Background Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) may impair lung function through various mechanisms; however, it remains uncertain whether BaP induces ferroptosis in lung tissue cells, resulting in lung function impairment. Objective To investigate the ferroptosis of lung tissue cells triggered by subchronic BaP exposure in mice and its correlation with lung injury, and to explore the function of ferroptosis in BaP-induced lung tissue damage. Method Seventy-two healthy 3-weeks-old male C57BL/6J mice were acclimatized for 1 week and then randomly divided into six groups: control group (corn oil 10 mL·kg⁻¹), low-dose BaP group (2.5 mg·kg⁻¹), medium-dose BaP group (5 mg·kg⁻¹), high-dose BaP group (10 mg·kg⁻¹), BaP+ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) group (10 mg·kg⁻¹+1 mg·kg⁻¹), and Fer-1 group (1 mg·kg⁻¹), with 12 mice each group. Corn oil and BaP were administered via gavage every other day, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1 the subsequent day, throughout a period of 90 d. Whole-body plethysmography was applied to detect lung function; hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe lung tissue injury and fibrosis; microscopy of alveolar epithelial cells was conducted to reveal mitochondrial morphology; biochemical assays were used to measure the content of tissue iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), as well as the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed to reveal the protein and mRNA expression of ferroptosis markers. Results Compared to the control group, the high-dose BaP group showed a significant increase in expiration time (Te) (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in ratio rate of achieving peak expiratory flow (Rpef), tidal volume (TVb), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), minute volume (MVb), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.05 or 0.01). Based on the results of HE and Masson staining, partial destruction of alveolar structures, thickening of alveolar walls, infiltration of inflammatory cells, significant thickening of tracheal walls and a large deposition of collagen fibers in lung tissue were observed in the medium- and high-dose BaP groups. By microscopy, the alveolar epithelial cells exposed to low-dose BaP showed condensed chromatin, and the mitochondria exposed to medium and high-dose BaP showed wrinkles, increased mitochondrial membrane density, and diminished mitochondrial cristae. Compared to the control group, in the medium- and high-dose BaP groups, the lung tissue iron content and the expression levels of ACSL4 protein and mRNA significantly elevated (P<0.01 or 0.05), while the mRNA expression level of SLC7A11 significantly decreased (P<0.05); in the high-dose BaP group, the MDA content, COX2 protein, and PTGS2 mRNA expression levels significantly increased (P<0.05 or 0.01), GSH content and GSH-Px activity, GPX4 protein and mRNA expression levels, and the expression level of SLC7A11 protein significantly decreased (P<0.01 or 0.05). The ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 markedly reversed respiratory function, morphology, mitochondrial alterations, and the aforementioned ferroptosis-related biochemical indicators. Conclusion Subchronic exposure to BaP can induce ferroptosis in mice lung tissue cells, resulting in compromised lung function.

Objective:To explore the clinical features and genetic etiology for a child with developmental delay, impaired growth, facial dysmorphism, and axonal neuropathy (DIGFAN).Methods:A child who was admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University on March 22, 2021 was selected the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Following extraction of genomic DNA, the child and his parents were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES), and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.Results:The child, a 10-year-and-9-month-old boy, had manifested with short stature, intellectual disability, delayed speech, motor and language development, and facial dysmorphism. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that he has harbored a novel de novo c. 800T>C (p.Leu267Pro) variant of the MORC2 gene. The Leucine at position 267, which is highly conserved among various species, is located in the S5 domain of ribosome protein in the ATPase binding region of MORC2. And the Leu267Pro may affect the function of MORC2 by altering the spatial conformation and activity of ATPase. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c. 800T>C variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PS2+ PM2_Supporting+ PP2+ PP3). Conclusion:The MORC2: c. 800T>C (p.Leu267Pro) variant probably underlay the pathogenesis of DIGFAN syndrome in this child.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of chronic apical periodontitis(CAP)on atherosclerosis in apoE-/-mice fed high-fat diet(HFD).This investigation focused on the gut microbiota,metabolites,and intestinal barrier function to uncover potential links between oral health and cardiovascular disease(CVD).In this study,CAP was shown to exacerbate atherosclerosis in HFD-fed apoE-/-mice,as evidenced by the increase in plaque size and volume in the aortic walls observed via Oil Red O staining.16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant alterations in the gut microbiota,with harmful bacterial species thriving while beneficial species declining.Metabolomic profiling indicated disruptions in lipid metabolism and primary bile acid synthesis,leading to elevated levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA),taurocholic acid(TCA),and tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TDCA).These metabolic shifts may contribute to atherosclerosis development.Furthermore,impaired intestinal barrier function,characterized by reduced mucin expression and disrupted tight junction proteins,was observed.The increased intestinal permeability observed was positively correlated with the severity of atherosclerotic lesions,highlighting the importance of the intestinal barrier in cardiovascular health.In conclusion,this research underscores the intricate interplay among oral health,gut microbiota composition,metabolite profiles,and CVD incidence.These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a potential preventive measure against cardiovascular issues,as well as the need for further investigations into the intricate mechanisms linking oral health,gut microbiota,and metabolic pathways in CVD development.

Objective:Care bundles for critically ill patients with early enteral nutrition up to goal was constructed. Its purpose was to improve early enteral nutrition, prognosis and provide reference basis for improving the rate of standard of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients.Methods:By conducting systematic searching of domestic and foreign Chinese and English databases, related guide websites, relevant documents on early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients up to goal, which were obtained, evaluated, extracted, summarized and graded. After discussion by the research group, the first draft was prepared. Delphi method was used to conduct two rounds of expert correspondence, and the final draft of the proposal was established through the reliability analysis of correspondence results.Results:Twenty experts participated finally, and their opinions tended to be consistent after two rounds of expert inquiry. The authority coefficients were 0.92 and 0.91 respectively. The variation coefficients of the importance and operability of the two rounds of correspondence items were 0.05-0.20 and 0.05-0.21, 0.00-0.17 and 0.00-0.20 respectively. The Kendall concordance coefficients for the importance and operability of the two rounds of correspondence items were 0.16 and 0.13, 0.27 and 0.18 respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 117.01-228.43, all P<0.05). Finally, the final draft of bundle of care for early enteral nutrition up to goal in critically ill patients was established which included three aspects related to evaluation, implementation, and effectiveness monitoring, besides care bundle included 12 intervention perspectives and 29 specific intervention measures. Conclusions:Based on evidence-based and delphi method constructing care bundles for critically ill patients with early enteral nutrition up to goal was scientific, reliable and practical which could provide theoretical and practical guidance for bundled nursing interventions to meet early enteral nutrition standards in critically ill patients.

Periodontitis is a widespread oral disease characterized by continuous inflammation of the periodontal tissue and an irreversible alveolar bone loss, which eventually leads to tooth loss. Four-octyl itaconate (4-OI) is a cell-permeable itaconate derivative and has been recognized as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Here, we explored, for the first time, the protective effect of 4-OI on inhibiting periodontal destruction, ameliorating local inflammation, and the underlying mechanism in periodontitis. Here we showed that 4-OI treatment ameliorates inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide in the periodontal microenvironment. 4-OI can also significantly alleviate inflammation and alveolar bone loss via Nrf2 activation as observed on samples from experimental periodontitis in the C57BL/6 mice. This was further confirmed as silencing Nrf2 blocked the antioxidant effect of 4-OI by downregulating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, molecular docking simulation indicated the possible mechanism under Nrf2 activation. Also, in Nrf2^-/- mice, 4-OI treatment did not protect against alveolar bone dysfunction due to induced periodontitis, which underlined the importance of the Nrf2 in 4-OI mediated periodontitis treatment. Our results indicated that 4-OI attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress via disassociation of KEAP1-Nrf2 and activation of Nrf2 signaling cascade. Taken together, local administration of 4-OI offers clinical potential to inhibit periodontal destruction, ameliorate local inflammation for more predictable periodontitis.
Alveolar Bone Loss/prevention & control* ; Animals ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Inflammation ; Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Periodontitis/prevention & control* ; Succinates

Objective:To evaluate the detection ability of two kinds of high-throughput method to determine neutralizing antibodies based on a microneutralization test (MNT).Methods:Serum samples were collected from the early phase and follow-up period (117 samples in total) for neutralizing antibody testing. They were tested using MNT, pseudovirus neutralization assay (PBNA), competitive inhibition assay (including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA)) to evaluate the correlation coefficients and threshold values for the effectiveness of these high-throughput neutralizing antibody assays.Results:The correlation coefficients for PBNA, ELISA, and CLIA relative to MNT were 0.760, 0.778, and 0.725, respectively, for individuals infected with 2019-nCoV. The area under the ROC curve was 0.901 for a cutoff value of 50 for the PBNA assay, 0.934 for a cutoff value of 1∶8 for the ELISA assay and 0.838 for a cutoff value of 1.28AU/ml for the CLIA assay when the threshold value for the microneutralization test was taken as 1: 10 (less than 1: 10 is considered negative).Conclusions:The high-throughput method for the detection of COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies are scientific and feasible, and provide an important technical tool for the regular prevention and control of the epidemic.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of single-center children with low and intermediate-risk neuroblastoma (NB), report the long-term follow-up results of the growth and survival quality, and provide a basis for further clinical research.Methods:Clinical characteristics, including the sex, age, stage, risk of disease, and metastatic site of 370 newly treated children with low and intermediate-risk NB admitted to Hematology Oncology Center, Beijing Children′s Hospital from March 2007 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.WHO Anthro Plus was used for calculating Z score.Results:A total of 370 eligible children with low and intermediate-risk NB were included, with the mean age at onset of 16.8 months (1-191 months). Among them, 148 cases (40%) were younger than 12 months old.Mediastinal region was the most common primary site of NB (47.8%, 177 cases), followed by retroperitoneum/adrenal gland (41.4%, 153 cases). The median follow-up time of 370 patients was 31 months (0.3-157.0 months), the 5-years event free survival (EFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 86.2% and 96.9%, respectively.Thirty-seven cases had growth and deve-lopment problems, of which 22 cases had stunted growth, 6 cases had low body mass, 9 cases had wasting, and 7.3%(27/370 cases) had scoliosis.5.5% of them had heart damage and 5.0%(18/357 cases) had kidney damage, involving 12 cases related to the primary tumor and 6 cases were surgically related.30.2%(95/315 cases) of them had hair changed after chemotherapy, and curly hair was the most common change.Compared with before treatment, 14.9% of the children had a personality change, with an impatient being the most common.Conclusions:The 5-year overall survival rate of the single-center large sample of low and intermediate-risk NB was high, mediastinal was the most common primary site of tumor, and the long-term quality of life is good, but there were still treatment-related side effects, and further clinical monitoring and long-term follow-up were needed.

In recent years, the contradiction between the construction of backward first aid system and the demand for emergency services in rural areas in China is increasingly serious. In order to further improve the quality and efficiency of first aid, the state has vigorously promoted the construction of the " Five Centers" , namely chest pain centers, stroke centers, trauma centers, critical maternal treatment centers, and critically ill children and neonatal treatment centers in rural areas, in an effort to develop an efficient rural emergency service network. The authors collected relevant policy documents and summarized practices of the " Five Centers" construction. On such basis, they referred to experiences of overseas emergency systems and medical rescue centers, and made focused analysis for on the functionality and mechanism of the " Five Centers" in building an innovative first-aid system, in terms of internal and external environment, institutional function positioning, resource integration, and operation mechanism. In view of the integration among " Five Centers" , pre-hospital emergency and in-hospital first aid in rural areas, information construction, personnel first aid capacity building and interest allocation, policy recommendations are proposed.

Objective:To determine the equilibrium solubility and n-octanol/water partition coefficients (Papp)of cinnamon acid and cinnamaldehyde. Methods:The equilibrium solubility of cinnamon acid and cinnamaldehyde in different solutions was determined by HPLC,and their n-octanol/water partition coefficients were determined by a shaking flask method combined with HPLC-DAD. Results:When the pH of solution was 7.8,the equilibrium solubility of cinnamon acid was the largest,while that of cinnamaldehyde was the largest in pH 6.8 solution. The scopes of lgPappof cinnamon acid and cinnamaldehyde in different buffer solutions(pH 1.2-7.8) were -1.04-2.27 and 0.29-1.67, respectively, while those in n-octanol/water solvent were 0.85 and 1.26, respectively. Conclusion:The method is simple,accurate and fast to predicate the absorption of chemical components. In gastrointestinal physiological environment,cinnamaldehyde has good absorption, while cinnamon acid is with poor absorption in stomach and with better absorption in intestinal.

We studied the status of parasite pollution in fish and shrimps in Fujian Province,and provided basis for prevention and control of parasite pollution and food safety in aquatic products.Stratified random sampling method was used,and Fujian Province was divide into Eastern,Southern,Western,Northern and Central five regions of Fujian province.Based on the data collected from the five regions between 2012 and 2016,digestion and compression methods were conducted to detect the levels of parasite metacercariae and larvae in both freshwater and marine products.Results showed that the total parasitoid infection rate was 5.15％ (130/2 524).The infection rate of trematode metacercariae and nematode larvae were 3.72％ (94/2524) and 1.43％ (36/2 524),respectively.Twenty-eight marine aquatic species were investigated and the infection rate was 17.25 ％ (88/510),in the form of Anisakis infection.The parasite infection rates in the five regions were 10.38％ (27/260) in Mindong,5.84％ (27/462) inMinnan,4.63％ (30/648) in Minxi,4.64％ (29/625) in Minbei and 9.91％ (103/1 039) in Minzhong.The freshwater products in Fujian Province have been polluted by parasites and are area-depended.The infection rate of marine aquatic products is kept in a high level.Fujian Province should strengthen the food safety and health publicity,take effective prevention and control strategies,and use early warning mechanisms to insure the food safety in province.