ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.

ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.

The advantages of graphene nanomaterials were introduced when applied in the field of logistics service support,and its potential applications were reviewed in armored protective gear,uniform warmth,military portable energy equipment,nano antibacterial coating for medical devices and anti-corrosion coating.The deficiencies of graphene nanomaterials applied in logistics service support were analyzed,and its future development directions were envisioned.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):96-103]

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of robotic versus laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy.Methods:The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 99 patients of right colon cancer who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected. There were 50 males and 49 females, aged 69(range, 26?89)years. Of the 99 patients, 41 patients undergoing robotic-assisted right hemicolectomy were divided into the robotic group, and 58 patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy were divided into the lapa-roscopic group. Patients received robotic-assisted or laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy operated by the same major surgeon. Observation indicators:(1) propensity score matching status and com-parison of clinical data of patients between the two groups after matching; (2) intraoperative and postoperative conditions.Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the nonparametic rank sum test. Propensity score matching was performed using the 1∶1 nearest neighbor matching method. The caliper value was set as 0.1. Results:(1) Propensity score matching status and comparison of clinical data of patients between the two groups after matching. Of the 99 patients, 82 patients were successfully matched, with 41 cases in each of the robotic group and the laparoscopic group. After propensity score matching, the elimination of history of abdominal operation confounding bias ensured comparability. (2) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions. After propensity score matching, the operation time of the robotic group was 215(range, 130?340)minutes, the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 50(range, 10?400)mL, the number of lymph node dissected was 21(range, 5?55), the number of intensive care unit stay was 15, time to postoperative first flatus was 3(range, 1?12)days, time to postoperative first food intake was 4(range, 2?14)days, duration of postoperative hospital stay was 8(range, 5?25)days. The above indicators of the laparoscopic group were 210(range, 140?370)minutes, 50(range, 5?150)mL, 19(range, 5?34),20, 3(range, 0?9)days, 5(range, 2?10)days, 8(range, 6?17)days, respectively. There was no significant difference in the above indicators between patients of the two groups ( Z=?0.94, ?1.87, ?1.32, χ2=1.25, Z=0.13, ?0.83, ?0.65, P>0.05). There was no patient converted to open operation in the robotic group, versus 1 patient converted to open operation in the laparoscopic group, showing no significant difference between patients of the two groups ( P>0.05). There were 6 cases in the robotic group and 4 cases in the laparoscopic group with complications, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.46, P>0.05). Both groups of patients achieved R 0 resection and had no readmission 30 days after surgery. The hospital expense was (11.0±1.8)×10 4 yuan of the robotic group, versus (9.0±1.7)×10 4 yuan of the laparoscopic group, showing a significant difference between the two groups ( t=?5.27, P<0.05). Conclusion:Robot-assisted right hemicolectomy is non inferior to laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy in safety and efficacy, but with higher hospitalization costs.

Objective To explore the possible mechanism of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein-3(TIM-3)regulating M2 macrophage polarization through Galectin-3 in lung injury induced by Streptococcals pneumoniae pneumonia(SPP)in mice.Methods Thirty mice were divided into control group,SPP group and SPP+TIM-3 inhibition group,with 10 mice in each group.The macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was cultured and divided into a control group,with the SPP group versus the SPP+TIM-3 inhibition group.Lung histopathology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining.Serum and cell supernatant tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-6 content were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western blotting the protein levels of TIM-3 and Galectin-3 were determined in lung tissues and macrophages.Cluster of differentiation(CD)206,CD86 mRNA levels in lung tissue and macrophages were determined by real time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).Results Compared with the control group,the SPP group had significantly abnormal lung tissue pathological structure,thickened alveolar septum,a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,a large amount of exudate in alveolar space,and increased serum inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β,the protein and mRNA expressions of CD86,the marker protein of M1 macrophages,and the protein and mRNA expressions of CD206,the marker protein of M2 macrophages,and the protein expressions of TIM-3 and Galectin-3 in lung tissues were significantly increased in the model group,and the differences were statistically significally(t=8.36～76.30,all P<0.05).Compared with the SPP group,the SPP+TIM-3 inhibition group had improved lung tissue pathological damage,reduced alveolar septum thickness,inflammatory cell infiltration,reduced exudate in alveolar space,decreased serum inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β content,and decreased expression of CD86 protein and mRNA in lung tissue.The expression of CD206 protein and mRNA was increased,the expression of TIM-3 protein was decreased,and the expression of Galectin-3 protein was increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=10.67～63.32,all P<0.05).Cell experiments were consistent with this result.Conclusion Inhibition of TIM-3 can improve lung injury in SPP mice by down-regulating the expression of Galectin-3 and promoting M2 macrophage polarization.

Suhuang Zhike Capsules are widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of respiratory diseases and have been included in Medicine Catalogue for National Basic Medical Insurance, Work Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance and National Essential Medicines List. However, problems remain, such as unclear definitions of treatment courses and unidentified contraindications for certain populations. Therefore, this consensus was developed collaboratively by clinical experts in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) related to pulmonary diseases, respiratory, and critical care medicine, as well as methodology and pharmacy experts, adhering strictly to the consensus development procedures established by the China Association of Chinese Medicine for clinical application of Chinese patent medicines, with the aim to guide the correct clinical use of Suhuang Zhike Capsules for the treatment of cough variant asthma, post-infectious cough, and other respiratory diseases. This consensus employed questionnaire surveys and expert interviews to identify clinical concerns based on the PICOS principle and conduct evidence evaluation and GRADE grading. Utilizing nominal group techniques and GRADE networking methods, it resulted in 17 recommendations and consensus suggestions. The consensus further clarifies the indications, TCM syndromes, usage, and clinical safety of Suhuang Zhike Capsules in the treatment of cough variant asthma and post-infectious cough, aiming to promote standardized medication use and facilitate the rational clinical application of Suhuang Zhike Capsules.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Consensus ; Capsules ; Respiratory Tract Diseases/drug therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of methyltransferase-like 7B ( METTL7B) in bone marrow specimens of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to analyze its influence and significance on clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of AML patients. METHODS: Bone marrow specimens from 60 newly diagnosed AML patients were collected as the observation group, and bone marrow specimens from 20 iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) patients were collected as the control group. Clinical and pathological data of AML patients were also collected. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of METTL7B in AML patients and IDA patients. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between the expression level of METTL7B and clinical-pathological characteristics in AML patients, as well as the impact of METTL7B expression level on efficacy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the effect of METTL7B expression level on the overall survival time (OS) in AML patients. Meanwhile, a Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed to identify the factors potentially affecting the prognosis of AML patients. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression level of METTL7B was significantly upregulated in AML patients (P < 0.05). Compared with the low-expression group of METTL7B, the high-expression group had a higher proportion of patients with high white blood cell (WBC) count, poor prognosis, and ineffective treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The OS of patients in the high-expression group of METTL7B was significantly shorter than that in the low-expression group (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high WBC count, poor prognosis in prognosis stratification, and high expression of METTL7B were independent risk factors for the prognosis of AML patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION METTL7B is highly expressed in AML patients, and patients with high METTL7B expression exhibit shorter survival and poor prognosis. METTL7B is expected to serve as a new indicator for evaluating the prognosis of AML patients and may develop into a potential target for targeted treatment of AML in the future.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism* ; Prognosis ; Methyltransferases/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Proportional Hazards Models

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of Chinese medicine (CM) Fuzheng Huazhuo Decoction (FHD) in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who persistently tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Shanghai New International Expo Center shelter hospital in China between April 1 and May 30, 2022. Patients diagnosed as COVID-19 with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results for ⩾8 days after diagnosis were enrolled. Patients in the control group received conventional Western medicine (WM) treatment, while those in the FHD group received conventional WM plus FHD for at least 3 days. The primary outcome was viral clearance time. Secondary outcomes included negative conversion rate within 14 days, length of hospital stay, cycle threshold (Ct) values of the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) and nucleocapsid protein (N) genes, and incidence of new-onset symptoms during hospitalization. Adverse events (AEs) that occurred during the study period were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1,765 eligible patients were enrolled in this study (546 in the FHD group and 1,219 in the control group). Compared with the control group, patients receiving FHD treatment showed shorter viral clearance time for nucleic acids [hazard ratio (HR): 1.500, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.353-1.664, P<0.001] and hospital stays (HR: 1.371, 95% CI: 1.238-1.519, P<0.001), and a higher negative conversion rate within 14 days (96.2% vs. 82.6%, P<0.001). The incidence of new-onset symptoms was 59.5% in the FHD group, similar to 57.8% in the control group (P>0.05). The Ct values of ORF1ab and N genes increased more rapidly over time in the FHD group than those in the control group post-randomization (ORF1ab gene: β =0.436±0.053, P<0.001; N gene: β =0.415 ±0.053, P<0.001). The incidence of AEs in the FHD group was lower than that in the control group (24.2% vs. 35.4%, P<0.001). No serious AEs were observed. CONCLUSION FHD was effective and safe for patients with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200063956).
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects* ; COVID-19/virology* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome

The advantages of graphene nanomaterials were introduced when applied in the field of logistics service support,and its potential applications were reviewed in armored protective gear,uniform warmth,military portable energy equipment,nano antibacterial coating for medical devices and anti-corrosion coating.The deficiencies of graphene nanomaterials applied in logistics service support were analyzed,and its future development directions were envisioned.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):96-103]