BACKGROUND:Small diameter artificial vessels are urgently needed to treat coronary artery and peripheral artery diseases in clinical practice.At present,vascular tissue engineering has become the main method for preparing small diameter artificial vessels.Selecting suitable biomaterials and cell sources is the key factor for successful construction of small diameter tissue engineered vessels. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of four kinds of electrospinning membrane materials on proliferation,adhesion and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS:Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and extracted from SD rats.The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated separately on polycaprolactone(PCL),polycaprolactone-hyaluronic acid(PCL-HA),polycaprolactone-silk-filament proteins(PCL-SF),and polycaprolactone-gelatin(PCL-GEL)electrospinning membrane materials.After 1,3,and 7 days of culture,the cell arrangement on the material was observed under scanning electron microscope.The proliferation and adhesion of the material were observed by phalloidin staining.The mRNA expressions of CD90,Meflin,and transforming growth factor β were detected by qRT-PCR.After 7 days of induced differentiation into vascular smooth muscle cells,the mRNA expression ofɑ-smooth muscle actin on the material was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were arranged along the fibers of the four kinds of electrospinning membranes under scanning electron microscopy.(2)Phalloidin staining showed the regular distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the four kinds of electrospinning membranes and parallel distribution along the fiber direction.Moreover,PCL-HA,PCL-SF,and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes were more conducive to the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells than PCL electrospinning membranes.Compared with PCL-HA and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes,PCL-SF electrospinning membranes were more conducive to the proliferation and adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(3)qRT-PCR showed that the four kinds of electrospun membrane materials could maintain the mRNA expression of CD90 and Meflin in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,but there was no significant difference between groups(P>0.05).The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-HA,PCL-SF,and PCL-GEL groups was higher than that in PCL group on days 1 and 7(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-SF group was higher than that in the other three groups on days 3 and 7(P<0.05).The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β in PCL-HA group was higher than that in PCL-GEL group on day 7(P<0.05).(4)qRT-PCR showed that the mRNA expression of ɑ-smooth muscle actin in PCL-SF group was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05),and that in PCL-HA group was higher than that in PCL group(P<0.05).(5)The results indicate that compared with PCL,PCL-HA and PCL-GEL electrospinning membranes,PCL-SF electrospinning membranes combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are more suitable for the preparation of small diameter tissue engineered vessels.

Abstract Smartphone addiction adversely effects the physical and mental health of adolescents. Individual psychological factors serve as direct contributors to smartphone addiction in adolescents, and smartphone addiction also affects the individual mental well being. Research suggests that psychological factors such as anxiety and depression, social anxiety and loneliness, self control, sensation seeking, and mindfulness interact with adolescent smartphone addiction. The article reviews the research progress on the relationship between these individual psychological factors and adolescent smartphone addition, so as to provide a reference for understanding and addressing adolescent smartphone addiction from an individual psychological perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) on hippocampal neuronal ferritinophagy mediated by the nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)/ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) signaling pathway in vascular dementia (VD) rats, and to explore the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture for VD. METHODS: A total of 60 male rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group (12 rats), a sham surgery group (12 rats) and a modeling group (36 rats). In the modeling group, the modified 4-vessel occlusion method was used to establish the VD model. The 24 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at left and right "Sishencong" (EX-HN1), and bilateral "Fengchi" (GB20), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current intensity of 1 mA, 30 min a time, once daily for 21 consecutive days. The learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze test before modeling, after modeling and after intervention, as well as the novel object recognition test after intervention. After intervention, the neuronal morphology in the hippocampus was observed by Nissl staining; the iron deposition was observed by Prussian blue staining; the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining; the levels of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by the colorimetric assay, TBA method, and WST-1 method, respectively; the positive expression of NCOA4, FTH1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was detected by immunohistochemistry; the protein expression of NCOA4, FTH1, GPX4, and the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham surgery group, in the model group, the escape latency was prolonged, and the number of platform crossings reduced (P<0.01), the recognition index (RI) was decreased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons displayed a blurred laminar structure, disorganized cellular arrangement, and the number of Nissl bodies was decreased (P<0.01); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were increased (P<0.01), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the escape latency was shortened and the number of platform crossings was increased (P<0.01), the RI was increased (P<0.01); the hippocampal neurons exhibited more regular morphology, better-organized cellular structure, and the number of Nissl bodies was increased (P<0.05); the percentage of iron deposition area in the hippocampus reduced (P<0.01); in the hippocampus, the levels of ROS, iron, MDA, and the protein expression of NCOA4, as well as the LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the SOD level, and the protein expression of FTH1 and GPX4 were increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at "Sishencong" (EX-HN1) and "Fengchi" (GB20) can improve learning and memory abilities in VD rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the regulation of the hippocampal NCOA4/FTH1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferritinophagy, and alleviation of oxidative stress damage.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Dementia, Vascular/genetics* ; Male ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Memory ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/genetics* ; Ferritins/genetics* ; Learning ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points

Growth arrest DNA damage-inducible protein 45 β (GADD45B) has been reported to be a regulatory factor for active DNA demethylation and is implicated in the modulation of synaptic plasticity and chronic stress-related psychopathological processes. However, its precise role and mechanism of action in stress susceptibility remain elusive. In this study, we found a significant reduction in GADD45B expression specifically in the ventral, but not the dorsal hippocampal CA1 (dCA1) of stress-susceptible mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GADD45B negatively regulates susceptibility to social stress and NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in the ventral hippocampal CA1 (vCA1). Importantly, through pharmacological inhibition using the NMDA receptor antagonist MK801, we provided further evidence supporting the hypothesis that GADD45B potentially modulates susceptibility to social stress by influencing NMDA receptor-mediated LTP. Collectively, these results suggested that modulation of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic plasticity is a pivotal mechanism underlying the regulation of susceptibility to social stress by GADD45B.
Animals ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors* ; CA1 Region, Hippocampal/drug effects* ; Male ; Stress, Psychological/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Neuronal Plasticity/drug effects* ; Long-Term Potentiation/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Antigens, Differentiation/metabolism* ; Dizocilpine Maleate/pharmacology* ; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/pharmacology* ; GADD45 Proteins

As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Critical Illness ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND:At present,plant-derived absorbable hemostats are mainly imported,so it is necessary to develop domestic alternatives that are not inferior to similar imported products. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the hemostatic effect of oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostatic material on a model of minipig liver hemorrhage. METHODS:A total of 24 Bama minipigs were selected and randomly divided into three groups.In the sham operation group(n=6),only an open operation was performed,and the damaged side of the liver was removed and put back in situ.In the experimental group(n=12),the liver hemorrhage model was established,and the oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostatic material was applied to the wound.In the control group(n=6),commercially available absorbable hemostatic gauze was used on the wound after establishing liver hemorrhage models.Hemostatic time and blood loss were recorded.The venous blood of the minipig anterior cavity was collected at different time points before and after modeling,and the blood routine and liver and kidney functions were analyzed.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed at 2,6,and 14 weeks after modeling.The main organs were observed by histopathology at 14 weeks after modeling.A liver ultrasound examination was performed at different time points after modeling to observe the degradation and absorption of materials. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant difference in intraoperative hemostatic time and blood loss between the experimental group and the control group(P>0.05).(2)The monitoring results of blood biochemical indexes demonstrated that the levels of aspartate transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase in the three groups were higher 24 hours after modeling than before modeling,and the indexes basically recovered to the normal levels 72 hours after modeling.There were no significant differences in blood biochemical indexes such as liver and kidney functions,blood glucose and inflammatory factors among the three groups(P>0.05).(3)Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining of histopathology revealed that 2 weeks after surgery,granulation tissue formation and a large amount of collagen fiber deposition were observed on the liver wounds of the two groups,and there were obvious fibrous hyperplasia zones and inflammatory cell infiltration,and the wound healed well.14 weeks after modeling,the liver wounds of two groups of minipigs exhibited mild fibrous hyperplasia zone,collagen fiber deposition and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration,complete material degradation,and the healed wound.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed no significant pathological changes in major organs.(4)Ultrasonic examination demonstrated that the materials of both groups were degraded gradually with the extension of implantation time,and most of them were degraded and absorbed by 56 days after molding.(5)The results confirm that the oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostatic material can effectively prevent liver wound hemorrhage in minipigs,and the hemostats are safe and reliable.

Objective To compare and analyze clinical effects of three correction methods in type Ⅲnipple retraction.Methods A total of 93 patients with type Ⅲ nipple retraction were retrospectively enrolled at Clifford Hospital between May 2018 and December 2023.Based on the different surgical methods employed,they were categorized into three groups:group A(silk traction method,n=30),group B(areola double-flap method,n=31),and group C(areola single-flap method,n=32).The study compared the operation time,therapeutic efficacy,hemodynamic disorders,improvement in nipple appearance and function,complications,patient satisfac-tion,and recurrence rates among these three groups.Results The operation duration was significantly longer in group B compared to groups A and C(P<0.05).Group C exhibited a significantly higher total response rate than groups A and B(P<0.05),while no significant difference was observed between groups A and B(P>0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence of hemodynamic disorders among the three groups(P>0.05).The improvement scores for nipple appearance and function were significantly higher in group C compared to groups A and B(P<0.05),with no significant difference between groups A and B(P>0.05).The incidence of complications was lower,satisfaction was higher,both being statistically significant,in group C compared to groups A and B(P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in the incidence of complications or satisfaction between groups A and B(P>0.05).The recurrence rate was significantly lower in group B and group C than in group A(P<0.05).Conclusion The correction effect of the areola single-flap method is superior to that of the silk trac-tion method and areola double-flap method in patients with type Ⅲ nipple retraction,thereby enhancing clinical efficacy,patient satisfaction,nipple aesthetics,and functionality while reducing complications and recurrence rates.

ObjectiveTo study the bioactive secondary metabolites of Talaromyces sp. TP21 and their bioactivities. MethodThe secondary metabolites of Talaromyces sp. TP21 were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）， normal phase and reversed phase column chromatography combined with molecular networking and bioassay-guided fractionation， and their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） and high resolution mass spectrometry （HR MS）. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on the growth of the lung cancer cell line A549 and the liver cancer cell line Hep G2 were measured by themethyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） method. The antimicrobial activities of the compounds were measured with Staphylococcus aureus and human oral cavity-derived Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the indicator microorganisms. ResultSeventeen compounds were isolated from the secondary metabolites of Talaromyces sp. TP21 and identified as ergochrome C （1）， daldiniaeschsone A （2）， seco-blennolide B （3）， penitholabene （4）， penicichrysogene A （5）， orsellinic acid （6）， griseofulvin （7）， isorhodoptilometrin （8）， （+）-5-chloromitorubrinic acid （9）， penicillixanthone A （10）， pentacecilide B （11）， pentacecilide C （12）， chrodrimanin C （13）， chrodrimanin E （14）， chrodrimanin H （15）， chrodrimanin F （16）， and 3-hydroxypentacecilide A （17）. ConclusionCompounds 1-5， 11-12， and 17 were isolated from Talaromyces for the first time. Among them， compounds 4， 7， and 10-12 exhibited inhibitory activities against the growth of A549 and Hep G2 cells， with the median inhibitory concentration below 50 μmol·L^-1. Furthermore， compounds 9 and 10 showed inhibitory activities against S. aureus and human oral cavity-derived S. cerevisiae， with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 8-128 mg·L^-1.

Eclipta prostrata L.has been used in traditional medicine and known for its liver-protective properties for centuries.Wedelolactone(WEL)and demethylwedelolactone(DWEL)are the major coumarins found in E.prostrata L.However,the comprehensive characterization of these two compounds on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)still remains to be explored.Utilizing a well-established zebrafish model of thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury,the present study sought to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of WEL and DWEL on NAFLD through integrative spatial metabolomics with liver-specific transcriptomics analysis.Our results showed that WEL and DWEL significantly improved liver function and reduced the accumulation of fat in the liver.The biodistributions and metabolism of these two compounds in whole-body zebrafish were successfully mapped,and the discriminatory endogenous metabolites reversely regulated by WEL and DWEL treatments were also characterized.Based on spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics,we identified that steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism are mainly involved in the hepatoprotective effects of WEL instead of DWEL.Our study unveils the distinct mechanism of WEL and DWEL in ameliorating NAFLD,and presents a"multi-omics"platform of spatial metabolomics and liver-specific transcriptomics to develop highly effective compounds for further improved therapy.

The leucine-rich repeat (LRR) containing 15 (LRRC15) protein is one of the members of the LRR superfamily. In the medical field, LRRC15 protein not only participates in parasitic, viral and other pathogen infections, but also plays a role in anti-tumor and rheumatoid arthritis treatment. It also regulates cell autophagy, stem cell ossification, and changes in hair follicle dermal papilla cell characteristics. This article reviews the research progress of LRRC15 protein in the medical field.