OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying mechanism by which quercetin (Que) alleviates sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were assigned to sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP+Que (50 mg/kg) groups (n=15 per group) by using a random number table. The sepsisrelated ARDS mouse model was established using the CLP method. In vitro, the murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S) cells were classified into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+Que (10 μmol/L), and LPS+Que+acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mmol/L) groups. The effect of Que on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice lungs and MH-S cells was determined, and the mechanism with reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also explored both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Que alleviated lung injury in mice, as reflected by a reversal of pulmonary histopathologic changes as well as a reduction in lung wet/dry weight ratio and neutrophil infiltration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, Que improved the survival rate and relieved gas exchange impairment in mice (P<0.01). Que treatment also remarkedly reduced malondialdehyde formation, superoxide dismutase and catalase depletion, and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, Que treatment diminished the release of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mechanistic investigation clarifified that Que administration led to a decline in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in addition to the suppression of ROS expression (P<0.01). Furthermore, in LPS-induced MH-S cells, ROS inhibitor NAC further inhibited ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis on the basis of Que treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION Que was found to exert anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects by suppressing the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, thereby conferring protection for mice against sepsis-related ARDS.
Animals ; Sepsis/drug therapy* ; Quercetin/therapeutic use* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology* ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Male ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Lung/drug effects* ; Mice ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Macrophages, Alveolar/pathology* ; Inflammation/pathology* ; Protective Agents/therapeutic use*

Hypertrophic scar is a fibrous hyperplastic disorder that arises from skin injuries. The current therapeutic modalities are constrained by the dense and rigid scar tissue which impedes effective drug delivery. Additionally, insufficient autophagic activity in fibroblasts hinders their apoptosis, leading to excessive matrix deposition. Here, we developed an active microneedle (MN) system to overcome these challenges by integrating micromotor-driven drug delivery with autophagy regulation to remodel the scar microenvironment. Specifically, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were introduced into the MNs as a built-in engine to generate CO₂ bubbles, thereby enabling enhanced lateral and vertical drug diffusion into dense scar tissue. The system concurrently encapsulated curcumin (Cur), an autophagy activator, and triamcinolone acetonide (TA), synergistically inducing fibroblast apoptosis by upregulating autophagic activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that active MNs achieved efficient drug penetration within isolated scar tissue. The rabbit hypertrophic scar model revealed that TA-Cur MNs significantly reduced the scar elevation index, suppressed collagen I and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression, and elevated LC3 protein levels. These findings highlight the potential of the active MN system as an efficacious platform for autonomous augmented drug delivery and autophagy-targeted therapy in fibrotic disorder treatments.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous closure of foramen ovale guided by transthoracic echocardio-graphy with simply delivery sheath.Methods The clinical data of patients with patent foramen ovale underwent interventional closure and percutaneous closure guided by transthoracic echocardiography with simply delivery sheath in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively,the patients were divided into interventional closure group(40 cases)and simply delivery sheath group(39 cases).The operation time,incidence of surgical complications,and surgical success rates of patients in the two groups were compared.The closure effect were evaluated by ultrasound immediately after surgery.All the patients were followed up for 6 months after surgery to evaluate remission of the symptoms.Results The surgical success rate of simply delivery sheath group(100%)was higher than that of interventional closure group(90.0%),with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).The operation time of simply delivery sheath group was longer than that of interventional closure group,with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).One patient in the interventional closure group had small amount of pericardial effusion during the operation.Two patients had decreased blood pressure and slowed heart rate in simply delivery sheath group,and symptoms disappeared after treatment.There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).After 6-month follow-up,all occluders were in good position and no residual leakage was found.The symptoms of headache or dizziness disappeared in 28 patients in interventional closure group,significantly relieved in 8 patients;the symptoms of headache or dizziness disappeared in 30 patients in simply delivery sheath group,and significantly relieved in 9 patients.Conclusion Percutaneous closure for patent foramen ovale under the guidence of transthoracic echocardiography with simply delivery sheath is safe and feasible with satisfactory efficacy and higher successful rate without radiation hazard.It is worthy of clinical promotion.

Natural products are important sources for the discovery of anti-tumor drugs. Evodiamine is the main alkaloid component of the traditional Chinese herb Wu-Chu-Yu, and it has weak antitumor activity. In recent years, a number of highly active antitumor candidates have been discovered with a significant progress. This article reviews the research progress of evodiamine-based antitumor drug design strategies, in order to provide reference for the development of new drugs with natural products as leads.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of reinforced radiculoplasty in the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and follow-up data of 71 patients with symptomatic sacral TCs who underwent reinforced radiculoplasty in the Neurosurgery Department of Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to March 2021. All the operations were performed under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. Intraoperative cyst exploration, partial resection of the cyst wall, narrowing of the leak, nerve root sleeve radiculoplasty and artificial dural reinforcement were performed. The incidence of postoperative complications and new neurological dysfunction was analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the changes of pain before and after surgery. The Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) low back pain score was used to evaluate the changes in nerve function before and after surgery. RESULTS: In the study, 71 patients had 101 TCs, 19 (18.8%) TCs originated from the left S1 nerve, 26 (25.7%) originated from the left S2 nerve, 3 (3.0%) originated from the left S3 nerve, 14 (13.9%) originated from the right S1 nerve, 33 (32.7%) originated from the right S2 nerve, 6 (5.9%) originated from the right S3 nerve, all the TCs underwent reinforced radiculoplasty. Deep infection (1 case), subcutaneous effusion (1 case), fat li-quefaction (1 case) and urinary tract infection (4 cases) were recorded postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 12-43 months (median, 26 months). Two cases had new urinary retention after operation, and the catheter was removed at the end of the first and second months respectively. One case had new fecal weakness, which improved after 3 months. Compared with preoperation, VAS decreased significantly at the last follow-up [median, 6 (4-9) vs. 1 (0-5), Z=-7.272, P < 0.001], JOA score increased significantly [median, 20 (16-25) vs. 27 (18-29), Z=-7.265, P < 0.001]. There were 18 cured cases (25.4%), 41 excellent cases (57.7%), 8 effective cases (11.3%), and 4 invalid cases (5.6%). The total efficiency was 94.4% (67/71). Two (1.98%) cysts recurred. CONCLUSION For patients with symptomatic sacral TCs, reinforced radiculoplasty can significantly improve the pain and nerve function, which is safe and reliable.
Humans ; Tarlov Cysts/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/complications* ; Cysts/surgery* ; Pain

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) plays an important role in the regulation of life. Most of the PPI interfaces are large and discontinuous, and it is difficult for small molecules to specifically bind to them. Peptides are critical in PPI surface interactions due to their higher affinity and specificity. However, peptides have some defects such as easy hydrolysis by protease and poor membrane permeability. Due to good biocompatibility and chemical diversity, cyclic peptides play an important role in drug discovery. Therefore, the development of efficient cyclic peptide construction methods has become a frontier issue in peptide drug research. In recent years, a series of new progresses have been made in the synthesis strategy and the application of cyclic peptides, providing powerful technical tools for the research and development of cyclic peptide drugs. In this review, the synthesis strategies of cyclic peptides and their application will be reviewed from four aspects: synthesis strategies, property improvement, biological activity and prospect.

The composition of intestinal microflora is closely related to the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Among them, Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) has been proved directly related to the recurrence, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of CRC. Therefore, it is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer by the exploration potential anti-Fn drug targets and discovery small molecule drugs. However, no selective anti-Fn small molecule inhibitors have been reported so far as well as their anti-Fn thereby "anti-Fn further anticancer" mechanisms are unclear. Herein, this article reviews the potential therapeutic targets and small molecule ligands of Fn in order to provide a reference for the development of anti-Fn and anti-CRC small molecule drugs.

Public exposure to radon has attracted increasing public concern. The newly issued "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)" has revised the radiological parameters of radon. This study analyzed and discussed the relevant technical contents about the derivation of radon limit, including the distribution level for indoor radon, exposure pathway, health effects, and the process for establishing the standard limits. Specific implementation and evaluation suggestions are also proposed.
Humans ; Radon/analysis* ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; China ; Housing

Public exposure to radon has attracted increasing public concern. The newly issued "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)" has revised the radiological parameters of radon. This study analyzed and discussed the relevant technical contents about the derivation of radon limit, including the distribution level for indoor radon, exposure pathway, health effects, and the process for establishing the standard limits. Specific implementation and evaluation suggestions are also proposed.
Humans ; Radon/analysis* ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; China ; Housing

Objective: Using bioinformatics methods to analyze the core pathogenic genes and related pathways in elderly osteoporosis. Methods: From November 2020 and August 2021, eight elderly osteoporosis patients who received treatment and five healthy participants who underwent physical examinations in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were selected as subjects. The expression level of RNA in the peripheral blood of eight elderly osteoporosis patients and five healthy participants was collected for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and analysis. The gene ontology (GO) analysis Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING website and Cytoscape software, and the most significant modules and hub genes were screened out. Results: Among the eight elderly osteoporosis patients, there were seven females and one male, with an average age of 72.4 years (SD=4.2). Among the five healthy participants, there were four females and one male, with an average age of 68.2 years (SD=5.7). A total of 1 635 DEGs (847 up-regulated and 788 down-regulated) were identified. GO analysis revealed that the molecular functions of DEGs were mainly enriched in structural constituents of the ribosome, protein dimerization activity, and cellular components were mainly enriched in the nucleosome, DNA packaging complex, cytosolic part, protein-DNA complex and the cytosolic ribosome. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in systemic lupus erythematosus and ribosome. Gene UBA52, UBB, RPS27A, RPS15, RPS12, RPL13A, RPL23A, RPL10A, RPS25 and RPS6 were selected and seven of them could encode ribosome proteins. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of elderly osteoporosis may be associated with ribosome-related genes and pathways.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Aged ; Gene Expression Profiling/methods* ; Transcriptome ; Protein Interaction Maps/genetics* ; Computational Biology/methods* ; Osteoporosis/genetics*