ObjectiveTo study on the different therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma（RH） before and after steaming with wine on constipation model mice. MethodsFifty-four male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， lactulose group（1.5 mg·kg^-1）， high， medium and low dose groups of RH and RH steaming with wine（PRH）（8， 4， 1 g·kg^-1）. Except for the control group， the constipation model was replicated by gavage of loperamide hydrochloride（6 mg·kg^-1） in the other groups. After 2 weeks of modeling， each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding dose of drug solution， and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline， 1 time/d for 2 consecutive weeks. After administration， the feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing， the levels of gastrin（GAS）， motilin（MTL）， interleukin-6（IL-6）， γ-interferon（IFN-γ） in the colonic tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）， the histopathological changes of colon were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion changes of CD4⁺， CD8⁺ and regulatory T cell（Treg） in peripheral blood. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed significantly decrease in fecal number in 24 h， fecal quality and fecal water rate（P<0.01）， the colon was seen to have necrotic shedding of mucosal epithelium， localized intestinal glands in the lamina propria were degenerated， necrotic and atrophied， a few lymphocytes were seen to infiltrate in the necrotic area in a scattered manner， the contents of GAS and MTL， the proportions of CD4⁺， CD8⁺ and Treg were significantly reduced（P<0.01）， the contents of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the fecal number in 24 h， fecal quality and fecal water rate of high-dose groups of RH and PRH were significantly increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the pathological damage of the colon was alleviated to varying degrees， the contents of GAS， MTL， IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly regressed（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the proportions of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ were significantly increased（P<0.01）， although the proportion of Treg showed an upward trend， there was no significant difference. In addition， the results of intestinal flora showed that the number of amplicon sequence variant（ASV） and Alpha diversity were decreased in the model group compared with the control group， and there was a significant difference in Beta diversity， with a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter. Compared with the model group， the ASV number and Alpha diversity were increased in the high-dose groups of RH and PRH， and there was a trend of regression of Beta diversity to the control group， the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased， and the relative abundances of Bacillus and Helicobacter decreased. ConclusionRH and PRH can improve dysbacteriosis， promote immune system activation， inhibit the release of inflammatory factors for enhancing the gastrointestinal function， which may be one of the potential mechanisms of their therapeutic effect on constipation.

Flexible conductive fibers have been widely applied in wearable flexible sensing. However, exposed wearable flexible sensors based on liquid metal (LM) are prone to abrasion and significant conductivity degradation. This study presented a high-sensitivity LM conductive fiber with integration of strain sensing, electrical heating, and thermochromic capabilities, which was fabricated by coating eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) onto spandex fibers modified with waterborne polyurethane (WPU), followed by thermal curing to form a protective polyurethane sheath. This fiber, designated as Spandex/WPU/EGaIn/Polyurethane (SWEP), exhibits a four-layer coaxial structure: spandex core, WPU modification layer, LM conductive layer, and polyurethane protective sheath. The SWEP fiber had a diameter of (458.3 ± 10.4) μm, linear density of (2.37 ± 0.15) g/m, and uniform EGaIn coating. The fiber had excellent conductivity with an average value of (3 716.9 ± 594.2) S/m. The strain sensing performance was particularly noteworthy. A 5 cm × 5 cm woven fabric was fabricated using polyester warp yarns and SWEP weft yarns. The fabric exhibited satisfactory moisture permeability [(536.06 ± 33.15) g/(m ²·h)] and maintained stable thermochromic performance after repeated heating cycles. This advanced conductive fiber development is expected to significantly promote LM applications in wearable electronics and smart textile systems.
Wearable Electronic Devices ; Polyurethanes/chemistry* ; Electric Conductivity ; Gallium/chemistry* ; Metals/chemistry*

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) complicated by hyperuricemia (HUA) and explore their potential as novel diagnostic molecular markers and their target genes. METHODS: This study was conducted among 30 CHF patients with HUA (observation group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) enrolled between September, 2020 and September, 2023. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 CHF patients with HUA for analyzing exosomal miRNAs by high-throughput sequencing, and the results were validated in the remaining 24 patients using qRT-PCR. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to predict the the target genes of the identified differential miRNAs. We also validated the differentially expressed miRNAs by animal experiment. RESULTS: A total of 42 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were detected in observation group by high-throughput sequencing; among them, miR-27a-5p was significantly upregulated (P=0.000179), and miR-139-3p was significantly downregulated (P=0.000058). In the 24 patients with both CHF and PUA, qRT-PCR validated significant upregulation of miR-27a-5p (P=0.004) and downregulation of miR-139-3p (P=0.005) in serum exosomes. When combined, miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p had a maximum area under the curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% CI: 0812-0.987) for predicting CHF complicated by HUA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that the differential expressions of miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p was associated with the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway to activate the autophagic response. We obtained the same conclusion from animal experiment. CONCLUSIONS Upregulated exosomal miR-27a-5p combined with downregulated exosomal miR-139-3p expression can serve as a novel molecular marker for diagnosis of CHF complicated by HUA, and their differential expression may promote autophagy in cardiomyocytes by activating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
Humans ; Hyperuricemia/diagnosis* ; Heart Failure/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Animals

OBJECTIVES: To explore the bioactive components in Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills (JWXYP) and their mechanisms for alleviating depression-like behaviors. METHODS: The active compounds, key targets, and pathways of JWXYP were identified using TCMSP and TCMIP databases. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized equally into 6 groups including a control group and 5 chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression groups. After modeling, the 5 model groups were treated with daily gavage of normal saline, 1.8 mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride (positive control drug), or JWXYP at 1.44, 2.88, and 4.32 g/kg. The depression-like behaviors of the rats were evaluated using behavioral tests, and pathological changes in the liver and hippocampus were examined with HE staining. The biochemical indicators in the serum and brain tissues were detected using ELISA. Serum metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the differential metabolites using OPLS-DA, and gut microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: Network pharmacology revealed that menthone and paeonol in JWXYP were capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier to regulate inflammatory pathways and protect the nervous system. In the rat models subjected to CUMS, treatment with JWXYP significantly improved body weight loss, sucrose preference and open field activities, reduced liver inflammation, alleviated structural changes in the hippocampal neurons, decreased serum levels of TNF‑α, IL-1β, IL-6 and LBP, and increased 5-HT and VIP concentrations in the serum and brain tissue, and these effects were the most pronounced in the high-dose group. Metabolomics analysis showed changes in such metabolites as indole-3-acetamide and acetyl-L-carnitine in JWXYP-treated rats, involving the pathways for bile acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated increased gut microbiota diversity and increased abundance of Lactobacillus species in JWXYP-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS JWXYP alleviates depression-like symptoms in rats by regulating the neurotransmitters, inhibiting inflammation and oxidation, and modulating gut microbiota.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Depression/drug therapy* ; Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism* ; Rats ; Inflammation ; Male ; Hippocampus ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects*

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of conducting active surveillance (AS) for low risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in China and to examine the factors in association with disease progression during AS.Methods:This study was a prospective observational research conducted from Jun. 2018 to Aug. 2022 at Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Seventy-three patients with cytologically confirmed low-risk PTMC were enrolled in this study. They were followed up by ultrasonography, and the observed nodules were re-assessed whether or not to have disease progression. Disease progression was defined as having nodule enlarged more than 3 mm in any of diameters measured on ultrasound, or/and presence of suspicious lymph node metastasis.Results:The median follow-up time was 33 months. At the time of last follow-up, 16 cases (21.9%) exhibited disease progression, including 9 cases (12.3%) with suspicious lymph nodes detected by ultrasound, and 8 cases (11.0%) with lesion enlargement; one case (1.3%) exhibited both situations. The univariate chi-square analysis revealed that young patients (≤45 years old, P=0.041), presence of microcalcifications ( P=0.032), initial larger nodule (diameter greater than 7 mm, P=0.003), and elevated thyroid autoantibody levels ( P=0.008) were associated with disease progression. Multiple regression analysis showed elevated thyroid autoantibodies ( OR=4.311, P=0.030) and initial larger nodule ( OR=6.196, P=0.034) were independent risk factors for PTMC progression,respectively. Conclusions:AS for low-risk PTMC is a feasible and effective. During the observation, ultrasound can reveal suspicious lymph nodes and nodule enlargement, which are crucial indicators for assessing disease progression. Patients with initially larger nodule size and elevated thyroid autoantibody level are more likely to exhibit disease progression and should receive closer attention.

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a flavin-dependent metabolic enzyme that oxidizes dihydroorotate acid to orotic acid in the de novo synthesis pathway of pyrimidine metabolism. DHODH is located in mitochondria, closely related to cellular oxidative phosphorylation, and an important suppressor of the ferroptosis pathway. This study investigates the influence of DHODH on the progression of malignant tumors, including its important role in the de novo synthesis of pyrimidine, oxidative phosphorylation, and ferroptosis. The objective is to present evidence that DHODH is a potential target for the clinical treatment of tumors.

Objective:To investigate the correlation factors of complete clinical response in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies(IIMs)patients receiving conventional treatment.Methods:Patients diagnosed with IIMs hospitalized in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2000 to June 2023 were in-cluded.The correlation factors of complete clinical response to conventional treatment were identified by analyzing the clinical characteristics,laboratory features,peripheral blood lymphocytes,immunological indicators,and therapeutic drugs.Results:Among the 635 patients included,518 patients finished the follow-up,with an average time of 36.8 months.The total complete clinical response rate of IIMs was 50.0％(259/518).The complete clinical response rate of dermatomyositis(DM),anti-synthetase syn-drome(ASS)and immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy(IMNM)were 53.5％,48.9％and 39.0％,respectively.Fever(P=0.002)and rapid progressive interstitial lung disease(RP-ILD)(P=0.014)were observed much more frequently in non-complete clinical response group than in complete clinical re-sponse group.The aspartate transaminase(AST),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),D-dimer,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reaction protein(CRP)and serum ferritin were significantly higher in non-complete clinical response group as compared with complete clinical response group.As for the treat-ment,the percentage of glucocorticoid received and intravenous immunoglobin(IVIG)were significantly higher in non-complete clinical response group than in complete clinical response group.Risk factor analysis showed that IMNM subtype(P=0.007),interstitial lung disease(ILD)(P=0.001),eleva-ted AST(P=0.012),elevated serum ferritin(P=0.016)and decreased count of CD4+T cells in peripheral blood(P=0.004)might be the risk factors for IIMs non-complete clinical response.Conclu-sion:The total complete clinical response rate of IIMs is low,especially for IMNM subtype.More effec-tive intervention should be administered to patients with ILD,elevated AST,elevated serum ferritin or decreased count of CD4+T cells at disease onset.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of anterior cervical Hybrid surgery and posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty(EODL)in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy,and to discuss the selection of surgical methods for the patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods:The retrospective analysis was conducted of 70 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent surgery at Affilated Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Capital Medical University from July 2017 to July 2020.Based on the different surgical methods,the patients were divided into anterior group(n=35)and posterior group(n=35).The patients in anterior group underwent Hybrid surgery[anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)combined with artificial cervical disc replacement(ACDR)],and the patients in posterior group underwent EODL.The hospitalization time,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative drainage volume of the patients in two groups were recorded;the efficacy was evaluated by Japanese orthopaedic association(JOA)score,JOA improvement rate,neck disability index(NDI),visual analogue scale(VAS)for pain,and postoperative satisfaction score;the complications of the patients in two groups after surgery were recorded.Results:Compared with posterior group,the intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,hospitalization time,and operation time of the patients in anterior group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the preoperative score had no significant difference(P>0.05).At the final follow-up after surgery,compared with posterior group,the JOA score and JOA improvement rate of the patients in anterior group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the NDI score and VAS score were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with before surgery,the JOA scores of the patients in two groups at the final follow-up after surgery were increased(P<0.01),and the NDI and VAS scores were significant decreased(P<0.01).The postoperative satisfaction of the patients in two groups was high based on the postoperative satisfaction score.There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complication of the patients between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Both the anterior cervical Hybrid surgery and EODL achieve the satisfactory results in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Hybrid surgery has the advantages of less bleeding and shorter surgery time,and the most suitable surgical method should be chosen clinically based on the actual situation of the patients.

Improving the reproducibility of biomedical research results is a major challenge. Transparent and accurate reporting of the research process enables readers to evaluate the reliability of the research results and further explore the experiment by repeating it or building upon its findings. The ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines, released in 2019 by the UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), provide a checklist that is applicable to any in vivo animal research report. These guidelines aim to improve the standardization of experimental design, implementation, and reporting, as well as enhance the reliability, repeatability, and clinical translation of animal experimental results. The use of the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines not only enriches the details of animal experimental research reports, ensuring that information on animal experimental results is fully evaluated and utilized, but also enables readers to understand the content expressed by the author accurately and clearly, promoting the transparency and completeness of the fundamental research review process. At present, the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines have been widely adopted by international biomedical journals. This article is based on the best practices following the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines in international journals, and it interprets, explains, and elaborates in Chinese the fifth part of the comprehensive version of the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines published in PLoS Biology in 2020 (the original text can be found at https://arriveguidelines.org). This section includes the items 6-11 of Recommended 11 section, covering "Animal Care and Monitoring", "Interpretation/Scientific Implications", "Generalisability/Translation", "Protocol Registration", "Data Access" and "Declaration of Interests". Its aim is to promote a comprehensive understanding and use of the ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines among domestic researchers, to enhance the standardization of experimental animal research and reporting, and to promote high-quality development of experimental animal sciences and comparative medicine research in China.

Objective To explore the performance of routine blood test parameters,bone marrow parameters and the risk factors of leukemia conversion in higher-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)treated with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method in the real world.Methods The clinical data of 162 patients with higher-risk MDS who were admitted to the Department of Hematology,Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from September 2017 to September 2022 were collected,and their clinical data,blood routine parameters,and bone marrow parameters were analyzed.Results A total of 162 higher-risk MDS patients were included,and the overall effective rate of the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment,mainly using Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method being 48.8%.Patients with higher-risk MDS who were younger than 70 years old were more likely to obtain curative effect when treated with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method combined with chemotherapy(P<0.05).After treatment with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method,PLT levels in higher-risk MDS patients were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and PLT levels in the ineffective group increased more significantly(P<0.05).After treatment,the HGB level in the effective group significantly increased(P<0.05).After treatment,the proportion of bone marrow granulocytes,megakaryocytes and lymphocytes in higher-risk MDS patients were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method,mainly using arsenic containing TCM compound,can treat higher-risk MDS.It can increase the HGB content and PLT level of patients,increase the proportion of bone marrow granulocytes,megakaryocytes and lymphocytes,and also play a certain role in reducing the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells,namely demethylation.