Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by severe infection or trauma, and is one of the common causes of acute lung injury(ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Sepsis-acute lung injury(SALI) is a critical clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood, and there is currently a lack of targeted and effective treatment options. Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in the pathological process of SALI by activating inflammasomes and releasing inflammatory factors, making it a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in regulating signaling pathways related to pyroptosis through multi-components and multi-targets has attracted increasing attention. TCM may intervene in pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and regulating the expression of Caspase family proteins, thus alleviating inflammatory damage in lung tissues. This paper systematically reviews the molecular regulatory network of pyroptosis in SALI and explores the potential mechanisms and research progress on TCM intervention in cellular pyroptosis. The aim is to provide new ideas and theoretical support for basic research and clinical treatment strategies of TCM in SALI.
Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Sepsis/genetics* ; Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*

Objective:This study aims to investigate the differences in hemostatic efficacy and patient comfort between an innovative domestically produced biodegradable nasal packing sponge and a traditional absorbent sponge following endoscopic nasal surgery. Methods:A prospective, randomized controlled trial design was utilized, including 30 patients who were divided into two groups according to random allocation, each receiving one of the two types of nasal packing. The study assessed the hemostatic efficacy, comfort, and safety of the materials by comparing the rates of no bleeding within 24 hours after packing, re-bleeding rates after 48 hours, pain ratings in the head and nasal areas, scores on a visual analog scale for nasal ocular symptoms, and safety indicators between the two groups. Results:The rates of no bleeding within 24 hours post-packing were 73.33% for both the experimental and control groups, with a no-bleeding rate of 100% after 48 hours in both groups. The pain rating in the head and nasal areas at various times post-packing was Grade Ⅰ（100%） in both groups, with no statistically significant difference（P=1.000）. The experimental groups sneezing score on the day of packing was（0.73±1.03）, lower than the control groups（2.27±1.67）, （P=0.007）; after 48 hours, the experimental groups sneezing score was（0.67±0.98）, also lower than the control groups（1.67±1.18）, （P=0.019）. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the Lund-Kennedy scoring during endoscopic examinations at the screening period, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-packing（P>0.05）. Laboratory tests for other examination indicators were normal in both groups. Conclusion:The innovative domestically produced biodegradable nasal packing sponge not only provides hemostatic efficacy comparable to imported materials but also significantly improves patient comfort after surgery. It represents an economical and effective choice for nasal packing materials.
Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Surgical Sponges ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Epistaxis/prevention & control* ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Adult

Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis is largely modulated by abnormal angiogenesis. Previous research has indicated that AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), an important demethylase affecting N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification, plays a role in regulating angiogenesis in cardiovascular and eye diseases. Our present study found that ALKBH5 was upregulated and co-localized with cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) in the skin of IMQ group compared with control group. ALKBH5-deficient mice decreased IMQ-induced psoriatic dermatitis and exhibited histological improvements, including decreased epidermal thickness, hyperkeratosis, numbers of dermal capillary vessels and inflammatory cell infiltration. ALKBH5-KO mice alleviated angiogenesis in psoriatic lesions by downregulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Additionally, the expression of ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in IL-17A-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which further promoted the expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines and endothelial cell proliferation. Cell proliferation and angiogenesis were suppressed in ALKBH5 knockdown group, whereas ALKBH5 overexpression promoted these processes. The regulation of angiogenesis in HUVECs by ALKBH5 was facilitated through the AKT-mTOR pathway. Collectively, ALKBH5 plays a pivotal role in psoriatic dermatitis and angiogenesis, which may offer a new potential targets for treating psoriasis.
Animals ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Mice ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; AlkB Homolog 5, RNA Demethylase/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Signal Transduction ; Male ; Skin/blood supply* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Angiogenesis

Mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCNs) have received considerable attention for biomedical applications due to their unique structural features, including high specific surface area, adjustable pore size, and remarkable biocompatibility. These properties have addressed key challenges such as inefficiencies in drug loading and release, minimizing the side effects associated with conventional treatments. In this review, the classification and the research progress of MCNs are summarized firstly, the preparation and modification techniques to enhance their functionality and properties are further reviewed, the main physicochemical properties are introduced as well, highlighting their contributions to MCNs in applications. In addition, the biomedical applications of MCNs are emphasized, including tumor therapy, tumor theranostics, antibacterial, delivery of active molecules and biological detection. Finally, the prospects and challenges of clinical application based on MCNs are analyzed to provide an effective reference and lay the foundation for further research.

OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have shown inconsistent associations of loneliness or social isolation (SI) with ischemic heart disease (IHD), with unknown mediators. METHODS: Using data from genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry, we performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study to estimate causal effects of loneliness ( N = 487,647) and SI traits on IHD ( N = 184,305). SI traits included whether individuals lived alone, participated in various types of social activities, and how often they had contact with friends or family ( N = 459,830 to 461,369). A network MR study was conducted to evaluate the mediating roles of 20 candidate mediators, including metabolic, behavioral and psychological factors. RESULTS: Loneliness increased IHD risk ( OR= 2.129; 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.380 to 3.285), mediated by body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For SI traits, only fewer social activities increased IHD risk ( OR= 1.815; 95% CI: 1.189 to 2.772), mediated by hypertension, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and smoking cessation. No reverse causality of IHD with loneliness and SI was found. CONCLUSION These findings suggested more attention should be paid to individuals who feel lonely and have fewer social activities to prevent IHD, with several mediators as prioritized targets for intervention.
Loneliness/psychology* ; Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Social Isolation ; Myocardial Ischemia/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Risk Factors ; Aged

Endotoxins are common exogenous pyrogens. Excessive endotoxins in medical devices and injections can lead to serious consequences such as sepsis, septic shock, and even death. Therefore, endotoxin detection plays a crucial role in medical, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. The wide application of Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) has led to a sharp decline in the number of horseshoe crabs. Moreover, the LAL assay has limitations such as interbatch variations and difficulty in quantification. The recombinant factor C (rFC) assay is stable between batches, highly sensitive, and capable of quantitation, and thus it can be used as an alternative for the LAL assay. However, the high cost and complex procedures involved in producing recombinant factor C have limited the widespread application of this method. In order to simplify the preparation and reduce the production cost of recombinant factor C, this study focuses on the production of recombinant factor C based on the baculovirus expression system. Multiple measures such as a high-yield and anti-apoptotic vector qBac-IIIG, the optimal signal peptide, and the optimized codon were used to reach the goal of endotoxin detection with cell supernatant. This method simplifies the steps of protein purification. The sensitivity of the supernatant reached 0.05 EU/mL in a 1-L fermentation system, and 500 000 detecting reactions can be supported per liter of fermentation broth. This study increases the yield and activity of recombinant factor C, simplifies the procedures of protein purification, and reduces the cost, laying a foundation for the promotion and application of recombinant factor C in endotoxin detection.
Animals ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics* ; Horseshoe Crabs/chemistry* ; Baculoviridae/metabolism* ; Endotoxins/analysis* ; Protein C/biosynthesis* ; Genetic Vectors/genetics* ; Arthropod Proteins/genetics* ; Enzyme Precursors ; Serine Endopeptidases

Objective To analyze the accuracy of the new generation intraocular lens(IOL)formula and the Wang-Koch(WK)adjustment in individuals with severe myopia undergoing combined anterior-posterior surgery.Methods A total of 100 patients(100 eyes)with axial length(AL)＞26 mm undergoing combined anterior and posterior segment surgery in our department from June 2015 to June 2021 were enrolled in this study.Totally 13 IOL calculation formulas,such as Barrett Universal Ⅱ(BU Ⅱ),Emmetropia Verifying Optical(EVO),Kane,Haigis,Hoffer Q,Holladay,and SRK/T as well as the first generation linear WK eye axis optimization formula(Haigis-WK1,SRK/T-WK1,Hoffer Q-WK1,Holladay 1-WK1)and the second generation linear WK eye axis optimization formula(SRK/T-WK2,Holladay 1-WK2),were utilized to determine IOL diopter.The mean prediction error(ME),mean absolute error(MAE),median absolute error(MedAE),and percentage of prediction error within different refractive thresholds were calculated to assess the accuracy of each formula.In order to investigate the impact of AL on accuracy of IOL calculation,the patients were categorized into group A(38 eyes,26.00 mm＜AL≤28.00 mm),group B(28 eyes,28.00 mm＜AL≤30.00 mm),and group C(34 eyes,AL＞30.00 mm).Additionally,the patients were also divided into silicone oil(63 eyes)and non-silicone oil(37 eyes)groups based on preoperative intraocular filling to determine the effect of intraocular filling on IOL calculation.Results The MedAE values of the new-generation IOL formulas(BU Ⅱ,EVO,and Kane)were significantly lower(0.34D,0.31D,0.35D)than those of traditional formulas(P＜0.05).Additionally,the percentage of prediction errors within±0.25 D,±0.50 D,±0.75 D,and±1.00 D were significantly higher with the new formulas when compared to traditional ones(P＜0.05).Traditional formulas exhibited a hyperopic deviation(0.35D～0.65 D),which could be corrected using the WK eye axis adjustment.WK2 was effective in improving the accuracy of calculation in SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulas,and there was no statistical difference in the MedAE values of SRK/T-WK2 and Holladay 1-WK2 formulas with the new-generation IOL formulas.When comparing the formulas across different axial eye length groups in terms of MedAE,the new IOL formulas(BU Ⅱ,kane and EVO)and WK-corrected formulas(Haigis-WK1,SRK/T-WK 1,SRK/T-WK2,Hoffer Q-WK1,Holladay 1-WK1,Holladay 1-WK2)showed no significant differences among the different AL groups.However,there were significant differences in the MedAE values of traditional formulas among the different AL groups(P＜0.01),with group C displaying the largest MedAE values(Haigis:0.84D,SRK/T:1.10D,Hoffer Q:1.23D,Holladay 1:1.20D).Comparing the MedAE values of different formulas in various preoperative intraocular filling groups,it was observed that the MedAE values of the new-generation IOL formulas(BU Ⅱ,kane and EVO),Haigis,and SRK/T formulas were significantly higher in the silicone oil-filled eye group than the non-silicone oil-filled eye group(P＜0.05).Conclusion In patients with high myopia undergoing combined anterior and posterior segment surgery,the precision and consistency of the new-generation IOL formulas and the second-generation linear WK axis correction formula exhibit significant improvements when compared to traditional formulas.

Objective To assess the nutritional status of vitamin D and associated factors among adults of six ethnic minority groups native to Yunnan Province,and provide evidence for policy making.Methods Between May 2019 and August 2020,a total of 690 adults were selected from Jinuo,Bulang,Jingpo,Deang,Achang and Pumi ethnic groups according to the sex and age composition in the 6th national census.A questionnaire survey and an anthropometric examination were conducted by trained health workers,and serum 25(OH)D levels were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Results The median of serum 25(OH)D was 28.7(P25～P75∶24.3～33.8)ng/mL,and the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency,insufficiency and deficiency were 44.2%、47.5%and 8.3%,respectively.There were significant differences in serum 25(OH)D levels among the six ethnic groups(χ2=139.29,P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression showed that ethnic groups living in higher latitude areas(Pumi,Jingpo,Deang,and Achang),women,and those whose BMI≥24.0 were more likely to be vitamin D insufficient or deficient.Conclusion More than half of the ethnic adults suffer from vitamin D malnutrition which also varies across ethnicities.Further surveillance and interventions among key areas and populations are needed.