ObjectiveTo explore effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription on the recurrence of colorectal cancer （CRC） and investigate the related mechanisms. MethodsA postoperative recurrence model was established in 25 Balb/c mice by injecting CT26 cells subcutaneously into the armpit， followed by surgical removal of 99% of the subcutaneous tumor. The mice were randomly divided into model group， low-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP-L） group （6.45 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP-M） group （12.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， high-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP-H） group （25.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） group （1×10^-3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）. The mice were euthanized after 14 days of continuous intervention， and recurrent tumor tissue was harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological and morphological changes in the recurrent tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to assess the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （Ki67）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule （CD31） in recurrent tumor tissue. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of angiopoietin-2 （ANG-2）， VEGF， phosphorylated-protein kinase B （p-Akt）， protein kinase B （Akt）， phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （p-PI3K）， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K） in recurrent tumor tissue. ResultsBefore treatment， there were no statistical differences in tumor volume， tumor weight， and body mass among the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group， indicating model stability. After treatment， compared with those in the model group， the tumor volume and tumor weight in the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， showing dose dependency. Meanwhile， there were no significant differences in body weight among the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group. HE staining showed that compared with that in the model group， tumor tissue in the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group had loosely arranged cells， increased intercellular spaces， small and shriveled nuclei， light staining， fewer mitotic figures and atypical nuclei， and increased necrotic areas. IHC showed that compared with those of the model group， the positive rates of Ki67， VEGF， and CD31 in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced （P<0.01） in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that compared with those of the model group， the protein expression levels of ANG-2 and VEGF in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly downregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionXianlian Jiedu prescription significantly inhibits the recurrence of CRC in mice after subcutaneous tumor surgery. The mechanism may involve regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating key angiogenic proteins such as ANG-2， VEGF， and CD31.

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of fluoride and trichloromethane in drinking water in rural schools in Guizhou Province and assess their health risks, so as to provide a scientific basis for ensuring the safety of drinking water in rural schools. Methods: During the dry season (March to May) and wet season (July to September) of 2020 to 2022, 788 rural primary and secondary schools in agricultural counties (districts) in Guizhou Province were selected for investigation by using a direct sampling method. A total of 1 566 drinking water samples were collected from these schools, and the mass concentrations of fluoride and trichloromethane in the water samples were detected. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparison, and a health risk assessment model was employed to evaluate the health risks of students oral intake of fluoride and trichloromethane. Results: From 2020 to 2022, the mass concentrations of fluoride and trichloromethane in the drinking water of rural schools in Guizhou Province all met the standards, and the ranges were no detection to 0.99 mg/L and (no detection to 0.06)×10 -3 mg/L, respectively. The mass concentrations of fluoride in dry and wet seasons were 0.05(0.05,0.10), 0.05(0.05,0.10) mg/L, the mass concentrations of trichloromethane were [0.02(0.02,1.00)]×10 -3 , [0.02(0.02,1.00)]×10 -3 mg/L, the mass concentrations of fluoride in factory water and terminal water were 0.05(0.05,0.05), 0.05(0.05,0.10) mg/L, and the differences were not statistically significant ( Z=-0.04, -0.88, - 0.98 , P >0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the mass concentration of trichloromethane between factory water and peripheral water [0.02(0.02,0.02)×10 -3 , 0.02(0.02,1.05)×10 -3 mg/L]( Z=-2.16, P < 0.05 ). The non-carcinogenic risk assessment values for students oral exposure to fluoride and trichloromethane were in the range of 0.01(0.01,0.03)-0.03(0.03,0.06) and [0.26( 0.26 ,14.54)]×10 -4 -[0.52(0.52,48.62)]×10 -4 , respectively, all of which were at acceptable levels; the carcinogenic risk assessment values for oral exposure to trichloromethane were in the range of [0.08(0.08, 4.51 )]×10 -7 -[0.16(0.16,15.07)]×10 -7 , indicating a low risk. Conclusions The health risks of students expore to fluoride and trichloromethane in drinking water in rural schools of Guizhou Province are low. It is necessary to strengthen the standardized management of disinfection in some rural drinking water projects and the monitoring of fluoride in water sources to reduce the exposure risk to children.

Objective To generate a dense granule protein 3 (GRA3) gene-deficient mutant of the Toxoplasma gondii ME49 strain and to test the virulence of the mutant. Methods Gene-deficient parasites were generated with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system. Guide RNA (gRNA) was designed using the E-CRISPR software, and mutated on the pSAG1::Cas9-U6::sgUPRT plasmid using the Q5 site-directed mutagenesis kit to generate the pSAG1::Cas9-U6::sgGRA3 plasmid. A GRA3 donor plasmid containing GRA3 gene upstream sequences, pyrimethamine resistant gene dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) and GRA3 gene downstream sequence was generated, and GRA3 donor DNA was amplified using PCR assay. The pSAG1::Cas9-U6::sgGRA3 plasmid and GRA3 donor DNA were electroporated into tachyzoites of the wild-type T. gondii ME49 strain. Then, parasite suspensions were inoculated into human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells and screened with pyrimethamine to yield pyrimethamine-resistant parasites for monoclonal screening. The GRA3 gene deficient monoclonal strain (ME49Δgra3) of T. gondii was identified using PCR and Western blotting assays, and the expression of GRA3 protein was determined in the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain using Western blotting. Subsequently, 1 000 freshly lysed tachyzoites of T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were transferred to 12-well plates seeded with HFF cells, and incubated at 37 °C containing 5% CO₂ for 7 days, and the number of plaques was counted by staining with crystal violet solutions. HFF cells infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were stained using Giemsa solutions, and the numbers of cells containing 1, 2, 4, and > 4 T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles were counted. In addition, the survival rates of C57BL/6 mice infected with T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were compared 35 days post-infection. Results PCR assay revealed successful amplification of both the upstream and downstream homologous arm bands of the DHFR-TS gene in the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain, and no corresponding bands were amplified in the ME49 strain. The GRA3 band was amplified in the ME49 strain, and the DHFR-TS band, rather than GRA3 band, was amplified in the ME49Δgra3 strain. Western blotting determined absence of GRA3 protein expression in the ME49Δgra3 strain. Crystal violet staining showed that the T. gondii ME49 strain produced more plaques than the ME49Δgra3 strain [(352.67 ± 26.39) plaques vs. (235.00 ± 26.29) plaques; t = 5.472, P < 0.01], and Giemsa staining revealed that the proportion of T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles containing at least four T. gondii tachyzoites was higher in HFF cells infected with the ME49 strain than in those infected with the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain [(75.67 ± 2.52)% vs. (59.67 ± 2.31)%; t = 8.113, P < 0.01], and the proportion of T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles containing at least 1 or 2 T. gondii tachyzoites was higher in HFF cells infected with the T. gondii ME49 strain than in those infected with the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain [(24.33 ± 2.52)% vs. (40.33 ± 2.31)%; t = −8.113, P < 0.01]. In addition, mice infected with the T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains started to die 8 and 9 days post-infection, and the 35-day mortality rates of mice infected with T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were 10.00% and 70.00% post-infection (χ² = 6.762, P < 0.01). Conclusions The T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain has been successfully generated, and GRA3 protein may increase the virulence of the T. gondii ME49 strain.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of age-friendly social and family care environment on the long-term care (LTC) services for the disabled elderly people. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among disabled elderly people in three cities of Zhejiang province from June to August 2022, involving 311 subjects from Ningbo city (LTC service insurance pilot site, insured group) and 542 subjects from Hangzhou and Quzhou cities (uninsured group). The service provisions, including ensuring daily activities, preventive healthcare, and satisfying spiritual comfort, were compared among the groups. The family friendly care environment was evaluated with the Family Function Scale and assistance of daily activities, financial support and emotional comfort. The social friendly care environment was measured with the revised WHO recommended age-friendly city environmental framework, including accessibility guarantee environment, information dissemination environment, social participant environment, and life security environment. After controlling for covariates such as sociodemographic, elderly care status, and health risk characteristics, the impact of environment on the effectiveness of service provision of LTC insurance was explored by multiple logistic regression analysis. The mediating and moderating effects were tested to explore the role of age-friendly care environment. A fixed effects model was used to test the service provision effects of LTC insurance policy. RESULTS: Disabled elderly with LTC insurance had a higher proportion of their preventive health care and spiritual comfort needs met. Additionally, a multifactorial analysis found a significant positive association between LTC insurance and meeting the spiritual comfort needs. Compared with insured group (Ningbo city), disabled elderly people in Hangzhou urban area (OR=0.45, 95%CI:0.27-0.74, P<0.01) and Quzhou rural area (OR=0.21, 95%CI:0.12-0.37, P<0.01) were more likely to feel unsatisfied with spiritual comfort. The results of mediation analysis showed that the scores of accessibility guarantee environment (OR=1.22, 95%CI:1.02-1.45, P<0.05), information dissemination environment (OR=1.19, 95%CI:1.02-1.39, P<0.05), and social participation environment (OR=1.40, 95%CI:1.17-1.67, P<0.01) in a socially friendly care environment were positively correlated with the satisfaction rate of mental comfort services. The results of the moderation effect analysis indicated that a socially friendly care environment (OR=1.46, 95%CI:1.16-1.84, P<0.01) could compensate for the difference in effectiveness between insured (Ningbo) and uninsured (Hangzhou and Quzhou) areas of LTC insurance. A fixed effect model confirmed the policy chain of LTC insurance policy-social friendly care environment-mental health service satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of LTC insurance has improved service accessibility, making disabled elderly people feel "seen and valued", and generating psychological and spiritual satisfaction. Accelerating the establishment and improvement of the LTC insurance system requires systematic design, especially emphasizing the supportive role of a socially friendly care environment, and promoting it in urban and rural areas according to the local conditions.
Humans ; Aged ; Persons with Disabilities ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Long-Term Care ; Female ; Male ; China ; Social Environment ; Middle Aged ; Aged, 80 and over

China is a high-incidence region for gastric cancer globally. The disease is characterized by a high morbidity rate, low early diagnostic rate, and poor long-term outcomes, imposing a significant burden on both patients and society. Therefore, exploring the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, developing novel therapeutic strategies, and identifying new drug targets is of great importance. Telomerase expression is broadly associated with cancer cell targeting, and its up-regulation is one of the key factors driving the initiation and progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, telomerase is intricately involved in the regulation of autophagy and autophagy-associated cell death. While autophagy can induce chemoresistance, excessive autophagy may lead to cell death, which also constitutes one of the mechanisms of chemotherapy. Telomerase not only directly contributes to gastric cancer pathogenesis but also indirectly influences its development and treatment by modulating autophagy and autophagic cell death. Therefore, telomerase holds promise as a novel therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/genetics* ; Telomerase/genetics* ; Autophagy/physiology*

Booster vaccinations are highly recommended in combating the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its subvariants. However, the optimal booster vaccination strategies and related immune mechanisms with different prior vaccinations are under-revealed. In this study, we systematically evaluated the immune responses in mice and hamsters with different prime-boost regimens before their protective efficacies against Omicron were detected. We found that boosting with Ad5-nCoV, S_WT-2P or S_Omicron-6P induced significantly higher levels of neutralization activities against Omicron variants than CoronaVac and ZF2001 by eliciting stronger germinal center (GC) responses. Specifically, S_Omicron-6P induced even stronger antibody responses against Omicron variants in CoronaVac and Ad5-nCoV-primed animals than non-Omicron-specific vaccines but with limited differences as compared to Ad5-nCoV and S_WT-2P. In addition, boosting with a specific vaccine has the potential to remodel the existing immune profiles. These findings indicated that adenovirus-vectored vaccines and mRNA vaccines would be more effective than other types of vaccines as booster shots in combating Omicron infections. Moreover, the protective efficacies of the vaccines in booster vaccinations are highly related to GC reactions in secondary lymphatic organs. In summary, these findings provide timely important information on prime-boost regimens and future vaccine design.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the promoting effect of ginsenoside Rb3 (Rb3) on osteogenesis in periodontitis environment, and to explain its mechanism. METHODS: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) were cultured by tissue block method and identified by flow cytometry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method and calcein acetoxymethyl ester/propidium iodide staining were used to detect the effect of Rb3 on the viability of hPDLSCs cells. In vitro cell experiments were divided into control group, 10 μg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS) group, 10 μg/mL LPS+100 μmol/L Rb3 group and 10 μg/mL LPS+200 μmol/L Rb3 group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was used to detect the ALP activity of hPDLSCs in each group after osteogenesis induction. The expression of hPDLSCs interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)genes in each group after osteogenesis was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of hPDLSCs phosphorrylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in each group. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group, ligation group and ligation+Rb3 group. The left molar-maxillary tissue was subjected to micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning. After the scanning, the left molar-maxilla was made into periodontal tissue sections. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the infiltration and loss of adhesion of inflammatory cells. Masson staining was used to detect the destruction of gingival collagen fibers. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the protein expression of RUNX2 and p-ERK. The expression of TGF-β in rat gingival tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expression of IL-6 in peripheral serum of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Treg cells in rat heart blood. The experimental data were statistically analyzed by Graph Pad Prism10.1.2 software. RESULTS: Rb3 had no effect on the cell activity of hPDLSCs. The results of qRT-PCR and ALP staining showed that Rb3 could inhibit the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in inflammatory hPDLSCs, promote TGF-β gene and promote the osteogenic differentiation of inflammatory hPDLSCs. Western blot showed that Rb3 inhibited the protein expression of inflammatory hPDLSCs p-ERK. The results from micro-CT, Masson staining, and HE staining demonstrated that Rb3 promotes alveolar bone formation in rats with periodontitis, while simultaneously inhibiting the destruction of periodontal fibrous tissue, reducing attachment loss, and suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration. The results of flow cytometry showed that Rb3 could promote the differentiation of Treg cells in peripheral blood of periodontitis rats. The results of ELISA and qRT-PCR showed that Rb3 could inhibit the protein expression of IL-6 and promote the gene expression of TGF-β in periodontitis rats. Immunofluorescence results showed that Rb3 could promote the protein expression of RUNX2 and inhibit the protein expression of p-ERK in periodontitis rats. CONCLUSIONS Rb3 can reduce the inflammatory reaction of periodontal tissues in periodontitis rats, and promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by regulating p-ERK pathways.
Animals ; Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Periodontitis/metabolism* ; Rats ; Periodontal Ligament/cytology* ; Humans ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit/metabolism* ; Stem Cells/drug effects* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Interleukin-8/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rb3 on experimental periodontitis and bone resorption in rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a ligation group, an Rb3 group, and a doxycycline (Dox) group for in vivo experiments. A periodontitis model was established by ligating the maxillary second molar, and samples were collected after 3 weeks of drug treatment. Micro-CT assessment of alveolar bone resorption was performed, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in periodontal and visceral tissues. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was applied to detect the formation of osteoclasts in periodontal tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to detect the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, immunoglobulin (Ig)M, and IgG. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to detect the expression of factors related to gingival inflammation and osteoclast formation. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) expression. In vitro experiments were conducted by pretreating RAW264.7 cells with drugs and adding lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression was detected by qPCR, and Western blot was used to detect the effect of Rb3 on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the ligation group showed significant periodontitis and bone resorption. Compared with the ligation group, the Rb3 group showed a decrease in alveolar bone resorption and osteoclast formation; p-ERK/ERK ratio, IL-1β, IL-6, and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1) mRNA levels and downstream gene expression in periodontal tissues; serum IL-6, IL-8, IgG, and IgM levels. Rb3 reduced IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA expression levels and p-ERK/ERK and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratios in RAW264.7 cells induced by P. gingivalis LPS stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Rb3 inhibits inflammation and bone resorption in experimental periodontitis in rats. Compared with Dox, Rb3 has better effects in inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors and osteoclast gene expression and may exert anti-inflammatory effects by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Animals ; Ginsenosides/therapeutic use* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Periodontitis/pathology* ; Rats ; Osteoclasts/drug effects* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Mice ; Alveolar Bone Loss ; Interleukin-8/blood* ; Immunoglobulin G/blood* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Transcription Factors

Biosensors have become powerful tools for real-time monitoring of specific small molecules and precise control of gene expression in biological systems. High-throughput sensors for 1, 4-butanediamine biosynthesis can greatly improve the screening efficiency of high-yielding 1, 4-butanediamine strains. However, the strategies for adapting the characteristics of biosensors are still rarely studied, which limits the applicability of 1, 4-butanediamine biosensors. In this paper, we propose the development of a 1, 4-butanediamine biosensor based on the transcriptional regulator PuuR, whose homologous operator puuO is installed in the constitutive promoter P_gapA of Escherichia coli to control the expression of the downstream superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) as the reporter protein. Finally, the biosensor showed a stable linear relationship between the GFP/OD₆₀₀ value and the concentration of 1, 4-butanediamine when the concentration of 1, 4-butanediamine was 0-50 mmol/L. The promoters with different strengths in the E. coli genome were used to modify the 1, 4-butanediamine biosensor, and the functional properties of the PuuR-based 1, 4-butanediamine biosensor were explored and improved, which laid the groundwork for high-throughput screening of engineered strains highly producing 1, 4-butanediamine.
Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; Escherichia coli/metabolism* ; Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics* ; Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics* ; Diamines/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

The correspondence between the five zang organs and the five phases exhibited variations in the previous and the current literature， which is related to the understanding and interpretation of the historical construction of the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine， and is an important issue that has been debated for a long time in the history of academia but has not been resolved. Through combing and analyzing the relevant literature handed down during the pre-Qin and Han dynasties， which includes Master LYU's Spring and Autumn Annals （《吕氏春秋》）， The Book of Rites： Monthly Ordinances （《月令》）， Huainanzi （《淮南子》）， Records of the Grand Historian： Biography of BIAN Que and CANG Gong （《史记·扁鹊仓公列传》）， The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》）， as well as excavated literature like the Warring States bamboo slips Tang Zai Chi Men （《汤在啻门》） collected by Tsinghua University， Taichan Shu （《胎产书》） unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs， Tianhui Medical Manuscripts （《天回医简》） unearthed from the Han Dynasty Tombs of Lao Guan Mountain， Chengdu， this paper finds that the current five phases are newly proposed by previous medical practitioners on the basis of the objective understanding of the physiology and pathology of the five zang organs， which is a unique contribution of traditional Chinese medicine to the traditional Chinese culture. The lacquered acupuncture figurine unearthed from the Han Dynasty Tombs of Lao Guan Mountain， Tianhui Town， Chengdu， Sichuan Province， is engraved on its back with the inscriptions of "heart， lungs， liver， stomach， and kidneys"， which refer to the back-Shu points of the five zang organs， and the order follows the sequence of “fire - metal - wood - earth - water”， which is the order of the five phases being restricted. It is believed that this is a reflection of the idea of “heart is the head of the five organs” in the early medical scriptures， which can be used as a basis for judging the chronological order of the relevant chapters of the modern version of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor. This order is also seen in the Tianhui Medical Manuscripts unearthed from the same tombs as the acupuncture figurine and is preserved in many chapters of the modern version of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor.