ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.

BACKGROUND:Small diameter artificial vessels are urgently needed to treat coronary artery and peripheral artery diseases in clinical practice.At present,vascular tissue engineering has become the main method for preparing small diameter artificial vessels.Selecting suitable biomaterials and cell sources is the key factor for successful construction of small diameter tissue engineered vessels. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of four kinds of electrospinning membrane materials on proliferation,adhesion and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and extracted from SD rats.The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated separately on polycaprolactone(PCL),polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid(PCL-HA),polycaprolactone-silk-filament proteins(PCL-SF),and polycaprolactone-gelatin(PCL-GEL)electrospinning membrane materials.After 1,3,and 7 days of culture,the cell arrangement on the material was observed under scanning electron microscope.The proliferation and adhesion of the material were observed by phalloidin staining.The mRNA expressions of CD90,Meflin,and transforming growth factor β were detected by qRT-PCR.After 7 days of induced differentiation into vascular smooth muscle cells,the mRNA expression ofɑ-smooth muscle actin on the material was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were arranged along the fibers of the four kinds of electrospinning membranes under scanning electron microscopy.(2)Phalloidin staining showed the regular distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the four kinds of electrospinning membranes and parallel distribution along the fiber direction.Moreover,PCL-HA,PCL-SF,and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes were more conducive to the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells than PCL electrospinning membranes.Compared with PCL-HA and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes,PCL-SF electrospinning membranes were more conducive to the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(3)qRT-PCR showed that the four kinds of electrospun membrane materials could maintain the mRNA expression of CD90 and Meflin in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,but there was no significant difference between groups(P>0.05).The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-HA,PCL-SF,and PCL-GEL groups was higher than that in PCL group on days 1 and 7(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-SF group was higher than that in the other three groups on days 3 and 7(P<0.05).The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-HA group was higher than that in PCL-GEL group on day 7(P<0.05).(4)qRT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of ɑ-smooth muscle actin in PCL-SF group was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05),and that in PCL-HA group was higher than that in PCL group(P<0.05).(5)The results indicate that compared with PCL,PCL-HA and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes,PCL-SF electrospinning membranes combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are more suitable for the preparation of small diameter tissue engineered vessels.

Objective To investigate the effect of Echinacoside(Ech)on liver injury in hepatitis B rats.Methods SD rats were divided into control group,Hepatitis B(HBV,5 mL/kg HBV virus was injected into the tail vein twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks),low(Ech-L)and high(Ech-H)doses of Ech were injected into the stom-ach for HBV(8.33 and 33.32 mg/kg,respectively),HBV group was treated with positive drugs(lamivudine,10 mg/kg)and Ech-H+BKM120(40 mg/kg BKM120),with 12 animals in each group.The drug was administered once a day for 8 weeks.The activity of ALT and AST in serum of were detected.Serum level of gam-ma-interferon(IFN-γ)and interleukin(IL-4)was detected by ELISA;Flow cytometry was applied to detect Th1/Th2 in peripheral blood;Chromatin immunoprecipitation was applied to detect HBV DNA expression in liver tissue;HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of liver tissue and score the damage;Western blot was ap-plied to detect phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(p-PI3K),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT)proteins in liver tissue.Results Compared with the control group,hepatocytes in the hepatitis B group were swollen,nuclear staining was excessive,hepatic lobular structure was disorganized,pathological injury score,serum AST,ALT activity,IL-4 level,peripheral blood Th2,HBV DNA expression in liver tissue were all increased.Serum IFN-γ level,Th1,Th1/Th2 in peripheral blood,p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in liver tissue were all decreased(P＜0.05);Treatment with Ech-L,Ech-H and lamivudine reduced the swelling of HBV rat hepatocytes,cleared the structure of some liver cords,reduced pathological injury score,the activity of AST,ALT and IL-4 levels in serum,Th2 in peripheral blood and HBV DNA in liver tissue;The level of serum IFN-γ,Th1,Th1/Th2 in peripheral blood,and protein expression p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in liver tissue were increased(P＜0.05).BKM120 attenuated the ameliorative effect of high-dose Ech on hepatitis B-induced liver injury in rats.Conclusions Ech ameliorates liver in-jury in rats with hepatitis B,and the mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

BACKGROUND:Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells can directly repair the damaged endometrium,promote angiogenesis,and restore the morphological structure of the uterus.However,after the direct injection of stem cells into the damaged endometrium,the cell survival rate is low,the retention time is short,and the repair effect is limited.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane combined with human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells on endometrial injury in rats.METHODS:(1)Cell experiment:Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells were extracted by collagenase digestion method.Polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane was prepared by electrospinning technology.The human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on polystyrene culture plate and polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane.The proliferation and adhesion of the cells were observed by DNA quantitative analysis,WST-1 cell activity test,phalloidin staining,and scanning electron microscopy.The mRNA expressions of CD90 and Meflin in electrospun membrane were detected by qRT-PCR.(2)Animal experiments:27 female SD rats in estrus were selected to establish uterine adhesion model by mechanical scratching method and randomly divided into three groups with nine rats in each group:The blank control group did not receive any treatment;the control group was implanted with polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane;the experimental group was implanted with polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane/human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell mesh.Samples were collected at 3,7,and 14 days after surgery.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological structure of uterus and the number of glands.qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in uterine tissue.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiment:Compared with polystyrene culture plate,polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane could promote the proliferation and adhesion of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells.Polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane supported the expression of CD90 and Meflin genes of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Animal experiments:Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that polycaprolactic-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane/human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell patch could promote the recovery of endometrial morphological structure after injury.The endometrial thickness and number of gland on day 14 after surgery were higher than those in blank control group and control group(P<0.05).qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the experimental group were higher than those in the blank control group and the control group at 7 and 14 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The results showed that polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane could improve the survival rate of stem cells and prolong the contact time between stem cells and the damaged tissue,and the composite transplantation of the two could better repair the damaged endometrial tissue.

Objective:To systematically analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of psychiatric comorbidities in refractory epilepsy (RE) .Methods:The literature on the prevalence and/or influencing factors of psychiatric comorbidities in adults with RE was electronically searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, OVID, UpToDate, and Cochrane Library. The search period was from the establishment of the database to July 31, 2024. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, quality assessment and data extraction, and used RevMan 5.4 for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 11 papers were included, with a total sample size of 1 953 cases, with a prevalence of 52.00% (cross sectional studies) and 53.00% (cohort studies) . Gender [ OR=4.76, 95% CI (3.69, 6.15) ] , epilepsy disease perception [ OR=1.10, 95% CI (1.01, 1.19) ] , seizure type [ OR=1.63, 95% CI (1.23, 2.15) ] , seizure frequency [ OR=1.54, 95% CI (1.04, 2.29) ] , epileptogenic foci location [ OR=2.72, 95% CI (1.69, 4.37) ] , disease duration [ OR=1.76, 95% CI (1.39, 2.24) ] , and medication [ OR=3.26, 95% CI (2.09, 5.08) ] were the influencing factors of psychiatric comorbidity in RE. Conclusions:The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with RE is high, and studies of influencing factors lack specificity. Clinical monitoring of this population should be strengthened, and relevant influencing factors should be comprehensively analyzed to provide intervention targets for early preventive management and to safeguard the long-term management of patients with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND:Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells can directly repair the damaged endometrium,promote angiogenesis,and restore the morphological structure of the uterus.However,after the direct injection of stem cells into the damaged endometrium,the cell survival rate is low,the retention time is short,and the repair effect is limited.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane combined with human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells on endometrial injury in rats.METHODS:(1)Cell experiment:Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells were extracted by collagenase digestion method.Polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane was prepared by electrospinning technology.The human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on polystyrene culture plate and polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane.The proliferation and adhesion of the cells were observed by DNA quantitative analysis,WST-1 cell activity test,phalloidin staining,and scanning electron microscopy.The mRNA expressions of CD90 and Meflin in electrospun membrane were detected by qRT-PCR.(2)Animal experiments:27 female SD rats in estrus were selected to establish uterine adhesion model by mechanical scratching method and randomly divided into three groups with nine rats in each group:The blank control group did not receive any treatment;the control group was implanted with polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane;the experimental group was implanted with polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane/human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell mesh.Samples were collected at 3,7,and 14 days after surgery.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological structure of uterus and the number of glands.qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in uterine tissue.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiment:Compared with polystyrene culture plate,polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane could promote the proliferation and adhesion of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells.Polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane supported the expression of CD90 and Meflin genes of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Animal experiments:Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that polycaprolactic-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane/human endometrial mesenchymal stem cell patch could promote the recovery of endometrial morphological structure after injury.The endometrial thickness and number of gland on day 14 after surgery were higher than those in blank control group and control group(P<0.05).qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the experimental group were higher than those in the blank control group and the control group at 7 and 14 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The results showed that polycaprolacton-hyaluronic acid electrospinning membrane could improve the survival rate of stem cells and prolong the contact time between stem cells and the damaged tissue,and the composite transplantation of the two could better repair the damaged endometrial tissue.

Objective:To systematically analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of psychiatric comorbidities in refractory epilepsy (RE) .Methods:The literature on the prevalence and/or influencing factors of psychiatric comorbidities in adults with RE was electronically searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, OVID, UpToDate, and Cochrane Library. The search period was from the establishment of the database to July 31, 2024. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, quality assessment and data extraction, and used RevMan 5.4 for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 11 papers were included, with a total sample size of 1 953 cases, with a prevalence of 52.00% (cross sectional studies) and 53.00% (cohort studies) . Gender [ OR=4.76, 95% CI (3.69, 6.15) ] , epilepsy disease perception [ OR=1.10, 95% CI (1.01, 1.19) ] , seizure type [ OR=1.63, 95% CI (1.23, 2.15) ] , seizure frequency [ OR=1.54, 95% CI (1.04, 2.29) ] , epileptogenic foci location [ OR=2.72, 95% CI (1.69, 4.37) ] , disease duration [ OR=1.76, 95% CI (1.39, 2.24) ] , and medication [ OR=3.26, 95% CI (2.09, 5.08) ] were the influencing factors of psychiatric comorbidity in RE. Conclusions:The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with RE is high, and studies of influencing factors lack specificity. Clinical monitoring of this population should be strengthened, and relevant influencing factors should be comprehensively analyzed to provide intervention targets for early preventive management and to safeguard the long-term management of patients with epilepsy.

Objective:To explore the correlation between hip muscle factors measured with CT imaging and recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted on the clinical data of 680 elderly patients with hip fractures admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital of Capital Medical University from November 2018 to December 2019. The patients were assigned to dependent group and assistant group according to whether they regained pre-injury independent mobility within 1 year after surgery. Gender, age, body mass index, personal history, living habits, past diseases, Charlson comorbidity index, laboratory test indicators, fracture types, anesthesia types, surgical methods, rehabilitation training, time from injury to surgery, and hip muscle parameters in both groups were recorded. OsiriX software was employed in the measurement of the hip muscles to measure the muscle area and density of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius/minimus on CT images, and the average values were calculated as hip muscle area and density. Then the variables of hip muscle area and density were converted seperately to gender-normalized Z-scores, and were divided into high-area group ( Z≥0) and low-area group ( Z<0), and high-density group ( Z≥0) and low-density group ( Z<0) respectively. Observable variables were primarily analyzed using univariate analysis between the independent group and assistant group. Those variables with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis or would potentially affect mobility recovery according to previous researches although there were no statistical significance were included in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Three Logistic regression models were designed (Model 1 uncorrected, Model 2 corrected for gender, age and body mass index, Model 3 corrected for variables in Model 2 and other variables included after above-mentioned analysis) to analyze whether muscle parameters were risk factors for recovery of independent mobility. Additionally, generalized estimating equations were used for repeated measurement to analyze the correlation between hip muscle area and recovery of independent mobility after surgery. Results:Compared to the assistant group, the independent group were younger in age, with lower rate of living alone, being housebound, cognitive impairment, and Charlson comorbidity index, lower level of hemoglobin and albumin, higher rate of femoral neck fractures, lower rate of internal fixation, shorter time from injury to surgery, larger hip muscle area, and higher hip muscle density ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, in the fully corrected Model 3, only hip muscle area remained significantly correlated with recovery of independent mobility ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between the high-density group and low-density group ( P>0.05). In the repeated measurement, patients in the high-area group were 1.84 times more likely to restore independent mobility than those in the low-area group ( OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.33, 2.53, P<0.01). Conclusions:Hip muscle area measured with CT imaging is closely correlated to the recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures. Moreover, larger hip muscle area indicates a larger likelihood of recovery of independent mobility.

Objective To explore the effect of galangin(Gal)on inflammation in hepatitis B rats.Methods The rats were randomly divided into control group,hepatitis B group,Gal-L and Gal-H groups,positive drug lamivudine group and Gal-H+AMPK inhibitor(compound C)group with 12 in each.After modeling,medication treatment was performed once a day for 8 weeks.The level of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total bilirubin(TBIL)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in the serum of rats were detected.HE staining microscopy was ap-plied to detect pathological changes in liver tissue.TUNEL staining microscopy was applied to detect cell apoptosis in liver tissue.Chromatin immuno-precipitation was applied to detect HBV viral load in liver tissue.ELISA was ap-plied to detect the levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),interleukin-12(IL-12),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in liver tissue.Western blot was applied to detect the expression of caspase-3,Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),p-AMPK and SIRT1 proteins in liver tissue.Results Compared with hepatitis B group,the liver damage of rats in the Gal-L group,Gal-H group and lamivudine group was alleviated;The level of serum AST,TBIL,and ALT,apoptosis rate,HBV viral load and the level of MCP-1,IL-12,TNF-α as well as the expression of caspase-3 and Bax proteins in liver tissue were all reduced.The expression of p-AMPK and SIRT1 proteins in liv-er tissue increased(P＜0.05).Compound C baffled inhibitory effects of high-dose Gal on inflammation,cell apopto-sis,and HBV viral load in liver tissue of hepatitis B rats.Conclusions The mechanism of Gal in inhibiting inflam-mation,cell apoptosis and HBV virus replication in hepatitis B rats is potentially attributed to up-regulation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.

Purpose To investigate the correlation between lumbar trunk muscle mass at the L3 level and the severity of lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) in the middle-aged and elderly population. Materials and Methods The analysis involved 312 individuals aged between 44 and 82 years in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from March to June 2016. The total area and CT values of the lumbar trunk muscles at the L3 vertebral body's lower endplate level were measured to calculate the skeletal muscle mass index via OsiriX image processing software. Furthermore,the severity of bilateral lumbar facet osteoarthritis at the L4-5 level was assessed using the Weishaupt grading criteria. CT value of trunk muscle at L3 lower endplate level,trunk muscle area at L3 lower endplate level,skeletal muscle index,body mass index,age and FJOA grade at L4-5 right and left sides were compared between genders. The correlation between the mean value of trunk muscle CT and FJOA grade at the lower endplate level of L3 was analyzed. Results In 109 male patients,the mean trunk muscle was negatively correlated with FJOA grade on the right and left sides of L4-5 (r=-0.25,P=0.002;r=-0.28,P=0.003),while age was positively correlated with FJOA grade on the right and left sides of L4-5 (r=0.23,P=0.034;r=0.21,P=0.033). In 203 female patients,there was a negative correlation between trunk muscle mean and both right and left FJOA grade at L4-5 (r=-0.29,P<0.001;r=-0.33,P<0.001),there was a positive correlation between age and both right and left FJOA grade at L4-5 (r=0.27,P<0.001;r=0.34,P<0.001),and there was a positive correlation between body mass index and both right and left FJOA grade at L4-5 (r=0.20,P=0.018;r=0.23,P=0.004). Partial correlation analysis,controlling for age,showed that the severity of bilateral FJOA at L4-5 was somewhat negatively correlated with the mean value of the L3 trunk muscle in the male and female groups (r=-0.239,-0.249,-0.177,-0.169,all P<0.05). Conclusion Trunk muscle mass at the L3 level is negatively correlated with the severity of FJOA,and FJOA is one of the independent factors of chronic low back pain,strengthening nutritional intake and physical exercise is beneficial to prevent the occurrence and development of sarcopenia,thereby reducing the occurrence and aggravation of FJOA and reducing the burden on patients with chronic low back pain.