Objective: To understand the current status and associated factors of sleep problems among preschool children in Hainan Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for improving sleep health in this population. Methods: From January 2021 to June 2022, a total of 4 105 preschool children aged 3-6 years from 62 kindergartens in Hainan Province were selected using stratified cluster random sampling method. Demographic information and lifestyle habits were collected through the Hainan Province Child Growth and Development Survey Questionnaire. The Children s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was employed to assess sleep status. Unconditional binary Logistic regression model was applied to investigate the associated factors of sleep problems among preschool children. Results: The overall CSHQ score for children was 58.03±18.84, with 80.95% of preschool children exhibiting sleep related issues. The top three most prevalent sleep problem domains were bedtime resistance (72.42%), sleep anxiety ( 54.88 %), and parasomnias (38.86%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher family annual income ( OR=0.60, 95%CI = 0.45-0.79), higher maternal education level ( OR=0.53, 95%CI =0.32-0.89), regular or daily vitamin D supplementation ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.60-0.99), and fully self initiated eating behavior ( OR=0.71, 95%CI =0.59-0.85) were negatively related with children s sleep problems; in addition, screen exposure ( OR=1.27, 95%CI =1.06-1.51) and picky eating ( OR= 1.47 , 95%CI =1.21-1.78) were positively related to children s sleep problems (all P <0.05). Conclusion The high detection rate of sleep problems among preschool children in Hainan Province is multifactorially associated with family environment, dietary habits, and lifestyle behaviors.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Anmei Dan （AMD） regulates recombinant sirtuin 3/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（SIRT3/Nrf2） signaling to ameliorate mitochondrial oxidative stress and improve the cognitive function in aged sleep-deprived mice. MethodsSixty aged C57 mice were randomly assigned to a control group， a model group， a melatonin （1.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） group， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （26.26， 13.13， 6.565 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively） AMD groups， with ten mice per group. Continuous sleep deprivation was administered for 4 weeks via a custom-built sleep deprivation chamber. The cognitive function of mice was assessed via the Morris water maze test. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe morphological alterations in pyramidal neurons. Biochemical assays were carried out to measure the hippocampal and serum levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）， catalase （CAT）， and total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC）. Transmission electron microscopy was adopted to examine mitochondrial pathological alterations in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemical assay was conducted to examine the expression of nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， sirtuin 3 （SIRT3）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM）， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） in the mouse hippocampus. The protein levels of Nrf2， SIRT3， heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）， and NAD（P）H：quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） in mouse hippocampal tissue were determined by Western blot. Immunofluorescence double labeling was employed to determine the protein levels of SIRT3/Nrf2 in mouse hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited prolonged latency to navigate， increased total swimming distance， reduced number of platform crossings， and shortened time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.05， P<0.01）， disorganized morphology and arrangement of hippocampal neurons， with increased damaged mitochondria， mitochondrial swelling， reduced cristae， and vacuolization， declined levels of SOD， GSH-Px， CAT， and T-AOC and elevated levels of MDA in the hippocampus and serum （P<0.01）， and downregulated protein levels of SIRT3， Nrf2， PGC-1α， TFAM， BDNF， HO-1， and NQO1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the melatonin group and AMD groups exhibited shortened spatial navigation latency， reduced total swimming distance， increased number of platform crossings， and prolonged activity time in the target quadrant （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced neuronal damage and mitochondrial damage in the hippocampal tissue， declined level of MDA and elevated levels of SOD， GSH-Px， CAT， and T-AOC in the hippocampus and serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and upregulated protein levels of SIRT3， Nrf2， PGC-1α， TFAM， BDNF， HO-1， and NQO1 in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD may improve the learning and memory in aged sleep-deprived mice by mediating mitochondrial oxidative damage through the SIRT3/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether Anmei Dan （AMD） improves cognitive function and alleviates circadian rhythm disorders in an aged mouse model of sleep deprivation by inhibiting the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A4 （EphA4）/Eph receptor-interacting protein A3 （EphrinA3） signaling pathway and its downstream Ras homolog family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase （ROCK） signaling， and to analyze its multi-target regulatory characteristics. MethodsAn aged C57 mouse model of sleep deprivation was established by the modified multiple platform water environment method. The mice were randomized into blank， model， rhynchophylline （Rhy， antagonist， 50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， and antagonist plus AMD （26.26 g·kg^-1·d^-1） groups. Spontaneous activity was assessed by the open field test， and circadian rhythm activity was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining were conducted to observe neuronal morphology in the hippocampal CA1/CA3 regions. Western blot and immunofluorescence assay were employed to determine the protein levels of EphA4， EphrinA3， Neuronal Nuclei Antigen （NEUN）， glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）， phosphorylated （p）-EphA4， RhoA， Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 （ROCK1）， Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 （ROCK2）， brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， synaptophysin （SYN）， postsynaptic density protein 95 （PSD95）， and growth-associated protein 43 （GAP43）. The mRNA levels of EphA4 and EphrinA3 were determined by real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed decreased spontaneous activity （P<0.01）， circadian rhythm disruption （P<0.01）， hippocampal neuron disarrangement and reduced Nissl bodies， upregulated protein levels of EphA4， EphrinA3， NEUN， p-EphA4， RhoA， ROCK1， ROCK2， and GFAP （P<0.01）， and downregulated protein levels of NEUN， BDNF， SYN， PSD95， and GAP43 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， both the antagonist group and the antagonist plus AMD group showed recovery in the above indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the combination group outperforming the antagonist group in behavioral， pathological， and molecular expression aspects （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD can alleviate cognitive and rhythm disorders caused by sleep deprivation by inhibiting the EphA4/EphrinA3 signaling pathway and its downstream RhoA/ROCK signaling， and upregulating the expression of synapse-related proteins such as BDNF. Its combination with an EphA4 antagonist exhibits a synergistic effect， which suggests that the mechanism involves multi-link synergistic intervention.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Anmei Dan （AMD） on the expression of proteins in the C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 （CX3CL1）/C-X3-C chemokine receptor 1 （CX3CR1） signaling pathway， hippocampal inflammation， and learning and memory in an aged sleep-deprived model. MethodsSixty aged C57 mice were randomly assigned into a control group， a model group， a melatonin group （1.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， and high-， medium-， and low-dose AMD groups （26.26， 13.13， 6.565 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively）， with 10 mice per group. Continuous sleep deprivation was administered for 4 weeks through a custom-built sleep deprivation chamber. The cognitive function of mice was assessed via the Y-maze test. Histomorphological alterations in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 and DG regions were examined by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Nissl staining. Synaptic morphology in the hippocampus was visualized with Golgi staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the hippocampal tissue as well as the level of interleukin-10 （IL-10） in the prefrontal cortex. Real-time PCR was performed to detect markers of M1-type ［cluster of differentiation （CD） 86 and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）］ and M2-type ［CD206 and arginase 1 （Arg1）］ macrophages. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of CX3CL1， CX3CR1， phosphorylated nuclear factor κB p65 subunit （p-NF-κB p65）， and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p-p38 MAPK） in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence double staining was performed to co-label CX3CR1 with ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Iba-1） for observation of the co-localization of target proteins with microglia. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited disrupted daily activity patterns with reduced spontaneous alternation rates （P<0.01）， disorganized morphology and arrangement of hippocampal neurons， accompanied by reduced numbers of Nissl bodies and dendritic spines （P<0.01）， upregulated protein levels of IL-6， IL-10， IL-1β， TNF-α， CX3CL1， CX3CR1， p-NF-κB p65， p-p38 MAPK， and Iba-1 and mRNA levels of CD86 and iNOS （P<0.01）， and downregulated mRNA levels of CD206 and Arg1 （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the melatonin group and medium- and high-dose AMD groups showed increased spontaneous alternation rates （P<0.01）， improved neuronal morphology， number， and spine density in the hippocampal CA1 and DG regions （P<0.01）， declined levels of IL-6， IL-10， IL-1β， and TNF-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）， downregulated protein levels of CX3CL1， CX3CR1， p-NF-κB p65， p-p38 MAPK， and Iba-1 and mRNA levels of CD86 and iNOS， and upregulated mRNA levels of CD206 and Arg1 （P<0.01）. ConclusionAMD may improve the learning and memory in aged sleep-deprived mice by mediating neuroinflammation through the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling pathway.

Objective To obtain the protective performance parameters of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays, provide reference data for precise shielding calculations, and guide the design, evaluation, and construction of radiation shielding. Methods The FLUKA program was used to build a model for simulating the dose equivalent rate variation around points of interest under the irradiation of the most commonly used positron nuclide ¹⁸F with changes in the thicknesses of lead and barium sulfate mortar. The transmission curves of lead and barium sulfate mortar were fitted, and the half-value layer (HVL) and lead equivalence of barium sulfate mortar were calculated based on the fitted curves. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate coefficient of positron nuclide ¹⁸F was 1.339 4×10⁻¹ μSv·m²/MBq·h and the HVL for lead was 4.037 mm, with deviations of 0.043% and 1.53% compared to the values provided in the AAPM Report No. 108, respectively. The HVLs for γ-rays produced by ¹⁸F, using barium sulfate mortar with apparent densities of 4.20, 4.00, and 3.90 g/cm³ mixed with 35.2-grade cement in a 4∶1 mass ratio, were 2.914, 2.969, and 3.079 cm, respectively. The lead equivalences were 0.1385, 0.1360, and 0.1311 mmPb/mm, respectively. Conclusion The three types of barium sulfate mortar can provide good protection against γ-rays in positron imaging locations. As the apparent density of barium sulfate increases, its protective effect improves slightly but remains significantly better than common construction materials like concrete and solid bricks.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by complex pathogenesis, with its development closely linked to immune dysregulation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), as specialized immunomodulatory cells, play a pivotal role in negatively regulating immune responses and maintaining autoimmune tolerance. In recent years, extensive research has focused on the relationship between Tregs and RA pathogenesis, with the functional role of CD8⁺ Tregs as a critical area of investigation. This review summarizes the alterations in CD8⁺ Tregs during RA progression and their potential mechanisms of action. By elucidating the diversity of CD8⁺ Treg subsets and their intricate roles in modulating immune responses, this analysis provides novel insights and therapeutic strategies for RA diagnosis and treatment.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology* ; Humans ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology* ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Animals

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin (rSj-Cystatin) in a mouse mode of "two-hit" sepsis. METHODS: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice randomized equally into sham-operated group, protein group, "two-hit" modeling group, and protein intervention group. In the former two groups, the mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS followed by exposure of the cecum and then by intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin 30 min later; In the latter two groups, 100 μL PBS containing LPS (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 24 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin were injected 30 min after CLP. At 12 h after rSj-Cystatin treatment, 6 mice from each group were sacrificed for detection of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, iNOS and Arg-1 in the serum, spleen, liver, lung and kidney tissues using ELISA, for examinations of liver, lung and kidney pathologies with HE staining, and for analysis of CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell percentage in the spleen using flow cytometry. The remaining mice were observed for general condition and 72-h survival. RESULTS: The 72-h survival rates in the 4 groups were 100%, 100%, 0% and 20%, respectively, showing significant differences between the latter two groups. The mouse models of "two-hit" sepsis exhibited obvious tissue pathologies and significant elevations of TNF-α and IL-6 in both the serum and tissue homogenate, which were significantly ameliorated by rSj-Cystatin treatment. Treatment with rSj-Cystatin also increased IL-10 and TGF-β levels and spleen CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell percentage. The septic mouse models also showed increased iNOS levels in all the detected tissues and a decreased Arg-1 level in the kidney, and these changes were obviously improved by rSj-Cystatin treatment. CONCLUSIONS rSj-Cystatin has a protective effect against "two-hit" sepsis in mice by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment.
Animals ; Mice ; Sepsis/drug therapy* ; Male ; Schistosoma japonicum/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cystatins/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism*

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin(rSj-Cystatin)in a mouse mode of"two-hit"sepsis.Methods Sixty male C57BL/6 mice randomized equally into sham-operated group,protein group,"two-hit"modeling group,and protein intervention group.In the former two groups,the mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS followed by exposure of the cecum and then by intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin 30 min later;In the latter two groups,100 μL PBS containing LPS(5 mg/kg)was injected intraperitoneally 24 h before cecal ligation and puncture(CLP),and 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin were injected 30 min after CLP.At 12 h after rSj-Cystatin treatment,6 mice from each group were sacrificed for detection of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,TGF-β,iNOS and Arg-1 in the serum,spleen,liver,lung and kidney tissues using ELISA,for examinations of liver,lung and kidney pathologies with HE staining,and for analysis of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cell percentage in the spleen using flow cytometry.The remaining mice were observed for general condition and 72-h survival.Results The 72-h survival rates in the 4 groups were 100％,100％,0％and 20％,respectively,showing significant differences between the latter two groups.The mouse models of"two-hit"sepsis exhibited obvious tissue pathologies and significant elevations of TNF-α and IL-6 in both the serum and tissue homogenate,which were significantly ameliorated by rSj-Cystatin treatment.Treatment with rSj-Cystatin also increased IL-10 and TGF-β levels and spleen CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cell percentage.The septic mouse models also showed increased iNOS levels in all the detected tissues and a decreased Arg-1 level in the kidney,and these changes were obviously improved by rSj-Cystatin treatment.Conclusion rSj-Cystatin has a protective effect against"two-hit"sepsis in mice by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment.

Objective To analyze the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG)PET/CT manifestations of autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)and to explore the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in AIP.Methods Twenty-three patients with suspected AIP who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed.Eleven patients were diagnosed with AIP based on the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria(ICDC)of AIP published by the International Pancreatic Disease Association.The detection rate and diagnostic sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT for pancreatic enlargement,duct stenosis,duct dilation,pseudocapsules,and extrapancreatic involvement were analyzed,along with the 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of AIP.Results The 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of 11 patients with AIP:9 patients(81.82%)showed diffuse pancreatic enlargement,and 2 patients(18.18%)had local pancreatic head enlargement.And metabolism showed diffuse or localized increase.The maximum standardized uptake value(SUVmax)for the early PET/CT was 1.7-9.1(4.52±1.92),and for the delayed PET/CT,it was 2.6-9.8(5.25±1.98),with a statistically signifi-cant difference between the two phases SUVmax(t=-7.627,P<0.001).Two patients showed duct stenosis,six had distal duct dilation,and three exhibited pseudocapsule formation.Extrapancreatic involvement occurred in ten patients(90.91%),including sclerosing cholangitis,bile duct dilation inside and outside the liver,gallbladder changes,lymph node involvement,salivary gland involvement,prostate involvement,retroperitoneal fibrosis,pulmonary lesions,arteritis,and granulomatous tissue formation,etc.Among them,the same patient may present with multiple manifestations of extrapancreatic involvement.Among the 11 patients,eight were diagnosed as AIP,two as pancreatic cancer,and one as acute pancreatitis by 18F-FDG PET/CT.The diagnostic sensitivity was 72.73%.Conclusion The 18F-FDG PET/CT of AIP demonstrates specificity in anatomical morphology and metabolic changes and can better display extrapancreatic involvement,which has unique clinical value in AIP imaging diagnosis.

Background: Metals and their ions have been used to reduce bacterial infection risks. Among them, minerals containing rubidium (MCR), natural minerals containing metal ions, show potential as novel and tunable materials. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of MCR. Methods: The inhibitory effect of MCR on bacteria was clarified using the growth curve method, turbidimetric method, and minimum inhibitory concentration method. Physiological and biochemical indices were employed to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of MCR. Results: The results revealed that MCR inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 11.95, 2.60, and 2.60 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory activity of MCR was insignificant against Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Helicobacter pylori at 3.25 mg/mL. Mechanistic assessments showed that MCR affected bacterial conductivity, protein and nucleic acid levels, reducing sugar content, respiratory chain dehydrogenase activity, bacterial lipid peroxidation, intracellular adenosine triphosphate, and extracellular alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: MCR has bacteriostatic activity and the mechanism primarily involves adhesion to bacteria, disrupting the integrity of their cell walls and membranes, and altering their permeability. This disruption leads to the release of intracellular molecules of various sizes, inhibiting cellular respiration and metabolism, and causing oxidative damage. These combined effects impair cellular functions, affecting cell growth and metabolism, or leading to cell death. These findings provide a theoretical reference for the development of MCR as a bacteriostatic agent.