OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect and potential mechanism of vitexin on inflammation in ulcerative colitis （UC） mice. METHODS The UC mice model was established by continuous administration of 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 5 days. Mice with successful modeling were randomly divided into UC group， vitexin low- and high-dose groups （vitexin-L and vitexin-H groups， 40， 80 mg/kg）， mesalazine group （400 mg/kg）， and vitexin-H+recombinant Jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 （rJagged-1） group （vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group， 80 mg/kg vitexin+1 mg/kg rJagged-1）， with 12 mice in each group. Another 12 normal mice were used as the control （CK） group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or the corresponding drugs and normal saline by gavage and intraperitoneal injection once daily for 7 consecutive days. General conditions were observed during the experiment. At 24 h after the last administration， the disease activity index （DAI） score was evaluated. Colonic histopathological morphology was observed and scored. Macrophage polarization levels in the spleen and colon tissues were measured. The protein expressions of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， transforming growth factor-β 1 （TGF-β 1 ）， Jagged-1， Notch1 and Notch intracellular domain （NICD） in colonic tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with the UC group， the symptoms （reduced food and water intake， dull fur， etc.） and pathological changes （epithelial cell shedding， inflammatory cell infiltration， etc.） were significantly improved in the vitexin-L， vitexin-H and mesalazine groups. DAI scores， colonic histopathological scores， M1 macrophage contents in spleen tissue， M1/M2 macrophage ratios， M1 macrophage proportions in colon tissue， and protein expressions of IL-6， TNF-α， Jagged-1， Notch1 and NICD in colon tissue were significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. Meanwhile， the M2 macrophage contents in spleen tissue， M2 macrophage proportions in colon tissue， and protein expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β 1 in colon tissue were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. Moreover， the improvement effects in the vitexin-H and mesalazine groups were significantly superior to those in the vitexin-L group （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the vitexin-H group， the above symptoms and pathological changes were aggravated， and all quantitative indicators were significantly reversed in the vitexin-H+rJagged-1 group （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Vitexin can ameliorate the inflammation of UC mice， which is associated with its inhibition of the Jagged-1/Notch1 pathway and regulation of macrophage polarization （inhibition of M1-type polarization and promotion of M2-type polarization）.

ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation. Methods: The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation. Results: MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs. Conclusions In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

Objective Sleep is an important physiological process for maintaining normal cognitive functions,but with the accelerated pace and increased work pressure in modern society,sleep deprivation has become a common phenomenon.It has been shown that sleep deprivation interferes with higher cognitive functions such as working memory,but the specific mechanism of its effect is still not completely clear.The present study aimed to systematically investigate the effects of 36 hours of sleep deprivation on the stages of the working memory processing chain and its neural mechanisms through behavioral and event-related potential(ERP)techniques.Methods Using a randomized controlled experimental design,48 healthy adult subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to sleep deprivation and control groups.All subjects completed a 2-back phonological working memory task,and behavioral data(response time and correctness)and ERP data(P2,N2,and P3 component wave amplitudes)were collected at 0 and 36 hours,respectively.The effects of sleep deprivation on working memory behavioral performance and neurophysiological indices were assessed by ANOVA.Results Behavioral results showed that the sleep deprivation group had a significantly longer response time after 36 hours,but no significant decrease in correctness,indicating a decrease in response efficiency but stable accuracy.ERP results showed that P2 amplitude did not change significantly before and after sleep deprivation,indicating that the early perception and categorization stages were limitedly affected by sleep deprivation;whereas,N2 and P3 amplitudes decreased significantly after sleep deprivation,reflecting that later cognitive processing such as conflict monitoring and resource allocation and other late cognitive processing were significantly disturbed.Conclusion Through ERP technology,this study uncovers the phased impact of 36-hour sleep deprivation on the working memory processing chain.The study found that early perceptual and categorization stages may be less susceptible to the effects of sleep deprivation,likely due to their relatively automatic processing and lower demand for cognitive resources.In contrast,during later stages of cognitive processing,particularly in higher-order functions such as conflict monitoring and resource allocation,sleep deprivation significantly impaired task performance efficiency by disrupting prefrontal cortex function.This finding deepens the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of sleep deprivation and provides a scientific basis for cognitive intervention and management strategies in high-stress occupational groups.Future studies can further explore the long-term effects of sleep deprivation and its neural mechanisms by combining multimodal techniques.

To clarify the species, pathogenicity, and distribution of the pathogens causing the root rot of Atractylodes lancea in Hubei province, the tissue separation method was used to isolate the pathogens from root rot samples in the main planting areas of A. lancea in Hubei. Based on the preliminary identification of the Fusarium genus by the internal transcribed spacer(ITS) sequence, three housekeeping genes, EF1/EF2, Btu-F-FO1/Btu-F-RO1, and FF1/FR1, were amplified and sequenced. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on these TEF gene sequences to classify the pathogens. The pathogenicity of these strains was determined using the root irrigation method. A total of 194 pathogen strains were isolated using the tissue separation method. Molecular identification using the three housekeeping genes identified the pathogens as F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. commune, F. equiseti, F. tricinctum, F. redolens, F. fujikuroi, F. avenaceum, F. acuminatum, and F. incarnatum. Among them, F. solani and F. oxysporum were the dominant strains, widely distributed in multiple regions, with F. solani accounting for approximately 54% of the total isolated strains and F. oxysporum accounting for approximately 34%. Other strains accounted for a relatively small proportion, totaling approximately 12%. The results of pathogenicity determination showed that there were certain differences in pathogenicity among strains. The analysis of the pathogenicity differentiation of the widely distributed F. solani and F. oxysporum strains revealed that these dominant strains in Hubei were mainly highly pathogenic. This study determined the species, pathogenicity, and distribution of the pathogens causing the root rot of A. lancea in Hubei province. The results provide a scientific basis for further understanding the root rot of A. lancea and its epidemic occurrence and scientifically preventing and controlling this disease.
Plant Diseases/microbiology* ; Atractylodes/microbiology* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Roots/microbiology* ; Fusarium/classification* ; China ; Virulence ; Fungal Proteins/genetics*

Based on the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of "kidney-brain interaction", a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR) analysis was conducted to investigate the causal effects of chronic kidney disease(CKD) on Alzheimer's disease(AD) and analyze the potential mechanisms of kidney-tonifying and essence-replenishing TCM to improve AD. From the perspective that CKD is closely related to the core pathogenesis of AD, namely "kidney deficiency, essence loss, and marrow reduction", genome-wide association study(GWAS) data was used, with the inverse variance weighting(IVW) method as the main approach to reveal the causal association between CKD and AD. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. To further investigate the causal effects of CKD on AD, two different AD datasets were used as outcomes, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR) data was used as the exposure for a supplementary analysis. On this basis, the modern scientific mechanism of the kidney-tonifying and essence-replenishing method for improving AD was further explored. The IVW analysis show that CKD(ieu-b-2: OR=1.084, 95%CI[1.011, 1.163], P=0.024; ieu-b-5067: OR=1.001, 95%CI[1.000, 1.001], P=0.002) and UACR(ieu-b-2: OR=1.247, 95%CI[1.021, 1.522], P=0.031; ieu-b-5067: OR=1.001, 95%CI[1.000, 1.003], P=0.015) both have significant causal effects on AD in different datasets, with CKD increasing the risk of AD. The sensitivity analysis further confirmed the reliability of the results. Genetic studies have shown that CKD has a significant causal effect on AD, suggesting that controlling CKD is an important intervention measure for preventing and treating AD. Therefore, further research on CKD's role in AD is crucial in clinical practice. The research enriches the theoretical implication of "kidney-brain interaction", deepens the understanding of AD' etiology, and provides further insights and directions for the prevention and treatment of AD with TCM, specifically from a kidney-based perspective.
Humans ; Alzheimer Disease/genetics* ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/genetics* ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear mainly caused by bacteria, and current treatments rely heavily on antibiotics. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains seriously affects their efficacy. In our study, we found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human natural killer cells (NKs) inhibit the proliferation of both standard and levofloxacin (LVX)-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, compared to LVX, EVs were more effective at reducing effusion and rescuing hearing thresholds in animal models. For LVX-sensitive strains, EVs were significantly more effective in terms of curative time but not curative rate. For LVX-resistant strains, EVs were significantly more effective in terms of both curative rate and curative time when applied alone or applied jointly with LVX. In summary, we found that NK EVs are highly effective in treating otitis media, providing an alternative approach for treating this common disease.
Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism* ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Animals ; Humans ; Otitis Media/therapy* ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Levofloxacin/pharmacology*

Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Implants ; Mouth Mucosa/surgery* ; Keratins

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of danshenol A （DA） pretreatment in alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI） by regulating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsA MIRI model was established in SD rats， and an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation （OGD/R） model was constructed with H9C2 cells. Both models were treated with DA. H9C2 cells were allocated into blank， model （OGD/R）， DA， ferroptosis inducer （erastin）， and ferroptosis inhibitor （Fer-1） groups. Cell viability was assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. Biochemical assays were performed to measure the superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and ferrous ion （Fe²⁺） levels. Dihydroethidium （DHE） fluorescence assay was adopted to quantify the reactive oxygen species （ROS） level. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to quantify the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， and acyl-coA synthetase long-chain family 4 （ACSL4）. Sixty SPF-grade healthy male SD rats were randomly assigned to control， model （MIRI）， DA， erastin， and Fer-1 groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was adopted to measure the serum levels of cardiac troponin I （cTnI）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， and creatine kinase （CK）. Histopathological changes in the myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling （TUNEL）. The effect of DA on cardiomyocyte ferroptosis were observed and analyzed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. ResultsIn vitro experiment： compared with the blank group， the OGD/R model group showed reduced cell viability， elevated levels of ROS， MDA， and Fe²⁺， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4， lowered levels of SOD and GSH， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2， GPX4， and FTH1 （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The DA and Fer-1 groups exhibited consistent trends： cell viability， SOD and GSH levels， and the mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly restored， while the ROS， MDA， and Fe²⁺ levels， and the mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4 were reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）. In vivo experiment： Compared with the control group， the MIRI model group showed elevated serum levels of cTnI， LDH， and CK， increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate， risen levels of ROS， MDA， and Fe²⁺， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4. However， both DA and Fer-1 groups exhibited reductions in the indicators above （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， the MIRI model group demonstrated reduced levels of SOD and GSH and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2， GPX4， and FTH1 （P<0.05）. In contrast， both DA and Fer-1 upregulated these indicators （P<0.05）， effectively reversing the trends in the model group. In addition， the MIRI model group showed swelling of cardiomyocytes， disarrangement of cardiac muscle fibers， and massive inflammatory cell infiltration， which were alleviated in the DA and Fer-1 groups. ConclusionDA alleviates MIRI by inhibiting ferroptosis and inflammation， demonstrating therapeutic potential in acute myocardial infarction.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of danshenol A （DA） pretreatment in alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI） by regulating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsA MIRI model was established in SD rats， and an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation （OGD/R） model was constructed with H9C2 cells. Both models were treated with DA. H9C2 cells were allocated into blank， model （OGD/R）， DA， ferroptosis inducer （erastin）， and ferroptosis inhibitor （Fer-1） groups. Cell viability was assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. Biochemical assays were performed to measure the superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and ferrous ion （Fe²⁺） levels. Dihydroethidium （DHE） fluorescence assay was adopted to quantify the reactive oxygen species （ROS） level. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to quantify the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， and acyl-coA synthetase long-chain family 4 （ACSL4）. Sixty SPF-grade healthy male SD rats were randomly assigned to control， model （MIRI）， DA， erastin， and Fer-1 groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was adopted to measure the serum levels of cardiac troponin I （cTnI）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， and creatine kinase （CK）. Histopathological changes in the myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling （TUNEL）. The effect of DA on cardiomyocyte ferroptosis were observed and analyzed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. ResultsIn vitro experiment： compared with the blank group， the OGD/R model group showed reduced cell viability， elevated levels of ROS， MDA， and Fe²⁺， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4， lowered levels of SOD and GSH， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2， GPX4， and FTH1 （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The DA and Fer-1 groups exhibited consistent trends： cell viability， SOD and GSH levels， and the mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly restored， while the ROS， MDA， and Fe²⁺ levels， and the mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4 were reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）. In vivo experiment： Compared with the control group， the MIRI model group showed elevated serum levels of cTnI， LDH， and CK， increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate， risen levels of ROS， MDA， and Fe²⁺， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ACSL4. However， both DA and Fer-1 groups exhibited reductions in the indicators above （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， the MIRI model group demonstrated reduced levels of SOD and GSH and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PTGS2， GPX4， and FTH1 （P<0.05）. In contrast， both DA and Fer-1 upregulated these indicators （P<0.05）， effectively reversing the trends in the model group. In addition， the MIRI model group showed swelling of cardiomyocytes， disarrangement of cardiac muscle fibers， and massive inflammatory cell infiltration， which were alleviated in the DA and Fer-1 groups. ConclusionDA alleviates MIRI by inhibiting ferroptosis and inflammation， demonstrating therapeutic potential in acute myocardial infarction.