Objective:To analyze the clinical symptoms and epidemiological characteristics of patients with tsutsugamushi disease (TD) in Utica County, Shiyan City, providing reference for scientific prevention and control of TD.Methods:The information of 57 TD patients admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases of the People's Hospital of Utica County in Shiyan City from January to December 2022 was collected, including age, gender, occupation, clinical manifestations (tarsus or chigger, high fever, rash and accompanying syndromes), laboratory and imaging test results, and field work and travel history. Blood samples and body crusts were collected, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect antibodies against Orientia tsugamushi (Ot-Ab-IgM) and Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot). The scores of each patient were calculated using the TD Diagnostic Scale. A score of ≥8.5 was considered a clinical diagnosis of TD. According to the number of system functional damages (0, 1, 2, ≥3), 57 patients were divided into 4 groups, A, B, C, and D, TD was analyzed for system functional damages of each system.Results:Among the 57 TD patients, 26 (45.61%) were male and 31 (54.39%) were female, and the proportion of patients aged 40 - 79 years was 92.98% (53/57); farmers accounted for 89.47% (51/57). May was the peak of TD incidence, with 19 cases, which accounted for 33.33% (19/57) of the total number of patients affected that year. Fifty-four patients had a history of fieldwork or field trips before the onset of the disease. The incidence of high fever in 57 TD patients was 100.00%(57/57), the detection rate of body scorch or chiggers was 80.70% (46/57), and the incidence rate of rash was 98.25% (56/57); the incidence rate of tsutsugamushi disease triad (accompanied by scabs, high fever, and rash) was 80.70% (46/57); the incidence of eosinophil decline was 100.00%(57/57), and 77.19% (44/57) of TD patients experienced multiple-system functional damage (MSFD). The TD score diagnostic scale for 57 patients ranged from 8.5 to 10.5 points. After being hospitalized for 1 - 5 days, all TD patients experienced a decrease in body temperature to the normal range, and the damage to various systems functional gradually recovered.Conclusions:TD has become one of the most common natural infectious diseases in Utopia County, Shiyan City, Hubei Province. The patients are mainly middle-aged and elderly people, and the triple syndrome is a typical clinical manifestation. Asymptomatic injuries to the blood system, liver and kidneys are the most common.

Objective:Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are associated with abnormal bone metabolism, but they have different pathogenic mechanisms. Sclerostin(SOST), Dickkopf-related protein 1(DKK-1), and irisin are newly discovered factors involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. This study aims to compare the differences in serum levels of SOST, DKK-1, and irisin between patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 101 patients with type 1 diabetes who visited the Endocrinology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2017 to 2019, as well as 55 patients with type 2 diabetes and 59 individuals with normal glucose tolerance who were confirmed through an oral glucose tolerance test as part of the Beijing Changping Community Type 2 Diabetes Management Program from 2014 to 2015. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of SOST, DKK-1, and irisin.Results:There were more female participants than male participants, with an average age of 49 years. The group with type 1 diabetes had a longer duration of illness( P<0.001) and higher HbA 1C levels( P<0.001) compared to the group with type 2 diabetes, and there was no statistical difference in age between the two groups. Both the type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes groups had lower levels of serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide(P1NP) compared to the control group [(8 579±400)pg/mL, (7 268±552)pg/mL vs(10 051±618)pg/mL, P=0.039, P=0.001]; But the β isomer of C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen(β-CTX) showed no statistical difference compared to the control group. Patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes had higher SOST than controls [(129.7±6.8)pg/mL, (104.8±6.8)pg/mL vs(85.9±5.3)pg/mL, P<0.001, P=0.030], the differences between the type 1 diabetes group and the control group lost statistical significance after adjusting for factors such as fasting blood glucose and lipid levels. There was no significant difference in SOST between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes groups. There was no significant difference in DKK-1 among three groups, but DKK-1 in type 1 diabetes group was lower or tended to be lower than that in type 2 diabetes group. Serum irisin in patients with type 1 diabetes was higher than that in controls and patients with type 2 diabetes[(16.6±0.7)ng/mL vs (9.6±0.6)ng/mL, (9.8±0.6)ng/mL, both P<0.001], but there was no significant difference in irisin level between type 2 diabetes and controls. Conclusions:Patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes showed inhibition of the bone formation marker P1NP, while the bone resorption marker β-CTX did not significantly change. SOST levels were elevated or showed an increasing trend in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, which may be related to the inhibition of bone formation. Additionally, type 1 diabetes patients had increased levels of irisin, which may be involved in abnormal bone turnover.

Oral static biofilm model is an important tool for in vitro simulation of oral microecological environment, which has become an important method for studying the pathogenesis of various oral diseases and testing the efficacy of various drugs, oral care products and foods due to its low cost, high throughput, good reliability and easy operation. The establishment of oral static biofilm models allows the selection of different devices, inoculum sources, media, substrates and culture conditions according to the purpose of the study, and the evaluation of biofilm growth by various methods such as measuring biomass, metabolic activity, community structure and performing visualization analysis. This paper summarizes the methodological elements reported in recent years for the establishment and evaluation of oral static biofilm models, and analyzes and discusses the applicability of various methods in the hope of contributing to the research and production practice in related fields.
Biofilms ; Reproducibility of Results

Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) are often accompanied by various complications such as sarcopenia and cachexia including lipopenia, and it was believed in the past that such status was associated with malnutrition, while recent studies have shown that myostatin (MSTN) is associated with the progression of ESLD. MSTN can lead to sarcopenia and cachexia by affecting the metabolism of glucose, fat, and protein and the number of myocytes, and it can be used as a screening indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and an indicator for disease progression. Intervention via the MSTN pathway might be an effective method for controlling sarcopenia and cachexia in patients with ESLD, and MSTN may be an effective indicator for predicting the progression of liver cirrhosis to HCC.

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of 3.0T and 1.5T magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. Methods Preoperative magnetic resonance examination was performed on 50 patients with gastric cancer by using Siemens 1.5T and 3.0T superconducting magnetic resonance imaging system, and the outcomes were compared with postoperative pathological results. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the diagnosis in lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer were analyzed statistically. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of lymph nodes were also evaluated for 1.5T and 3.0T magnetic resonance DWI. Results The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the diagnosis on lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer by 1.5T magnetic resonance DWI were 79.4 %, 81.4%and 80.0%, respectively, and the corresponding percentages of 3.0T magnetic resonance DWI were 84.6%, 79.7%and 83.1%. The accuracy rate of 3.0T magnetic resonance DWI was slightly higher than that of 1.5T in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer (χ2=5.451, P=0.020), but there were no significant differences in the sensitivity and specificity between the two groups (both P> 0.05). The accuracy rate of 1.5T magnetic resonance DWI in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer was less effective than that of the pathological diagnosis (χ2=7.410, P=0.007), but there was no significant difference between 3.0T magnetic resonance DWI and pathological diagnosis (χ2=2.450, P=0.120). The mean ADC values of metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes detected by 1.5T magnetic resonance DWI were (1.036 ±0.203) × 10-3 mm2/s and (1.476 ± 0.215) × 10-3 mm2/s (t= 6.813, P< 0.001), meanwhile, the corresponding values detected by 3.0T magnetic resonance DWI were (1.154 ± 0.183) × 10-3 mm2/s and (1.502 ± 0.264) × 10-3 mm2/s (t= 5.991, P< 0.001). The coincidence of the two methods for ADC value was favorable. Conclusions The diagnostic effect of 3.0T magnetic resonance DWI on lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer is better than that of 1.5T. ADC value provides a reliable imaging quantitative indicator for the determination of metastatic lymph nodes in gastric cancer, which plays a significant role in the clinical treatment options and prognosis of patients.

BACKGROUND:Understanding the actions and underlying mechanisms of proteins in cel s and organisms and studies on the lumbar disc herniation (LDH)-associated proteins contribute to further clarify the LDH pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the serum proteome changes in LDH patients using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry, and to screen the biomarkers for LDH diagnosis and treatment. METHODS:Twenty-five LDH patients were enrol ed and their serums were col ected before and after treatment. After removal of high abundant protein, the serum protein spectrum was compared after two-dimensional gel electrophoresis serum protein spectrum diagram, to look for differential protein spots. Subsequently, the differential protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF technique combined with biology software and database retrieval. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Six differential protein spots were screened preliminarily, and three kinds of proteins were confirmed after mass spectrum detection, among which, acid glycoprotein was related to the LDH immune regulation and occurrence, development and targeting sites of chemical radiculitis. The expression level of acid glycoprotein was significantly decreased in LDH patients after treatment (P<0.05). These results suggest that acid glycoprotein is associated with LDH through gel electrophoresis-base proteome analysis.

Objective To explore the effect of medlar polysaccharide(MP) on blood fat metabolism of rat with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods 40 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(n=7), and a NAFLD model group (n=33). The control group was treated with normal forage, and the control group was treated with high-fat forage. After 8 weeks, 30 NAFLD models were successfully established and divided into three groups randomly: a LBP intervention group (treatment group, n=10) was perfused with 60 mg/(kg?d)MP, a simvastatin intervention group(control group, n=10) was perfused with 5mg/(kg?d) simvastatin, and a model group(model group,n=10) was perfused with the same volume of water along with high fat diet at the same time. After 8 weeks, triglycerides, total cholesterol, ALT, AST, leptin, and adiponectin in the plasma in rat were test. Malondialdehyde, Superoxide Dismutase and Gamma glutamyl cysteinyl glycine were also detected in the liver tissue. Results After 8 weeks, the contents of TG (0.94 ± 0.09 mmol/Lvs.1.19 ± 0.13 mmol/L), TC (2.15 ± 0.20 mmol/L vs. 3.52 ± 0.29 mmol/L), ALT (41.75 ± 4.14 U/L vs. 55.34 ± 5.38 U/L), AST (129.61 ± 12.07 U/L vs. 164.96 ± 15.49 U/L), LP (235.69 ± 23.52 pg/ml vs. 284.01 ±29.43 pg/ml) were decreased, the contents of ADP (35.47 ± 3.09 μg/L vs. 26.31 ± 2.58 μg/L) was increased in serum of the treatment group compared with the model group (P<0.05 orP<0.01);the contents of SOD (92.40 ± 8.89 U/mg vs. 61.60 ± 5.89 U/mg), GSH (22.25 ± 2.21 mg/g vs. 15.50 ± 1.36 mg/g)were increased, and the contents of MDA (0.84 ± 0.08 nmol/mg vs. 1.07 ± 0.09 nmol/mg) was decreased in liver tissue of the treatment group compared with the model group (P<0.05 orP<0.01). HE stain showed that the treatment group improved the injury.Conclusions Medlar polysaccharide(MP) can inhibit lipid peroxidation by adjusting lipid metabolism.

Objective To observe the influence ofgypenosides on hydrogen sulfide in liver tissue and plasma of rat with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.Methods 58 SPF male SD rats,with body mass 220～250 g,were randomly divided into a blank control group (group N,n=7),and a NAFLD and T2DM model group (Group M,n=51).Group N was fed with ordinary diet in the first four weeks,group M was fed with diets of high fat and sugar,injected with 40 mg/kg STZ overnight,and the same diets for the next four weeks.The rat model with T2DM and NAFLD was build.NAFLD and T2DM model group were divided into three groups:a high dose GPS group (JH,n=9) injected with 1 g/kg · d-1 GPS,a low dose GPS group (JL,n=9) injected with 0.5 g/kg · d-1 GPS,and a model group (M,n=9) injected with the same volume of water,and high fat diet at the same time.The treatment period was six weeks,and the experiment period was fourteen weeks.TG,TC,BS,and H2S in the plasma of rat were tested,and H2S in the liver tissue of the rat was tested.Results ①The changes of H2S in plasma:group JH [(4.30±0.43) μmol/L] and JL [(3.83 ±0.47) μmol/L] was lower than group M [(2.67 ± 0.41) μmol/L],there was a significant difference.②The changes of H2S in the liver tissue:group JH [(333.52±37.94) pmol/min/mg/protein] and JL [(275.81 ±36.07)pmol/min/mg/protein] was lower than group M [(237.8± 33.05) pmol/min/mg/protein],there was a significant difference.③BS levels:group JH(10.86±3.46)mmol/L,group JL (14.78±3.39)mmol/L,group M(18.84±4.24) mmol/L,group JH and JL was lower than group M,there was a significant difference (P＜0.01).④The plasma TG level:group N (0.96±0.09) mmol/L,group JH (2.82± 0.66) mmol/L,group JL (1.83± 0.56) mmol/L,group M (3.97 ± 0.64) mmol/L.group JH and JL was lower than group M,there was a significant difference (P＜0.01).Conclusion Gypenoside can reduce the blood sugar,triglycerides,and total cholesterol in rat with with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcohol fatty liver disease.H2S concentrations in plasma and liver tissue of the rats with T2DM and NAFLD were increased by GPS,showing dose dependence.Gypenosides can also improve metabolism of blood glucose and lipid in rats with T2DM and NAFLD.

Objective:To study the relationship between serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), placenta growth factor(PLGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1(VEGFR1, Flt-1), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1(sVEGFR1, sFlt-1) mRNA expression in placenta tissue of preeclampsia(PE). Methods: The serum level of sICAM-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gene expression of placenta tissue was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results:(1)The average serum level of sICAM-1 was(218.45±29.93) μg/L in PE group compared with (168.84±19.39) μg/L in controls(P < 0.01).(2)The mRNA expressions of VEGF, PLGF, Flt-1 and sFlt-1 were increased in placenta of PE than those in controls (P < 0.01).(3)There was a positive correlation between the serum level of sICAM-1 and the sFlt-1 mRNA expression in placenta tissue(r = 0.90, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The serum level of sICAM was increased in the patients with PE. The expressions of VEGF, PLGF, Flt-1 and sFlt-1mRNA were increased remarkably in the placenta tissue of palients with PE,especial for sFlt-1. The remarkable increase for expression of sFlt-1mRNA may contribute to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and proteinuria.

Objective To investigate MR findings and dynamic changes of the brain after gas explosion,and to evaluate the relationship between MR findings and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods Forty-nine survivors of a gas explosion (group A) were examined with brain MRI within 1 to 3 days,and serial MR follow-up examinations were also performed.Forty miners not under the ground that day were assigned as group B,and 40 staff working on the ground as group C.The signal intensity values of hippocampus and globus pallidus on T2WI were measured in the three groups and F test was performed by using SPSS 13.0.The relationship between signal intensity values of hippocampus/globns pallidus and PTSD was explored,and the relationship between ADC values of hippocampus and PTSD was also investigated.Results In group A,slight low signal on T1WI and high signal on T2WI were detected on initial MRI in hippocampus (33 cases),globus pallidus (12 cases),cortex (10 cases),and midbrain (2 cases),respectively.On follow-up MRI at 2 months,lesions in hippocampus disappeared (25 cases) or remained slight high signal on T2WI (8 cases),lesions in globus pallidus disappeared (3 cases,5 sides) or showed shrinkage and encephalomalacia (9 cases),cortical lesions resulted in encephalomalacia in 2 cases and returned normal in the others,and lesions in the midbrain showed encephalomatacia.For comparison of T2 signal intensity values in hippocampus and globus pallidus,there was significant difference between group A and group B(P <0.01),and also between group A and group C(P <0.01),but no difference was detected between group B and group C (P>0.05).In group A,the T2 signal intensities of PTSD and non-PTSD were 455±37 and 462±53 in the left hippocarnpus,and 458±36 and 460±43 in the right hippoeampus on 1 to 3 days,and the T2 signal intensities of PTSD and non-PTSD were 438±29 and 424±37 in the left hippocampns,and 442±31 and 430±32 in the right hippocampus at 2 months.The T2 signal intensities of PTSD and non-PTSD were 361 ±35 and 366±63 in the left globus pallidus,and 363 ±41 and 375±62 in the right globus pallidus on 1 to 3 days,and the T2 signal intensities of PTSD and non-PTSD were 341±24 and 337±39 in the left globns pallidus,340±26 and 332±35 in the tight glohus pallidns at 2 months.There was no difference of T2 signal intensity values in hippocampus and globus pallidus between PTSD and non-PTSD( t=0.350,0.826,0.503,0.907,P>0.05).In group A,ADC values of PTSD and nun-PTSD were (8.1±1.1)×10-4 and(8.1 ±0.9)×10-4mm2/s in the left hippocampus,and (8.2±1.0)×10-4 and(8.2±0.8)×10-4mm2/s in the tight hippocampus on 1 to 3 days,ADC values were (8.8±0.7)×10-4 and (9.0±1.0)×10-4mm2/s in the left hippocampus,and (8.5±0.9)×10-4 and (9.3±1.1)×10-4mm2/s in the tight hippocampus at 2 months.ADC values in hippocampns showed no difference between PTSD and non-PTSD(t=0.016,0.081,P>0.05)on initial MRI,but showed significant difference between PTSD and non-PTSD in tight hippocampus (t=7.407,P < 0.05) on follow-up MRI at 2 months,while no difference in left hippocampus (t =0.333,P>0.05) was observed at 2 months.Conclusion Hippocampns and globus pallidus are the most vulnerable structures in gas explosion.The occurrence of PTSD may be related to the injury of fight hippocampus,but not related to the injury of globns pallidus.