ObjectiveThis paper aims to use the digital muscle function assessment system Myoton PRO to assess the correlation between muscle tension，clinical characteristics， and traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndromes in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration ［also known as Wilson disease（WD）］. MethodsA total of 104 patients with WD accompanied by abnormal muscle tension（increased or decreased，hereinafter the same） who were hospitalized in the Brain Disease Centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from April 2021 to November 2023 were selected，all of whom were subjected to TCM syndrome diagnosis and Myoton PRO for the measurement of F value of muscle tension，Goldstein， and UWDRS-N scales. The age of onset of the disease and disease duration were analyzed，and the differences and correlations of the above indexes in different TCM syndromes of WD were analyzed ResultsAmong the 104 patients with WD ，the phlegm and stasis syndrome was the most common（60 patients），followed by the damp-heat syndrome（33 patients），and the least common was the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome（11 patients）. The F value of the phlegm and stasis syndrome group was higher than that of the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group and the damp-heat syndrome group（P<0.01）. The F value of the damp-heat syndrome group was higher than that of the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group（P<0.05），and the F value of the lower limbs of each group was higher than that of the upper limbs（P<0.01）. Goldstein and UWDRS-N scores of the patients in the phlegm and stasis syndrome group were higher than those in the damp-heat syndrome group and the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group（P<0.05）. There was no significant difference between the Goldstein and UWDRS-N scores of patients in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group and the damp-heat syndrome group. Correlation analysis revealed that the age of onset and duration of the disease were positively correlated with the F values of the lower limbs（r=0.20，P<0.05，r=0.38，P<0.01）and had no significant correlation with those of the upper limbs. The F value levels of muscle tension of all limbs in the three groups of patients were positively correlated with the Goldstein and UWDRS-N scores（muscle tension of the upper limbs in the phlegm and stasis syndrome group，r=0.36，P<0.01，r=0.42，P<0.01. muscle tension of the lower limbs in the phlegm and stasis syndrome group，r=0.70，P<0.01，r=0.60，P<0.01. muscle tension of the upper limbs in the damp-heat syndrome group，r=0.64，P<0.01，r=0.53，P<0.01. muscle tension of the lower limbs in the damp-heat syndrome group，r=0.59，P<0.01，r=0.70，P<0.01. muscle tension of the upper limbs in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group，r=0.70，P<0.01，r=0.74，P<0.01. muscle tension of the lower limbs in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group，r=0.85，P<0.01，r=0.62，P<0.01）. Conlusion： The digital muscle function assessment system Myoton PRO can objectively evaluate the muscle tension level of patients with WD accompanied by abnormal muscle tension. This level has significant differences among different TCM syndromes and can evaluate the patient's condition to some extent.

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.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the alterations in m 6A methylation associated with age-related idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Methods:By collecting peripheral blood samples from IPF patients, we investigated the changes in m6A modification levels of total RNA and key regulatory factors in elderly IPF patients.Then, the pulmonary fibrosis models of young and old mice were constructed for verification.A total of 10 IPF patients and 10 healthy controls were selected for this study.The m 6A methylation quantitative kit was employed to assess the m 6A modification levels of total RNA.The expression levels of key m 6A methylation regulators, METTL3, METTL14, and FTO, were quantified using qRT-PCR.Additionally, thirty-two healthy male C57BL/6 mice, comprising 16 mice aged 10-12 weeks and 16 mice aged 6-7 months, were divided into four groups: young control(A), young pulmonary fibrosis(B), aged control(C), and aged pulmonary fibrosis(D), with 8 mice in each group.Mice in groups B and D were intratracheally administered bleomycin to establish a pulmonary fibrosis model, while those in groups A and C received normal saline.Twenty-eight days post-model establishment, the mice were euthanized, and lung tissues were collected for analysis.Histological evaluations were performed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining, Masson staining, hydroxyproline content determination, and immunohistochemistry to assess the extent of pulmonary fibrosis.The m 6A methylation quantification kit was also utilized to measure the m 6A modification levels of total RNA in lung tissue.Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the methyltransferase METTL3 were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot experiments. Results:The level of m 6A modification was significantly elevated in the aged IPF patient group(0.36±0.03)compared to the control group t=4.882( P<0.05).Furthermore, the expression of METTL3 was markedly higher in the aged IPF patients( t=6.082), while the expression of METTL14 was significantly lower t=17.58( P<0.05).In contrast, the expression level of FTO did not exhibit a significant difference.It is hypothesized that the increased m 6A modification of total RNA in aged IPF patients is closely associated with METTL3.Furthermore, the degree of lung fibrosis in aged mice was more severe than that in young mice.Immunohistochemistry results indicated that TGF-β1 expression was elevated in the lung fibrosis group, with higher levels observed in group D compared to group B( t=5.891, P<0.05), and in group C compared to group A t=4.135( P<0.05).The percentage of positive area for α-SMA was significantly greater in the lung fibrosis mouse model than in the control group t=20.08( P<0.05).The level of m 6A modification was increased in both lung fibrosis groups relative to the normal control group( P<0.05), although no significant difference was found between group D and group B. Overall, METTL3 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in the lung fibrosis group, with expression in group D being lower than in group B( P<0.05). Conclusions:The level of m 6A modification is elevated in pulmonary fibrosis, and the expression of METTL3 is upregulated in this condition.The downregulation of METTL3 may be associated with the extent of aging, which subsequently exacerbates the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the alterations in m 6A methylation associated with age-related idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF). Methods:By collecting peripheral blood samples from IPF patients, we investigated the changes in m6A modification levels of total RNA and key regulatory factors in elderly IPF patients.Then, the pulmonary fibrosis models of young and old mice were constructed for verification.A total of 10 IPF patients and 10 healthy controls were selected for this study.The m 6A methylation quantitative kit was employed to assess the m 6A modification levels of total RNA.The expression levels of key m 6A methylation regulators, METTL3, METTL14, and FTO, were quantified using qRT-PCR.Additionally, thirty-two healthy male C57BL/6 mice, comprising 16 mice aged 10-12 weeks and 16 mice aged 6-7 months, were divided into four groups: young control(A), young pulmonary fibrosis(B), aged control(C), and aged pulmonary fibrosis(D), with 8 mice in each group.Mice in groups B and D were intratracheally administered bleomycin to establish a pulmonary fibrosis model, while those in groups A and C received normal saline.Twenty-eight days post-model establishment, the mice were euthanized, and lung tissues were collected for analysis.Histological evaluations were performed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining, Masson staining, hydroxyproline content determination, and immunohistochemistry to assess the extent of pulmonary fibrosis.The m 6A methylation quantification kit was also utilized to measure the m 6A modification levels of total RNA in lung tissue.Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of the methyltransferase METTL3 were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot experiments. Results:The level of m 6A modification was significantly elevated in the aged IPF patient group(0.36±0.03)compared to the control group t=4.882( P<0.05).Furthermore, the expression of METTL3 was markedly higher in the aged IPF patients( t=6.082), while the expression of METTL14 was significantly lower t=17.58( P<0.05).In contrast, the expression level of FTO did not exhibit a significant difference.It is hypothesized that the increased m 6A modification of total RNA in aged IPF patients is closely associated with METTL3.Furthermore, the degree of lung fibrosis in aged mice was more severe than that in young mice.Immunohistochemistry results indicated that TGF-β1 expression was elevated in the lung fibrosis group, with higher levels observed in group D compared to group B( t=5.891, P<0.05), and in group C compared to group A t=4.135( P<0.05).The percentage of positive area for α-SMA was significantly greater in the lung fibrosis mouse model than in the control group t=20.08( P<0.05).The level of m 6A modification was increased in both lung fibrosis groups relative to the normal control group( P<0.05), although no significant difference was found between group D and group B. Overall, METTL3 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in the lung fibrosis group, with expression in group D being lower than in group B( P<0.05). Conclusions:The level of m 6A modification is elevated in pulmonary fibrosis, and the expression of METTL3 is upregulated in this condition.The downregulation of METTL3 may be associated with the extent of aging, which subsequently exacerbates the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

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.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between immune function and age-related pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the potential impact of bacterial lysates on this condition.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 24, were randomly divided into three groups: a control group(Group N), a pulmonary fibrosis group(Group M), and a pulmonary fibrosis+ bacterial lysis product intervention group(Group P). Mice in Groups M and P were intratracheally injected with bleomycin(5 mg/kg)to induce a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model, while mice in Group N were injected with saline.After modeling, mice in Group P were orally administered 0.4 ml of a bacterial lysis product once a day.After 28 days, lung tissue and blood samples were collected for analysis.Pathological changes in lung tissue were assessed using hematoxylin and tosin staining(HE)and Masson staining and the Ashcroft score.The expression of CD4+ and CD8+ in lung tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry.The levels of serum interferon-γ(INF-γ), interleukin-3(IL-13), and immunoglobulin A(IgA)protein were measured using Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay(ELISA). The levels of INF-γ and IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue were determined using Real-Time Quantitative Transcription PCR(RT-qPCR). Additionally, the protein expression levels of matrix metalloprotein-9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteincise 1(TIMP-1)in lung tissue were assessed using blot analysis.Results:The degree of lung fibrosis was significantly reduced in mice in group P compared with group M when treated with bacterial lysis products.Group M showed a significant decrease in the expression of CD4+ T cells and an increase in the expression of CD8+ T cells( P<0.05)compared to group N. Additionally, the content of IgA was decreased( P<0.05)in group M. On the other hand, group P showed a significant increase in the expression of CD4+ T cells and a decrease in the expression of CD8+ T cells( P<0.05)compared to group M. Furthermore, the content of IgA was elevated( P<0.05)in group P. After bacterial lysis product intervention, mRNA and protein expression levels of IFN-γ were elevated( P<0.05), while mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-13 were reduced( P<0.05). Moreover, protein expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was significantly up-regulated in group M compared with group N( P<0.05), and decreased after bacterial lysis product intervention( P<0.05). Conclusions:It is well-known that immune mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.The use of bacterial lysates has been found to effectively regulate immune balance and mitigate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly mice.

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease that causes the periodontal bone destruction and may ultimately result in tooth loss.With the progression of periodontitis,the osteoimmunology microenvironment in periodontitis is damaged and leads to the formation of pathological alveolar bone resorption.CD301b+macrophages are specific to the osteoimmunology microenvironment,and are emerging as vital booster for conducting bone regeneration.However,the key upstream targets of CD301b+macrophages and their potential mechanism in periodontitis remain elusive.In this study,we concentrated on the role of Tim4,a latent upstream regulator of CD301b+macrophages.We first demonstrated that the transcription level of Timd4(gene name of Tim4)in CD301b+macrophages was significantly upregulated compared to CD301b-macrophages via high-throughput RNA sequencing.Moreover,several Tim4-related functions such as apoptotic cell clearance,phagocytosis and engulfment were positively regulated by CD301b+macrophages.The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis subsequently discovered that Cd301b and Timd4 were specifically co-expressed in macrophages.The following flow cytometric analysis indicated that Tim4 positive expression rates in total macrophages shared highly synchronized dynamic changes with the proportions of CD301b+macrophages as periodontitis progressed.Furthermore,the deficiency of Tim4 in mice decreased CD301b+macrophages and eventually magnified alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis.Additionally,Tim4 controlled the p38 MAPK signaling pathway to ultimately mediate CD301b+macrophages phenotype.In a word,Tim4 might regulate CD301b+macrophages through p38 MAPK signaling pathway in periodontitis,which provided new insights into periodontitis immunoregulation as well as help to develop innovative therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for periodontitis.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for complications of the retromandibular approach in patients with parotid gland posterior and lower pole tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 140 patients with parotid posterior lower pole tumors admitted to the Xingtai Third Hospital from October 2019 to October 2021. They were divided into two groups based on whether complications occurred: the occurrence group and the non occurrence group. General data of the two groups of patients were collected, including age, gender, course of disease, previous surgical history, number of tumors, tumor length, resection range, facial nerve dissociation, tumor site resection frequency, and fascia preservation; Single factor and logistic multivariate analysis were conducted to determine the risk factors for complications of the posterior retromandibular approach in patients with parotid gland posterior and lower pole tumors.Results:A total of 140 patients with parotid gland posterior lower pole tumors underwent retromandibular approach treatment, with complications occurring in 38 cases (27.14%), including 7 cases of temporary facial paralysis, 10 cases of facial depression, 11 cases of Frey syndrome, 2 cases of fistula, and 8 cases of sensory abnormalities of the greater auricular nerve. Through logistic multivariate analysis, it was found that the number of tumors ≥ 2 ( OR=2.856), the resection range (total resection) ( OR=2.477), the number of surgeries ≥3 ( OR=5.637), facial nerve dissociation ( OR=3.526), and lack of fascia preservation ( OR=2.551) were all risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with parotid posterior pole tumors (all P<0.05). Conclusions:In clinical practice, relevant prevention and treatment measures should be formulated for these high-risk factors to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the levels of serum complement C3 and C4 and the degree of renal pathological injury in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN).Methods:It was a retrospective study. The clinical and pathological data of patients with primary IgAN diagnosed by renal biopsy in the Department of Nephrology of the Second People's Hospital of Qujing City, Yunnan Province from December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022 were collected. According to the IgAN Oxford classification criteria, the patients were divided into mild renal pathological injury group (mild group, <3 pathologic types) and severe renal pathological injury group (severe group, ≥3 pathological types). The levels of serum C3 and C4 and other clinical data were compared between the two groups. Spearman correlation method was used to analyze the correlation between serum C3, C4 levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during renal biopsy.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of the pathological injury degree in IgAN patients and the forest map depicted the effect of risk factors.Results:A total of 164 IgAN patients were included in the study, including 77 males (47.0%), aged (35.5±12.9) years old. There were 60 patients in the mild group and 104 patients in the severe group. Compared with the mild group, the patients in the severe group were older, had higher levels of serum C4, serum uric acid, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and 24 h urinary protein, higher proportions of hypertension, glucocorticoids/immunosuppressant therapy, C3 deposition in renal tissues and microscopic hematuria, and had lower hemoglobin and serum C3 level (all P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the level of serum C3 was positively correlated with eGFR ( r=0.303, P<0.001), and the level of serum C4 was negatively correlated with eGFR ( r=-0.238, P=0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that serum C3 (every 0.01 g/L increase, OR=0.976, 95% CI 0.957-0.996, P=0.018), serum C4 (every 0.01 g/L increase, OR=1.091, 95% CI 1.020-1.166, P=0.011), hemoglobin ( OR=0.969, 95% CI 0.950-0.988, P=0.002), and serum uric acid ( OR=1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.009, P=0.012) were independent related factors of renal pathological damage (severe injury /mild injury) in IgAN patients. Conclusions:Serum C3 and C4 are independent related factors of the severity of renal pathological injury in IgAN patients.

Nerve regeneration in adult mammalian spinal cord is poor because of the lack of intrinsic regeneration of neurons and extrinsic factors - the glial scar is triggered by injury and inhibits or promotes regeneration. Recent technological advances in spatial transcriptomics (ST) provide a unique opportunity to decipher most genes systematically throughout scar formation, which remains poorly understood. Here, we first constructed the tissue-wide gene expression patterns of mouse spinal cords over the course of scar formation using ST after spinal cord injury from 32 samples. Locally, we profiled gene expression gradients from the leading edge to the core of the scar areas to further understand the scar microenvironment, such as neurotransmitter disorders, activation of the pro-inflammatory response, neurotoxic saturated lipids, angiogenesis, obstructed axon extension, and extracellular structure re-organization. In addition, we described 21 cell transcriptional states during scar formation and delineated the origins, functional diversity, and possible trajectories of subpopulations of fibroblasts, glia, and immune cells. Specifically, we found some regulators in special cell types, such as Thbs1 and Col1a2 in macrophages, CD36 and Postn in fibroblasts, Plxnb2 and Nxpe3 in microglia, Clu in astrocytes, and CD74 in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, salvianolic acid B, a blood-brain barrier permeation and CD36 inhibitor, was administered after surgery and found to remedy fibrosis. Subsequently, we described the extent of the scar boundary and profiled the bidirectional ligand-receptor interactions at the neighboring cluster boundary, contributing to maintain scar architecture during gliosis and fibrosis, and found that GPR37L1_PSAP, and GPR37_PSAP were the most significant gene-pairs among microglia, fibroblasts, and astrocytes. Last, we quantified the fraction of scar-resident cells and proposed four possible phases of scar formation: macrophage infiltration, proliferation and differentiation of scar-resident cells, scar emergence, and scar stationary. Together, these profiles delineated the spatial heterogeneity of the scar, confirmed the previous concepts about scar architecture, provided some new clues for scar formation, and served as a valuable resource for the treatment of central nervous system injury.
Mice ; Animals ; Gliosis/pathology* ; Cicatrix/pathology* ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Astrocytes/metabolism* ; Spinal Cord/pathology* ; Fibrosis ; Mammals ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled