Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations. The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated. Osteomodulin (OMD) is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member distributed in bones and teeth. It is a bioactive protein that promotes osteogenesis and suppresses the apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). In this study, the role of OMD in pulpitis and the OMD-induced regulatory mechanism were investigated. The OMD expression in normal and inflamed human pulp tissues was detected via immunofluorescence staining. Intriguingly, the OMD expression decreased in the inflammatory infiltration area of pulpitis specimens. The cellular experiments demonstrated that recombined human OMD could resist the detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. A conditional Omd knockout mouse model with pulpal inflammation was established. LPS-induced inflammatory impairment significantly increased in conditional Omd knockout mice, whereas OMD administration exhibited a protective effect against pulpitis. Mechanistically, the transcriptome alterations of OMD overexpression showed significant enrichment in the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Interleukin-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), a vital membrane receptor activating the NF-κB pathway, was significantly downregulated in OMD-overexpressing hDPSCs. Additionally, the interaction between OMD and IL1R1 was verified using co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking. In vivo, excessive pulpal inflammation in Omd-deficient mice was rescued using an IL1R antagonist. Overall, OMD played a protective role in the inflammatory response via the IL1R1/NF-κB signaling pathway. OMD may optimize the immunomodulatory functions of hDPSCs and can be used for regenerative endodontics.
Pulpitis/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Dental Pulp/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Lipopolysaccharides

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant cause of subfertility in reproductive-aged women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Neurotensin (NTS) is a member of the gut-brain peptide family and is involved in ovulation; its relationship with PCOS is unclear. Here, we found that NTS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluids was markedly decreased in patients with PCOS. In the in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) antagonist SR48692 blocked cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic maturation by inhibiting metabolic cooperation and damaging the mitochondrial structure in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells. Furthermore, the ERK1/2-early growth response 1 pathway was found to be a key downstream mediator of NTS/NTSR1 in the ovulatory process. Animal studies showed that in vivo injection of SR48692 in mice reduced ovulation efficiency and contributed to irregular estrus cycles and polycystic ovary morphology. By contrast, NTS partially ameliorated the ovarian abnormalities in mice with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. Our findings highlighted the critical role of NTS reduction and consequent abnormal NTSR1 signaling in the ovulatory dysfunction of PCOS, suggesting a potential strategy for PCOS treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Female ; Animals ; Neurotensin/metabolism* ; Receptors, Neurotensin/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice ; Ovulation/drug effects* ; Humans ; Granulosa Cells/metabolism* ; Adult ; Oocytes/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Signal Transduction ; Follicular Fluid/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives*

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of adjuvant intervention of Fuyuan Fuheng Decoction for chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)of spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome,and to observe its effects on cellular immune function,adverse reactions and the prognosis of CRC treated by chemotherapy.Methods From January 2021 to January 2023,a retrospective study was conducted on 120 patients with CRC of spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine.The patients were divided into a study group and a control group according to the treatment protocols,with 60 patients in each group.The patients of the two groups were treated by radical resection of CRC,and then the control group was given mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy(5-Fluorouracil+Oxaliplatin+Calcium Folinate)while the study group was given Fuyuan Fuheng Decoction together with mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy after operation.Fourteen days constituted a cycle of treatment,and the two groups were given 12 consecutive cycles of treatment.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,cellular immune function indicators[T-lymphocyte subsets CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+and natural killer(NK)cells],European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30(EORTC QLQ-C30)scores,Piper's Fatigue Scale(PFS)scores of cancer-related fatigue,Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)scores,and prognosis-related markers[carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)].After treatment,the therapeutic efficacy,the incidence of adverse reactions,and the one-year survival rate of the two groups were compared.Results(1)After 12 cycles of treatment,the overall response rate of the study group was 75.00％(45/60),which was significantly higher than that of the control group[53.33％(32/60)],the difference being statistically significant(x2=6.125,P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of fatigue and weakness,soreness and weakness in the waist and knee,poor appetite,vertigo and dizziness,and loose stools in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the levels of cellular immune function indicators of peripheral T-lymphocyte subset CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+,and NK cells of the two groups were all decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),but the decrease in the study group was significantly milder than that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the EORTC QLQ-C30 score and KPS score in the two groups were increased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the PFS score was decreased compared with that before treatment(P＜0.05).The increase of the EORTC QLQ-C30 score and KPS score as well as the decrease of the PFS score in the study group were significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the serum levels of prognosis-related markers of CA199,CEA,VEGF,and LDH in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the study group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(6)The incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea/vomiting,gastrointestinal reactions,thrombocytopenia,leukopenia,and erythrocytopenia in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(7)One year of follow-up after the completion of treatment showed that three cases in the study group and five cases in the control group fell off during the follow-up period.Among the patients who completed the follow-up,the survival rate of the study group was 96.49％(55/57),which was significantly higher than that of the control group[83.64％(46/55)],the difference being statistically significant(x2=5.223,P=0.022).Conclusion Adjuvant intervention of Fuyuan Fuheng Decoction can enhance the overall response rate of the patients with CRC treated by mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy,and is effective on improving clinical symptoms,immune function,and performance status of the patients,enhancing the quality of life,alleviating cancer-related fatigue,increasing the survival rate,reducing the incidence of adverse reactions,and then improving the prognosis of the patients.

【Objective】 To generate reference values for inspiratory muscle of preschool children in Nanjing, so as to provide a reference index for evaluating children′s lung function and exercise performance. 【Methods】 A total of 236 preschool children were selected from the main urban area of Nanjing by stratified cluster sampling.The inspiratory muscles were evaluated by breath link respiratory function evaluation system to obtain the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and inspiratory peak flow rate.Pearson analysis was used to determine the correlation of MIP and inspiratory peak flow rate with gender, age, height and weight.Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was used to obtain the formula of MIP and inspiratory peak flow rate. 【Results】 Differences in MIP and peak inspiratory flow rate were not significant between boys and girls (P>0.05), but were statistically significant among different age groups and showed an increasing trend with age (F=13.660, 33.581, P<0.001).MIP and peak inspiratory flow rate were positively correlated with children′s age, height and weight (P<0.001).The regression model, proved to be statistically significant(F=12.913、22.398, P<0.08), indicated that height was the best predictor of MIP and age was the best predictor of inspiratory peak flow rate. 【Conclusions】 This study is the first study on the predicted value of inspiratory muscle in preschool children in China.The predicted value formula can provide a reference for clinical inspiratory muscle evaluation.

Both UNICEF and WHO mention that nurturing care is the most direct and effective approach to promoting early childhood development. Nurturing care emphasizes the importance of caregivers creating a suitable nurturing environment for the early development of children to promote their health and potential. The provision of early learning opportunities is an important aspect of creating a high-quality nurturing environment. This review focuses on the importance of establishing early learning opportunities, the methods of establishing early learning environments, implementing supportive strategies, and employing relevant evaluation methods, in order to provide reference and support for the establishment of early learning opportunities in nurturing care.

【Objective】 To investigate the current state of infant responsive caregiving and to analyze its correlation with caregiver parenting confidence, in order to provide theoretical basis for improving the level of responsive care for infants and young children. 【Methods】 A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 to select 1 028 infants and young children under 3 years old who underwent health examinations in the Department of Child Healthcare. Participants completed a general data questionnaire, the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale, and the Infant Responsive Caregiving Scale. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the related influencing factors of infant responsive care and to analyze the relationship between caregiver parenting confidence and responsive caregiving. 【Results】 The level of responsive caregiving was found to be associated with various factors such as infant age(χ²=21.196), mode of pregnancy(Z=-2.072), history of pregnancy protection during pregnancy(Z=-4.713), history of pregnancy complications (Z=-4.504), gestational week at birth(χ²=41.358), small for term infants(Z=-3.497), neonatal intracranial hemorrhage(Z=-5.425), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia(Z=-2.184), maternal education level(χ²=9.419), family income(χ²=11.211) as well as type of family (χ²=15.360)(P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between parenting confidence and responsive caregiving(r=0.421,P<0.001). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that caregiver parenting confidence had a significant positive effect on the level of responsive caregiving (B=0.623, P<0.05), even after controlling for the effect of demographic factors. 【Conclusion】 The level of infant responsive caregiving is influenced by caregiver parenting confidence, and increasing caregiver parenting confidence can effectively improve the quality of responsive caregiving for infants and young children.

【Objective】 To develop the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children and to evaluate its reliability and validity, in order to provide reference for clinical evaluation of visual cognitive ability of preschool children. 【Methods】 1) From November 2021 to February 2022, construct the dimension framework was constructed and the pool of scale items was compiled according to the theory. 2) In March to June 2022, items were screened preliminarily through group discussion and Delphi method. In August 2022, the entries was revised by a pre-survey in a small sample (n=50). 3) Parents of children aged 4 - 7 from 8 kindergartens in 4 main urban areas of Nanjing were investigated by stratified cluster random sampling method in September to December 2022. The valid sample of the first survey (n=344) was analyzed to conduct item analysis and re-test reliability analysis, the valid sample of the second survey (n=695) was tested for reliability and confirmatory factor analysis, then the scale was finally compiled and evaluated. 【Results】 1) The scale contained 19 items in 4 dimensions:visual memory, discerning vision, spatial vision and visual integration. All items passed the project analysis test. 2) The Cronbach′s α coefficient of each dimension ranged from 0.604 to 0.886, and the Cronbach′s α coefficient of the whole scale was 0.917. During the two surveys, the scores of each item were correlated, and the average retest reliability coefficient was 0.601 (P< 0.05). 3) Content validity index (S-CVI) at scale level was 0.91, and item level content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.8 to 1.0. After several rounds of model modification, the confirmatory factor model fit well. 【Conclusion】 The reliability and validity of the Visual Cognitive Ability Assessment Scale for Preschool Children are acceptable and meet the requirements of the scale, which provides a practical tool for clinical screening of visual and cognitive disorders.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of the extract of Liuwei Dihuangwan （LW） on mitochondrial damage in the Alzheimer's disease （AD） model of Caenorhabditis elegans （C. elegans）. MethodC. elegans transfected with human β-amyloid protein （Aβ） _1-42 gene was used as an AD model. The rats were divided into blank group， model group， metformin group （50 mmol·L^-1）， and low， medium， and high dose （1.04， 2.08， 4.16 g·kg^-1） LW groups. Behavioral methods were used to observe the sensitivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） in nematodes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Aβ in nematodes. Total ATP content in nematodes was detected by the adenine nucleoside triphosphate （ATP） kit， and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by the JC-1 method. In addition， the mRNA expression of Aβ expression gene （Amy-1）， superoxide dismutase-1 （SOD-1）， mitochondrial transcription factor A homologous gene-5 （HMG-5）， mitochondrial power-associated protein 1 （DRP1）， and mitochondrial mitoprotein 1 （FIS1） was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. ResultThe extract of LW could reduce the hypersensitivity of the AD model of nematodes to exogenous 5-HT （P<0.05） and delay the AD-like pathological characteristics of hypersensitivity to exogenous 5-HT caused by toxicity from overexpression of Aβ in neurons of the AD model of nematodes. Compared with the blank group， in the model group， the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 increased （P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of DRP1 and FIS1 increased （P<0.01）， and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential decreased （P<0.05）. The content of ATP decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， in the positive medicine group and medium and high dose LW groups， the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of DRP1 decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and that of FIS1 decreased （P<0.01）. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential increased （P<0.01）， and the content of ATP increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionThe extract of LW may enhance the antioxidant ability of mitochondria， protect mitochondrial DNA， reduce the fragmentation of mitochondrial division， repair the damaged mitochondria， adjust the mitochondrial membrane potential， restore the level of neuronal ATP， and reduce the neuronal damage caused by Aβ deposition.

Objective:To understand the current status of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage stratified sampling method to select 150 streets or townships from 10 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities (East: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Hainan; Central: Henan; West: Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Xinjiang; Northeast: Liaoning). From May 2022 to April 2023, a total of 21 470 children, including community-based children aged 0.5 to<3.0 years receiving child health care and kindergarten-based children aged 3.0 to<7.0 years, were surveyed. They were divided into 3 age groups: infants (0.5 to<1.0 year), toddlers (1.0 to<3.0 years), and preschoolers (3.0 to<7.0 years). Basic information such as sex and date of birth of the children was collected, and peripheral blood samples were obtained for routine blood tests and serum ferritin measurement. The prevalence rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were analyzed, and the prevalence rate differences were compared among different ages, sex, urban and rural areas, and regions using the chi-square test.Results:A total of 21 460 valid responses were collected, including 10 780 boys (50.2%). The number of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were 2 645 (12.3%), 6 244 (29.1%), and 12 571 (58.6%), respectively. The hemoglobin level was (126.7±14.8) g/L, and the serum ferritin level was 32.3 (18.5, 50.1) μg/L. The overall rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were 10.4% (2 230/21 460), 28.3% (6 070/21 460), and 3.9% (845/21 460), respectively. The prevalence rate of anemia was higher for boys than for girls (10.9% (1 173/10 780) vs. 9.9% (1 057/10 680), χ2=5.58, P=0.018), with statistically significant differences in the rates for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (18.0% (475/2 645), 10.6% (662/6 244), and 8.7% (1 093/12 571), respectively, χ2=201.81, P<0.01), and the rate was significantly higher for children in rural than that in urban area (11.8% (1 516/12 883) vs. 8.3% (714/8 577), χ2=65.54, P<0.01), with statistically significant differences in the rates by region ( χ2=126.60, P<0.01), with the highest rate of 15.8% (343/2 173) for children in Central region, and the lowest rate of 5.3% (108/2 053) in Northeastern region. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency were 33.8% (895/2 645), 32.2% (2 011/6 244), and 25.2% (3 164/12 571) in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively, and 30.0% (3 229/10 780) in boys vs. 26.6% (2 841/10 680) in girls, 21.7% (1 913/8 821), 40.0% (870/2 173), 27.1% (2 283/8 413), 48.9% (1 004/2 053) in Eastern, Central, Western, and Northeastern regions, respectively, and each between-group showed a significant statistical difference ( χ2=147.71, 29.73, 773.02, all P<0.01). The prevalence rate of iron-deficiency anemia showed a significant statistical difference between urban and rural areas, 2.9% (251/8 577) vs. 4.6% (594/12 883) ( χ2=38.62, P<0.01), while the difference in iron deficiency prevalence was not significant ( χ2=0.51, P=0.476). Conclusions:There has been a notable improvement in iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China, but the situation remains concerning. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention and control of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia, especially among infants and children in the Central, Western, and Northeastern regions of China.

Objective: To establish the norm of the Physical Activity afterschool Questionnaire for Preschooler(P-PAQ) in urban areas of China, so as to provide a basis for graded guidance from the family perspective and to improve children s physical activity levels. Methods: From October 2020 to January 2021, 6 267 children aged 3-6 years old were recruited from 40 kindergartens in eight cities across six major administrative regions by stratified cluster sampling, and the P-PAQ initially developed by the researchers of this study were completed by the primary caregivers. The questionnaire was administered to collect data relating to the amount of physical activity undertaken by the preschoolers, and the norm was determined by quartiles. Data relating to parental concepts of sports and parental behavior were assessed by calculating mean scores in order to establish the norm. Results: Among preschoolers in urban areas, the M(P 25 ，P 75 ) of total physical activity time (min/day), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time (min/day), outdoor time (min/day) and screen time (min/day) on school days outside kindergarten and on weekends were 84 (54,120), 22 (8,40), 12 (0,24) and 18 (6,30), and 170 (115,240), 60 (30,95), 90 (35,120) and 30 (20,60), respectively. When the score of parents sports concept and behavior (total score of 40) were≥34, 29-<34, 24-<29, <24, it was defined as four levels about above medium, medium, lower medium and lower, respectively. And for two dimensions，when the score of parental sports concept were ≥19, 17-<19, 15-<17, <15，and the score of parental behaviors were ≥16, 12-<16, 8-<12, <8, it was defined as four levels about upper medium, medium, lower medium and lower, respectively. Conclusion The norm of extracurricular activities among preschool children in Chinese cities has good representativeness and appropriate threshold values, which could provide a valuable reference for early assessment, as well as guidance in relation to out-of-school physical activity behaviors among children aged 3-6 years old.