.001).Compared with AAV-mCherry+Water group,the ratio of F-actin/G-actin in the hippocampus was significantly increased after drinking(P＜0.01),but after ICAM5 overexpression,their F-actin/G-actin ratio was significantly decreased(P＜0.001).Compared with AAV-mCherry+Water group,the density of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CAI region was increased(P＜0.001),but the density of dendritic spines in the AAV-ICAM5+Alcohol group was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusions ICAM5 modulated the expression of cytoskeleton proteins to change the structural plasticity of dendritic spines,which contributed to alcohol-drinking and locomotor behavioral changes in mice.

The utilization of optimal orthodontic force is crucial to prevent undesirable side effects and ensure efficient tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.However,the sensitivity of existing detection techniques is not sufficient,and the criteria for evaluating optimal force have not been yet established.Here,by employing 3D finite element analysis methodology,we found that the apical distal region(A-D region)of mesial roots is particularly sensitive to orthodontic force in rats.Tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase(TRAP)-positive osteoclasts began accumulating in the A-D region under the force of 40 grams(g),leading to alveolar bone resorption and tooth movement.When the force reached 80 g,TRAP-positive osteoclasts started appearing on the root surface in the A-D region.Additionally,micro-computed tomography revealed a significant root resorption at 80 g.Notably,the A-D region was identified as a major contributor to whole root resorption.It was determined that 40 g is the minimum effective force for tooth movement with minimal side effects according to the analysis of tooth movement,inclination,and hyalinization.These findings suggest that the A-D region with its changes on the root surface is an important consideration and sensitive indicator when evaluating orthodontic forces for a rat model.Collectively,our investigations into this region would aid in offering valuable implications for preventing and minimizing root resorption during patients'orthodontic treatment.

AIM:To investigate the impact of hippocampal protein phosphatase 1 regulator subunit 17(Ppp1r17)down-regulation on drinking-related behavior in mice,and to explore the protein kinase B(PKB/AKT)/glyco-gen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β)/cAMP response element binding protein(CREB)signaling pathway of Ppp1r17 in the development of alcohol dependence.METHODS:Forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups(n=10):control group,shPpp1r17① group,shPpp1r17② group and shPpp1r17③ group.The mRNA and protein expression levels in the hippocampal tissues were evaluated after 3 weeks of AAV-shPpp1r17 injection.Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group and a shPpp1r17 group(n=10).An open-field test,conditioned place prefer-ence(CPP)test and righting reflex test were performed.Furthermore,the localization and expression of AAV-shPpp1r17 were detected after 3 weeks of AAV-shPpp1r17 injection.Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups(n=5):the empty virus+water group,the empty virus+EtOH group,the shPpp1r17+water group and the shPpp1r17+EtOH group.The EtOH group mice drank 9%alcohol continuously for 30 d.The protein expression levels of Ppp1r17,p-AKT,AKT,p-GSK-3β,GSK-3β,p-CREB and CREB were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:(1)The results of qPCR showed that Ppp1r17 was successfully suppressed by shPpp1r17.(2)The behavioral results showed that the shPpp1r17 group mice exhibited enhanced exercise ability and reduced anxiety-like emotions,and the downregulation of Ppp1r17 increased CPP scores and reduced the sensitivity of the mice to alcohol.(3)Immunofluorescence showed that AAV-shPpp1r17 was specifically expressed in the hippocampus.(4)Western blot analysis revealed that Ppp1r17 and the p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β and p-CREB/CREB ratios were significantly increased after treatment of EtOH.Howev-er,the protein expression of Ppp1r17 was significantly reduced,and the AKT/GSK-3β/CREB pathway was activated after knockdown of Ppp1r17 in the hippocampus.CONCLUSION:Ppp1r17 may suppress CREB phosphorylation through the AKT/GSK-3β/CREB pathway,thereby influencing alcohol drinking preference and locomotor behavior in mice.

Objective To investigate the effect of continuous intraoperative insulin infusion on my-ocardial blood perfusion after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).Methods Forty-eight patients,21 males and 27 females,aged 55-80 years,BMI 18-28 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ-Ⅳ,who underwent elective cardiac surgery with CPB were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the insulin group(group I,n = 25)and the control group(group C,n = 23).The same anesthesia protocol was implemented in both groups.After induction of anesthesia,group Ⅰ received intravenously infusion of in-sulin 30 mU·kg-1·h-1,glucose 0.12 g·kg-1·h-1,and potassium chloride 0.06 mmol·kg-1·h-1,and group C received saline 10 ml/h,all of which were infused until the end of surgery.The targeted blood glucose range for both groups was set at 6.1-11.1 mmol/L.Transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)was performed 10 minutes after induction of general anesthesia(T2)and before the end of surgery(T6)to ex-amine the coronary sinus(CS)flow spectrum and diameter,pulmonary venous flow spectrum,and calculate CS net antegrade flow velocity time integral(VTI).Femoral mean arterial pressure(MAP),central venous pressure(CVP),stroke volume(SV),cardiac index(CI)and peripheral vascular resistance index(SVRI)were recorded at T2,2 minutes before CPB(T3),the end of CPB(T5),and T6.The concentra-tions of blood glucose and lactate 5 minutes before anesthesia induction(T1),T3,30 minutes after CPB(T4),T5,T6,6 hours after surgery(T7),12 hours after surgery(T8),and 24 hours after surgery(T9)were recorded.The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),high-sensitivity troponin I(hs-TnI),and creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB)were recorded 1 day preoperatively,1 and 2 days post-operatively.Results Compared with group C,in group I,CS net antegrade flow VTI and blood flow per minute were significantly increased(P<0.05),and pulmonary venous peak atrial reversal wave velocity(ARp)was significantly reduced at T6(P<0.05),SV and CI were significantly increased and SVRI was significantly decreased at T5 and T6(P<0.05),lactate concentration was significantly decreased at T7 and T8(P<0.05),hs-CRP and CKMB were significantly decreased 1 and 2 days postoperatively(P<0.05),hs-TnI was significantly reduced 2 days postoperatively(P<0.05).Conclusion Continuous insulin admin-istration during cardiac surgery with CPB while maintaining blood glucose at 6.1-11.1 mmol/L can enhance myocardial blood perfusion,mitigate postoperative inflammatory response,and reduce myocardial injury.

Objective To investigate the effect of intraoperative renal artery resistance index(RI)in predicting postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopul-monary bypass(CPB).Methods Forty-four patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB,21 males and 23 females,aged ≥18 years,BMI 18.5-30.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,were select-ed.Left renal artery peak systolic velocity(PSV)and end-diastolic velocity(EDV)were measured by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)20 minutes after general anesthesia induction(T1)and 30 minutes after CPB cessation(T2).RI was calculated as(PSV-EDV)/PSV.Patients were divided into two groups:the AKI group and the non-AKI group,according to whether occurred AKI by the diagnostic criteria of the kidney disease:improving global outcomes organization(KDIGO).Logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for AKI occurrence.Results Sixteen patients(36％)oc-curred AKI.Compared with the non-AKI group,the CPB duration and aortic cross-clamp duration were sig-nificantly prolonged(P＜0.05),the renal artery RI at T,and T2 were significantly increased in the AKI group(P＜0.05).Multivariate logstic analysis showed that RI at T2 was an independent risk factor for AKI occurrence after cardiac surgery,the AUC was 0.893(95％CI 0.794-0.991,P＜0.010),the sensitivity and specificity were 84.5％and 78.6％,respectively,and the cut-off value was 0.720.Conclusion Intra-operative renal artery RI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is an independent risk factor for AKI after cardiac surgery,and renal artery RI＞0.720 at 30 minutes after CPB cessation can serve as a predictive in-dicator for AKI after cardiac surgery.

Objective To explore the possibility of MR Ti-mapping imaging technology to provide additional indicators for clinical quantitative evaluation of renal function in children with renal insufficiency.Methods A total of 13 children with renal insufficiency diagnosed and underwent renal function MRI examination were selected(renal insufficiency group),and 23 children with normal renal function were included as the control group.The difference of renal cortex T1 value between the control group and the renal insuffi-ciency group was compared,and the correlation between renal cortex T1 value and biochemical indexes such as serum creatinine(SCr)and cystatin C(CysC)in the renal insufficiency group was analyzed.Results There was significant difference in T1 value of renal cortex between the renal insufficiency group and the control group(P＜0.01).The correlation between T1 value of renal cortex and SCr and CysC in renal insufficiency group was higher(r=0.75,P＜0.01;r=0.68,P＜0.01).Conclusion MR T1-mapping technol-ogy can non-invasively monitor the renal function status of children with renal insufficiency,and has a suggestive value for clinical quantitative evaluation of renal function in children.

Background: Metabolic dysregulation is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in which the abnormalities in brown adipose tissue (BAT) play important roles. However, the cellular composition and function of BAT as well as its pathological significance in diabetes remain incompletely understood. Our objective is to delineate the single-cell landscape of BAT-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and their characteristic alterations in T2DM rats. Methods: T2DM was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin and high-fat diet feeding. Single-cell mRNA sequencing was then performed on BAT samples and compared to normal rats to characterize changes in T2DM rats. Subsequently, the importance of key cell subsets in T2DM was elucidated using various functional studies. Results: Almost all cell types in the BAT-derived SVF of T2DM rats exhibited enhanced inflammatory responses, increased angiogenesis, and disordered glucose and lipid metabolism. The multidirectional differentiation potential of adipose tissue-derived stem cells was also reduced. Moreover, macrophages played a pivotal role in intercellular crosstalk of BAT-derived SVF. A novel Rarres2+macrophage subset promoted the differentiation and metabolic function of brown adipocytes via adipose-immune crosstalk. Conclusion BAT SVF exhibited strong heterogeneity in cellular composition and function and contributed to T2DM as a significant inflammation source, in which a novel macrophage subset was identified that can promote brown adipocyte function.

Objective: This study’s objective is to assess the efficacy and safety of Pulsed Magnetic Therapy System (PMTS) in improving insomnia disorder. Methods: Participants with insomnia disorder were randomly assigned to receive either PMTS or sham treatment for four weeks (n= 153; PMTS: 76, sham: 77). Primary outcomes are the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores at week 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3, 4 (treatment), and 5 (follow-up). Secondary outcomes are the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at baseline and week 4, and weekly sleep diary-derived values for sleep latency, sleep efficiency, real sleep time, waking after sleep onset, and sleep duration. Results: The ISI scores of the PMTS group and the sham group were 7.13±0.50, 11.07±0.51 at week 4, respectively. There was a significant group×time interaction for ISI (F3.214, 485.271=24.25, p<0.001, ηp 2=0.138). Only the PMTS group experienced continuous improvement throughout the study; in contrast, the sham group only experienced a modest improvement after the first week of therapy. At the end of the treatment and one week after it, the response of the PMTS group were 69.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.6%–79.0%), 75.0% (95% CI: 64.1%–83.4%), respectively, which were higher than the response of the sham group (p<0.001). For each of the secondary outcomes, similar group×time interactions were discovered. The effects of the treatment persisted for at least a week. Conclusion PMTS is safe and effective in improving insomnia disorders.