ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture with the method of soothing the liver and regulating the mind in improving depressive disorder. MethodsEighteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， and acupuncture group， with 6 mice in each group. The model group and the acupuncture group were subjected to depression induction by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， while the blank group received an equal volume of normal saline once daily for seven consecutive days. Concurrently， the acupuncture group received "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" acupuncture intervention starting from the first day of modeling， once daily for 14 days； whereas the blank group and the model group were only restrained without acupuncture. The sucrose preference test was used to assess sucrose preference rate， the open-field test to measure center stay time and total travel distance， and the forced swim test to evaluate immobility time. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe hippocampal morphological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in hippocampal tissue. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed a significant reduction in sucrose preference rate， center stay time， and total travel distance， along with a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swim test， hippocampal IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， as well as TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression （P＜0.01）， and the histological examination revealed blurred hippocampal neuronal boundaries， loose arrangement， and some neurons exhibiting nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. Compared to the model group， the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant increase in sucrose preference rate， center stay time， and total travel distance， along with a significant reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test， hippocampal IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， and TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression （P＜0.01）， and the histological analysis showed that hippocampal neurons in the acupuncture group were more tightly arranged， with reduced nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. ConclusionAcupuncture with the "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" method can significantly improve depression-like behavior， potentially by inhibiting the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and alleviating inflammatory responses.

AIM: To prepare a novel functionalized upconversion nanomaterial UCNPs-PEG-Tf through an improved method and observe its specific imaging phenomenon to choroidal melanoma cells(OCM-1).METHODS: NaYF4:Yb/Er(Up-conversion nanoparticles, UCNPs)was Prepared and plasma was treated to carboxylate the surface; then amino polyethylene glycol and transferrin(Tf)were respectively loaded to prepare UCNPs-PEG-Tf. Characterized them accordingly, its biocompatibility was tested accordingly, and the specific fluorescence phenomenon of OCM-1 was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometer and inverted fluorescence microscopy.RESULTS: Characterization confirmed successful synthesis of UCNPs, UCNPs-PEG, and further loading of Tf to form UCNPs-PEG-Tf. UCNPs-PEG-Tf showed excellent biocompatibility and emitted significant green fluorescence. Under the same conditions, fluorescence intensity measurement and observations from the inverted fluorescence microscope both demonstrated its significant specificity in imaging to OCM-1 cells.CONCLUSION: The synthesized novel functionalized UCNPs-PEG-Tf nanocomposite showed good biocompatibility and achieve specific imaging to OCM-1 cells.

The liver performs multiple life-sustaining functions. Hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatoma, pose significant health and economic burdens globally. Along with the advances in nanotechnology, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibiting diversiform size and shape, distinct morphological properties, and favorable physico-chemical features have become an ideal choice for drug delivery systems and inspire alternative thinking for the management of hepatic diseases. Initially, we introduce the physiological structure of the liver and highlight its intrinsic cell types and correlative functions. Next, we detail the synthesis methods and physicochemical properties of MSNs and their capacity for controlled drug loading and release. Particularly, we discuss the interactions between liver and MSNs with respect to the passive targeting mechanisms of MSNs within the liver by adjusting their particle size, pore diameter, surface charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, and surface functionalization. Subsequently, we emphasize the role of MSNs in regulating liver pathophysiology, exploring their value in addressing liver pathological states, such as tumors and inflammation, combined with multi-functional designs and intelligent modes to enhance drug targeting and minimize side effects. Lastly, we put forward the problems, challenges, opportunities, as well as clinical translational issues faced by MSNs in the management of liver diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) against cisplatin-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury and investigate its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) were treated with 2.5 µg/mL cisplatin for 24 h, followed by treatment with 100, 500, and 1000 mg/L LBP, and the changes in cell viability, apoptosis, level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and cell ultrastructure were detected with CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, ELISA and transmission electron microscopy. The cellular expressions of Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2, and the PI3K/AKT pathway proteins were analyzed using Western blotting, and the expression of miR-23a was detected with RT-qPCR. KGN cell models with lentivirus-mediated miR-23a overexpression or knockdown were used to verify the therapeutic mechanism of LBP. RESULTS: Cisplatin treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis, decreased AMH level, caused ultrastructural abnormalities, increased Bax and caspase-3 expression, and lowered Bcl-2 expression in KGN cells. Cisplatin also suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and upregulated miR-23a expression in the cells. LBP intervention obviously alleviated cisplatin-induced injuries in KGN cells, and in particular, LBP treatment at the medium dose for 24 h significantly improved KGN cell viability, reduced apoptosis, enhanced their endocrine function, and ameliorated ultrastructural abnormalities. Mechanistically, medium-dose LBP obviously activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by downregulating miR-23a in cisplatin-treated cells, subsequently inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 while upregulating Bcl-2. Overexpression of miR-23a weakened while knockdown of miR-23a significantly enhanced the protective effects of LBP. CONCLUSIONS LBP alleviates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in KGN cells by inhibiting miR-23a expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian function preservation.
Humans ; Cisplatin/adverse effects* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Female ; Granulosa Cells/cytology* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Down-Regulation ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival/drug effects*

In recent years, the prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease has continued to rise. Despite the widespread application of strategies such as intensive pharmacotherapy, coronary artery bypass grafting, or percutaneous coronary intervention, a subset of patients still experience recurrent angina symptoms, which severely impacts their quality of life. For such cases of refractory angina (RA), researchers domestically and internationally have explored therapeutic approaches such as spinal cord stimulation, transmyocardial laser revascularization, and sympathectomy. However, existing studies are largely limited to small-scale clinical trials, and their clinical translation still faces challenges due to insufficient validation of safety and efficacy. Injectable hydrogels, as functional materials with hydrophilic three-dimensional network structures, demonstrate unique advantages in the treatment of RA. They can not only provide mechanical support but also serve as controlled-release carriers for drugs and proteins, and synergize with gene therapy and stem cell therapy to promotemyocardial tissue repair. This article systematically reviews the application prospects of injectable hydrogels in the treatment of RA, aiming to provide insights for future therapeutic strategies.

Objective: To evaluate the incremental vaccine effectiveness (VE) of two dose of the mumps containing vaccine (MuCV) in chidren, so as to provide a basis for optimizing mumps immunization strategies. Methods: A 1∶2 frequency matched case-control study was conducted by using reported mumps cases in childcare centers or schools from Lu an, Hefei, Ma anshan and Huainan cities of Anhui Province from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, as a case group(383 cases). And healthy children in the same classroom were selected as a control group(766 cases). The MuCV immunization histories of participants were collected to estimate the incremental VE of the second dose of MuCV against mumps. Group comparisons were performed using the Chi square test or t-test. For matched case-control pairs, the Cox regression model was employed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for two dose MuCV vaccination and to estimate the incremental vaccine effectiveness (VE). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the case and control groups regarding gender, age, dosage of MuCV vaccination and the time interval since the last dose vaccination( χ 2/t=0.05, 0.20, 0.94, -0.02, P >0.05). The proportions of the case and control groups vaccinated with two doses of MuCV were 26.63% and 29.37%, respectively, and the overall incremental VE of the second dose of MuCV was 40.73% (95% CI=3.03%-63.77%, P <0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the incremental VE for children with a period of ≥1 year between the two doses of MuCV was 54.13% (95% CI=1.90%-78.56%, P <0.05), while for children with a period of <1 year, it was 30.63% (95% CI=-28.59%-62.58%, P >0.05). The incremental VE of the second dose of MuCV was 30.36% (95% CI=-25.95%-61.50%, P >0.05) in kindergarten children and 66.73% (95% CI=14.92%-86.99%, P <0.05) in elementary and secondary school students. The incremental VE was 28.78% (95% CI=-27.46%-60.21%, P >0.05) within five years of the last dose of MuCV vaccination and 66.07% (95% CI=-41.56%-91.87%, P >0.05) for vaccinations administered beyond five years. Conclusions The second dose of MuCV may offer additional protection for children; however, extending the interval between two dose of MuCV (<1 year) has shown limited incremental protective effects. Therefore, it is crucial to consider optimizing current immunization strategies for mumps.

Objective To systematically review the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)in critically ill patients in China,and to provide evidence-based basis for the rational use of antibiotics.Methods PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP and SionMed databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the incidence of AAD in acute and critically ill patients in China from inception to April 23,2024.Two reviewers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.Meta-analysis was then performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 50 studies involving 26,512 subjects were included.Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of AAD in critically ill patients in China was 26.5%[95%CI(22.9%,30.1%)].Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of AAD in critically ill children in China was 40.6%[95%CI(30.7%,50.4%)],and in critically ill adults in China was 18.7%[95%CI(16.1%,21.4%)],among which the incidence of AAD in children in East China and adults in Southwest China was the lowest.The incidence of AAD in children and adults in Northeast China was the highest.Conclusion The incidence of AAD in critically ill patients in China is relatively high,and it is necessary to carry out effective intervention measures,such as rational selection and standardized use of antibiotics,early prevention and detection of AAD occurrence,to reduce the medical burden caused by AAD in critically ill patients and improve the quality of prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)against cisplatin-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury and investigate its possible mechanisms.Methods Human granulosa-like tumor cell line(KGN)were treated with 2.5 μg/mL cisplatin for 24 h,followed by treatment with 100,500,and 1000 mg/L LBP,and the changes in cell viability,apoptosis,level of anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and cell ultrastructure were detected with CCK-8 assay,flow cytometry,ELISA and transmission electron microscopy.The cellular expressions of Bax,caspase-3,Bcl-2,and the PI3K/AKT pathway proteins were analyzed using Western blotting,and the expression of miR-23a was detected with RT-qPCR.KGN cell models with lentivirus-mediated miR-23a overexpression or knockdown were used to verify the therapeutic mechanism of LBP.Results Cisplatin treatment significantly inhibited cell viability,induced apoptosis,decreased AMH level,caused ultrastructural abnormalities,increased Bax and caspase-3 expression,and lowered Bcl-2 expression in KGN cells.Cisplatin also suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and upregulated miR-23a expression in the cells.LBP intervention obviously alleviated cisplatin-induced injuries in KGN cells,and in particular,LBP treatment at the medium dose for 24 h significantly improved KGN cell viability,reduced apoptosis,enhanced their endocrine function,and ameliorated ultrastructural abnormalities.Mechanistically,medium-dose LBP obviously activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by downregulating miR-23a in cisplatin-treated cells,subsequently inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 while upregulating Bcl-2.Overexpression of miR-23a weakened while knockdown of miR-23a significantly enhanced the protective effects of LBP.Conclusion LBP alleviates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in KGN cells by inhibiting miR-23a expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway,suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian function preservation.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing varicella prevention and control strategies. Methods Data on varicella cases were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive epidemiology, temporal trend analysis, seasonal analysis, spatiotemporal clustering analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were conducted using QGIS, JoinPoint, SaTScan and GeoDa software. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023 was 34.55/100,000, showing a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. The peak incidence occurred from October to January of the following year (RR=1.97, LLR=1743.95, P=0.001). Students aged 0 to 19 was the primary affected group. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed four types of spatiotemporal clusters, with the cluster in Jin'an District from October 2017 to December 2023 being particularly prominent (RR=2.87，LLR=1734.15，P<0.001). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated significant clustering of varicella cases in the main urban area (Moran's I=0.216，Z=4.786，P=0.003). Conclusion The incidence of varicella in Lu'an City exhibits distinct seasonal and spatial clustering, and schools and kindergartens in the main urban area are the key to varicella prevention and control. It is necessary to enhance the monitoring of disease outbreaks during peak periods and in key areas, and to increase the two-dose vaccination rate for varicella in areas with case aggregation and among key populations.

With the technological innovation and the advances in information technology, acupuncture-moxibustion is on the path of modernization and high-quality development. The research on ancient acupuncture-moxibustion literature has been gradually transformed from traditional sorting and digital research to intelligent knowledge services, so as to realize the deep integration of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion knowledge with the needs of modern clinical practice and scientific research. Guided by the characteristics of acupuncture-moxibustion knowledge and based on the knowledge meta-theory, the in-depth analytical indexing and knowledge organization are conducted on more than 400 kinds of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion literature. Taking ancient literature of meridian symptoms/manifestations as an example, thematic literature research and database construction are carried out. Integrated with database, cloud platform, knowledge domain mapping and other technologies, the sharing service platform of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion knowledge is constructed. As a result, the research and development achievements can be adopted by the researchers in the field of basic theory, clinical practice and research of acupuncture-moxibustion. Finally, through the way of "digital reconstruction + intelligent application", the path and paradigm of digital research of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion literature are explored to provide the references for the innovative utilization of ancient acupuncture-moxibustion literature.
Moxibustion/history* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; History, Ancient ; Knowledge