ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma water extract （AR） on Alzheimer's disease （AD） model rats and to explore its potential underlying mechanisms. MethodsMale rats were intraperitoneally injected with D-galactose （100 mg·kg^-1） for 42 days， and on day 14， 1 μL of β-amyloid （Aβ_25-35， 2 g·L^-1） solution was injected into the hippocampus. Rats were randomly divided into a model group， low-dose AR （0.6 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose AR （1.2 g·kg^-1）， high-dose AR （2.4 g·kg^-1）， and a positive control group （donepezil， 5 mg·kg^-1）. Healthy rats receiving only a hippocampal injection of 1 μL of sterile saline served as the sham-operated group. From day 21， rats in the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage once daily for 21 consecutive days， while the blank control and model groups received an equal volume of saline. Learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze. Brain tissue damage was observed by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） staining. Levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in brain tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. BV2 microglial cells were co-cultured with Aβ_25-35 （40 μmol·L^-1） for 2 h， and cell viability was determined by the CCK-8 assay to screen the optimal concentration of AR-containing serum （S-AR）. Cells were divided into blank control， Aβ_25-35， S-AR， EX527 ［silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） inhibitor］， and S-AR+EX527 groups. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of CD16， CD206， and high-mobility group box 1 （HMGB1）. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression of CD16， inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， CD206， arginase （Arg）， and proteins related to the SIRT1/HMGB1/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that， compared with the sham-operated group， the model group exhibited reduced platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， prolonged escape latency， increased hippocampal neuronal apoptosis （P<0.01）， and obvious hippocampal damage. The expression levels of IL-6， TNF-α， IL-10， CD16， and iNOS in brain tissues were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， while CD206 and Arg protein expression showed an increasing trend without statistical significance. Compared with the model group， all AR-treated groups significantly increased platform crossings and target quadrant time （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated hippocampal damage， reduced escape latency and neuronal apoptosis， downregulated the expression of TNF-α， IL-6， CD16， and iNOS （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and upregulated the expression of IL-10， CD206 and Arg （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In vitro experiments demonstrated that， compared with the blank control group， the Aβ_25-35 group showed increased fluorescence intensity of CD206， CD16， and HMGB1， as well as elevated protein expression of iNOS and CD16 （P<0.01）， while CD206 and Arg protein expression exhibited an increasing trend without statistical significance. After S-AR intervention， CD206 fluorescence intensity and the protein expression of Arg and CD206 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， whereas the fluorescence intensity of CD16 and HMGB1 and the protein expression of iNOS and CD16 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. These effects were reversed by EX527 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， compared with the blank control group， the Aβ_25-35 group showed significantly increased cytoplasmic HMGB1 expression and p-p65/p65 ratio （P<0.01）， along with significantly decreased SIRT1 and nuclear HMGB1 expression （P<0.01）. In contrast， the S-AR group exhibited opposite trends compared with the Aβ_25-35 group， and the regulatory effects of S-AR on these proteins were reversed by EX527 （P<0.01）. ConclusionAR exerts neuroprotective effects in AD model rats by regulating microglial polarization and alleviating neuroinflammation， potentially through modulation of the SIRT1/HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Abstract The health literacy level among the elderly in China remains at a low level. The 14th Five-Year Plan for Healthy Aging clearly points out that health literacy promotion projects should be implemented to improve the health literacy level among the elderly. The health literacy promotion strategies for the elderly require individual, social, policy and environmental supports. This article reviewed four types of health literacy promotion strategies for the elderly, including social strategies, lecture-based health education strategies, new media-based health communication strategies and environmental strategies. It also proposed that health education institutions, communities and other parties should work together, take advantage of digital technology and internet, and take various measures simultaneously to improve the health literacy of the elderly.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.

BACKGROUND:Mesenchymal stem cells can regulate the tumor microenvironment by secreting extracellular vesicles containing cytokines,growth factors and exosomes for the precise regulation of biological behavior of tumor cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and their released exosomes on the biological properties of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell supernatant was collected,centrifuged and filtered at high speed to obtain human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell supernatant was collected and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes were extracted by ultra-high speed gradient centrifugation.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes were labeled with PKH26 and co-cultured with hepatocellular carcinoma cell MHCC97-H.The uptake of exosomes by MHCC97-H cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy.The effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes on biological functions of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were assessed by the CCK-8 proliferation assay,Transwell migration and invasion assay,and the apoptosis assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes could be uptaken by MHCC97-H cells and was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm.(2)After treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium,MHCC97-H cells showed a significant increase in proliferation,migration,and invasion(P<0.001,P<0.05,P<0.01),and a significant decrease in apoptosis(P<0.001),while after treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes,MHCC97-H cells showed a decrease in proliferation(P<0.001)and migration,invasion,and apoptosis were significantly enhanced(P<0.001).(3)The results indicated that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium had the ability to promote the proliferation,migration,invasion,and inhibit apoptosis of MHCC97-H cells,while human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes had the properties of promoting the migration,invasion and apoptosis of MHCC97-H cells,inhibiting the proliferation.

Objective To explore the effects of exosomes loaded with ginsenoside Rh2 on the biological functions of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods Both Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cell were equally divided into control group, exosome group (Exos group), drug group (G-Rh2 group), and exosomes-loaded-with-ginsenoside Rh2 group (Exos@G-Rh2 group). The effects of each group on the viability, clonogenic ability, migration ability, invasion ability, and apoptotic level of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected through CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, cell scratch assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Results Compared with the control group, the Exos@G-Rh2 group and G-Rh2 group showed significantly decreased cell viability, clonogenic ability, and migration and invasion capabilities, along with a markedly increased cell apoptosis rate (P<0.05). These changes were more pronounced in the Exos@G-Rh2 group than in the G-Rh2 group (P<0.05). Conclusion Exos@G-Rh2 can effectively inhibit the viability and clonogenic, migration, and invasion abilities of liver cancer cells and induce cell apoptosis. This effect is stronger than that of free G-Rh2 at the same concentration.

Hospitals worldwide recognise the importance of data and digital transformation in healthcare. We traced a smart hospital's data-driven journey to build an artificial intelligence and digital ecosystem (AIDE) to achieve healthcare excellence. We measured the impact of data and digital transformation on patient care and hospital operations, identifying key success factors, challenges, and opportunities. The use of data analytics and data science, robotic process automation, AI, cloud computing, Medical Internet of Things and robotics were stand-out areas for a hospital's data-driven journey. In the future, the adoption of a robust AI governance framework, enterprise risk management system, AI assurance and AI literacy are critical for success. Hospitals must adopt a digital-ready, digital-first strategy to build a thriving healthcare system and innovate care for tomorrow.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Delivery of Health Care ; Hospitals ; Cloud Computing ; Robotics ; Internet of Things ; Data Science

This study explored the mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction(XSLJZD) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathway-mediated autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC). Forty-eight SPF-grade male SD suckling rats were randomly divided into a blank group and a modeling group, and the integrated modeling method(iodoacetamide gavage + disturbance of hunger and satiety + swimming exhaustion) was used to replicate the FD rat model. After the model replications were successfully completed, the rats were divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of XSLJZD(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a positive drug group(mosapride of 1.35 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and the intervention lasted for 14 days. The gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in each group were measured. The histopathological changes in the gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The ultrastructure of ICC was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the protein expression of phospho-IRE1(p-IRE1), TNF receptor associated factors 2(TRAF2), phospho-ASK1(p-ASK1), phospho-JNK(p-JNK), p62, and Beclin1 in ICC of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Western blot was used to detect the related protein expression of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Compared with those in the blank group, the rats in the model group showed decreased body weight, gastric emptying rate, and intestinal propulsion rate, and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to the endoplasmic reticulum structure and increased autophagosomes in ICC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the ICC of gastric sinus tissue showed a significant elevation of p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins and a significant reduction of p62 protein. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. Compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of XSLJZD was increased, and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were increased. Transmission electron microscopy observed amelioration of structural damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of ICC and reduction of autophagosomes, and the p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins in the ICC of gastric sinus tissue were significantly decreased. The p62 protein was significantly increased. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. XSLJZD can effectively treat FD, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of molecules related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway in ICC and the improvement of autophagy to promote gastric motility in ICC.
Animals ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism* ; Dyspepsia/physiopathology* ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5/genetics* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Humans ; Endoribonucleases/genetics* ; Multienzyme Complexes

OBJECTIVE: To explore the co-morbid influencing factors of postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP) and dyslipidemia, and to provide evidence-based basis for clinical co-morbidity management. METHODS: Based on the 2017 to 2018 Beijing community cross-sectional survey data, PMOP patients were included and divided into the dyslipidemia group and the uncomplicated dyslipidemia group according to whether they were comorbid with dyslipidemia. Demographic characteristics, living habits and disease history were collected through questionnaires, and bone mineral density and bone metabolism biomarkers (osteocalcin, blood calcium, serum typeⅠprocollagen N-terminal prepeptide, etc.) were detected on site. Co-morbidity risk factors were analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty patients with PMOP were included, including the comorbid group (75 patients) and the uncomplicated group (245 patients). The results showed that history of cardiovascular disease [OR=1.801, 95%CI(1.003, 3.236), P=0.049], history of cerebrovascular disease [OR=2.923, 95%CI(1.460, 5.854), P=0.002], frying and cooking methods[OR=5.388, 95%CI(1.632, 17.793), P=0.006], OST results[OR=0.910, 95%CI(0.843, 0.983), P=0.016], and blood Ca results [OR=60.249, 95%CI(1.862, 1 949.926), P=0.021] were the influencing factors of PMOP complicated with dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION Focus should be placed on the influencing factors of PMOP and dyslipidemia co-morbidities, with emphasis on multidimensional assessment, combining lifestyle interventions with bone metabolism marker monitoring to optimize co-morbidity management.
Humans ; Dyslipidemias/epidemiology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/metabolism* ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Risk Factors ; Bone Density

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of clavicular anatomical plate in the treatment of clavicular Allmanic fracture. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2022, 27 patients with Allman ⅡC distal clavicle fractures were treated with clavicular anatomical plate. There were 19 males and 8 females, aged from 16 to 69 years old, with an average of (39.74±12.71) years old. There were 15 patients on the left side and 12 patients on the right side. There were 15 patients with single clavicle fracture and 12 patients complicated with other parts of the body or organ injury. The broken ends of the fractures were fixed with clavicular anatomical plate, including common compression clavicular anatomical plate in 19 patients and locking clavicular anatomical plate in 8 patients. The operation time and hospitalization days were recorded. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were utilized to assess subjective pain levels both preoperatively and 3 days postoperatively. Postoperatively, patients were monitored at intervals of 1 to 3 months until X-ray films confirmed fracture healing. In accordance with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating system, evaluations were conducted on postoperative pain alleviation, functional recovery, range of motion in forward flexion, strength in forward flexion, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months with an average of (14.70±1.61) months, and all clavicular fractures achieved successful union. The wounds of 24 patients healed in one stage, and 3 patients developed bleeding and exudation, they were cured after dressing change. There were no complications such as infection, plate and screw fracture, vascular and nerve injury. The operation time was(67.56±11.01) min. Significant differences were observed in pain relief, functional improvement, range of motion for forward flexion, strength of forward flexion, patient satisfaction, and overall scores at preoperative, 3 months postoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up(P<0.001). CONCLUSION The utilization of clavicular anatomical plates for the management of Allman typeⅡC fractures can provide early and stable fixation without compromising the acromioclavicular joint, thereby enabling patients to commence early mobilization and ensuring optimal fracture healing.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Clavicle/surgery* ; Adult ; Bone Plates ; Middle Aged ; Fractures, Bone/physiopathology* ; Adolescent ; Aged ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Young Adult