Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs， which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition， immune regulation， and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation， smearing， topical application， bathing， gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification， through methods like diffusion， vaporization， or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience， quick absorption， and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However， there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions， indications， safety， and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils， and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation， and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently， accurately， and safely， thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

BACKGROUND:Exercise as a form of active rehabilitation can improve the dysfunction caused by peripheral nerve injury,and different exercise modalities target different lesion sites and recovery mechanisms. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the application and mechanisms of different exercise modalities in functional recovery from peripheral nerve injury. METHODS:A computerized search was conducted in PubMed and CNKI databases for relevant literature published before January 2024.The search terms used were"peripheral nerve injury,spinal cord,exercise,cerebral cortex,muscle atrophy,mirror therapy,blood flow restriction training"in both English and Chinese.Finally,77 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Peripheral nerve injury can cause systemic pathological changes such as skeletal muscle atrophy,corresponding spinal cord segmental lesions,and sensorimotor cortex remodeling.Aerobic exercise can improve dysfunction by enhancing the immune response,promoting glial cell polarization,and promoting the release of nerve growth factor.Blood flow restriction exercise can regulate the secretion of muscle growth factor,promote muscle growth and enhance muscle strength.Mirror movement has a good effect in activating the cerebral cortex and reducing cortical remodeling.Different exercise modalities have potential benefits in functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury;however,there are still some problems and challenges,such as the choice of exercise modalities,the control of exercise intensity and frequency,and the detailed analysis of mechanisms.

Successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) faces significant challenges due to epigenetic obstacles. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 as potential contributors to these obstacles. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we generated genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in mouse pre-implantation NT embryos. Our analysis revealed that aberrantly over-represented broad H3K4me3 domain and H3K27me3 signal lead to increased bivalent marks at gene promoters in NT embryos compared with naturally fertilized (NF) embryos at the 2-cell stage, which may link to relatively low levels of H3K36me3 in NT 2-cell embryos. Notably, the overexpression of Setd2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase, successfully restored multiple epigenetic marks, including H3K36me3, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3. In addition, it reinstated the expression levels of ZGA-related genes by reestablishing H3K36me3 at gene body regions, which excluded H3K27me3 from bivalent promoters, ultimately improving cloning efficiency. These findings highlight the excessive bivalent state at gene promoters as a potent barrier and emphasize the removal of these barriers as a promising approach for achieving higher cloning efficiency.
Animals ; Mice ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/biosynthesis* ; Histones/genetics* ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism*

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

Background: Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). In recent years, research on anal CA has primarily focused on treatment rather than underlying mechanisms. The mechanism of HPV persistence and recurrence in CA require further exploration. It needs multiple researches in mechanisms to focalize treatment targets. Objective: To investigate the relationship between intestinal mucosal immunity and the relapse of anal CA and persistent infection. Methods: Levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay in anal mucosal cells obtained from patients treated at Tianjin Union Medical Center from September 2022 to December 2024. All the participants signed Informed Consent and the whole plan was approved by Institutional Review Board in Tianjin Union Medical Center (No. B155). Results: The levels of IFN-γ and sIgA significantly decreased after infection, and persistent infection exhibited even lower levels. These two factors increased following treatment, reaching peak concentrations at 4 weeks before decreasing again. Conclusion These findings demonstrate a significant association between persistent anal CA infection and dysregulation of intestinal mucosal immunity.

Objective:To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors.Method:In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents.Results:A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers′ preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions.Conclusion:Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

Objective:To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors.Method:In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents.Results:A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers′ preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions.Conclusion:Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and mechanism of Xiangzhu Fanggan Formula （香术防感方） by sniffing and nasal drops for preventing influenza A H1N1flu. MethodsFifty-six BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， zanamivir group， high-concentration sachet group， low-concentration sachet group， high-concentration nasal drops group， and low-concentration nasal drops group， with 8 mice in each group. In the low- and high-concentration sachet groups， 15 g and 30 g of Xiangzhu Fanggan Formula sachet were used for sniffing for 24 h per day； while in the low- and high-concentration nasal drops groups， nasal drops of Xiangzhu Fanggan Formula were given at a concentration of 0.11 and 0.22 g/ml， 20 μl each time， twice a day； in the zanamivir group， zanamivir was given at a concentration of 1.025 mg/ml of 20 μl each time， twice a day； in the normal group and the model group， nasal drops of normal saline were given at 20 μl each time， twice a day. Each group was given prophylactic intervention for 5 days. On day 5， 1 h after the administration of the drug， the mice in all groups except the normal group received 35 μl of 50 LD₅₀ A/PR/8/34/H1N1 viral solution as nasal drops to prepare influenza A H1N1 model mice. The body mass of the mice was recorded and the rate of change of body mass was calculated daily from day 5 to day 9 of the experiment， and the general status was observed. The mice were sampled on day 9， and the lung index and the inhibition rate of lung index were calculated； HE staining was used to detect pathological changes in lung tissues and to score lung tissue lesions； RT-qPCR was used to detect viral load in lung tissues； and ELISA was used to detect secretory immunoglobulin A （sIgA） and serum tumour necrosis factor α （TNF-α） and interleukin 2 （IL-2）， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， and interferon γ （IFN-γ） in the lavage fluid of the upper respiratory tract. ResultsOn days 7， 8 and 9 of the experiment， the rate of change in body mass of mice in the model group significantly lower than that in the normal group at the same time points （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. On days 8 and 9 of the experiment， the rate of change in body mass of mice in the zanamivir group and the high-concentration nasal drops group increased when compared with the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the normal group， mice in the model group had significantly higher lung index， lung tissue lesion score， lung tissue viral load， significantly higher serum TNF-α， IL-6， IL-2， IFN-γ levels， and significantly lower sIgA levels in the upper respiratory lavage fluid （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the lung index and lung tissue viral load reduced， serum IFN-γ， TNF-α， IL-2， IL-6 levels reduced， and sIgA levels increased in the zanamivir group and the high-concentration nosal drops group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； except for low-concentration sachet group， lung tissue lesion scores of the drug intervention groups reduced compared with those of the model group （P＜0.01）. Compared with the zanamivir group， the lung index increased in the low-concentration sachet group and the low- and high-concentration nasal drops groups， and the serum TNF-α and IL-2 levels increased in all Xiangzhu Fanggan Formula intervention groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with high-concentration nasal drops group， serum TNF-α and IFN-γ levels elevated in the high-concentration increased group， and lung tissue viral load elevated in the low-concentration nasal drops group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The lung index inhibition rate was 80.84% in the zanamivir group， 41.61% and 17.90% in the high- and low-concentration sachet groups， and 35.40% and 25.40% in the high- and low-concentration nasal drops groups， respectively. HE staining showed that the lung tissues of the model group showed thickening of alveolar septa， alveolar collapse， and infiltration of inflammatory cells； whereas， in each drug intervention group， the inflammation of the lung tissues of the mice and the damage reduced， and the most obvious improvement was in the zanamivir group and the high-concentration nasal drops group. ConclusionXiangzhu Fanggan Formula by sniffing and nasal drops could both prevent influenza A H1N1 virus infection， with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects， also could improve the pathological damage of lung tissue， and improve the immunity of respiratory mucosa. The nasal drops may be better than sachets in inhibiting inflammatory response， especially the high-concentration nasal drops showed more effective.

Child ; Humans ; Granulomatous Disease, Chronic/complications* ; Pneumonia

Skin modeling of transdermal drug delivery system refers to experimental models that mimic the structure and function of human skin to explore and evaluate absorption,penetration,and efficacy of medicines in transdermal drug delivery.It provides an alternative to traditional human skin experiments and reduces the use of human skin in medical research,which is convenient,controllable,and cost effective.For skin models of transdermal drug delivery systems,this article introduces commonly used animal skin models,artificial skin models,and recombinant human skin models from the perspective of the transdermal absorption pathway of medicines,and analyzes their advantages,disadvantages,and applications so provide references the research and development of transdermal formulations and topical therapies.