Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes(MAMs)are crucial structural links between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, formed by a complex protein network. They play a central role in cellular calcium signaling homeostasis, mitochondrial stability, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammatory response. In recent years, advances in subcellular ultrastructure research techniques have gradually uncovered the relationship between MAMs dysfunction and blinding ocular diseases. Studies indicate that structural or functional impairments in MAMs can disrupt retinal pigment epithelial cells homeostasis, compromise the survival microenvironment of retinal ganglion cells, and trigger corneal endothelial cells apoptosis, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of various blinding ocular diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and glaucoma. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms linking MAMs in common blinding ocular diseases.

N-glycosylation is a crucial posttranslational modification of proteins that can modulate their functions and plays key roles in various biological processes. Current research has revealed that alterations in protein N-glycosylation are closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of multiple ocular diseases. N-glycosylation detection methods can identify changes in N-glycans on proteins; therefore, understanding these techniques and their application value in ocular diseases is important. This article provides a systematic review of the current state of N-glycosylation detection methods, including techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. It also offers a detailed discussion on the specific applications of these technologies in the study of various ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and vernal keratoconjunctivitis/atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹-¹ and Hcy>15 μmol·L⁻¹ was 1.532 times (95%CI: 1.017‒2.309 times, P=0.041) and 1.738 times (95%CI: 1.119‒2.699 times, P=0.014) higher respectively, compared to T2DM patients with Hcy≤10 μmol·L⁻¹. T2DM patients with TyG>9.074 had 1.396 times higher risk of stroke (95%CI: 1.091‒1.787, P=0.008) compared to those with TyG≤9.074. The study found that urea and α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) were independent risk factors for the incidence of stroke in T2DM patients. For every unit increase in urea andα1-AT, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients increased by 233.6% (HR=3.336, 95%CI: 1.588‒7.009, P=0.001) and 11.3% (HR=1.113, 95%CI: 1.028‒1.205, P=0.008), respectively. Cumulative risk curves showed that Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and TyG>9.074 accelerated the time to stroke occurrence in T2DM patients. ConclusionElevated levels of Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and a higher TyG index are risk factors for stroke in T2DM patients. Effective interventions for Hcy and TyG should be conducted for diabetic patients to reduce the incidence of stroke.

The disturbance of the human microbiota influences the occurrence and progression of many diseases. Live therapeutic bacteria, with their genetic manipulability, anaerobic tendencies, and immunomodulatory properties, are emerging as promising therapeutic agents. However, their clinical applications face challenges in maintaining activity and achieving precise spatiotemporal release, particularly in the harsh gastrointestinal environment. This review highlights the innovative bacterial functionalized encapsulation strategies developed through advances in physicochemical and biological techniques. We comprehensively review how bacterial encapsulation strategies can be used to provide physical barriers and enhanced adhesion properties to live microorganisms, while introducing superior material properties to live bacteria. In addition, this review outlines how bacterial surface coating can facilitate targeted delivery and precise spatiotemporal release of live bacteria. Furthermore, it elucidates their potential applications for treating different diseases, along with critical perspectives on challenges in clinical translation. This review comprehensively analyzes the connection between functionalized bacterial encapsulation and innovative biomedical applications, providing a theoretical reference for the development of next-generation bacterial therapies.

Objective To explore the relationship between baseline urinary protein levels and the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A questionnaire survey, blood and urine sample collection, physical examination, and pulmonary function test were conducted among permanent residents over 40 years old in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. The subjects were divided into four groups based on the baseline urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) quartiles (0~1.65 mg/g, 1.65~4.89 mg/g, 4.89~10.78 mg/g, and ≥10.78 mg/g). Cox regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between ACR levels and the incidence of COPD in middle-aged and elderly people. Results Among the 3 105 subjects, the median follow-up time was 3.212 years (P25~P75：3.102~3.473). 116 new cases of COPD were observed, with an incidence density of 10.423 per 1000 person-years. The incidence densities for COPD at four ACR levels were 7.922 per 1 000 person-years, 8.300 per 1 000 person-years , 11.419 per 1 000 person-years, and 13.843 per 1 000 person-years, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that as the ACR level increased, there was a rising trend in the incidence rate of COPD (χ²=4.396, P=0.036). After adjusting for gender, age, education level, occupational exposure to dust, history of childhood pneumonia, smoking, family history of COPD, central obesity, and hypertension, the risk of developing COPD was 2.499 times higher (95% CI: 1.460~4.276) for ACR levels ≥10.78 mg/g compared to the reference group with a baseline ACR level of 0~1.65 mg/g. Conclusion Elevated ACR levels in middle-aged and elderly population may increase the risk of COPD, and early monitoring of urine protein levels is beneficial for COPD prevention.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the intervention effect of meteorological risk forecasting service on acute onset and medical expenses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（COPD） patients， and to provide scientific basis for the establishment of health management model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（COPD） patients. MethodsStudy subjects were recruited from chronic obstructive pulmonary patients aged ≥40 in Pudong New Area. Propensity score matching method was used to determine the intervention group and the control group. The control group received regular health education and follow-up management， and the intervention group was provided with meteorological and environmental risk forecasting services through WeChat， mobile phone short message service（SMS）and telephone. Finally， a total of2 589 subjects were included in the analysis， including 1 300 in the intervention group and 1 289 in the control group. General demographic data， past medical history and family history of COPD， COPD related knowledge and practice survey， COPD related symptom assessment， acute onset， health service utilization and medical expenses before and after intervention were collected through questionnaire survey. The differences of acute attack， health service utilization and related medical expenses between the two groups before and after intervention were compared to evaluate the intervention effect. ResultsIn terms of acute attacks， after intervention， the incidence of acute attacks in the intervention group was lower than that before intervention（χ²=52.901， P<0.001）， and the incidence of acute attacks in the groups with different intervention methods was lower than that before intervention （P<0.001）. WeChat had the best effect， decreasing the incidence by 14.4%， followed by mobile phone SMS SMS decreasing by 12.3%. In terms of utilization of health services， the outpatient rate due to acute attack was lower in the intervention group after intervention than that before intervention （χ²=7.129， P=0.008）， and the outpatient rate due to acute attack was lower in the subjects who received the forecast service through mobile phone SMS than that before intervention （χ²=4.675， P<0.001）. In terms of medical expenses， there was no significant difference between control group and intervention group with different intervention methods before intervention （P>0.05）. After intervention， the difference between the control group and the intervention group with different intervention methods was statistically significant （H=11.864， P<0.05）. The results of multiple comparisons showed that compared with the control group， the average annual medical expenses of patients receiving mobile phone SMS and telephone forecasting services after intervention were lower than those of the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.05）. ConclusionMeteorological risk forecasting service can reduce the acute onset of COPD， reduce the rate of consultation and medical expenses due to acute onset， and provide scientific basis for the basic COPD health management model.

BACKGROUND:Semen cuscutae has the effect of tonifying the liver and kidney system and benefiting the essence.The main pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is deficiency of the liver and kidneys.Therefore,it is hypothesized that there is a link between semen cuscutae and osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential relationship between osteoarthritis and semen cuscutae and validate the mechanism of semen cuscutae based on the network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. METHODS:First,the active ingredients and targets of semen cuscutae were screened in TCMSP,and the genes related to osteoarthritis were collected in the disease databases GeneCard's,OMIM and TTD.The intersected genes were taken and then subjected to a series of analyses and screened for hub genes.Through the enrichment analysis of hub genes,the pathway of semen cuscutae acting on osteoarthritis was selected.The role of hub genes was verified by molecular docking.Therefore,the appropriate active ingredients of semen cuscutae were selected for experimental verification. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were 11 active ingredients of semen cuscutae,66 intersection target genes of semen cuscutae and osteoarthritis,and 12 hub genes,including tumor necrosis factor,interleukin 1B,TP53,RAC-alpha serine/threonine protein kinase(AKT1),vascular endothelial growth factor A,matrix metalloproteinase 9,prostaglandin peroxidase 2,cystatinase 3,epidermal growth factor,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,interleukin 10,vascular cell adhesion factor 1.After the enrichment analysis of the hub genes,the classical inflammatory pathway,nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway,was selected for subsequent validation of semen cuscutae to alleviate osteoarthritic inflammation.Through the results obtained after molecular docking of each active ingredient and the hub gene of the pathway prostaglandin peroxidase 2,sesamin with the highest affinity was selected for subsequent cell experiments,and the experimental results confirmed that sesamin,the active ingredient of semen cuscutae,could reduce the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway induced by interleukin-1β.To conclude,sesamin,the active ingredient of semen cuscutae,reduces the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway induced by interleukin-1β,thereby improving inflammation in osteoarthritis and expanding the therapeutic effect of semen cuscutae in osteoarthritis.

Objective To understand the proficiency level and sources of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)health education among hemodialysis patients,in order to provide the basis for promoting the application of TCM nursing in hemodialysis patients.Methods Utilizing a convenience sampling approach,we conducted a survey from April to May 2023 involving hemodialysis patients from 7 tertiary TCM hospitals across Beijing,Hebei Province,Sichuan Province,and other regions.Custom-made questionnaires were utilized,gathering general information,respons-es conceming the level of mastery on TCM health education,and their primary sources of such knowledge.Results A total of 413 questionnaires were disseminated,and 392 proved valid,yielding a valid response rate of 94.92％.The score of patient's knowledge on TCM health education averaged(8.25±3.73),and an average score rate of 48.53％was obtained.In the patients undergoing hemodialysis,a relatively larger number of people possess knowl-edge of TCM health knowledge about relieving symptoms(50.8％～55.9％)and traditional Chinese daily life routines(56.4％～90.1％).However,fewer people are aware of how to use the five-tone therapy method for emotional inter-vention(40.8％)and principle of taking restorative Traditional Chinese Medicine(24.5％～36.7％),the dietary prin-ciples of"nurturing yang in spring and summer,and nurturing yin in autumn and winter"(14.3％),and theories of TCM kidney functions(9.9％).Approximately 23.0％of the patients sourced their TCM health education knowledge from new media platforms.Compared with new media method alone,patients who utilized only traditional education-al platforms(P=0.020),and those who combined both new media and traditional methods(P=0.018)demonstrated higher proficiency in TCM health education.Conclusion Hemodialysis caregivers are urged to develop a TCM health education framework that emphasizes emotional well-being and traditional wellness concepts,thereby fostering patient-centric TCM health ideologies.Hemodialysis education personnel are encouraged to leverage new media whilst ensuring education quality and effective outcomes.

Objective To construct a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)knowledge base using knowl-edge graph based on deep learning methods,and to explore the application of joint models in intelligent question answering systems for TCM. Methods Textbooks Prescriptions of Chinese Materia Medica and Chinese Materia Medicawere applied to construct a comprehensive knowledge graph serving as the founda-tion for the intelligent question answering system.In the study,a BERT+Slot-Gated(BSG)deep learning model was applied for the identification of TCM entities and question inten-tions presented by users in their questions.Answers retrieved from the knowledge graph based on the identified entities and intentions were then returned to the user.The Flask framework and BSG model were utilized to develop the intelligent question answering sys-tem of TCM. Results A TCM knowledge map encompassing 3 149 entities and 6 891 relational triples based on the prescriptions and Chinese materia medica was drawn.In the question answer-ing test assisted by a question corpus,the F1 value for recognizing entities when answering 20 types of TCM questions was 0.996 9,and the accuracy rate for identifying intentions was 99.75%.This indicates that the system is both feasible and practical.Users can interact with the system through the WeChat Official Account platform. Conclusion The BSG model proposed in this paper achieved good results in experiments by increasing the vector dimension,indicating the effectiveness of the joint model method and providing new research ideas for the implementation of intelligent question answering sys-tems in TCM.