BackgroundNegative symptoms of schizophrenia impose a substantial burden on society， and the current antipsychotic drugs have limited efficacy in treating these symptoms. Intermittent theta burst stimulation （iTBS）， as a novel neuromodulation technique， shows potential therapeutic promise. However， the evidence for its efficacy in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with associated immuno-inflammatory changes remain to be further elucidated. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of iTBS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex （L-DLPFC） on persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia， and to analyze its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers， so as to provide references for the clinical application of iTBS in treating persistent negative symptoms and to offer clues for further research into its potential biological mechanisms. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 60 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Xuzhou Oriental Peopple's Hospital from February 20， 2024 to May 10， 2025 were consecutively enrolled. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） and fulfilled the criteria for persistent negative symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned into the study group and the control group， with 30 patients in each group. The two groups respectively received 20 sessions of either active iTBS or sham stimulation over a 4-week period. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale （PANSS） at the baseline， the end of treatment， and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were measured at the baseline and at the end of treatment， including white blood cell count， platelet count， neutrophil count， lymphocyte count， and monocyte count， the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR）， monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio （MLR）， and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio （PLR） were also calculated. A linear mixed model was used to compare PANSS scores between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the association between reductions in inflammatory markers at the end of treatment and reductions in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores， with body mass index （BMI） and chlorpromazine-equivalent dose as covariates. Results①The time-group interaction effect for the PANSS negative symptom subscale score was statistically significant （F=5.410， P<0.01）. At the end of treatment and 3 months after treatment， the study group had significantly lower scores on the PANSS negative symptom subscale than the control group （P<0.01）. ② At the end of treatment， group differences in reduction scores for neutrophil count， NLR， and PLR were significant （Z=-2.262， -2.048， -2.070， P<0.05）. However， after FDR correction， the between-group differences in reductions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers were no longer statistically significant （P>0.05）. ③ After adjusting for BMI and chlorpromazine equivalents， the reduction in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores was positively correlated with the reduction in neutrophil count in the study group （r_s=0.382， P=0.045）. ConclusioniTBS targeting the L-DLPFC may be beneficial in improving persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia， and its clinical efficacy may be associated with changes in neutrophil count. ［Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China （number， 82371510）； Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province （number， BE2023668）. www.chictr.org.cn number， ChiCTR2500101060］

Objective To investigate the role of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in trichloroethylene (TCE)-induced skin sensitization and liver damage in guinea pigs, using diallyl sulfide (DAS), a CYP2E1 inhibitor, as an intervention. Methods Specific pathogen-free female guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank control group, solvent control group, positive control (2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene) group, TCE-exposure group, and DAS-intervention group. Skin sensitization experiments were conducted using the guinea pig TCE maximal dose-skin sensitization test. Urinary trichloroacetic acid levels were determined following TCE induction and challenge. At 48 hours after the final challenge, serum liver function markers and inflammatory cytokines levels were detected. Histopathological examination on skin and liver tissues was performed, and hepatic CYP2E1 protein expression and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Results The sensitization rates of guinea pigs were 100.0%, 75.0%, and 33.3% in the positive control, TCE-exposure, and DAS-intervention groups, respectively, while the blank control and solvent control groups were both 0.0%. Compared with the guinea pigs in TCE-exposure group, those in the DAS-intervention group had lower urinary trichloroacetic acid levels at intradermal induction, local induction, first challenge, and 24 hours after the final challenge time point (all P<0.05). Histopathology of guinea pigs showed dermal inflammatory infiltration and basal keratinocyte necrosis in the TCE-exposure group, whereas only mild dermal inflammation was observed in the DAS-intervention group. The guinea pigs in TCE-exposure group exhibited diffuse hepatocellular necrosis, while hepatic damage in the DAS-intervention group was alleviated, characterized by only mild hepatocellular steatosis and hepatocyte swelling around the central vein. The skin sensitization rate of guinea pigs in the TCE-exposure group increased (all P<0.01), the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT )activity, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) increased (all P<0.05), the relative expression of CYP2E1 protein, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde in liver tissue increased (all P<0.05), while the activity of catalase decreased (P<0.05), compared with the blank control and solvent control groups. The serum ALT activity and the levels of IL-2, IL-17, and TNF-α of guinea pigs in DAS-intervention group reduced (all P<0.05), as well as CYP2E1 protein expression, SOD activity, and malondialdehyde level in liver tissue reduced (all P<0.05), compared with the TCE-exposure group. Conclusion TCE can induce hepatic CYP2E1 expression, thereby promoting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which contributes to skin sensitization and liver damage. DAS alleviates TCE-induced toxic effects on skin and liver by inhibiting CYP2E1 expression.

RNA-based gene therapy has been widely used for various diseases, and extensive studies have proved that suitable delivery routes greatly help the development of RNA therapeutics. Identifying a safe and effective delivery system is key to realizing RNA therapeutics' clinical translation. Inhalation is a non-invasive pulmonary delivery modality that can enhance the retention of therapeutic agents in the lungs with negligible toxicity, thereby improving patient compliance. Inhaled RNA therapeutics are increasingly becoming an area of focus for researchers; however, only several clinical trials have explored inhaled delivery of RNA for pulmonary diseases. This review presents an overview of recent advances in inhaled delivery systems for RNA therapeutics, including viral and nonviral systems, highlighting state of the art regarding inhalation in the messenger RNA (mRNA) field. We also summarize the applications of mRNA inhalants in infectious and other lung diseases. Simultaneously, the research progresses on small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and different types of RNA are also discussed to provide new strategies for developing RNA inhalation therapy. Finally, we clarify the challenges inhaled RNA-based therapeutics face before their widespread adoption and provide insights to help advance this exciting field to the bedside.

Glioma represents the most prevalent malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with chemotherapy serving as an essential adjunctive treatment. However, most chemotherapeutic agents exhibit limited ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study introduced a novel dual-targeting strategy for glioma therapy by modulating the formation of nanobody-driven protein coronas to enhance the brain and tumor-targeting efficiency of hydrophobic cisplatin prodrug-loaded lipid nanoparticles (C8Pt-Ls). Specifically, nanobodies (Nbs) with fibrinogen-binding capabilities were conjugated to the surface of C8Pt-Ls, resulting in the generation of Nb-C8Pt-Ls. Within the bloodstream, Nb-C8Pt-Ls could bound more fibrinogen, forming the protein corona that specifically interacted with LRP-1, a receptor highly expressed on the BBB. This interaction enabled a "Hitchhiking Effect" mechanism, facilitating efficient trans-BBB transport and promoting effective brain targeting. Additionally, the protein corona interacted with LRP-1, which is also overexpressed in glioma cells, achieving precise tumor targeting. Computational simulations and SPR detection clarified the molecular interaction mechanism of the Nb-fibrinogen-(LRP-1) complex, confirming its binding specificity and stability. Our results demonstrated that this strategy significantly enhanced C8Pt accumulation in brain tissues and tumors, induced apoptosis in glioma cells, and improved therapeutic efficacy. This study provides a novel framework for glioma therapy and underscores the potential of protein corona modulation-based dual-targeting strategies in advancing treatments for brain tumors.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor prognosis and limited targeted treatment options. This investigation examined the anti-cancer potential of Caerulomycin A (Cae A), a natural compound derived from marine actinomycetes, against TNBC. Cae A demonstrated selective inhibition of viability and proliferation in TNBC cell lines, including 4T1, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468, through apoptosis induction. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the compound induced sustained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent upregulation of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression, resulting in mitochondrial damage-mediated apoptosis. Inhibition of ER stress or CHOP expression knockdown reversed mitochondrial damage and apoptosis, highlighting the essential role of ER stress and CHOP in Cae A's anti-tumor mechanism. Both oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) decreased in TNBC cells following Cae A treatment, indicating reduced mitochondrial respiratory and glycolytic capacities. This diminished energy metabolism potentially triggers ER stress and subsequent apoptosis. Furthermore, Cae A exhibited significant anti-tumor effects in the 4T1 tumor model in vivo without apparent toxicity. The compound also effectively inhibited human TNBC organoid growth. These results indicate that Cae A may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC, with its efficacy likely mediated through the disruption of glucose metabolism and the induction of ER stress-associated apoptosis.
Humans ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects* ; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Animals ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Transcription Factor CHOP/genetics* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Objective:To explore the short-term oncological efficacy of the total prostatic urethra preservation（TPUP）technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and its impact on postoperative urinary continence rate.Methods:The clinical data of 17 prostate cancer patients admitted to Shaoxing People’s Hospital from July 2023 to July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The age was（70.5 ± 6.5）years，the body mass index was（23.6 ± 2.5）kg/m 2，and the prostate-specific antigen（PSA）level was（7.845 ± 3.929）ng/ml. The preoperative biopsy pathological Gleason score were 6 in 8 cases，and 7 in 9 cases. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy，and the TPUP technique was used during the operation. The integrity of the preserved urethra was improved by preserving the prostatic surgical capsule closely attached to the corpus spongiosum of the urethra. During the operation，the urethra was completely preserved in 2 cases，nearly completely preserved in 14 cases，and partially preserved in 1 case. The recovery of urinary continence on the day of catheter removal and at 1 and 3 months after the operation was recorded. Recovery of urinary continence was defined as pad within 24 hours. PSA was re - examined at 6 weeks and 3 months after the operation. Results:All 17 operations in this study were successfully completed. The operation time was（143.6 ± 31.6）minutes，and the intraoperative blood loss was 50.0（20.0，50.0）ml. None of the cases was converted to open surgery，and no Clavien - Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications such as blood transfusion or intestinal injury occurred during the peri-operative period. The PSA levels at 6 weeks and 3 months after the operation were 0.054（0.008，0.215）ng/ml and 0.008（0.005，0.037）ng/ml，respectively. The indwelling catheter time after the operation was（13.4 ± 2.1）days. The number of cases with recovered urinary continence on the day of catheter removal and at 1 and 3 months after the operation was 10，15，and 17，respectively.Conclusions:The TPUP technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy leads to good recovery of postoperative urinary continence，and there is a slowly PSA decrease in the short term.

Objective:To observe the effects of 12.5% carbohydrate (CHO) solution and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) solutions at various concentrations on gastric emptying, in order to determine the optimal MCT-CHO combination for enhanced recovery after surgery.Methods:This study was a prospective study. Ten healthy volunteers were selected to ingest 400 ml of the following 5 solutions every day: water, 12.5% CHO, 1% MCT, 2% MCT and 4% MCT. According to the above results, the optimal concentration of MCT solution was 2% MCT, showing comparable gastric emptying rate compared with 12.5% CHO solution. On this basis, combinations of MCT and CHO solutions were determined to be 30 energy % (EN%) MCT+70 EN% CHO and 20 EN% MCT+80 EN% CHO according to the energy distribution ratio. Then the volunteers were given 400 ml of the following 4 solutions every day: 12.5% CHO, 2% MCT, 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO (equivalent to 2% MCT+8% CHO), and 20 EN% MCT+80 EN% CHO (equivalent to 4.4% MCT+10% CHO). Gastric emptying during fasting (T m) and immediately (T 1), 30 min (T 2), 60 min (T 3), 90 min (T 4) and 120 min after ingestion (T 5) were observed by antral ultrasonography. The degree of thirst, hunger, and anxiety was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale, and the taste was rated. Results:The gastric emptying rate in descending order was 20%EN MCT+80%EN CHO group>30%EN MCT+70%EN CHO group≈2％MCT group≈12.5%CHO group. There was no significant difference in gastric emptying rate between 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO group and 12.5% CHO group ( P>0.05). The scores of thirst, hunger and anxiety in 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO group at T 1 to T 5 were significantly lower than those at T m ( P<0.05). 30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO group showed the highest taste score. Conclusion:30 EN% MCT+70 EN% CHO solution has similar gastric emptying rate compared with 12.5% CHO solution. It can relieve thirst, hunger, anxiety and other subjective feelings caused by fasting, with tastes better than 12.5% CHO solution.

Objective We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shengxuebao Mixture in the treatment of cancer-related anemia(CRA)presenting with syndrome of deficiency of liver and kidney combined with syndrome of deficiency of both qi and blood.Methods A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trial was conducted.Eligible patients with malignant tumors meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled from 26 hospitals,including Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,Xiaogan Central Hospital,and Yangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,from June 1,2022,to September 30,2024.Patients were allocated 1:1 to either the experimental group receiving Shengxuebao Mixture or the control group receiving its simulator(placebo)using a block randomization method under double-blind conditions.Both groups received 15 mL orally three times daily for 28 consecutive days.The primary efficacy indicators included the hemoglobin(Hb)improvement rate(RHb)and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome improvement rate(RTCM)at week 4 of treatment.The secondary efficacy indicators encompassed Hb and red blood cell(RBC)count,Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)score,TCM syndrome score,individual TCM symptom scores,and changes in each of these indicators compared to the baseline period at weeks 2,4,and 6 of treatment.Safety evaluations were conducted at week 4 of treatment.Results A total of 239 patients were enrolled,with 225 cases included in the Full Analysis Set(FAS)(109 in the experimental group vs.116 control group),163 in the Per Protocol Set(PPS)(77 vs.86),and 225 in the Safety Set(SS)(109 vs.116).Baseline characteristics between groups showed no significant differences.Significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in RHb at week 4(FAS:49.51%vs.35.24%,P<0.05;PPS:53.25%vs.36.05%,P<0.05)and RTCM at week 4(FAS:61.54%vs.39.62%,P<0.01;PPS:64.94%vs.40.70%,P<0.01).At weeks 2,4,and 6,the experimental group showed greater improvements in Hb and RBC counts than the control group.Additionally,the TCM syndrome scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group at these time points.Except for week 2 in PPS,the KPS improvement was better in the experimental group than in the control group(P<0.05).The experimental group also demonstrated a greater reduction in scores for individual TCM symptoms such as spiritlessness and weakness,poor appetite and reduced food intake at weeks 4 and 6 compared to the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Furthermore,the reduction in vertigo score was more pronounced in the experimental group at week 6(P<0.01).For the score of pale and lusterless complexion,only in the PPS was the reduction from baseline more significant in the experimental group than in the control group at weeks 4 and 6(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in the incidence of all adverse events or drug-related adverse reactions.Conclusion Shengxuebao Mixture demonstrates significant efficacy in patients with CRA presenting syndrome of deficiency of liver and kidney combined with syndrome of deficiency of both qi and blood,effectively increasing Hb levels,ameliorating TCM syndromes,alleviating clinical symptoms,and enhancing functional status,with no significant difference in adverse drug reactions compared to the placebo.

Sepsis poses a significant threat to hu-man health due to its widespread prevalence,high mortality rate,substantial treatment costs,and the absence of effective life-saving therapies.Melato-nin,a primary hormone regulating the circadian rhythm,has demonstrated potential as a promising therapeutic agent against sepsis.Its anti-inflamma-tory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,mitochondri-al protective,and multi-organ protective effects are noteworthy.In this review,we summarize current research on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of melatonin in sepsis treatment and multi-organ function preservation,aiming to offer new perspectives and support for sepsis research and therapy.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features，diagnosis，treatment and prognosis of children with juvenile dermatomyositis(JDM) complicated with interstitial lung disease(ILD).Methods:The clinical manifestations，laboratory examination，treatment and prognosis of 7 children with JDM-ILD who were hospitalized in the Department of Nephrology and Immunology，Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from December 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 7 cases，4 were male and 3 were female.The age of onset was 1.8-10.0 years（mean age 5.6 years），the occurrence time of pulmonary involvement was 0.6-4.0 months（mean time 2.0 months），and the follow-up time was 1.8-4.0 years.All the 7 cases had typical rash and different degrees of myasthenia.Four cases were accompanied by skin mucosal ulceration and 4 cases had fever during the course of the disease.Of the 7 cases，2 were accompanied by macrophage activation syndrome，and 1 of them had nervous system involvement，including convulsion and coma.All the children had increased creatase of varying degrees，and only 1 case had increased creatine kinase.Five cases had positive anti- melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5（MDA5）antibody and 4 cases had positive anti- Ro-52 antibody.Interleukin-6 was increased in 5 cases，interferon-γ was increased in 3 cases，and tumor necrosis factor-α was increased in 2 cases.Electromyography showed myogenic injury，MRI showed different degrees of myositis.Chest high-resolution CT showed ground glass shadow，rope shadow，consolidation shadow，pleural thickening，mesh shadow，etc.Four cases had limited lung function or mixed ventilation function restriction.All 7 cases received methylprednisolone pulse treatment combined with immunosuppressant treatment，and 5 cases received immunoglobulin treatment.Pulmonary lesions improved in 5 cases and partially improved in 1 case.One case died due to macrophage activation and multiple organ failure.Conclusion:The respiratory symptoms of JDM-ILD are obscure，and the incidence of ILD is high in children with anti-MDA5 antibody positive.High-resolution CT contributes to early diagnosis.Reasonable early application of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants could improve the survival rate and quality of life.