This study explored the mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction(XSLJZD) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathway-mediated autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC). Forty-eight SPF-grade male SD suckling rats were randomly divided into a blank group and a modeling group, and the integrated modeling method(iodoacetamide gavage + disturbance of hunger and satiety + swimming exhaustion) was used to replicate the FD rat model. After the model replications were successfully completed, the rats were divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of XSLJZD(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a positive drug group(mosapride of 1.35 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and the intervention lasted for 14 days. The gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in each group were measured. The histopathological changes in the gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The ultrastructure of ICC was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the protein expression of phospho-IRE1(p-IRE1), TNF receptor associated factors 2(TRAF2), phospho-ASK1(p-ASK1), phospho-JNK(p-JNK), p62, and Beclin1 in ICC of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Western blot was used to detect the related protein expression of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Compared with those in the blank group, the rats in the model group showed decreased body weight, gastric emptying rate, and intestinal propulsion rate, and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to the endoplasmic reticulum structure and increased autophagosomes in ICC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the ICC of gastric sinus tissue showed a significant elevation of p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins and a significant reduction of p62 protein. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. Compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of XSLJZD was increased, and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were increased. Transmission electron microscopy observed amelioration of structural damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of ICC and reduction of autophagosomes, and the p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins in the ICC of gastric sinus tissue were significantly decreased. The p62 protein was significantly increased. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. XSLJZD can effectively treat FD, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of molecules related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway in ICC and the improvement of autophagy to promote gastric motility in ICC.
Animals ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism* ; Dyspepsia/physiopathology* ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5/genetics* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Humans ; Endoribonucleases/genetics* ; Multienzyme Complexes

The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Spermatids/metabolism* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Thioredoxins/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical and genetic characteristics of osteopetrosis (OPT) in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 14 children with OPT. Whole-exome sequencing was used to detect pathogenic genes, and clinical phenotypes and genotypic features were summarized. RESULTS: Among the 14 children (10 males and 4 females), the median age at diagnosis was 8 months. Clinical manifestations included systemic osteosclerosis (14 cases, 100%), anemia (12 cases, 86%), infections (10 cases, 71%), thrombocytopenia (9 cases, 64%), hepatosplenomegaly (8 cases, 57%), and developmental delay (5 cases, 36%). Malignant osteopetrosis (MOP) cases had lower platelet counts, creatine kinase isoenzyme, and serum calcium levels, but higher white blood cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to non-MOP cases (P<0.05). Genetic testing identified 15 variants in 12 patients, including 8 variants in the CLCN7 gene (53%), 6 in the TCIRG1 gene (40%), and 1 in the TNFRSF11A gene (7%). Three novel CLCN7 variants were identified: c.2351G>C, c.1215-43C>T, and c.1534G>A. All four patients with TCIRG1 variants exhibited MOP clinical phenotypes. Of the seven patients with CLCN7 variants, 4 presented with intermediate OPT, 2 with benign OPT, and 1 with MOP. CONCLUSIONS Clinical phenotypes of OPT in children are heterogeneous, predominantly involving CLCN7 and TCIRG1 gene variants, with a correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes.
Humans ; Osteopetrosis/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases/genetics* ; Child ; Chloride Channels/genetics* ; Mutation ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B

Objective： The aim of this study is to explore the predictive value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L and establish a nomogram. Methods： The imaging data and clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, and a nomogram of the clinical prediction model was established. Calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Results： Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed extrocapusular extension (OR=8.08,95%CI=2.62－24.97, P<0.01), enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes (OR=4.45,95%CI=1.16－17.11,P=0.030), and biopsy ISUP grade(OR=1.97,95%CI=1.12－3.46, P=0.018)were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.834, which indicated that the model had a good prediction ability. The actual value of the model calibration curve and the prediction probability of the model fitted well, indicating that the model had a good accuracy. Further analysis of DCA curve showed that the model had good clinical application value when the risk threshold ranged from 0.05 to 0.70.Conclusion： For prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L, bpMRI has a good predictive value for the pelvic lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer with extrocapusular extension, enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes and ISUP grade≥4.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Pelvis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostatectomy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Risk Factors ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers. METHODS: The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories. RESULTS: FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45). CONCLUSION An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; China ; Prospective Studies ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Steel ; Fasting/blood* ; Metal Workers ; East Asian People

Objective:To investigate the effect of Omaha system interventional management on therapeutic effect and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during follow-up in patients with heart failure(HF).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 HF patients treated in Second Affiliated Hospital of Chi-nese PLA Air Force Military Medical University between January 2021 and January 2023.They were divided into control group(n=55,routine nursing)and intervention group(n=55,interventional management based on Omaha system).Both groups received intervention for 1 month and were followed up for 6 months.The heart function,negative emotion,self-care capacity,quality of life,and cumulative incidence of MACE during the 6-month fol-low-up were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in the control group,those in the in-tervention group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(60.32±4.79)％vs.(50.11±4.58)％],scores of exercise of self-care agency(ESCA)[(142.33±6.58)points vs.(89.26±7.19)points]and General Quality of Life Inventory 74(GQOLI-74)[(88.61±4.15)points vs.(70.59±7.85)points](P＜0.001 all),and significant lower left atrial diameter(LAD)[(36.18±2.98)mm vs.(40.25±3.05)mm],left ventricu-lar end-systolic diameter(LVESd)[(42.11±3.46)mm vs.(48.49±3.78)mm],scores of hospital anxiety and depression scale[HADS(A)][(10.05±2.11)points vs.(14.33±2.05)points]and HADS(D)[(9.15±1.31)points vs.(13.37±2.18)points](P＜0.001 all).The incidence rate of MACE in intervention group(9.09％vs.29.09％)was significantly lower than that of control group(P=0.004).Conclusion:Omaha system interventional management could significantly improve cardiac function and negative emotions,improve self-care capacity and quality of life,and reduce the incidence of MACE during follow-up in patients with heart failure.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Omaha system interventional management on therapeutic effect and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during follow-up in patients with heart failure(HF).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 HF patients treated in Second Affiliated Hospital of Chi-nese PLA Air Force Military Medical University between January 2021 and January 2023.They were divided into control group(n=55,routine nursing)and intervention group(n=55,interventional management based on Omaha system).Both groups received intervention for 1 month and were followed up for 6 months.The heart function,negative emotion,self-care capacity,quality of life,and cumulative incidence of MACE during the 6-month fol-low-up were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in the control group,those in the in-tervention group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(60.32±4.79)％vs.(50.11±4.58)％],scores of exercise of self-care agency(ESCA)[(142.33±6.58)points vs.(89.26±7.19)points]and General Quality of Life Inventory 74(GQOLI-74)[(88.61±4.15)points vs.(70.59±7.85)points](P＜0.001 all),and significant lower left atrial diameter(LAD)[(36.18±2.98)mm vs.(40.25±3.05)mm],left ventricu-lar end-systolic diameter(LVESd)[(42.11±3.46)mm vs.(48.49±3.78)mm],scores of hospital anxiety and depression scale[HADS(A)][(10.05±2.11)points vs.(14.33±2.05)points]and HADS(D)[(9.15±1.31)points vs.(13.37±2.18)points](P＜0.001 all).The incidence rate of MACE in intervention group(9.09％vs.29.09％)was significantly lower than that of control group(P=0.004).Conclusion:Omaha system interventional management could significantly improve cardiac function and negative emotions,improve self-care capacity and quality of life,and reduce the incidence of MACE during follow-up in patients with heart failure.

Objective:To analyze two families with inherited dysfibrinogenemia,and explore the molecular pathogenic mechanisms.Methods:The coagulation indexes of the probands and their family members were detected.The FGA,FGB,and FGG exons and their flanking sequences were amplified by PCR,and the mutation sites were identified by sequencing.SIFT,PolyPhen2,LRT,ReVe,MutationTaster,phyloP,and phastCons bioinformatics software were used to predict the functional impact of the mutation sites.Protein structure and amino acid conservation analysis of the variant were conducted using PyMOL and Clustal X software.Results:The thrombin time(TT)of the proband in family 1 was prolonged to 37.00 s,and Fg:C decreased to 0.52 g/L.The TT of the proband in family 2 was 20.30 s,and Fg:C was 1.00 g/L,which was lower than the normal range.Genetic analysis revealed that the proband in family 1 had a heterozygous mutation c.80T＞C in FGA,resulting in the substitution of phenylalanine 27 with serine(Phe27Ser).The proband in family 2 had a heterozygous mutation c.1007T＞A in FGG,resulting in the substitution of methionine 336 with lysine(Met336Lys).Bioinformatics software prediction analysis indicated that both mutations were deleterious variants.PyMOL mutation models revealed that the Aα chain mutation(Phe27Ser)in family 1 and y chain mutation(Met336Lys)in family 2 resulted in alterations in spatial structure and reduced protein stability.Clustal X results showed that both Aα Phe27 and γMet336 were highly conserved across homologous species.Conclusion:Heterozygous mutations of FGA gene c.80T＞C and FGG gene c.1007T＞A are both pathogenic variants,causing inherited dysfibrinogenemia.

Objective In this study, ecological monitoring data of ticks in Changzhou City(2021-2024)were analyzed to understand the composition, distribution, density, and seasonal trends of the different species and thereby provide a scientific basis for tick-borne disease control strategies. Methods Parasitic ticks were monitored via host surface examination, whereas questing ticks were monitored using the flagging method. Results In total,1 506 ticks(636 parasitic,870 questing), belonging to 1 family,2 genera, and 5 species, were collected. Haemaphysalis longicornis(1 389)was the dominant species, followed by Hae. flava(111), Hae. phasiana(3), Amblyomma testudinarium(2), and Hae. hystricis(1). The parasitic tick index was 1.89 (goats as the dominant hosts), whereas the questing tick density was 0.65 individuals/(cloth flag·100 m) (forest parks as the dominant habitat). Tick activity peaked in July. Conclusions Hae. longicornis is the dominant species in Changzhou City, with activity peaking in July. As these ticks pose a significant public health risk, targeted control measures are recommended.

ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.