Objective To control the stepwise release of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A)within the microcapsules,and to analyze the effects of the microcapsules on cellular angiogenic capability.Methods VEGF-A encapsulated poly(lactic-co-gly-colic acid)(PLGA)microcapsules were prepared using a method combining dual-channel coaxial injection and continuous flow technol-ogy.The release and degradation performance of the microcapsules were characterized using a phosphate-buffered saline(PBS)soaking method.The biocompatibility of the microcapsules was assessed through the CCK-8 method and Calcein-AM/PI staining method.The impact of microcapsule extract on cellular angiogenesis ability was examined by conducting cell scratch assays and tubule formation ex-periments.Results The microcapsules were round in shape,with their particle diameter measuring in the range of hundreds of mi-crometers.Microcapsules with a molecular weight(Mw)-12 ku can release a large amount of VEGF-A in the initial phase,while Mw-30 ku ones had the capacity to provide a stable,long-term,low-dose release of VEGF-A.Microcapsules of Mw-12 ku exhibited outstanding potential for enhancing the healing of cell scratch wounds in the initial phase.Moreover,within the 0-12 day period,the two types of microcapsule extracts significantly enhanced the ability of cells to form tubules in vitro.Conclusion This study successfully regulated the release profile of VEGF-A by adjusting the molecular weight of PLGA,achieving an initial rapid and substantial release of VEGF-A followed by a sustained slow release over time,while maintaining its biological activity throughout the process.

Objective To investigate the expression levels and clinical significance of Galectin-3,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-9 in peripheral blood of children with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP).Methods A total of 132 hospitalized children diagnosed with RMPP were selected as the RMPP group,and another 128 children with general MPP(GMPP)in the same period were selected as the GMPP group.The clinical data of C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and procalcitonin(PCT)in pediatric patients were collected.The expression levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The correlation between Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels in peripheral blood of RMPP children and clinical factors were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman methods.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors of GMPP progression to RMPP.The predictive value of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels to RMPP was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The heat course,CRP,TNF-α,PCT,Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and the proportion of extrapulmonary complications were higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group(P＜0.01).The correlation analysis results showed that Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels were positively correlated with heat course,extrapulmonary complications,CRP,TNF-α and PCT(P＜0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that the increased levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were independent risk factors for GMPP progression to RMPP(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and their combined prediction of GMPP progression to RMPP were 0.852,0.813,0.812 and 0.949,respectively,and the combined prediction showed the highest efficacy(P＜0.01).Conclusion The levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 in the peripheral blood of children with RMPP are abnormally elevated,and their combined detection can be used as an important indicator for evaluating the progression of GMPP to RMPP.

Objective To investigate the expression levels and clinical significance of Galectin-3,interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-9 in peripheral blood of children with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP).Methods A total of 132 hospitalized children diagnosed with RMPP were selected as the RMPP group,and another 128 children with general MPP(GMPP)in the same period were selected as the GMPP group.The clinical data of C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and procalcitonin(PCT)in pediatric patients were collected.The expression levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The correlation between Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels in peripheral blood of RMPP children and clinical factors were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman methods.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors of GMPP progression to RMPP.The predictive value of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels to RMPP was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The heat course,CRP,TNF-α,PCT,Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and the proportion of extrapulmonary complications were higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group(P＜0.01).The correlation analysis results showed that Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 levels were positively correlated with heat course,extrapulmonary complications,CRP,TNF-α and PCT(P＜0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that the increased levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 were independent risk factors for GMPP progression to RMPP(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of peripheral blood Galectin-3,IL-1β,IL-9 and their combined prediction of GMPP progression to RMPP were 0.852,0.813,0.812 and 0.949,respectively,and the combined prediction showed the highest efficacy(P＜0.01).Conclusion The levels of Galectin-3,IL-1β and IL-9 in the peripheral blood of children with RMPP are abnormally elevated,and their combined detection can be used as an important indicator for evaluating the progression of GMPP to RMPP.

Objective:To digitally measure the three-dimensional (3D) size of primary tooth crowns and the dimensions of the dental arch in children with individual normal primary dentition, preliminarily obtaining baseline data on the 3D size of primary tooth crowns as well as the length and width of the dental arch, and their influence factors. This study aims to provide a data foundation for the design of reference models for primary dentition.Methods:From May to June 2021, 122 caries-free children aged 3.5-4.5 years with individual normal occlusion were selected from five kindergartens in Haidian District, Beijing. Impressions were taken and plaster models were cast. After preliminary screening, 67 eligible models were scanned to obtain digital dental models. Digital measurement software was used for landmark-based measurements. Parameters included 3D crown dimensions (mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter, and occlusogingival height), dental arch dimensions (length and width at specific regions), and occlusal measurements (overjet and overbite at the primary central incisors, and Bolton index for anterior and full dentition). Gender differences in crown dimensions and bilateral symmetry of homologous teeth, as well as the correlations between arch dimensions and gender, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed.Results:The homonymous teeth of 67 children exhibited strong bilateral symmetry in all 3D dimensions ( P>0.05). Gender differences were observed in the buccolingual dimension for all deciduous molars except for the right mandibular first deciduous molar ( P<0.05). For the occlusogingival dimension, gender differences were found in the right maxillary first and second deciduous molars, left maxillary first deciduous molar, and left mandibular first and second deciduous molars ( P<0.05). For the mesiodistal dimension, only the left mandibular second deciduous molar and right mandibular deciduous canine showed gender differences ( P<0.05). All significant differences above indicated larger dimensions in boys compared to girls. In both maxillary and mandibular arches, the lengths and widths at various locations were significantly larger in boys than in girls ( P<0.05). Univariate correlation analysis revealed that body weight was positively correlated with the width of the terminal plane in both the maxilla and mandible and the total length of the mandibular dental arch, while BMI was positively correlated with the width of the maxillary terminal plane and the widths at all measured sites in the mandible ( P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for relevant variables, BMI was a significant positive predictor for the lengths and widths at various sites of the dental arch ( P<0.05), and height was a positive predictor for dental arch length ( P<0.05), as well as body weight was a positive predictor for the width in the molar region ( P<0.05). Overjet at the primary central incisors was 2.28 (1.57, 2.66) mm, and overbite was 1.13 (0.75, 1.92) mm. The anterior Bolton index was 0.79±0.03, and the overall Bolton index was 0.94±0.03. Conclusions:Primary tooth crowns of individual normal occlusion children demonstrate strong bilateral symmetry in homologous teeth. Most primary molars exhibit gender differences in buccolingual and occlusogingival dimensions, with larger values in boys. Arch dimensions (length and width) are consistently larger in boys.

Objective:To analyze the latent prevalence of hepatitis B and type 2 diabetes and their correlation through an observational study.Methods:This study used a case-control design. The cases with diabetes were recruited through the diabetes management system and village doctors, while the controls without diabetes were screened from volunteers recruited by village health clinics. Capillary blood samples were collected from the study participants for the measurement of real-time blood glucose level, and venous blood samples were taken from them for the detections of HBV serological markers. Firth logistic regression model was used to fit the relationship between HBsAg positive status and diabetes status.Results:The study included 1 218 diabetes patients, 62 patients with impaired fasting glucose and 491 cases without diabetes. In the cases without diagnosis of diabetes, 11.15% had impaired fasting blood glucose and 4.43% had diabetes. Among those who reported no or unknown diagnosis of hepatitis B, 1.73% were positive for HBsAg, while 18.80% were positive for both HBV core antibody and surface antibody, indicating latent infection of hepatitis B virus. In the non-diabetes group, 0.81% reported hepatitis B history, and in the diabetes group, 2.76% reported hepatitis B history. After adjustment, the HBsAg positive rate was higher in the diabetes group ( OR=2.90, 95% CI: 1.21-6.91). Conclusions:Both diabetes and hepatitis B exhibited a high degree of latent prevalence. The HBsAg positive rate was significantly higher in those with diabetes than in those without diabetes, indicating a potential correlation. These findings highlighted the importance of strengthened screening and management of comorbidities.

Objective:Exploration of the immunogenicity and persistence of three different immunization regimens of hepatitis B vaccines in diabetic patients.Methods:Participants with diabetes and non-diabetic individuals were recruited from study sites and assigned to different vaccination regimens: the diabetic group (①D60Yeast0-1: received 60 μg Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived recombinant HBV vaccine on a 0-1-month schedule; ②D20Yeast0-1-6: received 20 μg Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived recombinant HBV vaccine on a 0-1-6-month schedule; ③D20CHO0-1-6: received 20 μg Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-derived recombinant HBV vaccine on a 0-1-6-month schedule) and the non-diabetic group (ND20Yeast0-1-6: non-diabetic individuals received 20 μg Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derived recombinant HBV vaccine on a 0-1-6-month schedule). Venous blood samples were collected at 1,12, and 48 months post-full vaccination to measure anti-HBs levels. Differences in immunogenicity between diabetic and non-diabetic groups, as well as among diabetic subgroups, were analyzed.Results:This study enrolled a total of 564 subjects. In the D20CHO0-1-6 group, the seroconversion rate decreased from 90.72% (95% CI: 84.84%-96.60%) at 1 month to 74.23% (95% CI: 65.37%-83.08%) at 48 months, and the antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) decreased from 676.08 (95% CI: 389.05- 1 148.20) mIU/ml at 1 month to 33.11 (95% CI: 23.44-46.77) mIU/ml at 48 months. In the D20Yeast0-1-6 group, the seroconversion rate declined from 93.81% (95% CI: 89.29%-98.32%) at 1 month to 63.72% (95% CI: 54.71%-72.72%) at 48 months, with antibody GMC dropping from 630.96 (95% CI: 407.40-954.99) mIU/ml to 25.70 (95% CI: 17.78-38.02) mIU/ml over the same period. For the D60Yeast0-1 group, seroconversion rate fell from 82.03% (95% CI: 75.29%-88.77%) to 56.25% (95% CI: 47.54%-64.96%), and antibody GMC decreased from 81.28 (95% CI: 51.29-128.82) mIU/ml to 15.49 (95% CI: 11.75-20.89) mIU/ml between 1 and 48 months. The ND20Yeast0-1-6 group (non-diabetic control) exhibited a higher initial seroconversion rate of 97.56% (95% CI: 94.80%- 100.00%) at 1 month, but it still declined to 76.42% (95% CI: 68.82%-84.03%) at 48 months, with antibody GMC decreasing from 1 318.30 (95% CI: 912.01- 1 905.50) mIU/ml to 34.67 (95% CI: 25.12-47.86) mIU/ml. Multivariate analysis on factors influencing the GMC of antibodies revealed statistically significant differences in antibody GMC between the D20Yeast0-1-6 group and ND20Yeast0-1-6 group at 12 months (a OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.58-0.93) and 48 months (a OR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.63-0.99) post-vaccination (all P<0.05). As for the diabetic population, when compared with the D20Yeast0-1-6 group, the D60Yeast0-1 group also showed statistically significant differences in antibody GMC at 12 months (a OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.44-0.74) and 48 months (a OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.47-0.76)(all P<0.05). Conclusions:The seroconversion rate and antibody GMC gradually decreased over time (1, 12, and 48 months) in the four groups. Diabetic patients showed poor immunogenicity and persistence to hepatitis B vaccines. The immunogenicity and persistence of hepatitis B vaccination in diabetic patients were associated with vaccine type, antigen dose, and vaccination regimen. The CHO cell-recombinant hepatitis B vaccine demonstrated better performance in terms of immunogenicity and persistence among the diabetic population.

Objective To establish mouse models exposed to different doses of neodymium oxide via tracheal instillation,and to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain tissue damage induced by neodymium oxide exposure in mice.Methods Forty-eight male C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups:the control group,the low-dose group,the medium-dose group,and the high-dose group.The low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups received 62.5 mg/mL,125 mg/mL,and 250 mg/mL neodymium oxide,respectively,via non-exposed tracheal instillation.The control group received an equivalent volume of saline using the same administration method.After 35 days,the mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were collected.RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin tight junction proteins,as well as the expression changes of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the brain tissues.Additionally,the expression of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and downstream cofilin protein was examined.Changes in oxidative stress markers,including MDA,T-AOC,and NO,were measured using a kit method.Results The mRNA expression of Claudin-5 was significantly reduced in the middle-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Similarly,the mRNA expression of Occludin was significantly lower in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the protein expression of Claudin-5,MMP-2,and Occludin was significantly decreased in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).The protein expression of MMP-9 and RhoA was also signifi-cantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the protein expression of ROCK2 and p-cofilin in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The content of MDA and T-AOC was significantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05),and the content of NO in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Exposure to neodymium oxide results in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier in mice,leading to oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and activation of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway.

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for delay in healthcare-seeking, definitive diagnosis and identification in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality, so as to provide the basis for effectively reducing delay in PTB patients. Methods: Data of PTB patients in Minhang District from 2017 to 2022 were collected from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The prevalence rates of delay in healthcare-seeking, definitive diagnosis and identification were analyzed, and factors affecting delay in healthcare-seeking, definitive diagnosis and identification were identified using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: A total of 4 214 PTB patients were reported in Minhang District from 2017 to 2022, including 2 802 males and 1 412 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.98∶1. The majority of patients were aged 25 to <45 years (1 664 cases, 39.49%). The prevalence rates of delay in healthcare-seeking, definitive diagnosis and identification were 36.81%, 30.21% and 38.09%, respectively. Delay in healthcare-seeking was associated with the year (2018, OR=0.708; 2019, OR=0.549; 2020, OR=0.670; 2021, OR=0.682), gender (female, OR=1.199), occupation (worker, OR=1.379; housekeeping service/housework/unemployed, OR=1.481), case identification route (symptom-based consultation, OR=11.159), and level of the first-diagnosed hospital (city-level, OR=1.528). Delay in definitive diagnosis was associated with age (45 to <65 years, OR=1.476), occupation (commercial service, OR=0.687; housekeeping service/housework/unemployed, OR=0.672), household registration (non-local, OR=0.820), case identification route (symptom-based consultation, OR=0.616), pathogen test result (negative/not tested, OR=1.903), and the level of the first-diagnosed hospital (city-level, OR=0.311). Delay in identification was associated with the year (2018, OR=0.785; 2019, OR=0.647; 2020, OR=0.790; 2021, OR=0.710), occupation (commercial service, OR=0.687), household registration (non-local, OR=0.848) and level of the first-diagnosed hospital (city-level, OR=0.560) Conclusions Year, gender, occupation, case identification route and level of the first-diagnosed hospital are influencing factors for delay in healthcare-seeking in PTB patients. Age, occupation, household registration, case identification route, pathogen test result and level of the first-diagnosed hospital are influencing factors for delay in definitive diagnosis. Year, occupation, household registration and level of the first-diagnosed hospital are influencing factors for delay in identification.

Objective To establish mouse models exposed to different doses of neodymium oxide via tracheal instillation,and to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain tissue damage induced by neodymium oxide exposure in mice.Methods Forty-eight male C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups:the control group,the low-dose group,the medium-dose group,and the high-dose group.The low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups received 62.5 mg/mL,125 mg/mL,and 250 mg/mL neodymium oxide,respectively,via non-exposed tracheal instillation.The control group received an equivalent volume of saline using the same administration method.After 35 days,the mice were euthanized,and brain tissues were collected.RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression changes of Claudin-5 and Occludin tight junction proteins,as well as the expression changes of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the brain tissues.Additionally,the expression of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and downstream cofilin protein was examined.Changes in oxidative stress markers,including MDA,T-AOC,and NO,were measured using a kit method.Results The mRNA expression of Claudin-5 was significantly reduced in the middle-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Similarly,the mRNA expression of Occludin was significantly lower in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the protein expression of Claudin-5,MMP-2,and Occludin was significantly decreased in the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).The protein expression of MMP-9 and RhoA was also signifi-cantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the protein expression of ROCK2 and p-cofilin in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The content of MDA and T-AOC was significantly lower in the medium-dose and high-dose groups compared to the control group(P<0.05),and the content of NO in the high-dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Exposure to neodymium oxide results in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier in mice,leading to oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,and activation of the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of clinical manifestations and parameters of 24 hour multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (24 h MII-pH) in patients with low mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) of proximal esophagus.Methods:From November 4, 2014 to February 18, 2024, 308 patients who underwent 24 h MII-pH at Peking University First Hospital due to typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and(or) extra-esophageal symptoms were retrospectively enrolled. MNBI at 17 or 15 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) < 2 292 Ω was defined as low proximal esophageal impedance (LPEI), both MNBI at 17 and 15 cm above the LES ≥ 2 292 Ω was defined as normal proximal esophageal impedance (NPEI). The 24 h MII-pH parameters were compared between patients with LPEI and patients with NPEI, as well as the incidence of extra-esophageal symptoms. And the 24 h MII-pH parameters were compared between patients with and without extra-esophageal symptoms. Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results:Among the 308 patients, 71 patients with LPEI, 236 patients with NPEI, and 1 patient was excluded due to missing the 24 h MII-pH data; and there were 215 patients with extra-esophageal symptoms and 93 without extra-esophageal symptoms. The proportion of extra-esophageal symptoms in the LPEI patients was higher than that in the NPEI patients(81.7% (58/71) vs. 66.1% (156/236)), the times of postprandial total reflux, postprandial acid reflux detected by impedance, proximal total reflux, and proximal acid reflux in the LPEI patients were more than those in the NPEI patients (22.5 (22.8) vs. 17.0 (19.0), 10.5 (13.3) vs. 7.0 (13.0), 9.0 (12.0) vs. 5.0 (11.0), 5.0 (10.0) vs. 3.0 (7.0)), and the differences were statistically significant( χ2=6.28, Z=-1.99, -2.06, -2.26 and -2.44; all P<0.05). The times of weak acidic reflux at supine position, proximal total reflux, proximal acid reflux, and proximal non-acid reflux of the patients with extra-esophageal symptoms were more than those in patients without extra-esophageal symptoms (2.0(5.0) vs. 1.0(4.0), 6.0(13.0) vs. 4.0(10.0), 4.0(10.0) vs. 3.0(7.0), 2.0(4.0) vs. 1.0(3.0)), the MNBI at 15 cm above the LES in patients with extra-esophageal symptoms was lower than that in patients without extra-esophageal symptoms ((3 222.4±1 018.7) Ω vs. (3 512.3±1 032.1) Ω), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-2.32, -2.25, -2.00 and -2.13, t=-2.28; all P<0.05). Conclusions:LPEI patients have higher proportion of extra-esophageal symptoms, more times of proximal and postprandial acidic reflux. The proximal esophageal impedance and proximal reflux parameters should be emphasized in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with extra-esophageal symptoms.