Aim To investigate the promotive effects and mechanisms of the combined use of brucine(Bru)and lumbrokinase(LK),active ingredient derived from Longma formula,in promoting chondrocyte proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods The extracted primary rat chondrocytes were divided in-to the following groups:Control group,Bru,LK alone group,and Bro+LK combination group.The optimal drug concentration and intervention time were deter-mined using CCK-8 assay,followed by cell proliferation validation through EdU and phalloidin staining.The expression levels of collagen Ⅱ,aggrecan and SRY-re-lated high-mobility group box gene 9(SOX9)in chon-drocytes following intervention with the combination of Bru and LK were detected by Western blotting.Addi-tionally,the regulatory effects of these proteins on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were also investiga-ted.Results The optimal combination concentration of Longma formula active ingredients(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)significantly enhanced chondro-cyte viability compared to control,Bru,or LK alone at 48 h.This combination increased the S-phase ratio,promoted the aggregation of intracellular actin fila-ments,and upregulated the expression of collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan.Furthermore,it activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,leading to increased SOX9 expres-sion.Conclusions The optimal combination of Bru and LK(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)de-rived from Longma formula significantly maintains chondrocyte phenotype and promotes cellular prolifera-tion through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signa-ling pathway,which subsequently upregulates the downstream target SOX9.

Objective To analyze differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in the hippocampal tissue of an amyloid-beta 1-42(Aβ1-42)-induced Alzheimer's disease(AD)rat model using Tandem mass tag(TMT)-based quantitative proteomics,followed by bioinformatic analysis to explore potential AD mechanisms.Methods Twelve male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly assigned to a control group(n=6)and a model group(n=6).The AD model was established by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 in the model group,while the control group received an equivalent volume of saline.Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test,and hippocampal Aβ deposition was detected by immunofluorescence.DEPs were identified using TMT-based proteomics and subsequently analyzed via Gene Ontology(GO)annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment,and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.Key DEPs were validated using parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)technology.Results The model group exhibited a significantly lower novel object recognition index(P<0.01)and significantly increased hippocampal Aβ deposition(P<0.01)compared to the control group.Proteomic analysis identified 183 DEPs(87 upregulated,96 downregulated).GO analysis revealed that DEPs were primarily enriched in processes such as amyloid-beta binding and ion transmembrane transport.KEGG analysis indicated significant enrichment in 42 pathways,including dopaminergic synapse,glutamatergic synapse,cholinergic synapse,and long-term potentiation.Ten core DEPs were identified from the PPI network,and PRM validation confirmed expression trends consistent with the TMT results.Conclusion Aβ1-42-induced AD involves the synergistic action of multiple targets,biological processes,and pathways.The activation of glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic signaling pathways,mediated by core DEPs(e.g.,Th、D1、VGLUT2、GluN2A、GluA1、GluA3、Shank1、DARPP-32、PKC-δ、PKC-α、PKA C-β、CaMKⅡα、PTK2B),likely represents a key molecular mechanism in this AD model,providing a basis for identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Objective A scoping review of domestically and internationally published studies on finite element analysis(FEA)based on three-dimensional(3D)human body model in preventing pressure ulcer(PU)was conducted,aiming to provide new directions for improving the prevention strategies of pressure ulcer.Methods We conducted a systematic search in both Chinese and English medical databases,including PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Sinomed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP,and engineering database(Engineering Village Compen-dex).The search period was from the inception of each database to July 29,2024.The information was extracted,and the results were analyzed and standardized for reporting.Results A total of 30 studies were included.The general methods of FEA based on 3D human body model include establishing geometric model,meshing,defining material properties,loading and setting boundary conditions,and solving equations.According to the contents of studies,they could be categorized into 4 distinct application domains,including identification of risk groups(n=9),position management(n=9),preventive dressings(n=10)and supportive surfaces(n=7).Conclusion FEA based on 3D human body model provides a foundation to PU biomechanical mechanism research and a scientific basis to the supplement and optimization of clinical prevention.Future studies should integrate clinical problems with simulations and further optimize simulations techniques and protocols.

Objective A scoping review of domestically and internationally published studies on finite element analysis(FEA)based on three-dimensional(3D)human body model in preventing pressure ulcer(PU)was conducted,aiming to provide new directions for improving the prevention strategies of pressure ulcer.Methods We conducted a systematic search in both Chinese and English medical databases,including PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Sinomed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP,and engineering database(Engineering Village Compen-dex).The search period was from the inception of each database to July 29,2024.The information was extracted,and the results were analyzed and standardized for reporting.Results A total of 30 studies were included.The general methods of FEA based on 3D human body model include establishing geometric model,meshing,defining material properties,loading and setting boundary conditions,and solving equations.According to the contents of studies,they could be categorized into 4 distinct application domains,including identification of risk groups(n=9),position management(n=9),preventive dressings(n=10)and supportive surfaces(n=7).Conclusion FEA based on 3D human body model provides a foundation to PU biomechanical mechanism research and a scientific basis to the supplement and optimization of clinical prevention.Future studies should integrate clinical problems with simulations and further optimize simulations techniques and protocols.

Aim To investigate the promotive effects and mechanisms of the combined use of brucine(Bru)and lumbrokinase(LK),active ingredient derived from Longma formula,in promoting chondrocyte proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods The extracted primary rat chondrocytes were divided in-to the following groups:Control group,Bru,LK alone group,and Bro+LK combination group.The optimal drug concentration and intervention time were deter-mined using CCK-8 assay,followed by cell proliferation validation through EdU and phalloidin staining.The expression levels of collagen Ⅱ,aggrecan and SRY-re-lated high-mobility group box gene 9(SOX9)in chon-drocytes following intervention with the combination of Bru and LK were detected by Western blotting.Addi-tionally,the regulatory effects of these proteins on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were also investiga-ted.Results The optimal combination concentration of Longma formula active ingredients(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)significantly enhanced chondro-cyte viability compared to control,Bru,or LK alone at 48 h.This combination increased the S-phase ratio,promoted the aggregation of intracellular actin fila-ments,and upregulated the expression of collagen Ⅱ and aggrecan.Furthermore,it activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,leading to increased SOX9 expres-sion.Conclusions The optimal combination of Bru and LK(Bru 0.025 mg·L-1+LK 5 mg·L-1)de-rived from Longma formula significantly maintains chondrocyte phenotype and promotes cellular prolifera-tion through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signa-ling pathway,which subsequently upregulates the downstream target SOX9.

Objective To analyze differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in the hippocampal tissue of an amyloid-beta 1-42(Aβ1-42)-induced Alzheimer's disease(AD)rat model using Tandem mass tag(TMT)-based quantitative proteomics,followed by bioinformatic analysis to explore potential AD mechanisms.Methods Twelve male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly assigned to a control group(n=6)and a model group(n=6).The AD model was established by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 in the model group,while the control group received an equivalent volume of saline.Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test,and hippocampal Aβ deposition was detected by immunofluorescence.DEPs were identified using TMT-based proteomics and subsequently analyzed via Gene Ontology(GO)annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment,and protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.Key DEPs were validated using parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)technology.Results The model group exhibited a significantly lower novel object recognition index(P<0.01)and significantly increased hippocampal Aβ deposition(P<0.01)compared to the control group.Proteomic analysis identified 183 DEPs(87 upregulated,96 downregulated).GO analysis revealed that DEPs were primarily enriched in processes such as amyloid-beta binding and ion transmembrane transport.KEGG analysis indicated significant enrichment in 42 pathways,including dopaminergic synapse,glutamatergic synapse,cholinergic synapse,and long-term potentiation.Ten core DEPs were identified from the PPI network,and PRM validation confirmed expression trends consistent with the TMT results.Conclusion Aβ1-42-induced AD involves the synergistic action of multiple targets,biological processes,and pathways.The activation of glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic signaling pathways,mediated by core DEPs(e.g.,Th、D1、VGLUT2、GluN2A、GluA1、GluA3、Shank1、DARPP-32、PKC-δ、PKC-α、PKA C-β、CaMKⅡα、PTK2B),likely represents a key molecular mechanism in this AD model,providing a basis for identifying potential therapeutic targets.

Objective: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a diagnostic tool that provides precise and reproducible information about cardiac structure, function, and tissue characterization, aiding in the monitoring of chemotherapy response in patients with lightchain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of CMR in monitoring responses to chemotherapy in patients with AL-CA. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, we enrolled 111 patients with AL-CA (50.5% male; median age, 54 [interquartile range, 49–63] years). Patients underwent longitudinal monitoring using biomarkers and CMR imaging. At followup after chemotherapy, patients were categorized into superior and inferior response groups based on their hematological and cardiac laboratory responses to chemotherapy. Changes in CMR findings across therapies and differences between response groups were analyzed. Results: Following chemotherapy (before vs. after), there were significant increases in myocardial T2 (43.6 ± 3.5 ms vs. 44.6 ± 4.1 ms; P = 0.008), recovery in right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain (median of -9.6% vs. -11.7%; P = 0.031), and decrease in RV extracellular volume fraction (ECV) (median of 53.9% vs. 51.6%; P = 0.048). These changes were more pronounced in the superior-response group. Patients with superior cardiac laboratory response showed significantly greater reductions in RV ECV (-2.9% [interquartile range, -8.7%–1.1%] vs. 1.7% [-5.5%–7.1%]; P = 0.017) and left ventricular ECV (-2.0% [-6.0%–1.3%] vs. 2.0% [-3.0%–5.0%]; P = 0.01) compared with those with inferior response. Conclusion Cardiac amyloid deposition can regress following chemotherapy in patients with AL-CA, particularly showing more prominent regression, possibly earlier, in the RV. CMR emerges as an effective tool for monitoring associated tissue characteristics and ventricular functional recovery in patients with AL-CA undergoing chemotherapy, thereby supporting its utility in treatment response assessment.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of targeted inhibition of type 3 deiodinase (Dio3) on skeletal muscle mitochondria in sepsis.Methods:① In vivo experiments: adeno-associated virus (AAV) was employed to specifically target Dio3 expression in the anterior tibial muscle of rats, and a septic rat model was generated using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into shNC+Sham group, shD3+Sham group, shNC+CLP group, and shD3+CLP group by random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. After CLP modeling, tibial samples were collected and Western blotting analysis was conducted to assess the protein levels of Dio3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α), and silence-regulatory protein 1 (SIRT1). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to examine mRNA expression of genes including thyroid hormone receptors (THRα, THRβ), monocarboxylate transporter 10 (MCT10), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and PGC1α. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate mitochondrial morphology. ② In vitro experiments: involved culturing C2C12 myoblasts, interfering with Dio3 expression using lentivirus, and constructing an endotoxin cell model by treating cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). C2C12 cells were divided into shNC group, shD3 group, shNC+LPS group, and shD3+LPS group. Immunofluorescence colocalization analysis was performed to determine the intracellular distribution of PGC1α. Co-immunoprecipitation assay coupled with Western blotting was carried out to evaluate the acetylation level of PGC1α. Results:① In vivo experiments: compared with the shNC+Sham group, the expression of Dio3 protein in skeletal muscle of the shNC+CLP group was significantly increased (Dio3/β-Tubulin: 3.32±0.70 vs. 1.00±0.49, P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference in the shD3+Sham group. Dio3 expression in the shD3+CLP group was markedly reduced relative to the shNC+CLP group (Dio3/β-Tubulin: 1.42±0.54 vs. 3.32±0.70, P < 0.05). Compared with the shNC+CLP group, the expression of T3-regulated genes in the shD3+CLP group were restored [THRα mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.67±0.05 vs. 0.33±0.01, THRβ mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.94±0.05 vs. 0.67±0.02, MCT10 mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.65±0.03 vs. 0.57±0.02, all P < 0.05]. Morphology analysis by electron microscopy suggested prominent mitochondrial damage in the skeletal muscle of the shNC+CLP group, while the shD3+CLP group exhibited a marked improvement. Compared with the shNC+Sham group, the shNC+CLP group significantly reduced the number of mitochondria (cells/HP: 10.375±1.375 vs. 13.750±2.063, P < 0.05), while the shD3+CLP group significantly increased the number of mitochondria compared to the shNC+CLP group (cells/HP: 11.250±2.063 vs. 10.375±1.375, P < 0.05). The expression of mtDNA in shNC+CLP group was markedly reduced compared with shNC+Sham group (copies: 0.842±0.035 vs. 1.002±0.064, P < 0.05). Although no difference was detected in the mtDNA expression between shD3+CLP group and shNC+CLP group, but significant increase was found when compared with the shD3+Sham group (copies: 0.758±0.035 vs. 0.474±0.050, P < 0.05). In the shD3+CLP group, PGC1α expression was significantly improved at both transcriptional and protein levels relative to the shNC+CLP group [PGC1α mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.49±0.13 vs. 0.68±0.06, PGC1α/β-Tubulin: 0.76±0.02 vs. 0.62±0.04, both P < 0.05]. ② In vitro experiments: post-24-hour LPS treatment of C2C12 cells, the cellular localization of PGC1α became diffuse; interference with Dio3 expression promoted PGC1α translocation to the perinuclear region and nucleus. Moreover, the acetylated PGC1α level in the shD3+LPS group was significantly lower than that in the shNC+LPS group (acetylated PGC1α/β-Tubulin: 0.59±0.01 vs. 1.24±0.01, P < 0.05), while the expression of the deacetylating agent SIRT1 was substantially elevated following Dio3 inhibition (SIRT1/β-Tubulin: 1.04±0.04 vs. 0.58±0.03, P < 0.05). When SIRT1 activity was inhibited by using EX527, PGC1α protein expression was notably decreased compared to the shD3+LPS group (PGC1α/β-Tubulin: 0.92±0.03 vs. 1.58±0.03, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Inhibition of Dio3 in skeletal muscle reduced the acetylation of PGC1α through activating SIRT1, facilitating nuclear translocation of PGC1α, thereby offering protection against sepsis-induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial damage.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on the learning and memory abilities of Alzheimer disease(AD)rats;To explore its potential mechanism based on proteomics.Methods Totally 36 SD male rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group and heart meridian acupoints group,with 12 rats in each group.Aβ1-42 were injected into the bilateral hippocampus to establish AD rat model,the sham-operation group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline.The heart meridian acupoints group received electroacupuncture treatment,accompanied by a stimulation time of 20 minutes,rest for 1 day after 6 days of electroacupuncture for 7 consecutive weeks.The Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of AD rats,tandem mass tag(TMT)labeling technology and bioinformatics analysis were used to screen core differentially expressed proteins in important typical pathways,and key differentially expressed protein was verified by parallel reaction monitoring(PRM).Results There was no statistically significant difference in swimming speed between each group of rats(P>0.05).Compared with the sham-operation group,the escape latency of Morris water maze experiment in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the escape latency of heart meridian acupoints group was significantly shortened on the 2-4th day(P<0.01).A total of 209 differentially expressed proteins were identified in different groups using TMT labeling quantification,among which 12 proteins showed significant changes among the 3 groups.GO annotation involved biological processes such as metal ion transport,sodium ion transport,and sodium ion transmembrane transport,as well as cellular components such as synapses,presynapse,and synaptic vesicle,involving solute:sodium symporter activity,organic acid:sodium symporter activity,amino acid:cation symporter activity,amino acid:sodium symporter activity,and other molecular functions;KEGG analysis significantly enriched the synaptic vesicle pathway.The PRM validation results indicated that electroacupuncture at the heart meridian acupoints could reduce the expressions of sodium and chloride dependent GABA transporter protein 3(GAT3),which was consistent with the quantitative detection results of TMT labeling quantification.Conclusion Electroacupuncture at the heart meridian acupoints can improve the learning and memory abilities of AD rats,possibly by regulating the expression of synaptic transporter GAT3 on the synaptic vesicle pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis