Objective: To investigate the trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide the basis for improving intervention measures of asthma. Methods: Data on asthma-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to tobacco among adults aged ≥30 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate were calculated using the GBD world standard population structure to analyze the tobacco-attributable asthma burden. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was employed to evaluate temporal trends in the age-standardized mortality and DALY rate from 1990 to 2021. Results: In China, the age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco decreased from 0.73/100 000 and 22.20/100 000 in 1990 to 0.17/100 000 and 6.64/100 000 in 2021, showing downward trends (AAPC=-4.603% and -3.888%, both P<0.05). Among males, the tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate declined from 1.44/100 000 and 41.05/100 000 in 1990 to 0.36/100 000 and 12.79/100 000 in 2021 (AAPC=-4.369% and -3.810%, both P<0.05). Among females, the corresponding rates decreased from 0.21/105 and 5.37/105 to 0.03/105 and 1.08/105 (AAPC=-6.074% and -5.074%, both P<0.05). In 2021, males had higher tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate for asthma than females. Both the mortality and DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco increased with age, peaking in the age group ≥80 years at 7.84/100 000 and 112.07/100 000, respectively. Conclusion From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco showed a declining trend in China, with males and elderly population aged ≥80 years bearing a relatively heavier disease burden.

ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.

ObjectivePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits a limited response to current treatments due to its dense fibrotic stroma and highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In recent years, advancements in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) therapy, have offered new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment. Although CAR-M therapy demonstrates dual potential in directly killing tumor cells and remodeling the immune microenvironment, it still faces challenges such as complex in vitro preparation processes and low in vivo targeting and delivery efficiency. Therefore, developing strategies for efficient and targeted in vivo delivery of CAR genes has become crucial for overcoming current therapeutic limitations. This study aims to develop an orally administrable nano-gene delivery system for the targeted delivery of CAR genes to pancreatic tumor sites. MethodsCore nano-gene particles (PNP/pCAR) were constructed by loading plasmid DNA encoding CAR (pCAR) with cationic polypeptides (PNP). Subsequently, PNP/pCAR was surface-modified with β-glucan to prepare the targeted nanoparticles (βGlus-PNP/pCAR). The loading efficiency of PNP for pCAR was quantitatively assessed by gel retardation assay. The particle size, Zeta potential, morphology, and storage stability of PNP/pCAR were characterized using a Malvern particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. At the cellular level, RAW 264.7 macrophages were selected. The cytotoxicity of PNP/pCAR was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The cellular uptake efficiency and lysosomal escape ability of the nanoparticles were assessed via flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Transfection efficiency was quantitatively evaluated by detecting the expression of the reporter gene GFP using flow cytometry. At the in vivo level, an orthotopic pancreatic cancer mouse model was established. Cy7-labeled βGlus-PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were administered orally, and the fluorescence distribution in mice was dynamically monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h post-administration using a small animal in vivo imaging system. Forty-eight hours after oral gavage, the mice were euthanized, and pancreatic tumor tissues were collected for further analysis of intratumoral fluorescence signals using the imaging system. Additionally, βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP nanoparticles loaded with the reporter gene (GFP) were administered orally. Forty-eight hours post-administration, pancreatic tumor tissues were harvested to prepare frozen sections, and GFP expression was observed and analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. ResultsThe PNP carrier exhibited a high loading capacity for pCAR. The successfully prepared PNP/pCAR nanoparticles were regular spheres with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately (120±10) nm and a Zeta potential of about +(6±1) mV. They maintained good structural stability after incubation in PBS buffer for 7 d. Cell experiments demonstrated that PNP/pCAR exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells while being efficiently internalized and effectively escaping lysosomal degradation. The transfection positive rate of PNP/pCAR-GFP in RAW 264.7 cells reached (25±3)%, surpassing that of Lipofectamine 2000-loaded pCAR-GFP (Lipo/pCAR-GFP), which was (20±1)%.In vivo experiments revealed that, compared to unmodified PNP/pCAR, βGlus-PNP/pCAR exhibited strongerin situ pancreatic tumor targeting ability after oral administration. Furthermore, oral administration of βGlus-PNP/pCAR-GFP resulted in significant GFP protein expression detectable within pancreatic tumor tissues. ConclusionThis study successfully constructed and validated an orally administrable, pancreatic cancer-targeting polypeptide-based nano-gene delivery system. It provides an important technological foundation in delivery systems and experimental basis for the subsequent development of in situ CAR-M-based therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer.

[摘 要] 目的：探讨lncRNA DLEU2通过EZH2/H3K27me3途径调控IKKα介导甲状腺癌（TC）放射性碘抵抗的作用机制。方法：利用TCGA数据库分析TC中DLEU2的表达及其与EZH2的相关性。构建放射性碘抵抗的TPC-1细胞（RR-TPC-1细胞）模型及裸鼠移植瘤模型，通过敲低或过表达DLEU2（si-DLEU2/OE-DLEU2）、抑制EZH2（UNC1999）、过表达IKKα（OE-IKKα）进行干预，采用qPCR、WB、RIP、ChIP、CCK-8、流式细胞术、TUNEL染色及体内成瘤实验检测基因与蛋白表达、表观修饰、细胞增殖、凋亡及肿瘤生长。结果：TCGA分析显示，DLEU2在TC组织中显著上调（P < 0.001），与患者不良预后相关（P = 0.008 4），且与EZH2表达呈正相关（r = 0.390, P < 0.001）；RIP证实EZH2与DLEU2存在相互作用/结合（P < 0.05）。体外实验表明，敲低DLEU2可显著下调RR-TPC-1细胞中EZH2、IKKα表达及H3K27me3修饰水平，抑制NF-κB通路活化（P < 0.05或P < 0.01），抑制细胞增殖、促进凋亡（均P < 0.05）。联合敲低DLEU2与抑制EZH2进一步增强上述效应，而过表达IKKα则可部分逆转上述效应（P < 0.05或P < 0.01）。体内实验进一步证实，敲低DLEU2联合抑制EZH2可显著抑制移植瘤生长，增加肿瘤细胞凋亡（均P < 0.01）；IKKα过表达则部分逆转上述抗肿瘤效应（P < 0.05或P < 0.01）。结论：lncRNA DLEU2通过招募EZH2催化H3K27me3修饰，间接激活IKKα/NF-κB信号并形成正反馈环路，介导TPC-1细胞131I抵抗。

BACKGROUND:Multiple studies have confirmed that mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway is involved in cell proliferation,and microRNA(miR)is involved in the occurrence and development of hypertrophic scars.Therefore,the role of miR-27a-3p and MAPK signaling pathways in pathological scar formation has been further explored. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of miR-27a-3p on the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through the MAPK signaling pathway. METHODS:The primary fibroblasts were isolated and collected from the skin samples.The primary fibroblasts were observed by inverted microscope and verified by immunofluorescence.The relative expression level of miR-27a-3p in tissues was detected by qRT-PCR.The target genes of hsa-miR-27a-3p were predicted using the database,and then the predicted target genes were enriched by gene ontology function analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.There were seven groups:blank control,negative control,miR-27a-3p mimic,miR-27a-3p inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+p38 MAPK inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+extracellular regulated protein kinase inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor.Western blot was used to detect the levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor.and p38 kinase and their phosphorylation levels.Cell counting kit-8 and EdU were used to detect cell proliferation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with normal skin fibroblasts,hypertrophic scar fibroblasts had stronger proliferative activity(P<0.05)and faster proliferation level(P<0.001).Compared with normal skin,miR-27a-3p was highly expressed in hypertrophic scars(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,overexpression of miR-27a-3p could promote cell proliferation activity(P<0.001)and proliferation levels(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,knockdown of miR-27a-3p could inhibit the proliferation activity(P<0.05)and proliferation levels(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,overexpression of miR-27a-3p promoted the phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(P<0.05).Compared with the negative control group,knockdown of miR-27a-3p inhibited the phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 MAPK(P<0.05).Compared with the miR-27a-3p mimic group,specific inhibitors of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 MAPK reversed the effects of miR-27a-3p on the proliferative activity(P<0.01)and proliferation level(P<0.001)of fibroblasts.To conclude,these results suggest that miR-27a-3p promotes the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.

ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 （MAP-2）， alpha-tubulin （α-tubulin）， and synaptophysin （SYP） are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein （α-Syn） and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease （PD）， analyzed their correlation， and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group （30 cases） and a control group （30 cases）. Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine， and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score， TCM syndrome score， and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment， the TCM syndrome score， UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% （19/30）， and that of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）. The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group （Z=-2.03， P<0.05）. The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （χ²=5.136， P<0.05）. After treatment， the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group， were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 （P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.

Abstract The health literacy level among the elderly in China remains at a low level. The 14th Five-Year Plan for Healthy Aging clearly points out that health literacy promotion projects should be implemented to improve the health literacy level among the elderly. The health literacy promotion strategies for the elderly require individual, social, policy and environmental supports. This article reviewed four types of health literacy promotion strategies for the elderly, including social strategies, lecture-based health education strategies, new media-based health communication strategies and environmental strategies. It also proposed that health education institutions, communities and other parties should work together, take advantage of digital technology and internet, and take various measures simultaneously to improve the health literacy of the elderly.

Objectives:To explore the predictive value of angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance(Angio-IMR)for early prognosis in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:This multicenter study enrolled 1 629 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent successful PCI at three grade A tertiary hospitals(The Second Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine;Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University;Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine)from June 1,2017,to May 31,2020.According to postoperative Angio-IMR,patients was stratified into two groups:the Angio-IMR>40 group(n=508)and the Angio-IMR≤40 group(n=1 121).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE;defined as a composite endpoint including cardiac death,heart failure rehospitalization,cardiogenic shock,malignant arrhythmia,cardiopulmonary resuscitation and stent thrombosis)within 1-month post-PCI was compared between the two groups.Results:The median Angio-IMR after PCI was 32.4(22.3,42.6).The cumulative incidence of early-term MACE was significantly higher in patients with Angio-IMR>40,compared to those with Angio-IMR≤40(5.5%vs.2.3%,log-rank P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Angio-IMR>40 was an independent predictor of early-term MACE(HR=2.07,95%CI:1.20-3.58,P=0.009).The addition of Angio-IMR enhanced the predicting performance of the clinical risk model to predict early adverse outcomes(AUC:0.820 vs.0.794,P=0.043).Conclusions:In patients with STEMI after PCI,Angio-IMR can predict the occurrence of early-term MACE.The incorporation of Angio-IMR to clinical models significantly improves the model ability to predict early adverse outcomes in these patients.

Objective:To observe the effect of Guilu Taohong Formula on semen quality in varicocele(VC)models of rats,and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(sham group,model group,Guilu Taohong Formula group and L-carnitine group).After the establishment of models,the rats were treated with intra-gastric administration for eight consecutive weeks.The general condition of the rats was observed.After the gavage,the testicular and epididymal indices were calculated.Semen quality was assessed using an automatic semen analyzer.Apoptosis of testicular cells was assessed by TUNEL staining.And the expression levels of B-cell lymphocytoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and cys-teine aspartate protease-3(caspase-3)in testicular tissue were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the sham group,testicular index,epididymal index,sperm concentration,the percentage of progressive motility of sperm(PR％)and the expression level of Bcl-2 decreased in model group(P＜0.01).An increased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were observed in model group as well(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the testicular index,epidid-ymal index,sperm concentration,PR％and the expression level of Bcl-2 in Guilu Taohong Formula group increased significantly(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).A decreased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were de-tected in Guilu Taohong Formula group as well(P＜0.01).Similarly,the L-carnitine group showed increased testicular index,epidid-ymal index,sperm concentration,PR％and the expression level of Bcl-2 protein(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),where showed decreased ap-optosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins compared with model group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusion:Guilu Taohong Formula improves semen quality in VC model rats and reduces the apoptosis rate of spermato-genic cells in testicular tissue,which may be related to the promotion of Bcl-2 protein expression and the inhibition of Bax and caspase-3 protein expression levels.

Objective·To explore the antitumor effects and potential mechanisms of combining phosphoinositide 3-kinase,FYVE-type zinc finger containing(PIKfyve)inhibitor YM201636 with the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)agonist diABZI in STING pathway-deficient melanoma.Methods·The mRNA and protein expression levels of STING in human cancer cell lines were obtained from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia(CCLE)and UniProt databases.Based on median expression values,melanoma cell lines with high STING mRNA but low protein expression were identified.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting were performed to validate STING mRNA and protein expression in human melanoma cells.The murine melanoma cell line YUMM1.7,characterized by low STING protein expression,was selected through Western blotting.The ability of YM201636 to restore STING protein expression in YUMM1.7 cells was evaluated.STING agonist diABZI was then applied in combination with YM201636 to analyze the synergistic tumor cell-killing effect through CCK-8 assay.Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3),and qRT-PCR was used to evaluate type Ⅰ interferon expression.A mouse melanoma model was established and treated with YM201636,diABZI,or their combination.Tumor volume was measured,and treatment efficacy was assessed.RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.Results·Database analyses,qRT-PCR,and Western blotting confirmed that some human melanoma cell lines exhibited high STING mRNA expression but low STING protein levels.YM201636 significantly increased STING protein expression in YUMM1.7 cells(P<0.001).Combined treatment with YM201636 and diABZI significantly enhanced phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3(P<0.05),indicating effective activation of the STING signaling pathway.This combination also promoted the expression of type Ⅰ interferons(P<0.001)and enhanced tumor cell killing in vitro.In vivo,the combination therapy markedly suppressed melanoma growth compared to monotherapy.Immune profiling of the tumor microenvironment revealed significantly increased infiltration of CD4? T cells and CD8? T cells in the combination treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusion·The PIKfyve inhibitor YM201636 could restore STING protein expression in STING-deficient melanoma and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the STING agonist diABZI,offering a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors with defective STING signaling.