BACKGROUND:Neuregulin 1 has been shown to be characterized in cell proliferation,differentiation,and vascular growth.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells are important seed cells in the field of tissue engineering,and have been shown to be involved in tissue repair and regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To construct human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 and investigate their proliferation and migration abilities,as well as their effects on wound healing. METHODS:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were in vitro isolated and cultured and identified.(2)A lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1 was constructed.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were divided into empty group,neuregulin 1 group,and control group,and transfected with empty lentivirus and lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1,or not transfected,respectively.(3)Edu assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells of each group,and Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of the cells.(4)The C57 BL/6 mouse trauma models were constructed and randomly divided into control group,empty group,neuregulin 1 group,with 8 mice in each group.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells transfected with empty lentivirus or lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin-1 were uniformly injected with 1 mL at multiple local wound sites.The control group was injected with an equal amount of saline.(5)The healing of the trauma was observed at 1,7,and 14 days after model establishment.Histological changes of the healing of the trauma were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The expression of CD31 on the trauma was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 were successfully constructed.The mRNA and protein expression of intracellular neuregulin 1 was significantly up-regulated compared with the empty group(P<0.05).(2)The overexpression of neuregulin 1 promoted the migratory ability(P<0.01)and proliferative ability of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05).(3)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 promoted wound healing in mice(P<0.05)and wound angiogenesis(P<0.05).The results showed that overexpression of neuregulin 1 resulted in an increase in the proliferative and migratory capacities of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells,significantly promoting wound healing and angiogenesis.

AIM: To explore the therapeutic effects of diquafosol sodium eye drops combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops on dry eye syndrome after cataract surgery.METHODS:This study is a prospective randomized controlled study. Totally 360 patients(360 eyes)with dry eye syndrome after cataract surgery admitted to the ophthalmology department of our hospital from November 2022 to October 2024 were selected as the research subjects, and they were randomly divided into a control group(n=180)and an observation group(n=180). The control group received postoperative treatment with sodium hyaluronate eye drops, while the observation group received postoperative treatment with diquafosol sodium eye drops combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops. Both groups of patients were treated for 4 wk. The clinical efficacy, dry eye clinical symptom score and ocular surface disease index(OSDI)questionnaire, Schirmer's test(SⅠt), tear film break-up time(BUT), corneal fluorescence staining(FL)score, hexagonality(HEX), coefficient of variation(CV)of corneal endothelial cells were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the occurrence of adverse reactions during treatment in both groups was recorded.RESULTS:Both groups were followed up for 4 wk, and no cases were lost. The total clinical effective rate of the observation group was 93.9%, which was higher than 84.5% of the control group(P<0.05). After treatment for 4 wk, the clinical symptom score, OSDI scores and FL scores in both groups decreased, and the observation group had lower scores than those of the control group(all P<0.001); both SⅠt and BUT increased in both groups, and the observation group had a higher value than those of the control group(all P<0.001). After treatment for 4 wk, the HEX in both groups increased(P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher(P<0.05); the CV of the two groups decreased(P<0.05), and the observation group was lower(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Compared to sodium hyaluronate eye drops alone, diquafosol sodium eye drops combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops have a better therapeutic effect on patients with dry eye syndrome after cataract surgery. It can significantly improve the patient's eye symptoms, promote the recovery of eye surface function, stabilize the tear film, and regulate corneal endothelial cell status.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome （MetS） is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders， including elevated diastolic or systolic blood pressure， elevated fasting glucose， hypercholesterolemia， abdominal obesity and so on. As an important component of MetS， the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and mental disorder has been extensively reported， whereas few genome-wide association studies （GWAS） have been conducted to identify the causal role of mental disorders in hypercholesterolemia. ObjectiveTo explore the potential causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia by two-sample Mendelian randomization （MR） method. MethodsSummary data from GWAS were analyzed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） strongly associated with mental disorders were chosen as instrumental variables， and hypercholesterolemia was used as outcome variable. MR analysis utilized inverse-variance weighted （IVW）， MR-Egger regression and weighted median estimation （WME） as the primary analytical tool， and supplemented by simple mode （SM） and weighted mode （WM）. The causal relationship between mental disorders and the risk of hypercholesterolemia was illustrated in terms of odds ratio （OR）. ResultsA total of 36 SNPs associated with mental disorders were identified as instrumental variables. The primary findings from IVW revealed existence of a causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia （IVW： OR=1.067， 95% CI： 1.026~1.109， P=0.001）. Findings from the additional methods （MR-Egger regression， WME， SM， WM） were basically consistent with those reported in IVW method. Further verification indicated that the causal relationship between mental disorders and the risk of hypercholesterolemia was not affected by genetic polymorphism （P>0.05）. The absence of heterogeneity was confirmed through Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger regression （P>0.05）. Furthermore， no causal association in the reverse direction was found （P>0.05）. ConclusionThere is a causal relationship between mental disorders and hypercholesterolemia， and patients with mental disorders may have an increased probability of suffering from hypercholesterolemia.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of ubiquitin-specific protease 46 (USP46) in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Renal tubular epithelial cells were divided into negative control siRNA group (si-CTL group), USP46 knockdown group (si-USP46 group), negative control siRNA + H/R treatment group (si-CTL+H/R group), and USP46 knockdown + H/R treatment group (si-USP46+H/R group). Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis in each group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to measure the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of USP46, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin (IL)-18, and IL-1β. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of USP46, NLRP3, GSDMD, and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (C-Caspase)-1. The levels of inflammatory factors and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cell supernatants were detected, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cells were detected. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to verify the interaction between USP46 and NLRP3. Results Compared with the si-CTL group, the si-CTL+H/R group exhibited increased cell apoptosis, elevated protein expression of USP46, NLRP3, GSDMD-N and C-Caspase-1, increased mRNA expression of USP46, NLRP3, GSDMD, IL-18 and IL-1β, higher levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α and LDH, and increased ROS and MDA levels (all P < 0.05). Compared with the si-CTL+H/R group, the si-USP46+H/R group showed decreased cell apoptosis, reduced protein expression of USP46, NLRP3, GSDMD-N and C-Caspase-1, decreased mRNA expression of USP46, GSDMD and IL-18, lower levels of IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α and LDH, and decreased ROS and MDA levels (all P < 0.05). Co-immunoprecipitation results indicated that USP46 could bind to NLRP3. Conclusions Downregulation of USP46 alleviates H/R-induced pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, possibly by inhibiting USP46-dependent NLRP3 deubiquitination and promoting NLRP3 ubiquitination and degradation.

Objective To obtain the protective performance parameters of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays, provide reference data for precise shielding calculations, and guide the design, evaluation, and construction of radiation shielding. Methods The FLUKA program was used to build a model for simulating the dose equivalent rate variation around points of interest under the irradiation of the most commonly used positron nuclide ¹⁸F with changes in the thicknesses of lead and barium sulfate mortar. The transmission curves of lead and barium sulfate mortar were fitted, and the half-value layer (HVL) and lead equivalence of barium sulfate mortar were calculated based on the fitted curves. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate coefficient of positron nuclide ¹⁸F was 1.339 4×10⁻¹ μSv·m²/MBq·h and the HVL for lead was 4.037 mm, with deviations of 0.043% and 1.53% compared to the values provided in the AAPM Report No. 108, respectively. The HVLs for γ-rays produced by ¹⁸F, using barium sulfate mortar with apparent densities of 4.20, 4.00, and 3.90 g/cm³ mixed with 35.2-grade cement in a 4∶1 mass ratio, were 2.914, 2.969, and 3.079 cm, respectively. The lead equivalences were 0.1385, 0.1360, and 0.1311 mmPb/mm, respectively. Conclusion The three types of barium sulfate mortar can provide good protection against γ-rays in positron imaging locations. As the apparent density of barium sulfate increases, its protective effect improves slightly but remains significantly better than common construction materials like concrete and solid bricks.

Vitiligo is a chronic and refractory pigmentary loss skin disease with a complex pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） offers advantages in treating vitiligo， such as multi-component and multi-target effects， delivering definite clinical efficacy. This article summarizes the action mechanisms of TCM monomer components and compound formulations in the treatment of vitiligo. It is found that pinostrobin， tribuloside and Erzhi pills can activate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A （cAMP/PKA） signaling pathway； cannabidiol and tanshinone Ⅱ A can activate the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase（p38 MAPK）signaling pathway； Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 and astragaloside Ⅳ can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor（AhR） signaling pathway； escin and psoralen derivative BSP-1 can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway； apigenin and Baiban granules can activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1（Nrf2/HO-1） signaling pathway； hyperoside and kaempferol can activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway； Ruyi heibai powder can activate the programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1（PD-1/PD-L1） signaling pathway； Compound honghua buji granules and demethylzeylasteral can inhibit the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT） signaling pathway. These mechanisms promote melanin production and deposition， reduce oxidative stress， inhibit the destruction of melanocytes by autoimmunity， and reduce melanocyte apoptosis， thereby exerting therapeutic effects on vitiligo.

Purpose: Cataracts are the cause of more than 50% of blindness in the world. Cataract is diagnosed using a slit lamp to evaluate the opacity of the lens. Slit lamps as the primary tools cataract are not available in primary care units. Smart Eye Camera (SEC) is a medical device placed on smartphone, capable of creating slit beam similar to conventional slit lamp. Previous studies have been conducted in Japan. We wanted to further compare ocular examination between SEC and conventional slit lamp with samples taken from UPTD Eye Clinic Ambon Vlissingen in Indonesia. Methods: Observational analytical study with a cross-sectional study design. The research sample consisted of 67 people selected by consecutive sampling. All samples were examined for cataracts using a conventional slit lamp and SEC. To evaluate the accuracy of SEC, diagnosis of cataract was carried out by one observer based on slit-lamp images. The results of examinations were then compared with the examinations by two observers based on the SEC video, where the videos were read two times in a span of 1 week. Results: Sixty-seven eye samples were taken with average age of 61.76 ± 5.83 years, visual acuity was 0.07 ± 0.12, intraocular pressure was 14.12 ± 2.06 mmHg, and SEC video duration was 4.15 ± 1.09 seconds. SEC intraobserver reliability has a κ of 0.795/0.818, SEC interobserver reliability has a κ of 0.795/0.817. SEC assessment accuracy for observer 1 has a κ of 0.606/0.681 and for observer 2 has a κ of 0.629/0.717, with the highest accuracy for cataract grade 3 (86.67% and 91.18%, respectively). Conclusions This study shows SEC has good consistency and reliability in assessing the degree of nuclear cataract compared to conventional slit lamp. This tool could be used for cataract screening in remote areas.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the most recorded case of stroke that is caused by decreased blood flow to the brain. Nowadays, therapeutical agents for IS are limited and they have not shown maximum clinical results. Therefore, the exploration of new candidates for IS treatment continues to be done. Zebrafish as one of the animal models has its advantages and currently is being developed to be incorporated into the drug discovery pipeline of IS. This review explores the latest applications of the zebrafish model in screening potential therapeutic agents for IS. Key factors related to the experimental design such as developmental stage and strain, routes of drug administration, induction methods, and experimental parameters are also elaborated. Finally, this review offers future recommendations for the use of zebrafish in the pre-clinical study of IS. This review is beneficial as a reference for establishing drug screening protocols using the zebrafish IS model.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a global malignancy with significant chemoresistance impacting patient prognosis. The pro-tumorigenic role of hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) in LUAD is recognized. This study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which HMMR affects chemoresistance in LUAD. Bioinformatics presented the expression patterns of HMMR in LUAD patients and the association between HMMR levels and patient survival, followed by qRT-PCR to verify HMMR expression in LUAD tissues and cells. Further, bioinformatics was leveraged to identify the signaling pathways enriched by HMMR and its relevance to glycolytic genes, we also analyzed changes in the glycolytic activity of LUAD cells by manipulating HMMR expression. Stemness was evaluated through cell aggregation assays and Western blot, and drug responsiveness was gauged using CCK-8 assays, alongside flow cytometry for apoptosis analysis. HMMR was highly expressed in LUAD tissues and cells, and this overexpression correlated with poorer prognoses in patients. GSEA showed that HMMR was notably enriched in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways, correlating positively with the expression of key glycolytic genes. Cellular experiments confirmed that HMMR knockdown notably suppressed aerobic glycolysis in LUAD cells. Moreover, overexpression of HMMR could further enhance the stemness and cisplatin resistance of LUAD cells by stimulating glycolysis. In brief, this study has validated that high levels of HMMR in LUAD are predictive of poor patient prognosis, and that overexpression of HMMR can catalyze aerobic glycolysis, thus promoting stemness and chemoresistance in LUAD cells. Thus, HMMR could be a target for improving chemosensitivity in LUAD.