Postprandial drowsiness is a clinical condition characterized by pronounced drowsiness after meals， while The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》） associates this condition with wei qi （defensive qi）. By analyzing the original texts of The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor and perspectives from many medical professionals， it is found that the transition between wakefulness and sleep depends on the mutual induction of yin and yang， and that the two pathways of wei qi circulation intersect at the spleen and stomach. Based on this， the core pathogenesis of postprandial drowsiness is proposed to be either upper jiao obstruction or spleen-stomach dysfunction， leading to the stagnation of wei qi internally， then the mutual induction of yin and yang causes inward invasion of wei qi in the body， resulting in drowsiness； at this stage， the stagnated and inward invasive wei qi converges at the spleen and stomach， then merges into the circulation of zang-fu organs， rerouting through the Foot Taiyang Meridian， forming a circulation pattern described as "circulating from yin to yang". Treatment should focus on the root and branch simultaneously， with the primary goal of regulating the circulation of wei qi； facilitating its transition from yin to yang to restore the sleep-wake cycle. By proposing the model of wei qi circulating from yin to yang， this study offers novel insights on the understanding of postprandial drowsiness.

Ethanol (EtOH) is a common trigger for gastric mucosal diseases, and mitigating oxidative stress is essential for attenuating gastric mucosal damage. Capsaicin (CAP) has been identified as a potential agent to counteract oxidative damage in the gastric mucosa; however, its precise mechanism remains unclear. This study demonstrates that CAP alleviates EtOH-induced gastric mucosal injuries through two primary pathways: by suppressing the chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)/Src/p47phox axis, thereby reducing oxidative stress, and by inhibiting the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB) p65, resulting in diminished inflammatory responses. These findings elucidate the mechanistic pathways of CAP and provide a theoretical foundation for its potential therapeutic application in the treatment of gastric mucosal injuries.
Ethanol/toxicity* ; Animals ; Gastric Mucosa/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Capsaicin/pharmacology* ; Male ; NADPH Oxidases/genetics* ; Mice ; Humans ; src-Family Kinases/genetics*

ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of the treatment of dry eye with liver-meridian constraint-heat syndrome by Runmu Xiaoyao Powder （润目逍遥散） by miR-146a-5p and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1/tumour necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6/nuclear factor-κB （IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB） signalling pathway. MethodsEighty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， agonist group， inhibitor group， sodium hyaluronate group， and Runmu Xiaoyao Powder high-， medium-， and low-dose groups， with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group， the mice of dry eye with liver-meridian constraint-heat syndrome were modeled by using benzalkonium chloride solution eye drops combined with chronic pain stimulation. Beginning on the 30th day of modelling， mice in Runmu Xiaoyao Powder high-， medium-， and low-dose groups were given 29， 14.5， and 7.25 g/kg of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder respectively twice daily by gavage； mice in sodium hyaluronate group were given 5 μl of sodium hyaluronate drops twice daily； mice in the agonist group were given 2 nmol of agomir-146a-5p drops in each eye at a time， and those in the inhibitor group were given 5 nmol of antagomir-146a-5p drops in each eye， with every other day， 3 times per week； mice in the normal and model groups were gavaged with deionised water at 1 ml/（100 g·d）. The intervention was continued for 14 days in each group， and mice in each group were examined for tear secretion， tear film rupture time， corneal fluorescein staining， and irritability scores on the day following the last intervention； HE staining was used to observe the pathological conditions of the cornea and lacrimal glands in each group； corneal and lacrimal gland inflammatory factors， such as interleukin 1β （IL-1β）， tumour necrosis factor α （TNF-α）， miR-146a-5p expression， were examined； matrix metalloproteinase 3 （MMP-3） and matrix metalloproteinase 9 （MMP-9） expression in cornea， IRAK1， TRAF6， nuclear factor κB p65 （NF-κB p65） protein and mRNA expression in cornea and lacrimal gland， and phosphorylated nuclear factor κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65） protein expression were detected. ResultsCompared with the normal group， mice in the model group showed reduced tear secretion， shorter tear film rupture time， higher irritability score （P＜0.05）， and pathological examination showed staining in the centre of the cornea， obvious corneal damage， increased volume of lacrimal gland follicular cells， disordered arrangement， a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration， and increased neovascularisation； corneal and lacrimal gland tissues showed elevated expression of IL-1β and TNF-α， decreased expression of miR -146a-5p， elevated expression of IRAK1， TRAF6， NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65 protein and IRAK1， TRAF6， NF-κB p65 mRNA， and elevated expression of MMP-3， MMP-9 protein in the cornea （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， all of the above indexes were significantly improved in high-dose group of Runmu Xiaoyao Powder， while some indexes were improved in the sodium hyaluronate group and the middle- and low-dose Runmu Xiaoyao Powder groups （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， corneal and lacrimal IRAK1 and TRAF6 mRNA and IRAK1， TRAF6 and p-NF-κB p65 protein expression decreased in the agonist group； compared with the inhibitor group， IRAK1， TRAF6， NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression in the cornea and lacrimal gland in the Runmu Xiaoyao Powder groups decreased （P＜0.05）. ConclusionRunmu Xiaoyao Powder can negatively regulate the IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB signalling pathway in the cornea and lacrimal gland of mice with dry eye of liver-meridian constraint-heat syndrome by up-regulation of miR-146a-5p， so as to inhibit inflammatory response and reduce the damage of the ocular surface tissues， and the high doses group showed the best effect.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using composite autologous patch graft combined with tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon in the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (IMRCT).Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on 11 IMRCT patients who were admitted to Affiliated Fuyang Hospital of Bengbu Medical University (Fuyang People′s Hospital) from May 2020 to June 2022, including 7 males and 4 females, aged 54-74 years [(62.6±7.3)years]. All the patients were treated with arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using composite patch graft combined with tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Acromiohumeral Distance (AHD), Constant-Murley score and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score and active range of motion of the shoulder joint before, at 6 months after surgery and at the last follow-up were compared. At the last follow-up, the integrity of reconstructed superior capsule and the long head of the biceps tendon was evaluated using MRI of the shoulder joint. Postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 13-39 months [16(13, 36)months]. The VAS score, AHD, Constant-Murley score, and UCLA score were 2(2, 3)points, (9.1±1.1)mm, (56.1±5.4)points, and (19.7±2.8)points respectively at 6 months after surgery, which were all significantly improved from those before surgery [6(5, 7)points, (5.1±1.2)mm, (37.9±2.2)points, and (11.8±1.2)points] ( P<0.05). The VAS score, AHD, Constant-Murley score, and UCLA score were 0(0, 1)points, (8.4±0.9)mm, (83.6±3.8)points, and (28.2±2.3)points respectively at the last follow-up, which were all significantly improved from those before surgery ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the VAS score or AHD were not significantly improved from those at 6 months after surgery ( P>0.05); Constant-Murley score and UCLA score were both significantly improved from those at 6 months after surgery ( P<0.05). At 6 months after surgery, shoulder active ranges of motion in forward flexion, abduction and external rotation were (134.6±13.5)°, (124.6±18.6)° and 45(40, 50)° respectively, which were all significantly improved compared with those before surgery [(63.2±36.1)°, (65.0±23.1)°, and [30(20, 40)°] ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, shoulder active ranges of motion in forward flexion, abduction and external rotation were (144.1±12.6)°, (139.6±15.4)° and 60(45, 65)° respectively, which were all significantly improved compared with those before surgery ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in active range of motion of the shoulder in forward flexion, abduction and external rotation between 6 months after surgery and the last follow-up ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, MRI revealed integrity of the reconstructed superior joint capsule and the long head of the biceps tendon in 10 patients. One patient developed resorption of the greater tuberosity and 1 showed a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon at 1 year after surgery. Conclusion:Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using composite autologous patch graft combined with tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon can relieve shoulder pain, decrease upward displacement of the humerus head, improve the function and range of motion of the shoulder joint, and reduce complications in the treatment of IMRCT.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally,with only one Food and Drug Administration(FDA)-approved drug for its treatment.Given MASLD's complex pathophysiology,ther-apies that simultaneously target multiple pathways are highly desirable.One promising approach is dual-modulation of the famesoid X receptor(FXR),which regulates lipid and bile acid metabolism.However,FXR agonists alone are insufficient due to their limited anti-inflammatory effects.This study aimed to dto identify natural products capable of both FXR activation and inflammation inhibition to provide a comprehensive therapeutic approach for MASLD.Potential FXR ligands from the Natural Product Library were predicted via virtual screening using the Protein Preparation Wizard module in Schrodinger(2018)for molecular docking.Direct binding and regulation of candidate compounds on FXR were analyzed using surface plasmon resonance(SPR)binding assay,reporter gene ana-lysis,and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds were eval-uated in AML12 cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α).Dual-function compounds with FXR agonism and inflamma-tion inhibition were further identified in cells transfected with Fxr siRNA and treated with TNF-α.The effects of these dual-function compounds on lipid accumulation and inflammation were evaluated in cells treated with palmitic acid.Results revealed that 17 natural products were predicted via computational molecular docking as potential FXR agonists,with 15 exhibiting a strong affinity for FXR recombinant protein.Nine isoflavone compounds significantly enhanced FXR reporter luciferase activity and the mRNA expressions of Shp and Ostb.Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that introducing isopropyl or methoxy groups at the C7 position or a methoxy group at the C6 position could enhance the agonistic efficacy of isoflavones.Three compounds(2,6,and 8)were identified as dual-function natural products functioning as FXR agonists and inflammatory inhibitors,while one compound(12)acted as an FXR agonist to inhibit inflammation.These natural products protected hepatocytes against palmitic acid-induced lipid accumulation and in-flammation.In conclusion,compounds 2,6,and 8(genistein,biochanin A,and 7-methoxyisoflavone,respectively)were identified as dual-function bioactive products that transactivate FXR and inhibit inflammation,serving as potential candidates or lead compounds for MASLD therapy.

BACKGROUND: Current replacement procedures for stenosis or occluded arteries using prosthetic grafts have serious limitations in clinical applications, particularly, endothelialization of the luminal surface is a long-standing unresolved problem.METHOD: We produced a cell-based hybrid vascular graft using a bioink engulfing adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) and a 3D bioprinting process lining the ADSCs on the luminal surface of GORE-Tex grafts. The hybrid graft was implanted as an interposition conduit to replace a 3-cm-long segment of the infrarenal abdominal aorta in Rhesus monkeys. RESULTS: Complete endothelium layer and smooth muscle layer were fully developed within 21 days post-implantation, along with normalized collagen deposition and crosslinking in the regenerated vasculature in all monkeys. The regenerated blood vessels showed normal functionality for the longest observation of more than 1650 days. The same procedure was also conducted in miniature pigs for the interposition replacement of a 10-cm-long right iliac artery and showed the same long-term effective and safe outcome. CONCLUSION This cell-based vascular graft is ready to undergo clinical trials for human patients.

Objective To investigate the influence of Nei endonuclease Ⅷ-like protein 1(NEIL1)on H2O2-induced apoptosis and autophagy in lens epithelial cells(LECs).Methods Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)was used to detect the expression of NEIL1 messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)in the anterior lens capsule and LEC line SRA01/04 cells from age-related cataract(ARC)patients and macular epiretinal membrane patients who underwent the clear lens extraction.SRA01/04 cells were then divided into the control group,OE-Vector group and OE-NEIL1 group.RT-PCR and Western blot(WB)were used to detect the overexpression efficiency.Subsequently,the cells were divided into the control group,H2O2 group,OE-Vector H2O2 group and OE-NEIL1 H2O2 group;cell viability was detected by Cell Count-ing Kit-8,WB was used to evaluate the expression of autophagy-related proteins(ATG7,P62,Beclinl,LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ)and apoptosis-related proteins(Bax and Bcl-2),and fluorescent staining was adopted to measure cell apoptosis and mito-chondrial membrane potential.Results The expression of NEIL1 mRNA in the anterior lens capsule samples from ARC patients was significantly lower than that of macular epiretinal membrane patients,and the expression of NEIL1 mRNA in the SRA01/04 cells in the H2O2 group was also lower than that in the control group(both P＜0.05).The results of RT-PCR and WB revealed that the expressions of NEIL1 mRNA and protein in the SRA01/04 cells of the OE-NEIL1 group were signif-icantly higher than those in the OE-Vector group(both P=0.000).Compared with the control group,the viability of SRA01/04 cells in the H2O2 group decreased,the expression of the Bax protein was up-regulated,the Bcl-2 protein was down-regulated,viable cells labeled with Mito-Tracker decreased,and apoptotic cells labeled with Annexin V-FITC in-creased,with statistical significances(all P＜0.05).Compared with the OE-Vector H2O2 group,in the OE-NEIL1 H2O2 group,the viability of SRA01/04 cells significantly improved,the autophagy-related proteins(ATG7,P62,Beclin1,LC3-Ⅰand LC3-Ⅱ)and Bcl-2 protein were significantly up-regulated,the Bax protein was down-regulated,viable cells marked with Mito-Tracker increased,and apoptotic cells labeled with Annexin V-FITC decreased(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Under the oxidative stress induced by H2O2,NEIL1 can promote autophagy of LECs,maintain homeostasis of LECs,and then increase cell viability and reduce apoptosis of LECs,participating in the occurrence and development of ARC.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness，safety and economy of bovine pulmonary surfactant （PS） and porcine PS in the treatment of preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome （RDS）. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed，Embase， Cochrane Library，CNKI，SinoMed，Wanfang and health technology assessment （HTA） organization websites and relevant database， HTA report，systematic review/meta-analysis and pharmacoeconomic study about bovine PS versus porcine PS in the treatment of preterm neonates with RDS were included from the inception to Feb 2022. Data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out for the included literature，and then research results were summarized and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS A total of 1 HTA report，6 systematic reviews/meta-analyses，and 6 pharmacoeconomic studies were included. There appeared to be no significant differences between bovine PS and porcine PS in terms of time staying in neonatal intensive care unit and extra-pulmonary outcomes. In terms of PS re-treatment，blood gas index，total effective rate and the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus，porcine PS was superior to bovine PS. Results from other indicators，such as mortality， the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia，air leakage syndrome，pulmonary hemorrhage，were still controversial. In terms of economy，there was no statistical difference in average hospital charges and administration cost per dose between two groups （P＞0.05）； compared with porcine PS，mean wastage cost per dose of bovine PS was higher （P＜0.001），and 24 h treatment cost of bovine PS was lower （P＜0.05）； the results of average medication cost were controversial. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness， safety and economy of bovine PS are found to be similar or inferior to porcine PS. It is not certain whether the inferiority has clinical significance.

Understanding the connection between brain and behavior in animals requires precise monitoring of their behaviors in three-dimensional (3-D) space. However, there is no available three-dimensional behavior capture system that focuses on rodents. Here, we present MouseVenue3D, an automated and low-cost system for the efficient capture of 3-D skeleton trajectories in markerless rodents. We improved the most time-consuming step in 3-D behavior capturing by developing an automatic calibration module. Then, we validated this process in behavior recognition tasks, and showed that 3-D behavioral data achieved higher accuracy than 2-D data. Subsequently, MouseVenue3D was combined with fast high-resolution miniature two-photon microscopy for synchronous neural recording and behavioral tracking in the freely-moving mouse. Finally, we successfully decoded spontaneous neuronal activity from the 3-D behavior of mice. Our findings reveal that subtle, spontaneous behavior modules are strongly correlated with spontaneous neuronal activity patterns.
Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods* ; Mice ; Neuroimaging ; Rodentia

Measuring eye movement is a fundamental approach in cognitive science as it provides a variety of insightful parameters that reflect brain states such as visual attention and emotions. Combining eye-tracking with multimodal neural recordings or manipulation techniques is beneficial for understanding the neural substrates of cognitive function. Many commercially-available and custom-built systems have been widely applied to awake, head-fixed small animals. However, the existing eye-tracking systems used in freely-moving animals are still limited in terms of their compatibility with other devices and of the algorithm used to detect eye movements. Here, we report a novel system that integrates a general-purpose, easily compatible eye-tracking hardware with a robust eye feature-detection algorithm. With ultra-light hardware and a detachable design, the system allows for more implants to be added to the animal's exposed head and has a precise synchronization module to coordinate with other neural implants. Moreover, we systematically compared the performance of existing commonly-used pupil-detection approaches, and demonstrated that the proposed adaptive pupil feature-detection algorithm allows the analysis of more complex and dynamic eye-tracking data in free-moving animals. Synchronized eye-tracking and electroencephalogram recordings, as well as algorithm validation under five noise conditions, suggested that our system is flexibly adaptable and can be combined with a wide range of neural manipulation and recording technologies.