Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation in inactivating porcine parvovirus (PPV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), pseudorabies virus (PRV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) within von Willebrand factor (vWF) preparations. Methods: An ultraviolet inactivator (254 nm primary wavelength) was employed to optimize UV exposure dosages for the samples, and the initial test groups were set at five irradiation gradients: 100, 200, 400, 1 000, and 1 500 J/m gradients. Based on the results of the preliminary experiments, subsequent formal experiments implemented refined dosage parameters at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m . Virucidal efficacy against various pathogenic strains was evaluated via cytopathic effect (CPE) observation methodology, while simultaneously quantifying von Willebrand factor antigen levels (vWF∶Ag) and collagen-binding activity (vWF∶CBA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and automated coagulation analysis systems before and after UVC treatment. Results: The results showed that > 100 J/m UVC irradiation achieved a≥4.0 log reduction factor in vWF. For vWF antigen, retention rates were observed to be 93.67%, 91.72%, 93.54%, 79.05%, and 85.50% at UVC doses of 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m , respectively. Similarly, the retention rates of vWF collagen-binding activity were 81.11%, 87.81%, 86.15%, 73.73%, and 73.72% under the same dose conditions. Conclusion: Considering both inactivation efficacy and functional preservation while ensuring safety and effectiveness, 100-150 J/m represents the optimal inactivation dose.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the impact of cell spreading area on odontoblast polarization and differentiation using micropatterned surfaces ge-nerated by photolithography. METHODS: Micropatterned surfaces with differential adhesive properties were prepared using polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)-ba-sed photolithography. Human dental pulp stem cells (hD-PSCs) were isolated into single cells and cultured on micropatterned surfaces with areas of 1 800, 2 700, and 3 600 μm². Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe cell morphology and analyze the relocating of the golgi apparatus and nucleus. Alkaline phosphatase staining was preformed to examine odontogenic differentiation. RESULTS: The hDPSCs were successfully isolated and cultured on micropatterned surfaces mimicking the morphology of polarized odontoblasts. Phalloidin staining confirmed that the isolated hDPSCs successfully recapitulated the morphology of predesigned micropatterns. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the polarization and differentiation levels of the hDPSCs with a 3600 μm² area were significantly higher than those with 1 800 and 2 700 μm² areas (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The polarization and differentiation of single hDPSCs increased with the cell areas on micropatterned surfaces.
Cell Differentiation ; Humans ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Odontoblasts/cytology* ; Stem Cells/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cell Polarity ; Surface Properties

BACKGROUND:Increasing evidence has indicated that early reinforcement of correct posture is particularly important for improving abnormal gait in stroke patients.Wearable exoskeleton-assisted training can improve patients'walking function in a short period of time,and can also assist the coordinated movement of muscles around the pelvis,hip,knee,and ankle joints,control the walking trajectory of the lower limbs,and improve walking ability in patients with stroke.OBJECTIVE:To explore the improvement of abnormal gait in stroke patients by a wearable exoskeleton with posture feedback,and to explore the rehabilitation mechanism.METHODS:A total of 52 patients in the recovery period of stroke admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from January 2023 to January 2024 were included in this study and randomly divided into an experimental group(n=26)and a control group(n=26)using a random number table method.Based on conventional rehabilitation training,the patients in the experimental group participated in training using a wearable exoskeleton with posture feedback(15 minutes per day,6 times per week),while those in the control group were given conventional gait therapy(15 minutes per day,6 times per week).Training in each group lasted for 4 weeks.Before and after training,the lower limb motor function scores,gait parameters(step length,step speed,step width)and gait symmetry were compared between the two groups,and the brain functional connectivity values of the prefrontal motor area,the primary motor cortex and the sensorimotor area were detected using portable near-infrared spectroscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After training,lower limb motor function scores,gait parameters and gait symmetry were significantly improved in the two groups(P＜0.05).Meanwhile,the experimental group was superior to the control group in terms of gait parameters and gait symmetry(P＜0.05).Brain functional connectivity values of the right sensorimotor area-left prefrontal motor area and right sensorimotor area-right prefrontal motor area were significantly increased in the two groups after training(P＜0.05).The functional connectivity values of the left sensorimotor area-right primary motor cortex and left sensorimotor area-left primary motor cortex in the experimental group were increased after training(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the functional connectivity values of the left sensorimotor area-right primary motor cortex and left sensorimotor area-left primary motor cortex were increased in the experimental group after training(P＜0.05).To conclude,based on conventional rehabilitation training,a wearable exoskeleton with posture feedback can not only effectively improve the abnormal gait of stroke patients,but also activate the functional sensorimotor areas of the brain associated with abnormal gait.

Objective:To explore the effect of different swallowing tasks on cortex activation and functional connectivity in stroke survivors with dysphagia using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).Methods:Thirty stroke survivors with dysphagia performed three different swallowing tasks: swallowing action observation (SO), swallowing action execution (SE), and swallowing action imagination (SI). During each task, fNIRS was used to document the brain concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. Cortex activation (β value) and brain functional connectivity were assessed.Results:Compared with the resting state, the areas activated during the SO task included the left primary sensory cortex and the right prefrontal cortex. During the SE and SI tasks the left prefrontal cortex and the left motor cortex were activated as well. Compared with hemorrhagic stroke survivors, ischemic stroke survivors showed significantly greater activation of the right primary sensory cortex, the right motor cortex, and the left primary sensory cortex during the SE task. Functional connectivity during the SO, SE and SI tasks was significantly greater than in the resting state, with the average connectivity values during the SE task significantly higher than during the SI task.Conclusions:Stroke survivors with dysphagia exhibit increased activation in the prefrontal cortex and primary sensory cortex during different swallowing tasks. Such tasks can improve their brain functional connectivity.

Objective:To explore the effect of different swallowing tasks on cortex activation and functional connectivity in stroke survivors with dysphagia using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).Methods:Thirty stroke survivors with dysphagia performed three different swallowing tasks: swallowing action observation (SO), swallowing action execution (SE), and swallowing action imagination (SI). During each task, fNIRS was used to document the brain concentrations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. Cortex activation (β value) and brain functional connectivity were assessed.Results:Compared with the resting state, the areas activated during the SO task included the left primary sensory cortex and the right prefrontal cortex. During the SE and SI tasks the left prefrontal cortex and the left motor cortex were activated as well. Compared with hemorrhagic stroke survivors, ischemic stroke survivors showed significantly greater activation of the right primary sensory cortex, the right motor cortex, and the left primary sensory cortex during the SE task. Functional connectivity during the SO, SE and SI tasks was significantly greater than in the resting state, with the average connectivity values during the SE task significantly higher than during the SI task.Conclusions:Stroke survivors with dysphagia exhibit increased activation in the prefrontal cortex and primary sensory cortex during different swallowing tasks. Such tasks can improve their brain functional connectivity.

BACKGROUND:Increasing evidence has indicated that early reinforcement of correct posture is particularly important for improving abnormal gait in stroke patients.Wearable exoskeleton-assisted training can improve patients'walking function in a short period of time,and can also assist the coordinated movement of muscles around the pelvis,hip,knee,and ankle joints,control the walking trajectory of the lower limbs,and improve walking ability in patients with stroke.OBJECTIVE:To explore the improvement of abnormal gait in stroke patients by a wearable exoskeleton with posture feedback,and to explore the rehabilitation mechanism.METHODS:A total of 52 patients in the recovery period of stroke admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from January 2023 to January 2024 were included in this study and randomly divided into an experimental group(n=26)and a control group(n=26)using a random number table method.Based on conventional rehabilitation training,the patients in the experimental group participated in training using a wearable exoskeleton with posture feedback(15 minutes per day,6 times per week),while those in the control group were given conventional gait therapy(15 minutes per day,6 times per week).Training in each group lasted for 4 weeks.Before and after training,the lower limb motor function scores,gait parameters(step length,step speed,step width)and gait symmetry were compared between the two groups,and the brain functional connectivity values of the prefrontal motor area,the primary motor cortex and the sensorimotor area were detected using portable near-infrared spectroscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After training,lower limb motor function scores,gait parameters and gait symmetry were significantly improved in the two groups(P＜0.05).Meanwhile,the experimental group was superior to the control group in terms of gait parameters and gait symmetry(P＜0.05).Brain functional connectivity values of the right sensorimotor area-left prefrontal motor area and right sensorimotor area-right prefrontal motor area were significantly increased in the two groups after training(P＜0.05).The functional connectivity values of the left sensorimotor area-right primary motor cortex and left sensorimotor area-left primary motor cortex in the experimental group were increased after training(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the functional connectivity values of the left sensorimotor area-right primary motor cortex and left sensorimotor area-left primary motor cortex were increased in the experimental group after training(P＜0.05).To conclude,based on conventional rehabilitation training,a wearable exoskeleton with posture feedback can not only effectively improve the abnormal gait of stroke patients,but also activate the functional sensorimotor areas of the brain associated with abnormal gait.

A fixation device for experimental rat in moxibustion was developed. Using this device, the points for moxibustion can be fully exposed, and the temperature of moxibustion be relatively constant. This fixation device consists of three parts: fixation seat, fixation clip and moxa-stick holder; characterized as the flexible fixation and easy operation. The device is advantaged at simultaneous operation of moxibustion at many points and supports the point combinations. It makes up for the shortcomings of the existing fixation devices, reduces the workload of moxibustion in experimental rat and improves the work efficiency and experimental safety of experimenters.
Animals ; Rats ; Moxibustion/methods* ; Equipment Design ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective:To assess the diagnostic performance of serum anti-toxocara immunoglobulin G (anti-T-IgG) in ocular toxocariasis (OT) patients.Methods:A diagnostic tests. A total of 109 patients (109 eyes) with clinically-suspected OT who treated in Department of Ophthalmology of Xuzhou First People’s Hospital from June 2015 to December 2022 were included. Patients were divided into two groups, 76 with OT and 33 with non-OT, according to the clinical manifestations and Goldmann-Witmer coefficient. Paired serum and intraocular fluid samples from each patient were collected and analyzed for specific anti-T-IgG using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Mann-Whitney test was performed for comparison between groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to assess the diagnostic performance of serum anti-T-IgG. Kappa analysis was performed to examine the consistency of serum or intraocular fluid anti-T-IgG positive rate with OT diagnostic result. Spearman’s rank correlation test was performed to assess the association.Results:Compared with the non-OT group, the proportions of children and history of exposure to cats and dogs ( χ2=9.785, 12.026) were significantly higher in OT group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01). The positive rate ( χ2=24.551) and U value ( Z=-4.379) of serum anti-T-IgG in OT group were higher than those in non-OT group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.000 1). The recommended serum anti-T-IgG cut-off value of 11 U had 0.72 sensitivity, 0.79 specificity, 0.89 positive predictive value, 0.55 negative predictive value, and 0.77 area under the ROC with 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.669-0.860. Correlation analysis showed that serum anti-T-IgG was positively correlated with intraocular fluid anti-T-IgG ( r s=0.520, 95% CI 0.363-0.648, P<0.000 1). The Kappa values of serum and intraocular fluid anti-T-IgG positive rate with OT diagnosis were 0.457 (95% CI 0.292-0.622) and 0.711 (95% CI 0.582-0.840), respectively. The Kappa value of serum anti-T-IgG positive rate with OT diagnosis was lower than that of intraocular fluid. Conclusion:The sensitivity and specificity of serum anti-T-IgG and the consistency between serum anti-T-IgG positive rate and OT diagnosis are low, suggesting that serum anti-T-IgG level cannot be used as a basis for OT diagnosis.

Parasitic infection has the characteristics of both endemic and infectious diseases, and its incidence is regional and has the attribute of transmission. Although the incidence of parasitic infection due to blood transfusion is low, it is still reported in developing countries and regions. With the development of society and economy, the travel of blood donors between different countries or regions increases, and the chances of blood recipients being exposed to parasitic infections also increase. Research on transfusion-transmitted parasites is limited compared to transfusion-transmitted viruses and bacteria. Serologic testing is not available in most countries to screen blood donors for transfusion-borne parasites such as Plasmodium, Babesia, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania, Toxoplasma gondii and Microfilariae. In order to have a more comprehensive understanding of transfusion-transmitted parasites, this paper reviews the current situation of transfusion-transmitted parasites from the perspectives of epidemiological characteristics, detection techniques, and prevention and control methods of transfusion-transmitted parasites.

Objective:To explore any effect of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the upper limb motor function and cerebral cortex activation of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, each of 30. In addition to routine rehabilitation training (including drug therapy, comprehensive hemiplegic limb training and physical factor therapy), the intervention group received 15 minutes of rTMS daily, five days a week for 4 weeks while the control group was given false rTMS. Upper limb motor function was evaluated before and after the treatment using the Fugl Meyer upper limb motor function rating scale (FMA-UE). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect and compare the activation (β values) of the prefrontal cortex, the motor cortex and the primary somatosensory cortex in the 2 groups. The correlation between the FMA-UE scores and the β values was quantified.Results:①There was no significant difference in the average FMA-UE scores between the two groups before the treatment. Afterward, though both groups′ average scores had increased significantly, there was significantly greater improvement in the treatment group. ②There was also no significant difference in average β value between the two groups before the experiment, but afterward the average βs of channels 27 and 13 in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group. Moreover, in patients with lesion in the left brain, the β-values of CH27 and CH13 were also significantly higher than the control group ( P<0.05). ③The FMA-UE scores of the intervention group were moderately correlated with the CH27 and CH13 β values, but those of the control group were only weakly correlated with the β values of CH27. Conclusion:Transcranial magnetic stimulation activates a lesioned left brain region, improving upper limb motor function. The improvement is correlated with the activation of the left prefrontal cortex and the left primary somatosensory cortex.