ObjectiveFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a novel non-invasive technique for monitoring cerebral activity, can be integrated with upper limb rehabilitation robots to facilitate the real-time assessment of neurological rehabilitation outcomes. The rehabilitation robot is designed with 3 training modes: passive, active, and resistance. Among these, the resistance mode has been demonstrated to yield superior rehabilitative outcomes for patients with a certain level of muscle strength. The control modes in the resistance mode can be categorized into dynamic and static control. However, the effects of different control modes in the resistance mode on the motor function of patients with upper limb hemiplegia in stroke remain unclear. Furthermore, the effects of force, an important parameter of different control modes, on the activation of brain regions have rarely been reported. This study investigates the effects of dynamic and static resistance modes under varying resistance levels on cerebral functional alterations during motor rehabilitation in post-stroke patients. MethodsA cohort of 20 stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction was enrolled in the study, completing preparatory adaptive training followed by 3 intensity-level tasks across 2 motor paradigms. The bilateral prefrontal cortices (PFC), bilateral primary motor cortices (M1), bilateral primary somatosensory cortices (S1), and bilateral premotor and supplementary motor cortices (PM) were examined in both the resting and motor training states. The lateralization index (LI), phase locking value (PLV), network metrics were employed to examine cortical activation patterns and topological properties of brain connectivity. ResultsThe data indicated that both dynamic and static modes resulted in significantly greater activation of the contralateral M1 area and the ipsilateral PM area when compared to the resting state. The static patterns demonstrated a more pronounced activation in the contralateral M1 in comparison to the dynamic patterns. The results of brain network analysis revealed significant differences between the dynamic and resting states in the contralateral PFC area and contralateral M1 area (F=4.709, P=0.038), as well as in the contralateral PM area and ipsilateral M1 area (F=4.218, P=0.049). Moreover, the findings indicated a positive correlation between the activation of the M1 region and the increase in force in the dynamic mode, which was reversed in the static mode. ConclusionBoth dynamic and static resistance training modes have been demonstrated to activate the corresponding brain functional regions. Dynamic resistance modes elicit greater oxygen changes and connectivity to the region of interest (ROI) than static resistance modes. Furthermore, the effects of increasing force differ between the two modes. In patients who have suffered a stroke, dynamic modes may have a more pronounced effect on the activation of exercise-related functional brain regions.

T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly diabetic patients. Methods Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized in the hospital were selected from October 2020 to October 2023 as the research subjects. The epidemiological characteristics of hospital-acquired pneumonia were analyzed, and the risk factors affecting hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed . Results There were 65 cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia in 388 elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, with an incidence of 16.75%, of which 56.92% were males and 43.08% were females. The proportion of patients aged≥80 years was higher than that of patients aged<80 years. There were no significant differences in gender, body mass index, education level, course of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, drinking history, hypertension, coronary heart disease and anemia between groups (P>0.05), but significant differences were shown in age, hospitalization time, tracheal invasive operation, types of antibacterial drug use and dysphagia between both groups (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that age≥80 years old, hospitalization time≥30 d, tracheal invasive operation, use of antibacterial drugs≥ 2 types, and dysphagia were independent risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly diabetic patients (P<0.05). Conclusion The risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia is high in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with age≥80 years old, hospitalization time≥30 days, tracheal invasive operation, abuse of antibacterial drugs and dysphagia are high-risk population. It is necessary to take active intervention measures for such patients.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly diabetic patients. Methods Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized in the hospital were selected from October 2020 to October 2023 as the research subjects. The epidemiological characteristics of hospital-acquired pneumonia were analyzed, and the risk factors affecting hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed . Results There were 65 cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia in 388 elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, with an incidence of 16.75%, of which 56.92% were males and 43.08% were females. The proportion of patients aged≥80 years was higher than that of patients aged<80 years. There were no significant differences in gender, body mass index, education level, course of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, drinking history, hypertension, coronary heart disease and anemia between groups (P>0.05), but significant differences were shown in age, hospitalization time, tracheal invasive operation, types of antibacterial drug use and dysphagia between both groups (P<0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that age≥80 years old, hospitalization time≥30 d, tracheal invasive operation, use of antibacterial drugs≥ 2 types, and dysphagia were independent risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly diabetic patients (P<0.05). Conclusion The risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia is high in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with age≥80 years old, hospitalization time≥30 days, tracheal invasive operation, abuse of antibacterial drugs and dysphagia are high-risk population. It is necessary to take active intervention measures for such patients.

Objective To explore the occurrence of adverse reactions to vaccination in children with special health status in Kunming and the corresponding countermeasures.Methods The information data of 952 children with special health conditions who were vaccinated at the Child Healthcare Department of the Kunming Children's Hospital from October 2021 to February 2023 were collected,and descriptive methods were used for epidemiological analysis.Results The detection rate of adverse reactions in children with special health conditions in Kunming was 10.92%(104/952),all of which were mild adverse reactions.The top three vaccines with the highest detection rates of adverse reactions were adsorbed acellular pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus vaccine(Pertussis-Diphtheria-Tetanus),measles-mumps-rubella attenuated live vaccine(Measles-Mumps-Rubella),and meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine group A and C(Meningococcal A+C),with detection rates of 7.00%,4.14%,and 3.08%,respectively.The detection rate of adverse reactions in children with premature birth,allergy,and anemia after vaccination was higher,with detection rates of 13.87%,11.03%,and 10.05%,respectively.The detection rate of adverse reactions after more than two vaccinations was 73.08%,which was higher than the first vaccination detection rate of 26.92%.The clinical manifestations of vaccine adverse reactions were mainly fever,redness,and induration,with detection rates of 39.42%,21.15%,and 18.27%,respectively.The detection rate of adverse reactions in children with special health conditions under the age of two was higher,accounting for 75.00%.The detection rate of adverse reactions within 24 hours after vaccination was higher,accounting for 62.50%.After timely symptomatic treatment and follow-up observation,all adverse reactions in children with special health conditions after vaccination recovered within 7 days.Conclusion Adverse reactions after vaccination in children with special health conditions in Kunming are predominantly mild.The detection rate of adverse reactions post-vaccination for pertussis,measles,mumps,and meningococcal A+C is notably high.Children under 2 years old with premature birth,allergy,and anemia are more likely to have adverse reactions after vaccination.These adverse reactions typically manifest within 24 hours post-vaccination and resolve within 7 days.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.

Ten compounds were isolated and purified from the dichloromethane extract of stems of Ephedra intermedia by various chromatographic methods. Based on the analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, the structures of the ten compounds were identified as 1-allyl-3,4-dimethoxy-benzene-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), lyoniresinol (2), secoisolariciresinol (3), 4,3′,4′-trihydroxy-3-methoxylignan-9,9′-diyldiacetate (4), dehydroconiferyl alcohol (5), isocubebin (6), balanophonin B (7), sesquipinsapol B (8), crataegifin A (9), 1-(2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)ethan-1-one (10). Compound 1 is a new compound, named as 1-allyl-3,4-dimethhoxy-benzene-5-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl, compounds 2-10 are lignans and isolated from this plant for the first time. Compound 3, 4, 8 possess potentially anti-asthmatic activities.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the bacterial communities of biting midges and ticks collected from three sites in the Poyang Lake area,namely,Qunlu Practice Base,Peach Blossom Garden,and Huangtong Animal Husbandry,and whether vectors carry any bacterial pathogens that may cause diseases to humans,to provide scientific basis for prospective pathogen discovery and disease prevention and control. Methods Using a metataxonomics approach in concert with full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and operational phylogenetic unit(OPU)analysis,we characterized the species-level microbial community structure of two important vector species,biting midges and ticks,including 33 arthropod samples comprising 3,885 individuals,collected around Poyang Lake. Results A total of 662 OPUs were classified in biting midges,including 195 known species and 373 potentially new species,and 618 OPUs were classified in ticks,including 217 known species and 326 potentially new species.Surprisingly,OPUs with potentially pathogenicity were detected in both arthropod vectors,with 66 known species of biting midges reported to carry potential pathogens,including Asaia lannensis and Rickettsia bellii,compared to 50 in ticks,such as Acinetobacter lwoffii and Staphylococcus sciuri.We found that Proteobacteria was the most dominant group in both midges and ticks.Furthermore,the outcomes demonstrated that the microbiota of midges and ticks tend to be governed by a few highly abundant bacteria.Pantoea sp7 was predominant in biting midges,while Coxiella sp1 was enriched in ticks.Meanwhile,Coxiella spp.,which may be essential for the survival of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann,were detected in all tick samples.The identification of dominant species and pathogens of biting midges and ticks in this study serves to broaden our knowledge associated to microbes of arthropod vectors. Conclusion Biting midges and ticks carry large numbers of known and potentially novel bacteria,and carry a wide range of potentially pathogenic bacteria,which may pose a risk of infection to humans and animals.The microbial communities of midges and ticks tend to be dominated by a few highly abundant bacteria.

Objective Little is known about the association between whole-blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD+)levels and nabothian cysts.This study aimed to assess the association between NAD+levels and nabothian cysts in healthy Chinese women. Methods Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between NAD+levels and nabothian cysts. Results The mean age was 43.0±11.5 years,and the mean level of NAD+was 31.3±5.3 μmol/L.Nabothian cysts occurred in 184(27.7%)participants,with single and multiple cysts in 100(15.0%)and 84(12.6%)participants,respectively.The total nabothian cyst prevalence gradually decreased from 37.4%to 21.6%from Q1 to Q4 of NAD+and the prevalence of single and multiple nabothian cysts also decreased across the NAD+quartiles.As compared with the highest NAD+quartile(≥34.4 μmol/L),the adjusted odds ratios with 95%confidence interval of the NAD+Q1 was 1.89(1.14-3.14)for total nabothian cysts.The risk of total and single nabothian cysts linearly decreased with increasing NAD+levels,while the risk of multiple nabothian cysts decreased more rapidly at NAD+levels of 28.0 to 35.0 μmol/L. Conclusion:Low NAD+levels were associated with an increased risk of total and multiple nabothian cysts.

Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on motor function in Parkinson's disease(PD)model mice and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in the midbrain substantia nigra(SN).Methods C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups according to the random number table method:control group,model group,and electroacupuncture(EA)group,12 mice per group.The PD model was reproduced by intragastric administration of rotenone solution 10 mg/(kg·d).EA group was administered at the three selected points,"Fengfu"(GV16),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36),with a treatment cycle of 2 weeks.The control and model groups took the same time synchronous fixation operation for the control variable.Behavioral scores and open field tests were used to detect the exercise ability of mice in each group.Tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the midbrain SN of mice in all groups were measured with an immunohistochemistry test.NLRP3 and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1)protein expression levels in the midbrain SN of mice in the three groups were measured using Western blotting,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)content was determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared to the control group,the behavioral scores of the mice in the model group were higher(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the behavioral scores of the mice in the EA group were lower(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the time ratio of the relative rest state of the mice in the model group(<100 mm/s)increased significantly(P<0.01),while the time ratio of the slow motion(100～200 mm/s)and time ratio of the fast motion(>200 mm/s)state decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the time ratio spent in the relative rest state of mice in the EA group decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the time ratio of the slow motion state and time ratio of the fast motion state and movement rate increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the TH expression level decreased in the SN in the model group(P<0.01),while α-syn increased(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the TH expression level in the EA group increased(P<0.05),while α-syn decreased(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the SN of the model group increased(P<0.01);compared to the model group,the expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the SN of the midbrain of mice decreased after EA treatment(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,IL-1β in the SN of the mouse midbrain increased in the model group(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,IL-1β decreased in the EA group(P<0.05).Conclusion This experiment shows that stimulation of EA in"Fengfu","Taichong",and"Zusanli"can effectively reduce abnormal aggregation of the PD marker α-syn,increase TH expression,and enhance the motor dysfunction of PD model mice.The molecular mechanism is related to the regulation of the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of inflammasome-related pathways.