Quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale semiconductor crystals, have emerged as a revolutionary class of nanomaterials with unique optical and electrochemical properties, making them highly promising for applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. Their tunable emission spectra, long-term photostability, high quantum yield, and excellent charge carrier mobility enable precise control over light emission and efficient charge utilization, which are critical for biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the use of quantum dots for disease diagnosis and therapy, highlighting their potential and the challenges involved in clinical translation. Quantum dots can be classified based on their elemental composition and structural configuration. For instance, IB-IIIA-VIA group quantum dots and core-shell structured quantum dots are among the most widely studied types. These classifications are essential for understanding their diverse functionalities and applications. In disease diagnosis, quantum dots have demonstrated remarkable potential due to their high brightness, photostability, and ability to provide precise biomarker detection. They are extensively used in bioimaging technologies, enabling high-resolution imaging of cells, tissues, and even individual biomolecules. As fluorescent markers, quantum dots facilitate cell tracking, biosensing, and the detection of diseases such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and immune-related disorders. Their ability to provide real-time, in vivo tracking of cellular processes has opened new avenues for early and accurate disease detection. In the realm of disease treatment, quantum dots serve as versatile nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Their nanoscale size and surface modifiability allow them to transport therapeutic agents to specific sites, improving drug bioavailability and reducing off-target effects. Additionally, quantum dots have shown promise as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, quantum dots interact with oxygen molecules to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can selectively destroy malignant cells, vascular lesions, and microbial infections. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissues, making PDT a promising strategy for treating complex diseases. Despite these advancements, the translation of quantum dots from research to clinical application faces significant challenges. Issues such as toxicity, stability, and scalability in industrial production remain major obstacles. The potential toxicity of quantum dots, particularly to vital organs, has raised concerns about their long-term safety. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to mitigate these risks, including surface modification, coating, and encapsulation techniques, which can enhance biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. Furthermore, improving the stability of quantum dots under physiological conditions is crucial for their effective use in biomedical applications. Advances in surface engineering and the development of novel encapsulation methods have shown promise in addressing these stability concerns. Industrial production of quantum dots also presents challenges, particularly in achieving consistent quality and scalability. Recent innovations in synthesis techniques and manufacturing processes are paving the way for large-scale production, which is essential for their widespread adoption in clinical settings. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research progress in quantum dot applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and pathogen detection. It also discusses the multiple barriers hindering their clinical use and explores potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of quantum dot research, emphasizing the need for further studies on toxicity mitigation, stability enhancement, and scalable production. By addressing these critical issues, quantum dots can realize their full potential as transformative tools in disease diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing biomedical science.

Platycodonis Radix is the dry root of Platycodon grandiflorum of Campanulaceae, which has a variety of pharmacological effects and is a commonly used bulk Chinese medicine. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequences of six P. grandiflorum from different producing areas has been sequenced with Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform. The specific DNA barcodes were screened, and the germplasm resources and genetic diversity were analyzed according to the specific barcodes. The total length of the chloroplast genome of 6 P. grandiflorum samples was 172 260-172 275 bp, and all chloroplast genomes showed a typical circular tetrad structure and encoded 141 genes. The comparative genomics analysis and results of amplification efficiency demonstrated that trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF were the potential specific DNA barcodes for identification the germplasm resources of P. grandiflorum. A total of 305 P. grandiflorum samples were collected from 15 production areas in 9 provinces, for which the fragments of trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF were amplificated and the sequences were analyzed. The results showed that trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF have 5 and 11 mutation sites, respectively, and 5 and 7 haplotypes were identified, respectively. The combined analysis of the two sequences formed 13 haplotypes (named Hap1-Hap13), and Hap4 is the main genotype, followed by Hap1. The unique haplotypes possessed by the three producing areas can be used as DNA molecular tags in this area to distinguish from the germplasm resources of P. grandiflorum from other areas. The haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and genetic distance were 0.94, 4.79×10^-3 and 0.000 0-0.020 3, respectively, suggesting that the genetic diversity was abundant and intraspecific kinship was relatively close. This study laid a foundation for the identification of P. grandiflorum, the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, and molecular breeding.

Objective To observe the effects of repeated intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and aflibercept on cor-neal morphology of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD),diabetic macular edema(DME)or retinal vein obstruction(RVO).Methods In this prospective study,64 patients(64 eyes)who underwent therapy in the injection center of the Ophthalmology Department of our hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled,including 19 nAMD patients,20 DME patients and 25 RVO patients.Among these patients,29 were treated with aflibercept(40 g·L-1)and 35 were treated with ranibizumab(10 g·L-1).Monocular injections were adopted for all patients,and 3+pro re nata(PRN)therapy was used.Confocal microscope was used for corneal nerve examination,and corneal endo-thelial microscope was used to measure corneal thickness(CT)and corneal endothelial cells.The CT,corneal endothelial cell density(ECD),coefficient of variation(CV),average cell size(ACS),proportion of hexagonal cells(Hex％),cor-neal nerve fiber length(CNFL),corneal nerve fiber density(CNFD)of patients with nAMD,DME and RVO after repeated intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs were compared,and those parameters at 1 month after injection of different anti-VEGF drugs were compared with the baseline.Results Before injection,ECD in the DME group was lower than that in the nAMD and RVO groups,and the ACS in the DME group was higher than that in the nAMD and RVO groups(all P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the other indexes among the three groups(all P＞0.05).After 3 injections of anti-VEGF drugs,the ECD in the DME group was lower than that in the nAMD and RVO groups,the ACS in the DME group was higher than that in the nAMD and RVO groups,and the CNFL in the DME group was lower than that in the nAMD and RVO groups(all P＜0.05).The ECD decreased compared with that before injection from the 2nd injection of aflibercept in the nAMD group(all P＜0.05).Hex％decreased significantly after each injection compared with the baseline(all P＜0.05).Other indexes have no significant differences from the baseline(all P＞0.05).In the RVO group,ECD decreased from the 2nd ranibizumab injection compared with the baseline(all P＜0.05).Conclu-sion Repeated intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs can reduce the Hex％and ECD to a certain extent.After injec-tions,CNFL in the DME group is significantly lower than that in the nAMD and RVO groups.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether monotropein has an anticancer effect and explore its potential mechanisms against colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental verification. METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential targets of monotropein against CRC. Cell counting kit assay, plate monoclonal assay and microscopic observation were used to investigate the antiproliferative effects of monotropein on CRC cells HCT116, HT29 and LoVo. Flow cytometry and scratch assay were used to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle, as well as cell migration, respectively in HCT116, HT29, and LoVo cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell migration, and the expression of proteins key to the Akt pathway. RESULTS: The Gene Ontology and Reactome enrichment analyses indicated that the anticancer potential of monotropein against CRC might be involved in multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. Among these pathways, RAC-beta serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1, Akt2), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42) were shown as the potential anticancer targets of monotropein against CRC. Molecular docking suggested that monotropein may interact with the 6 targets (Akt1, Akt2, CDK6, MMP9, EGFR, CDC42). Subsequently, cell activity of HCT116, HT29 and LoVo cell lines were significantly suppressed by monotropein (P<0.05). Furthermore, our research revealed that monotropein induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and increasing Bax, induced G₁-S cycle arrest in colorectal cancer by decreasing the expressions of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6, inhibited cell migration by suppressing the expressions of CDC42 and MMP9 (P<0.05), and might play an anticancer role through Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Monotropein exerts its antitumor effects primarily by arresting the cell cycle, causing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting cell migration. This indicates a high potential for developing novel medication for treating CRC.
Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Cell Cycle ; ErbB Receptors ; Apoptosis ; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective:To summarize the experience and outcomes of independent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assistance for adult cardiac arrest patients conducted by a county-level hospital.Methods:Clinical data of 23 adult cardiac arrest patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) at Tiantai County People's Hospital from January 2020 to October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Data, including initial cardiac rhythm, ECMO initiation time, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA)-Pump On time, ECMO initiation-Pump On time, ECMO cannulation-Pump On time, complications, neurological function prognosis, mortality rate, and survival rate, were collected and analyzed. Collect and analyze the mortality and survival rates of 33 adult cardiac arrest (CA) patients meeting the criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) but receiving only conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) from January 2020 to October 2023, and compare these rates with those of patients who underwent CA-ECPR.Results:Among the 23 cardiac arrest patients, 16 patients achieved spontaneous heart rhythm recovery, 15 patients experienced death, and 8 patients showed improved conditions upon discharge, with 6 patients exhibiting good neurological function prognosis. Compared to CA-CCPR, patients who received CA-ECPR showed a significant decrease in mortality rate (65.21% vs. 90.91%, P=0.017) and a significant increase in survival rate (34.78% vs. 9.09%, P=0.017). After gradual optimization of the ECPR process, the 2022-2023 group showed a significantly increased survival rate compared to the 2020-2021 group(46% vs. 20%). ECMO initiation-Pump On time [41( IQR36.5-44.5)min vs.43( IQR32.75-58.5)min, P=0.709] and ECMO cannulation-Pump On time[30( IQR24.0-37.0)min vs. 33( IQR27.25-55.00)min, P=0.575] decreased, although the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In the comparison between survival and death groups, the proportion of initial shockable rhythm was significantly higher in the survival group (75% vs. 20%). CA-Pump On time [61( IQR49.25-69.25)min vs.69( IQR58.0-89.0)min, P=0.287]and ECMO initiation-Pump On time[39( IQR29.25-51.75)min vs.43( IQR34.0-52.0)min, P=0.539] were lower in the survival group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions:Independent implementation of ECPR for adult cardiac arrest at the county-level primary hospital improves the success rate of resuscitation and enhances patient prognosis. The promotion of ECPR rescue technology in county hospitals is feasible and significant, benefiting a larger population of cardiac arrest patients.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a major source of indoor air pollutants,its composi-tions include carbon monoxide,lead,nicotine and methylnitrosamino-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone,etc.ETS expo-sure can harm the cognitive functions such as memory and attention in minors.This paper elaborates the effects and related mechanism of ETS exposure on the cognitive functions of minors to provide reference for further research in this field.

The CXC chemokine ligand-10/CXC receptor-3(CXCL10/CXCR3)axis,a crucial pathway mediating Th1-type immunity,substantially contributes to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)by enhancing inflammatory storms.It additionally promotes vascular endothelial apoptosis and impedes vasculature re-pair,elevating the risk of pulmonary vascular thrombosis.Conversely,this axis plays a protective role in limiting extra-cellular matrix deposition and modulating cell migration,thereby mitigating pulmonary fibrosis.The various mechanisms of the CXCL10/CXCR3 axis in the pathogenesis and progression of ARDS could offer novel insights for the diagnosis and treatment of ARDS.

Analyzing polysorbate 20(PS20)composition and the impact of each component on stability and safety is crucial due to formulation variations and individual tolerance.The similar structures and polarities of PS20 components make accurate separation,identification,and quantification challenging.In this work,a high-resolution quantitative method was developed using single-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)with charged aerosol detection(CAD)to separate 18 key components with multiple esters.The separated components were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chro-matography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS)with an identical gradient as the HPLC-CAD analysis.The polysorbate compound database and library were expanded over 7-time compared to the commercial database.The method investigated differences in PS20 samples from various origins and grades for different dosage forms to evaluate the composition-process relationship.UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 1329 to 1511 compounds in 4 batches of PS20 from different sources.The method observed the impact of 4 degradation conditions on peak components,identifying stable components and their tendencies to change.HPLC-CAD and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS results provided insights into fingerprint differences,distinguishing quasi products.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Jujing formula on retina of mice with dry age-related macular degeneration(AMD).Methods The mouse model of dry AMD was induced by intraperitoneal in-jection of sodium iodate,and the prognosis was given to the Jujing formula.Retinal thickness was detected by optical coherence tomography(OCT),the retinal morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and the apoptosis of retinal cells was detected by in situ terminal transferase labeling(TUNEL)staining.Combination of tumor necrosis fac-tor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-1β(IL-1 β)in eyeballs and serum,superoxide dis-mutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH)and malondialde-hyde(MDA)were evaluated to assess the protective effects of Jujing formula on retinal injury in mice with dry AMD.Results The results of OCT,HE and TUNEL staining showed that Jujing formula significant-ly improved the retinal injury induced by sodium iodate in mice with dry AMD,increased the retinal thickness(P＜0.05),reduced the apoptosis of retinal cells(P＜0.01),and increased the levels of GSH,IL-6 and SOD activity in eyeballs and serum(P＜0.01).The levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β and MDA were reduced(P＜0.01).Conclusions Jujing formula has certain therapeutic effects on retinal injury in dry AMD,which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and enhancing antioxidant capacity.