Background The association between occupational physical activity (OPA) and cardiometabolic risk factors remains controversial, potentially due to differences in the associations between OPA and various cardiometabolic indicators, as well as the lack of a clearly defined optimal OPA range for multiple-indicator synergistic benefits. Objective To investigate the relationship between OPA and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Hubei Province, and to explore an optimal OPA range for multi-indicator improvements. Methods Data were derived from the Hubei Province dataset of the China Health Evaluation And Risk Reduction Through Nationwide Teamwork from 2015 to 2023, including 19028 high-risk CVD individuals. OPA (metabolic equivalent·h·d⁻¹, MET·h·d⁻¹) was assessed using the China Kadoorie Biobank physical activity questionnaire, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference) and cardiometabolic indicators (blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles) were measured. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between logOPA quartiles (Q1-Q4) and abnormal cardiometabolic indicators, while restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to explore their dose-response relationships. Subgroup and interaction analyses were also conducted by gender. Results The median OPA of all participants was 12.86 MET·h·d⁻¹ (male: 14.40 MET·h·d⁻¹, female: 11.14 MET·h·d⁻¹). After adjusting for confounders, compared with the Q1 group, logOPA in the Q4 group was associated with 20% (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.72, 0.89), 14% (OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.78, 0.96), and 13% (OR=0.87, 95%CI: 0.79, 0.95) reduction in the risk of abdominal obesity, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and metabolic syndrome (MS), respectively, and 33% (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.18, 1.49), 33% (OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.18, 1.50), and 38% (OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.57) increase in the risk of high total cholesterol (TC), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high non-HDL-C, respectively. Similar trends were observed in males and females, with significant positive associations of logOPA with high TC and high non-HDL-C in males (P_interaction<0.05). The risk of low HDL-C decreased rapidly when logOPA was more than 2.213 (OPA>9.14 MET·h·d⁻¹), showing an inverted L-shaped trend. The risk of high TC, high LDL-C, and high non-HDL-C increased beyond logOPA thresholds of 3.244, 2.476, and 3.377 (OPA >25.64, 11.89, and 29.28 MET·h·d⁻¹), respectively, showing a J-shaped trend. However, logOPA exhibited a U-shaped nonlinear dose-response relationship with blood pressure and fasting blood glucose abnormalities (P_non-linear<0.05) , with minimal risks at logOPA 2.969 and 2.372 (OPA of 19.47 and 10.72 MET·h·d⁻¹). Conclusion OPA exhibits heterogeneous dose-response patterns across cardiometabolic indicators. Integrating the inverted L-, J-, and U-shaped association patterns, we suggest an optimal OPA range of 9.14−25.64 MET·h·d⁻¹ for multiple cardiometabolic indicators in total individuals at high-risk of CVD, with ranges of 9.61−31.34 MET·h·d⁻¹ for males and 8.97−22.87 MET·h·d⁻¹ for females. These findings provide critical evidence for developing OPA interventions strategies targeting high-risk population for CVD.

Objective:To explore the independent risk factors for the occurrence and aggravation of lower back pain (LBP) in patients with Parkinson′s disease (PD), in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the case data of 309 PD patients who visited the Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University from June 2018 to May 2020. The KING Parkinson′s Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) was used to quantitatively evaluate the LBP of PD patients, who were divided into LBP group and Non LBP group. The general clinical data, PD related data, and imaging data of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate independent risk factors for LBP in PD patients. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted between KPPS scores and various factors, and linear regression analysis was used to identify the relevant risk factors that exacerbate LBP in PD patients.Results:Compared with the Non LBP group, the LBP group had lower bone mineral density (BMD) and a lower proportion of patients who engaged in daily exercise. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the Non LBP group, patients in the LBP group had a longer course of illness, higher stiffness scores, a higher proportion of patients with fluctuating symptoms, higher UPDRS-Ⅲ scores, and a higher proportion of patients with thoracolumbar fascial injury (TLFI) and lumbar sagittal imbalance. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that combined TLFI ( OR=2.773, 95% CI: 1.219-6.309, P=0.015), combined lumbar sagittal imbalance ( OR=4.835, 95% CI: 2.244-10.421, P<0.001), and lower BMD ( OR=2.818, 95% CI: 1.767-4.493, P<0.001) were risk factors for LBP in PD patients. The KPPS score was correlated with BMD and TLFI ( r=-0.146, 0.294, all P<0.05). The linear regression results showed that the merged TLFI ( B=2.271, β=0.285, P<0.001) was positively correlated with KPPS score, indicating a risk factor. Conclusions:The combination of TLFI, lumbar sagittal imbalance, and lower BMD is closely related to the occurrence of LBP in PD patients, and the combination of TLFI is an independent risk factor for exacerbating LBP symptoms. Clinical attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of TLFI in PD patients.

Objective This study aimed to explore the relationship between the spontaneous changes of mesiodistal angulation of lower second molars(L2M)and individual clinical characteristics in patients with early permanent dentition correction.Methods A total of 44 patients with a total of 88 mandibular second molars were included in this study after screening.Based on the frequency distribution histogram of the initial angle of inclina-tion(L2M initial angle)of the L2M crown before treatment,it was divided into three groups:Group A:small angle group,L2M initial angle is 0°～17.5°;Group B:medium angle group,L2M initial angle is 17.5°～42.5°;Group C:large angle group,L2M initial angle is 42.5°～60°.According to whether L2M has erupted and exposed most of the crown,it was divided into erupted group and unerupted group.According to the mandibular plane angle,it can be divided into high angle,low angle,and average angle.CBCT reconstructed panoramic images were used to measure the mesiodistal inclination of L2M and analyze the relationship between each group and the change in mesiodistal inclination angles of L2M.Results After treatment,L2M mesiodistal angulation in the small angle,large angle,non-eruption,and high angle groups became more significant.The angle in the middle angle group was significantly smaller.The L2M mesiodistal angulation in the eruption and average angle group did not change significantly.The angles of ANB,Y-axis,and mandibular plane have no correlation with the initial angle of L2M.Conclusion The L2M in patients with large and high angles is more likely to topple during a correc-tion.During the correction,the L2M tends to approach the normal axial inclination.

Objective To establish a mouse model of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combining atopic dermatitis(AD)and explore the feasibility of modeling by comparing 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis model of mouse,"external dampness+improper diet+irrigation of senna"-induced spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome model of mouse,as well as both in combination of model mouse.Methods The construction of a mouse(Balb/c)with spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome was explored by using the method of"external dampness+improper diet+irrigation of senna",and then DNCB was applied to induce the AD-like lesions in Balb/c mice to establish a mouse model of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combining atopic dermatitis.The general condition and body weight of mice in each group were observed,and the symptoms of spleen deficiency and dampness were scored.The severity of AD was evaluated by comparing the skin lesion degree,EASI score,transcutaneous water loss value(TEWL),spleen index and thymus index.The levels of creatinine,glucose,total cholesterol,triglyceride,gastrin,and amylase were measured.Results(1)During the modeling period of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome,compared with the normal group,spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome group,spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combined with atopic dermatitis group showed obesity,listlessness,filthy and greasy hair,diarrhea,and poor cleanliness around the anal.After combining with the application of the atopic dermatitis model,the body weight of the mice in atopic dermatitis group(P＜0.001),spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome group(P＜0.05)and spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combined with atopic dermatitis group(P＜0.001)decreased sharply compared with the normal group.(2)Compared with the atopic dermatitis group,the degree of skin lesions,EASI score(P＜0.05)and TEWL(P＞0.05)were higher in the spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combined with atopic dermatitis group.(3)Compared with the normal group,the spleen index of the atopic dermatitis group increased(P＜0.001)and the thymus index decreased(P＜0.001).Compared with the atopic dermatitis group,the spleen index(P＞0.05)and thymus index(P＜0.05)of the spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combined with atopic dermatitis group decreased.(4)The results of serum biochemical indexes showed that compared with the normal group,the levels of creatinine(P＜0.01),glucose(P＜0.001),total cholesterol(P＞0.05),triglyceride(P＞0.05)and gastrin(P＜0.001)in the spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome group were increased,and the level of amylase was decreased(P＜0.01).Compared with the atopic dermatitis group,the levels of creatinine(P＞0.05),glucose(P＜0.05),total cholesterol(P＞0.05),triglyceride(P＞0.05),gastrin(P＜0.001)increased and the level of amylase decreased(P＞0.05).Conclusion A mouse model of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combining atopic dermatitis,which was induced by the combination of DNCB and"external dampness+improper diet+irrigation of senna",can not only show obvious TCM indications of spleen deficiency and dampness syndrome,but also show the characteristics of AD.This model can be used as a reliable animal model of combination of disease and syndrome.It provides reference for further study on pathological mechanism,pharmacodynamic evaluation and pharmacological mechanism of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation syndrome combining atopic dermatitis.

Objective:To investigate the effects of IL-28B in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and to analyze the possible mechanism.Methods:Thirty-five male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following groups with seven mice in each group: control group, DSS group and three IL-28B groups (1.25 μg, 2.5 μg and 5 μg). The mice in the DSS group and IL-28B groups were fed with 2.5% DSS solution and from day 3, the IL-28B groups were given intraperitoneal injection of corresponding IL-28B every day and the DSS group was treated with PBS. During the experiment, the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated daily. On day 8, the mice were sacrificed and peripheral blood, spleen, mesenteric lymph node and colon samples were collected. The colon samples were observed, measured in length and stained with HE, and histopathological scores were calculated based on HE staining. Changes of immune cells in different samples were detected by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to detect the expression of IL-12, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-13 in serum and colon tissues.Results:Compared with the DSS group, the IL-28B group (2.5 μg) had lower DAI scores [(9.40±1.67) vs (3.50±1.73), P<0.01], less shortening of the colon [(5.16±0.61) cm vs (6.91±0.60) cm, P<0.01] and significantly lower histopathological scores [(7.33±0.58) vs (4.33±0.58), P<0.01]. Moreover, compared with the DSS group, the IL-28B group (2.5 μg) showed decreased macrophages in the peripheral blood [(21.39±3.21)% vs (15.63±2.98)%, P<0.05] and spleen [(3.03±0.28)% vs (2.05±0.48)%, P<0.05], and significantly increased mean fluorescence intensity of M2 macrophages in the colon [(1 361.00±293.40) vs (2 074.00±87.61), P<0.05]. IL-12 expression in colon tissues and IL-1β expression in serum were reduced, and IL-10, IL-4 and IL-13 expression in colon tissues was significantly increased in the IL-28B group (2.5 μg) as compared with those in the DSS group [IL-12: (31.72±6.92) pg/mg vs (5.41±3.41) pg/mg; IL-1β: (48.01±16.13) pg/ml vs (12.27±6.26) pg/ml; IL-10: (184.70±46.82) pg/mg vs (444.30±157.80) pg/mg; IL-4: (2.23±0.27) pg/mg vs (3.64±0.80) pg/mg; IL-13: (11.79±0.99) pg/mg vs (22.59±1.92) pg/mg; all P<0.05]. Conclusions:IL-28B might alleviate the severity of acute enteritis in mice by increasing the secretion of IL-4 and IL-13, regulating macrophage differentiation and modulating the expression of inflammatory factors.

Objective:To investigate the clinical, imaging and endoscopic characteristics of idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP).Methods:From January 2010 to December 2020, 14 patients with IMP diagnosed and treated at the Quzhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University (Quzhou People′s Hospital) were enrolled. All patients underwent abdominal X-ray, contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy. Three cases accepted double-contrast barium enema and 11 cases underwent endoscopic biopsy. Three of the 14 IMP patients underwent surgery and pathological examination because of intestinal perforation or intestinal obstruction that failed conservative treatment. The general data (such as gender, drinking history, etc.), clinical symptoms, complications, imaging (abdominal X-ray, CT, double-contrast barium enema) and endoscopic features were retrospectively analyzed. Descriptive method was used for statistical analysis.Results:Among the 14 IMP patients, 13 cases were male and one case was female. All the 13 male cases had long history of drinking Chinese herbal medicine wine, among them, 8 patients consumed acanthopanax bark wine. Complications occurred in 7 cases, including 5 cases of intestinal obstruction and 2 cases of intestinal perforation. The clinical symptoms of 14 IMP patients were nonspecific, mostly manifested as abdominal pain (11 cases), abdominal distension (6 cases), diarrhea (6 cases), nausea and vomiting (4 cases), and constipation (2 cases). Abdominal X-ray images mainly showed multiple irregular calcifications along involved colon. The images of 3 patients received double-contrast barium enema demonstrated shallowness or disappearance of semilunar folds, rigid colonic wall, narrowed lumen and " thumb printing". The typical CT images indicated edema and thickening of the involved intestinal wall, blurred mesenteric fat space, spot, thread-like, and curved calcification of mesenteric vein and colonic wall. Typical endoscopic findings included dark-purple colored mucosa, congestion, edema, erosion and ulceration, and focal nodular surface and visible varicose veins.Conclusions:IMP has typical imaging and endoscopic characteristics, and the combination of them can diagnose and evaluate IMP more accurately.

Understanding the regulatory networks for germ cell fate specification is necessary to developing strategies for improving the efficiency of germ cell production in vitro. In this study, we developed a coupled screening strategy that took advantage of an arrayed bi-molecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) platform for protein-protein interaction screens and epiblast-like cell (EpiLC)-induction assays using reporter mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Investigation of candidate interaction partners of core human pluripotent factors OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and SOX2 in EpiLC differentiation assays identified novel primordial germ cell (PGC)-inducing factors including BEN-domain (BEND/Bend) family members. Through RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq analyses, we showed that Bend5 worked together with Bend4 and helped mark chromatin boundaries to promote EpiLC induction in vitro. Our findings suggest that BEND/Bend proteins represent a new family of transcriptional modulators and chromatin boundary factors that participate in gene expression regulation during early germline development.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation/genetics* ; Chromatin/metabolism* ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; Germ Cells/metabolism* ; Germ Layers/metabolism* ; Mice

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have strong immunosuppressive activity and are morphologically similar to conventional monocytes and granulocytes. The development and classification of these cells have, however, been controversial. The activation network of MDSCs is relatively complex, and their mechanism of action is poorly understood, creating an avenue for further research. In recent years, MDSCs have been found to play an important role in immune regulation and in effectively inhibiting the activity of effector lymphocytes.Under certain conditions, particularly in the case of tissue damage or inflammation, MDSCs play a leading role in the immune response of the central nervous system. In cancer, however, this can lead to tumor immune evasion and the development of related diseases. Under cancerous conditions, tumors often alter bone marrow formation, thus affecting progenitor cell differentiation, and ultimately, MDSC accumulation. MDSCs are important contributors to tumor progression and play a key role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, and even reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, a number of studies have demonstrated that MDSCs play a key regulatory role in many clinical diseases. In light of these studies, this review discusses the origin of MDSCs, the mechanisms underlying their activation, their role in a variety of clinical diseases, and their function in immune response regulation.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have strong immunosuppressive activity and are morphologically similar to conventional monocytes and granulocytes. The development and classification of these cells have, however, been controversial. The activation network of MDSCs is relatively complex, and their mechanism of action is poorly understood, creating an avenue for further research. In recent years, MDSCs have been found to play an important role in immune regulation and in effectively inhibiting the activity of effector lymphocytes.Under certain conditions, particularly in the case of tissue damage or inflammation, MDSCs play a leading role in the immune response of the central nervous system. In cancer, however, this can lead to tumor immune evasion and the development of related diseases. Under cancerous conditions, tumors often alter bone marrow formation, thus affecting progenitor cell differentiation, and ultimately, MDSC accumulation. MDSCs are important contributors to tumor progression and play a key role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, and even reduce the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, a number of studies have demonstrated that MDSCs play a key regulatory role in many clinical diseases. In light of these studies, this review discusses the origin of MDSCs, the mechanisms underlying their activation, their role in a variety of clinical diseases, and their function in immune response regulation.

Objective:To analyze the value of serum ceruloplasmin (CP) levels in predicting the outcome of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).Methods:The clinical data of 1 751 patients with HBV-ACLF treated in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2010 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to 30-day outcomes, 1 220 survival patients were classified into group A; 465 fatal patients and 46 patients receiving liver transplantation were classified into group B (total 531 cases). Risk factors associated with 30-day survival were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of CP on the 30-day outcome of patients with HBV-ACLF.Results:Multivariate analysis indicated that CP, albumin and alpha fetoprotein were independent protective factors for 30-day survival of HBV-ACLF patients ( P<0.05 or <0.01), while age, white blood cell count, AST, total bilirubin, INR, serum creatinine, HBV DNA, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy were independent risk factors ( P<0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CP was 0.570 (95% CI 0.540-0.599, P<0.01); while AUC of MELD score was 0.783 (95% CI 0.759-0.807, P<0.01) and MELD-Na score was 0.774 (95% CI 0.750-0.798, P<0.01). Compared with MELD score and MELD-Na score, the value of CP in predicting the 30-day prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients was lower ( P<0.01). The cut-off value of CP for predicting 30-day outcome of HBV-ACLF patients was 0.173 g/L, with the sensitivity of 69.4%, and the specificity of 41.6%. According to the cut-off value, the patients were divided into low CP level group (level of CP<0.173 g/L) and high CP level group (level of CP≥0.173 g/L); the 30-day cumulative survival rate of low CP level group was lower than that of high CP level group ( χ2=17.75, P<0.01). Conclusions:Serum CP level can predict the 30-day outcome of HBV-ACLF patients to a certain extent.