AIM: To identify the primary active components and underlying mechanisms of Yijing Decoction(YJD)in treating early diabetic retinopathy(DR)based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and network pharmacology.METHODS: Active components of YJD were characterized through LC-MS. Components with optimal ADME(absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)properties were selected as key bioactive candidates. Network pharmacology approaches were employed to predict YJD-DR therapeutic targets. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks, gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were subsequently conducted to predict core targets and networks. Critical targets and pathways were experimentally validated through Western blot.RESULTS: Ten core therapeutic targets were identified, including TNF, Alb, EGFR, STAT3, PTGS2, ESR1, PPAR, MMP9, TLR4, and MAPK. YJD was related to cancer-related signaling, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, encompassing key biological processes such as inflammatory response regulation, programmed cell death activation, and enhanced cell migration. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that YJD significantly inhibited high glucose-induced phosphorylation of STAT3(P-STAT3/STAT3)and ERK(P-ERK/ERK)in rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells.CONCLUSION: This study revealed YJD's pharmacodynamical basis and its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-paths pharmacology. YJD exerts therapeutic effects on DR by coordinately regulating critical signaling pathways and alleviating intraocular inflammation, thus preserving retinal vascular endothelial cells, maintaining blood-retinal barrier integrity, and facilitating retinal neurovascular repair.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-developed mobile augmented reality navigation system (MARNS) in guiding spinal level positioning during intraspinal tumor surgery based on a dual-error theory. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with intraspinal tumors admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital between May and November 2023. The participants were divided into conventional x-rays and self-developed MARNS groups according to the localization methods they received. Position time, length of intraoperative incision variation, and location accuracy were systematically compared. Results: A total of 41 patients (19 males) with intraspinal tumors were included, and MARNS was applied to 21 patients. MARNS achieved successful lesion localization in all patients with an error of 0.38±0.12 cm. Compared to x-rays, MARNS significantly reduced positioning time (129.00±13.03 seconds vs. 365.00±60.43 seconds, p<0.001) and length of intraoperative incision variation (0.14 cm vs. 0.67 cm, p=0.009). Conclusion The self-developed MARNS, based on augmented reality technology for lesion visualization and perpendicular projection, offers a radiation-free complement to conventional x-rays.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-developed mobile augmented reality navigation system (MARNS) in guiding spinal level positioning during intraspinal tumor surgery based on a dual-error theory. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with intraspinal tumors admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital between May and November 2023. The participants were divided into conventional x-rays and self-developed MARNS groups according to the localization methods they received. Position time, length of intraoperative incision variation, and location accuracy were systematically compared. Results: A total of 41 patients (19 males) with intraspinal tumors were included, and MARNS was applied to 21 patients. MARNS achieved successful lesion localization in all patients with an error of 0.38±0.12 cm. Compared to x-rays, MARNS significantly reduced positioning time (129.00±13.03 seconds vs. 365.00±60.43 seconds, p<0.001) and length of intraoperative incision variation (0.14 cm vs. 0.67 cm, p=0.009). Conclusion The self-developed MARNS, based on augmented reality technology for lesion visualization and perpendicular projection, offers a radiation-free complement to conventional x-rays.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-developed mobile augmented reality navigation system (MARNS) in guiding spinal level positioning during intraspinal tumor surgery based on a dual-error theory. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with intraspinal tumors admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital between May and November 2023. The participants were divided into conventional x-rays and self-developed MARNS groups according to the localization methods they received. Position time, length of intraoperative incision variation, and location accuracy were systematically compared. Results: A total of 41 patients (19 males) with intraspinal tumors were included, and MARNS was applied to 21 patients. MARNS achieved successful lesion localization in all patients with an error of 0.38±0.12 cm. Compared to x-rays, MARNS significantly reduced positioning time (129.00±13.03 seconds vs. 365.00±60.43 seconds, p<0.001) and length of intraoperative incision variation (0.14 cm vs. 0.67 cm, p=0.009). Conclusion The self-developed MARNS, based on augmented reality technology for lesion visualization and perpendicular projection, offers a radiation-free complement to conventional x-rays.

Objective To investigate the population distribution of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, so as to provide baseline data for researches on parasitic disease prevention and control and enlargement of samples in the parasitic resource bank. Methods A total of 23 villages in 8 counties (districts) along the Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province were selected as survey sites during the period from November 2020 through March 2023, and snail and freshwater crabs were sampled from 1 to 3 streams and ditches neighboring residential areas in each village. Morphological identification of snails was performed according to the external morphological characteristics of collected snail shells, and the unidentified snail species sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were subjected to se-quence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. The crab species was identified by observing the morphological characteristics of the terminal segment of the first pleopod of male crabs, and Paragonimus cercariae and metacercariae were detected in collected snails. Results The shells of the unidentified snails sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were approximately 50 mm in height and 18 mm in width, thick and solid, long tower cone-shaped, and had 8 to 10 whorls. CO1 gene sequence analysis identified the snail species as Sulcospira hainanensis. A total of 6 freshwater snail species belonging to 5 genera within 3 families, identified 23 survey sites, including Semisulcospira libertina, Paludomus zhangchouensis and S. hainanensis that belonged to the Family Pleurceridae, Tricula fujianensis and T. huaanensis that belonged to the subfamily Triculinae, Family Pomatiopsidae, and Melanoides tuberculata (Family Thiaridae), and 11 species of freshwater crabs belonging to 5 genera within 2 families were identified, including Sinopotamon genus of S. jianglense, S. pinheense, and S. zhangzhouense, Huananpotamon genus of H. planopodum and H. zhangzhouense, Nanhaipotamon genus of N. huaanense and N. longhaiense, and Minpotamon genus of M. nasicum and M. auritum that belonged to the Family Potamidae, and Somanniathelphusa genus of S. huaanensis and S. zhangpuensis (Family Parathelphusidae). In addition, the prevalence of P. westermani cercariae infections was 0.08% (2/2 317) in P. zhangchouensis from Danyan Village in Changtai District and 0.09% (1/1 039) in S. hainanensis from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, and the prevalence of P. westermani metacercariae infections was 25.81% (8/31) in S. jianglense from Danyan Village in Changtai District, and 26.31% (5/19) in S. zhangzhouense from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, respectively. Conclusions There is a population diversity in the intermediate host snails and crabs along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, and P. zhangzhouensis and S. hainanensis are, for the first time, confirmed as the first intermediate hosts of P. westermani.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect mechanism of Gualou guizhi granule on neurological function and synaptic plasticity in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group and Gualou guizhi granule group （3.6 g/kg）， with 6 rats in each group. The cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established by the suture occlusion method. Two hours after modeling， the model rats were given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically， once a day， for 7 consecutive days. After the last medication， the neurological function of rats was evaluated [calculated by modified neurological severity scores （mNSS） and corner turning percentage]； the neuronal apoptosis rate of brain histiocyte in the ischemic side of rats was detected in each group； the positive expressions of growth associated protein 43 （GAP43） and microtubule associated protein 2 （MAP2） were detected； protein expressions of neuron-specific nuclear protein （NeuN）， synaptophysin-1 （Syn-1）， postsynaptic density protein-95 （PSD-95）， peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ （PPARγ）， brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and tropomyosin receptor kinase B （TrkB）， as well as mRNA expressions of NeuN， Syn-1 and PSD-95 were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group， mNSS， corner turning percentage and neuronal apoptotic rate were decreased significantly in Gualou guizhi granule group （P＜0.01）； GAP43 represented weak immunoreactivity， and MAP2 represented moderate immunoreactivity； protein expressions of NeuN， Syn-1， PSD-95， PPARγ， BDNF， TrkB and mRNA expressions of Syn-1， NeuN， PSD-95 were all increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Gualou guizhi granule can promote synaptic plasticity by activating BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway， thus playing a protective role in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Critical Illness ; Treatment Outcome

The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) is an ancillary transcription initiation complex which is highly conserved. The ADA1 (alteration/deficiency in activation 1, also called histone H2A functional interactor 1, HFI1) is a subunit in the core module of the SAGA protein complex. ADA1 plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress resistance. In this paper, we performed genome-wide identification of banana ADA1 gene family members based on banana genomic data, and analyzed the basic physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, selection pressure, promoter cis-acting elements, and its expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 10, 6, and 7 family members in Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans. The members were all unstable and hydrophilic proteins, and only contained the conservative SAGA-Tad1 domain. Both MaADA1 and MbADA1 have interactive relationship with Sgf11 (SAGA-associated factor 11) of core module in SAGA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that banana ADA1 gene family members could be divided into 3 classes. The evolution of ADA1 gene family members was mostly influenced by purifying selection. There were large differences among the gene structure of banana ADA1 gene family members. ADA1 gene family members contained plenty of hormonal elements. MaADA1-1 may play a prominent role in the resistance of banana to cold stress, while MaADA1 may respond to the Panama disease of banana. In conclusion, this study suggested ADA1 gene family members are highly conserved in banana, and may respond to biotic and abiotic stress.
Musa/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; Fungal Proteins ; Cell Nucleus ; Histones ; Stress, Physiological/genetics*

ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（UPLC-MS） and non-targeted metabolomics technology to discuss the central regulatory effect of Chaishao Liujuntang on chronic atrophic gastritis（CAG） rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency， and to look for the correlation between cerebral cortex， hypothalamus and metabolic status of gastric tissues. MethodA CAG rat model with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency was established by chemical induction， hunger and satiety disorders， chronic restraint and tail clamping stimulation， lasting for 16 weeks. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 8 rats and a model group of 20 rats. After the completion of modeling， 4 rats in the model group were taken to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa. The remaining model rats were randomly divided into a model group of 8 rats and a Chaishao Liujuntang group of 8 rats. Chaishao Liujuntang group rats were given 5.1 g·kg^-1 by gavage， and the remaining rats were given equal volume sterilized water by gavage for 4 weeks. Macroscopic characteristics， behavioral indicators and histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa of rats in each group were observed and compared. UPLC-MS non-targeted metabolomics was used to explore the metabolic regulation effect of Chaishao Liujuntang on the cerebral cortex， hypothalamus and stomach tissues of CAG rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency. Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to analyze the correlation between different tissue metabolites. ResultCompared with the model group， the macroscopic characteristics of rats in Chaishao Liujuntang group were improved， such as hair color， mental state and stool properties， and the number of times of crossing and standing in the open field experiment was significantly increased， and the static time of forced swimming was significantly reduced（P<0.01）， and the gastric mucosa atrophy was reduced. The metabolic data from the cerebral cortex of rats in each group identified a total of 3 common potential biomarkers， but not enriched in pathways， 26 common potential biomarkers were identified in the hypothalamus， and the key metabolic pathways involved were mainly enriched in purine metabolism， glycerol phospholipid metabolism， D-glutamine and D-glutamic acid metabolism. Seventeen common potential biomarkers were identified in the stomach， and the key metabolic pathways involved were mainly enriched in thiamine metabolism， valine， leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis， and taurine and taurine metabolism. Correlation analysis of metabolites in different tissues revealed that multiple amino acids and their derivatives mediated metabolic connections between the cerebral cortex， hypothalamus and stomach of rats. ConclusionThe metabolic disorders in the cerebral cortex， hypothalamus and stomach of CAG rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency have their own characteristics， mainly manifested by changes in the content of glycerol phospholipids， fatty acids and bile acid metabolites. Moreover， Chaishao Liujuntang may play a central regulatory role in CAG rats with liver-depression and spleen-deficiency by correcting the metabolic disorders of amino acids.

AIM: To investigate the preoperative ocular symptoms and the characteristics of asymptomatic ocular surface abnormalities in hospitalized patients with primary pterygium.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with primary pterygium and scheduled to receive pterygium excision surgery at the Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University from August 2022 to October 2022 were enrolled. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire(OSDI), six examinations including non-invasive tear film break-up time, Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland dropout and tear film lipid layer thickness, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)were performed and statistically analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 178 cases(178 eyes), with a mean age of 54.39±10.75 years old, were recruited, including 75 males(42.1%)and 103 females(57.9%). The average values of ocular surface parameters in these patients included OSDI: 11.47±9.69, tear film break-up time: 7.10±3.86 s; tear meniscus height: 0.16±0.07 mm, Schirmer I test values: 14.39±7.29 mm/5 min, and pterygium thickness: 504.74±175.87 μm. Totally 161 eyes(90.4%)presented with abnormal lid margin, 44 eyes(24.7%)presented with meibomian gland dropout score ≥4, 52 eyes(29.2%)presented with low lipid layer thickness. In the 6 objective examinations, abnormalities in at least 4 of these tests were found in 85.4% of eyes. Pterygium morphology was classified into four grades: 10 eyes(5.6%)of grade Ⅰ, 93 eyes(52.2%)of grade Ⅱ, 60 eyes(33.7%)of grade Ⅲ, and 15 eyes(8.4%)of grade Ⅳ. In patients with a higher grade of pterygium, the tear film break-up time was lower, and the proportion of abnormal lid margin was also significantly higher(P<0.05). The patients were further divided into two subgroups, including 121 eyes(68.0%)with normal OSDI <13 in the normal group and 57 eyes(32.0%)with OSDI ≥13 in the abnormal group. No significant difference was found in the proportion of meibomian gland dysfunction between the two groups of patients(71.9% vs. 71.9%, P=0.872). In addition, there were differences in the number of abnormal objective examinations(4.11±0.85 vs. 4.91±0.99, P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic ocular surface abnormalities were present preoperatively in patients hospitalized for primary pterygium. A comparable high incidence of structural or functional meibomian gland dysfunction existed in pterygium patients with or without apparent ocular discomfort. More attention should be paid to the ocular surface abnormalities in those asymptomatic patients before primary pterygium surgery.