BACKGROUND:Pearl powder is rich in many active ingredients,which can promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts,thus promoting wound healing and skin tissue regeneration.However,the effect of nano-pearl powder water-soluble matrix on proliferation,migration and apoptosis of mouse fibroblasts L929 has not been reported.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of nano-pearl powder water-soluble matrix on the proliferation,migration and apoptosis of mouse fibroblasts L929.METHODS:Passage 6 L929 cells were divided into five groups.The negative control group did not add any material;the positive control group added PBS,and the low,medium and high mass concentration groups of water-soluble matrix were added with 10,25 and 40 μg/mL of nano-pearl powder water-soluble matrix,respectively.The proliferation of L929 cells was detected by MTT assay.The migration ability of L929 cells was detected by Transwell.The apoptosis rate of L929 cells was detected by flow cytometry.The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bax,Bcl-2,and Caspase-1 were detected by western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of MTT assay and Transwell chamber experiment showed that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder could promote the proliferation and migration of L929 cells,and it was concentration dependent.(2)Flow cytometry and western blot assay results showed that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder could reduce the apoptosis rate of L929 cells and the protein expression of Bax and Caspase-1,and increase the expression of Bcl-2 protein,and it was concentration dependent.(3)These findings exhibited that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder could inhibit cell apoptosis under high mass concentration treatment.The results show that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder can promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and inhibit the apoptosis of fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND:Pearl powder is rich in many active ingredients,which can promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts,thus promoting wound healing and skin tissue regeneration.However,the effect of nano-pearl powder water-soluble matrix on proliferation,migration and apoptosis of mouse fibroblasts L929 has not been reported.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of nano-pearl powder water-soluble matrix on the proliferation,migration and apoptosis of mouse fibroblasts L929.METHODS:Passage 6 L929 cells were divided into five groups.The negative control group did not add any material;the positive control group added PBS,and the low,medium and high mass concentration groups of water-soluble matrix were added with 10,25 and 40 μg/mL of nano-pearl powder water-soluble matrix,respectively.The proliferation of L929 cells was detected by MTT assay.The migration ability of L929 cells was detected by Transwell.The apoptosis rate of L929 cells was detected by flow cytometry.The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bax,Bcl-2,and Caspase-1 were detected by western blot assay.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of MTT assay and Transwell chamber experiment showed that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder could promote the proliferation and migration of L929 cells,and it was concentration dependent.(2)Flow cytometry and western blot assay results showed that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder could reduce the apoptosis rate of L929 cells and the protein expression of Bax and Caspase-1,and increase the expression of Bcl-2 protein,and it was concentration dependent.(3)These findings exhibited that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder could inhibit cell apoptosis under high mass concentration treatment.The results show that the water-soluble matrix of nano-pearl powder can promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and inhibit the apoptosis of fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease and intermittent hypoxia is increasingly recognized as a factor that may impact disease progression. The present study investigated whether intermittent hypoxia (IH) could aggravate asthma by promoting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin (IL)-1β-dependent pyroptosis and the inflammatory response and further elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS: A total of 49 patients diagnosed with severe bronchial asthma and diagnosed by polysomnography were enrolled at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2022 and December 2022, and their general data and induced sputum were collected. BEAS-2B cells were treated with IL-13 and subjected to IH. An ovalbumin (OVA)-treated mouse model was also used to assess the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on asthma. Pyroptosis, the inflammatory response, and related signalling pathways were assessed in vivo and in vitro . RESULTS: In this study, as the apnoea and hypopnea index (AHI) increased, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma increased. The proportions of neutrophils and the levels of IL-6, IL-8, HIF-1α and NLRP3 in induced sputum were related to the AHI. NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, which could be mediated by the HIF-1α signalling pathway, was activated in IL-13 plus IH-treated BEAS-2B cells and in the lungs of OVA/CIH mice. HIF-1α downregulation significantly reduced lung pyroptosis and ameliorated neutrophil inflammation by modulating the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway both in vitro and in vivo . Similarly, pretreatment with LW6, an inhibitor of HIF-1α, effectively blocked the generation of inflammatory cytokines in neutrophils. In addition, administration of the NLRP3 activator nigericin obviously increased lung neutrophil inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation. IH aggravates neutrophil inflammation in asthma via NLRP3/IL-1β-dependent pyroptosis mediated by the HIF-1α signalling pathway, which should be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthma with OSAHS.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Humans ; Asthma/metabolism* ; Animals ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Male ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Female ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

This study was conducted retrospectively on a cohort of 68 patients with steroid 5 α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) deficiency and 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). Whole-exon sequencing revealed 28 variants of SRD5A2 , and further analysis identified seven novel mutants. The preponderance of variants was observed in exon 1 and exon 4, specifically within the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-binding region. Among the entire cohort, 53 patients underwent initial surgery at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (Chengdu, China). The external genitalia scores (EGS) of these participants varied from 2.0 to 11.0, with a mean of 6.8 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 2.5). Thirty patients consented to hormone testing. Their average testosterone-to-dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio was 49.3 (s.d.: 23.4). Genetic testing identified four patients with EGS scores between 6 and 9 as having this syndrome; and their T/DHT ratios were below the diagnostic threshold. Furthermore, assessments conducted using the crystal structure of human SRD5A2 have provided insights into the potential pathogenic mechanisms of these novel variants. These mechanisms include interference with NADPH binding (c.356G>C, c.365A>G, c.492C>G, and c.662T>G) and destabilization of the protein structure (c.727C>T). The c.446-1G>T and c.380delG variants were verified to result in large alterations in the transcripts. Seven novel variations were identified, and the variant database for the SRD5A2 gene was expanded. These findings contribute to the progress of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for individuals with SRD5A2 deficiency.
Humans ; 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase/genetics* ; Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/blood* ; Male ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Female ; Mutation ; Testosterone/blood* ; Infant ; Dihydrotestosterone/blood*

Objective: To explore the treatment plan for severe papillary defects in the aesthetic zone caused by severe periodontitis, providing a reference for clinical practice. Methods : A patient with severe periodontitis leading to severe papillary defects in the upper anterior teeth from 12 to 23 was treated using interdental tunnel technique combined with personalized connective tissue grafting for periodontal plastic surgery, and stable soft tissue augmentation was achieved. Resin restoration was conducted to modify the crown shape of the aesthetic zone teeth, reconstruct white aesthetics, guide the shaping of the gingival papillae, reduce “black triangles,” and enhance the patient’s confidence in smiling. Results : The patient’s periodontal condition and the regeneration of soft tissues in the aesthetic zone were good, and the smile aesthetics were restored. After a 3-year follow-up, the gingival morphology, color, and texture were good, and the effect was stable. The literature review indicates that for papillary defects in the aesthetic zone, analysis should be conducted based on the following aspects: whether a defect is present in periodontal hard and soft tissues, crown shape, and the distance from the most apical part of the crown contact area to the top of the alveolar crest. Based on the analysis of aesthetic defects and surgical indications, a personalized treatment plan should be designed. Conclusion For patients with obvious papillary defects in the aesthetic zone due to the reduction of periodontal support tissues caused by severe periodontitis, factors such as periodontal hard and soft tissue defects, crown shape, and the distance from the most apical part of the crown contact area to the top of the alveolar crest should be fully considered, and a personalized treatment plan should be formulated after multidisciplinary joint consultation.

Objective:To investigate multi-system involvement in Kennedy′s disease and its association with disease progression.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, laboratory, and electrophysiological data from 48 genetically confirmed patients with Kennedy′s disease at the Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, between February 2016 and February 2024. The disease progression rate was calculated based on the functional scores at baseline and follow-up. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships among clinical variables and to identify potential predictors of disease progression.Results:The age of muscle weakness onset ranged from 16 to 66 years (mean 42±11 years), with a diagnostic delay of 5.0 (3.0, 9.8) years. Lower limb weakness was the most common initial symptom in 72.9% (35/48) of patients, and 37.5% (18/48) exhibited non-motor manifestations prior to the onset of weakness. Core motor manifestations included bulbar weakness (89.6%, 43/48) and symmetric proximal limb weakness (83.3%, 40/48), frequently accompanied by gynecomastia (74.2%, 23/31) and sexual dysfunction (64.6%, 31/48). The median CAG repeat length was 43 (42, 46), which showed a significant negative correlation with the age at onset ( r=-0.406, P=0.004). Patients with CAG repeats > 43 had a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Elevated serum muscle enzymes were observed in 97.9% (47/48), and abnormal sex hormone levels were detected in 81.2% (39/48). Sensory neuropathy was present in 68.1% (32/47), with CAG repeat length inversely correlating with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes in the median ( β=-0.29; t=-2.27, P=0.029) and ulnar ( β=-0.22; t=-2.23, P=0.031) nerves. Low-frequency repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) revealed a decrement in 43.3% (13/30) of patients, most commonly affecting the axillary and spinal accessory nerves. The disease progression rate was 1.3±0.3 (range: 0.5-2.0). Furthermore, serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels were negatively correlated with disease progression rate ( r=-0.303, P=0.036). Conclusions:Kennedy′s disease presents with diverse initial manifestations and frequent multi-system involvement. Non-motor manifestations may precede muscle weakness, serving as valuable clues for early diagnosis. Widespread sex hormone abnormalities (particularly testosterone/luteinizing hormone dysregulation) support the role of androgen insensitivity in disease pathogenesis. Sensory neuropathies are frequent and not length-dependent. The presence of decremental responses on low-frequency RNS suggests neuromuscular junction dysfunction, which may underlie motor impairment in patients with Kennedy′s disease. Finally, serum CK-MB may serve as a potential biomarker for disease progression.

Aim To detect the non-coding RNA(ncRNA)expression profile of neuroglioma cells via whole transcriptome sequencing,establish the ceRNA network and reveal the molecular mechanism of ncRNA participating in the inhibition of neuroglioma cell prolif-eration by melatonin.Methods Neuroglioma cells were intervened with by 0,2,4,6 and 8 mmol·L-1 melatonin for 24,48 and 72 h,and the inhibitory effect of melatonin on cell proliferation was detected via CCK-8;after the intervention of 0 and 4 mmol·L-1 melatonin to U251 cells for 24 h,differentially ex-pressed miRNA(DEmiRNA),lncRNA(DElncRNA)and mRNA(DEmRNA)were detected through whole transcriptome sequencing,along with GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of DEmRNA;the ceRNA network was constructed,and the key gene expression of ceR-NA was verified through qRT-PCR.Results Melato-nin exerts a time-dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of neuroglioma cells;a total of 5049 DEmRNA,635 DElncRNA and 146 DEmiRNA in 0 and 4 mmol·L-1 melatonin groups were screened out via whole transcriptome sequencing;DEmRNAs were mainly enriched in cancer-related signaling pathways,such as ferroptosis,mTOR signaling pathway,FoxO signaling pathway and cell cycle;the ceRNA network included 4 lncRNAs,3 miRNAs and 48 mRNAs.As verified through real-time PCR,the expressions of hsa-miR-129-5p,hsa-miR-362-5p,LINC00707 and SLC16A1-AS1 of U251 cells were consistent with the sequencing results,and the gene expression of U87 cells was basically consistent with the sequencing re-sults.Conclusions Melatonin affects cancer-related signaling pathways through the differential expression of ncRNA so as to inhibit the proliferation of U251 cells;the ceRNA network composed of LINC00707,SLC16A1-AS1,hsa-miR-129-5p and hsa-miR-362-5p may take a part in the molecular mechanism of melato-nin in inhibiting neuroglioma cell proliferation.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a higher-order thinking-oriented BOPPPS-based blended teach-ing model in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery education,focusing on its impact on the academic performance and teaching satisfaction of undergraduate clinical medicine students.Methods A total of 199 undergraduate clinical medicine students from Guangzhou Medical University were enrolled,divided into a control group(2021-2022 academic year,n=118)and an experi-mental group(2022-2023 academic year,n=81).The control group received conventional blended teaching via Chaoxing plat-form combined with case discussions,while the experimental group implemented the BOPPPS-integrated blended teaching model.Results Students in the experimental group achieved significantly higher average scores than the control group(Δ=11.71 points),with the excellent rate increasing from 0% to 11.1% and the failure rate decreasing to 1.2% .Additionally,the experi-mental group reported high satisfaction with the BOPPPS-integrated blended teaching model,with an overall satisfaction rate of 80.25%.Furthermore,54.32% of students expressed a preference for blended teaching approaches.Students widely acknowl-edged that this model facilitated flexible knowledge application.Conclusion The BOPPPS-integrated blended teaching model ef-fectively enhances the academic performance and teaching satisfaction of undergraduate clinical medicine students,providing a valuable reference for medical education reform oriented toward fostering higher-order thinking and clinical competency.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of polatuzumab vedotin(pola)combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(R/R DLBCL).Methods:A total of 23 patients with R/R DLBCL treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University and its Liangzhu Branch from April 2023 to March 2024 were retrospectively collected.All patients were treated with pola combined with chemotherapy regimens such as BR,R-GDP,R-CHOP,or other regimens.Results:All 23 patients were evaluable for efficacy,with 10 achieving complete response(CR),7 partial response(PR),3 stable disease(SD),and 3 progressive disease(PD).The most common adverse events included myelosuppression,fever,and pulmonary infection.No severe adverse events resulted in drug withdrawal.Conclusion:Pola combined with chemotherapy demonstrates promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in the treatment of R/R DLBCL.

Objective To establish a model that integrates ultrasound features and immunological characteristics for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in breast cancer patients.Methods A total of 203 breast cancer patients undergoing preoperative NAC at the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between July 2021 and July 2024 were screened.In line with the inclusion/exclusion criteria,177 patients were included.Data on ultrasound and immunohistochemistry was collected.These patients were divided into pathological complete response(pCR)and non-pathological complete response(non-pCR)groups based on postoperative pathology.Factors with P＜0.0 1 in univariate analysis were evaluated using multivariate Logistic regression.Independent predictive factors were used to construct and validate the ultrasound-immunohistochemical model via Bootstrap.Results The reduction rateof the maximum diameter of lesions,posterior echo attenuation,PR status and HER-2 status were identified as independent predictors of pCR(all P＜0.05).The model proved to be highly accurate and stable.Conclusion The model that combines ultrasound and immunohistochemical features can effectively evaluatep CR after NAC in breast cancer patients.