ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation（AF） that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis（TRYZ） pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups：the control group， the TRYZ+AF group，the AF group and the TRYZ group， with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide（LPS） injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride（Ach-CaCl₂） via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration， echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function， fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol（TC）， triglycerides（TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol（HDL-C） and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol（LDL-C）， hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity， plasma viscosity， and whole blood reduced viscosity， a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time（PT）， activated partial thromboplastin time（APTT）， thrombin time（TT）， and fibrinogen（FIB）， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein（CRP）， interleukin（IL）-1β， IL-6， IL-17， tumour necrosis factor（TNF）-α， matrix metalloproteinase-9（MMP-9）， galectin-3（Gal-3）， Collagen Ⅰ， and α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium， Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9， Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue， real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight， tongue color［red（R）， green（G）， and blue（B）］， and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling， compared with the control group， rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight， dry faeces， elevated rectal temperature， dark red tongue， decreased RGB values on the tongue surface， and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels（P<0.05， P<0.01）. The TRYZ+AF， TRYZ， and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT， APTT and PT， along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm， markedly decreased heart rate， prolonged RR intervals， enlarged left atrium， and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum levels of CRP， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-17， TNF-α， MMP-9， Gal-3， Collagen Ⅰ， and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF， TRYZ， and AF groups compared to the control group， with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF， TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9， Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group， primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome， demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm， heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor， this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.

ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates （P<0.05）. Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r₀=5, α=0.3, β₁=0.08, β₂=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (r_t≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.

Objective·To investigate the effects of rutin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and its possible molecular mechanisms.Methods·Human osteosarcoma MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with rutin at concentrations of 10,20 and 40 μmol/L,respectively.The effects of rutin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration,and invasion of MG63 and U2OS cells were assessed by using CCK-8 assay,colony formation assay,flow cytometry,scratch closure assay,and Transwell assay.The expression levels of cell proliferation antigen Ki67,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax)proteins were detected by Western blotting.Twelve BALB/c nude mice were subcutaneously injected with osteosarcoma MG63 cells to establish a subcutaneous transplant tumor model.The mice were randomly divided into two groups:a control group and a rutin 40 mg/kg group(6 mice in each group).The rutin 40 mg/kg group was intraperitoneally injected with rutin(40 mg/kg),and the control group was intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of saline,once every other day for 4 weeks.The tumor volume was measured every week.After 4 weeks,the mice were euthanized,and the tumors were excised and weighed.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in tumor tissues.TUNEL was used to detect tumor cell apoptosis.Results·Compared with MG63 and U2OS cells not treated with rutin,MG63 and U2OS cells treated with rutin at 20 and 40 μmol/L showed a significant decrease in proliferation rate,an increase in apoptotic rate,a decrease in migration and invasion abilities,a significant downregulation of Ki67 protein,and a significant increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio,with statistically significant differences(all P＜0.05).In addition,rutin significantly inhibited the in vivo growth of osteosarcoma cells,reduced the expression of Ki67 and VEGF in tumor tissues,and promoted cell apoptosis(all P＜0.05).Conclusion·Rutin can inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of osteosarcoma cells,and promote apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the impact of intergenerational caregiving on the brain structure and function of grandparents,and to analyze its correlation with caregiving factors.Methods Healthy adults(66 with grandchildren,24 without grandchildren)were recruited as study subjects,and clinical and MRI data were collected.Resting-state brain functional degree centrality(DC)and surface-based morphometry(SBM)methods were used to compare the differences in brain structure and function between the groups with and without grandchildren.The correlation between the differences in brain regions and △ values with grandchild's age,number,and time spent in childcare were assessed,respectively.Results Compared to the group without grandchildren,the group with grandchildren showed reduced surface area and cortical volume in the left middle temporal gyrus,as well as decreased DC values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus,bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus,and left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus(P＜0.05),respectively.In the grandchildren group,DC values and △ values in the left orbital superior frontal gyrus,left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus were significantly positively correlated with time spent in childcare.Conclusion The brain structures and functions of grandparents related to empathy and motivation are changed in intergenerational caregiving,which may reveal the neuroplasticity after caring for their grandchildren.

BACKGROUND:Long noncoding RNA TP53TG1(lncRNA TP53TG1)is involved in regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis of various cancer cells,but there are few reports on its role in other cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and pathways of lncRNA TP53TG1 on the proliferation and differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla.METHODS:Human stem cells from the apical papilla were isolated and cultured,and then transfected with lncRNA TP53TG1 overexpression lentivirus.RT-qPCR was used to detect the overexpression efficiency of lncRNA TP53TG1.Western blot assay was used to detect the relative expression levels of PI3K,AKT,ERK,P38,Smad3,and their phosphorylated proteins.Human stem cells from the apical papilla were divided into the empty lentiviral vector transfection group and the lncRNA TP53TG1 overexpression group.CCK-8 assay was used to measure the cell proliferation.Alkaline phosphatase activity was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining on day 5 of osteogenic induction.Formation of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red staining on day 21 of osteogenic induction.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of dentin sialophosphoprotein,Runt-related transcription factor 2,dentin matrix protein 1,and bone sialoprotein on days 3,7,and 14 of osteogenic induction.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of dentin sialophosphoprotein and Runt-related transcription factor 2 on days 3,7,and 14 of osteogenic induction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)RT-qPCR results showed that the lentivirus was successfully integrated into the genome of stem cells from the apical papilla.Western blot assay results showed that overexpression of lncRNA TP53TG1 up-regulated the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT without affecting the expression of phosphorylated proteins in other pathways.(2)Starting from day 3 of cell culture,overexpression of lncRNA TP53TG1 significantly promoted the proliferation of stem cells from the apical papilla.(3)In the process of inducing odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla,overexpression of lncRNA TP53TG1 promoted the expression of odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation-related genes and proteins,significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation.(4)The results show that lncRNA TP53TG1 may promote the odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The incidence rate of thyroid cancer has been rising in recent years. How to accurately distinguish malignant and benign thyroid nodules before surgery has become an important research direction. Ultrasound, as a non-invasive and fast examination method, has been widely used in clinical practice. Some typical ultrasound features, such as calcification, unclear boundaries, multiple lesions, low echo, and aspect ratio>1, can indicate the occurrence of thyroid cancer before surgery. Further analysis of these ultrasound features is still a focus of current research. This article will review the expression and distribution of calcification, a typical ultrasound feature, in benign and malignant thyroid nodules, in order to provide a basis for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules based on the characteristics of calcification under preoperative ultrasound.

BACKGROUND:Long noncoding RNA TP53TG1(lncRNA TP53TG1)is involved in regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis of various cancer cells,but there are few reports on its role in other cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and pathways of lncRNA TP53TG1 on the proliferation and differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla.METHODS:Human stem cells from the apical papilla were isolated and cultured,and then transfected with lncRNA TP53TG1 overexpression lentivirus.RT-qPCR was used to detect the overexpression efficiency of lncRNA TP53TG1.Western blot assay was used to detect the relative expression levels of PI3K,AKT,ERK,P38,Smad3,and their phosphorylated proteins.Human stem cells from the apical papilla were divided into the empty lentiviral vector transfection group and the lncRNA TP53TG1 overexpression group.CCK-8 assay was used to measure the cell proliferation.Alkaline phosphatase activity was detected by alkaline phosphatase staining on day 5 of osteogenic induction.Formation of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red staining on day 21 of osteogenic induction.RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of dentin sialophosphoprotein,Runt-related transcription factor 2,dentin matrix protein 1,and bone sialoprotein on days 3,7,and 14 of osteogenic induction.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of dentin sialophosphoprotein and Runt-related transcription factor 2 on days 3,7,and 14 of osteogenic induction.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)RT-qPCR results showed that the lentivirus was successfully integrated into the genome of stem cells from the apical papilla.Western blot assay results showed that overexpression of lncRNA TP53TG1 up-regulated the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT without affecting the expression of phosphorylated proteins in other pathways.(2)Starting from day 3 of cell culture,overexpression of lncRNA TP53TG1 significantly promoted the proliferation of stem cells from the apical papilla.(3)In the process of inducing odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla,overexpression of lncRNA TP53TG1 promoted the expression of odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation-related genes and proteins,significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation.(4)The results show that lncRNA TP53TG1 may promote the odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective·To investigate the effects of rutin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and its possible molecular mechanisms.Methods·Human osteosarcoma MG63 and U2OS cells were treated with rutin at concentrations of 10,20 and 40 μmol/L,respectively.The effects of rutin on proliferation,apoptosis,migration,and invasion of MG63 and U2OS cells were assessed by using CCK-8 assay,colony formation assay,flow cytometry,scratch closure assay,and Transwell assay.The expression levels of cell proliferation antigen Ki67,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax)proteins were detected by Western blotting.Twelve BALB/c nude mice were subcutaneously injected with osteosarcoma MG63 cells to establish a subcutaneous transplant tumor model.The mice were randomly divided into two groups:a control group and a rutin 40 mg/kg group(6 mice in each group).The rutin 40 mg/kg group was intraperitoneally injected with rutin(40 mg/kg),and the control group was intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of saline,once every other day for 4 weeks.The tumor volume was measured every week.After 4 weeks,the mice were euthanized,and the tumors were excised and weighed.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in tumor tissues.TUNEL was used to detect tumor cell apoptosis.Results·Compared with MG63 and U2OS cells not treated with rutin,MG63 and U2OS cells treated with rutin at 20 and 40 μmol/L showed a significant decrease in proliferation rate,an increase in apoptotic rate,a decrease in migration and invasion abilities,a significant downregulation of Ki67 protein,and a significant increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio,with statistically significant differences(all P＜0.05).In addition,rutin significantly inhibited the in vivo growth of osteosarcoma cells,reduced the expression of Ki67 and VEGF in tumor tissues,and promoted cell apoptosis(all P＜0.05).Conclusion·Rutin can inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of osteosarcoma cells,and promote apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the impact of intergenerational caregiving on the brain structure and function of grandparents,and to analyze its correlation with caregiving factors.Methods Healthy adults(66 with grandchildren,24 without grandchildren)were recruited as study subjects,and clinical and MRI data were collected.Resting-state brain functional degree centrality(DC)and surface-based morphometry(SBM)methods were used to compare the differences in brain structure and function between the groups with and without grandchildren.The correlation between the differences in brain regions and △ values with grandchild's age,number,and time spent in childcare were assessed,respectively.Results Compared to the group without grandchildren,the group with grandchildren showed reduced surface area and cortical volume in the left middle temporal gyrus,as well as decreased DC values in the left medial superior frontal gyrus,bilateral orbital superior frontal gyrus,and left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus(P＜0.05),respectively.In the grandchildren group,DC values and △ values in the left orbital superior frontal gyrus,left anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus were significantly positively correlated with time spent in childcare.Conclusion The brain structures and functions of grandparents related to empathy and motivation are changed in intergenerational caregiving,which may reveal the neuroplasticity after caring for their grandchildren.

Objective:To explore the effects of ultra-high dose rate pulsed electron beams on Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans). Methods:The adult wild-type strain (N2) of C. elegans was synchronized and cultured to L4 stage, and then randomly divided into control group (SHAM group), conventional radiotherapy dose rate group (CONV group) and ultra-high dose rate radiation group (UHDR group). The CONV and UHDR groups were exposed to 3 Gy of the pulsed electron beam at dose rates of 0.3 and 200 Gy/s, respectively. After irradiation, the egg-laying capacity of each group was assessed, and the developmental progress, motility, and survival rates each were evaluated at day 3, 6, and 10. Results:On the 3 rd day post-irradiation, both the CONV and UHDR groups showed shorter body lengths compared to the SHAM group ( t=4.81, 4.83, P<0.05), with no significant differences in body width ( P>0.05). On the 6 th and 10 th days, the CONV group showed a significant reduction in both body length and width compared to the SHAM group ( t=3.18-3.63, P<0.05), whereas the UHDR group displayed a significant increase in body length ( t=-9.85, -2.87, P<0.05) with no significant change in body width. When comparing the UHDR group to the CONV group on day 6 and 10, a significant increase in body width was observed ( t=-4.43, -3.37, P<0.05). Motor activity, including head swinging and body bending, significantly decreased in the CONV and UHDR groups compared to the SHAM group on day 6 ( t=2.91, 3.52, 3.97, 2.71, P<0.05), with no significant differences among the three groups by day 10 ( P>0.05). Egg-laying capacity significantly reduced in both irradiated groups compared to the SHAM group ( t=1.72, 5.54, P<0.05), while the UHDR group exhibited higher fecundity than the CONV group ( t=-5.99, P<0.05). Lifespan was significantly shortened in the CONV group compared to the SHAM group ( χ2=8.49, P<0.05), whereas the survival time of the UHDR group was not significantly differ from that of the SHAM group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Exposure to a conventional electron beam result in developmental delays, reduced mobility, decreased fecundity, and a shortened lifespan in C. elegans. However, only slight side effects were observed when C. elegans were exposed to an ultra-high dose rate pulsed electron beam at the same dosage.