Mitochondria, functioning not only as the central hub of cellular energy metabolism but also as semi-autonomous organelles, orchestrate cellular fate decisions through their endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes core components of the electron transport chain. Emerging research has identified microRNAs localized within mitochondria, termed mitochondria-located microRNAs (mitomiRs). Recent studies have revealed that mitomiRs are transcribed from nuclear DNA (nDNA), processed and matured in the cytoplasm, and subsequently transported into mitochondria. mitomiRs regulate mtDNA through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of mtDNA expression at the translational level and direct binding to mtDNA to influence transcription. Aberrant expression of mitomiRs leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Restoring mitomiR expression to physiological levels using mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate related diseases. Consequently, the regulatory mechanisms of mitomiRs have become a major focus in mitochondrial research. Given that mitomiRs are located in mitochondria, targeted delivery strategies designed for mtDNA can be adapted for the delivery of mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors. However, numerous intracellular and extracellular barriers remain, highlighting the need for more precise and efficient delivery systems in the future. The regulation of mtDNA expression mediated by mitomiRs not only expands our understanding of miRNA functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation but also provides promising molecular targets for the treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on mitomiRs in regulating mtDNA expression and discusses the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs-mtDNA interactions. Additionally, it provides new perspectives on precision therapeutic strategies, with a particular emphasis on mitomiRs-based regulation of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial-related diseases.

BACKGROUND: Low serum albumin levels are established predictors of adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular conditions. However, the role of serum albumin in mortality among elderly patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to assess the relationship between serum albumin levels and mortality in this specific patient population. METHODS: Our analysis included 873 elderly AR patients from the China Valvular Heart Disease study, with baseline serum albumin measured at enrollment. Mortality outcomes were monitored for two years post-enrollment, employing a Cox proportional hazards model with a two-piecewise Cox proportional hazards framework to investigate the nonlinear relationship between serum albumin levels and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During the 2-year follow-up period, we observed 63 all-cause deaths. The association between serum albumin levels and all-cause mortality displayed an approximating L-shaped curve, indicating a mortality threshold at 35 g/L. For serum albumin levels below 35 g/L, each 1 g/L decrease was associated with a 25% higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.45). In contrast, no significant change in mortality risk was observed when serum albumin levels were greater than or equal to 35 g/L. Moreover, when serum albumin is classified as hypoproteinemia (serum albumin < 35 g/L), the higher risks of all-cause death were observed in hypoproteinemic patients (HR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.50-5.74). More importantly, the association between serum albumin and death was significantly stronger in overweight/obese patients (≥ 24 kg/m² vs. < 24 kg/m², P _interaction = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS In elderly patients with AR, serum albumin levels showed an approximating L-shaped relationship with all-cause death, with thresholds of 35 g/L. Body mass index was significant effect modifiers of the association. These results suggest that serum albumin, as an inexpensive and readily available biochemical marker, may further improve the stratified risk of mortality in older AR patients.

BACKGROUND: Based on the China-VHD database, this study sought to develop and validate a Valvular Heart Disease- specific Age-adjusted Comorbidity Index (VHD-ACI) for predicting mortality risk in patients with VHD. METHODS & RESULTS: The China-VHD study was a nationwide, multi-centre multi-centre cohort study enrolling 13,917 patients with moderate or severe VHD across 46 medical centres in China between April-June 2018. After excluding cases with missing key variables, 11,459 patients were retained for final analysis. The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality, with 941 deaths (10.0%) observed during follow-up. The VHD-ACI was derived after identifying 13 independent mortality predictors: cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, low body weight, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, renal insufficiency, moderate/severe hepatic dysfunction, heart failure, cancer, NYHA functional class and age. The index exhibited good discrimination (AUC, 0.79) and calibration (Brier score, 0.062) in the total cohort, outperforming both EuroSCORE II and ACCI (P < 0.001 for comparison). Internal validation through 100 bootstrap iterations yielded a C statistic of 0.694 (95% CI: 0.665-0.723) for 2-year mortality prediction. VHD-ACI scores, as a continuous variable (VHD-ACI score: adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.263 (1.245-1.282), P < 0.001) or categorized using thresholds determined by the Yoden index (VHD-ACI ≥ 9 vs. < 9, adjusted HR (95% CI): 6.216 (5.378-7.184), P < 0.001), were independently associated with mortality. The prognostic performance remained consistent across all VHD subtypes (aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid valve disease, mixed aortic/mitral valve disease and multiple VHD), and clinical subgroups stratified by therapeutic strategy, LVEF status (preserved vs. reduced), disease severity and etiology. CONCLUSION The VHD-ACI is a simple 13-comorbidity algorithm for the prediction of mortality in VHD patients and providing a simple and rapid tool for risk stratification.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

Objective To explore the best preparation process and performance characterization of microcapsules containing ethanol extract from galangal.Methods With gum arabic(GA)-chitosan(CS)as capsule wall material,microcapsules were prepared by complex coacervation method.With drug loading and encapsulation efficiency as indexes,the optimal preparation technology of microcapsules was screened by orthogonal design method.The content of ethanol extract of galangal in microcapsules was determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The prepared microcapsules were characterized by infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope.Results The optimum preparation conditions of microcapsules containing galangal ethanol extract were as follows:wall material ratio(GA/CS)6∶1,core to wall ratio 1∶1,coagulation time 45 minutes,curing agent dosage 3 mL.Under these conditions,the drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules containing galangal ethanol extract were 27.17%and 80.07%,respectively,and the sustained release performance of microcapsules of galangal ethanol extract was superior to that of galangal ethanol extract.Conclusion The preparation of microcapsules containing galangal ethanol extract by complex coacervation method has good encapsulation,and the method is simple,stable and reliable,and has high feasibility.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

In recent years, with the increasing societal focus on drug quality and safety, quality issues have become a major challenge faced by the pharmaceutical industry, directly impacting consumer health and market trust. By combining multispectral imaging technology with machine learning, it is possible to achieve rapid, non-destructive, and precise detection of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations, thereby revolutionizing traditional detection methods and developing more convenient and automated solutions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current applications of rapid, non-destructive detection techniques based on machine learning algorithms in the field of TCM preparations. It analyzed the principles and advantages of commonly used rapid, non-destructive detection techniques, offering a reference for the application and promotion of these technologies in TCM preparation detection. Additionally, this paper explored various data preprocessing techniques, operational processes, and machine learning algorithms to enhance data utilization efficiency. Finally, it focused on the challenges of applying machine learning in TCM preparation detection and offered corresponding recommendations, providing guidance for the future integration of machine learning with rapid, non-destructive detection techniques in practical production.
Machine Learning ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Humans ; Quality Control

The construction method and simulation parameter settings for the discrete element model of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules, as the primary material of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, are not yet clear. The accuracy of the simulation model significantly influences the dynamic response characteristics between granules. Therefore, it is necessary to calibrate the parameters to improve the accuracy of the simulation parameters. Using the repose angle of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules as the response value, the response surface methodology was employed to optimize and calibrate the discrete element parameters. Physical experiments were conducted to determine the physical properties of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules. Based on the Hertz-Mindlin with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts(JKR) V2 model and virtual simulation methods, a repose angle determination model was constructed in EDEM software. The repose angle was measured using image analysis and numerical fitting methods. The Plackett-Burman experiment was used to screen the initial parameters for significance in the discrete element simulation. The significant parameters were then subjected to a steepest ascent experiment to determine the optimal parameter range. Furthermore, based on the Box-Behnken experiment, a second-order regression equation between significant parameters and repose angle was established, with the repose angle of 37.64° in the physical experiment as the target value. The regression equation was optimized and solved. The significance screening experiment revealed that the granule-granule static friction coefficient, granule-granule rolling friction, and granule-steel plate rolling friction of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules significantly influenced the simulated repose angle. The optimal parameter combination was found to be 0.330, 0.222, and 0.229. The simulation results with this optimal parameter combination showed that there was no significant difference between the simulated repose angle and the repose angle obtained in the physical experiment, with a relative error of 0.05%, which further validated the reliability of the calibrated discrete element parameters for Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Calibration ; Computer Simulation

Identification of critical material attributes(CMAs) is a key issue in the quality control of large-scale TCM products like Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. This study focuses on the granules of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, using tablet tensile strength as the primary quality attribute. A method for identifying the CMAs and a design space for the granules were established, along with a predictive model for the granule CMAs based on Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy(FT-NIR). First, granules of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets with different properties were prepared using a partial factorial design method from the design of experiments(DOE). The powder properties of the granules were measured. An orthogonal partial least squares(OPLS) model was established to correlate the powder properties with tensile strength. Based on the characteristics of the comprehensive variables extracted by OPLS, the independent variables with the greatest explanatory power for tensile strength were identified. FT-NIR technology was then employed to establish a predictive model for the granule CMAs. The final CMAs identified were hygroscopicity, moisture content, D_(50), collapse angle, mass flow rate, and tapped density. The coefficients of determination of the prediction set(R■) and relative percentage deviation(RPD) of the prediction set for flowability, D_(50), and moisture content were 0.891, 0.994, and 0.998; and 2.97, 12.4, and 20.7, respectively. The established OPLS model clearly identified the impact of various factors on tensile strength, demonstrating good fit results. The model exhibited high prediction accuracy and can be used for the rapid and accurate determination of CMAs in granules of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Tablets/chemistry* ; Tensile Strength ; Quality Control ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with anterolateral complex repair and ACL reconstruction combined with ALL reconstruction in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries with high-grade pivot shift. METHODS: From January 2018 to June 2022, 49 patients combined ACL and ALL injuries with high-grade pivot shift were retrospectively studied from three hospitals, 29 of them underwent ACL reconstruction with anterolateral complex repair (repair group), including 23 males and 6 females with an average age of (27.5±4.8) years old, ranged from 20 to 37 years old;the injured sides were 13 on the left and 16 on the right, and 11 patients were suffered with meniscus injury. The other 20 patients underwent ACL and ALL reconstruction (reconstruction group) including 17 males and 3 females with the mean age of (27.1±4.5) years old, ranged from 20 to 38 years old;the injured sides were 8 on the left and 12 on the right, and 6 patients were suffered with meniscus injury. Knee stability (pivot shift test, KT-2000), range of motion, knee function (Lysholm scoring scale, Cincinnati sports activity scale (CSAS) scoring scale, and Tegner activity level score between two groups were compared. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were followed up, the repair group receiving 13 to 20(15.3±1.8) months and the reconstruction group receiving 12 to 21(16.0±2.2) months. There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative pivot shift test grading distribution between two groups (P>0.05). At the last postoperative follow-up, there were 24 patients with grade 0 and 5 patients with grade 1 in the repair group, and there were 18 patients with grade 0 and 2 patients with grade 1 in the reconstruction group, there is no significant difference in the distribution of axial shift test grading between two groups(P>0.05). The preoperative KT-2000 tibial displacement of two groups were (9.39±0.77) mm (repair group) and (9.14±0.78) mm (reconstruction group) respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). At the final postoperative follow-up, there were 24 patients with KT-2000 tibial displacement <3 mm and 5 patients with 3 to 5 mm in the repair group, while 18 patients with <3 mm and 2 patients with 3 to 5 mm in the reconstruction group, KT-2000 tibial displacement distribution of two groups was no significant difference (P>0.05), but the KT-2000 tibial displacement in the reconstruction group (1.30±0.86) mm was significantly smaller than that in the repair group (1.99±1.11) mm (P<0.05). The final postoperative follow-up range of motion of the contralateral side knee between two groups was no significant difference (P>0.05). The range of motion of the suffering knee in the repair group was less than that in the reconstruction group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative Lysholm and CSAS scores between two groups (P>0.05). At the final postoperative follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement in Lysholm and CSAS scores, while the Lysholm and CSAS scores of the reconstruction group were better than those of the repair group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Significant differences was found in Tegner scores between two groups, which 16 patients in the repair group returned to their pre-injury activity level, and 17 patients in the reconstruction group returned to their pre-injury level (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Compared to anterolateral complex repair, combined ACL and ALL reconstruction in the treatment of ACL injuries with high-grade pivot shift results in better knee joint function and stability. This is advantageous in reducing the risk of ACL reconstruction failure.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods* ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament/surgery* ; Range of Motion, Articular