OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of plasma phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217) in the association between periodontitis and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: In this case-control study, patients diagnosed with MCI in the Neurology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University from November 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the case group (MCI group). Cognitively normal (CN) volunteers, matched for age and education level and recruited from the physical examination center during the same period, served as the control group (CN group). The general demographic data of the study participants were collected. The Beijing versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and activities of daily living scale (ADL) were used to assess neuropsychological functions. Clinical periodontal examinations were conducted, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was calculated, and the periodontitis stage was determined in accordance with the 2018 classification. Fasting elbow venous blood samples were collected in the morning, and blood biochemical indicators were measured. Plasma p-tau217 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, partial correlation analysis, multivariate Logistic regression analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis, and mediation effect analysis. RESULTS: Among the 192 participants, 96 belong to the MCI group and 96 to the CN group. The prevalence of periodontitis was 63.5% in the MCI group and 43.8% in the CN group, with a statistically significant difference (χ²=7.561, P=0.006). The plasma p-tau217 levels in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the CN group [7.00 (4.27-9.65) ng/mL versus 2.02 (0.80-3.81) ng/mL, Z=-8.108, P<0.001]. Partial correlation analysis revealed that plasma p-tau217 levels were positively correlated with all the clinical periodontal indices (all P<0.001). After adjustments for baseline covariates, multivariate Logistic regression indicated that periodontitis was an independent risk factor for MCI. Patients with periodontitis had a 1.977-fold higher MCI risk than those without periodontitis (OR=1.977, 95%CI: 1.088-3.594, P=0.025). Moreover, the MCI risk for stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ periodontitis and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis was 1.878 times (OR=1.878, 95%CI: 1.029-3.425, P=0.040) and 2.625 times (OR=2.625, 95%CI: 1.073-6.246, P=0.035) higher than that for patients without periodontitis, respectively. Trend test showed that the MCI risk increased with periodontitis severity (P_trend=0.016). After adjustments for baseline covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that periodontitis was an independent risk factor for increased plasma p-tau217 levels (β=3.309, 95%CI: 2.363-4.254, P<0.001). Compared with patients without periodontitis, those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ periodontitis (β=1.838, 95%CI: 0.869-2.806, P<0.001) and stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis (β=5.539, 95%CI: 4.442-6.636, P<0.001) had significantly higher plasma p-tau217 levels. In addition, trend test indicated that plasma p-tau217 levels increased with periodontitis severity (P_trend<0.001). After adjustments for baseline covariates, RCS regression analysis further revealed that PISA had a positive linear dose-response relationship with MCI risk (P_overall=0.002, P_nonlinear=0.344) and plasma p-tau217 levels (P_overall<0.001, P_nonlinear=0.140). After adjustments for baseline covariates, mediation analysis showed that plasma p-tau217 mediated the association between periodontitis and MCI, with a mediation proportion of 13.99% (95% Bootstrap CI: 0.38%-49.39%, P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS Periodontitis was independently positively associated with MCI risk, and plasma p-tau217 plays a mediating role in this association.
Humans ; Cognitive Dysfunction/complications* ; tau Proteins/blood* ; Periodontitis/complications* ; Case-Control Studies ; Male ; Female ; Phosphorylation ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Activities of Daily Living

The plant F-box protein more axillary growth 2 (MAX2) is a key factor in the signal transduction of strigolactones (SLs) and karrinkins (KARs). As the main component of the SKP1-CUL1-FBX (SCF) complex ubiquitin ligase E3, MAX2 is responsible for specifically recognizing the target proteins, suppressor of MAX2 1/SMAX1-like proteins (SMAX1/SMXLs), which would be degraded after ubiquitination. It can thereby regulate plant morphogenesis and stress responses. There exist homologous genes of MAX2 in the important grain and oil crop soybean (Glycine max). However, its role in plant defense responses has not been investigated yet. Here, GmMAX2b, a homologous gene of MAX2, was successfully cloned from stressed soybean. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that there were two MAX2 homologous genes, GmMAX2a and GmMAX2b, with a similarity of 96.2% in soybean. Their F-box regions were highly conserved. The sequence alignment and cluster analysis of plant MAX2 homologous proteins basically reflected the evolutionary relationship of plants and also suggested that soybean MAX2 might be a multifunctional protein. Expression analysis showed that plant pathogen infection and salicylic acid treatment induced the expression of GmMAX2b in soybean, which is consistent with that of MAX2 in Arabidopsis. Ectopic expression of GmMAX2b compensated for the susceptibility of Arabidopsis max2-2 mutant to pathogen, indicating that GmMAX2b positively regulated plant disease resistance. In addition, yeast two hybrid technology was used to explore the potential target proteins of GmMAX2b. The results showed that GmMAX2b interacted with SMXL6 and weakly interacted with SMXL2. In summary, GmMAX2b is a positive regulator in plant defense responses, and its expression is induced by pathogen infection and salicylic acid treatment. GmMAX2b might exert its effect through interaction with SMXL6 and SMXL2. This study expands the theoretical exploration of soybean disease resistant F-box and provides a scientific basis for future soybean disease resistant breeding.
Glycine max/metabolism* ; Disease Resistance/genetics* ; Plant Diseases/immunology* ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; F-Box Proteins/genetics* ; Arabidopsis/genetics* ; Phylogeny

Objective To explore the professionalization model of nursing management team in an international medical center in a provincial public tertiary hospital.Methods Through literature research and Delphi method,a three-person nursing management team was established respectively in three nursing units:outpatient,first-ward,and second-ward of the center,and then trained professionally to define management boundaries and responsibilities.The training effect was verified by applying the professionalization management in the international medical center.The three nursing teams(nine nurses totally)were compared in terms of leadership,patient satisfaction,and nursing discipline construction before and after the training.Results Following the training,the three teams all exhibited a significant improvement in leadership as well as its dimensions(P＜0.05),and pa-tient satisfaction(P＜0.05).Additionally,care quality,scientific research capacity,and innovation ability were all elevated across the three groups.Conclusion The establishment of a nursing management team and performance of professional training can effectively promote the concept of professionalization management,improve the leadership of nurses,cultivate talent eche-lons,drive the overall development of disciplines and teams,and expand the connotation of nursing culture.For all these bene-fits,this model is suitable for promotion and application among clinical departments.

Objective To investigate the correlation between uterine globulin associated protein 1(UGRP1)and Fas mediated apoptosis pathway in hashimoto thyroiditis(HT).Methods The expression of UGRP1 in thyroid cells of normal people and HT patients was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).FRTL-5 cells were transfect-ed by plasmids in vitro,and control group,UGRP1 group,Fas group were established respectively.Real-time fluo-rescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the expression of Fas and UGRP1 mRNA in each group.Results UGRP1 expression was positive in thyroid cells of HT patients and negative in that of normal people.There were no significant differences between control group and UGRP1 group in Fas gene ex-pression(1.085 0±0.124 9 vs 1.021 0±0.113 9).Compared with the control group,the expression of UGRP1 gene increased significantly in Fas group(P＜0.000 1,5.807 0±0.323 2 vs 0.752 7±0.076 0).Conclusion The high expression of UGRP1 in HT may be related to apoptosis pathway mediated by Fas.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that regulate various signaling pathways in the body by mediating the release of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, thus playing an important role in pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, tumor, immunity and nervous system. More and more studies have shown that exosomal non-coding RNA (ncRNA) plays a crucial role in pancreatic diseases. This article reviews the role of exosome ncRNA in the occurrence, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases such as acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, in order to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Objective:To observe the expression changes of microRNA(miR)-122 in liver tissue of rats infected with Clonorchis sinensis and its correlation with expression level of inflammatory cytokines. Methods:Totally 24 SPF grade Wistar male rats were selected and randomly divided into a control group (100 μl physiological saline gavage), a 4-week infection group (100 Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae gavage), and an 8-week infection group (100 Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae gavage) based on body weight (100-120 g) using a random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Starting from the third week of infection, rat feces were collected and directly smeared with physiological saline for identification of Wistar rat animal models infected with Clonorchis sinensis. After 4 and 8 weeks of infection, the rats in the 4- and 8-week infection groups were euthanized, while 4 rats in the control group were euthanized, respectively. The heart blood and left lobe liver tissue and serum samples were collected from each group of rats. Using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe liver pathological damage under the light microscope, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR to detect the expression level of miR-122 in liver tissue, and Luminex 200 liquid suspension chip to detect the expression levels of serum inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6)]. The correlation between miR-122 and inflammatory cytokines was analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results:Under the light microscope, the morphology of hepatocytes in control group was normal, and no inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. There was inflammatory cells such as lymphocyte, eosinophil and other inflammatory cell infiltration around the portal area in the 4-week infection group. The hepatocytes of the 8-week infected rats were arranged in a disordered manner, with varying degrees of swelling, loose and lightly stained cytoplasm, and some hepatocytes showed watery degeneration; additionally, bile duct dilation and thickening of the bile duct wall were observed in the liver tissue. There were statistically significant differences of liver miR-122 (1.00 ± 0.32, 2.57 ± 0.60, 3.63 ± 1.63), serum TNF-α [(0.14 ± 0.06), (0.43 ± 0.09), (0.61 ± 0.10) ng/ml], and IL-6 expression levels [(0.03 ± 0.01), (1.06 ± 0.24), (1.48 ± 0.33) ng/ml] in control group, 4- and 8-week infection groups ( F = 13.36, 69.99, 82.23, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in expression level of IL-1β between different groups ( F = 2.15, P = 0.141). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression level of miR-122 was positively correlated with the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 ( r = 0.67, 0.80, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Clonorchis sinensis infection can increase the expression of miR-122 in the host liver tissue, and the miR-122 is closely related to the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6.

【Objective】 To analyze the distribution of unexpected antibodies in tumor patients retrospectively and explore the clinical significance. 【Methods】 Unexpected antibody screening was performed on inpatients with blood preparation and blood transfusion in our hospital from January 2004 to December 2022, with 1 176 cases tested positive, and the types of unexpected antibodies and distribution characteristics were statistically analyzed. 【Results】 Unexpected antibodies were screened in 1 176 cases, with the positive rate at 1.05% (1 176/111 483). The unexpected antibodies were mainly anti-E 16.33%(192/1 176), anti-M 7.99% (94/1 176), anti-Mur 5.70% (67/1 176) and anti-Le^a 4.76% (56/1 176). Among the 1 176 cases, gastrointestinal tumors accounted for 27.99% (329/1 176), gynecological tumors accounted for 24.84% (292/1 176), respiratory tumors accounted for 16.67% (196/1 176) . 【Conclusion】 The influencing factors of unexpected antibodies in tumor patients were disease type, blood transfusion history and blood type. Therefore, it is necessary for clinical departments to carry out unexpected antibody screening and perform Rh blood type matched transfusion for tumor patients to avoid alloantibody production.

Objective : To investigate the correlation of uteroglobulin⁃related protein 1 (UGRP1) with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) . Methods: 124 participants were selected , including 45 LADA patients as LADA group ,41 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients as T2DM group and 38 healthy people without diabetes as control group. General information , diabetes related indicators and serum UGRP1 levels were compared among the three groups. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between serum UGRP1 and diabetes related indicators. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze whether UGRP1 could be an independent risk factor for LADA. The diagnostic value of UGRP1 in LADA was discussed by ROC curve analysis. Results: There were significant differences in BMI , systolicpressure , diastolicpressure , fasting blood glucose , 2h postprandial blood glucose , fasting C ⁃peptide , 2h postprandial C ⁃peptide , HbA1 c , diabetes antibodies( GADAb , IA⁃2 , ZnT8) among the three groups (P < 0. 05) . The level of serum UGRP1 in LADA group was significantly higher than that in control group and T2DM group (P < 0. 05) . Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum UGRP1 level of diabetes patients was related to fasting C ⁃peptide , 2h postprandial C ⁃peptide , GADAb , the number of positive diabetes antibodies. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that serum UGRP1 level was an independent risk factor for LADA. ROC curve analysis results suggested that UGRP1 could be used as a better assistant indicator for the diagnosis of LADA. Conclusion UGRP1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of LADA.

OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for simultaneous determination of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin in Jianpi zhixiening granules. METHODS:HPLC switching walvelength method was adopted. The determination was performed on Hypersil BDS C18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.45％ phosphoric acid solution-triethylamine(50:49:1,V/V/V) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 265 nm(berberine hydrochloride)and 280 nm(baicalin). The column temperature was set at 30 ℃,and sample size was 10 μL. RESULTS:The linear range of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin were 60.3-312.8 ng(r=0.9997)and 81.5-368.9 ng(r=0.9999). The limits of quantitation were 0.6668,0.7740 ng,andthe limits of detection were 0.2226,0.2580 ng,respectively. RSDs of intermediate precision,stability and repeatability tests were all lower than 1.0％. The recoveries were 96.48％-99.30％(RSD=1.06％,n=6) and 95.20％-99.39％(RSD=1.66％,n=6), respectively. RSDs of durability test were all lower than 2.0％. CONCLUSIONS:The method is simple, precise, stable, reproducible,accurate and durable. It can be used for simultaneous determination of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin in Jianpi zhixiening granules.