Nasopharyngeal carcinoma （NPC） is a malignant tumor originating from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx. In recent years， its incidence and mortality rates have shown a continuous upward trend， and there is still a lack of therapeutic regimens with both favorable efficacy and safety in clinical practice. Mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway plays a key regulatory role in biological processes such as cell proliferation， differentiation， apoptosis and invasion. It is widely involved in the occurrence and progression of NPC， and serves as an important target in the research field of anti-NPC therapy. This article systematically elaborates on the mechanism of action of the MAPK signaling pathway in NPC， and reviews the research status regarding the anti-NPC effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and TCM compound prescriptions by regulating this signaling pathway. The results show that TCM active components， including flavonoids （luteolin， maackiain， baicalein， etc.）， alkaloids （picrasidine Ⅰ， tetrandrine， etc.）， terpenoids （bakuchiol， cantharidic acid）， as well as traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas （such as Biyan jiedu capsules and Yiqi jiedu formula） can exert effects including inducing autophagy and apoptosis of NPC cells， promoting pyroptosis， reversing drug resistance， blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition， weakening cell stemness and arresting cell cycle progression by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway， thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of NPC through multiple pathways.

To analyze the disease burden, temporal trends, and attributable risk factors of early-onset female breast cancer (EOBC) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021.

Objective To analyze the structural and phylogenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from Bulinus globosus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for classification and identification of species within the Bulinus genus, and to provide insights into understanding of Bulinus-schistosomes interactions and the mechanisms of parasite transmission. Methods B. globosus samples were collected from the Ruya River basin in Zimbabwe. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from B. globosus samples and the corresponding libraries were constructed for high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After raw sequencing data were subjected to quality control using the fastp software, genome assembly was performed using the A5-miseq and SPAdes tools, and genome annotation was conducted using the MITOS online server. Circular maps and sequence plots of the mitochondrial genome were generated using the CGView and OGDRAW software, and the protein conservation motifs and structures were analyzed using the TBtools software. Base composition and codon usage bias were analyzed and visualized using the software MEGA X and the ggplot2 package in the R software. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was created in the software MEGA X after sequence alignment with the software MAFFT 7, and visualized using the software iTOL. Results The mitochondrial genome of B. globosus was a 13 730 bp double-stranded circular molecule, containing 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 13 protein-coding genes, with a marked AT preference. The mitochondrial genome composition of B. globosus was similar to that of other species within the Bulinus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. globosus was clustered with B. truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae into the same evolutionary clade, and gene superfamily analysis showed that the metabolism-related proteins of B. globosus were highly conserved, notably the cytochrome c oxidase family, which showed a significant consistency. Conclusions This is the first whole mitochondrial genome sequencing to decode the compositional features of the mitochondrial genome of B. globosus from Zimbabwe and its evolutionary relationship within the Bulinus genus, which provides important insights for further understanding of the phylogeny and mitochondrial genome characteristics of the Bulinus genus.

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of refractory nephrotic syndrome （RNS） in children. The first- generation rituximab is the most widely used in clinical practice； it shows definite efficacy in children with RNS， is recommended by guidelines， particularly for achieving a high remission rate in minimal change nephrosis， and can significantly reduce the cumulative use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. The second-generation ofatumumab has potential as an alternative treatment for patients who are intolerant or resistant to rituximab， while the third-generation obinutuzumab has shown efficacy in complex cases such as rituximab resistance or post-transplant recurrence. However， there is still controversy regarding the optimization of rituximab treatment dosage and whether ofatumumab and obinutuzumab offer greater advantages than rituximab for the treatment of RNS in children. The most common adverse reaction induced by anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is infusion reactions， and long-term adverse events mainly include increased risks of sustained immunosuppression and infections. Rituximab has significant economic advantages for the treatment of RNS， but additional pharmacoeconomic research based on China’s healthcare environment is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ofatumumab and obinutuzumab in this population. Given that the current use of ofatumumab and obinutuzumab in this field is considered off-label use， clinical application should only proceed after a rigorous evaluation of the patient’s benefits and risks.

OBJECTIVE To provide direction and reference for the adjustment of the discount rate （DR） in China’s pharmacoeconomic guidelines. METHODS Search was conducted on the official websites of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research， health technology assessment agencies in various countries/regions， as well as relevant websites of other upper-middle-income or high-income countries/regions. The recommended DR， adjustment trends， and setting rationales in pharmacoeconomic evaluation guidelines across different countries/regions were then summarized and compared. Based on theoretical derivation and literature analysis， the effects of different DR on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） were examined. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Among the 40 included guidelines， the base-case DR ranged from 1.5% to 5%， with 5% being the most common value； the range for sensitivity analysis was 0 to 12%. Thirty-six countries/regions applied the same DR to both costs and health outcomes， while in the Netherlands， Belgium， Poland and Czech Republic， DR for costs was higher than for health outcomes. In recent years， Korea， France and Ireland had lowered their DR in response to economic changes， whereas the Netherlands and Czech Republic had raised their DR for cost. The setting of the DR was primarily based on the public project investment interest rate or referred to recommendations from internationally authoritative institutions and other relevant guidelines. The direction and magnitude of the impact of different DR on the ICER largely depended on the distribution of costs and health outcomes between the intervention and reference measure. The setting and adjustment of DR were closely associated with the economic environment. Based on international experience, the DR in China can be lowered by 0.5% to 1.5%， and localized empirical research can be conducted using internationally common estimation methods.

OBJECTIVES: In the early stage of central cervical disc herniation, clinical symptoms may be mild. However, as the spinal cord becomes compressed by herniated nucleus pulposus tissue, progressive edema and degeneration may occur, resulting in more severe clinical manifestations, including limb weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction, spastic paraplegia of the lower extremities, and even respiratory difficulty. The spinal endoscopic Key-hole technique is widely applied in treating radiculopathic cervical spondylosis and has demonstrated good clinical outcomes. This study aims to analyze and summarize the technical points and therapeutic efficacy of the far lateral Key-hole technique in the treatment of central cervical disc herniation, providing reference for clinical application. METHODS: Eight patients with central cervical disc herniation treated with the far lateral Key-hole technique were included as the experimental group. Another 8 patients who underwent single-level anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) during the same period were selected as the control group. Data collected included gender, age, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and length of hospitalization. Pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); cervical function was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score; and cervical disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcomes were assessed using disc height index (DHI), cervical Cobb angle, and operative segment Cobb angle. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter incision length, and shorter hospital stay (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in operation time (P>0.05). Postoperative VAS and NDI scores in both groups were significantly lower than preoperative values, and JOA scores significantly improved (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups preoperatively (P>0.05). Postoperatively, the experimental group showed significantly lower VAS and NDI scores and higher JOA scores than the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in DHI before and after surgery in the experimental group (P>0.05), while the DHI increased significantly postoperatively in the control group (P<0.05). Postoperative DHI in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the cervical Cobb angle either within or between groups (all P>0.05). The operative segment Cobb angle increased significantly after surgery in the control group (P<0.05), while no other operative segment angle changes were statistically significant (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The far lateral Key-hole technique offers advantages in treating central cervical disc herniation, including reduced intraoperative bleeding, smaller incision length, shorter hospitalization, and improved postoperative pain relief. Additionally, the technique does not affect cervical physiological curvature or stability in the short term, making it suitable for clinical application.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Diskectomy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Endoscopy/methods*

Photodynamic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the dysfunctional tumor vasculature results in tumor hypoxia and the low efficiency of drug delivery, which in turn restricts the anticancer effect of photodynamic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed photosensitive lipid nanoparticles. The synthesized PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles could produce type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron or energy transfer through PFBT under light irradiation. Moreover, this nanosystem could alleviate tumor hypoxia and promote vascular normalization through Roxadustat. Upon irradiation with white light, the ROS produced by PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles in situ dysregulated calcium homeostasis and triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, which further promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, enhanced antigen presentation, and stimulated an effective adaptive immune response, ultimately priming the tumor microenvironment (TME) together with the hypoxia alleviation and vessel normalization by Roxadustat. Indeed, in vivo results indicated that PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles promoted M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, recruited more natural killer cells, and augmented infiltration of T cells, thereby leading to efficient photodynamic immunotherapy and potentiating the anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody. Collectively, photodynamic immunotherapy with PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles efficiently program TME through the induction of immunogenicity and oxygenation, and effectively suppress tumor growth through immunogenic cell death and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Objective:To explore the effects of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on model rats of tinnitus with syndrome of liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency (TLSSD) and its preliminary mechanisms.Methods:The rats were divided into four groups: a blank group, a model group, a positive group, and Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups, with 7 rats in each group according to random number table method. Except for the blank group, the TLSSD model was prepared by the composite etiological method in all groups of rats. The positive group received a gavage of carbamazepine at 15 mg/kg, while Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups were given 30 g/kg and 15 g/kg of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction, respectively. The blank and model groups were administered an equal volume of saline once daily for 4 weeks. The frequency of conditioned avoidance response behaviors in rats was recorded before and at 2 and 4 weeks post-drug administration; TCM syndrome scores were documented before and after treatment; auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were monitored at frequencies of 4, 12, 20, and 28 kHz; IL-1β mRNA expression in the inferior colliculus and cochlea was detected by RT-qPCR; and the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) in hippocampal tissues were determined by LC-MS/MS.Results:The model group exhibited symptoms of liver depression, including irritability, yellow fur, and a dark red tongue, along with signs of spleen deficiency such as lethargy, decreased activity, and loose stools. Compared to the model group, rats in the Xiaoyao Conger high- and low-dosage groups demonstrated a reduction in conditioned avoidance response behaviors ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), a decrease in TCM syndrome scores ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), lower ABR thresholds at 12, 20, and 28 kHz ( P<0.01), reduced levels of IL-1β mRNA in the inferior colliculus and cochlea ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and decreased hippocampal Glu levels ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of Xiaoyao Conger Decoction pretreatment on TLSSD rats may be related to its ability to improve the mood disorders and stress, reduce the neuroinflammatory response, regulate the CNS neurotransmitter balance, and correct the overexcitability of the auditory centre, etc.

Objective To explore the effect of saururus chinensis tannin on proliferation and mi-gration of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)cells by regulating Hippo/YAP signaling pathway.Methods Human NSCLC cell line A549 was treated with different concentrations of saururus chinen-sis tannin.Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay to screen appropriate drug concentrations.NSCLC cells were randomly divided into control group,low-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group,medium-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group,high-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group and high-concentration saururus chinensis tannin+YAP activator(XMU-MP-1)group.Cell viability,colony formation capacity,migration ability and invasion ability were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay,plate colony formation assay,wound healing assay and transwell assay,respective-ly.Expression levels of proteins associated with migration and invasion[E-cadherin,N-cadherin and snail]and proteins related to the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway[Yes-associated protein(YAP),phosphorylated Yes-associated protein(p-YAP),connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)and cys-teine-rich angiogenic inducer 61(CYR61)]were detected by western blot analysis.Results Com-pared with the control group,the cell viability,the number of colony cells,migration and invasion abilities,as well as the expression levels of N-cadherin,snail,YAP,CTGF and CYR61 proteins in the low-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group,medium-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group and high-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group were significantly decreased or reduced,and the expression levels of E-cadherin and p-YAP proteins were significantly increased(P＜0.05),with the most pronounced effects observed in the high-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group.Compared with the high-concentration saururus chinensis tannin group,the cell viabil-ity,the number of colony cells,migration and invasion abilities,as well as the expression levels of N-cadherin,snail,YAP,CTGF and CYR61 in the high-concentration saururus chinensis tannin+YAP activator group were significantly increased or enhanced,while the expression levels of E-cad-herin and p-YAP were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Saururus chinensis tannin may reduce the survival rate of NSCLC cells and inhibit their proliferation,migration and invasion a-bilities by regulating the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway.