BACKGROUND:Buqi Huoxue Compounds have significant clinical efficacy in treating ischemic stroke with Qi deficiency and phlegm stasis;however,the exact mechanism of action is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Buqi Huoxue Compounds on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor and autophagy related protein Beclin1 and p62 in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group and autophagy inhibitor group,with 10 rats in each group.In the latter three groups,a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established.The Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion;the autophagy inhibitor group was intragastrically given Buqi Huoxue Compounds(6.49 g/kg,administered three times a day)2 hours after reperfusion and intraperitoneally given 3-methyladenine 2 hours before gavage and at days 1-3 of gavage.The sham operation group and model group were given equal amounts of saline by gavage for 7 consecutive days.Neurological function,cerebral infarct volume,brain tissue morphology and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor and autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and p62 in the ischemic cortical region of rats were detected at 24 hours after the final administration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Zea-Longa scoring results showed that the neurological function of rats was severely damaged after modeling and neurological deficit of rats in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was less than that in the model group and the autophagy inhibitor group(P＜0.05).TTC staining showed that cerebral infarct foci were observed in the model group,Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,and autophagy inhibitor group,and the cerebral infarct volume in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group was lower than that in the model group and the autophagy inhibitor group(P＜0.05).The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining in ischemic brain tissues showed that there were large gaps between nerve cells in the model group and cell arrangement was not neat,and cytoplasmic agglutination and pyknosis were observed.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor was mostly expressed in neuronal cells,glial cells and capillary endothelium;basic fibroblast growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were mostly expressed in neuronal cells and glial cells;and there was no significant difference in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor among the four groups(P＞0.05).The results of western blot assay showed that compared with the sham operation group,Beclin1 protein expression was decreased(P＜0.05)and p62 protein expression was elevated(P＜0.05)in the model group;compared with the model group,Beclin1 protein expression was increased(P＜0.05)and p62 protein expression was reduced(P＜0.05)in the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group;compared with the Buqi Huoxue Compounds group,Beclin1 protein expression was decreased(P＜0.05)and p62 protein expression was elevated(P＜0.05)in the autophagy inhibitor group.To conclude,Buqi Huoxue Compounds attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by promoting autophagy.

Objective To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured using electric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 (χ² = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61). Conclusions The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.

ObjectiveTo understand the infection characteristics of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized patients in a tertiary sentinel hospital in Shanghai, so as to provide an evidence for the development of targeted prevention and control measures. MethodsData of MDROs strains and corresponding medical records of some hospitalized patients in a hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023 were collected, together with an analysis of the basic information, clinical treatment, underlying diseases and sources of sample collection. ResultsA total of 134 strains of MDROs isolated from hospitalized patients in this hospital were collected from 2021 to 2023 , including 63 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 57 strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and 14 strains of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Of the 134 strains, 30 strains were found in 2021, 47 strains in 2022 and 57 strains in 2023. The male-to-female ratio of patients was 2.05∶1, with the highest percentage (70.90%) in the age group of 60‒<90 years. The primary diagnosis was mainly respiratory disease, with lung and respiratory tract as the cheif infection sites. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different genders and infection sites (P>0.05). However, the differences in the distribution of strains between different ages and primary diagnosis were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), had urinary tract intubation, were not artery or vein intubated, were not on a ventilator, were not using immunosuppresants or hormones, and were not applying radiotherapy or chemotherapy were in the majority. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains for whether received radiotherapy or chemotherapy or not (P>0.05), while the differences in the distribution of strains with ICU admission history, urinary tract intubation, artery or vein intubation, ventilator use, and immunosuppresants or hormones use or not were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The type of specimen was mainly sputum, the hospitalized ward was mainly comprehensive ICU, the sampling time was mainly in the first quarter throughout the year, the number of underlying diseases was mainly between 1 to 2 kinds, the application of antibiotics ≥4 kinds, and those who didn’t receive any surgery recently accounted for the most. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of strains between different specimen types, wards occupied and history of ICU stay (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different sampling times, number of underlying diseases and types of antibiotics applied (P>0.05). ConclusionThe situation of prevention and control on MDROs in this hospital is still serious. Focus should be placed on high-risk factors’ and infection monitoring and preventive measures should be strengthened to reduce the incidence rate of MDROs infection.

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the epidemiological trends of birth defects in perinatal infants in Fengxian District, Shanghai from 2018 to 2022, so as to provide a scientific evidence for the formulation of related prevention and control strategies. MethodsBased on the data from the National Birth Defects Surveillance System, statistical analysis was conducted on the perinatal birth defects from monitored hospitals within the region from 2018 to 2022. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2022, a total of 20 870 perinatal infants delivered in the monitored hospitals in Fengxian District, with 472 cases with birth defects, showing a significant increase in the prevalence of birth defects (PRR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.39‒1.59). The risk of birth defects increased with maternal age, especially for advanced maternal age (PRR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.12‒2.25). Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes had a higher prevalence of birth defects compared to those without gestational diabetes (PRR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.46‒2.70). Infants with birth defects were more likely to be born prematurely (PRR=2.07, 95%CI:1.56‒2.76). The top three types of birth defects were congenital heart disease (CHD), other anomalies of the external ear, and polydactyly. ConclusionThe prevalence of birth defects in Fengxian District monitored hospitals showed an upward trend from 2018 to 2022. Advanced maternal age and gestational diabetes were identified as risk factors for birth defects. CHD is the leading type of birth defect in Fengxian District over the five-year period. To reduce the prevalence of birth defects, it is crucial to implement comprehensive prevention and treatment measures for CHD.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in aging mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive decline through the regulation of gut microbiota-metabolite network. By providing novel insights into the interplay between exercise, gut microbiota, and cognitive health, this research seeks to offer a robust theoretical foundation for developing anti-aging strategies and personalized exercise interventions targeting aging-related cognitive dysfunction. MethodsUsing naturally aged C57BL/6 mice as the experimental model, this study employed a multi-omics approach combining 16S rRNA sequencing and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 18 mice were divided into 3 groups: young control (YC, 4-month-old), old control (OC, 21-month-old), and old+exercise (OE, 21-month-old with 12 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill training) groups. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze (MWM) test, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Histopathological examinations of brain tissue sections provided morphological evidence of neuronal changes. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and metabolite profiling via 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Data were analyzed using a combination of statistical and bioinformatics tools to identify differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites and to construct interaction networks between them. ResultsBehavioral tests revealed that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved spatial learning and memory capacity of aged mice, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased target area exploration and platform crossings in the MWM. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated aging-related neuronal damage in the hippocampus, enhancing neuronal density and morphology. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that exercise increased gut microbiota α‑diversity and enriched beneficial bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Rikenella. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially regulated metabolites between OC and OE groups, with 94 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in the OE group when compared with OC group. These metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism reprogramming (e.g., L-homocitrulline), antioxidant defense (e.g., L-carnosine), neuroprotection (e.g., lithocholic acid), and DNA repair (e.g., ADP-ribose). Network analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between specific bacteria and metabolites, such as Parabacteroides with ADP-ribose and Bifidobacterium with lithocholic acid, suggesting potential neuroprotective pathways mediated by the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence that aerobic exercise elicits cognitive benefits in aging mice by modulating the gut microbiota-metabolite network. These findings highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria enhances metabolic reprogramming to boost DNA repair pathways; (2) elevated neuroinflammation-inhibiting factors reduce neurodegenerative changes; and (3) enhanced antioxidant defenses maintain neuronal homeostasis. These results underscore the critical role of the “microbiota-metabolite-brain” axis in mediating the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise. This study not only advances our understanding of the gut-brain axis in aging but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized exercise and probiotic-based interventions targeting aging-related cognitive decline. Future research should further validate these mechanisms in non-human primates and human clinical trials to establish the translational potential of exercise-induced gut microbiota-metabolite modulation for combating neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective: To explore the relationship between the ratio of dietary vitamin A (VitA) to body weight and hypertension among children, so as to provide a reference for blood pressure control through dietary nutritional interventions and childhood hypertension prevention. Methods: Utilizing the baseline survey and followup sample data from the Healthy Children Cohort established in urban and rural areas of Chongqing from 2014 to 2019, structured quantitative dietary questionnaire and selfdesigned questionnaire were used to investigate the information of dietary intake and socioeconomic characteristics of 15 279 children, as well as blood pressure, height, weight measurement. The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight was divided into four groups based on quartiles [≤P25(Q1), >P25~P50(Q2), >P50~P75(Q3), >P75(Q4)]. Generalized linear regression models and Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation between ratio of dietary VitA to body weight with blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension. Results: The results of the 2014 baseline survey indicated that, after adjusting for confounding factors such as demographic indicators and nutritional intake, significant differences were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) among different groups categorized by the ratio of dietary VitA to body weight (F=157.57, 44.71, 95.92, P<0.01). The baseline ratio of dietary VitA to body weight in children exhibited a negative correlation with DBP, SBP and MAP at baseline and in 2019[baseline: β(95%CI)=-0.65(-0.89--0.42), -0.22(-0.42--0.01), -0.36(-0.56--0.16); 2019: β(95%CI)=-0.77(-1.34--0.19), -0.62(-1.21--0.02), -0.77(-1.34--0.19), P＜0.05]. Compared to Q1 group, the risk of hypertension decreased among children in Q4 at baseline and followup in 2019 [OR(95%CI)=0.63(0.49-0.81), 0.18(0.08-0.42), P<0.01]. Conclusions The ratio of dietary VitA to body weight is significantly negatively correlated with blood pressure levels among children, and dietary VitA deficiency is an independent risk factor for hypertension among children. Measures should be taken to actively adjust childrens dietary nutrition and reduce the risk of childhood hypertension.

Humans ; Adolescent ; Acne Vulgaris/therapy* ; Skin Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Cognition ; China ; Skin

ObjectiveThis research focused on examining the distinctive characteristics of nutrient intake and dietary patterns among long-lived elderly individuals. Additionally， the study was aimed to explore the specific dietary components that may impact the skeletal muscle mass in this particular group. MethodsThis study was conducted in the Chongming area of Shanghai， China. A total of 206 long-lived elderly individuals aged 90 or above were recruited. The 3-day 24-hour dietary recall method was used to collect dietary information and general demographic data through face-to-face interviews with professional nutritionists. The skeletal muscle mass index（SMI） was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis（BIA）， and low skeletal muscle mass was diagnosed based on the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. T-test analysis， chi-square test， and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between dietary nutrient intake and skeletal muscle mass. ResultsIn terms of food intake categories， compared with the long-lived elderly people with normal muscle mass， the intake of cereals containing miscellaneous beans and vegetables in the long-lived elderly people with low muscle mass was significantly lower（P<0.05）. In terms of the nutrient intake， compared with the long-lived elderly people with normal muscle mass， the intake of total energy， carbohydrate， dietary fiber， vitamin D， folic acid， phosphorus， potassium， magnesium， iron， and manganese in the long-lived elderly people with low muscle mass was significantly lower（P<0.05）. After continuous adjustment for the covariates， multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the intake levels of folic acid and dietary fiber were important factors influencing skeletal muscle mass， Individuals with lower intake levels of folic acid and dietary fiber are at a higher risk of low muscle mass in long-lived elderly individuals ［OR_{folic acid T1}， _{dietary fiber T1} （95%CI）： 2.90 （1.11‒7.61）； 4.09 （1.53‒10.91）］. ConclusionThe consumption of cereals that include a variety of beans and vegetables was noticeably lower in the long-lived elderly individuals with lower muscle mass when compared to those with normal muscle mass. Furthermore， low levels of folic acid and dietary fiber intake are associated with an increased risk of low skeletal muscle mass.

Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (ENGase) is widely distributed in various organisms. The first reported ENGase activity was detected in Diplococcus pneumoniae in 1971. The protein (Endo D) was purified and its peptide sequence was determined in 1974. Three ENGases (Endo F1-F3) were discovered in Flavobacterium meningosepticum from 1982 to 1993. After that, the activity was detected from different species of bacteria, yeast, fungal, plant, mice, human, etc. Multiple ENGases were detected in some species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Trichoderma atroviride. The first preliminary crystallographic analysis of ENGase was conducted in 1994. But to date, only a few ENGases structures have been obtained, and the structure of human ENGase is still missing. The currently identified ENGases were distributed in the GH18 or GH85 families in Carbohydrate-Active enZyme (CAZy) database. GH18 ENGase only has hydrolytic activity, but GH85 ENGase has both hydrolytic and transglycosylation activity. Although ENGases of the two families have similar (β/α)8-TIM barrel structures, the active sites are slightly different. ENGase is an effective tool for glycan detection andglycan editing. Biochemically, ENGase can specifically hydrolyze β‑1,4 glycosidic bond between the twoN-acetylglucosamines (GlcNAc) on core pentasaccharide presented on glycopeptides and/or glycoproteins. Different ENGases may have different substrate specificity. The hydrolysis products are oligosaccharide chains and a GlcNAc or glycopeptides or glycoproteins with a GlcNAc. Conditionally, it can use the two products to produce a new glycopeptides or glycoprotein. Although ENGase is a common presentation in cell, its biological function remains unclear. Accumulated evidences demonstrated that ENGase is a none essential gene for living and a key regulator for differentiation. No ENGase gene was detected in the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and three other yeast species. Its expression was extremely low in lung. As glycoproteins are not produced by prokaryotic cells, a role for nutrition and/or microbial-host interaction was predicted for bacterium produced enzymes. In the embryonic lethality phenotype of the Ngly1-deficient mice can be partially rescued by Engase knockout, suggesting down regulation of Engase might be a solution for stress induced adaptation. Potential impacts of ENGase regulation on health and disease were presented. Rabeprazole, a drug used for stomach pain as a proton inhibitor, was identified as an inhibitor for ENGase. ENGases have been applied in vitro to produce antibodies with a designated glycan. The two step reactions were achieved by a pair of ENGase dominated for hydrolysis of substrate glycoprotein and synthesis of new glycoprotein with a free glycan of designed structure, respectively. In addition, ENGase was also been used in cell surface glycan editing. New application scenarios and new detection methods for glycobiological engineering are quickly opened up by the two functions of ENGase, especially in antibody remodeling and antibody drug conjugates. The discovery, distribution, structure property, enzymatic characteristics and recent researches in topical model organisms of ENGase were reviewed in this paper. Possible biological functions and mechanisms of ENGase, including differentiation, digestion of glycoproteins for nutrition and stress responding were hypothesised. In addition, the role of ENGase in glycan editing and synthetic biology was discussed. We hope this paper may provide insights for ENGase research and lay a solid foundation for applied and translational glycomics.

Protein as the allergens could lead to allergy. In addition, a widespread class of allergens were known as glycans of N-glycoprotein. N-glycoprotein contained oligosaccharide linked by covalent bonds with protein. Recently,studies implicated that allergy was associated with glycans of heterologous N-glycoprotein found in food, inhalants, insect toxins, etc. The N-glycan structure of N-glycoprotein allergen has exerted an influence on the binding between allergens and IgE, while the recognition and presentation of allergens by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) were also affected. Some researches showed thatN-glycan structure of allergen was remodeled by N-glycosidase, such as cFase I, gpcXylase, as binding of allergen and IgE partly decreased. Thus, allergic problems caused by N-glycoproteins could potentially be solved by modifying or altering the structure ofN-glycoprotein allergens, addressing the root of the issue. Mechanism of N-glycans associated allergy could also be elaborated through glycosylation enzymes, alterations of host glycosylation. This article hopes to provide a separate insight for glycoimmunology perspective, and an alternative strategy for clinical prevention or therapy of allergic diseases.