Bufalin(BF)has a significant anti-tumor effect, but its clinical application is severely restricted by its high toxicity and poor water solubility. In this study, Scrophularia ningpoensis polysaccharide(SNP)and ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) were synthesized into an SNP-UDCA conjugate. BF was encapsulated to prepare BF/SNP-UDCA nanoparticles(NPs). The amphiphilic compound SNP-UDCA was synthesized via the one-step method, and its structure was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)and proton nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H-NMR). The preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was optimized through single-factor investigations. The encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading capacity of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The molecular form of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was characterized by using a transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction(XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter(DSC). Additionally, the stability of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was evaluated. The release behavior of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs at different pH values was determined by dialysis. The in vitro anti-tumor effect of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was evaluated by MTT cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry for apoptosis, and cellular uptake. The in vitro liver targeting was evaluated by measuring cellular uptake by laser confocal microscopy. The results demonstrated that the SNP-UDCA conjugate was successfully synthesized through an esterification reaction between SNP and UDCA. The preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was as follows: the feed ratio of SNP-UDCA to BF was 2∶1, the ultrasonic time was 30 minutes, and the stirring time was two hours. The prepared BF/SNP-UDCA NPs were spherical in shape, with a particle size of(252.74±6.05)nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 65.00%±2.51%, and a drug-loading capacity of 6.80%±0.44%. The XRD and DSC results indicated that BF was encapsulated within the NPs and existed in a molecular or amorphous state. The short-term stability of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs and stability in DMEM medium are good, and their in vitro release behavior followed the first-order equation and was pH-dependent according to the in vitro experiment. Compared with BF, BF/SNP-UDCA NPs at the same concentration showed significantly stronger cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells(P<0.05, P<0.01). The uptake of coumarin 6(C6)/SNP-UDCA NPs in HepG2 cells was time-dependent and higher than that in HeLa cells at the same concentration of C6/SNP-UDCA NPs. Moreover, after treatment with SNP, the uptake of C6/SNP-UDCA NPs in HepG2 cells decreased. In conclusion, the preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was simple and feasible. BF/SNP-UDCA NPs could enhance the targeting ability and inhibitory effect of BF on liver cancer cells. This study will provide a foundation for liver-targeting nanoformulations of BF.
Bufanolides/pharmacology* ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Humans ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid/chemistry* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Polysaccharides/chemistry* ; Scrophularia/chemistry* ; Liver Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Hep G2 Cells

The central amygdala (CeA) is a crucial modulator of emotional, behavioral, and autonomic functions, including cardiovascular responses. Despite its importance, the specific circuit by which the CeA modulates blood pressure remains insufficiently explored. Our investigations demonstrate that photostimulation of GABAergic neurons in the centromedial amygdala (CeM^GABA), as opposed to those in the centrolateral amygdala (CeL), produces a depressor response in both anesthetized and freely-moving mice. In addition, activation of CeM^GABA axonal terminals projecting to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) significantly reduces blood pressure. These CeM^GABA neurons form synaptic connections with NTS neurons, allowing for the modulation of cardiovascular responses by influencing the caudal or rostral ventrolateral medulla. Furthermore, CeM^GABA neurons targeting the NTS receive dense inputs from the CeL. Consequently, stimulation of CeM^GABA neurons elicits hypotension through the CeM-NTS circuit, offering deeper insights into the cardiovascular responses associated with emotions and behaviors.
Animals ; GABAergic Neurons/physiology* ; Male ; Central Amygdaloid Nucleus/physiopathology* ; Hypotension/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Blood Pressure/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Solitary Nucleus/physiology* ; Photic Stimulation ; Neural Pathways/physiology*

By analysing the similarity between defense qi and leukocytes in terms of function， site of action， and circadian rhythm， it is proposed that in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the pathogenesis of leukopenia is defense qi deficiency. By analyzing the relevant discussions on the generation and transmission of defense qi in TCM classics， it is believed that the original qi in lower jiao （焦） is the source of defense qi， while the water and grain qi in middle jiao enriches defense qi， and the upper jiao transmits and distributes defense qi to the whole body. Therefore， when treating leukopenia after chemotherapy with TCM， Guilu Erxian Gelatin （龟鹿二仙胶） and Yougui Pill （右归丸） are often used to tonify the kidney and supplement essence， and moxibustion at Guanyuan （CV 4） and Qihai （CV 6） is usually accompanied to replenish the original qi in lower jiao and enrich the source of defense qi. Guipi Decoction （归脾汤）， Buzhong Yiqi Decoction （补中益气汤）， Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散）， and Sijunzi Decoction （四君子汤） are often suggested to strengthen spleen and replenish qi， in combination with moxibustion at Zhongwan （CV 12） and Zusanli （ST 36） to transport the spleen and stomach in the middle jiao to enrich the defense qi. Modified Guizhi Decoction （桂枝汤） to harmonize nutrient and defensive aspects is often used， and moxibustion at Dazhui （GV 14） and Feishu （BL 13） or scraping is added to dredge the striae and interstice in the upper jiao and promote transmission and dissemination of the defense qi. Considering the whole process of generation and distribution of defense qi， it is suggested to choose the most appropriate treatment modality flexibly， and combine internal treatment with external treatment， in order to provide ideas for the treatment of leukopenia in tumour patients.

Based on the literature study,the thoughts and possible therapeutic mechanism in treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora were explored.Disturbance of intestinal flora is one of the important factors leading to the development of male infertility,and the spleen and kidney have certain similarities to intestinal flora in the physiological function and pathological changes.Moreover,tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen can regulate the intestinal flora by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria,inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria,and protecting the barrier of the intestinal mucosa.Therefore,the possible therapeutic mechanisms in treating male infertility with the prescriptions for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen to regulate intestinal flora are as follows:inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors to reduce the inflammatory reaction of testicular tissues;improving the antioxidant capacity to alleviate the damage of spermatozoa caused by oxidative stress,and improving the bad mood to alleviate the impact of psychological stress on the reproductive system.The exploration of the thoughts for treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora may provide a new entry point for modern Chinese medicine clinical treatment of male infertility.

Osseointegrated prostheses provide a rehabilitation option for amputees. Due to their greater mobility, better satisfaction, and higher use than traditional socket prostheses, they have been employed in transhumeral, transradial, transfemoral, transtibial, and other hand and finger amputations. They are perceived by their users as part of their own body (high embodiment) because they have enhanced motor-sensory capability of the stump. An osseointegrated robotic limb also can be equipped with sensory-motor integration and targeted muscle reinnervation. This article reviews the problems of prosthetic adaptation, the technological development, surgical protocols, complications, and prognosis in osseointegrated prostheses, and discusses their future application and development.

Objective Combination immunotherapy strategies targeting OX40,a co-stimulatory molecule that can enhance antitumor immunity by modulating the proliferation,differentiation,and effector function of tumor-infiltrating T cells,have attracted much attention for their excellent therapeutic effects.In this study,we aimed to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of combined anti-OX40 and hepatitis B core virus-like particles(HBc VLPs)therapy using a mouse colon cancer model. Methods Humanized B-hOX40 mice were injected subcutaneously with MC38 colon tumor cells and treated with HBc VLPs+anti-hOX40 antibody.Tumor growth was monitored.Flow cytometric analysis was performed to evaluate the populations of T cell subsets in the tumors. Results The combination of anti-OX40 with HBc VLPs resulted in a significant delay in tumor growth,suggesting that a potent antitumor immunity was induced by the combination therapy.Further studies revealed that HBc VLPs+anti-OX40 treatment induced a significant increase in effector T cells(Teffs)and a significant decrease in regulatory T cells(Tregs)in the tumor microenvironment(TME),which accounted for the synergistic antitumor effect of anti-OX40 in combination with HBc VLPs. Conclusion Combination therapy of anti-hOX40 and HBc VLPs provides synergistic antitumor activity in colon cancer-bearing mice,which may represent a potential design strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Objective To investigate the clinical comprehensive value of finerenone in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN),and to provide evidence-based medicine evidence for clinical drug decision.Methods PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,WanFang Data,CNKI and health technology assessment(HTA)official website were systematically searched to collect the systematic review/Meta-analysis and pharmacoeconomic evaluation on finerenone in treatment of DN from the inception to November 31,2023.The method of rapid HTA was used to evaluate the effectiveness,safety and economic evaluation.The innovation,suitability and accessibility of finerenone were analyzed by relevant data from drug instructions,professional websites such as the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA)and Center for Drug Evaluation,NMPA.Results In terms of effectiveness,finerenone significantly reduced the risk of the renal composite events and composite cardiovascular outcomes in DN compared with placebo and traditional mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist(MRA).In terms of safety,the incidence of adverse reactions and acute kidney injury of finerenone was similar to that of placebo and traditional MRA,but the incidence of hyperkalemia was higher than that of placebo.In terms of economy,two foreign HTA reports showed that finerenone was more economical than standard treatment.In terms of innovation,finerenone was the world's first approved non-steroidal,selective MRA innovative drug for the treatment of type 2 DN,making its efficacy and adverse reactions more advantageous.In terms of suitability,finerenone should only be taken once a day,which had good suitability in pharmaceutical properties and clinical use.In terms of accessibility,the domestic price of finerenone was lower than the international price,and it was included in the medical insurance,and the market coverage was high,it had a good affordability and availability.Conclusion Finerenone has good effectiveness and safety in the treatment of DN,but attention should be paid to the risk of hyperkalemia,and its economy requires further economic research in China.As the world's first approved non-steroidal,selective MRA innovative drug,finerenone has better innovation,suitability and accessibility.

Objective To study chest computed tomography(CT)manifestations in neonates with chronic granulomatous disease(CGD)to provide clues for early diagnosis of this disease.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and chest CT scan results of neonates diagnosed with CGD from January 2015 to December 2022 at Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital.Results Nine neonates with CGD were included,with eight presenting respiratory symptoms as the initial sign.Chest CT findings included:consolidation in all 9 cases;nodules in all 9 cases,characterized by multiple,variably sized scattered nodules in both lungs;masses in 4 cases;cavities in 3 cases;abscesses in 6 cases;bronchial stenosis in 2 cases;pleural effusion,interstitial changes,and mediastinal lymphadenopathy each in 1 case.CT enhancement scans showed nodules and masses with uneven or ring-shaped enhancement;no signs of pulmonary emphysema,lung calcification,halo signs,crescent signs,bronchiectasis,or scar lesions were observed.There was no evidence of rib or vertebral bone destruction.Fungal infections were present in 8 of the 9 cases,including 6 with Aspergillus infections;three of these involved mixed infections with Aspergillus,with masses most commonly associated with mixed Aspergillus infections(3/4).Conclusions The primary manifestations of neonatal CGD on chest CT are consolidation,nodules,and/or masses,with Aspergillus as a common pathogen.These features can serve as early diagnostic clues for neonatal CGD.

Objective:To investigate the genotype,mutation type,and ethnic distribution characteristics of thalassemia in the population of Hechi area,Guangxi,and to provide a reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.Methods:Gap-polymerase chain reaction(gap-PCR)and reverse dot blot(RDB)were used for genetic testing on suspected thalassemia persons,and the results were analyzed.Results:Among 29 136 samples,a total of 17 016(58.40％)positive samples for thalassemia genes were detected,with a higher detection rate in males than in females(X2=49.917,P＜0.001).The detection rates of thalassemia genes were significant different among Zhuang,Han,Yao,Mulao,and Maonan ethnic groups(x2=546.121,P＜0.001).The α-thalassemia genotypes were mainly--SEA/αα(16.67％),-α3.7/αα(8.90％),αCSα/αα(6.00％).Additionally,four rare genotypes were detected,including--THAI/αα(47 cases),HKαα/αα(2 cases),--SEA/-α21.9(2 cases),and--THAI/αcsα(1 case).The β-thalassemia genotypes were mainly βCD17/βN(7.49％),βCD41-42/βN(6.70％),βCD71-72/βN(0.44％).108 cases of moderate and severeβ-thalassemia were detected,of which 81 cases had a history of blood transfusion,the transfusion frequency of 60 cases was more than 10 times/year,and 10 cases received bone marrow transplantation.Conclusion:Thalassemia in Hechi area is predominantly deletion type--SEA/αα,the detection rate of thalassemia in ethnic minorities is higher than that in Han population.In this area,moderate and severe β-thalassemia have certain incidence,these patients mostly need regular blood transfusion and iron removal treatment,and very few patients have received bone marrow transplantation.This study provides a certain reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.

Objective:To analyze the effects of highdose methotrexate(HD-MTX)and lenalidomide as central nervous system(CNS)prophylaxis strategies in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods:The data of DLBCL patients with high risk of CNS recurrence who were initially treated in Fujian Provincial Hospital and Fujian Cancer Hospital from January 2012 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into HD-MTX group and lenalidomide group according to different prophylaxis strategies.Each group was further divided into high-risk group and medium-risk group based on CNS-IPI score and/or testicular involvement.The CNS relapse-free survival(CRFS)rate,adverse effects,and the effects of different prophylaxis strategies on overall survival(OS)rate and progression-free survival(PFS)rate were evaluated in different groups and subgroups.Results:There were 200 patients enrolled in this study,80 cases in lenalidomide group and 120 cases in HD-MTX group.According to the delivery timing of prophylactic HD-MTX,the patients in HD-MTX group were further divided into two groups:80 cases at the end of induction chemotherapy and 40 cases during chemotherapy interval.At a median follow-up of 48(14-133)months,the 4-year CRFS rate,4-year PFS rate,and 4-year OS rate of the HD-MTX group was 93.6％,57.2％,and 68.8％,respectively,while that of the lenalidomide group was 90.4％,69.4％and 75.6％.There were no significant differences in 4-year CRFS rate,4-year PFS rate,and 4-year OS rate between HD-MTX group and lenalidomide group(all P＞0.05),but lenalidomide group showed a trend of improvement in PFS.Further subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in 4-year CRFS rate between high-risk patients of the two groups(91.7％vs 83.4％,P＞0.05),while 4-year PFS rate showed difference(49.5％vs 64.2％,P＜0.05).A total of 248 cycles were collected for adverse reaction analysis in the HD-MTX group,and 25 cycles occurred neutropenia accompanied with infection(10.1％),while in lenalidomide group 240 cycles were collected in which 20 cycles occurred neutropenia accompanied with infection(8.3％).Both the two groups had no treatment-related deaths.Conclusion:Compared with HD-MTX,lenalidomide combined with immunochemotherapy can prevent CNS relapse,at the same time,improve prognosis,which is a safe and well tolerated central prophylaxis strategy.