Objective: To investigate the regulatory role of miR-6824-3p in macrophage function and its molecular mechanism in inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, thereby providing experimental evidence to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms underlying persistent HBV infection. Methods: miR-6824-3p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into human THP-1-induced macrophages. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), neutral red uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and fluorescent latex particle phagocytosis assays were employed to evaluate the effects of miR-6824-3p on macrophage phenotype and function. Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, western blot, and siRNA interference techniques, we identified the target gene of miR-6824-3p and examined their effects on downstream signaling pathways. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to assess the impact of miR-6824-3p-regulated macrophages on HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigen levels in HepAD38 cells. Key effector molecules were identified through neutralization assays. Results: miR-6824-3p mimic significantly promoted the expression and secretion of proinflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, in macrophages (P<0.001), while concurrently reducing ROS production and phagocytosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-6824-3p downregulated NRAS expression in macrophages, which was accompanied by a reduction in MAPK signalling path-way activity (p-MEK, p-ERK). Compared to the control group, the medium of macrophages with overexpressed miR-6824-3p inhibited the expression of HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigens HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcAg in HepAD38 cells (P<0.01). Similar results were also observed in the co-culture system of macrophages with HepAD38 cells. The addition of TNF-α neutralizing antibodies markedly attenuated the aforementioned antiviral effects (P<0.001). Conclusion: miR-6824-3p targets NRAS to affect the downstream MAPK signaling pathway, regulating the immune function of macrophages. The TNF-α induced by miR-6824-3p is one of the key molecules that suppress HBV replication. This study provides evidence for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs influence HBV replication via modulating the host immune microenvironment.

Objective: To analyze the cause of discrepancy between ABO genotype B102/O01 and serological results in one case by PCR-SSP, to clarify the serological characteristics of this special blood group, and to explore relevant blood transfusion strategies. Methods: Blood group serological tests were performed on blood donor in August and December 2024, including forward and reverse ABO typing using tube method, H antigen identification, direct anti-human globulin test by tube method, red blood cell absorption-elution test, and determination of ABH blood group substance in saliva. Exons 1-7 of the ABO gene were amplified by PCR-SSP and sequenced. Results: The two separate serological tests consistently identified the donor as having an A B phenotype, but the results of gene sequencing indicated a B102/O01 genotype, showing an discrepancy between serological and genetic results. Conclusion: It is very likely that the blood type of the blood donor is B102/O01 with a microchimerism of type A, or an AB type masked by A type reference gene.

Objective: To prepare the erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs on tumors and inhibit tumor metastasis. Methods: This study prepared and characterized paclitaxel (PTX)-plerixafor (AMD3100) liposomes (Lips), developed the erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system, and evaluated its targeting efficiency and therapeutic efficacy through a series of in vitro cellular and in vivo animal experiments. Results: The particle size of PTX-AMD-Lips was (186.4±0.83) nm. Drug encapsulation efficiency of PTX-AMD-Lips was (75.50±5.27)% for PTX and (88.31±2.45)% for AMD. The Binding efficiency between RBC and liposomes in the drug delivery system was (69.93±2.55)%. Vitro cellular experiments revealed that PTX-AMD-Lips significantly inhibited tumor cell migration. In vivo animal experiments, the erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system significantly increased drug accumulation in the lungs. At the experimental endpoint, the quantitative fluorescence signal of tumor size measured (4.04±0.44)×10 for the PTX-Lips group, and (5.14±3.40)×10 for the RBC-PTX-AMD-Lips group. Conclusion: The erythrocyte-liposome drug delivery system could enhance the lung-specific targeting capability of liposomes, kill tumor cells and suppress further metastasis effectively.

Objective: To develop a depression recognition model by integrating the spirit-expression diagnostic framework of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with machine learning algorithms. The proposed model seeks to establish a TCM-informed tool for early depression screening, thereby bridging traditional diagnostic principles with modern computational approaches. Methods: The study included patients with depression who visited the Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center from October 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023, as well as students and teachers from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the same period as the healthy control group. Videos of 3 – 10 s were captured using a Xiaomi Pad 5, and the TCM spirit and expressions were determined by TCM experts (at least 3 out of 5 experts agreed to determine the category of TCM spirit and expressions). Basic information, facial images, and interview information were collected through a portable TCM intelligent analysis and diagnosis device, and facial diagnosis features were extracted using the Open CV computer vision library technology. Statistical analysis methods such as parametric and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the baseline data, TCM spirit and expression features, and facial diagnosis feature parameters of the two groups, to compare the differences in TCM spirit and expression and facial features. Five machine learning algorithms, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), decision tree (DT), Bernoulli naive Bayes (BernoulliNB), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification, were used to construct a depression recognition model based on the fusion of TCM spirit and expression features. The performance of the model was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The model results were explained using the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results: A total of 93 depression patients and 87 healthy individuals were ultimately included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The differences in the characteristics of the spirit and expressions in TCM and facial features between the two groups were shown as follows. (i) Quantispirit facial analysis revealed that depression patients exhibited significantly reduced facial spirit and luminance compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05), with characteristic features such as sad expressions, facial erythema, and changes in the lip color ranging from erythematous to cyanotic. (ii) Depressed patients exhibited significantly lower values in facial complexion L, lip L, and a values, and gloss index, but higher values in facial complexion a and b, lip b, low gloss index, and matte index (all P < 0.05). (iii) The results of multiple models show that the XGBoost-based depression recognition model, integrating the TCM “spirit-expression” diagnostic framework, achieved an accuracy of 98.61% and significantly outperformed four benchmark algorithms—DT, BernoulliNB, SVM, and KNN (P < 0.01). (iv) The SHAP visualization results show that in the recognition model constructed by the XGBoost algorithm, the complexion b value, categories of facial spirit, high gloss index, low gloss index, categories of facial expression and texture features have significant contribution to the model. Conclusion This study demonstrates that integrating TCM spirit-expression diagnostic features with machine learning enables the construction of a high-precision depression detection model, offering a novel paradigm for objective depression diagnosis.

Based on the interactive ritual chain theory， this paper deeply analyzed the interactive characteristics between doctors， patients， and their families in the palliative care environment， as well as explored the role of emotional resonance， symbolic representation， and situational creation in psychological support. It also sorted out four primary issues currently present in psychological support for palliative care patients， including insufficient recognition of caregivers regarding patients’ psychological needs， limited psychological intervention methods， inadequate psychological support capabilities among medical staff， and an imperfect family and social support system. On this basis， a five-dimensional psychological support mechanism was constructed， encompassing emotional resonance， situational creation， team collaboration， environment building， and technological application. This aimed to provide palliative care patients with comprehensive and continuous psychological intervention by optimizing doctor-patient interaction， strengthening emotional connection， improving physical environment， and utilizing information technology， thereby contributing to alleviating the psychological distress patients confront in the terminal stage and improving their life dignity and quality of life.

ObjectiveTo predict the mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer via network pharmacology and validate the prediction results in animal experiments. MethodsThe potential mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer was predicted by network pharmacology， liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS）， and molecular docking methods. C57/BL6 mice were assigned into normal， model， cisplatin， and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups. In addition to the normal group， the remaining groups were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of 1×10⁷ cells·mL^-1 Lewis lung cancer cells to establish the Lewis lung cancer model. The daily gavage dose of Shasheng Maidong Tang was 3.58 g·kg^-1， and the concentration of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected on every other day was 2 mg·kg^-1. Drugs were administered for 14 d. The changes in the tumor volume and the rate of tumor suppression were monitored， and the tumor histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the interleukin （IL）-6 and interferon （IFN）-γ levels in peripheral blood. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify the mRNA levels of Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 （STAT1）， and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） in the tumor tissue of mice. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of JAK2， STAT3， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 （Caspase-3）， and Pim-1 proto1 （PIM1） in the tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of Bcl-2 and PIM1 in the tumor tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacological predictions indicated that Shasheng Maidong Tang might enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer by regulating nitrogen metabolism， AGE-RAGE signaling pathway， cancer pathway， and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The experimental results demonstrated that tumor volume in the cisplatin group and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group was reduced compared with the model group， with statistically distinct differences observed on days 14， 17， 20 post modeling （P<0.05）. Notably， the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin therapy further decreased tumor volume compared with the cisplatin group， showing marked reductions on days 17 and 20 （P<0.05）， consistent with trends visualized in tumor volume comparison charts. The Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited higher tumor inhibition rate than the cisplatin group （P<0.05）. Histopathological analysis via HE staining revealed that the tumors in the model group displayed frequent nuclear mitosis， densely arranged cells， hyperchromatic nuclei， and no necrosis. Cisplatin treatment induced partial necrosis and vacuolization， while the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited extensive necrotic regions， maximal vacuolization， disarranged tumor cells， and minimal mitotic activity. Compared with the model group， the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed elevated level of IFN-γ （P<0.01） and declined level of IL-6 （P<0.01） in the peripheral blood. Compared with the cisplatin group， the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented elevated level of IFN-γ （P<0.01） and lowered level of IL-6 （P<0.01） in the peripheral blood. Compared with the model group， the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 （P<0.01） and up-regulated mRNA level STAT1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the cisplatin group， the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 （P<0.01） and up-regulated mRNA level of STAT1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 （P<0.01）， Bcl-2 （P<0.01）， PIM1 （P<0.01）， and STAT3 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 （P<0.01）. Compared with the cisplatin group， Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 （P<0.01）， Bcl-2 （P<0.01）， PIM1 （P<0.01）， STAT3 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 （P<0.01）. The Bcl-2 and PIM1 expression results obtained by immunohistochemistry were consistent with those of Western blot. ConclusionShasheng Maidong Tang may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in the mouse model of Lewis lung cancer by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

To improve the targeted therapeutic effect of magnolol (Mag) on neuroblastoma, Mag-loaded mitochondria-targeting immunoliposomes modified by datuximab (aGD2) and triphenylphosphine (TPP) (Mag/aGD2-T-ILN) were prepared, and their physicochemical properties, targeting characteristics and anti-tumor activity were evaluated. Physico-chemical properties showed that the surface of Mag/aGD2-T-ILN was smooth and spherical, with good dispersibility. The particle sizes, PDI and Zeta potentials of Mag/aGD2-T-ILN were measured to be (136.5 ± 5.1) nm, 0.184 ± 0.010 and (27.5 ± 3.6) mV, respectively. Mag/aGD2-T-ILN could release the drug continuously and slowly, and maintain good stability at 4 ℃. Cytotoxicity test exhibited that the IC50 of 2-ME/aGD2-T-ILN was (4.07 ± 0.48) µmol/L, and compared with free Mag, the toxicity of Mag/aGD2-T-ILN to SH-SY5Y cells increased by 6.4 times. Cellular binding and uptake assays suggested that Rho-aGD2-T-ILN could specifically target GD2-positive tumor cells and then further reach their mitochondria. Therapeutic efficacy indicated that Mag/aGD2-T-ILN could better suppress the growth of SH-SY5Y tumor cells in the body with lower toxicity and less side-effects. The results demonstrated that the Mag/aGD2-T-ILN nanoparticles system could achieve intracellular endocytosis through specific binding of antibodies and antigens between the carrier and the surface of tumor cells and electrostatic interaction, then effectively delivered and released the drugs into mitochondria by crossing the mitochondrial phospholipid membrane through TPP, and thus achieving mitochondria-targeting therapy of Mag/aGD2-T-ILN. Through the construction of this active targeting delivery system, the clinical application value of datuximab and Mag is improved, providing a novel approach for the clinical treatment of neuroblastoma.

Objective To investigate the species of sandflies and the prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies from selected areas of northern and northwestern China, so as to provide insights into identification of leishmaniasis vectors and assessment of epidemiological trends of leishmaniasis in China. Methods Sandfly samples were collected from Mentougou District of Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County of Karamay District of Karamay City, Gaochang District of Turpan City in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2023 to July 2024. Approximately 100 intact female sandfly samples were randomly selected from each site and the species of sandflies was identified according to morphological characteristics and molecular assays. Female sandflies originating from the same habitat were grouped into pools of 10 individuals. Leishmania infection was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene, and the prevalence of Leishmania infection was calculated in sandflies from different sampling sites using the minimum infection rate (MIR) method. In addition, positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results A total of 6 155 sandflies were collected from different environments at sampling sites across the six aforementioned regions from July 2023 to July 2024. Phlebotomus chinensis (96.00%) was the dominant sandfly species in Mentougou District, Beijing Municipality, with a small proportion of Ph. sergenti (4.00%), and only Ph. chinensis was found in Xiangning County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. Ph. wui was the only sandfly species detected in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Ph. caucasicus (97.70%) was the dominant sandfly species in Karamay District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a small proportion of Ph. wui (2.30%), while Ph. alexandri was the only species in Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A total of 40, 60, 34, 18, 18, and 22 pools of sandfly samples were tested from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Payzawat County in Kashgar City, Karamay District in Karamay City, and Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, respectively. L. infantum was detected in Ph. chinensis samples from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, and Xiangning County of Linfen City in Shanxi Province, with MIR of 0.25% to 1.00%, and L. donovani was detected in Ph. wui from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with MIR of 0.56% to 0.88%; however, no Leishmania infection was detected in Ph. caucasicus from Karamay District in Karamay City or Ph. alexandri from Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality and Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. infantum ITS-1 gene, while the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. donovani ITS-1 gene. Conclusions There are variations in sandfly species in selected areas of northern and northwestern China, and variations in the species of Leishmania infecting sandflies. Improved surveillance of sandfly vectors and targeted control strategies with adaptations to geographical features and leishmaniasis vectors are recommended.

Mitochondria, ubiquitous energy-producing organelles in eukaryotic cells, can have their normal functions disrupted by bacterial infections, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction is closely associated with inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of periodontal tissues caused by pathogenic microorganisms, has been increasingly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in its pathogenesis and progression. Compared to healthy periodontal tissues, inflammatory lesions exhibit more pronounced mitochondrial dysfunction—a pathological process that is strongly correlated with periodontal pathogen infection. Studies reveal that these pathogens disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis in host cells (e.g., gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts) through multiple mechanisms, including disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis, altering mitochondrial dynamics (promoting excessive fission), inhibiting mitophagy, impairing mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptosis, and inducing endogenous oxidative stress, which upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these processes drive the establishment and persistence of an inflammatory microenvironment. This review explores how periodontal pathogens affect mitochondrial function and their mechanistic contributions to periodontitis progression, with the goal of providing novel insights for developing mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To review the application and progress of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technology in the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases, and to provide reference for clinical treatment decisions. METHODS: The literature related to UBE technology in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the surgical methods, indications, effectiveness, and safety were analyzed and summarized. RESULTS: UBE technology is effective in the treatment of CSR and CSM, and has the advantages of good surgical field, reducing the injury of the posterior structure of the cervical spine, and protecting the facet joint process, but in general, the indications are relatively narrow, limited to single-segment or adjacent double-segment lesions, and the requirements for the operator are relatively high, and the learning curve is long. CONCLUSION UBE technology can be applied to the treatment of CSR and CSM, but it needs to be carried out by experienced UBE surgeons for specific cases.
Humans ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Radiculopathy/surgery* ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Decompression, Surgical/methods* ; Spinal Cord Diseases/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome