ObjectiveTo improve the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (A. membranaceus, Huang Qi), and to further develop and utilize it, fermentation technology was applied to the stem and leaf of A. membranaceus to enhance its immune function.MethodsIn this study, we fermented A. membranaceus stem and leaf (ASL) with probiotics and investigated its immune function. Firstly, we screened suitable strains for ASL fermentation and optimized the fermentation process. Secondly, we determined the antioxidant capacity of fermented ASL and its effect on inflammation in mouse monocyte-macrophage cell. Finally, the immunocompromised mice were treated with fermented ASL to investigate the changes in their immune ability.ResultsAmong the 10 selected probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum was the most suitable strain for ASL fermentation. After optimization of the fermentation process, the content of saponins in fermented ASL was significantly increased. The fermented ASL exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro. The in vivo immune efficacy improved by promoting the development of the spleen and thymus, as well as raising the immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels of in the serum.ConclusionThis study contributes to developing the non-medicinal parts of A. membranaceus, expands its medicinal resources, highlights the potential of fermentation technology to enhance these parts, and provides a reference for further development. Based on this approach, we can promote using non-medicinal parts of herbal medicines, minimize drug waste, and offer a reference for developing non-medicinal components in Chinese herbal medicines.

Organoids,as a three-dimensional structural model that has been rapidly developed and widely concerned in recent years,enable the key functions and microenvironment of internal organs to be simulated in the real world,and closely reflect the physiological and pathological characteristics of the natural occurrence and metastasis of tumors,providing a new platform for disease modeling,drug research and precision medicine.This paper briefly summarizes the limitations and development prospects of organoid models,analyzes the current construction and development of organoid models of lung cancer and its applicability compared with traditional models under the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine and the basic theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment,and discusses the application of organoid technology in the basic research of lung cancer treatment.The advantages in screening anti-tumor Chinese medicine and drug resistance research and precision medicine provide new ideas for realizing innovative breakthroughs in traditional Chinese medicine research combined with modern science and technology.

Nanopore sequencing,as a representative of third-generation sequencing technology,is widely used in molecular biology research.It offers several advantages,including high throughput,ultra-long read lengths,real-time sequencing,and the absence of amplification and labeling requirements.This technology has been applied for the detection of various pathogens,genomic typing,structural variation analysis,and personalized treatment guidance,making it valuable for pathogen monitoring and medical research.This article focuses on the principles of nanopore sequencing technology,its advantages,and its applications in molecular biology and molecular medicine.The limitations of nanopore sequencing and its future development directions are also summarized,providing new perspectives for further research in this field.

Objective:To explore the applicability of modified comprehensive interventions in the treatment of non-severe dry eye syndrome in military pilots.Methods:A total of 88 military pilots with non-severe dry eye syndrome admitted to the Special Service Department of the 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force between December 2021 and December 2023 were divided into an intervention group and a control group using the random number table method, with 44 cases in each. The intervention group received modified comprehensive interventions, while the control group underwent conventional treatment. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), break-up time, tear meniscus height, changes in meibomian gland function, and levels of satisfaction of military pilots were compared between the 2 groups. The correlations between the OSDI, break-up time, tear meniscus height and levels of satisfaction were analyzed.Results:Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the OSDI between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the changes in the OSDI of military pilots were smaller in the intervention group than in the control group ( t=3.21, P=0.002). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the break-up time (both P<0.001) and tear meniscus height ( P<0.001, =0.012) of pilots in the intervention group exceeded those of the control group. In both groups, the break-up time (all P<0.001) and tear meniscus height (all P<0.001) kept increasing after treatment. After 4 weeks of treatment, there were significant differences in the distribution of meibomian gland function between the 2 groups ( Z=-2.55, -2.41, -2.29, P=0.011, 0.016, 0.022). Clinical care, procedure flow, and health education scored higher in the intervention group than in the control group during the survey on levels of satisfaction with the treatment ( t=6.55, 6.77, 3.63, all P≤0.001). The OSDI was negatively correlated with clinical care, procedure flow and health education ( r=-0.286, -0.275, -0.363, P=0.007, 0.010, 0.001) while the break-up time was positively correlated with clinical care and procedure flow ( r=0.248, 0.278, P=0.020, 0.009). Conclusions:The implementation of modified comprehensive intervention measures for dry eye syndrome in military pilots can effectively improve clinical symptoms and leave military pilots more satisfied.

Objective:To investigate the effects of multimodal and multisensory stimulation training on feeding-swallowing and neurological functions in stroke patients with dysphagia.Methods:Stroke patients with dysphagia treated at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2023 to October 2024 were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the random number table method, with 36 patients in each group. These three groups underwent different interventions for a period of 8 weeks: multisensory stimulation intervention (stimulation group), multimodal rehabilitation training intervention (rehabilitation group), and innovative multimodal and multisensory stimulation training intervention (combined group). The Kubota water swallow test and functional oral intake scale (FOIS) were used to assess the effective improvement rate of feeding function. Differences in scores of modified Mann assessment of swallowing (MMASA), swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL), and National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) among the three groups were compared before intervention, and at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention. SPSS 27.0 software was used to analyze the data by one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson correlation analysis. Results:(1) After 8 weeks of intervention, the effective improvement rates of feeding function were 75.00%(27/36) and 72.22%(26/36) in the stimulation group and rehabilitation group, respectively, which were both lower than that in the combined group (94.44%(34/36), both P<0.05). (2) The interaction effect between time and group was significant in MMASA scores among the three groups before and after intervention ( F=2.569, P<0.05). MMASA scores at 8 weeks post-intervention were higher than those at 4 weeks post-intervention and baseline in all groups (all P<0.05), and scores at 4 weeks post-intervention were also higher than those at baseline (all P<0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention, MMASA scores in the combined group (85.64±11.26, 92.56±10.55) were higher than those in the stimulation group (73.52±12.65, 82.97±12.84) and rehabilitation group (72.47±11.38, 84.39±12.29) (all P<0.05). (3) The interaction effect between time and group was significant in SWAL-QOL total scores among the three groups before and after intervention ( F=18.561, P<0.05). SWAL-QOL total scores at 8 weeks post-intervention were higher than those at 4 weeks post-intervention and baseline in all groups ( P<0.05), and scores at 4 weeks post-intervention were also higher than those at baseline (all P<0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention, SWAL-QOL total scores in the combined group (115.64±9.26, 135.68±9.55) were higher than those in the stimulation group (108.42±8.65, 113.75±8.84) and rehabilitation group (108.37±8.38, 114.39±9.29) (all P<0.05). (4) The interaction effect between time and group was significant in NIHSS scores among the three groups before and after intervention ( F=7.890, P<0.05). NIHSS scores at 8 weeks post-intervention were lower than those at 4 weeks post-intervention and baseline in all groups (all P<0.05), and scores at 4 weeks post-intervention were also lower than those at baseline (all P<0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention, NIHSS scores in the combined group (8.36±1.35, 5.22±1.05) were lower than those in the stimulation group (11.65±2.11, 8.78±1.12) and rehabilitation group (11.32±2.03, 8.36±1.17) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Multimodal and multisensory stimulation training can improve feeding-swallowing function and neurological impairment in stroke patients with dysphagia, with intervention effects superior to those of either approach used alone.

Objective:To explore the correlation between serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the role of deep medullary vein (DMV) score in this process.Methods:A total of 140 patients with CSVD admitted to the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University from December 2022 to August 2024 were selected as the research objects. The basic data statistics, head magnetic resonance imaging examination, cognitive function assessment, serum sTREM2 detection and DMV score were performed. All data were analyzed by SPSS 29.0 software and GraphPad Prism 10.0 software packages. Logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of cognitive impairment. Structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating effect of DMV score on the association between serum sTREM2 and cognitive impairment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum sTREM2 level and DMV score for cognitive impairment in CSVD patients.Results:Serum sTREM2 level ( B=0.017, OR=1.017, 95% CI=1.003-1.031), DMV score ( B=0.375, OR=1.455, 95% CI=1.175-1.802) and years of education ( B=-0.248, OR=0.780, 95% CI=0.635-0.958) were risk factors for cognitive impairment (all P<0.05). sTREM2 not only directly affected cognitive function, but also indirectly affected cognitive function through DMV score. The direct effect (effect size=-0.022) and mediating effect (effect size=-0.007) accounted for 75.9% and 24.1% of the total effect (effect size=-0.029), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of serum sTREM2 level, DMV score, and their combination for predicting cognitive impairment in CSVD patients were 0.880, 0.891, and 0.910, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum sTREM2 not only directly affects the cognitive function of patients with cerebral small vessel disease, but also indirectly affects cognitive function through DMV score. The combination of serum sTREM2 levels and DMV score has high predictive value for the risk of CSVD-related cognitive impairment.

Objective:To prepare aldolylated hyaluronic acid-modified antimicrobial carbon dots (AHA-CDs) eye drops and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo. Methods:AHA-CDs eye drops were synthesized by modifying small particle size positively charged carbon dots and introducing aldehyde-based hyaluronic acid.The AHA-CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The antibacterial activity of AHA-CDs against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using the microdilution method, plate counting, and live-dead bacteria fluorescence staining in vitro.The mouse bacterial keratitis model was established by removing the corneal epithelium after ring drilling and inoculating Staphylococcus aureus.Eighteen conventional female C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and divided into a blank control group, an AHA-CDs-treated group and a tobramycin-treated group of 6 mice each using random number table method, and the mice were treated with phosphate buffer saline, 80 μg/ml AHA-CDs, and 80 μg/ml tobramycin eye drops three times daily for 5 consecutive days accordingly to assess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vivo.Another 12 mice were divided into an AHA-CDs group and a normal control group using the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group, which were treated with 80 μg/ml AHA-CDs and phosphate buffer saline for 7 days.The mice were then sacrificed.Their eyeballs were removed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe and compare the morphology and integrity of the eyeballs between the two groups to evaluate the treatment's biosafety.The use and care of the animals complied with the principles of the ARRIVE guidelines.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Experimental Animal Care of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECA-2022-17). Results:The successful preparation of AHA-CDs was demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro studies showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of AHA-CDs against Staphylococcus aureus was approximately 8 μg/ml, which effectively inhibited bacterial growth at a lower concentration.Plate counting results showed that only 20% of the bacteria survived after 10 minutes of treatment with AHA-CDs.Fluorescence staining of live/dead bacteria showed obvious red fluorescence signals after 4 hours of treatment with AHA-CDs and SP-CDs. In vivo studies showed that, after 5 days of treatment with AHA-CDs eye drops, the corneas of mice with bacterial keratitis were obviously transparent, and the corneal epithelium was basically repaired.In contrast, the tobramycin-treated group exhibited incomplete epithelial repair and mild corneal edema. In vivo safety evaluation revealed that the eye tissue morphology remained intact and no structural abnormalities were observed after AHA-CDs treatment. Conclusions:AHA-CDs eye drops have superior antibacterial effects in vivo and in vitro, and inactivate bacteria rapidly and effectively.

Objective:To investigate the effects of multimodal and multisensory stimulation training on feeding-swallowing and neurological functions in stroke patients with dysphagia.Methods:Stroke patients with dysphagia treated at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2023 to October 2024 were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the random number table method, with 36 patients in each group. These three groups underwent different interventions for a period of 8 weeks: multisensory stimulation intervention (stimulation group), multimodal rehabilitation training intervention (rehabilitation group), and innovative multimodal and multisensory stimulation training intervention (combined group). The Kubota water swallow test and functional oral intake scale (FOIS) were used to assess the effective improvement rate of feeding function. Differences in scores of modified Mann assessment of swallowing (MMASA), swallowing quality of life (SWAL-QOL), and National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) among the three groups were compared before intervention, and at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention. SPSS 27.0 software was used to analyze the data by one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson correlation analysis. Results:(1) After 8 weeks of intervention, the effective improvement rates of feeding function were 75.00%(27/36) and 72.22%(26/36) in the stimulation group and rehabilitation group, respectively, which were both lower than that in the combined group (94.44%(34/36), both P<0.05). (2) The interaction effect between time and group was significant in MMASA scores among the three groups before and after intervention ( F=2.569, P<0.05). MMASA scores at 8 weeks post-intervention were higher than those at 4 weeks post-intervention and baseline in all groups (all P<0.05), and scores at 4 weeks post-intervention were also higher than those at baseline (all P<0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention, MMASA scores in the combined group (85.64±11.26, 92.56±10.55) were higher than those in the stimulation group (73.52±12.65, 82.97±12.84) and rehabilitation group (72.47±11.38, 84.39±12.29) (all P<0.05). (3) The interaction effect between time and group was significant in SWAL-QOL total scores among the three groups before and after intervention ( F=18.561, P<0.05). SWAL-QOL total scores at 8 weeks post-intervention were higher than those at 4 weeks post-intervention and baseline in all groups ( P<0.05), and scores at 4 weeks post-intervention were also higher than those at baseline (all P<0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention, SWAL-QOL total scores in the combined group (115.64±9.26, 135.68±9.55) were higher than those in the stimulation group (108.42±8.65, 113.75±8.84) and rehabilitation group (108.37±8.38, 114.39±9.29) (all P<0.05). (4) The interaction effect between time and group was significant in NIHSS scores among the three groups before and after intervention ( F=7.890, P<0.05). NIHSS scores at 8 weeks post-intervention were lower than those at 4 weeks post-intervention and baseline in all groups (all P<0.05), and scores at 4 weeks post-intervention were also lower than those at baseline (all P<0.05). At 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention, NIHSS scores in the combined group (8.36±1.35, 5.22±1.05) were lower than those in the stimulation group (11.65±2.11, 8.78±1.12) and rehabilitation group (11.32±2.03, 8.36±1.17) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Multimodal and multisensory stimulation training can improve feeding-swallowing function and neurological impairment in stroke patients with dysphagia, with intervention effects superior to those of either approach used alone.

Objective:To explore the correlation between serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the role of deep medullary vein (DMV) score in this process.Methods:A total of 140 patients with CSVD admitted to the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Medical University from December 2022 to August 2024 were selected as the research objects. The basic data statistics, head magnetic resonance imaging examination, cognitive function assessment, serum sTREM2 detection and DMV score were performed. All data were analyzed by SPSS 29.0 software and GraphPad Prism 10.0 software packages. Logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of cognitive impairment. Structural equation model was used to analyze the mediating effect of DMV score on the association between serum sTREM2 and cognitive impairment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum sTREM2 level and DMV score for cognitive impairment in CSVD patients.Results:Serum sTREM2 level ( B=0.017, OR=1.017, 95% CI=1.003-1.031), DMV score ( B=0.375, OR=1.455, 95% CI=1.175-1.802) and years of education ( B=-0.248, OR=0.780, 95% CI=0.635-0.958) were risk factors for cognitive impairment (all P<0.05). sTREM2 not only directly affected cognitive function, but also indirectly affected cognitive function through DMV score. The direct effect (effect size=-0.022) and mediating effect (effect size=-0.007) accounted for 75.9% and 24.1% of the total effect (effect size=-0.029), respectively. The areas under the ROC curve of serum sTREM2 level, DMV score, and their combination for predicting cognitive impairment in CSVD patients were 0.880, 0.891, and 0.910, respectively (all P<0.001). Conclusion:Serum sTREM2 not only directly affects the cognitive function of patients with cerebral small vessel disease, but also indirectly affects cognitive function through DMV score. The combination of serum sTREM2 levels and DMV score has high predictive value for the risk of CSVD-related cognitive impairment.

Objective:To prepare aldolylated hyaluronic acid-modified antimicrobial carbon dots (AHA-CDs) eye drops and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo. Methods:AHA-CDs eye drops were synthesized by modifying small particle size positively charged carbon dots and introducing aldehyde-based hyaluronic acid.The AHA-CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The antibacterial activity of AHA-CDs against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using the microdilution method, plate counting, and live-dead bacteria fluorescence staining in vitro.The mouse bacterial keratitis model was established by removing the corneal epithelium after ring drilling and inoculating Staphylococcus aureus.Eighteen conventional female C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and divided into a blank control group, an AHA-CDs-treated group and a tobramycin-treated group of 6 mice each using random number table method, and the mice were treated with phosphate buffer saline, 80 μg/ml AHA-CDs, and 80 μg/ml tobramycin eye drops three times daily for 5 consecutive days accordingly to assess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in vivo.Another 12 mice were divided into an AHA-CDs group and a normal control group using the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group, which were treated with 80 μg/ml AHA-CDs and phosphate buffer saline for 7 days.The mice were then sacrificed.Their eyeballs were removed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe and compare the morphology and integrity of the eyeballs between the two groups to evaluate the treatment's biosafety.The use and care of the animals complied with the principles of the ARRIVE guidelines.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Experimental Animal Care of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECA-2022-17). Results:The successful preparation of AHA-CDs was demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro studies showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of AHA-CDs against Staphylococcus aureus was approximately 8 μg/ml, which effectively inhibited bacterial growth at a lower concentration.Plate counting results showed that only 20% of the bacteria survived after 10 minutes of treatment with AHA-CDs.Fluorescence staining of live/dead bacteria showed obvious red fluorescence signals after 4 hours of treatment with AHA-CDs and SP-CDs. In vivo studies showed that, after 5 days of treatment with AHA-CDs eye drops, the corneas of mice with bacterial keratitis were obviously transparent, and the corneal epithelium was basically repaired.In contrast, the tobramycin-treated group exhibited incomplete epithelial repair and mild corneal edema. In vivo safety evaluation revealed that the eye tissue morphology remained intact and no structural abnormalities were observed after AHA-CDs treatment. Conclusions:AHA-CDs eye drops have superior antibacterial effects in vivo and in vitro, and inactivate bacteria rapidly and effectively.