Diabetic retinopathy(DR), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, is driven by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Post-translational modifications(PTM)play pivotal roles in DR progression by dynamically regulating protein functions. Key PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and O-glcNAcylation, collectively exacerbate vascular dysfunction, inflammatory responses, metabolic dysregulation, and neuronal damage. The intricate crosstalk among PTM underscores the multifaceted pathology of DR. Future research should focus on elucidating PTM interaction networks, developing targeted modulators, and leveraging advanced technologies to uncover their roles in retinal cellular heterogeneity, thereby advancing precision therapeutic strategies for DR.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ² = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ² = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ² = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.

Objectives:To investigate long-term clinical outcomes of renal denervation(RDN)for the treatment of resistant hypertension. Methods:This study retrospectively enrolled 58 patients with resistant hypertension who received RDN treatment via femoral artery approach at Fuwai Hospital between February 2012 and November 2019.Follow up was performed at 1,3,6 months,1 year,and annually after RDN,and the last follow-up was June 2023.The baseline data and postoperative follow-up data including office blood pressure,24-hour mean blood pressure and heart rate,types and load of antihypertensive drugs,renal function,and major adverse events(including renal artery stenosis,acute myocardial infarction,stroke,cardiovascular death,and all-cause death)were obtained and analyzed.The impact of RDN on 10-year cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events was evaluated using the Framingham risk assessment model and the Chinese model. Results:A total of 58 patients were enrolled,with 1 patient(1.72%)died from lung cancer.Forty-one patients(70.69%)were visited in the last follow-up and the average follow-up time was(10.21±1.75)years.Compared with baseline,the office systolic/diastolic blood pressure was decreased by(12.59±21.65)/(9.87±14.27)mmHg(P<0.01,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),24-hour mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure reduced by(11.28±15.33)/(7.94±12.29)mmHg(P<0.01),24-hour mean heart rate reduced by(2.45±9.46)bpm(P>0.05),the types of antihypertensive drugs decreased by 1.17±2.25(P<0.01),the drug load reduced by 1.45±2.37(P<0.001),and the estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased by(6.83±18.37)ml/(min·1.73 m2)(P<0.05)at the last follow-up.The impact of RDN on 10-year cardiovascular events and stroke risk was as follows:Framingham risk assessment showed an absolute risk decrease of 14.25%and 2.12%,respectively,and decreased by 5.72%and 17.46%using the Chinese cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk assessment. Conclusions:This study showed that RDN could significantly reduce blood pressure levels in patients with resistant hypertension in the long-term follow up,and was expected to further reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Di'ao Xinxuekang(hereinafter referred to as Xinxuekang)combined with Simvastatin on atherosclerosis(AS)mice.Methods Eight C57BL/6J mice were used as control group,and 32 ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into model group,Xinxuekang group(160 mg·kg-1),Simvastatin group(1.3 mg·kg-1)and combined treatment group(Xinxuekang 160 mg·kg-1+Simvastatin 1.3 mg·kg-1),with eight mice in each group.The control group was fed with conventional diet,and the other four groups were fed with high-fat diet.At the same time,each administration group was given intragastric administration according to the above dose,and the volume of intragastric administration was 10 mL·kg-1,once a day for 18 weeks.After administration,the levels of serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected.Oil red O staining was used to observe the formation of aortic plaque and liver lipid accumulation in mice.Serum PCSK9 level was detected by ELISA.The mRNA and protein expression levels of LDLR,HNF1α and SREBP2 in liver tissues were detected by qRT-PCR and Western Blot.Results(1)Compared with the control group,the levels of serum TC,TG and LDL-C in the model group were significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the level of HDL-C was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The percentage of aortic root plaque area,the percentage of total aortic plaque area and the percentage of liver lipid droplet area were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expression levels of LDLR in liver tissue were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the serum PCSK9 level was significantly increased(P＜0.01).The mRNA and protein expression levels of HNF1α and SREBP2 in liver tissues were significantly increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,the levels of serum TC,TG and LDL-C in the Xinxuekang group and the combined treatment group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the level of HDL-C was significantly increased(P＜0.05).The level of serum LDL-C in Simvastatin group was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The percentage of aortic root plaque area and the percentage of total aortic plaque area in the Xinxuekang group and the combined treatment group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the percentage of liver lipid droplet area in each administration group was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The protein expression level of LDLR in liver tissue of mice in Xinxuekang group and combined treatment group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),the serum PCSK9 level was significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and the mRNA and protein expression levels of HNF1 α and SREBP2 in liver tissue were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(3)Compared with the Simvastatin group,the serum HDL-C level in the combined treatment group was significantly increased(P＜0.05).The percentage of aortic root plaque area and the percentage of liver lipid droplet area were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The protein expression level of LDLR in liver tissue was significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the serum PCSK9 level was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The expression levels of HNF1α protein and SREBP2 mRNA in liver tissues were significantly decreased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Xinxuekang may play a synergistic effect on lipid-lowering and anti-AS effects of Simvastatin by inhibiting the expressions of SREBP2 and HNF1α and regulating the PCSK9/LDLR signaling pathway.

Robotic surgery is applied in gastrointestinal surgery for their flexible and safe operation, especially in the narrow space of the pelvic cavity for radical surgery of rectal cancer, which has obvious advantages. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) is a hot surgical technique that has developed rapidly in gastrointestinal surgery in recent years. The integration of robotic surgery and NOSES surgery has pushed minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer to a new level. Robotic NOSES surgery for rectal cancer can be divided into two types based on the different extraction methods: transrectal and transvaginal specimen extraction. The selection and flexibility of surgical procedures are the keys to the standardized, healthy, and orderly development of robotic NOSES for rectal cancer. Based on domestic and foreign literature and guidelines and combined with the team′s practical experience, the authors elaborate on the selection strategy of robotic NOSES for rectal cancer, in order to provide reference for more scientific and safe implementation of robotic NOSES for rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of bs-5-YHEDA iron chelating peptide combined with semaglutide on the cognitive ability and pathological characteristics of D-Gal-induced Alzheimer's disease(AD) model mice. METHODS Forty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, namely the healthy control group, PBS group, bs-5-YHEDA iron chelating peptide group, combined treatment group and positive control group, with 8 mice in each group, half of each sex. Except for the healthy control group, D-galactose was injected to induce the AD mice model for 6 weeks. For 3 consecutive weeks starting from the 4th week, the bs-5-YHEDA iron chelating peptide group was injected with bs-5-YHEDA(1 mg·mL–1) once every other day at 200 µL in the tail vein; the bs-5-YHEDA iron chelating peptide(1 mg·mL–1) and semaglutide(25 nmol·kg–1·d–1) were given alternately once a day in the combination treatment group; the positive control group was given memantine(3.3 mg·kg–1·d–1) by gavage every other day. The healthy control group and PBS group were injected with the equal dose of PBS. At the end of treatment, the learning memory ability of mice was detected by the Morris water maze method, whole brain and whole blood were dissected, and pathological changes in hippocampal region were observed by HE staining, and Aβ expression and Tau protein phosphorylation levels were detected by immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. RESULTS In the Morris water maze spatial exploration experiment, the differences in the number of times the mice traversed the platform, the ratio of swimming distance to the target quadrant, and the time ratio were statistically significant in each group(P<0.05); compared with the PBS group, the ratio of swimming distance to the target quadrant increased in the combined treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that compared with the healthy control mice, the hippocampal area in the PBS group showed reduced levels of pyramidal cells, disorganized arrangement, cell edema, and deep staining of nuclei consolidation. Cellular disorganization, deep staining of nuclei and apoptosis in the hippocampus were significantly improved in each treatment group after drug treatment. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that the Aβ expression levels and Tau protein phosphorylation levels were significantly higher in the PBS-administered mice compared with the healthy control mice, and the Aβ expression levels and Tau protein phosphorylation levels were reduced in each group after drug treatment, with statistically significant differences(P<0.01 or P<0.001 ). CONCLUSION The combination of bs-5-YHEDA iron chelating peptide and semaglutide can effectively improve the learning and memory ability and pathological characteristics of AD mice, but from the results of immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting experiments, the improvement of pathological characteristics of AD mice in the combination treatment group is not obvious compared with the single bs-5-YHEDA iron chelating peptide group, suggesting that there may be a threshold effect of our designed dual-target combination treatment on the cognitive improvement of AD mice, and the optimization and validation of the effect of multi-target combination treatment need further study.

Objective:To comprehensively understand the disease burden of liver cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases caused by alcohol use in China from 1990 to 2019, as well as to predict the trends in disease burden from 2020 to 2030.Methods:The analysis utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019 (GBD2019). Key indicators such as incidence rate, mortality rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), years of life lost due to premature mortality, and years lived with disability were selected to describe the disease burden of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases in China from 1990 to 2019. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to depict the temporal trends in disease burden. Furthermore, a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was constructed using R software to predict the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases in China from 2020 to 2030.Results:From 1990 to 2019, the incidence of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases in China showed an upward trend, with an EAPC of 0.31% (95% CI: 0.10%-0.52%). However, the DALY declined, with an EAPC of -2.81% (95% CI: -2.92% - -2.70%). The ASMR showed a downward trend, with an EAPC of -2.55% (95% CI: -2.66% - -2.45%). The highest incidence of cirrhosis of liver caused by alcohol and other chronic liver diseases was reported in the age group of 35-49 years, while the ASMR increased gradually with age, with a significant rise after the age of 30. The age-standardized DALY rate peaked between the ages of 55 and 64. The disease burden indicators for males were consistently higher than those for females during the same period. According to the predictions of the BAPC model, from 2020 to 2030, the ASIR for cirrhosis of liver caused by alcohol and other chronic liver diseases in the entire population of China was projected to increase from 3.45/100 000 in 2020 to 3.78/100 000 in 2030, a growth of 9.57%. Conversely, the ASMR was expected to decrease from 1.45/100 000 in 2020 to 1.24/100 000 in 2030, a reduction of 14.48%. Conclusions:The disease burden of cirrhosis of liver caused by alcohol and other chronic liver diseases remained serious in China, especially in men and the middle-aged to elderly population. There is a pressing need to prioritize attention and resources towards these groups. Despite the projected decrease in ASMR, the ASIR continued to rise and is expected to persist in its upward trend until 2030.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children in Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2023.Methods:The acute respiratory infection cases in children aged 0-14 years were selected from outpatient/emergency or inpatient departments in 2 surveillance sentinel hospitals, respectively, in Nanjing, Suzhou and Taizhou of Jiangsu from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2023, and RSV nucleic acid test was conducted and the intensity of the RSV infection was accessed by WHO influenza epidemiological threshold method, and case information and clinical data were collected. χ2 test was used to compare the differences between groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for pairwise comparisons between groups. Results:In 4 946 cases of acute respiratory infections, the RSV positive rate was 8.21% (406/4 946), and the age M( Q1, Q3) of the cases was 1 (0, 3) years. The RSV positive rate was 10.92% (258/2 362) during 2014-2019 and 6.06% (118/1 948) during 2019-2023, the difference was significant ( χ2=31.74, P<0.001). RSV infection mainly occurred from October to March during 2014-2019, with the incidence peak in December and moderate or higher intensity. The seasonality of RSV infection was not obvious during 2019-2023, with low intensity. The RSV positive rate was highest in children in age group 0- years (17.85%, 151/846), and the positive rate declined gradually with age ( χ2=184.51, P<0.001). The RSV positive rate was higher in inpatient cases (9.84%, 244/2 480) than in outpatient/emergency cases (6.57%, 162/2 466) ( χ2=17.54, P<0.001). In the 155 RSV infection cases with complete clinical data, the clinical symptoms mainly included cough (99.35%, 154/155), fever (55.48%, 86/155), and shortness of breath (45.16%, 70/155). In the cases aged <6 months, the proportion of those with fever was low, but the proportion of those with shortness of breath, transferred to intensive care units, and receiving oxygen therapy were higher (all P<0.05). Children aged <6 months and those with underlying diseases were more likely to have severe RSV infection (all P<0.05). Conclusions:RSV infection in children in Jiangsu Province showed seasonal prevalence in winter from 2014 to 2019. Since 2020, the seasonal characteristics of the epidemic have changed, the epidemic period has been dispersed and the epidemic intensity has decreased. Infants <1 year old were at high risk for RSV infection, and those <6 months old and with underlying diseases might have severe infection.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for right colon cancer has been conducted with progressive refinements. To facilitate the standardized implementation of this surgical technique, the adoption of rigorous quality control measures is paramount. The present article outlines the key aspects of quality control for robotic natural orifice specimen extraction right hemicolectomy surgery, encompassing the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, as well as the training and credentialing requirements for the operating surgeons, with the aim of providing a reference framework to facilitate the safe and reliable implementation and dissemination of this minimally invasive approach for right colon cancer.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for right colon cancer has been conducted with progressive refinements. To facilitate the standardized implementation of this surgical technique, the adoption of rigorous quality control measures is paramount. The present article outlines the key aspects of quality control for robotic natural orifice specimen extraction right hemicolectomy surgery, encompassing the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, as well as the training and credentialing requirements for the operating surgeons, with the aim of providing a reference framework to facilitate the safe and reliable implementation and dissemination of this minimally invasive approach for right colon cancer.