ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder （GLS） on a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsFifty 2-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into a control group， a model group and low， medium and high-dose GLS groups（0.25， 0.5， 1.0 g/kg ）， with 10 mice in each group. A DEN/CCL₄ mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model was established， and GLS was administered by gavage starting from the 8th week， once a day for 14 weeks. At the end of the final administration， the number of liver nodules was observed ， and the serum alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The content of catalase （CAT） in serum and liver tissue was determined by ammonium molybdate method. The content of reduced glutathione （GSH） in serum and liver tissue was measured by microplate assay. The content of glutathione peroxidase （GSH-PX） in serum and liver tissue was detected by colorimetric method. Immunohistochemistry （IHC-P） was employed to detect the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）. R eal-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the relative expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 （Keap1）， NAD（P）H quinone oxidoreductase 1 （Nqo1）， heme oxygenase-1 （Ho-1） and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit （Gclc） mRNA. ResultsCompared with the control group， the content of serum AFP were significantly higher in the model group （P<0.01）， while the contents of CAT， GSH and GSH-PX in liver and serum were significantly lower in the model group （P<0.01）. The relative expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA was significantly higher （P<0.01）， the relative expression of Nrf2， Ho-1， Gclc mRNA relative expression was significantly lower （P<0.01）， and the positive expression rate of PCNA was significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the total number of liver nodules and content of serum AFP in the administered group were significantly lower （P<0.01）， and the contents of CAT， GSH， and GSH-PX in the liver and serum of mice significantly increased （P<0.05 or P<0.01）. The expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA significantly decreased （P<0.05）. The expression of Nrf2， Ho-1 and Gclc mRNA significantly increased （P<0.05）， and positive expression rate of PCNA significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionGLS has a significant protective effect on DEN/CCL4 -induced mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model， and the mechanism of action is related to the regulation of oxidative stress in mouse liver.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, etiological distribution and risk factors of recurrent hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Jiaxing City, so as to provide scientific evidence for developing targeted prevention and control strategies. Methods: Based on the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, data of all reported HFMD cases in Jiaxing City from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2024 were collected. Epidemiological and etiological distribution characteristics of recurrent HFMD cases were described. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate the cumulative risk probability of reinfection, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify risk factors for HFMD reinfection. Results: A total of 3 105 recurrent HFMD cases were reported in Jiaxing City during 2016-2024, with a reinfection rate of 3.99%. The majority of reinfections were second episodes (97.68%). HFMD reinfection was associated with sex, age, population category and etiological serotype ( χ 2=26.44, 609.92, 459.72, 32.01, all P <0.01). The incidence of recurrent HFMD exhibited a bimodal seasonal pattern, with peaks occurring from June to July and September to November. Spatial distribution indicated that Nanhu District, Jiashan County and Tongxiang City accounted for 49.02% of all recurrent cases citywide. Among 264 laboratory confirmed recurrent cases, EV-A71 was the predominant pathogen (29.92%). The proportion of EV-A71 showed a trend of initial decline followed by rebound, while the proportion of CV-A6 increased over time ( χ 2 trend =6.94, 47.43, both P <0.05). Of 51 patients with ≥2 etiological test results, 56.86 % experienced reinfection with a different serotype. The median time to HFMD reinfection was 17.23 (0.50, 105.03) months after the primary episode. The reinfection probability was 0.61% at 6 months, 3.68% at 36 months, and remained approximately 5% at 64.37 months. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that male sex ( HR =1.23), age ≤ 3 years ( HR = 1.84), and scattered children and preschool children ( HR =3.78, 3.47, respectively) were independent risk factors for HFMD reinfection (all P <0.05). Conclusions Recurrent HFMD in Jiaxing City presents temporal and population heterogeneity, and its etiology shows an alternating serotype evolution pattern. Enhanced surveillance should be implemented among priority populations and high incidence regions, and multivalent vaccines should be developed to confer broader protection.

As an extension of the central nervous system, the retina is the only tissue in the body that allows direct in vivo observation of both neural and vascular structures, offering a unique non-invasive window for the assessment of cerebral neurovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that multimodal imaging techniques—such as fundus photography, optical coherence tomography(OCT), and OCT angiography(OCTA)—enable quantitative analysis of retinal indicators including vascular caliber, fractal dimension, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and microvascular density. These metrics can, to some extent, reflect the severity and progression risk of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Consequently, retinal imaging holds promise as a powerful tool for early screening, risk stratification, and treatment monitoring. This article systematically reviews the application of retinal imaging technologies in the diagnosis and management of cerebral neurovascular disorders, with a particular focus on the important role of artificial intelligence(AI)-driven image analysis in enhancing screening efficiency, improving risk assessment accuracy, and promoting multidisciplinary collaborative care, thereby providing insights for clinical translation.

OBJECTIVE To preliminarily assess the horizontal sound localization and its influencing factors in patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the acute phase.METHODS The azimuth discrimination test and azimuth identification test were completed,with the speech sound(65 dB SPL)as the stimulus.The minimum audible angle(MAA)and root-mean-square error(RMSE)were obtained,and the RMSE of the affected side and the healthy side were calculated respectively.According to the WHO(2021)hearing loss classification criteria,the data were analyzed based on the pure-tone average(PTA)of the affected ear.And the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was recorded.RESULTS The performance of the unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the sound localization varied greatly.Some performed close to the normal level,while others completely lost the ability to localize sound.The RMSE of the moderate hearing loss group(≥35 dB HL)was significantly higher than that of the normal hearing group(P<0.01),the MAA of the moderate to severe hearing loss group(≥50 dB HL)showed statistically significant differencescompared with normal hearing group(P<0.001).The RMSE of the affected side of patients in the severe and above hearing loss group was significantly larger than that of the healthy side.Regression analysis showed that the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was the most significant factor affecting MAA(R2=0.572,P<0.001)and RMSE(R2=0.768,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The horizontal sound localization of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the acute phase varies greatly.When the PTA of the affected side reaches moderate hearing loss,the localization ability is significantly lower than that of normal-hearing individuals.The best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear is the key factor affecting the localization ability.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of a novel initiation model on initiating behavioral requests in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). MethodsFrom November to December, 2022, 44 children with ASD were selected from Jiaxing Sunlight Rehabilitation Kindergarten, and divided into prelinguistic group (n = 23) and linguistic group (n = 21) according to the language function. The initiation-requested skills, and types and frequency of initiation-requested behaviors were observed under the novel initiation model and the conventional initiation model. ResultsBoth the groups scored higher in the novel initiation model than in the conventional initiation model for initiation-requested skills (|t| > 2.794, P < 0.05) and types of initiation-requested behaviors (|t| > 3.697, P < 0.01), and it increased for the frequency of the use of two- and three-behavioral initiation of requests (χ² > 7.986, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe novel initiation model can improve initiation request skills in children with ASD.

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.

Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs), particularly those with ten or fewer amino acid residues and a molecular weight below 1300 Da, have gained increasing attention for their safe, diverse structures and specific biological activities. The development of FBP-based functional foods and potential medications depends on understanding their structure‒activity relationships (SARs), stability, and bioavailability properties. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the roles of FBPs in treating various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, based on the literature from July 2017 to Mar. 2023. Subsequently, attention is directed toward elucidating the associations between the bioactivities and structural characteristics (e.g., molecular weight and the presence of specific amino acids within sequences and compositions) of FBPs. We also discuss in silico approaches for FBP screening and their limitations. Finally, we summarize recent advancements in formulation techniques to improve the bioavailability of FBPs in the food industry, thereby contributing to healthcare applications.
Humans ; Peptides/therapeutic use* ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Functional Food ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Biological Availability ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy* ; Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Bioactive Peptides, Dietary

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin (rSj-Cystatin) in a mouse mode of "two-hit" sepsis. METHODS: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice randomized equally into sham-operated group, protein group, "two-hit" modeling group, and protein intervention group. In the former two groups, the mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS followed by exposure of the cecum and then by intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin 30 min later; In the latter two groups, 100 μL PBS containing LPS (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 24 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin were injected 30 min after CLP. At 12 h after rSj-Cystatin treatment, 6 mice from each group were sacrificed for detection of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, iNOS and Arg-1 in the serum, spleen, liver, lung and kidney tissues using ELISA, for examinations of liver, lung and kidney pathologies with HE staining, and for analysis of CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell percentage in the spleen using flow cytometry. The remaining mice were observed for general condition and 72-h survival. RESULTS: The 72-h survival rates in the 4 groups were 100%, 100%, 0% and 20%, respectively, showing significant differences between the latter two groups. The mouse models of "two-hit" sepsis exhibited obvious tissue pathologies and significant elevations of TNF-α and IL-6 in both the serum and tissue homogenate, which were significantly ameliorated by rSj-Cystatin treatment. Treatment with rSj-Cystatin also increased IL-10 and TGF-β levels and spleen CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell percentage. The septic mouse models also showed increased iNOS levels in all the detected tissues and a decreased Arg-1 level in the kidney, and these changes were obviously improved by rSj-Cystatin treatment. CONCLUSIONS rSj-Cystatin has a protective effect against "two-hit" sepsis in mice by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment.
Animals ; Mice ; Sepsis/drug therapy* ; Male ; Schistosoma japonicum/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cystatins/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism*

Cancer is a highly deadly disease, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer being the most prevalent in women. However, traditional cancer treatments present challenges due to their strong toxic side effects and adverse reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from various plants possess therapeutic and preventive properties against cancer. These phytochemicals have been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy drugs, owing to their safety and efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the chemoprevention and mechanisms of phytochemicals against the four major female cancers. The focus will be on how these phytochemicals regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis to impede cancer progression. Given their extensive clinical applications, phytochemicals hold great promise in the field of cancer treatment. It hopes that this review will inspire more researchers to explore the potential of these natural compounds in combating female cancers.

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin(rSj-Cystatin)in a mouse mode of"two-hit"sepsis.Methods Sixty male C57BL/6 mice randomized equally into sham-operated group,protein group,"two-hit"modeling group,and protein intervention group.In the former two groups,the mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS followed by exposure of the cecum and then by intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin 30 min later;In the latter two groups,100 μL PBS containing LPS(5 mg/kg)was injected intraperitoneally 24 h before cecal ligation and puncture(CLP),and 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin were injected 30 min after CLP.At 12 h after rSj-Cystatin treatment,6 mice from each group were sacrificed for detection of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,TGF-β,iNOS and Arg-1 in the serum,spleen,liver,lung and kidney tissues using ELISA,for examinations of liver,lung and kidney pathologies with HE staining,and for analysis of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cell percentage in the spleen using flow cytometry.The remaining mice were observed for general condition and 72-h survival.Results The 72-h survival rates in the 4 groups were 100％,100％,0％and 20％,respectively,showing significant differences between the latter two groups.The mouse models of"two-hit"sepsis exhibited obvious tissue pathologies and significant elevations of TNF-α and IL-6 in both the serum and tissue homogenate,which were significantly ameliorated by rSj-Cystatin treatment.Treatment with rSj-Cystatin also increased IL-10 and TGF-β levels and spleen CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cell percentage.The septic mouse models also showed increased iNOS levels in all the detected tissues and a decreased Arg-1 level in the kidney,and these changes were obviously improved by rSj-Cystatin treatment.Conclusion rSj-Cystatin has a protective effect against"two-hit"sepsis in mice by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment.