AIM: To assess the impact of optimized pulsed technology(OPT)on the morphological and functional changes of meibomian glands in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).METHODS: This prospective case-control study enrolled 60 MGD patients(60 right eyes)treated at Weifang Eye Hospital from September 2023 to February 2024. Patients were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups based on the extent of meibomian gland loss, with 20 cases(20 eyes)per group. Treatments consisted of bilateral OPT combined with meibomian gland massages, administered biweekly over four sessions. Ocular surface function indicators including the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS), non-invasive average tear break-up time(NIBUTav), and non-invasive tear meniscus height(NITMH), as well as meibomian gland function parameters such as meibomian gland expressibility score(MGES)and meibomian gland secretion score(MGYSS)were observed and recorded before treatment and at 3 mo after final treatment. Cellular-level assessments using in vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM)examined meibomian gland acinar unit density(MGAUD), inflammatory cell density(ICD), meibomian gland acinar longest diameter(MGALD)and meibomian gland acinar shortest diameter(MGASD).RESULTS: At baseline, no significant differences were found in NITMH across groups(P>0.05). Statistical significance were observed in NIBUTav, MGES, MGYSS, MGAUD, MGALD, and MGASD(all P<0.05). Compared to the mild group, the moderate and severe groups showed significant differences in OSDI, CFS, and ICD(all P<0.05), though no significant differences existed between moderate and severe groups(all P>0.05). At 3 mo after treatment, all groups showed no significant differences in NITMH(all P>0.05). All parameters improved significantly in the mild group(all P<0.05); all indicators improved in the moderate group(P>0.05), except for MGASD before and after treatment(all P<0.05); significant improvements were noted in OSDI, CFS, and NIBUTav in the severe group(all P<0.05), while MGES and MGYSS did not differ significantly(all P>0.05). IVCM parameters(MGAUD, ICD, MGALD, and MGASD)showed no significant change in the severe group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION:OPT effectively enhances various ocular surface functions and improves gland expressibility and secretion quality in mild to moderate MGD cases, while also positively impacting certain cellular parameters. In severe cases, where most acinar functions are lost and structural reversibility is limited, OPT can still mitigate MGD symptoms and decelerate disease progression.

Soybean meal (SBM) prepared by soybean crushing is the most popular protein source in the poultry and livestock industries (Cai et al., 2015) due to its economic manufacture, high protein content, and good nutritional value. Despite these benefits, SBM contains various antigen proteins such as glycinin and β-conglycinin, which account for approximately 70% of the total proteins of the SBM and reduce digestibility and damage intestinal function (Peng et al., 2018). Treating SBM with proteases (neutrase, alcalase, and trypsin) or fermentation can eliminate these antigen proteins (Contesini et al., 2018). Because of its safety and rapid growth cycle, Bacillus strains are considered ideal for the fermentation industry (Yao et al., 2021). SBM fermented by Bacillus yields products with high nutritional value and low levels of antinutritional factors (ANFs), stimulating research in this area (Yuan et al., 2017). Kumari et al. (2023) demonstrated that fermentation with Bacillus species effectively degrades antigen proteins and increases crude protein content. The degradation of antigen proteins relies on protease hydrolysis. Low protease production is the major obstacle hindering the widespread use of microbial fermentation techniques.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/metabolism* ; Fermentation ; Glycine max/metabolism* ; Soybean Proteins/metabolism* ; Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism* ; Ribosomes/metabolism* ; Globulins ; Antigens, Plant ; Seed Storage Proteins

CD11c + microglia are a type of important immune cells in the central nervous system. They maintain the homeostasis of internal environment during normal development and are massively activated in aging and various neuro-pathological conditions, playing roles in phagocytic clearance and neuroinflammation regulation; however, their specific mechanism remains unclear. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on mechanism of this cell subpopulation in the central nervous system development and diseases. Therefore, this article reviews the recent advance in the biological characteristics, signal regulation mechanisms of CD11c + microglia, as well as their roles in neurodevelopment and various CNS diseases (ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, neuropathic pain, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica), aiming to provide theoretical basis and reference for the development of drugs targeting CD11c + microglia.

AIM: To analyze the reasons and clinical outcomes of intraocular lens(IOL)exchange.METHODS:This retrospective case series study included 47 patients(53 eyes)who underwent IOL exchange surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between April 2020 and May 2024, aged from 5 to 87(44.8±3.6)years old. Patients' demographics, surgical indications, surgical techniques, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), as well as postoperative complications were recorded.RESULTS:The reasons for IOL exchange included refractive error(18 cases, 23 eyes, 43%), IOL dislocation(12 cases, 13 eyes, 25%), IOL opacification(12 cases, 12 eyes, 23%), neuroadaptation failure(3 cases, 3 eyes, 6%), and patient dissatisfaction with visual quality(2 cases, 2 eyes, 4%). The surgical techniques for IOL exchange included in-the-bag IOL fixation(16 eyes, 30%), ciliary sulcus fixation(27 eyes, 51%), and scleral suture fixation(10 eyes, 19%). There was statistical significant difference between preoperative UCVA(LogMAR)and UCVA(LogMAR)at 1 d postoperatively(1.03±0.64 vs 0.50±0.46, P<0.05), and there was statistical significant difference between preoperative BCVA(LogMAR)and BCVA(LogMAR)at 1 mo postoperatively(0.41±0.37 vs 0.17±0.21, P<0.05). Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification in 2 eyes and IOL dislocation in 1 eye.CONCLUSION:Refractive error, IOL dislocation, and IOL opacification were the three most common reasons for IOL exchange. Although less frequent, factors such as neuroadaptation issues associated with multifocal IOLs and patient-reported visual quality dissatisfaction reflect growing expectations for improved visual outcomes. IOL exchange surgery, though technically challenging, demonstrates favorable clinical efficacy and a low complication rate, representing an effective intervention for managing postoperative IOL-related issues following cataract surgery.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor that poses a threat to women's health in China,with incidence and mortality rates persistently increasing.Given this critical situation,there is an urgent need to optimize therapeutic options through basic translational research to address current treatment challenges.This article provided a comprehensive overview of the significant advancements in fundamental translational breast cancer research in China over the past five years,aiming to provide a scientific basis and new directions for precision treatment of breast cancer.This research encompasses a range of subjects,including molecular typing,biomarker identification,exploration of drug resistance mechanisms,optimization of precision treatment strategies,and identification of new targets in breast cancer.In the domain of molecular typing,researchers have revealed substantial disparities in treatment responses among distinct subtypes of breast cancer through in-depth analysis.This has led to the proposal of specific therapeutic strategies for each subtype,thereby establishing a robust theoretical foundation for individualized treatment approaches.The identification of biomarkers plays a pivotal role in selecting appropriate treatment options for patients.Recent research advancements have demonstrated the potential of liquid biopsy and proteomics technologies in uncovering promising biomarkers,offering novel prospects for the early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of breast cancer.In the investigation of resistance mechanisms,researchers have elucidated the molecular underpinnings of resistance to endocrine therapy and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-targeted therapy and proposed potential strategies to overcome resistance.This has paved the way for novel approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy.In the context of immunotherapy and targeted therapies,the discernment of novel targets and biomarkers has facilitated novel perspectives on breast cancer treatment.Based on advanced comprehension of tumor heterogeneity,researchers constantly optimize precision treatment strategies through multiomics analysis,thus offering patients with breast cancer enhanced personalized treatment options.Concurrently,the implementation of novel technologies has been instrumental in facilitating the advancement of precision treatment for breast cancer.For instance,the application of artificial intelligence technology has demonstrated considerable potential in the early screening,diagnosis,efficacy assessment and prognosis prediction of breast cancer.Conversely,the advent of innovative drug delivery systems facilitated by nanotechnology has led to enhanced targeting and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents.Furthermore,research into hydrogel patch technology and tumor vaccines has yielded novel strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.Overall,China has accomplished remarkable achievements in the field of basic translational research on breast cancer.These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer,but also provide new directions and hope for the development of future therapeutic strategies.With the advancement of multidisciplinary integration and the application of new emerging technologies,precision therapy is expected to provide more benefits to breast cancer patients.

Extended reality(XR)technology includes virtual reality(VR),augmented reality(AR)and mixed reality(MR)Combining virtual environments with physical world,the extended reality(XR)technology has great potential in rehabilitation of patients with stroke.This article reviews the intervention effects of XR technology on the functions of limb,swallowing,speech and cognition and psychological outcomes in patients with stroke.Based on this review,issues in application of XR are identified and targeted solutions are proposed,thereby offering a guidance for application of XR technology in stroke rehabilitation in China.

Objective To investigate the weight loss efficacy and mechanisms of oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite,and to provide new approaches for obesity treatment.Methods Twenty-three SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n=3)and modeling group(n=20).The control group was fed an ordinary diet for 6 consecutive weeks,and the modeling group was fed a high-fat diet for 6 consecutive weeks to establish a simple obesity rat model.After successful modeling,the modeling group was randomly divided into model group(n=10)and treatment group(n=10).The treatment group started anoint-and-massage therapy with oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite(3 g per rat per time,once a day,20 min each time),which was recorded as day 1.The control group and model group were not treated with oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite but received the same massage,and continued to be fed ordinary feed and high-fat feed respectively.Ten rats in the model group and ten in the treatment group were each divided into 3 groups,with 3,3,and 4 rats in each group.On days 3,6,and 9 after treatment,the rats in the three groups were weighed and cardiac blood collection was performed after isoflurane respiratory anesthesia.After euthanasia by cardiac bloodletting,abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue(aSAT)and perirenal white adipose tissue(pWAT)samples were collected and weighed.Serum triglycerides(TG)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were measured.Image J software was used to measure aSAT thickness and the diameter and area of perirenal white adipocytes and abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes.Immunofluorescence technique was used to observe the number of telocytes(TCs),cell junctions and exosomes per unit area of aSAT.Transmission electron microscopy was used to measure the length of telopodes(Tps)of dermal and subcutaneous TCs in abdominal skin,and to observe the distribution of exosome vesicles,rough endoplasmic reticulum,mitochondria,and cell junctions.Results Compared with the control group,the body weight of rats in the modeling group increased significantly(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed a significant increase in serum TG level,a significant decrease in HDL-C level,and a significant increase in pWAT mass(all P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the treatment group showed a significantly increased rate of body weight reduction,significantly decreased pWAT mass,significantly decreased serum TG level,and significantly increased HDL-C level(all P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the treatment group showed significant reductions in aSAT thickness,as well as cell diameter and area in both aSAT and pWAT(all P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the treatment group showed significantly increased number of TCs per unit area of aSAT,number of exosomes from TCs in aSAT,and Tps length(all P＜0.05).The treatment group showed an increasing trend in the numbers of mitochondria,rough endoplasmic reticulum,and cell junctions in TCs.Conclusion Oligopeptide-herbal medicine composite applied via anoint-and-massage therapy effectively improves obesity-related symptoms such as dyslipidemia and fat accumulation in obese rats by regulating TCs and their intercellular communication.

Under the guidance of the Tongyuan theory,this study organizes the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for post-stroke depression(PSD).Based on the pathological characteristics of PSD patients,such as mental malnourishment and deficiency of primordial qi,combined with the etiology and pathogenesis,the Tongyuan theory suggests that the key to treating PSD lies in"unblocking the governor vessel and nourishing primordial qi".In clinical practice,the combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine is used to cultivate primordial qi,regulate the mind,and harmonize yin and yang,thereby achieving the effects of regulating qi and nourishing the spirit,strengthening body resistance and resolving depression.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bronchial artery chemoembolization (BACE) combined with anlotinib (BACE+A) versus BACE alone in patients with stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:A total of 94 patients with advanced NSCLC treated at six interventional centers between November 2020 and November 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into the BACE+A group ( n=46) and the BACE alone group ( n=48) based on treatment regimen. Baseline and perioperative clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups. Treatment response was evaluated using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) at 1, 6, and 12 months after the first BACE procedure. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to compare median OS and PFS between groups. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing OS and PFS. Results:The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the median OS was significantly longer in the BACE+A group (18.8 months, 95% CI 16.3-21.3) than in the BACE group (13.4 months, 95% CI 11.6-15.2) ( P=0.001). The median PFS was also significantly longer in the BACE+A group (9.0 months, 95% CI 7.3-10.7) compared to the BACE group (6.1 months, 95% CI 4.9-7.3) ( P=0.001). At 6 and 12 months post-first BACE, the ORR (43.5%, 40.0%) and DCR (89.1%, 83.3%) were significantly higher in the BACE+A group than in the BACE group (ORR: 20.8%, 14.8%; DCR: 66.7%, 59.3%) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression identified treatment with BACE+A ( HR=0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.72, P=0.002), tumor stage ( HR=1.80, 95% CI 1.05-3.07, P=0.031), presence of pre-existing complications requiring intervention ( HR=2.72, 95% CI 1.65-4.50, P<0.001), and >2 BACE procedures ( HR=0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.68, P=0.003) as independent factors influencing OS. Treatment with BACE+A ( HR=0.49, 95% CI 0.32-0.76, P=0.001), tumor stage ( HR=1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77, P=0.025), multi-arterial tumor blood supply ( HR=2.76, 95% CI 1.76-4.31, P<0.001), and>2 BACE procedures ( HR=0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.71, P=0.002) were independent factors influencing PFS. There was no significant difference in BACE-related adverse events between the two groups (all P>0.05). Hypertension, fatigue, hand-foot syndrome, and anorexia were common anlotinib-specific adverse reactions in the combination group, but no grade 4 or higher adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions:BACE combined with anlotinib demonstrates superior efficacy compared to BACE alone in treating advanced NSCLC, significantly prolonging OS and PFS. The safety profile is manageable, with adverse events remaining within tolerable limits.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial. In the first phase, 81 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, including 57 males and 24 females, with the age of (51.3±10.4) years. During TIPS surgery, the pressure of the portal vein before and after the balloon blocking the splenic artery was measured to clarify the contribution of the splenic artery to portal hypertension. In the second stage, from January 2019 to December 2022, 104 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT were re-enrolled, including 71 males and 33 females, with the age of (50.9±12.5) years. TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization was performed, and portal vein pressure was measured before and after embolization. Follow up on the postoperative esophageal and gastric varices of the patients in the second stage.Results:The portal vein pressures before and after the first stage of balloon occlusion of the splenic artery were (35.2±8.4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (24.2±6.3) mmHg, respectively. The pressure after occlusion was lower than that before occlusion, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.54, P<0.001). The portal vein pressures before and after the second stage embolization were (36.1±9.5) mmHg and (21.1±4.7) mmHg respectively. The pressure after embolization was lower than that before embolization, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.47, P<0.001). In the second stage, among the 104 patients, the proportion of those whose varicose veins disappeared or improved 6 months after the operation was 43.3%(45/104) and 51.0%(53/104), respectively. There were no patients with aggravation or rebleeding due to rupture. One year later, 8 patients (7.7%) had aggravated or ruptured esophageal and gastric varices with bleeding. Two years later, 12 patients (11.5%) had aggravated or bleeding. Conclusion:TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization can effectively reduce the portal vein pressure in patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT, improve the degree of esophageal and gastric varices, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.