Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct group of RNA molecules produced through back-splicing of precursor mRNAs. Their covalently closed structure, which lacks both a 5′ cap and a poly(A) tail, renders them highly resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and contributes to their remarkable intracellular stability. Although circRNAs were historically viewed as noncoding transcripts, accumulating evidence indicates that certain circRNAs can undergo translation under appropriate molecular contexts. Two major modes of noncanonical translation have been described so far: initiation mediated by internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and translation triggered by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recent studies have revealed that, beyond their canonical classification as non-coding RNAs, circRNAs can give rise to functional peptides through cap-independent translational mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNA-encoded peptides participate in key biological processes during tumor initiation and progression by modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways and protein-protein interaction networks. Functionally, these peptides may promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while others exert tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways or interfering with critical protein interactions. Their dual and context-dependent functions highlight the complexity of circRNA-mediated regulation and suggest that these translation products participate in multiple layers of tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that enable circRNAs to be translated, with particular attention to IRES-driven initiation, m6A-dependent regulation, ribosome accessibility, and the structural determinants required for translation competence. We further summarize well-characterized circRNA-encoded peptides and discuss how they influence tumor-associated signaling networks. In addition, we examine the potential translational applications of these peptides, including their value as diagnostic indicators, prognostic markers, or therapeutic entry points. Their inherent sequence stability, relative expression specificity, and detectability in clinical specimens make circRNA-derived peptides promising candidates for future biomarker and therapeutic development. Overall, circRNA translation research is reshaping our understanding of RNA function and offers new perspectives for studying tumor biology. We propose that expanding investigations into circRNA-encoded peptides will not only improve the mechanistic resolution of cancer research but may also pave the way for innovative strategies in precision oncology, including RNA-based therapeutics and peptide-targeting interventions.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a distinct group of RNA molecules produced through back-splicing of precursor mRNAs. Their covalently closed structure, which lacks both a 5′ cap and a poly(A) tail, renders them highly resistant to exonucleolytic degradation and contributes to their remarkable intracellular stability. Although circRNAs were historically viewed as noncoding transcripts, accumulating evidence indicates that certain circRNAs can undergo translation under appropriate molecular contexts. Two major modes of noncanonical translation have been described so far: initiation mediated by internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and translation triggered by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Recent studies have revealed that, beyond their canonical classification as non-coding RNAs, circRNAs can give rise to functional peptides through cap-independent translational mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNA-encoded peptides participate in key biological processes during tumor initiation and progression by modulating tumor-associated signaling pathways and protein-protein interaction networks. Functionally, these peptides may promote tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while others exert tumor-suppressive effects by inhibiting oncogenic signaling pathways or interfering with critical protein interactions. Their dual and context-dependent functions highlight the complexity of circRNA-mediated regulation and suggest that these translation products participate in multiple layers of tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that enable circRNAs to be translated, with particular attention to IRES-driven initiation, m6A-dependent regulation, ribosome accessibility, and the structural determinants required for translation competence. We further summarize well-characterized circRNA-encoded peptides and discuss how they influence tumor-associated signaling networks. In addition, we examine the potential translational applications of these peptides, including their value as diagnostic indicators, prognostic markers, or therapeutic entry points. Their inherent sequence stability, relative expression specificity, and detectability in clinical specimens make circRNA-derived peptides promising candidates for future biomarker and therapeutic development. Overall, circRNA translation research is reshaping our understanding of RNA function and offers new perspectives for studying tumor biology. We propose that expanding investigations into circRNA-encoded peptides will not only improve the mechanistic resolution of cancer research but may also pave the way for innovative strategies in precision oncology, including RNA-based therapeutics and peptide-targeting interventions.

Objective To establish an oxidative stress mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD) by applying 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to the back and post-auricular skin of KM mice, and to evaluate the regulatory role of the RAGE-NLRP3 axis (receptor for advanced glycation end products-NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 axis) in AD-related oxidative stress, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for AD treatment. Methods Twenty SPF-grade female KM mice were randomly divided into a control group (Control group) and an experimental group (DNFB group), with 10 mice in each group. Mice in the Control group were treated with an acetone-olive oil vehicle (acetone: olive oil = 3:1) on their back and post-auricular skin. Mice in the DNFB group were treated with 0.5% DNFB (prepared by adding 0.5 g DNFB per 100 mL of acetone-olive oil vehicle) on the same areas, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The severity of skin lesions was scored on days 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 14 of treatment. On day 14, scratching behavior and ear thickness were evaluated. Ear swelling was evaluated on the final day by measuring bilateral ear thickness three times with a vernier caliper; the three measurements were averaged. HE staining was used to observe morphological and structural changes of cells in the back skin tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in skin tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression levels of oxidative stress-related molecules, including NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3), caspase-1 (cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease 1), and IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Results On day 14, the back skin lesion scores of the Control group and DNFB group were (0.20±0.42) and (9.93±1.30) (P<0.000 1), respectively. Scratching behavior scores were (5.00±2.05) and (49.26±8.49) episodes, respectively (P<0.000 1), and ear thicknesses were (213.00±11.87) μm and (765.93±140.47) μm (P<0.000 1), respectively. The DNFB group exhibited marked skin dryness, desquamation, and thickening. HE staining results showed that skin inflammation was obvious in the DNFB group, consistent with the pathological features of AD. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the Control group, the mRNA expression level of RAGE in skin tissues of the DNFB group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression level of RAGE was also significantly increased (P<0.01). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with the Control group, skin tissue sections of the DNFB group exhibited thickened stratum corneum and fibrotic proliferation of fibroblasts in the interstitium under microscopic observation, with a significant increase in RAGE protein expression in the skin tissues (P<0.01). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in skin tissues of the DNFB group were all significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion The AD mouse oxidative stress model has been successfully established by topical DNFB application. RAGE may promote the development of AD by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β release, forming an oxidative-inflammatory cascade, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic target for AD.

Objective: To understand the current status of short video addiction among vocational nursing students in higher vocational colleges (hereinafter referred to as "nursing students") and its related factors, so as to provide a reference for formulating online education programs in colleges. Methods: From March to May 2025, a stratified random sample of 2 223 nursing students from four vocational colleges in Henan Province was selected. Short Video Addiction Scale for College Students, Short form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran for Chinese, Peer Rejection Scale, and University of California at Los Angels Loneliness Scale were used for investigation. Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the related factors of short video addiction among nursing students. Results: The detection rate of short video addiction of higher vocational nursing students was 26.95%, and the scores for avoidance, loss of control, inefficiency and withdrawal were (8.05±2.97) (10.24±3.09) (4.99±1.88) and (11.97±4.10), respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that sophomore year 2 ( OR=1.83, 95%CI =1.39-2.40), higher maternal education level (secondary school/vocational college: OR =1.34, 95% CI =1.06-1.68; college/undergraduate: OR =1.38, 95% CI =1.05-1.82), paternal overprotection ( OR=1.59, 95%CI =1.27-2.00), high peer rejection ( OR=1.40, 95%CI =1.19-1.66), and strong loneliness ( OR=1.57, 95%CI =1.07-2.28) were associated with a higher risk of short video addiction among nursing students (all P <0.05). Paternal affectionate and warm rearing style ( OR=0.82, 95%CI = 0.71- 0.95) was associated with a lower risk of short video addiction ( P <0.05). Conclusions The detection rate of short video addiction among nursing students is relatively high. Short video addiction is related to the nursing students grade, maternal education level, paternal overprotection and affectionate rearing style, peer rejection, and loneliness.

Hydrogenases, as a class of highly efficient and reversible biological catalysts, can catalyze the reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen, thus demonstrating great potential in a wide range of fields such as renewable energy production and green chemistry. Despite their significant potential, the large-scale industrial application of hydrogenases has long been constrained by several inherent limitations, including high sensitivity to molecular oxygen, the challenges in the in vitro reconstitution and maturation of their catalytic centers, and the inefficiency and instability of the natural electron transfer pathways. To overcome these limitations and enhance the catalytic performance of hydrogenases, researchers have developed various strategies, among which enzyme molecular engineering, photo-driven modification, and enzyme immobilization techniques are the most common exploration directions. Particularly, enzyme immobilization technology is widely used to improve the reusability of hydrogenases, but traditional immobilization methods often come with disadvantages in practical applications, such as complex multi-step procedures and insufficient biocompatibility of the immobilization materials. In recent years, bioencapsulation technology has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of hydrogenases. This method utilizes biologically derived encapsulation materials to construct physically confined and precisely defined chemical microenvironments around the enzyme molecules, offering simpler self-assembly processes and superior biocompatibility. With these biomimetic constructs, bioencapsulation technology not only provides better oxygen tolerance but also helps to create a local microenvironment conducive to sustained catalytic function. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress of two main bioencapsulation strategies for hydrogenases: one is the encapsulation technology based on protein-based nanocages; the other is the engineering strategy for whole-cell hydrogenase expression. In the nanocage-based systems, this article focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of virus-like capsids and carboxysome protein shells, which serve as efficient enzyme encapsulation scaffolds, not only providing a stable physical barrier to prevent oxygen diffusion but also enabling high-density enzyme loading, thereby promoting substrate channeling effects and electron transfer kinetics. This article also discusses whole-cell encapsulation systems, which achieve hydrogenase compartmentalization within engineered cellular structures or by using external natural polysaccharide-based encapsulation matrices to wrap whole-cell catalysts. Bioencapsulation strategies can bring multiple synergistic benefits: they can effectively protect hydrogenases from oxygen-mediated inactivation, significantly delay the decline of catalytic activity over time, and enhance the hydrogen production rate by increasing the local concentration of active enzyme molecules and optimizing the electron transfer efficiency from redox partners to the catalytic center.Despite the significant progress made, several technical challenges remain to be addressed. The main obstacles include limited enzyme loading and encapsulation efficiency, insufficient long-term stability of encapsulation materials under operating conditions, and the need to improve the matching of the photo-biological interface in systems integrating light-harvesting components with enzymatic catalysis. Future efforts can focus on the integration of multiple technological approaches, such as using computer-aided protein design to optimize encapsulation structures, developing engineered electron transfer pathways to enhance catalytic conversion efficiency, and designing composite multifunctional materials with both structural stability and functional adaptability. These directions collectively aim to achieve efficient, stable, and scalable hydrogen production applications of bioencapsulated hydrogenase systems.

Hydrogenases, as a class of highly efficient and reversible biological catalysts, can catalyze the reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen, thus demonstrating great potential in a wide range of fields such as renewable energy production and green chemistry. Despite their significant potential, the large-scale industrial application of hydrogenases has long been constrained by several inherent limitations, including high sensitivity to molecular oxygen, the challenges in the in vitro reconstitution and maturation of their catalytic centers, and the inefficiency and instability of the natural electron transfer pathways. To overcome these limitations and enhance the catalytic performance of hydrogenases, researchers have developed various strategies, among which enzyme molecular engineering, photo-driven modification, and enzyme immobilization techniques are the most common exploration directions. Particularly, enzyme immobilization technology is widely used to improve the reusability of hydrogenases, but traditional immobilization methods often come with disadvantages in practical applications, such as complex multi-step procedures and insufficient biocompatibility of the immobilization materials. In recent years, bioencapsulation technology has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of hydrogenases. This method utilizes biologically derived encapsulation materials to construct physically confined and precisely defined chemical microenvironments around the enzyme molecules, offering simpler self-assembly processes and superior biocompatibility. With these biomimetic constructs, bioencapsulation technology not only provides better oxygen tolerance but also helps to create a local microenvironment conducive to sustained catalytic function. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress of two main bioencapsulation strategies for hydrogenases: one is the encapsulation technology based on protein-based nanocages; the other is the engineering strategy for whole-cell hydrogenase expression. In the nanocage-based systems, this article focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of virus-like capsids and carboxysome protein shells, which serve as efficient enzyme encapsulation scaffolds, not only providing a stable physical barrier to prevent oxygen diffusion but also enabling high-density enzyme loading, thereby promoting substrate channeling effects and electron transfer kinetics. This article also discusses whole-cell encapsulation systems, which achieve hydrogenase compartmentalization within engineered cellular structures or by using external natural polysaccharide-based encapsulation matrices to wrap whole-cell catalysts. Bioencapsulation strategies can bring multiple synergistic benefits: they can effectively protect hydrogenases from oxygen-mediated inactivation, significantly delay the decline of catalytic activity over time, and enhance the hydrogen production rate by increasing the local concentration of active enzyme molecules and optimizing the electron transfer efficiency from redox partners to the catalytic center.Despite the significant progress made, several technical challenges remain to be addressed. The main obstacles include limited enzyme loading and encapsulation efficiency, insufficient long-term stability of encapsulation materials under operating conditions, and the need to improve the matching of the photo-biological interface in systems integrating light-harvesting components with enzymatic catalysis. Future efforts can focus on the integration of multiple technological approaches, such as using computer-aided protein design to optimize encapsulation structures, developing engineered electron transfer pathways to enhance catalytic conversion efficiency, and designing composite multifunctional materials with both structural stability and functional adaptability. These directions collectively aim to achieve efficient, stable, and scalable hydrogen production applications of bioencapsulated hydrogenase systems.

Aim To explore the action mechanism of isoquercitrin(IQ)in ameliorating anxiety based on network pharmacology,cellular transcriptomics,molecu-lar docking and animal experiments.Methods The common targets of anxiety disorders and IQ were ob-tained by using relevant databases.The protein-protein interaction network,the biological function and signa-ling pathway enrichment analysis were conducted by u-sing the common targets.Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured in vitro,and corticosterone was added to induce neurons to establish a corticosterone injury mod-el.IQ treatment was added to the culture system,and transcriptomics was used to screen for differentially ex-pressed genes and enrich for differentially expressed pathways.Subsequently,the results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Possible targets and signaling pathways for IQ treatment on anxiety were speculated and screened u-sing network pharmacology,transcriptomics and molec-ular docking.The anxiety rat model was constructed,and the anxiety state of rats was evaluated after IQ in-tervention,and the protein expression level of hippo-campus was detected to verify the relevant mechanism.Results Network pharmacology,cellular transcrip-tome,and molecular docking analyses revealed that the key mechanism of IQ for anxiety may be related to the BDKRB2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Animal exper-iments showed that IQ was effective in improving anxie-ty behaviour and learning memory ability in rats.IQ increased the movement distance and residence time in the central area of the open field,the time and number percentage of entries into the open arm in the elevated plus maze,and the spontaneous alternations score in the Y maze in rats,and significantly elevated protein expression of BDKRB2,PI3K,Akt and decreased pro-tein expression of NF-κB in the hippocampus.Conclu-sions Isoquercitrin can effectively treat anxiety,and the mechanism of action may be related to the regula-tion of BDKRB2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in hip-pocampus.

This study explored whether Astragalus polysaccharide(APS)can regulate the VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathway to affect the proliferative activity of rat intestinal mucosal microvascu-lar endothelial cells(RIMMVECs).RIMMVECs were isolated from newborn rats,then purified and treated with APS at concentrations of 0.1,1.0,10.0,100.0,1 000.0,and 10 000.0 mg/L.MTT was used to determine the effect of APS on RIMMVECs proliferation and screen for the optimal concentration of APS.Subsequently,flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in cell cycle to evaluate the stage of action of APS on the cell cycle in RIMMVECs.Then,the ELISA was used to detect the changes of VEGFA in cell supernatant to evaluate the potential of cell proliferation and angiogenesis.The changes in fluorescence intensity of Fluo-8AM was observed using fluorescence microscopy to evaluate intracellular Ca2+levels.Finally,Western blot was used to detect the ex-pression of PERK in RIMMVECs to analyze the possible mechanism of APS.The results showed that 100 mg/L APS significantly enhanced the proliferative activity of RIMMVECs,increased the content of VEGFA in the cell supernatant,the intracellular Ca2+levels,and the expression of PERK protein,indicating that APS promotes the proliferation of RIMMVECs,which may be a-chieved by promoting the expression of VEGFA and activating the ERK pathway.

Aim To investigate the intervention effect of Rehmannia radix water extract on bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice combined with metabolomics and to reveal the potential mechanism,in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of pul-monary fibrosis.Methods Male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,pirfenidone group(positive control,PFD,270 mg·kg-1),and low dose(DH-L,4.55 g·kg-1)group,medium dose(DH-M,9.1 g·kg-1)group and high dose(DH-H,18.2 g·kg-1)group of Rehman-nia.Except for the control group,BLM(5 mg·kg-1)was instilled into the trachea to establish the model of pulmonary fibrosis in the other groups.The survival rate,lung index and blood oxygen saturation of mice in each group were evaluated.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue.WBP was used to detect lung function.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of primary lung cells,ROS and immune cells.ELISA was used to detect the levels of fibrosis markers and inflammatory factors(α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,collagen Ⅲ,TGF-β1,TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6).Biochemical method was employed to detect the contents of GSH-Px,T-SOD and MDA.Liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer(LC-MS)metabolomics was used to analyze the changes of serum metabolic profile.Results Water extract of Re-hmannia significantly increased the survival rate,oxy-gen saturation and lung function of mice with pulmona-ry fibrosis,reduced the lung coefficient,ameliorated pathological damage and collagen deposition in lung tissue,reduced the levels of apoptosis and oxidative stress,and down-regulated the levels of inflammatory factors in lung tissue.It regulated the levels of metabo-lites such as bile acid metabolism,sphingolipid metabo-lism,and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism.Conclu-sions Water extract of Rehmannia inhibits lung injury and collagen deposition in mice with pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting inflammatory response,which may be a-chieved by regulating the levels of inflammatory factors through the metabolic pathways of bile acid and sphin-golipid.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of acute kidney injury in severe burn patients,and to construct a visual risk nomogram model.Methods A total of 390 patients with severe burn admitted to the Institute of Burn Frostbite and Tissue Function Reconstruction of Chinese People's Armed Police Force Specialty Medical Center from January 2018 to January 2022 were collected as an internal training data set,and 50 patients with severe burn admitted from February to December 2022 were collected as an external validation data set.The 390 patients of the internal training data set were divided into the acute kidney injury group and the non-acute kidney injury group according to the occurrence of acute kidney injury,and the baseline data of patients in the two groups were compared.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of acute kidney injury in severe burn patients of the internal training data set,and a nomogram model was drawn.Subsequently,the model was verified both internally and externally.Kaplan-Meier analysis and Log-rank test were used to compare the 90-day survival rate of patients between the acute kidney injury group and the non-acute kidney injury group.Results The burn area(OR=1.18,95%CI:1.06 to 2.36,P=0.004),sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score(OR=1.81,95%CI:1.21 to 5.92,P<0.001),inhalation injury(OR=3.21,95%CI:1.23 to 6.35,P<0.001),neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)(OR=1.22,95%CI:1.05 to 3.65,P<0.001)and albumin(ALB)(OR=0.78,95%CI:0.57 to 0.92,P=0.011)were the independent risk factors for the development of acute kidney injury in severe burn patients.The nomogram model was established by the above factors.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the internal training data set was 0.833(95%CI:0.752 to 0.935),the sensitivity was 81.2%,and the specificity was 83.2%.The AUC of the external validation data set was 0.842(95%CI:0.762 to 0.912),the sensitivity 87.2%,and the specificity was 78.7%.The 90-day survival rate of patients in the acute kidney injury group after burns was significantly lower than that in the non-acute kidney injury group(P<0.001).Conclusion Larger burn area,higher SOFA score,combined inhalation injury,increased NLR,and decreased ALB level are the risk factors for the occurrence of acute kidney injury in severe burn patients,which are related to the 90-day survival rate of patients after burns.The nomogram model based on the risk factors can provide certain reference for clinical individualized prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury in severe burn patients.