ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in general body parameters, blood glucose, and blood lipid profiles in obese cynomolgus monkeys, exploring the correlations among these parameters and providing a reference for research on the obese cynomolgus monkey model. Methods30 normal male cynomolgus monkeys aged 5 - 17 years old (with body mass index < 35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) and 99 spontaneously obese male cynomolgus monkeys (with body mass index ≥35 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin content < 4.50%) were selected. Over a period of three years, their abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and four blood lipid indicators were monitored. The correlations between each indicator were analyzed using repeated measurement ANOVA, simple linear regression, and multiple linear regression correlation analysis method. Results Compared to the control group, the obese group exhibited significantly higher levels of abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, and triglyceride (P＜0.05). In the control group, skinfold thickness increased annually, while other indicators remained stable. Compared with the first year, the obese group showed significantly increased abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, body mass index, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose in the second year(P＜0.05), with this increasing trend persisting in the third year (P＜0.05). In the control group, the obesity incidence rates in the second and third years were 16.67% and 23.33%, respectively, while the prevalence of diabetes remained at 16.67%. In the obese group, the diabetes incidence rates were 29.29% and 44.44% in years 2 and 3, respectively. Among the 11-13 year age group, the incidence rates were 36.36% and 44.68%, while for the group older than 13 years, the rates were 28.13% and 51.35%. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations (P＜0.05) between fasting blood glucose and age, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, body weight, and triglyceride in the diabetic monkeys. Conclusion Long-term obesity can lead to the increases in general physical indicators and fasting blood glucose levels in cynomolgus monkeys, and an increase in the incidence of diabetes. In diabetic cynomolgus monkeys caused by obesity, there is a high correlation between their fasting blood glucose and age, weight, abdominal circumference, skinfold thickness, and triglyceride levels, which is of some significance for predicting the occurrence of spontaneous diabetes.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

Fluorescence microscopy is a vital tool in life science research, but the diffraction nature of light limits further observation of cells. Super-resolution imaging techniques provide deeper insights into cellular structures, including stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED), structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Each of these methods offers unique advantages and principles that push the boundaries of spatial resolution beyond conventional diffraction limits. Among these techniques, SMLM stands out for its exceptional resolution, offering nanometer resolution and becoming a powerful tool for obtaining high-resolution images. SMLM is particularly valuable for studying the spatial distribution and interactions of organelles and macromolecular complexes. Following the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014, super-duper resolution imaging techniques were listed as one of Nature’s seven technologies to watch in 2024. The development of these techniques remains an important area of research. We introduce the development of multi-color SMLM, three-dimensional (3D) SMLM, and nanoscale resolution microscopes. We describe several methods to achieve multi-color SMLM. Sequential imaging and Exchange-PAINT require image targets in sequence, excitation or emission spectral demixing can obtain multi-color images simultaneously based on spectral difference between fluorescent dyes, dual-channel spectroscopic SMLM to achieve simultaneous imaging and spectral analysis of each molecule, and techniques based on binding kinetics of PAINT achieve multi-color by designing the blinking behavior of targets with engineered binding frequency and duration in DNA-PAINT. We then discuss various approaches for 3D imaging. Point spread function (PSF) engineering techniques manipulate the shape and properties of the PSF to improve 3D localization accuracy. Multi-plane imaging methods capture images from different focal planes and reconstruct them to obtain 3D information. Interferometry methods use single molecule interference to achieve high precision in axial localization, providing another way for high resolution 3D nanoscopy. Finally, we highlight advances in new nanoscale resolution microscopes based on modulated illumination patterns, including minimal photon fluxes (MINFLUX), repetitive optical selective exposure (ROSE), ROSE-Z, SIMFLUX, SIMPLE, and ModLoc. MINFLUX is known for its ability to achieve ultra-high resolution by detecting minimal photon fluxes from single molecules using a doughnut-shaped excitation spot to spatially modulate excitation intensities. Typically, we focus on ROSE and ROSE-Z, which outperform other techniques, using a resonant mirror to eliminate localization errors caused by fluorescence blinking. Recently, resolution enhancement by sequential imaging (RESI) and one nanometre expansion (ONE) was introduced to achieve resolution down to the Ångström scale. Nanoscopy serves as a new role between super resolution microscopy and structural biology and will lead to more discoveries in complex biological systems. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive overview of current advances in super-resolution imaging techniques, highlighting their contributions to overcoming the diffraction limit and enabling detailed observation of nanoscale biological structures, and provides an outlook on promising new techniques and applications. Through detailed descriptions of the principles, benefits, and applications of multi-color and 3D techniques, the article highlights new nanoscale imaging techniques that are expanding our ability to visualize and understand the intricate details of molecular and cellular processes. We hope that this article can be a primer resource for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners of SMLM.

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.

Background::Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Methods::The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4 +) T-cell counts, CD8 + T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed. Results::The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6-6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log 10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8-16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log 10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA ( r = 0.76, P <0.0001). Meanwhile, both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8 + T-cell counts. Conclusions::This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity. It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades, and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.

Multimorbidity is significantly associated with life quality decline, disability, and increased mortality risk. Additionally, it leads to greater consumption of healthcare resources, presenting substantial challenges to healthcare systems globally. To better assess the burden of multimorbidity, its impact on patient health outcomes and healthcare services, and to explore the underlying mechanisms in its development, this paper summarizes the existing methods used for measuring and analyzing multimorbidity in research and practice, including disease count, disease-weighted indices, multimorbidity pattern recognition (such as disease association analysis, clustering analysis, and network analysis) and longitudinal methods to provide references for the accurate assessment of the prevalence of multimorbidity and its changes and improve the validity and universality of research findings.

Industry-university-research cooperation is not only the core of technological innovation,but also an important way to enhance industrial competitiveness and achieve high-quality development.Industry-university-research cooperation in Liaoning Province has achieved significant results in promoting technological innovation and economic development,but there are still some problems and challenges.The main problems include insufficient depth of industry-university-research cooperation,scattered innovation resources,lack of long-term stable cooperation mechanisms,as well as talent loss and lack of high-quality innovative talents.Through systematically sorting out the existing models of industry-university-research cooperation,it proposes a series of targeted and operable countermeasures and suggestions.These measures and suggestions provide solid theoretical support for the healthy development of industry-university-research cooperation in Liaoning Province.

Objective:To study the situation of legal regulations for the integration of industry-university-research in Liaoning,improve the concept of legal regulation,optimize the legal regulation methods,so as to promote the deep integration of industry-university-research in Liaoning.Method:Problem-oriented approach was used,and the problems of the current legal regulations for the integration of industry-university-research in Liaoning were reviewed.Result:It was found that legal regulations for the deep integration of industry-university-research in Liaoning were not yet perfect,which was manifested in insufficient coverage of policies and regulations,relatively lagging update of regulations,and insufficient highlighting of local characteristics.Conclusion:In response to the above issues,it is proposed to use measures such as collaborative regulation,incentive regulation and moderate regulation to establish and improve the legal system of the integration of industry-university-research in Liaoning province.

Objective To develop a portable collection device of human exhaled breath condensate(EBC)based on natural breathing to meet the needs for rapid screening of human respiratory tract(especially lower respiratory tract)infections.Methods The device consisted of a refrigeration unit,a heat dissipation unit and a condensation unit.The refrigeration unit adopted a TES1-7102 thermoelectric Peltier cooler semiconductor as the refrigeration element;the heat dissipation unit was composed of a high thermal conductivity aluminum heat sink and a high-speed brushless cooling fan;the condensation unit was made up of a cold guide plate and a condenser,in which the cold guide plate was made of thin sheet of aluminum alloy,and the condenser was prepared by 3D printing technology and made of hydrophobic polylactic acid,with primary and secondary 2-stage guide grooves and an ultra-thin condensing surface.The performance of the device was verified in terms of cooling,thermal conductivity,condensation and human EBC collection and content analysis.Results Performance analysis showed that after refrigeration began the temperature difference between the condenser surface and the exhaled gas met the requirements of the condenser,and no obvious thermal resistance was found on the condensing surface so that large droplets could be formed rapidly and then be collected after the gas-liquid phase change of the exhaled gas on the condensing surface.Human EBC collection and content analysis indicated the device realized home self-collection of EBCs from people of all ages,and the concentrations of interleukins,C-reactive protein and other inflammation-related indexes and the pH value of the collected EBC samples were all correlated with respiratory infections in the subjects.Conclusion The device developed with easy operation avoids the discomfort of blowing collection and the risk of saliva contamination,and is worthy promoting for rapid diagnosis and dynamic monitoring of respiratory tract infection and other related diseases.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(8):32-37]

With reference to the teaching reform of standardized training cases based on organ systems, a teaching case writing team has been established, integrating the teaching experts in basic medicine, clinical medicine, humanities medicine, and other fields. Through collective lesson preparation and discussion, non-fictional comprehensive scenario writing techniques have been used based on organ systems and oriented by competency development, and the teaching cases for postgraduate students were written on the basis of real cases, which lays a solid foundation for the hierarchical and progressive cultivation and improvement of the quality of competency cultivation for postgraduate students through case teaching based on organ systems.