AIM: To explore the effect of dihydroquercetin on visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia based on the NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome pathway.METHODS: The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and form deprivation myopia model group, and the form deprivation myopia model group was constructed by covering the right eye with a translucent eye patch. After successful modeling, the mice in the model group of form deprivation myopia were randomly divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups, and high-dose dihydroquercetin + NLRP3 agonist group. The diopter and axial length of mice in each group were detected. The kit was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in retinal tissue. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated spot-like protein(ASC), Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in retinal tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in retinal tissues. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis in retinal tissue.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the diopter of the mice in the model group decreased, and axial length increased, and the SOD decreased whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 increased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the diopter of mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups increased, axial length shortened, the SOD increased, whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 decreased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose dihydroquercetin group, the high-dose dihydroquercetin+NLRP3 agonist group had reduced diopter, increased axial length, decreased SOD levels, elevated MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as increased apoptosis rate in retinal tissue(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Dihydroquercetin can improve visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia by inhibiting pyroptosis and oxidative stress responses, which may be related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 agonists can partially mitigate the effects of high-dose dihydroquercetin on form deprivation myopia in mice.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jatrorrhizine on endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways in the mouse model of ulcerative colitis. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group， the model group， the low-dose and high-dose jatrorrhizine groups （0.04， 0.16 g·kg^-1）， and the mesalazine group （0.52 g·kg^-1）The mouse model of ulcerative colitis was established with 3% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） and treated with different doses of jatrorrhizine by gavage. The changes in body weight， colon length， disease activity index （DAI）， and colonic histopathology were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of jatrorrhizine. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was employed to determine the serum and fecal levels of metabolites in mice. Metabolomics methods were used to screen the differential metabolites， on the basis of which the potential therapeutic mechanism of jatrorrhizine on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice was investigated. ResultsAfter intervention with jatrorrhizine， the model mice showed significantly decreased DAI（P<0.05，P<0.01）， recovered colon length，（P<0.05，P<0.01） and alleviated histopathology of the colon. The metabolomics study screened out 13 differential metabolites in the serum and 8 differential metabolites in the feces. The pathway enrichment analysis predicted three potential metabolic pathways： Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids， phenylalanine， tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis， and phenylalanine metabolism. ConclusionJatrorrhizine may treat ulcerative colitis by regulating the biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.

Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.

Objective: To investigate the ability of different concentrations of piceatannol (PIC) solution to biomodify decalcified dentin matrices in primary teeth, thereby providing a theoretical basis for improving the durability of resin-dentin bonding. Methods: This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the institution. Molecular docking was performed to predict the interaction effects of PIC with type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in dentin. A total of 124 clinically extracted intact primary molars were selected due to retention; of these, 76 were prepared into 60 completely decalcified dentin beams and 24 dentin slices. The 60 beams were equally allocated for dry mass loss and swelling ratio testing (30 beams each). For both experiments, the beams were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): a control group, 5% glutaraldehyde group, and 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL PIC solution groups. This was to evaluate the anti-enzymatic hydrolytic properties and mechanical performance of type I collagen. Of the 24 slices, 15 were assigned to the aforementioned five groups (n = 3) for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to explore the cross-linking mechanism. The remaining nine slices were randomly divided into three groups (n = 3): distilled water group A (SEM examination prior to enzymatic hydrolysis), distilled water group B (SEM examination after enzymatic hydrolysis), and a 10 mg/mL PIC solution group (SEM examination after treatment with 10 mg/mL PIC and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis). This was to evaluate the cross-linking effect on demineralized dentin collagen. The remaining 48 molars were fabricated into bonding specimens and randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): a control group (distilled water group) and 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL PIC groups. Immediate and aged shear bond strength (SBS) were measured, and failure modes were observed under a stereomicroscope to investigate the impact of different PIC concentrations on the bonding durability of primary tooth dentin. Results: Molecular docking revealed strong binding activity between PIC and type I collagen/MMPs via hydrogen bonds, electrostatic potential, and hydrophobic forces; the FTIR results confirmed hydrogen bond formation. In the dry mass loss test, mass loss rates in the 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL PIC groups were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), with the 10 mg/mL PIC group showing the most optimized cross-linking effect. Swelling tests indicated that all three PIC concentrations reduced the swelling ratio of the demineralized matrix, effectively improving its mechanical properties. SEM showed that collagen from the 10 mg/mL PIC group retained its natural three-dimensional network post-enzymolysis, contrasting sharply with the disintegrated collagen in the enzymolyzed distilled water group B but resembling the morphology of the non-enzymolyzed distilled water group A. SBS results demonstrated that the 10 mg/mL PIC group exhibited significantly higher bond strengths than the control group in both the immediate and aged tests (P < 0.05); immediate SBS in the 10 mg/mL PIC group was also significantly greater than that in the 2.5 mg/mL PIC group (P < 0.05), while no other intergroup differences were found (P > 0.05). Failure mode analysis indicated predominantly mixed fractures, with the proportion of interfacial fractures decreasing as PIC concentration increased compared with the control group. Conclusion A 10 mg/mL PIC solution can effectively cross-link decalcified dentin matrices in primary teeth, enhancing the anti-enzymatic hydrolytic capacity and mechanical properties during clinical operation, thereby promoting bond strength and interface stability, which promises to improve the long-term durability of resin-dentin bonding.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Xiaozhen Formula （消疹方） in preventing skin toxicity induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors （EGFRIs） in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled， multicenter clinical study was conducted. A total of 120 patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC from seven centers were enrolled and randomly assigned to a treatment group （60 cases） or a control group （60 cases）. On the basis of EGFRI-targeted therapy， patients in the treatment group received Xiaozhen Formula granules， whereas those in the control group received Xiaozhen Formula placebo granules， both at 10 g twice daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The primary outcomes were the grading of skin toxicity evaluated using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events （NCI-CTCAE） version 5.0 and the incidence of rash. Secondary outcomes included the time to onset and time to resolution of the highest-grade rash， the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 （EORTC QLQ-C30） scores， the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale （HADS） scores， and disease control rate， together with safety assessments. ResultsBased on the full analysis set （FAS）， the incidence of skin toxicity in the treatment group was 18.33% （11/60）， significantly lower than 45.00% （27/60） in the control group （P＜0.01）， with the highest severity of skin toxicity in both groups was grade 2. Among patients who developed rash， the resolution rate in the treatment group was 90.91% （10/11）， higher than that 33.33% （9/27） in the control group. The median time to resolution was 15 days （95%CI： 8-17 days） in the treatment group and it was not reached in the control group； the distribution of time to resolution differed significantly between groups （P＜0.001）. After treatment， the treatment group had higher EORTC QLQ-C30 functional scale and global health status/quality-of-life scores， and lower symptom scale， single-item scores， as well as HADS-A， and HADS-D scores than the control group （P＜0.05）. In the FAS analysis， the disease control rate （DCR） was 85.0% （51/60） in the treatment group， lower than 100.0% （60/60） in the control group （P=0.003）， whereas no significant between-group difference was observed in the per-protocol set （PPS） analysis （P=0.464）. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups （P＞0.05）， and no definite safety signals related to the investigational drug were observed. ConclusionXiaozhen Formula can reduce the incidence of EGFRI-induced skin toxicity， and improve the outcome of rash regression， the patients' quality of life and psychological status in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients.

ObjectiveTo carry out a health technology assessment （HTA） of acupuncture for secondary dysmenorrhea （SD） caused by adenomyosis and endometriosis， in order to provide a reference for relevant medical decision-making. MethodsFrom the perspective of the health system， the assessment covers seven areas， including the technical characteristics， safety， effectiveness， economics， ethical fairness， organizational adaptability， and impact on patients and society. The results are reported accordingly. ResultsThe operational specifications of acupuncture are standardized， and the conditions for its use are clearly defined. Acupuncture has a lower overall incidence of adverse events. The main adverse events are localized pain， subcutaneous bleeding， and dizziness， with most symptoms being mild， all of which have corresponding standard treatments. No reports on occupational or environmental safety were found， and the safety operation specifications are available for reference. Compared with conventional Western medicine， acupuncture demonstrates higher effectiveness. Acupuncture may improve the quality of life scores of patients， though no significant difference was observed. The cost of acupuncture is higher than that of conventional Western medicine， but its overall economic value is greater. The informed consent information is relatively comprehensive. Most patients are aware of the potential benefits and risks of acupuncture and voluntarily opt for it. The treatment process fully respects patient privacy and human rights. The clinical application of acupuncture follows the current acupuncture medical service model， with no special requirements for the level of medical institutions. Patient accessibility and affordability are suitable. Patient satisfaction is high. Most patients indicated they would choose acupuncture again for SD. The main barriers to choosing acupuncture are psychological factors （such as fear of acupuncture）， cost， and transportation issues. Nearly 70% of patients receiving acupuncture treatment benefit from medical insurance reimbursement， with reimbursement rates generally above 50%， indicating strong social security support. ConclusionThe implementation of HTA for acupuncture in the treatment of SD， using the standards for traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， is feasible. The implementation steps are clear， the data sources for each evaluation domain are adequate， the analysis methods are practical， and the evaluation results are comprehensive. Experts recommend that the findings be used as a reference for relevant medical decision-making.

Tumors are the second leading cause of death worldwide. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle secreted from multivesicular bodies, with particle sizes ranging from 40 to 160 nm. They regulate the tumor microenvironment, proliferation, and progression by transporting proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules. Compared with other drug delivery systems, exosomes derived from different cells possess unique cellular tropism, enabling them to selectively target specific tissues and organs. This homing ability allows them to cross biological barriers that are otherwise difficult for conventional drug delivery systems to penetrate. Due to their biocompatibility and unique biological properties, exosomes can serve as drug delivery systems capable of loading various anti-tumor drugs. They can traverse biological barriers, evade immune responses, and specifically target tumor tissues, making them ideal carriers for anti-tumor therapeutics. This article systematically summarizes the methods for exosome isolation, including ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), immunoaffinity capture, and microfluidics. However, these methods have certain limitations. A combination of multiple isolation techniques can improve isolation efficiency. For instance, combining ultrafiltration with SEC can achieve both high purity and high yield while reducing processing time. Exosome drug loading methods can be classified into post-loading and pre-loading approaches. Pre-loading is further categorized into active and passive loading. Active loading methods, including electroporation, sonication, extrusion, and freeze-thaw cycles, involve physical or chemical disruption of the exosome membrane to facilitate drug encapsulation. Passive loading relies on drug concentration gradients or hydrophobic interactions between drugs and exosomes for encapsulation. Pre-loading strategies also include genetic engineering and co-incubation methods. Additionally, we review approaches to enhance the targeting, retention, and permeability of exosomes. Genetic engineering and chemical modifications can improve their tumor-targeting capabilities. Magnetic fields can also be employed to promote the accumulation of exosomes at tumor sites. Retention time can be prolonged by inhibiting monocyte-mediated clearance or by combining exosomes with hydrogels. Engineered exosomes can also reshape the tumor microenvironment to enhance permeability. This review further discusses the current applications of exosomes in delivering various anti-tumor drugs. Specifically, exosomes can encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel to reduce side effects and increase drug concentration within tumor tissues. For instance, exosomes loaded with doxorubicin can mitigate cardiotoxicity and minimize adverse effects on healthy tissues. Furthermore, exosomes can encapsulate proteins to enhance protein stability and bioavailability or carry immunogenic cell death inducers for tumor vaccines. In addition to these applications, exosomes can deliver nucleic acids such as siRNA and miRNA to regulate gene expression, inhibit tumor proliferation, and suppress invasion. Beyond their therapeutic applications, exosomes also serve as tumor biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. The detection of exosomal miRNA can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing prostate and pancreatic cancers. Despite their promising potential as drug delivery systems, challenges remain in the standardization and large-scale production of exosomes. This article explores the future development of engineered exosomes for targeted tumor therapy. Plant-derived exosomes hold potential due to their superior biocompatibility, lower toxicity, and abundant availability. Furthermore, the integration of exosomes with artificial intelligence may offer novel applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.

Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.

Objectives: Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study. Methods: Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting. Results: Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed. Conclusions In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.

ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status, transmission risk and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) on the object surfaces in the surrounding environment of hospitalized patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) , so as to provide a scientific guidance for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. MethodsSamples from the surfaces of objects in the surrounding environment of CRKP infected patients living in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hand specimens from healthcare workers were collected for KP isolation and identification, as well as drug susceptible test in a medical institution located in Minhang District, Shanghai from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors associated with KP contamination in the hospital environment. ResultsA total of 546 surface samples were collected from the surrounding environment objects of 15 patients infected with CRKP, with a KP detection rate of 6.59% (36/546).The KP detection rate in the ICU of general ward (10.22%) was higher than that in the ICU of emergency department (2.94%) (χ²=12.142, P<0.001). Moreover, the KP detection rate on the surfaces of patient-contacted items (15.66%) was higher than that on shared-use items (6.25%), cleaning items (10.00%), and medical supplies (3.30%) (χ²=17.943, P<0.001). Besides, the detection rate of KP in items sent out of hospital for disinfection (15.38%) was higher than that in those self-disinfected (4.20%) (χ²=19.996, P<0.001).The highest detection rate of KP was observed in high-temperature washing (15.13%, 18/119) (χ²=21.219, P<0.001), while the lowest detection rate was observed in antibacterial hand sanitizer with trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether sanitizing factor (0, 0/60) ( χ²=21.219, P<0.001).The detection rate of KP in samples taken more than 24 hours after the last disinfection (23.08%) was higher than that in those taken at 4 to24 hours (12.90%) and less than 4 hours (4.22%) (χ²=23.398,P<0.001).ICU of general ward (OR=4.045, 95%CI: 2.206‒7.416), patient-contacted items (OR=3.113, 95%CI: 1.191‒8.141), and self-disinfection ( OR=0.241, 95%CI:0.144‒0.402) were influencing factors for KP contamination in environmental surface. From 2021 to 2023, the drug resistance rates of hospital environmental KP isolates showed an upward trend (P<0.001) to antibiotics such as ceftazidime and gentamicin. Furthermore, high drug resistance rates of KP (>90%) were observed to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime. ConclusionCRKP can be transmitted outward through the surfaces of objects in the patients’ surroundings, and the drug resistance situation is severe. In clinical settings, it is necessary to implement isolation measures for CRKP infection patients, to increase the frequency of disinfection for objects in their surroundings, to strengthen hand hygiene practices, and to use antibiotics appropriately.