Approximately 10% of the global adult population has diabetes, with accumulating evidence linking suboptimal vitamin D levels to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Current clinical studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glycemic control, prompting significant interest in its potential as a therapeutic intervention. However, further high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to validate its efficacy in glucose metabolism regulation and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms. These investigations will provide critical evidence to inform precision medicine approaches for diabetes prevention and management.

ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹-¹ and Hcy>15 μmol·L⁻¹ was 1.532 times (95%CI: 1.017‒2.309 times, P=0.041) and 1.738 times (95%CI: 1.119‒2.699 times, P=0.014) higher respectively, compared to T2DM patients with Hcy≤10 μmol·L⁻¹. T2DM patients with TyG>9.074 had 1.396 times higher risk of stroke (95%CI: 1.091‒1.787, P=0.008) compared to those with TyG≤9.074. The study found that urea and α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) were independent risk factors for the incidence of stroke in T2DM patients. For every unit increase in urea andα1-AT, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients increased by 233.6% (HR=3.336, 95%CI: 1.588‒7.009, P=0.001) and 11.3% (HR=1.113, 95%CI: 1.028‒1.205, P=0.008), respectively. Cumulative risk curves showed that Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and TyG>9.074 accelerated the time to stroke occurrence in T2DM patients. ConclusionElevated levels of Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and a higher TyG index are risk factors for stroke in T2DM patients. Effective interventions for Hcy and TyG should be conducted for diabetic patients to reduce the incidence of stroke.

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications in diabetic patients and has become one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With the continuous rise in the prevalence of diabetes, in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of DR and effective intervention measures is of great clinical significance. The mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR), as a protein kinase, is widely involved in cellular processes such as growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Research indicates that the mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial regulatory role in the pathological progression of DR, and its abnormal activity can disrupt retinal cell autophagy function, thereby accelerating cellular damage and disease progression. Autophagy, as an important regulatory mechanism for cellular homeostasis, maintains cellular functional balance by clearing damaged organelles and protein aggregates. This article provides a systematic review of the structural and functional aspects of the mTOR signaling pathway, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of autophagy, and their roles in retinal pathological changes. By summarizing current research findings, the article aims to clarify the key regulatory role of the mTOR-autophagy axis in DR, providing theoretical support for elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of DR and offering potential targets and research directions for developing novel targeted therapeutic strategies, thereby holding significant scientific and clinical value.

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba, can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

Objective: To describe the prevalence and association of dietary rhythm and depressive symptoms among adolescents, so as to provide a basis for improving unhealthy behavioral habits,and to promote adolescent physical and mental health. Methods: From October to December 2021, a total of 22 868 students were selected from one middle school and high school in urban and rural areas of eight cities, namely, Shenyang, Xuzhou, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Nanchang, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, and Kunming cities, China, using a combination of purposive sampling and stratified cluster random sampling. A self administered questionnaire was used to assess adolescents dietary rhythm, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Binary Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the associations between adolescent dietary rhythm and depressive symptoms, while the associations between adolescent dietary rhythm and depressive symptoms across gender and physical activity levels were stratified by gender and physical activity levels. Results: The detection rate of depressive symptoms in adolescents was 44.4%. The respective differences in the detection rates of depressive symptoms among adolescents of different genders, physical activity levels, and dietary rhythm disorders were statistically significant ( χ 2=157.51, 105.02, 3 282.50, P <0.01). Taking the low disordered dietary rhythm group as the reference, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender，family location, family economic situation, whether only child, parental education level, and learning burden, physical activity levels, depressive symptoms were positively correlated with adolescents in the moderate disordered dietary rhythm group ( OR=2.63, 95%CI =2.45-2.83) and the high disordered dietary rhythm group ( OR=6.38, 95%CI = 5.93- 6.86). In addition, after stratifying by gender, dietary rhythm were positively correlated with depressive symptoms. The moderate disordered group (male: OR=2.62, 95%CI =2.37-2.89, female: OR=2.67, 95%CI =2.40-2.97) and the highly disordered group (male: OR=5.74, 95%CI =5.19-6.35, female: OR=7.11, 95%CI =6.40-7.89) were positively correlated with depressive symptoms. After stratification by physical activity levels, low, moderate and above physical activity levels among adolescents in the disordered dietary rhythm group (low physical activity: OR=2.91, 95%CI =2.58-3.29, moderate and above physical activity: OR= 2.50, 95%CI =2.28-2.74), high disordered group (low physical activity: OR=6.51, 95%CI =5.94- 7.13 , moderate and higher physical activity: OR=6.18, 95%CI =5.47-6.97) were positively associated with depressive symptoms ( P <0.01). There was an interaction between dietary rhythm and physical activity levels in regard to the development of depressive symptoms in adolescents, taking the group with moderate and above physical activity levels and low disordered dietary rhythm as the reference,the detection rate of which was higher in adolescents with low levels of physical activity and those in the moderate or high disordered dietary rhythm group ( OR=1.50, 3.90, 95%CI=1.39-1.61, 3.63-4.19, P <0.01). Conclusions Dietary rhythm disorders were found to be positively associated with depressive symptoms in adolescents. Regular dietary behaviors and increased physical activity play an important positive role in promoting adolescent mental health.

Objective:To predict the mechanism of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix- Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (PQ-AT) in the treatment of diabetes encephalopathy (DE) using network pharmacology combined with molecular docking; To conduct experimental verification.Methods:The active components and targets of PQ and AT were screened by TCMSP database. The GeneCards and Disgenet were used to collect DE related target genes. String database and Cytoscape software were used to structure PPI network and perform visualization analysis. The common targets were imported into Metascape platform for GO annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding ability of active components to core targets. Rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and a low-dose group of PQ-AT (1.08 g/kg), a high-dose group of PQ-AT (2.16 g/kg), and a metformin group (0.18 g/kg) using a random number table. To establish the rat model of diabetes encephalopathy, intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used in addition to the blank group. After a 12-week drug intervention, TNF-α and Cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2) protein expression in the cerebral cortex of rats was detected using Western blot.Results:A total of 26 active components in PQ-AT and 107 related targets of DE were obtained, mainly including TNF, JUN, and PTSG2, which were mainly concentrated in TNF signaling pathway, cancer and other signal pathways. Molecular docking showed that the main active components of PQ-AT had relatively stable binding activity with TNF-α and PTGS2. Western blot results shows that compared with the model group, the expressions of PTGS2 and TNF-α significantly decreased in each administration group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:PQ-AT can act on TNF, CASP3, JUN, STAT3, PTGS2 and other core targets to regulate signal pathways such as TNF, and inhibit inflammatory reaction to achieve the effect of treating DE.

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a common tumor in the digestive tract， the formation mechanism of which remains to be fully elucidated. Although surgery， radiation， chemotherapy， targeted therapy， and immunotherapy have achieved significant results in the treatment of HCC， these methods are accompanied by a considerable number of adverse reactions and complications. In recent years， Chinese medicine has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of HCC， and both basic experiments and clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Chinese medicine， which exerts therapeutic effects via multiple components and multiple targets. However， the pathogenesis of HCC is exceptionally complex and not fully understood， which means that studies remain to be carried out regarding the specific mechanism of Chinese medicine in preventing and treating HCC. Network pharmacology and molecular biology can be employed to decipher the mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of diseases. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine can regulate various pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt）， Hedgehog， Wnt/β-catenin， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （JAK2/STAT3）， and transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）/Smad signaling pathways. Chinese medicine can exhibit its anti-HCC effects by inducing cell apoptosis， inhibiting cell proliferation and migration， and blocking the cell cycle via the above pathways. However， the specific mechanisms remain to be systematically studied. This study comprehensively reviews the regulatory effects of Chinese medicine on HCC-related signaling pathways to reveal the molecular mechanisms of Chinese medicine in the treatment of HCC. This view holds the promise of providing new targets， new perspectives， and new therapies for HCC treatment and advancing the modernization and development of Chinese medicine.

Objective To compare H_p(3) calibration with a homemade (A) thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and an imported (B) TLD in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field, to explore the different responses of A and B, and to provide foundation for the calibration of H_p(3). Methods A column mode was selected. H_p(3) calibration was performed using A and B in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field in the Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory, National Institute for Radiological Protection, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Angle response, energy response, and linear response were calibrated with RQR4 (60 kV), RQR7 (90 kV), and RQR9 (120 kV), respectively. Results In terms of angle response, the calibration results of A were relatively high, while the calibration results of B were relatively low. In terms of energy response, the calibration results showed a similar pattern to angle response. In terms of linear response, the calibration results of both A and B were satisfactory. Conclusion Both A and B can be used for normal calibration of H_p(3) in a standard X-ray RQR radiation field. However, in actual monitoring, attention should be paid to the energy and angle response values of TLDs.

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the common causes of visual impairment and blindness in adults, which is caused by various pathogenesis. Although the mechanism of DR has not been elucidated yet, the destruction of blood-retinal barrier is a key process. As a highly endothelial-specific factor in promoting the growth of vascular endothelial cell, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)plays a crucial role in the formation of pathological retinal neovascularization and the destruction of blood-retinal barrier. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of blood-retinal barrier damage promoted by VEGF is critical for exploring the pathogenesis of DR. In this study, the underlying relationship between VEGF and the mechanism of blood-retinal barrier damage, including retinal vascular endothelial cell permeability, vascular inflammatory response, apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress, with a view to providing a reference for the study in VEGF in the pathogenesis of blood-retinal barrier damage in DR.

Objective:To assess the radiation dose and clinical value of "one-stop" whole-brain CT perfusion (CTP) imaging in the evaluation of collateral circulation for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), regarding the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference.Methods:This retrospective study included 32 AIS patients, for whom both CTP and DSA were obtained <24 h since onset. All CTP scans were acquired in whole-brain volume perfusion mode using a 320-row CT with the phase-specific settings of tube currents to optimize the image quality of CTA images, where multiple-phase (mp) CTA images were extracted from the CTP data in post-processing. The volume CT dose index (CTDI vol), dose length product (DLP), and effective dose were compared to those reported in previous studies. The perfusion parameters of the infarct lesions and their contralateral regions were compared using the paired t-tests. One radiologist scored the collateral circulation with only the CTP and with the CTP plus mp-CTA using a 5-point scale. Another radiologist performed the same evaluation on the DSA. The diagnostic accuracy was calculated referring to the result based on DSA. The scores were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The agreement of scores was quantified with the Kappa test. Results:The mean CTDI vol was 184.18 mGy, which was comparable to the result of a previous study (184.19 mGy), and the mean effective dose was reduced 39% compared to that reported in the literature for combined CTP and CTA scanning (6.1 vs 10 mSv). There were statistically significant differences in cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), transit time to peak (TTP), and time-to-maximum (Tmax) between the infarct lesions and their contralateral regions ( P<0.01). The scores between CTP and DSA were significantly correlated ( r=0.95, P<0.01), as well as the scores between CTP plus mp-CTA and DSA ( r=0.98, P<0.01). The Kappa value was 0.64 ( t=7.53, P<0.01) between CTP and DSA, while it increased to 0.88 ( t=9.99, P<0.01) for CTP plus mp-CTA. With the result of DSA as a reference, the diagnostic accuracy was 71.9% and 90.6% for CTP and CTP plus mp-CTA, respectively. Conclusions:The "one-stop" whole-brain CTP imaging with phase-specific settings of tube currents can provide reliable CTP and multiple-phase CTA images simultaneously, which could reasonably reduce the radiation dose. Combined use of multi-phase CTA and CT perfusion improves the diagnostic accuracy of collateral circulation in AIS patients.