Diabetes is a very complex endocrine disease whose common feature is the increase in blood glucose concentration. Persistent hyperglycemia can lead to blindness, kidney and heart disease, neurodegeneration, and many other serious complications that have a significant impact on human health and quality of life. The number of people with diabetes is increasing yearly. The global diabetes prevalence in 20-79 year olds in 2021 was estimated to be 10.5% (536.6 million), and it will rise to 12.2% (783.2 million) in 2045. The main modes of intervention for diabetes include medication, dietary management, and exercise conditioning. Medication is the mainstay of treatment. Marketed diabetes drugs such as metformin and insulin, as well as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are effective in controlling blood sugar levels to some extent, but the preventive and therapeutic effects are still unsatisfactory. Peptide drugs have many advantages such as low toxicity, high target specificity, and good biocompatibility, which opens up new avenues for the treatment of diabetes and other diseases. Currently, insulin and its analogs are by far the main life-saving drugs in clinical diabetes treatment, enabling effective control of blood glucose levels, but the risk of hypoglycemia is relatively high and treatment is limited by the route of delivery. New and oral anti-diabetic drugs have always been a market demand and research hotspot. Inhibitor cystine knot (ICK) peptides are a class of multifunctional cyclic peptides. In structure, they contain three conserved disulfide bonds (C3-C20, C7-C22, and C15-C32) form a compact “knot” structure, which can resist degradation of digestive protease. Recent studies have shown that ICK peptides derived from legume, such as PA1b, Aglycin, Vglycin, Iglycin, Dglycin, and aM₁, exhibit excellent regulatory activities on glucose and lipid metabolism at the cellular and animal levels. Mechanistically, ICK peptides promote glucose utilization by muscle and liver through activation of IR/AKT signaling pathway, which also improves insulin resistance. They can repair the damaged pancrease through activation of PI3K/AKT/Erk signaling pathway, thus lowering blood glucose. The biostability and hypoglycemic efficacy of the ICK peptides meet the requirements for commercialization of oral drugs, and in theory, they can be developed into natural oral anti-diabetes peptide drugs. In this review, the structural properties, activity and mechanism of ICK pattern peptides in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism were summaried, which provided a reference for the development of new oral peptides for diabetes.

T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

Objective:To assess the prognostic impact of frailty on elderly inpatients with heart failure.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 121 in elderly patients with heart failure from Beijing Hospital, the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital between September 2018 and April 2019.Patients were assessed for frailty using the Fried frailty phenotype and categorized into frail and non-frail groups.Follow-ups were conducted at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-enrollment through clinic visits or phone calls to record adverse events.Composite endpoints include all-cause mortality and rehospitalization duo to deterioration of heart failure.Results:The study included 121 patients with an average age of 78.0±7.4 years, of whom 71(58.7%)were male and 57(47.1%)were classified as frail.Compared to the non-frail group, the frail group had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates[49.5±20.7 ml/(min·1.73m 2) vs.(64.0±27.1)ml/(min·1.73m 2)], lower scores in Basic Activities of Daily Living[5.0(4.0, 6.0) vs.6.0(5.0, 6.0)], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living[2.0(1.3, 7.8) vs.7.0(5.0, 8.0)], and Mini-Mental State Examination[26.0(16.0, 28.0) vs.27.0(22.3, 29.0)], all P<0.05.They also experienced longer hospital stays[10.5(6.0, 18.8)days vs.8.0(6.0, 11.8)days, P=0.008].During the follow-up period, the incidence of composite endpoint events was significantly higher in the frail group(43.9% vs.25.0%, P=0.029).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the one-year incidence of composite endpoint events was significantly higher in the frail group( P=0.013).Multivariable Cox regression analysisindicated that frailty was an independent risk factor for composite endpoint events( HR=2.201, 95% CI: 1.089-4.447, P=0.028). Conclusions:Frailty is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure and should be considered a crucial factor in clinical assessment and treatment strategies.

Objective:To investigate the clinical application value of injection of indocyanine green(ICG)via vasopuncture in fluorescence laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(FLRP).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 50 cases of PCa treated by injection of ICG via vasopuncture in FLRP.The patients were aged(70.60±5.67)years old,with an average PSA value of(18.42±2.69)μg/L.During the operation,we injected ICG at 0.5 ml by vasopuncture through the vas deferens at each side of the scrotum,observed the visualized images of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles using normal high-definition,black-and-white fluorescence,green fluorescence,and color fluorescence respectively,and then isolated the adherent seminal vesicles under the laparoscope.Results:A total of 93 injections of ICG were completed,86 bilaterally,4 on the right and 3 on the left.The vas defer-ens and seminal vesicles were visualized in 41 cases(60 sides,64.52%),19 bilaterally,7 on the right and 15 on the left.Spillage of the fluorescent agent occurred in 9 cases during the incision of the bladder neck and adhesion of the seminal vesicles was found intra-operatively in 10 cases,in which the seminal vesicles were all quickly located by fluorescence visualization.No rectal injury occurred during the surgery.Mild scrotal subcutaneous bruises were observed in 2 cases,with a postoperative pathological Gleason's score of 7.44±0.88.Conclusion:Injection of ICG by vasopuncture is minimally invasive and safe.ICG-mediated near-infrared imaging and real-time fluorescence imaging of the vas deferens and seminal vesicles can achieve precise positioning and removal of the seminal vesicles and prostate gland without causing rectal injury.

AIM To explore the effects of praeruptorin A from Suhuang antitussive capsules on cough variant asthma(CVA).METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(0.5 mg/kg),the Suhuang antitussive capsules group(7 g/kg)and the low,medium and high dose praeruptorin A groups(15,30 and 60 mg/kg).The rat model of CVA was established by intraperitoneal injection of sensitizer(1 mg/mL ovalbumin and 10 mg/mL aluminum hydroxide)and aerosol inhalation of 1%ovalbumin followed by the corresponding dosing of drugs by gavage initiated on the 14th day.Another 14 days later,the rats had their pathological pulmonary changes observed by HE,Masson and PAS stainings;their number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)detected by hematology analyzer;and their levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and MUC5AC in BALF detected by ELISA.The RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was treated with 4,8,16 μmol/L praeruptorin A or 0.25 mg/mL Suhuang antitussive capsules,respectively.And the cells had their NO level detected by Griess method,and their ROS expression observed using fluorescence microscopy.The detections of the pulmonary and cellular mRNA expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,COX-2,iNOS and PPAR-γ by RT-qPCR;and the protein expressions of p-P65,P65,p-IκBα,IκBα,NLRP3,caspase-1(p20)and IL-1β by Western blot were conducted in both the cells and the rats.RESULTS The in vivo result showed that praeruptorin A reduced the cough frequency(P＜0.01);prolonged the cough latency(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced the number of eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased the levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and MUC5AC in BALF and the pulmonary mRNA expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,COX-2 and iNOS(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased the phosphorylation of P65 and IκBα protein and NLRP3,caspase-1(p20)and IL-1β protein expressions(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)as well.The in vitro result showed that praeruptorin A inhibited the release of LPS-induced NO and reduce the ROS level(P＜0.01);decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-1β,COX-2 and iNOS(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased PPAR-γ mRNA expression(P＜0.05),and decreased the phosphorylation of P65 and IκBα protein and the expression of NLRP3 protein(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Praeruptorin A,one of the main antitussive components of Suhuang antitussive capsules,may improve CVA because of its anti-inflammatory and antitussive role by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles.

Objective:To investigate the effects of stimulator of interferon gene (STING) on ferroptosis mediated by acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in mouse dendritic cells (DCs) under sepsis, providing a basis for improving the dysregulation of immune response in sepsis caused by factors such as wound infection.Methods:This study was an experimental research. The mouse DC line DC2.4 in the logarithmic growth phase (with passages 3-10) were divided into lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation 0 h (unstimulated) group, LPS stimulation 6 h group, LPS stimulation 12 h group, LPS stimulation 18 h group, and LPS stimulation 24 h group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), which were cultured with 1 μg/mL LPS (the same concentration below) for the corresponding time. The protein expressions of phosphorylated STING (p-STING), STING, and ACSL4 in cells were determined by Western blotting. DC2.4 successfully transfected with lentivirus containing STING gene small interfering RNA (hereinafter referred to as siSTING) were divided into siSTING+phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group and siSTING+LPS group. DC2.4 successfully transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After being stimulated with PBS or LPS and cultured for 24 hours, the protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4 in cells were determined as above. Cell lipid peroxidation degrees were observed using the lipid peroxidation assay kit, and cell apoptosis rates were detected using flow cytometry. The sample numbers in the above cell experiments were all 3. Eighty male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were divided into sham surgery+normal saline (NS) group, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)+NS group, sham surgery+C-176 group, and CLP+C-176 group, with 20 mice in each group. Mice in the two C-176 groups were intraperitoneally injected with C-176, while mice in the two NS groups were intraperitoneally injected with an equivalent volume of NS. One hour later, sham surgery was performed on the mice in the two sham surgery groups, and CLP surgery was performed on the mice in the two CLP groups to establish a sepsis model. At 24 h post-surgery, 10 mice from each group were sacrificed to extract spleen DCs, and protein expression, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis rates were detected as above ( n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological damage in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney tissue. The remaining 10 mice in each group were observed for survival within 7 days after surgery. Results:The protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4, as well as the p-STING/STING ratio in DC2.4 in LPS stimulation 24 h group were significantly higher than those in LPS stimulation 0 h group ( P<0.05). After 24 h of culture, the protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4 in DC2.4 in siSTING+LPS group and empty vector+PBS group were significantly lower than those in empty vector+LPS group ( P<0.05); the lipid peroxidation degrees of DC2.4 in siSTING+LPS group and empty vector+PBS group were weaker than those in empty vector+LPS group. The apoptosis rates of DC2.4 in empty vector+PBS group, empty vector+LPS group, siSTING+PBS group, and siSTING+LPS group were (15.7±3.0)%, (37.8±2.9)%, (13.1±2.1)%, and (20.6±1.8)%, respectively. The apoptosis rates of DC2.4 in empty vector+PBS group and siSTING+LPS group were significantly lower than that in empty vector+LPS group ( P<0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the protein expressions of p-STING and ACSL4, and the p-STING/STING ratio in spleen DCs of mice in CLP+NS group were significantly higher than those in sham surgery+NS group and CLP+C-176 group ( P<0.05); the protein expression of STING in spleen DCs of mice in CLP+NS group was significantly higher than that in sham surgery+NS group ( P<0.05); the lipid peroxidation degrees of spleen DCs of mice in CLP+C-176 group and sham surgery+NS group were weaker than that in CLP+NS group. The apoptosis rates of spleen DCs of mice in sham surgery+NS group and CLP+C-176 group were significantly lower than that in CLP+NS group ( P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate of spleen DCs of mice in CLP+C-176 group was significantly higher than that in sham surgery+C-176 group ( P<0.05). Pathological tissue damage in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney of mice in CLP+NS group was significantly worse than that in sham surgery+NS group, while such damage in the above organs of mice in CLP+C-176 group was significantly alleviated compared with that in CLP+NS group. The survival ratio of mice in CLP+NS group within 7 days after surgery was significantly lower than that in sham surgery+NS group ( χ2=8.30, P<0.05). Conclusions:Under sepsis, STING activation in mouse DCs is significant, which enhances ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis. Inhibiting STING activation can significantly reduce ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis level in mouse DCs under sepsis, thereby improving the survival rate of septic mice.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal tumor resection without labeling and submucosal injection (NMSI-ESE) in the treatment of gastric small gastrointestinal stromal tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 49 patients diagnosed with gastric small gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. Among them, 23 cases underwent NMSI-ESE and 26 cases underwent traditional endoscopic submucosal tumor resection (ESE). We compared the clinical and pathological characteristics, surgical time, tumor removal time, number of metal clips used, surgical costs, postoperative hospitalization time, and incidence of complications between two groups of patients.Results:Compared with the ESE group, the NMSI-ESE group had shorter surgical time [38.95(26.50, 53.25)min vs 47.30(38.50, 52.25)min, Z=-2.60, P=0.011], shorter tumor removal time [17.27(8.75, 24.50)min vs 27.08(18.75, 35.00)min, Z=-4.32, P<0.001], and lower surgical costs [3 308(3.190, 3 450)yuan vs 4 107(3 972, 4 232)yuan, Z=-20.95, P<0.001], fewer metal clips used [(3.86±0.91) vs (5.04±1.22), t=-4.00, P<0.001], and shorter postoperative hospitalization time [3.1(2.0, 4.0)d vs 3.5(3.0, 4.0)d, Z=-2.20, P=0.031], There was no statistically significant difference in R0 resection rate and postoperative complications (all P>0.05). During the follow-up period, both groups of patients had no tumor recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions:NMSI-ESE is safe and effective in treating small gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and can shorten surgical and hospitalization time, as well as reduce medical costs compared to traditional ESE.

Traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (TSOFS) is a symptom complex caused by nerve entrapment in the supraorbital fissure after skull base trauma. If the compressed cranial nerve in the supraorbital fissure is not decompressed surgically, ptosis, diplopia and eye movement disorder may exist for a long time and seriously affect the patients′ quality of life. Since its overall incidence is not high, it is not familiarized with the majority of neurosurgeons and some TSOFS may be complicated with skull base vascular injury. If the supraorbital fissure surgery is performed without treatment of vascular injury, it may cause massive hemorrhage, and disability and even life-threatening in severe cases. At present, there is no consensus or guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS that can be referred to both domestically and internationally. To improve the understanding of TSOFS among clinical physicians and establish standardized diagnosis and treatment plans, the Skull Base Trauma Group of the Neurorepair Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Traumatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome ( version 2024) based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment. This consensus puts forward 12 recommendations on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, efficacy evaluation and follow-up of TSOFS, aiming to provide references for neurosurgeons from hospitals of all levels to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,morroniside,loganin,sweroside,paeoniflorin,hypericin,astragalin,salvianolic acid B,salvianolic acid A,epimedin C and icariin in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃thermostatic Agilent 5 TC-C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 97.11%-101.14%with the RSDs of 0.60%-2.65%.CONCLUSION This simple,accurate and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.