BackgroundSchizophrenia is a common severe mental disorder with complex pathogenesis. There are few studies on the correlation between kynurenine metabolites in peripheral serum and urine in schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo investigate the concentration of tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in serum and urine in patients with schizophrenia， and their correlation with clinical symptoms， so as to explore potential biological characteristics related to schizophrenia. MethodsA total of 38 patients with schizophrenia who met the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5）， and were hospitalized or attended outpatient clinic at Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were included in the study. Additionally， 26 healthy individuals were concurrently recruited from the community of Hangzhou to serve as a control group. All participants were requested to complete the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale （PANSS）. The levels of tryptophan （TRP）， kynurenine （KYN）， kynurenic acid （KYNA）， quinolinic acid （QUIN）， picolinic acid （PIC）， xanthurenate and 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） in both serum and urine were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Serum and urine IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between serum and urinary KYN metabolites， as well as the correlation between metabolite levels and clinical symptoms in the patient group. ResultsPatients with schizophrenia had significantly higher level of IL-6 in serum （U=798.500， P<0.01） and lower level of PIC in urine （U=253.000， P=0.013） compared with the control group. Additionally， level of serum KYN was positively correlated with QUIN/KYNA ratio and QUIN/PIC ratio （r=0.562， 0.438， P<0.05） in patients with schizophrenia. 5-HT/KYN ratio in serum was positively correlated with PANSS total score and negative symptom subscale score （r=0.458， 0.455， P<0.01） in patients with schizophrenia. ConclusionSerum TRP-KYN pathway metabolite levels in patients with schizophrenia were associated with neurotoxic metabolite ratios in urine and the severity of negative symptoms. ［Funded by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Program Exploratory （number， 2022KY990）］

To explore the level of hsa_circ_0001588 in plasma of patients with gastric cancer and to analyze the relationship between the plasma level of hsa_circ_0001588 and clinical characteristic,toll like receptors 4(TLR4)and T lymphocyte subsets,this study enrolled 124 gastric cancer patients who were treated in our hospital from March 2021 to May 2022 as study group.Simultaneously,another 130 patients diagnosed with superficial gastritis by gastroscopy were selected as benign group,and 130 healthy individuals were set as control group.The plasma hsa_circ_0001588 level was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,the plasma level of TLR4 was detected by double antibody sandwich ELISA,and plasma CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+levels were tested by Wmini5146 flow cytometry.Then the diagnostic efficacy of plasma hsa_circ_0001588,TLR4 and T lymphocytes for gastric cancer was evaluated,and the correlation between the level of hsa_circ_0001588 in plasma and the level of TLR4 and T lymphocytes in gastric cancer patients was verified.Data showed that the levels of hsa_circ_0001588,TLR4 and CD8+in plasma of study group were higher than those of benign group and control group,while the levels of CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+were lower than those of benign group and control group(P＜0.05).Furthermore,a decrease was observed in plasma hsa_circ_0001588 level in gastric cancer patients after surgery compared to baseline data.Among gastric cancer patients of different clinicopathological characteristics,patients with high clinical stage,high degree of infiltration,poor differentiation and distant metastasis had high plasma hsa_circ_0001588 level(P＜0.05).Diagnostic analysis denoted that the separate test of plasma hsa_circ_0001588,TLR4 and T-lymphocytes all had good diagnostic efficacy for gastric cancer,while combined test showed the highest diagnostic efficacy.Comparison among gastric cancer patients revealed that high hsa_circ_0001588 expression group had lower expression of CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+,and higher expression of TLR4 and CD8+than those of low hsa_circ_0001588 expression group(P＜0.05),suggesting that plasma hsa_circ_0001588 level was negatively correlated with CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+expression,but positively correlated with TLR4 and CD8+.In conclusion,the level of hsa_circ_0001588 in plasma is elevated in patients with gastric cancer,and it has a negative correlation with CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+,but positive correlation with TLR4 and CD8+expression.

Objective This study aimed to identify PAX9 variants in non-syndromic tooth agenesis families of Chi-na,as well as to analyze the genotype-phenotype of non-syndromic tooth agenesis caused by PAX9 variants,which can provide a basis for the genetic diagnosis of tooth agenesis.Methods We collected the data of 44 patients with non-syn-dromic oligodontia who underwent treatment at Stomatological Hospital of Hebei Medical University between 2018 and 2023.Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the peripheral blood of the proband and its core family members,and the variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Pathogenicity analysis and function prediction of the variants were per-formed using bioinformatics tools.The correlation between the genotype of PAX9 variant and its corresponding pheno-type was examined by reviewing 55 publications retrieved from PubMed.The studies involved 232 tooth agenesis pa-tients with PAX9 variants.Results A novel PAX9 c.447delG(p.Pro150Argfs*62)and a reported PAX9 c.406C>T(p.Gln136*)were identified in two Chinese families.Through bioinformatics analysis and three-dimensional structural mod-eling,we postulated that the frameshift variant was pathogenic.The outcome was the premature cessation of PAX9 pro-tein,which caused severe structural and functional deficiencies.Summarizing the PAX9 genotype-phenotype relationship revealed that patients carrying the PAX9 variant commonly led to loss of the second molars.Conclusion We identified the novel PAX9 c.447delG(p.Pro150Argfs*62)in a Chinese family of non-syndromic oligodontia,expanding the known variant spectrum of PAX9.The most susceptible tooth position for PAX9 variants of tooth agenesis was the second mo-lars and the deciduous molars during the deciduous dentition.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Chinese medicine He's Yangchao recipe on premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)and its relationship with mitochondrial function of ovarian granulose cells in an animal model.Methods:Thirty-six female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank control group,model group,low-,medium-and high-dose He's Yangchao recipe treatment group and coenzyme Q10(Q10)treatment group(positive control).The POI model was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(90 mg/kg).The animals were sacrificed after 21 days.Primary granulose cells were obtained from POI mice and treated with He's Yangchao recipe,ERβ inhibitor PHTPP,and He's Yangchao recipe+PHTPP in vitro for 24 h,respectively.Ovarian histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,ATP levels were detected by luciferase assay,mtDNA copy numbers were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),mitochondrial structure changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy,protein and mRNA expression levels of estrogen receptor β(ERβ),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α(PGC1α),mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM),and superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2)were detected by Western blotting and qRT-PCR.Results:The ovarian tissue in model group exhibited few secondary and tertiary follicles,whereas the He's Yangchao recipe groups and Q10 group had abundant secondary and tertiary follicles.Compared with the blank control group,ATP and mtDNA levels in model group decreased(P＜0.01),mitochondrial crista disappeared or abnormal vacuolated structure increased;the protein and mRNA levels of ERβ,PGC1α,TFAM,and SOD2 decreased(all P＜0.01).ATP production increased in granulose cells of high-dose He's Yangchao recipe group and Q10 group;mtDNA copy numbers increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);abnormal mitochondrial structure was reduced;the protein and mRNA expressions of ERβ,PGC1α,TFAM,and SOD2 increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the PHTPP intervention group,the proportion of normal mitochondrial structure in the granulose cells of He's Yangchao recipe+PHTPP group was higher;ATP content increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);mtDNA copy numbers increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);the protein and mRNA expression of ERβ,PGC1α,TFAM and SOD2 increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusions:He's Yangchao recipe can regulate mitochondrial biogenesis through ERβ/PGC1α/TFAM pathway to improve ovarian function in POI mice.

Melatonin receptor 1B (MT2, encoded by the MTNR1B gene), a high-affinity receptor for melatonin, is associated with glucose homeostasis including glucose uptake and transport. The rs10830963 variant in the MTNR1B gene is linked to glucose metabolism disorders including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the relationship between MT2-mediated melatonin signaling and a high birth weight of GDM infants from maternal glucose abnormality remains poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the relationship between rs10830963 variants and GDM development, as well as the effects of MT2 receptor on glucose uptake and transport in trophoblasts. TaqMan-MGB (minor groove binder) probe quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used for rs10930963 genotyping. MT2 expression in the placenta of GDM and normal pregnant women was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and qPCR. The relationship between MT2 and glucose transporters (GLUTs) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was established by western blot, and glucose consumption of trophoblasts was measured by a glucose assay kit. The results showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10830963 were significantly different between GDM and normal pregnant women (P<0.05). The fasting, 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels of G-allele carriers were significantly higher than those of C-allele carriers (P<0.05). Besides, the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MT2 in the placenta of GDM was significantly higher than that of normal pregnant women (P<0.05). Melatonin could stimulate glucose uptake and GLUT4 and PPARγ protein expression in trophoblasts, which could be attenuated by MT2 receptor knockdown. In conclusion, the rs10830963 variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM. The MT2 receptor is essential for melatonin to raise glucose uptake and transport, which may be mediated by PPARγ.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Diabetes, Gestational/metabolism* ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Melatonin/metabolism* ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; PPAR gamma ; Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: Adolescents are at high risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Currently, there is no clinical assessment tool for adolescent NSSI behaviors measurement with global consistency. The Ottawa Self-injury Inventory (OSI) is considered as a relatively comprehensive assessment tool for NSSI, but the questionnaire is discussed with excessive content and timecostly, which may affect the reliability of the measurement results for adolescent.Thus, this study, based on OSI, aims to revise the assessment tool for adolescent with NSSI that is suitable for both clinically and scientifically, referring to the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in the 5th Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5). METHODS: This study was led by the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and collaborated with 6 mental health service institutions in China from August to December 2020. Adolescent aged from 12 to 24 years old who had self-injury behavior and met the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for NSSI were continuously recruited in the psychiatric outpatient department or ward. After clinical diagnosis by an experienced attending psychiatrist or above, the general information and OSI were collected by questionnaires. SPSS 24.0 and AMOS structural equation model statistical softwares were used to conduct item analysis and exploratory factor analysis on the obtained data to complete the revision of the scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, split-half reliability, test-retest reliability, and content validity and structure validity were performed to analyze the reliability and validity and confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to test the structure validity for the revised scale. RESULTS: A total of 234 adolescent with NSSI were enrolled, including 33 (14.1%) males and 201 (85.9%) females with the mean age of (16.2±2.6) years old. The most common clinical diagnoses were depression disorder (57.4%), bipolar disorder (20.9%), adolescent mood disorder (17.1%), etc. Nine items (item 2, 7, 11, 13, 23, 24, 10, 17, 18) in the functional scale of OSI were deleted according to extreme grouping method, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis in exploratory factor analysis. The revised functional scale for NSSI consisted of 15 items. The reliability analysis showed that the Cronbach's alpha coefficients of NSSI thought and behavior frequency, addiction characteristics, and function scales were 0.799, 0.798, and 0.835, respectively, and the split-half coefficients were 0.714, 0.727, and 0.852, respectively. The test-retest coefficients of the latter 2 scales were 0.466 and 0.560, respectively. The correlation coefficient between sub-items and total scores in each part of the scale showed good content validity. The exploratory factor analysis showed that a component was extracted from the frequency of thoughts and behaviors of NSSI, one component was extracted from the addictive characteristics, and three components were extracted from the functional part. The three functional subscales were social influence, external emotion regulation, and internal emotion regulation. The factor load of each item was >0.400. CONCLUSIONS The revised Chinese version OSI targeted the adolescent patients with mental disorders has relatively ideal reliability and validity. The scale shows high stability, dependability, and a reasonable degree of fit. It is a suitable assessment tool for clinical and scientific research on adolescent with NSSI.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Disorders/diagnosis* ; Psychometrics/methods* ; Reproducibility of Results ; Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the feasibility of establishing a tree shrew model of chronic gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Methods A total of 12 adult male tree shrews were randomly divided into 3 groups. The experimental groups 1 and 2 were administered with intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/(kg·d)and 1 mg/(kg·d)of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2, 3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)once every day for 56 days, respectively. The control group was given the same volume of sterile saline at the corresponding time points. Changes in the body weight of the tree shrews were observed. The contents of dopamine in the cerebrospinal fluid were detected. Gastrointestinal morphology was observed by stereoscope and histopathological changes of the gastrointestinal mucosa were examined by HE staining. Results The body weight and the contents of dopamine in the cerebrospinal fluid of the tree shrews in the model group were significantly decreased(P< 0.05 for both). Pathological changes to some extent of the gastric antrum, the gastric body and the duodenum were observed, without obvious differences between the 2 mg/kg group and the 1 mg/kg group. No obvious changes were found in the control group. Conclusions Long-term intraperitoneal injection with a low dose of MPTP is a feasible method for the establishment of a tree shrew model of chronic gastrointestinal mucosal injury. The optimal dose is 2 mg/(kg·d)every day for 56 days.

Objective To establish a safe and effective method of rhesus monkey biopsy to take liver and kidney samples under B-mode ultrasound guidance. Methods A total of 4 adult monkeys(weight:8-12 kg; sex: male; age:11 -12 years old)were anaesthetized with 5 -10 mg/kg of ketamine hydrochloride for each through intramuscular injection. After successful anesthesia, abdominal shaving and iodophor disinfection, they were monitored from intercostal area of right upper quadrant or lateral waist subcostal abdomen portions to find liver or kidney organ by MyLab 30CV B-mode ultrasonography with 3.5 Hz transducer which was fixed with a guiding frame. Large vessels such as the portal vein and inferior vena cava were carefully avoided. The range of the biopsy gun was set to 15 mm. When the puncture target and the puncture needle were positioned in the guide line, the puncture target was perpendicular to the puncture needle, and then the trigger button of the puncture needle was pressed to obtain the liver or kidney tissue samples respectively. After puncture,the needle was pulled out quickly. The obtained liver and kidney tissues were used to extract RNA. Results About 13 mg of liver or kidney tissue was obtained by each puncture with volume convertion. This method was fast,reliable and safe,and the total RNA had high purity and integrity. There was no postoperative bleeding and infection. Conclusions This is a very important method for obtaining liver and kidney tissue samples of rhesus monkeys with the guidance of ultrasound. With this method, the research cost can be reduced, the life quality and animal welfare of laboratory non-human primates can be improved,and the accuracy of experimental result can be ensured.

Objective To provide reference values for bone mineral density(BMD)in different skeletal regions of female Wistar rats at different ages. Methods Thirty SPF female Wistar rats were selected. The BMD of different skeletal regions(skull,upper limbs,thighs,trunk,ribs,pelvis,spine and the whole body)was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)at 6,10,12,24 and 30 months of age. The bone mineral densities between different age groups and that of different skeletal regions in the same age groups were compared. Results The BMD of the skull,upper limbs,thighs,trunk,ribs,pelvis, spine and the whole body was increased rapidly with age, and reached a peak at 10 months of age. The BMD of the skull,upper limbs,thighs,trunk,ribs were significantly higher than the whole body BMD in the same month-age group(P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). However,there was no significant difference between the pelvic, spine and the whole body BMD(P> 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation among the three correlations(P<0.01). Conclusions Some background data are provided for the bone biology studies of female Wistar rats, and provide useful supplementary reference for the studies of bone metabolism in rats and their application in biomedicine.

Objective To comprehend nurses′ psychological experience after adverse nursing events of falling down,and to explore strategies and Methods that may help them handling these events.Methods With purposive sampling method,in-depth interview was conducted to 6 clinical nurses from Beijing Ditan Hospital, who had experienced nursing adverse events of falling down from October 2014 to October 2015, with the interview data collected and analyzed.Results Four themes were identified:nurses were distressed when facing with uncontrollable nursing adverse events of falling down;nursing adverse events of falling down could increase nurses′ psychological stress and reaction;nursing adverse events of falling down seriously affected the quality of nurses′ life and their professional career;nurses wanted to get attention and help after experiencing nursing adverse events of falling down.Conclusions After experiencing adverse nursing events,psychological stress may influence the nurses′ work,life and professional value,which requires nursing administrators to provide effective support and intervention.