BACKGROUND:Human periodontal ligament stem cells are potential functional cells for periodontal tissue engineering.However,long-term in vitro culture may lead to reduced stemness and replicative senescence of periodontal ligament stem cells,which may impair the therapeutic effect of human periodontal ligament stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of oxymatrine on the stemness maintenance and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro,and to explore the potential mechanism. METHODS:Periodontal ligament stem cells were isolated from human periodontal ligament tissues by tissue explant enzyme digestion and cultured.The surface markers of mesenchymal cells were identified by flow cytometry.Periodontal ligament stem cells were incubated with 0,2.5,5,and 10 μg/mL oxymatrine.The effect of oxymatrine on the proliferation activity of periodontal ligament stem cells was detected by CCK8 assay.The appropriate drug concentration for subsequent experiments was screened.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of stem cell non-specific proteins SOX2 and OCT4 in periodontal ligament stem cells.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression levels of related osteogenic genes and proteins in periodontal ligament stem cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of CCK8 assay showed that 2.5 μg/mL oxymatrine significantly enhanced the proliferative activity of periodontal stem cells,and the subsequent experiment selected 2.5 μg/mL oxymatrine to intervene.(2)Compared with the blank control group,the protein expression level of SOX2,a stem marker of periodontal ligament stem cells in the oxymatrine group did not change significantly(P>0.05),and the expression of OCT4 was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the osteogenic induction group,the osteogenic genes ALP,RUNX2 mRNA expression and their osteogenic associated protein ALP protein expression of periodontal ligament stem cells were significantly down-regulated in the oxymatrine+osteogenic induction group(P<0.05).(4)The oxymatrine up-regulated the expression of stemness markers of periodontal ligament stem cells and inhibited the bone differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells,and the results of high-throughput sequencing showed that it may be associated with WNT2,WNT16,COMP,and BMP6.

Anxiety disorder is a highly prevalent psychological illness, and research has shown that obesity is a significant risk factor for its development. This study explored the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of saponins from Panax japonicus(SPJ) on anxiety disorder in mice fed a high-fat diet(HFD). Fifty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control diet(NCD) group, HFD group, and low-and high-dose SPJ groups. At week 12, six mice from the HFD group were further divided into a control group(treated with DMSO) and an exogenous fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21) group(administered rFGF21). The anxiety-like behavior of the mice was assessed using the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining were performed to observe pathological changes in the liver and adipose tissue. Glucose metabolism was evaluated through the glucose tolerance test(GTT) and insulin tolerance test(ITT). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of FGF21 and its downstream-related proteins in the liver and cortex, along with the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), disks large homolog 4(DLG4), and synaptophysin(SYP) in the cortex. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of FGF21 and its receptor genes in the liver and cortex. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to examine the expression of neuronal activator c-Fos, FGF21, and the FGF21 co-receptor β-klotho in the cerebral cortex. The results showed that SPJ significantly improved the frequency of activity in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and the central area of the open field in HFD mice, up-regulated the expression of BDNF, DLG4, and SYP, and effectively alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in HFD mice. Compared with the NCD group, HFD mice exhibited up-regulated expression of FGF21 in the liver and cerebral cortex, while the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1) and β-klotho was significantly down-regulated, suggesting that HFD mice exhibited FGF21 resistance. SPJ markedly up-regulated the β-klotho levels in HFD mice, reversing FGF21 resistance. Further comparison with exogenously administered FGF21 revealed that SPJ activates brain cortical regions in a consistent manner, and additionally, SPJ promotes the number and colocalization of c-Fos and β-klotho positive cells in the brain cortex. In summary, SPJ effectively alleviates anxiety-like behaviors in HFD mice. Its mechanism is associated with up-regulation of β-klotho expression in the brain, reversal of FGF21 resistance, and subsequent activation of neurons in the cerebral cortex and amygdala.
Animals ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects* ; Fibroblast Growth Factors/genetics* ; Mice ; Male ; Panax/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Anxiety/etiology* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics* ; Humans ; Liver/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*

Objective:To study the current status of longitudinal extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in extremely preterm infants (EPIs) and to develop a prediction model based on clinical data from multiple NICUs.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2018, EPIs admitted to 32 NICUs in North China were retrospectively studied. Their general conditions, nutritional support, complications during hospitalization and weight changes were reviewed. Weight loss between birth and discharge > 1SD was defined as longitudinal EUGR. The EPIs were assigned into longitudinal EUGR group and non-EUGR group and their nutritional support and weight changes were compared. The EPIs were randomly assigned into the training dataset and the validation dataset with a ratio of 7∶3. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were used in the training dataset to select the independent predictive factors. The best-fitting Nomogram model predicting longitudinal EUGR was established based on Akaike Information Criterion. The model was evaluated for discrimination efficacy, calibration and clinical decision curve analysis.Results:A total of 436 EPIs were included in this study, with a mean gestational age of (26.9±0.9) weeks and a birth weight of (989±171) g. The incidence of longitudinal EUGR was 82.3%(359/436). Seven variables (birth weight Z-score, weight loss, weight growth velocity, the proportion of breast milk ≥75% within 3 d before discharge, invasive mechanical ventilation ≥7 d, maternal antenatal corticosteroids use and bronchopulmonary dysplasia) were selected to establish the prediction model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the training dataset and the validation dataset were 0.870 (95% CI 0.820-0.920) and 0.879 (95% CI 0.815-0.942), suggesting good discrimination efficacy. The calibration curve indicated a good fit of the model ( P>0.05). The decision curve analysis showed positive net benefits at all thresholds. Conclusions:Currently, EPIs have a high incidence of longitudinal EUGR. The prediction model is helpful for early identification and intervention for EPIs with higher risks of longitudinal EUGR. It is necessary to expand the sample size and conduct prospective studies to optimize and validate the prediction model in the future.

Objective:To summarize the experience and effect of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) on the treatment of sudden cardiac death (SCD).Methods:The data of 120 adults with SCD-ECPR in emergency department of the first affiliated hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2015 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped by Survival/death at 90 days, OHCA/IHCA (out-of-hospital/in-hospital cardiac arrest), with/without acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and divided according to 60 min of the time from cardiac arrest to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation (CA-Pump On time). Age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, IHCA/OHCA, initial rhythm, no-flow time, CA-Pump On time, ECMO evacuation success rate, 90-day survival rate, ECMO treatment time were analyzed.Results:①Total of 114 adult patients with SCD-ECPR were enrolled, and 45 (39.5%) patients survived at 90 days, of whom 40 (88.9%) patients had good neurological outcomes.②Age and no-flow time were significantly lower in the 90-day survival group than that in death group, and the proportion of IHCA and shockable initial rhythm was higher. ③The no flow time in IHCA group was significantly lower than that in OHCA group, and the 90-day survival rate was higher. ④OHCA and regional interhospital transport prolonged CA-Pump On time and reduced the 90-day survival rate. ⑤The AMI group was older with a higher Charlson comorbidity index, and the 90-day survival rate was significantly lower than that in non-AMI group.Conclusions:ECPR improves the prognosis of patients with SCD, there are high benefits in patients with long healthy life expectancy, IHCA, shockable initial rhythm, and short no flow time. The smooth life-saving chain of SCD-ECPR improves survival rate, by screening high benefit candidates in patients with OHCA, delayed initiation of ECPR or requiring interhospital transport, despite CA-Pump On time > 60 min, there is still survival potential.

Objective:To investigate the major adverse kidney events (MAKE) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).Methods:The data of 75 patients with AMI-ECPR in Emergency Medicine Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2015 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped by survival/death at 90 days, with/without renal replacement therapy (RRT), and whether to initiate RRT because of acute kidney injury (AKI). age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, OHCA/IHCA (out-of-hospital/in-hospital cardiac arrest), initial rhythm, Gensini score, ECPR initial blood gas pH and lactate value, no-flow time, time from cardiac arrest to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation (CA-Pump On time), ECMO and RRT treatment time, 90-day survival rate were analyzed. Moreover, the renal function of the survivors was followed up.Results:① Total of 68 AMI-ECPR patients were enrolled, 22 (32.4%) patients survived at 90 days, 54 (79.4%) combined with RRT, and 48 (70.6%) MAKE within 90 days. ②Compared with the death group, the 90-day survival group had a higher proportion of initial shockable heart rhythm, a lower Gensini score, a higher ECPR initial blood gas pH and a lower lactic acid value. ③The severity of coronary artery disease, ECPR initial acidosis and hyperlactacemia in the RRT group was significantly higher than that in the non-RRT group, and all the non-RRT group patients survived. ④ There was no difference between the AKI-RRT group and the non-AKI-RRT group. Of 21 patients with stage 1 AKI initiating RRT, 5 survived, one of them still needs RRT for 90 days, and 7 patients with stage 2 to 3 AKI initiating RRT died.Conclusions:The 90-day MAKE rate in AMI-ECPR patients was as high as 70.6%, and the 90-day renal insufficiency rate in AMI-ECPR survivors with AKI was as high as 20.0%. Active initiation of RRT to avoid AKI or early initiation of RRT may improve the prognosis of AMI-ECPR patients.

Objective:To investigate the occurrence of low back work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in a container manufacturing factory, and to explore the influencing factors.Methods:In June 2022, 952 workers from a container factory were selected as the research objects by cluster random sampling. Through questionnaire survey, the incidence of low back WMSDs symptoms among workers in the past one year was collected, and the influencing factors of low back WMSDs were analyzed by logistic regression.Results:The incidence rate of low back WMSDs was 46.7% (445/952). The factors with higher exposure at work were frequent slight bending (77.0%, 733/952), frequent overtime (74.1%, 705/952), and the need to turn around while working (62.3%, 593/952). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age over 40 years old, smoking, drinking, often bending over slightly, sitting for a long time, maintaining a large bending posture for a long time, often working overtime, limited operating space, and there was always a need to complete conflicting things in the container manufacturing factory workers were the risks of increasing the low back WMSDs ( OR=1.68, 1.96, 2.47, 1.49, 1.84, 2.11, 1.90, 1.82, 2.00, P<0.05). Standing at work, always friendly colleagues, and always supportive and helpful leaders were protective factors for low back WMSDs ( OR=0.60, 0.32, 0.40, P<0.05) . Conclusion:The incidence of low back WMSDs symptoms in container manufacturing workers is high, and work-related factors such as frequent slight bending, long time holding large bending posture and limited operating space are the focus of ergonomic intervention in container manufacturing enterprises.

Objective:To investigate the occurrence of low back work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in a container manufacturing factory, and to explore the influencing factors.Methods:In June 2022, 952 workers from a container factory were selected as the research objects by cluster random sampling. Through questionnaire survey, the incidence of low back WMSDs symptoms among workers in the past one year was collected, and the influencing factors of low back WMSDs were analyzed by logistic regression.Results:The incidence rate of low back WMSDs was 46.7% (445/952). The factors with higher exposure at work were frequent slight bending (77.0%, 733/952), frequent overtime (74.1%, 705/952), and the need to turn around while working (62.3%, 593/952). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age over 40 years old, smoking, drinking, often bending over slightly, sitting for a long time, maintaining a large bending posture for a long time, often working overtime, limited operating space, and there was always a need to complete conflicting things in the container manufacturing factory workers were the risks of increasing the low back WMSDs ( OR=1.68, 1.96, 2.47, 1.49, 1.84, 2.11, 1.90, 1.82, 2.00, P<0.05). Standing at work, always friendly colleagues, and always supportive and helpful leaders were protective factors for low back WMSDs ( OR=0.60, 0.32, 0.40, P<0.05) . Conclusion:The incidence of low back WMSDs symptoms in container manufacturing workers is high, and work-related factors such as frequent slight bending, long time holding large bending posture and limited operating space are the focus of ergonomic intervention in container manufacturing enterprises.

Background:Combined double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE)plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected small bowel bleeding(SSBB).Aims:To investigate the performance of combined DBE in patients with SSBB and their clinical features.Methods:A total of 94 patients with SSBB underwent combined DBE from June 2018 to April 2023 at the Third People's Hospital of Bengbu and the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were enrolled,and the clinical features were analyzed.Results:Fifty-four SSBB patients completed the combined DBE,and the combination rate was 57.4%.Ten patients(10.6%)stopped combined DBE due to discovery of bleeding lesions.Five patients(5.3%)stopped combined DBE due to intestinal stenosis.Twenty-five patients(26.5%)stopped combined DBE due to difficulty in insertion.Combined DBE rate in SSBB patients was correlated with the combination time and the number of previous DBE for endoscopists(P<0.05),but not the gender,age,bleeding manifestations,tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking,nutritional risk,abdominal operation history,perianal lesions,autoimmune diseases,preoperative anemia,preoperative albumin level,and enteroscopy approach(P>0.05).ROC curve showed that when the cut-off value of first insertion depth was 385 cm,the sensitivity and specificity for successful combined DBE in SSBB patients were 72.2%and 77.5%,respectively,and the area under ROC curve was 0.800(95%CI:0.705-0.875,P<0.001).Conclusions:The combined DBE rate in SSBB patients is correlated with the combination time and the number of previous DBE for endoscopists.80%of the SSBB patients are expected to complete the combined DBE when the first insertion depth is greater than 385 cm.

Objective:To investigate the time characteristics from extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) initiation to termination.Methods:The data of ECPR patients in extracorporeal life support center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2015 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped by survival/death at 90 days, in-hospital/out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA/OHCA), daytime/evening initiation, and procedural/non-procedural termination. Data on age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, interhospital transport, initial rhythm, ECPR initial blood gas pH and lactate value, no-flow time, time from cardiac arrest to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) initiation (CA-Pump On time), ECPR initiation/termination and ECMO treatment time, 90-day survival rate and so on were analyzed.Results:200 ECPR patients were enrolled, the cardiogenic etiologies were accounted for 70.5%, more men than women, 68 (34.0%) patients survived at 90 days, of whom 61 (89.7%) patients had good neurological outcomes. The 90-day survival group had a significantly lower of no-flow time, a higher proportion of IHCA and initial shockable heart rhythm, with a higher ECPR initial blood gas pH and a lower lactic acid value than those in the death group. 3. The no flow time in OHCA group was significantly longer than that in IHCA group, with a lower ECPR initial blood gas pH and a higher lactic acid value, 77.4% were non-procedural termination and the 90-day survival rate was 16.1%. ECPR were initiated in all time periods, IHCA-ECPR initiated at random, OHCA-ECPR were rare in the early morning, and the initiation time had no significant effect on ECPR outcomes. There were 75.5% of ECPR terminated at the daytime, 56.8% death cases were occurred within 3 days after ECPR, and 19.0% of patients in the procedural termination group died due to a combination of factors.Conclusions:ECPR had a potentially high benefit for patients with IHCA, initial shockable rhythm, and a short no-flow time. The ECPR initiation time were irregular and had no effect on ECPR outcomes. Death events tend to occur in the early days after ECPR, and ECPR terminated is mostly during the daytime working hours. The construction of full-time ECPR team should be strengthened.