BACKGROUND:Small diameter artificial vessels are urgently needed to treat coronary artery and peripheral artery diseases in clinical practice.At present,vascular tissue engineering has become the main method for preparing small diameter artificial vessels.Selecting suitable biomaterials and cell sources is the key factor for successful construction of small diameter tissue engineered vessels. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of four kinds of electrospinning membrane materials on proliferation,adhesion and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and extracted from SD rats.The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated separately on polycaprolactone(PCL),polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid(PCL-HA),polycaprolactone-silk-filament proteins(PCL-SF),and polycaprolactone-gelatin(PCL-GEL)electrospinning membrane materials.After 1,3,and 7 days of culture,the cell arrangement on the material was observed under scanning electron microscope.The proliferation and adhesion of the material were observed by phalloidin staining.The mRNA expressions of CD90,Meflin,and transforming growth factor β were detected by qRT-PCR.After 7 days of induced differentiation into vascular smooth muscle cells,the mRNA expression ofɑ-smooth muscle actin on the material was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were arranged along the fibers of the four kinds of electrospinning membranes under scanning electron microscopy.(2)Phalloidin staining showed the regular distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the four kinds of electrospinning membranes and parallel distribution along the fiber direction.Moreover,PCL-HA,PCL-SF,and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes were more conducive to the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells than PCL electrospinning membranes.Compared with PCL-HA and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes,PCL-SF electrospinning membranes were more conducive to the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(3)qRT-PCR showed that the four kinds of electrospun membrane materials could maintain the mRNA expression of CD90 and Meflin in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,but there was no significant difference between groups(P>0.05).The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-HA,PCL-SF,and PCL-GEL groups was higher than that in PCL group on days 1 and 7(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-SF group was higher than that in the other three groups on days 3 and 7(P<0.05).The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-HA group was higher than that in PCL-GEL group on day 7(P<0.05).(4)qRT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of ɑ-smooth muscle actin in PCL-SF group was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05),and that in PCL-HA group was higher than that in PCL group(P<0.05).(5)The results indicate that compared with PCL,PCL-HA and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes,PCL-SF electrospinning membranes combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are more suitable for the preparation of small diameter tissue engineered vessels.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by early-onset neurodevelopmental anomalies, yet the temporal dynamics of genetic contributions to these processes remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Shank3 gene, known to be associated with monogenic causes of autism, in early developmental processes to inform the timing and mechanisms for potential interventions for ASD. Utilizing the Shank3B knockout (KO) mouse model, we examined Shank3 expression and its impact on neuronal maturation through Golgi staining for dendritic morphology and electrophysiological recordings to measure synaptic function in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) across different postnatal stages. Our longitudinal analysis revealed that, while Shank3B KO mice displayed normal neuronal morphology at one week postnatal, significant impairments in dendritic growth and synaptic activity emerged by two to three weeks. These findings highlight the critical developmental window during which Shank3 is essential for neuronal and synaptic maturation in the ACC.
Animals ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism* ; Mice, Knockout ; Dendrites/metabolism* ; Mice ; Synapses/metabolism* ; Gyrus Cinguli/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics* ; Microfilament Proteins

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization for continuous negative pressure drainage combined with polidocanol in treating large thyroid cysts.Method:Clinical data of 38 patients with large thyroid cysts who were treated consecutively with catheter drainage combined with polidocanol sclerotherapy by the same doctor at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from Jan 2021 to May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The effectiveness and safety were statistically evaluated, and the relationship between drainage volume and cyst volume was analyzed.Results:Among the 38 patients with thyroid cysts who completed the treatment, the median follow-up was 9 months (range: 3-24 months). The effectiveness rate was 92% (35/38), of which 32 cases (84%) met the cure standard. The maximum diameter of the cysts before treatment was (4.8±1.0) cm, and the maximum diameter of the residual nodules after treatment was (1.5±1.1) cm, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.389, P<0.01). The amount of drainage exudate is related to the volume of the cyst and the maximum diameter before treatment ( t=-3.149, P=0.003; t=-3.057, P<0.005). 19% of patients showed transient low fever after the injection of polidocanol, with no other complications. Conclusion:For large thyroid cysts, ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization for continuous negative pressure drainage combined with polidocanol sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method.

Objective To explore the correlation between triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index and hyperuricemia in men with normal fasting blood glucose(FPG)levels.Methods A total of 309 men with normal FPG who participated in a health examination at the Ninth Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital in April 2024 were enrolled in this study.All the subjects were divided into the normal uric acid(NUA,n=218)group and the hyperuricemia(HUA,n=91)group according to serum uric acid(SUA)levels.Results Scr,TG,weight,SBP,DBP,BMI,ALT,AST,γ-GGT,and TyG index were higher in the HUA group than in the NUA group(P<0.05).Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis showed that SUA were positively correlated with Scr,eGFR,TG,weight,SBP,DBP,BMI,ALT,AST,γ-GGT and TyG(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with HDL-C(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors,TyG index remained an important influencing factor for HUA.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of TyG index predicting hyperuricemia in men with normal FPG was 0.665,with an cutoff value of 8.45.Conclusions TyG index in men with normal FPG are influencing factors for hyperuricemia,indicating that hyperuricemia has a close association with insulin resistance,and is an important component of metabolic syndrome.

Geriatric oral health care encounters significant challenges with the increase in the proportion of older individuals. Age-related changes in the dentition, muscles, and joints result in a decline in objective masticatory function, subjective restoration requirements, and acceptability among the elderly population, with individual variations influenced by systemic health. Considering functional requirements, the adaptability of stomatognathic and systemic health conditions, health economics and other factors, the authors believe that it should not be limited to the conventional "one-to-one" strategy for replacing missing teeth in geriatric prosthodontics. There is an urgent need for a precise and adaptable restoration strategy that is more suitable for older individuals. The proposal of a new concept of functional tooth loss updates the minimal restoration standards for elderly patients and establishes the theory of age-friendly functional restoration. Based on the restoration strategy of functional tooth loss, this paper proposes a new concept termed "age-friendly functional restoration of the stomatognathic system", which integrates treatment considerations including endodontics, periodontology, mucosa, muscles, temporomandibular joint, and systemic health. Efforts should be made in four areas as follows. Firstly, the "assessment of accessible function" should be enhanced by considering the interrelationship between stomatognathic and systemic health. Secondly, the "evaluation of appropriate function" is supposed to be optimised in view of subjective needs and objective evaluation of the stomatognathic system. Moreover, the "formulation of treatment plans" needs to be accomplished with the aid of assistive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to accurately exert appropriate functional restoration. Lastly, the "management and maintenance of health" is likely to be strengthened through follow-ups, propaganda and education, and preventive healthcare, so as to improve quality of life and ultimately achieve healthy ageing among older individuals.
Humans ; Tooth Loss/therapy* ; Aged ; Stomatognathic System ; Oral Health ; Dental Care for Aged ; Dental Restoration, Permanent/methods*

Objective:To observe the current status of the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the dust working population, and to analyze the factors affecting its use, so as to provide a reference basis for proposing scientific intervention methods.Methods:From October to December 2023, random sampling method was used to conduct a self-designed Questionnaire on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment by the Dust Working Population. A total of 1216 dust workers were randomly selected from each city in Guangdong Province, and their mask wearing status was evaluated. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison between measurement data sets, and the Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method was used for counting data. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the use of PPE in dust workers.Results:The correct rate of wearing PPE in dust working group was 66.12% (804/1216). In univariate analysis, there were statistical significances in different knowledge score, wearing PPE to reduce exposure to dust particles, wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks was uncomfortable, wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks reduced work efficiency, attending pre-employment occupational health examination, attending occupational health examination on a regular basis, receiving occupational health training during work in the enterprise, being urged or reminded by workmates, supervisors, or family members to use PPE, the correct use of PPE when workers or shift leaders were exposed to dust particles, second-hand smoke inhalation, smoking, and alcohol consumption ( P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression results showed that gender ( OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.48-2.72), knowledge score ( OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26), neutral attitude towards the discomfort of wearing occupational health protective equipment such as masks during work ( OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.18-2.27), and participation in pre-job occupational health examination ( OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.54) were the main influencing factors on the use of PPE to be worn correctly ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The rate of correct wearing of PPE for dust working population still needs to be improved. Factors such as gender, knowledge score, neutral attitude towards the discomfort of wearing masks during work, and participation in pre-job occupational health examination may be the influencing factors on the use of PPE for dust working population.

Objective:To analyze the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among noise-exposed workers and its influencing factors, providing reference information for noise intervention efforts.Methods:In September 2023, a stratified sampling method was employed. Based on the 2022 gross domestic product (GDP) rankings of cities in Guangdong Province, 21 prefecture-level cities were divided into economically developed and less developed groups. Two cities were randomly selected from each group, and 16 to 17 enterprises were randomly chosen from each city as study sites. Twenty workers were included from each enterprise as study subjects. A total of 1200 questionnaires were distributed and collected, and 1099 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 91.6%. The correctness of hearing protector usage was evaluated according to the GB/T 23466-2009 "Guidelines for the Selection of Hearing Protectors", and the personal attenuation rating values of the workers' hearing protectors were measured. A self-designed Questionnaire on the Use of Hearing Protectors by Noise-Exposed Workers was used to investigate PPE-related usage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the correct use of PPE.Results:A total of 429 (39.0%) noise-exposed workers were able to use PPE correctly during work. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, working hours, gender, occupational noise protection knowledge score, whether PPE was checked after use, and the frequency of peer supervision on PPE usage were significant factors influencing the effective use of PPE ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The correct use of PPE by noise-exposed workers still needs to be improved. The level of occupational health education in enterprises should be enhanced to promote the correct use of PPE by noise-exposed workers.

BACKGROUND:Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells can directly repair the damaged endometrium,promote angiogenesis,and restore the morphological structure of the uterus.However,after the direct injection of stem cells into the damaged endometrium,the cell survival rate is low,the retention time is short,and the repair effect is limited.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane combined with human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells on endometrial injury in rats.METHODS:(1)Cell experiment:Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells were extracted by collagenase digestion method.Polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane was prepared by electrospinning technology.The human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on polystyrene culture plate and polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane.The proliferation and adhesion of the cells were observed by DNA quantitative analysis,WST-1 cell activity test,phalloidin staining,and scanning electron microscopy.The mRNA expressions of CD90 and Meflin in electrospun membrane were detected by qRT-PCR.(2)Animal experiments:27 female SD rats in estrus were selected to establish uterine adhesion model by mechanical scratching method and randomly divided into three groups with nine rats in each group:The blank control group did not receive any treatment;the control group was implanted with polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane;the experimental group was implanted with polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane/human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell mesh.Samples were collected at 3,7,and 14 days after surgery.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological structure of uterus and the number of glands.qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in uterine tissue.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiment:Compared with polystyrene culture plate,polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane could promote the proliferation and adhesion of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells.Polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane supported the expression of CD90 and Meflin genes of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Animal experiments:Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that polycaprolactic-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane/human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell patch could promote the recovery of endometrial morphological structure after injury.The endometrial thickness and number of gland on day 14 after surgery were higher than those in blank control group and control group(P<0.05).qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the experimental group were higher than those in the blank control group and the control group at 7 and 14 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The results showed that polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane could improve the survival rate of stem cells and prolong the contact time between stem cells and the damaged tissue,and the composite transplantation of the two could better repair the damaged endometrial tissue.

BACKGROUND:As an essential trace element for body growth and development,copper participates in many processes such as redox process,energy generation,signal transduction and bone metabolism.The imbalance of copper homeostasis in diabetic patients will lead to the increase of oxidative stress and the impairment of antioxidant mechanism,which stimulate the production of inflammatory mediators and inflammatory factors,and thus lead to cytotoxicity and body damage.In recent years,the role of copper in diabetes has gradually attracted attention,and some studies have confirmed that copper plays a key regulatory role in the pathological process of diabetes.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current progress in the role of copper in systemic complications of diabetes and provide some theoretical reference for its future research and treatment.METHODS:The first author searched PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI and WanFang databases for literature related to the role of copper in systemic complications of diabetes.The search terms were"copper,Cu,diabetes,diabetic complications,diabetic cardiomyopathy,diabetic nephropathy,diabetic retinopathy,diabetic osteoporosis,diabetic periodontitis"in English and Chinese,respectively.After screening,95 articles were included in the review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Copper is involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic complications and most of the damage caused by copper to the body is due to interference with the body's redox level.(2)In diabetic cardiomyopathy,increased Cu2+in the corpuscular circulation and impaired uptake of copper ions by cardiomyocytes,the accumulation of redox-active Cu2+and ceruloplasmin outside the cardiomyocyte induces copper oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes,leading to acute cardiac impairment.(3)In diabetic nephropathy,the toxic effect of excessive copper leads cause granular degeneration and vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells and proximal tubular necrosis,eventually leading to chronic or acute renal failure.(4)Excessive copper in diabetic patients can produce reactive oxygen species and directly or indirectly affect the function of copper protein with antioxidant function,thus damaging retinal cells.(5)In patients with diabetic osteoporosis,accumulated copper induces lipid peroxidation and interferes with bone metabolism.Copper acts on osteoblasts mainly through inhibition of superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,and alkaline phosphatase activities.(6)Excessive copper exacerbates inflammatory changes in periodontal tissue by promoting inflammatory responses.

This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.