AIM: To assess the stability of the tear film and the characteristics of corneal nerves in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD).METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 72 PD patients and 50 healthy controls. Disease severity was determined using the Hoehn-Yahr(H-Y)scale, dividing patients into mild and moderate PD groups. Dry eye symptoms were evaluated via the ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire, while tear secretion was quantified using the Schirmer I test. Ocular surface damage was assessed through staining scores, and comprehensive ocular examinations were performed utilizing the LipiView ocular surface interferometer and an ocular surface analyzer. Corneal nerve parameters were examined using corneal confocal microscopy in conjunction with automated analysis software ACCMetrics, with correlations drawn between these parameters, PD course, and severity.RESULTS: PD patients exhibited significantly elevated OSDI scores, indicative of more pronounced dry eye symptoms compared to the control group(F=70.290, P<0.01). Tear film stability was markedly compromised, with significantly shorter tear film breakup time and increased corneal fluorescein staining, both showing statistically significant differences relative to controls(all P<0.01). Tear secretion indices, including Schirmer I test results and tear meniscus height, were significantly reduced in PD patients(all P<0.01), whereas lipid secretion indices, such as lipid layer thickness and meibomian gland dropout score, did not show significant variation. Corneal nerve analysis revealed significant reductions in corneal nerve fiber density, nerve branch density, fiber length, and total branch density in PD patients compared to controls(all P<0.01). Furthermore, blink frequency was markedly prolonged(F=62.353, P<0.01). Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between alterations in tear film stability and both disease duration and H-Y scores.CONCLUSION: PD patients have obvious dry eye manifestations in the early stage of the disease, including the reduction of tear film stability and corneal nerve fiber density, and gradually aggravate with the progress of the disease. Neurodegenerative disease-related dry eye needs to be diagnosed early and actively treated.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

AIM:To quantitatively assess the early alterations of retinal and choroidal microcirculation and microstructure in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)patients without coexisting retinopathy via ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography(UWF SS-OCTA).METHODS:Cross-sectional study. Totally 64 cases(64 eyes)that diagnosed as SLE without associated retinopathy at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from May to October 2024 were enrolled as the study group(Randomly assign one eye to the study group). Simultaneously, age-and gender-matched healthy individuals were recruited as the control group. All participants underwent UWF SS-OCTA. The deep capillary plexus(DCP), superficial capillary plexus(SCP), total retina, choriocapillaris(CC), as well as the choroidal medium and large vessel density(VD)in both the central and peripheral retinal areas of both groups of patients were compared. Additionally, parameters such as choroidal vascularity volume(CVV), choroidal vascularity index(CVI), thickness of the inner retina, outer retina, entire retina, and choroid in both central and peripheral area. SLE patients were categorized into three subgroups based on the SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI-2K), including 20 cases(20 eyes)in mild-and no-activity group(SLEDAI-2K≤6), 20 cases(20 eyes)in moderate-activity group(7

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of Claudin-6(CLDN6),tripartite motif-containing protein 59(TRIM59)and chemokine-like factor-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing member 6(CMTM6)in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)tissue.Methods A total of 135 NPC patients were selected as the study objects,and cancer tissue(observation group)and para-cancer tissue(control group)of all patients were collected.All patients were followed up for 3 years.According to the follow-up results,93 surviving patients were included in the survival group and 42 dead patients were included in the death group.The mRNA expressions of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of death in NPC patients.Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relationship between the expression levels of CLDN6,TRIM59,CMTM6 and the prognosis of NPC patients.Results Compared with the control group,mRNA expressions of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 were increased in the observation group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in age,sex,body mass index,TNM stage,bone metastasis,smoking history,drinking history and hypertension history between the survival group and the death group.Compared with the survival group,the proportion of NPC family history and the mRNA expression of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 in cancer tissue were increased in the death group(P<0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the increased levels of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 in cancer tissue were influential factors for death of NPC patients(P＜0.05).According to the mean expression levels of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 mRNA in cancer tissue,patients were divided into the low expression group and the high expression group.The 3-year survival rate of the high expression group was significantly lower than that of the low expression group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The mRNA expressions of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 in NPC tissue are significantly increased,which is a risk factor for death in NPC patients,and the mRNA expressions of CLDN6,TRIM59 and CMTM6 are correlated with the prognosis of patients.

Objective:To explore mechanism of Caspase-11/GSDMD non-classical cell pyroptosis pathway in inflammatory response of RAW264.7 monocyte macrophages induced by ricin toxin.Methods:Cell pyroptosis model induced by LPS+Nigericin was used as a positive control,and cells were induced with 40 ng/ml and 80 ng/ml of ricin toxin for 8 hours.Cell release of lactate dehydro-genase(LDH)was measured by LDH cell release assay;cell viability was assessed by flow cytometry(Annexin Ⅴ/PI double staining);gene expressions of Caspase-11,GSDMD,IL-1β and IL-18 were measured by RT-qPCR;protein levels of Caspase-11 and GSDMD were measured by Western blot;secretion levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatant were measured by ELISA.Results:Compared with normal control group,RAW264.7 cells treated with ricin toxin showed swelling,cell membrane rupture,significantly increased LDH release(P<0.001),significantly increased pyroptosis rate(P<0.001),significantly increased expression of pyroptosis-related genes Caspase-11,GSDMD,IL-1β and IL-18(P<0.05),significantly increased protein expressions of Caspase-11 and GSDMD(P<0.05),and significantly increased secretion levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatant(P<0.05).Results of ricin toxin treatment group were consistent with LPS+Nigericin cell pyroptosis positive control group.Conclu-sion:Ricin toxin may induce cell pyroptosis in RAW264.7 cells through Caspase-11/GSDMD non-classical pathway,thereby promoting inflammatory response.

The novel coronavirus(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,SARS-CoV-2),classified as a single-stranded RNA virus,replicates and transcribes its genome through the action of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase,which is itself comprised of numerous non-structural pro-teins(non-structural proteins,Nsps).The present study delineates the development of a detection system founded on a bicistronic reporter plasmid in conjunction with an array of Nsp plasmids,ai-ming to investigate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 Nsps on the virus's replication and expression profiles.Specifically,a bicistronic reporter gene plasmid along with twelve distinct Nsp plasmids(encompassing Nsp3C-Flag,Nsp4,Nsp6-Nsp10,Nsp12-Nsp16)were meticulously constructed via molecular cloning techniques.The successful expression of these Nsps was subsequently confirmed through Western blot analysis.Initially,the activity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was assessed by co-transfection of the reporter plasmid with Nsp12,in the presence of its auxiliary fac-tors Nsp7 and Nsp8,with careful regulation of the co-transfection ratio,culturing temperature,and the timing of activity determination for the triad of Nsp plasmids.The normalized NLuc fluorescein value,in reference to the FLuc fluorescein value of the housekeeping gene,served as a metric for determining the polymerase activity.Building upon this foundation,the co-transfection concentra-tions of Nsp9-16 were fine-tuned,followed by the incremental addition of varying doses of Nsp3C,Nsp4,and Nsp6,to further elucidate the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp).The findings indicated that upon transfection with varying ratios of Nsp7,Nsp8,and Nsp12 at a propor-tion of 1∶8∶24,the polymerase activity was markedly elevated compared to the control group,with a statistical significance level(P＜0.001).Furthermore,in the absence of Nsp3,Nsp4,and Nsp6,the inclusion of Nsp10-16 substantially augmented the activity of the RdRp,particularly in scenarios where Nsp9 was not introduced,achieving statistical significance(P＜0.001).In the pres-ence of Nsp3 and Nsp4,the RdRp activity was augmented further upon the addition of Nsp9,reac-hing a level of significance(P＜0.05).The data imply that Nsp9 is capable of enhancing the RdRp activity of SARS-CoV-2 exclusively in the context of Nsp3 and Nsp4 coexistence,suggesting that the stimulatory influence of Nsp9 on viral replication may be contingent upon the formation of double-membrane vesicles.

Objective:To explore the relationship between anxiety symptoms and dispositional mindfulness and analyze the role of psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity in their relationship.Methods:A total of 478 college students were selected and assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Anxiety subscale(DASS-A),Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS),Brief Resilience Scale(BRS)and Symptom Checklist 90-Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale(IPS).SPSS macro program PROCESS3.5 was used to test the mediating role.Results:The DASS-A scores were negatively correlated with the MAAS and BRS scores(r=-0.38,-0.33,Ps＜0.01),and positively correlated with the IPS scores(r=0.40,P＜0.01).The MAAS scores were positively correlated with the BRS scores(r=0.40,P＜0.01),and negatively with the IPS scores(r=-0.39,P＜0.01).The BRS scores were negatively correlated with the IPS scores(r=-0.42,P＜0.01).Psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity acted as mediators and chain mediators between dispositional mindfulness and anxiety symptoms,with effect sizes of-0.06,-0.07,-0.03,accounting for 15.79％,18.42％,7.89％of the total effect,respectively.Conclusion:It suggests that anxiety symptoms are related to dispositional mindfulness in college students,and psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity play a chain mediating role between them.

Objective To explore the effects of cerium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles(Ce-MBGNs)as reactive oxy-gen species(ROS)-responsive nanocarriers on inflammation in pulp and their potential to promote odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs).Methods The cytotoxicity of Ce-MBGNs was assessed by CCK-8.The expression of mRNA of osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation in DPSCs and that of inflammatory factor in RAW264.7 cells were detected by RT-qPCR.Alkaline phospha-tase and Alizarin Red S staining were utilized to investigate their ability to promote dentin mineralization.The ability of Ce-MBGNs to scavenge ROS was evaluated by immunofluorescence and JC-1 staining was used to assess the membrane potential(MMP)of mitochon-drial.Results Ce-MBGNs exhibited good biocompatibility and significantly increased the expression of osteogenic/odontogenic-related genes in DPSCs,promoting mineralization.Additionally,Ce-MBGNs effectively scavenged intracellular ROS,maintained MMP,inhib-ited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors,and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factors.Conclusion Ce-MBGNs can protect DPSCs from oxidative damage by maintaining the MMP of mitochondrial and controlling inflammation,and promote their odonto-blastic differentiation,providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents for oral treatment.

The novel coronavirus(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,SARS-CoV-2),classified as a single-stranded RNA virus,replicates and transcribes its genome through the action of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase,which is itself comprised of numerous non-structural pro-teins(non-structural proteins,Nsps).The present study delineates the development of a detection system founded on a bicistronic reporter plasmid in conjunction with an array of Nsp plasmids,ai-ming to investigate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 Nsps on the virus's replication and expression profiles.Specifically,a bicistronic reporter gene plasmid along with twelve distinct Nsp plasmids(encompassing Nsp3C-Flag,Nsp4,Nsp6-Nsp10,Nsp12-Nsp16)were meticulously constructed via molecular cloning techniques.The successful expression of these Nsps was subsequently confirmed through Western blot analysis.Initially,the activity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was assessed by co-transfection of the reporter plasmid with Nsp12,in the presence of its auxiliary fac-tors Nsp7 and Nsp8,with careful regulation of the co-transfection ratio,culturing temperature,and the timing of activity determination for the triad of Nsp plasmids.The normalized NLuc fluorescein value,in reference to the FLuc fluorescein value of the housekeeping gene,served as a metric for determining the polymerase activity.Building upon this foundation,the co-transfection concentra-tions of Nsp9-16 were fine-tuned,followed by the incremental addition of varying doses of Nsp3C,Nsp4,and Nsp6,to further elucidate the activity of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp).The findings indicated that upon transfection with varying ratios of Nsp7,Nsp8,and Nsp12 at a propor-tion of 1∶8∶24,the polymerase activity was markedly elevated compared to the control group,with a statistical significance level(P＜0.001).Furthermore,in the absence of Nsp3,Nsp4,and Nsp6,the inclusion of Nsp10-16 substantially augmented the activity of the RdRp,particularly in scenarios where Nsp9 was not introduced,achieving statistical significance(P＜0.001).In the pres-ence of Nsp3 and Nsp4,the RdRp activity was augmented further upon the addition of Nsp9,reac-hing a level of significance(P＜0.05).The data imply that Nsp9 is capable of enhancing the RdRp activity of SARS-CoV-2 exclusively in the context of Nsp3 and Nsp4 coexistence,suggesting that the stimulatory influence of Nsp9 on viral replication may be contingent upon the formation of double-membrane vesicles.

Objective:To explore the relationship between anxiety symptoms and dispositional mindfulness and analyze the role of psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity in their relationship.Methods:A total of 478 college students were selected and assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Anxiety subscale(DASS-A),Mindful Attention Awareness Scale(MAAS),Brief Resilience Scale(BRS)and Symptom Checklist 90-Interpersonal Sensitivity Scale(IPS).SPSS macro program PROCESS3.5 was used to test the mediating role.Results:The DASS-A scores were negatively correlated with the MAAS and BRS scores(r=-0.38,-0.33,Ps＜0.01),and positively correlated with the IPS scores(r=0.40,P＜0.01).The MAAS scores were positively correlated with the BRS scores(r=0.40,P＜0.01),and negatively with the IPS scores(r=-0.39,P＜0.01).The BRS scores were negatively correlated with the IPS scores(r=-0.42,P＜0.01).Psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity acted as mediators and chain mediators between dispositional mindfulness and anxiety symptoms,with effect sizes of-0.06,-0.07,-0.03,accounting for 15.79％,18.42％,7.89％of the total effect,respectively.Conclusion:It suggests that anxiety symptoms are related to dispositional mindfulness in college students,and psychological resilience and interpersonal sensitivity play a chain mediating role between them.