With the aging of the global population， osteoporosis （OP） is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently， the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore， developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years， the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment， it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways， including Wnt/β-catenin， osteoprotegerin （OB）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （RANKL）/RANK （OPG/RANKL/RANK）， and bone morphogenetic protein 2 （BMP-2）/Smad， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）. However， existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered， making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide， clarified their mechanisms of action， and explored some issues， providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.

With the aging of the global population， osteoporosis （OP） is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently， the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore， developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years， the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment， it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways， including Wnt/β-catenin， osteoprotegerin （OB）/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （RANKL）/RANK （OPG/RANKL/RANK）， and bone morphogenetic protein 2 （BMP-2）/Smad， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， and mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）. However， existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered， making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide， clarified their mechanisms of action， and explored some issues， providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.

Objective: To construct a scientific and perfect evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities, so as to provide reference tools for colleges and universities to effectively respond to infectious disease. Methods: The initial framework of the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was constructed by using literature analysis method. Experts familiar with infectious disease prevention and control or school health work were selected to conduct two rounds( n =16，18) of Delphi expert consultation for determining the evaluation index system. Analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the index weights and combined weights. About 198 prevention and control personnel were conveniently selected from 3 universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to comprehensively evaluate the evaluation indicators by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. Results: After two rounds of Delphi consultation questionnaire, the effective recovery rates were 80.0% and 90.0%, the expert authority levels were 0.89 and 0.86, the expert harmony coefficients for Kendall W were 0.166 and 0.310, and the variation coefficient of each index was <0.25. Finally, the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability of colleges and universities included 4 first level indicators, 14 second level indicators and 75 third level indicators. The weights of prevention and monitoring and early warning, organizational system guarantee, emergency management, rehabilitation and summary were 0.176, 0.476, 0.268 and 0.080, respectively. The top 3 weights of the secondary indexes were 0.623 for infectious disease surveillance and early warning, 0.595 for loss assessment and 0.370 for emergency response. The score of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was 79.148, suggesting a high level. Conclusion The established evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities is scientific and reasonable, which is conducive to provide tool reference for the evaluation of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities.

Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.

Objective:To study the value of urine-based multi-dimensional bioinformatics evaluation model (utLIFE model) in early diagnosis and postoperative monitoring of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).Methods:Morning urine samples of patients clinically diagnosed with UTUC without bladder cancer from Peking University First Hospital from August 2022 to October 2022 were collected. Urine samples were collected before and after surgery, and DNA was extracted for gene sequencing. The utLIFE model previously constructed by our center was used to calculate the score, based on 155 gene mutation sites and copy number variation, and the score ≥60 was defined as utLIFE positive. The sensitivity of utLIFE model in diagnosis of UTUC was analyzed with postoperative pathology as the gold standard. The utLIFE scores before and after operation were also compared.Results:A total of 53 patients were included in this study, all of whom were confirmed as UTUC by postoperative pathology. The median age of patients was 66 (59, 72) years. Twenty-four cases (45.3%) of UTUC tumors were located in the renal pelvis, 26 cases (49.1%) were located in the ureter, and 2 cases (5.7%)involved both ureter and renal pelvis. There were 27 patients (50.9%) at T 1stage and 26 patients (49.1%) at ≥T 2 stage. Preoperative utLIFE score of 53 patients was 79 (70, 84). The sensitivity of preoperative utLIFE diagnosis of UTUC was 96.2% (51/53). utLIFE showed similar high sensitivity in T 1 stage and ≥T 2 stage [100.0% (27/27) vs. 92.3% (24/26), P=0.236], in N 0 and ≥N 1 stage [ 95.0% (38/40) vs. 100.0% (5/5), P=1.000]. In addition, the sensitivity of preoperative utLIFE was higher than that of urine cytology [ 95.2% (20/21) vs. 23.8% (5/21). P<0.001], fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) [ 92.6% (25/27) vs. 55.5% (15/27), P=0.004] and ureteroscopy [ 86.7% (13/15) vs. 60.0% (9/15), P=1.000]. A total of 45 patients postoperative utLIFE samples were collected, and the postoperative utLIFE score was significantly lower than that of preoperative [ 36 (18, 61) vs. 79 (70, 84), P<0.001]. Conclusions:utLIFE, as a non-invasive urine DNA bioinformatics assessment model, is significantly superior to cytology and FISH in early detection and has high sensitivity in diagnosis of UTUC, and can reflect perioperative minimal residual disease levels.

Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and promote cancer progression by modifying the extracellular matrix (ECM). The tumor-associated ECM is characterized by collagen crosslinking catalyzed by lysyl oxidase (LOX). Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) mediate cell-cell communication. However, the interactions between sEVs and the ECM remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that sEVs released from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-derived CAFs induce collagen crosslinking, thereby promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CAF sEVs preferably bound to the ECM rather than being taken up by fibroblasts and induced collagen crosslinking, and a LOX inhibitor or blocking antibody suppressed this effect. Active LOX (αLOX), but not the LOX precursor, was enriched in CAF sEVs and interacted with periostin, fibronectin, and bone morphogenetic protein-1 on the surface of sEVs. CAF sEV-associated integrin α2β1 mediated the binding of CAF sEVs to collagen I, and blocking integrin α2β1 inhibited collagen crosslinking by interfering with CAF sEV binding to collagen I. CAF sEV-induced collagen crosslinking promoted the EMT of OSCC through FAK/paxillin/YAP pathway. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel role of CAF sEVs in tumor ECM remodeling, suggesting a critical mechanism for CAF-induced EMT of cancer cells.
Humans ; Paxillin/metabolism* ; Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Integrin alpha2beta1/metabolism* ; Mouth Neoplasms/pathology* ; Collagen/metabolism* ; Fibroblasts ; Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Tumor Microenvironment

ObjectiveTo characterize a cluster epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）on campus in Baotou city and provide evidence for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in universities. MethodsField epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine the confirmed cases and close contacts in the cluster epidemic of COVID-19 in a university of western China in 2022. Descriptive analysis was utilized to illustrate the epidemic timeline and schematic diagram. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR（RT-PCR） was used to detect the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in the collected samples. ResultsA total of eight students were infected in the cluster epidemic on campus， including 2 confirmed cases and 6 asymptomatic cases. Case A1 infected other 7 students in the same dormitory or on the same floor by close contact. After a 10-day quarantine and medical observation， no further case was reported. The overall incidence rate was 1.22% and the incidence rate among close contacts was 2.24%. ConclusionThis cluster epidemic of COVID-19 is characterized by strong and fast transmission. Repeated contact with no personal protection in confined space is highly vulnerable to cluster epidemic. Prevention of cluster epidemics on campus remains crucial to contain the epidemic. Therefore， it is necessary to strengthen the management of campus containment， interrupt the transmission route， identify close contacts and implement quarantine management as early as possible to avoid the cluster epidemics on campus.

Objective:To investigate the small and dense low density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) level, ratios of sdLDL-C/low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), sdLDL-C/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and sdLDL-C/apolipoprotein B (apoB), and their correlation with lipid components in healthy adults.Methods:A total of 1 151 healthy adults, who underwent physical examination in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from September to December 2020 (557 men and 594 women), were included in this study. They were divided into five age groups: 18-29 years old ( n=247), 30-44 years old ( n=269), 45-59 years old ( n=225), 60-74 years old ( n=207) and 75-90 years old ( n=203) according to the age classification standard of the United Nations World Health Organization in 2018. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, apoA1 and apoB were measured, and the distribution of sdLDL-C, sdLDL-C/LDL-C, sdLDL-C/HDL-C and sdLDL-C/apoB in different sex and age groups were analyzed. Pearson/Spearman correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the above four indexes and other blood lipid components. Results:SdLDL-C, sdLDL-C/LDL-C, sdLDL-C/HDL-C and sdLDL-C/apoB were higher in male group ([0.56±0.23] mmol/L, 0.24±0.07, 0.49±0.22, 0.27±0.07) than those in female group ([0.48±0.18] mmol/L, 0.20±0.06, 0.36±0.17, 0.23±0.07) (all P<0.01). SdLDL-C, sdLDL-C/LDL-C, sdLDL-C/HDL-C and sdLDL-C/apoB were different among different age groups of male and female participants (all P<0.001). SdLDL-C level was significantly higher in males than in females among 18-29 years old group, 30-44 years old group, 45-59 years old group (all P<0.05). SdLDL-C, sdLDL-C/LDL-C, sdLDL-C/HDL-C and sdLDL-C/apoB were higher in males of 18-29 years old group, 30-44 years old group, 45-59 years old group and 60-74 years old group than in females of corresponding age groups (all P<0.05). The level of sdLDL-C of all participants was positively correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C, apoB, non-HDL-C and remnant cholesterol ( r＝0.50, 0.45, 0.67, 0.68, 0.61, 0.11, all P<0.01), and negatively correlated with HDL-C and apoA1 ( r＝-0.17 and -0.10, P<0.01). Conclusions:The levels of sdLDL-C, sdLDL-C/LDL-C, sdLDL-C/HDL-C and sdLDL-C/apoB in healthy adults are different in healthy adults of different ages and sex. There is a high correlation between sdLDL-C and apoB.

Objective:To investigate the effect of radon on the expressions of miR-16, miR-106b, miR-449a, let-7g, miR-21, miR-221 and miR-34a in peripheral blood plasma of miners.Methods:A total of 46 randomly selected miners worked underground(the underground group)and 38 miners worked aboveground (the control group). MiRNA levels in the underground and control groups were detected by qRT-PCR and their relationship with cumulative effective dose was further analyzed.Results:The levels of miR-106b, miR-21, miR-221 in plasma of the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group( Z=-2.32, -2.47, -2.79, P<0.05), the corresponding Fc values were 1.61, 1.75, 1.30, respectively. The levels of miR-16, miR-449a, let-7g and miR-34a were slightly higher than those in the control group ( P>0.05). After controlling of confounding factors such as age, BMI and smoking, the alteration of miR-16, miR-106b, let-7g, miR-21 and miR-221 in plasma of the underground group were positively correlated with the cumulative effective dose( t=2.50, 3.31, 2.60, 2.95, 3.25, P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the plasma levels of miR-449a and miR-34a between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:miR-106b, miR-21 and miR-221 could be used as potential biomarkers of radon exposure.

Objective:To investigate the changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) after X-ray irradiation and its influence on the stiffness of irradiated cells.Methods:Western blot was used to detect the expression of Cx43 in HUVEC cells at different time points (0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) after different doses of X-ray irradiation (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy), and the phosphorylation levels of three phosphorylation sites (Ser279/282, Ser368 and Tyr265) of Cx43 at different time points (3, 6, 24 and 48 h) after 0, 5 and 10 Gy irradiation. The distribution of Cx43 protein in the irradiated HUVEC cells was detected by immunofluorescence. The stiffness changes of cells were detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at the depths of 50, 100 and 200 nm.Results:The expression of Cx43 in HUVEC cells was reduced at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after 10 Gy X-ray irradiation( t=3.262, 3.708, 3.686, 6.825, P<0.05)and this decrease had a dose dependent manner at 24 h after 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy irradiation ( t=3.034, 10.720, 13.130, 13.650, P<0.05). At 24 h after 5, 10 and 20 Gy X-ray irradiation, the distribution of Cx43 in HUVEC cells was transported from intercellular gap junctions to nucleus and perinuclear region. At 24-48 h after irradiation, the phosphorylation level of Ser368 at Cx43 increased and in a dose dependent manner. At 24 h after irradiation, the stiffness of the irradiated cells decreased significantly under the conditions of 100 and 200 nm ( t=3.362, 5.122, P<0.05), and recovered with overexpression of Cx43 ( t=2.674, 4.398, P<0.05). Conclusions:X-ray irradiation leads to the phosphorylation of Ser368 at Cx43, which promotes the degradation and nucleus/perinuclear translocation of Cx43 and reduces the stiffness of HUVEC. Increasing the expression level of Cx43 is helpful to the stiffness recovery of irradiated vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that Cx43 may be a potential target for regulating radiation injury of vascular endothelial cells.