Objective: To explore the relationship between non suicidal self injury (NSSI) behavior and serum lipid levels as well as thyroid function among college students with depression. Methods: A total of 169 college students with depression in the psychiatry departments of tertiary hospitals (grade 3A and 3B) in Ningbo from December 2023 to April 2025 were selected. The Adolescent Self injury Scale (ASIS) was used to assess the presence of NSSI, and participants were accordingly divided into a NSSI group ( n =51) and a non NSSI group ( n =118). General demographic data (including gender, age, and family situation) were collected from both groups. Blood tests were performed to measure lipid profiles [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)]. Multivariate Logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors for NSSI, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum lipid and thyroid hormone levels for NSSI occurrence in college students with depression. Results: The levels of TC, LDL-C, and TSH in the NSSI group were (4.02±0.73) mmol/L, (2.32±0.36) mmol/L, and (6.57±1.95) mU/L , which were significantly higher than those in the non NSSI group [(3.41±0.56) mmol/L, (2.00±0.27) mmol/L, and ( 4.48± 1.09) mU/L, respectively] ( t =5.32, 5.60, 7.20, all P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that college students from single parent/reconstituted families, those who had experienced school bullying, and those with higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and TSH had a significantly increased risk of engaging in NSSI ( OR =5.22, 6.12, 5.90, 83.64, 3.64, all P <0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of TC, LDL-C, and TSH had high diagnostic efficacy for predicting NSSI in college students with depression, with a sensitivity of 86.3% and a specificity of 94.9%. Conclusions NSSI behavior in college students with depression is associated with serum lipid levels and thyroid function. These biomarkers may serve as useful reference indicators for assessing the conditions of these patients.

Silent mutations within the RAS  gene have garnered increasing attention for their potential roles in tumorigenesis and therapeutic strategies. Kirsten-RAS ( KRAS ) mutations, predominantly oncogenic, are pivotal drivers in various cancers. While extensive research has elucidated the molecular mechanisms and biological consequences of active KRAS  mutations, the functional significance of silent mutations remains relatively understudied. This review synthesizes current knowledge on KRAS  silent mutations, highlighting their impact on cancer development. Silent mutations, which do not alter protein sequences but can affect RNA stability and translational efficiency, pose intriguing questions regarding their contribution to tumor biology. Understanding these mutations is crucial for comprehensively unraveling KRAS -driven oncogenesis and exploring novel therapeutic avenues. Moreover, investigations into the clinical implications of silent mutations in KRAS -mutant tumors suggest potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Despite being in early stages, research on KRAS  silent mutations holds promise for uncovering novel insights that could inform personalized cancer treatments. In conclusion, this review underscores the evolving landscape of KRAS  silent mutations, advocating for further exploration to bridge fundamental biology with clinical applications in oncology.
Humans ; Mutation/genetics* ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Animals

Traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF) represents a fundamental component of Chinese medical practice, incorporating medical knowledge and practices from both Han Chinese and various ethnic minorities, while providing comprehensive insights into health and disease. The foundation of TCMF lies in its holistic approach, manifested through herbal compatibility theory, which has emerged from extensive clinical experience and evolved into a highly refined knowledge system. Within this framework, Chinese herbal medicines exhibit intricated characteristics, including multi-component interactions, diverse target sites, and varied biological pathways. These complexities pose significant challenges for understanding their molecular mechanisms. Contemporary advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering immense potential to transform our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TCMFs. This review explores the application of AI in uncovering these mechanisms, highlighting its role in compound absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) prediction, molecular target identification, compound and target synergy recognition, pharmacological mechanisms exploration, and herbal formula optimization. Furthermore, the review discusses the challenges and opportunities in AI-assisted research on TCMF molecular mechanisms, promoting the modernization and globalization of TCM.
Artificial Intelligence ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Animals

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Sangma Zhike Formula (SMZKF) for relieving cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in rats with postinfectious cough (PIC). METHODS: Male SD rat models were established by cigarette smoke exposure with intranasal LPS instillation and capsaicin aerosol inhalation. From day 19 following the start of PIC modeling, the rats received daily treatment with saline (model group), low-, medium-, and high-dose SMZKF, and compound methoxyphenamine (ASM) via gavage for 10 consecutive days (n=8). The assessments included behavioral changes, cough sensitivity (latency and frequency), lung histopathology, inflammatory cell counts and cytokine/mediator levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue, and expressions of proteins related with cough hypersensitivity and pyroptosis. RESULTS: The rat models of PIC exhibited reduced mental alertness, accelerated respiration, and pronounced symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and facial scratching with significantly shortened cough latency and increased 5-min cough frequency. Histopathological analysis revealed collapsed alveolar structures, thickened alveolar septa, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchi and peribronchial regions, accompanied by elevated bronchial and alveolar inflammation scores of the rat models. In the BALF, inflammatory cell counts and the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGE-2, and TXA-2 were all markedly elevated, and the pulmonary oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were also significantly increased. The pulmonary expressions of cough hypersensitivity-related proteins (TRPV1, SP, CGRP, and NK1R) and pyroptosis-associated markers (P-NF-κB, NLRP3, ACS, cleaved caspase-1, cleaved IL-1β, and GSDMD-N) were significantly upregulated in the model group. SMZKF interventions significantly ameliorated these pathological changes in the rat models, and high-dose SMZKF produced a similar therapeutic efficacy to that of ASM. CONCLUSIONS SMZKF alleviates cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in PIC rats possibly by inhibiting TRPV1-mediated SP/NK1R signaling and the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
Animals ; Cough/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Male ; TRPV Cation Channels/metabolism* ; Rats ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Inflammation ; Signal Transduction

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate （S1P） in abnormal ossification in ankylosing spondylitis （AS）， clarify the relationship between S1P and “angiogenesis-osteogenesis” coupling， and provide new strategies for AS treatment. MethodsFemoral heads from AS patients and patients undergoing routine hip replacement were collected for immunohistochemical （IHC） staining to evaluate osteogenesis and H-type vessel formation. In vitro， ELISA was used to quantify the synthesis of S1P and analyze the expression changes of S1P signaling pathway-related molecules during the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from patients with ankylosing spondylitis （ASMSCs） and those from healthy donors （HDMSCs）， to evaluate the activation status of S1P pathway during osteogenesis. Sphingosine kinase 1 （SK1） expression was knocked down in MSCs， and the S1P receptor inhibitor FTY720 was applied to block S1P signaling. Alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity and Alizarin Red S （ARS） quantification were used to assess the effect of S1P on ASMSCs osteogenesis. Conditioned medium from osteogenically induced MSCs was used to treat human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） to evaluate the effect of S1P on angiogenesis. An AS mouse model （SKG mice） was treated with FTY720 or the SK1 inhibitor PF-543 citrate. IHC staining and micro-CT scanning were used to assess abnormal ossification and spinal fusion， and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate H-type vessel formation. ResultsCompared with Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head（ONFH） patients， AS patients exhibited excessive osteogenesis and H-type vessel formation （OCN P＜0.001， CD31 P＜0.001， EMCN P＜0.001）. During osteogenic differentiation， S1P expression and secretion were significantly higher in ASMSCs than in HDMSCs （P=0.0179）. Inhibition of S1P signaling with FTY720 or SK1 knockdown significantly suppressed osteogenic differentiation （compared with ASMSC， ARS： HDMSC P=0.001 8， FTY720 P＜0.001， si-SK1 P＜0.001； ALP： HDMSC P=0.032 8， FTY720 P=0.001 6， si-SK1 P＜0.001） of ASMSCs and the angiogenesis of HUVEC（compared with ASMSC， cell-covered area， total loops， total tube length and total branch points P＜0.001）. Treatment with FTY720 or PF-543 markedly inhibited abnormal ossification and spinal fusion（compared with Curdlan， arthritis index score， P＜0.001； OCN：control P=0.002， PF-543 P=0.010 7， FTY720 P=0.015 9 ） in AS mice and reduced H-type vessel formation （CD31⁺EMCN⁺： compared with curdlan， control P＜0.001， PF-543 P=0.001 7， FTY720 P=0.002 1）. ConclusionIncreased S1P synthesis in ASMSCs promotes osteogenic differentiation via autocrine mechanisms and further enhances ossification by facilitating H-type angiogenesis. Inhibiting S1P secretion in ASMSCs significantly suppresses abnormal ossification in AS.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Sangma Zhike Formula(SMZKF)for relieving cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in rats with postinfectious cough(PIC).Methods Male SD rat models were established by cigarette smoke exposure with intranasal LPS instillation and capsaicin aerosol inhalation.From day 19 following the start of PIC modeling,the rats received daily treatment with saline(model group),low-,medium-,and high-dose SMZKF,and compound methoxyphenamine(ASM)via gavage for 10 consecutive days(n=8).The assessments included behavioral changes,cough sensitivity(latency and frequency),lung histopathology,inflammatory cell counts and cytokine/mediator levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue,and expressions of proteins related with cough hypersensitivity and pyroptosis.Results The rat models of PIC exhibited reduced mental alertness,accelerated respiration,and pronounced symptoms such as coughing,sneezing,and facial scratching with significantly shortened cough latency and increased 5-min cough frequency.Histopathological analysis revealed collapsed alveolar structures,thickened alveolar septa,and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchi and peribronchial regions,accompanied by elevated bronchial and alveolar inflammation scores of the rat models.In the BALF,inflammatory cell counts and the levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2,PGE-2,and TXA-2 were all markedly elevated,and the pulmonary oxidative stress markers(ROS and MDA)and myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were also significantly increased.The pulmonary expressions of cough hypersensitivity-related proteins(TRPV1,SP,CGRP,and NK1R)and pyroptosis-associated markers(P-NF-κB,NLRP3,ACS,cleaved caspase-1,cleaved IL-1β,and GSDMD-N)were significantly upregulated in the model group.SMZKF interventions significantly ameliorated these pathological changes in the rat models,and high-dose SMZKF produced a similar therapeutic efficacy to that of ASM.Conclusion SMZKF alleviates cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in PIC rats possibly by inhibiting TRPV1-mediated SP/NK1R signaling and the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

Programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) are important signaling molecules that mediate immunosuppression. This signaling pathway leads to the evading of tumor cells from immune surveillance and plays an adverse affect on anti-tumor immunity. For grafts, the activation of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway also plays an important role in the its evasion from host immune attack and the formation of immune tolerance. PD-1/PD-L1 has been shown to regulate immune tolerance in corneal, heart and lung transplantation. Its role in liver transplantation, however, has yet to be elaborated. This article reviews the potential of PD-1/PD-L1 as a marker of immune tolerance after liver transplantation.

Nasal drug delivery efficiency is highly dependent on the position in which the drug is deposited in the nasal cavity. However, no reliable method is currently available to assess its impact on delivery performance. In this study, a biomimetic nasal model based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology was developed for visualizing the deposition of drug powders in the nasal cavity. The results showed significant differences in cavity area and volume and powder distribution in the anterior part of the biomimetic nasal model of Chinese males and females. The nasal cavity model was modified with dimethicone and validated to be suitable for the deposition test. The experimental device produced the most satisfactory results with five spray times. Furthermore, particle sizes and spray angles were found to significantly affect the experimental device's performance and alter drug distribution, respectively. Additionally, mometasone furoate (MF) nasal spray (NS) distribution patterns were investigated in a goat nasal cavity model and three male goat noses, confirming the in vitro and in vivo correlation. In conclusion, the developed human nasal structure biomimetic device has the potential to be a valuable tool for assessing nasal drug delivery system deposition and distribution.

MiRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs,which regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by partial complementary base pairing.Aberrant miRNA expressions have been reported in tumor tissues and peripheral blood of cancer patients.In recent years,artificial intelligence algorithms such as machine learning and deep learning have been widely used in bioinformatic research.Compared to traditional bioinformatic tools,miRNA target prediction tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms have higher accuracy,and can successfully predict subcellular localization and redistribution of miRNAs to deepen our understanding.Additionally,the construction of clinical models based on artificial intelligence algorithms could significantly improve the mining efficiency of miRNA used as biomarkers.In this article,we summarize recent development of bioinformatic miRNA tools based on artificial intelligence algorithms,focusing on the potential of machine learning and deep learning in cancer-related miRNA research.