OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of Ag₂Se nanoparticles for eliminating intracellular Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in esophageal cancer and examine the effect of P. gingivalis clearance on progression of esophageal cancer. METHODS: Ag₂Se nanoparticles were synthesized via a chemical synthesis method. The effects of Ag₂Se nanoparticles on P. gingivalis viability and colony-forming ability were assessed using fluorescence staining and colony formation assays. In a mouse model bearing subcutaneous murine esophageal cancer cell allograft with P. gingivalis infection, the effect of treatment with Ag₂Se nanoparticles on the abundance of P. gingivalis in the tumor tissues was quantified using RNAscope in situ hybridization and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the changes in tumor volume were monitored. The biosafety of Ag₂Se nanoparticles was assessed by examining liver and kidney functions and pathological changes in the major organs of the mice. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the synthesized Ag₂Se nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed spherical particles with a diameter around 50 nm. In vitro experiments demonstrated that exposure to Ag₂Se nanoparticles significantly reduced the viability and clonal proliferation capacity of P. gingivalis in a dose-dependent manner. In the tumor-bearing mice, treatment with Ag₂Se nanoparticles significantly reduced the abundance of P. gingivalis in tumor tissues and suppressed tumor cell proliferation. No significant damages to the liver and kidney functions or the major organs were observed in Ag₂Se nanoparticle-treated mice, demonstrating good biocompatibility of Ag₂Se nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS Ag₂Se nanoparticles exhibit significant bactericidal and inhibitory effects against P. gingivalis, and can effectively eliminate intracellular P. gingivalis to suppress the growth of esophageal cancer allograft in mice, suggesting the potential of Ag₂Se nanoparticles in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Animals ; Porphyromonas gingivalis/drug effects* ; Mice ; Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Nanoparticles ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Bacteroidaceae Infections ; Cell Line, Tumor

Stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining tissue regenerative capacity and homeostasis. However, mechanisms associated with stem cell senescence require further investigation. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) obtained from individuals of various ages. Our findings showed that the expression of NUP62 was decreased in aged HDPSCs. We discovered that NUP62 alleviated senescence-associated phenotypes and enhanced differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the knocking down of NUP62 expression aggravated the senescence-associated phenotypes and impaired the proliferation and migration capacity of HDPSCs. Through RNA-sequence and decoding the epigenomic landscapes remodeled induced by NUP62 overexpression, we found that NUP62 helps alleviate senescence in HDPSCs by enhancing the nuclear transport of the transcription factor E2F1. This, in turn, stimulates the transcription of the epigenetic enzyme NSD2. Finally, the overexpression of NUP62 influences the H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 modifications of anti-aging genes (HMGA1, HMGA2, and SIRT6). Our results demonstrated that NUP62 regulates the fate of HDPSCs via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Humans ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics* ; Cellular Senescence/genetics* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Differentiation ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Reprogramming ; Cell Movement ; Proteomics

ObjectiveTo provide technical support for the molecular surveillance of pathogenic bacteria strains carrying mobile colistin resistance-1 （mcr⁃1） gene isolate from inlet of wastewater treatment plants （WWTP）. MethodsThe Enterobacteriaceae strains carrying mcr⁃1 resistance gene isolate from inlet of WWTP during April 1 to June 30， 2023 in Shanghai were cultured on blood-rich and SS culture medium and were identified using a mass spectrometry analyzer. The mcr⁃1 gene and copy number were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Drug susceptibility test was performed by microbroth dilution method. The copy numbers of Escherichia coli carrying mcr⁃1 gene isolated from wastewater and human fecel were statistically analyzed by SPSS 25.0. ResultsA total of 14 strains carrying the mcr⁃1 gene were isolated from 49 WWTP samples， and the positive isolation rate was 28.6%， including 12 non-diarrheal E. coli strains and 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. The drug susceptibility results showed that all 14 strains were multi-drug resistant bacteria. They were all sensitive to imipenem and tigecycline， but were ampicillin- and cefazolin-resistant. There was no significant difference in the copy number between human-sourced diarrheal E. coli and wastewater-sourced non-diarrheal E. coli （t=0.647， P>0.05）. ConclusionThe isolation and identification of strains carrying the mcr⁃1 gene from inlet of WWTP samples were firstly established in Shanghai. The multi-drug resistance among the isolated strains is severe. To effectively prevent and control the spread of colistin-resistant bacteria， more attention should be paid to the surveillance of mcr⁃1 gene.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of different drying methods on the quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium， and to provide a basis for the harvesting and processing of C. morifolium. METHODS Twenty-five samples were obtained by drying the fresh products using 7 types and 25 kinds of drying methods， and the unqualified samples were removed by taking their appearance and moisture content as elimination indexes. The contents of six active ingredients （chlorogenic acid， luteoloside， 3，5- O-dicaffeoylquinic acid， quercetin， lignoceroside， baicalin） were used as indicators， and combined with principal component analysis （PCA）， partial least square method-discriminant analysis （PLS-DA）， PCA comprehensive score ranking and the best samples obtained from each drying method to select 6 experimental samples comprehensively. The quality of 6 kinds of samples was evaluated using the activities and stability of oxidation-related enzymes （polyphenol oxidase， peroxidase） and the microscopic morphology of the petal surface as evaluation indexes. RESULTS The results of PCA and PLS-DA showed significant differences in the quality of samples obtained by different drying methods， and chlorogenic acid， 3，5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and baicalin might be the main reasons for the differences among the samples. The herbs treated with 100 ℃ steam fixation for 1 min combined with blast drying at 50 ℃ for 4 hours had the highest comprehensive score of active ingredients. The oxidation-related enzymes in C. morifolium treated with microwave 800 W fixation for 1 minute followed by 50 ℃ air drying for 4 hours and 100 ℃ steam sterilization for 1 minute followed by 50 ℃ drying for 4 hours were completely inactivated， and the stability was better than that of samples obtained by other drying methods. The observation results of the microstructure of the petal surface showed that the sample obtained by drying at a microwave power of 400 W for 6 minutes had the highest integrity and flatness compared to the above two samples. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of finished product quality and drying efficiency， 100 ℃ steam fixation for 1 min combined with blast drying at 50 ℃ for 4 hours is the best drying method for C. morifolium.

Atmospheric fine particulate matter (particulate matter 2.5,PM_2.5) is a major component of haze, and its potential hazards to human reproductive health have garnered widespread attention. Establishing appropriate animal models is crucial for in-depth research into the reproductive toxicity of PM_2.5 exposure and its underlying mechanisms. This paper, based on recent literature, summarizes current methods for establishing PM_2.5-exposed animal models and the evaluation criteria for reproductive toxicity research. The primary modeling methods for PM_2.5 exposure include whole-body inhalation exposure and intratracheal instillation exposure. While whole-body inhalation exposure effectively simulates real-life human inhalation environments, it requires sophisticated experimental equipment. Conversely, intratracheal instillation exposure is more cost-effective and easier to operate but faces challenges in accurately mimicking the distribution and deposition of PM_2.5 during natural inhalation. Therefore, researchers must carefully weigh these exposure methods to enhance model rigor and achieve the most realistic simulation of human exposure conditions. When summarizing the application evaluation indicators of PM_2.5-induced reproductive toxicity, this review finds that the main indicators of male reproductive toxicity include reduced sperm quality, testicular tissue damage, and hormonal imbalances. For female reproductive toxicity, the primary indicators are reduced ovarian reserve, endocrine dysfunction, endometrial damage, and adverse perinatal reactions. Additionally, this review highlights the need for detailed chemical composition analysis of PM_2.5, exploring the reproductive toxic targets and mechanisms of particles containing different chemical components, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Long-term studies are also necessary to assess the effects of PM_2.5 exposure on reproductive health and transgenerational effects, to predict potential long-term risks for humans. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration should be encouraged, involving cooperation between environmental science, toxicology, reproductive medicine, and other disciplines, to comprehensively assess the environmental health risks of PM_2.5 and provide scientific support for the development of integrated prevention and control strategies. This review summarizes animal modeling methods, evaluation criteria, and their applications, providing valuable methodological references for future reproductive toxicity research on PM_2.5.

The important goal of bioethical education is to impart knowledge,and enhance students'bioethical literacy and practical abilities.Reading guidance is an effective way to help students master subject knowledge,improve their autonomy in learning,deepen their understanding of subject content,and enhance educational significance.This paper explored the important role of reading guidance in bioethics education by conducting quantitative and qualitative research on the content of reading guidance in the process of bioethics education among students from different professional backgrounds at Harbin Medical University,as well as an attempt to open a new pathway for the achievement of the goal of transmitting subject knowledge,enhancing students'ethical literacy and practical abilities through three dimensions,including reading preferences,reading gains,and other ways of learning bioethics.

Objective:To observe the effects of overexpression of S100A4 protein on retinal capillary cells and retinal ganglion cells (RGC) after retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI).Methods:One hundred healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (group C), RIRI group, adeno-associated virus (AAV2)-S100A4 green fluorescent protein (GFP) intravitreal injection group (group S), RIRI+AAV2-GFP intravitreal injection group (group GIR), and RIRI+AAV2-S100A4-GFP intravitreal injection group (group SIR), with 20 mice in each group. The RIRI model was established using the high intraocular pressure anterior chamber method in the RIRI, GIR and SIR groups of mice. Eyes were enucleated 3 days after modelling by over anaesthesia. The number of retinal capillary endothelial cells and pericytes in the retinal capillaries of mice in each group was observed by retinal trypsinised sections and hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining; immunofluorescence staining was used to observe endothelial cell, pericyte coverage and RGC survival; The relative expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), p38 MAPK and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in retinal tissues was measured by Western blot. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare data between groups.Results:Three days after modeling, the endothelial cell to pericyte ratio in group C was compared with group S and SIR, and the difference was not statistically significant ( F=106.30, P>0.05); the SIR group was compared with group RIRI and GIR, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=106.30, P<0.000 1). Comparison of endothelial cell coverage in each group, the difference was not statistically significant ( F=3.44, P>0.05); compared with the pericyte coverage in group C, the RIRI group and the GIR group were significantly lower, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=62.69, P <0.001). Compared with the RGC survival rate in group C, it was significantly lower in RIRI and GIR groups, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=171.60, P<0.000 1); compared with RIRI and GIR groups, the RGC survival rate in SIR group was significantly higher, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=171.60, P<0.000 1). The relative expression levels of TLR4, p38 and NRF2 proteins were statistically significant among all groups ( F=42.65, 20.78, 11.55; P<0.05). Conclusions:Pericytes are more sensitive to ischemia than endothelial cells after retinal RIRI in mice, and early vascular cell loss is dominated by pericytes rather than endothelial cells. The overexpression of S100A4 protein protects against loss of pericytes and RGC after RIRI by inhibiting the TLR4/p38/NRF2 signaling pathway.

Objective To enhance CT radiation dose management in radiology department via applying Six Sigma management method.Methods The radiation quality control processes in the radiology department were optimized according to the Six Sigma quality management DMAIC pattern.The volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),dose length product(DLP),radiation quality control problems of adult and pediatric CT scans from January 2022 to February 2022 were collected as baseline data,and data collected from August 2022 to September 2022 were taken as the control group for analysis via Six Sigma management method.All data of the dose values and problem rates were compared and analyzed between before and after Six Sigma management methods.Results The DLP in the adult group was decreased by 65.5％in computed tomography urography(CTU),decreased by 25.5％in neck enhancement,decreased by 9.8％in head,decreased by 24％in facial cranial,and decreased by 27.7％in chest enhancement,with a statistical difference(P＜0.05).While DLP in the adult group was decreased by 9.7％in abdominal enhancement,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).The DLP in the pediatric(＜1 year)group was increased by 35％in head scans,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).While the DLP was decreased by 30.2％in 1 to 5 years group,decreased by 21.8％in 6 to 10 years group,decreased by 27.6％in 11 to 15 years group,with statistical difference(P＜0.05).The DLP of facial cranial was decreased by 43.3％in 6 to 10 years group,decreased by 29.1％in 11 to 15 years group,with statistical difference(P＜0.05).The DLP of chest was decreased by 13％in＜1 year group(P＞0.05),increased by 2.2％in 1 to 5 years group(P＞0.05),decreased by 42.6％in 6 to 10 years group,decreased by 54.2％in 11 to 15 years group(P＜0.05).The incidence of radiological quality control problems of after Six Sigma management was significantly lower than that of before Six Sigma management(P＜0.05).Conclusion Six Sigma management method can identify problems in the clinical practice and enhance the ability of radiation quality control through optimization.

Objective To analyze the radiation dose in low-dose chest CT examination of pediatric patients with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)by using size-specific dose estimation(SSDE).Methods A total of 95 patients who were scanned with low-dose chest CT were prospectively selected,65 patients with weight ≤50 kg,using 80 kV and DoseRight Z-DOM(30-50 mAs);30 patients with weight＞50 kg,using 100 kV and DoseRight Z-DOM(50-100 mAs).A total of 65 patients who were scanned with conventional chest CT were retrospectively collected,40 patients with weight ≤50 kg,25 patients with weight＞50 kg,using 120 kV,DoseRight Z-DOM(50-100 mAs)and fixed mAs.Image noise,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were used to objectively evaluate image quality.The subjective evaluation of image quality was performed by two radiologists using a 5-score system and a double-blind method.The volume CT dose index(CTDIvol)and dose length product(DLP)were collected,the SSDE and effective dose(ED)were measured,respectively.Results Compared with conventional scan,CTDIvol,DLP,SSDE,and ED values of 80 kV scan was decreased by 81.3％,80.3％,81.5％,and 82.4％,respectively,with a statistical difference(Z=-8.433,-8.137,-8.146,-8.142,P＜0.05).There were statistically significant differences in image noise,SNR,and CNR between 80 kV scan and conventional scan in patients with weight ≤50 kg(Z=-6.762,-5.075,-3.430,P＜0.05).In 100 kV scan,CTDIvol,DLP,SSDE,and ED values was decreased by 75.7％,76.3％,75.3％,and 75.3％,respectively,with a statistical difference(Z=-6.301,-6.173,-6.347,-6.308,P＜0.05).There were statistically significant differences in image noise and SNR between 100 kV scan and conventional scan in patients with weight＞50 kg(Z=-5.367,-4.650,P＜0.05).The subjective evaluation scores of the two groups images were all greater than 3 points,all images could be used for clinical diagnosis.SSDE was 45.3％and 29.9％higher than CTDIvol for 80 kV and 100 kV scans,respectively,SSDE was 45.7％and 28.8％higher than CTDIvol for conventional scans with weight ≤50 kg and weight＞50 kg,respectively.Conclusion Low kV combined with DoseRight Z-DOM effectively reduces radiation dose to pediatric patients with MPP;SSDE more accurately assesses radiation dose than CTDIvol in children.

Purpose: In non-metastatic prostate cancer (nmPCa) setting, it is important to early identify the patients at risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) for immediate postoperative intervention. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for predicting disease recurrence. Materials and Methods: This real-world observational study evaluated 161 cases of nmPCa undergoing next-generation sequencing at our institution. A total of 139 ctDNA samples and 31 biopsied tumor tissue underwent genomic profiling. The study endpoint was BCR after radical prostatectomy. Relationships between the ctDNA status and the biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) were analyzed by log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression. Results: Of 161 enrolled patients, 19 (11.8%) harbored deleterious alterations in NCOR2, followed by BRCA2 (3.7%), ATR (2.5%), and CDK12 (2.5%). Of available pre-operative blood samples (n=139), ctDNA was detectable in 91 (65.5%). Until last follow-up, 56 of 68 patients (85.3%) with detectable ctDNA had achieved BCR, whereas only eight of 39 patients (20.5%) with undetectable ctDNA had achieved BCR. Patients who had undetectable ctDNA experienced significantly longer bPFS compared with those who had detectable ctDNA (not available vs. 8.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.14; p < 0.01). Pre-operative ctDNA status was a significant prognostic factor of disease recurrence. Conclusion Pre-operative ctDNA detection could identify patients at high risk of recurrence and has the potential to inform immediate postoperative interventions, but these approaches remain to be validated in prospective studies. ctDNA studies can provide insights into accurate monitoring and precise treatment rather than simply following routine clinical care.