ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness of horticultural therapy involving the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs （mint and lily potted plants） combined with intradermal needling therapy for generalized anxiety disorder （GAD） of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy， and to explore the possible mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 180 patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome were randomly divided into three groups， horticultural therapy group， intradermal needling group， and horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group， with 60 patients in each. All groups received basic treatment including basic psychological therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The horticultural therapy group received horticultural therapy in addition to the basic treatment； the intradermal needling group received intradermal needling therapy once a week for 8 weeks in addition to the basic treatment； the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group received both horticultural therapy and intradermal needling therapy， following the same procedures and duration. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale （HAMA）， Self-Rating Anxiety Scale （SAS）， and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI） scores were assessed at baseline and after 2， 4， 6， and 8 weeks of treatment. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH） and corticosterone （CORT） were measured before treatment and after 8 weeks of treatment. Motor-evoked potential （MEP） baseline levels were recorded before treatment， and MEP amplitude ratios were compared after 1 week and 8 weeks of treatment. Clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between serum ACTH and CORT levels， MEP amplitude， and anxiety. ResultsIn the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group， HAMA， SAS and PSQI scores after 4， 6， and 8 weeks treatment were lower than baseline scores （P＜0.05）. In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group， these scores showed a significant decline starting after 2 weeks treatment and continuing through 8 weeks after treatment （P＜0.05）. The HAMA， SAS， and PSQI scores in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups after 2， 4， 6， and 8 weeks treatment （P＜0.05）. After 8 weeks of treatment， serum CORT and ACTH levels in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group were significantly lower than baseline levels （P＜0.05） and were also lower than those in the horticultural therapy group and intradermal needling group at the same time point （P＜0.01）. When comparing the level after 8 weeks treatment to that after 1 week treatment， under PAS10 stimulation， the MEP amplitude ratio in the intradermal needling group decreased at 30 minutes， while in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group， the MEP amplitude ratio decreased at all time points （P＜0.05 or P＜0.001）； under PAS25 stimulation， the MEP amplitude ratio in the horticultural therapy group increased at 20 minutes， and in the intradermal needle group at 10 minutes （P＜0.05）. In the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group， the MEP amplitude ratio increased significantly at all time points after treatment （P＜0.001）. The cure rate in the horticultural therapy+intradermal needling group （74.14%， 43/58） was significantly higher than that in the horticultural therapy group （30.00%， 18/60） and the intradermal needling group （48.28%， 28/58， P＜0.05）. Correlation analysis revealed that serum ACTH and CORT levels were positively correlated with HAMA scores （r = 0.488， P＜0.01； r = 0.428， P＜0.01）. Following PAS10 intervention， the MEP amplitude ratio was positively correlated with HAMA scores （r = 0.458， P＜0.01）， whereas after PAS25 intervention， the MEP amplitude ratio was negatively correlated with HAMA scores （r = -0.562， P＜0.01）. ConclusionHorticultural therapy combined with intradermal needling treatment， under transcranial magnetic stimulation and basic psychological therapy， demonstrates significant clinical effectiveness in patients with GAD of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis and the reduction of cortical excitability.

Objective To study the antitumor activities of RRx-001 derivatives with novel covalent fragments. Methods Four targeted compounds were designed and synthesized. The structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR and HRMS. A549 and HCT116 cancer cell lines were selected for antiproliferative activity assays. Results All the compounds revealed antitumor activities and compound ZM528 showed the best antitumor activity against these two cell lines with IC₅₀ values of （5.1±4.8） μmol/L and （6.0±2.7） μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion The result indicated that bromoacetyl group of RRx-001 could be substituted with other covalent fragments.

Retinal vascular diseases(RVD)are among the leading causes of blindness worldwide, with their prevalence showing an increasing trend year by year. Among them, age-related macular degeneration(ARMD), diabetic macular edema(DME), and retinal vein occlusion(RVO)are the most common types. Faricimab, developed by Roche's CrossMAB platform, is a novel bispecific monoclonal antibody that can simultaneously target and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor-a(VEGF-A)and angiopoietin-2(Ang-2). The dual inhibition of these two key factors by Faricimab endows it with the potential to regulate angiogenesis and inflammatory responses more comprehensively and effectively, thus bringing new opportunities for the treatment of RVD.

Objective To investigate the regulatory role of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling on the subtypes and functions of natural killer (NK) cells at the maternal-fetal interface during the second trimester in mice following Toxoplasma gondii infection during the first trimester. Methods Twelve 6- to 8-week-old female mice of the C57BL/6J strain were divided into a control group and an infection group, of 6 mice in each group. On the 6.5th day of pregnancy (Gd6.5), each pregnant mouse in the infection group was intraperitoneally injected with 150 tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain, while mice in the control group were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline. On the 12.5th day of pregnancy (Gd12.5), uterus and placenta tissues were sampled from pregnant mice for pathological observations, and the mRNA expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified in uterus and placenta tissues. The PD-1 and DX5 expression was measured on NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface using flow cytometry. In addition, the in vitro JEG-3 trophoblast cells and NK-92MI cells co-culture system was established as the control group, and the addition of T. gondii tachyzoites in the co-culture system served as the infection group. The PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was quantified in cells using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the TNF-α concentration was measured in the cell culture supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results On Gd12.5, clear and intact cellular structures of placental decidual tissues were seen in pregnant mice in the control group, with no remarkable abnormal changes found in the uterine columnar epithelial cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration and blood stasis at varying degrees were found in uterine and placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.004 ± 0.004), (1.001 ± 0.001), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group and (2.480 ± 0.720), (3.355 ± 0.920), and (2.391 ± 0.073) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.007 ± 0.010), (1.006 ± 0.006), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the uterine tissues in the control group and (6.948 ± 1.918), (3.225 ± 1.034), and (1.536 ± 0.150) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was higher in both the uterine (t = 3.55, 4.43 and 33.02, all P values < 0.05) and placental tissues (t = 5.36, 3.72 and 6.18, all P values < 0.05) in the infection group than in the control group. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells, PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells, and DX5⁺ NK cells were (12.200 ± 1.082)%, (9.373 ± 7.728)%, and (44.000 ± 4.095)% in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group, and (21.733 ± 1.630)%, (18.767 ± 1.242)%, and (73.367 ± 0.611)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells, PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells, and DX5⁺ NK cells were (1.100 ± 0.510)%, (2.277 ± 1.337)%, and (96.167 ± 2.831)% in placental tissues from mice in the control group, and (26.867 ± 9.722)%, (23.433 ± 6.983)%, and (82.467 ± 2.248)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells (t = 8.45, P < 0.05) and DX5⁺ NK cells (t = 12.29, P < 0.05) were higher in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, and no significant difference was seen in the proportion of PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells (Z = -1.09, P > 0.05). The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells (t = 4.58, P < 0.05) and PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells (t = 5.15, P < 0.05) were higher in placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, while the proportion of DX5⁺ NK cells was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.56, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR assay revealed that the relative PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was (1.010 ± 0.005), (1.002 ± 0.003), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the JEG-3 cells and NK92MI cells co-culture system and (3.638 ± 1.258), (0.397 ± 0.158), and (4.267 ± 1.750) in the control group, and ELISA measured that the TNF-α concentration was higher in the cell culture supernatant in the infection group [(22.056 ± 3.205) pg/mL] than in the control group [(12.441 ± 0.001) pg/mL] (t = 5.20, P < 0.05). The PD-1(t = 3.62, P < 0.05) and DX5 mRNA expression (t = 3.23, P < 0.05) was higher in the infection group than in the control group, and the PD-L1 mRNA expression was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.63, P < 0.05). Conclusions Following T. gondii infection, both PD-L1 expression and PD-1 expression on DX5⁺ NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface are upregulated in mice during the second trimester; however, the proportion of DX5⁺ NK cells decreases. These findings suggest that PD-1/PD-L1 signaling may suppress NK cell functions by modulating DX5⁺ NK cell subsets.

Objective:To investigate the effect of microgravity-mediated Notch1 signaling on macrophage polarization on bone homeostasis.Methods:The animal model was constructed by tail-limb suspension(HLS)to simulate the microgravity environment.The animals were grouped into Control group,HLS group,HLS+NC group,HLS+si group,HLS+rhNF-κB group.ELISA was used to detect the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of rats.TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of bone tissue.Immunofluo-rescence was used to detect the polarization of macrophages in bone tissue.The rat osteoblast CP-R091 microgravity model was con-structed by simulating the microgravity environment with a rotating wall bioreactor.The cell experiments were divided into Control group,HLS group,HLS+NC group,HLS+si group,HLS+rhNF-κB group.CCK-8 test was used to detect the proliferation activity of cells in each group,and AO test was used to test the apoptosis rate of cells in each group.PCR was used to detect the expression of os-teogenesis-related genes in bone tissues and cells.Western blot was used to detect the expression of Notch1,hair division-related en-hancer-1(HES-1),and Notch pathway ligand 1(Jagged1)in bone tissues and cells of each group.Results:Compared with control group,the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum of the rats in the HLS group,the apoptosis rate,and the proportion of M1 macro-phages were significantly increased.Compared with HLS group,the HLS+si group could obviously partially reverse the change trend of the above parameters,while HLS+rhNF-κB group significantly changed the above parameter values.Compared with control group,the proliferation activity of the cells in the HLS group was significantly reduced,and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased.Com-pared with HLS group,the HLS+si group could obviously partially reverse the change trend of the above parameters,while the HLS+rhNF-κB group made the above parameter values worse.The expressions of the osteogenesis-related genes collagen type Ⅰ(COL1),osteocalcin(OCN)and Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2)in bone tissues and cells in the microgravity environment were significantly decreased,while the expressions of Notch-1,Hes-1 and Jagged1 were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Microgravity-mediated Notch1 signaling regulates M1/M2 polarization of macro-phages,participates in cell proliferation and apoptosis in bone tissue,and affects the progress of bone homeostasis.

Objective:To study the correlation between different body weight metabolic phenotypes and their changes and new-onset hyperuricemia in physical examination population.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 31 956 people who underwent routine physical examination and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria at the Health Management Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 1, 2014 to August 31, 2022 were selected as the study subjects to establish a dynamic physical examination cohort. The end point of follow-up was new-onset hyperuricemia or the end of follow-up period. Cox regression stepwise fitting model was used to analyze the risk of different body weight metabolic phenotypes and hyperuricemia, and stratified analysis was performed for gender. According to body weight metabolic phenotype, the subjects were divided into normal metabolism and normal weight(NMNW) group, normal metabolism and obesity (NMO) group, abnormal metabolism and normal weight (AMNW) group and abnormal metabolism and obesity (AMO) group. The risk of hyperuricemia was calculated according to the changes of body weight metabolic phenotype during the follow-up period. In the sensitivity analysis, the robustness of the results was verified by changing the diagnostic criteria for hyperuricemia, removing patients with hyperuricemia at the first year of follow-up, and removing subjects aged ≥65 years.Results:Compared with the NMNW group, the risk of hyperuricemia in the NMO group, AMNW group and AMO group increased by 78.9%, 61.3%, 115.4%, respectively ( χ2=272.88, 128.15, 496.12, all P<0.001). Patients who were initially classified as NMNW at baseline, if transitioned to NMO or AMO by the follow-up endpoint, their risk of hyperuricemia increased by 122.5% ( χ2=8.01, P<0.05) and 137.4% ( χ2=15.99, P<0.001), respectively. When the baseline AMNW group changed to AMO, the risk of hyperuricemia was increased by 119.2% ( χ2=6.63, P<0.05). For patients with AMO as baseline, if they turned into NMNW and AMNW at the end of follow-up, their risk of hyperuricemia would decrease by 58.3% ( χ2=43.67, P<0.001) and 27.2% ( χ2=16.07, P<0.001). Patients with a baseline of NMO who transitioned to NMNW and AMNW at the follow-up endpoint had their risk of developing hyperuricemia decreased by 36.7% ( χ2=25.35, P<0.001) and 30.9% ( χ2=9.70, P<0.05), respectively. Conclusions:The transition from metabolic health and non-overweight obesity to metabolic abnormalities and overweight obesity is associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia, and improvements in metabolic health or weight are associated with a decreased risk of hyperuricemia.

Objective:To explore the relationship between weight change and the development of hyperuricemia (HUA) in adults receiving health checkups.Methods:A retrospective cohort study. A total of 37 722 subjects who underwent two or more health checkups at the Health Management Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2014 to December 2022 were included, and the general information and laboratory findings at the time of the initial health checkups and follow-up were collected. Weight change was defined as the ratio of difference between the weight at the last follow-up and the baseline weight to baseline weight. The subjects were grouped with weight change: significant weight loss group (weight change ≤-5.0%), mild weight loss group (-5.0%

Objective:To investigate the relationship between obesity and incident chronic kidney disease(CKD) in a population undergoing health check-ups.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 31 251 participants who had at least 2 health physical examinations in the Health Management Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were selected. The participants were divided into normal body weight group, overweight group, and obese group according to baseline body mass index. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the relationship between obesity and new-onset CKD, and the dose-response relationship between body mass index and CKD was analyzed with restricted cubic splines.Results:Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of developing CKD increased by 13%( HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.25) and 55%( HR=1.55, 95% CI 1.36-1.76) in the overweight and obese group compared to the normal weight group. Subgroup analysis indicated that obese women had a higher risk of developing CKD compared to men. There was a " U-shaped" correlation between body mass index and CKD in male population, with the lowest risk of CKD occurring at body mass index of 19.6-24.2 kg/m 2. In women, the relationship between body mass index and CKD was approximately linear, with the risk of CKD gradually increasing when body mass index exceeded 22.5 kg/m 2. Conclusions:Obesity is an independent risk factor for new-onset CKD, and obese women have a higher risk of developing CKD than men. Regarding CKD prevention, men are advised to maintain a higher level of body weight within the normal range of body mass index, while women are encouraged to control their weight to a lower level within the normal body mass index range.

Objective:To explore the correlation between systemic immunity-inflammation index(SII) and hyperuricemia(HUA).Methods:Participants who had at least 3 health checkups in the Health Management Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2014 to December 2022 were selected to construct a dynamic cohort. The SII, reflecting the inflammatory state of the body, was constructed using neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to explore the association between SII and HUA in the overall population and different subgroups of the population, and sensitivity analysis was performed twice. Results:A total of 20 022 subjects were included, and the mean follow-up time was 3.67 years. After adjusting for confounding factors, each unit increase in the natural logarithm of SII(lnSII) was associated with a 24% increased risk of hyperuricemia( HR=1.24, 95% CI 1.16-1.32, P<0.001). As a categorical variable, compared with the lowest quartile array( Q1), the risk of HUA in the total population increased by 12%( HR=1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.21, P=0.006), 14%( HR=1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.24, P=0.001), 27%( HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.37, P<0.001) in Q2, Q3 and Q4 groups within the general population, respectively. All subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis showed that SII was positively correlated with HUA. Conclusions:Elevated levels of SII significantly increase the risk of HUA. Assessing the body′s inflammatory status using SII can aid in risk screening and preventive management for individuals at high risk of HUA.

Levothyroxine anaphylaxis is a rare yet severe adverse reaction to exogenous levothyroxine. While levothyroxine desensitization is commonly employed, its direct application in patients with severe shock poses considerable risks. Omalizumab may offer a potential adjunctive approach to induce tolerance to levothyroxine. We reported a case of a 30-year-old female with a history of thyroid papillary carcinoma who developed anaphylactic shock following oral administration of 50 μg levothyroxine daily after surgery. High serum level of immunoglobulin E (IgE 99.2 kU/L) and positive intradermal tests to all brands of levothyroxine available in China confirm a type Ⅰ hypersensitivity reaction. Several reports have proven the role of omalizumab in desensitization protocol in IgE-mediated diseases; therefore, she was pretreated with three courses of omalizumab (150 mg intradermal injection every four weeks). She then successfully completed oral levothyroxine desensitization and tolerated treatment dose of levothyroxine without experiencing allergic symptoms along with normalization of thyroid function. Further research is warranted to assess its potential as a standard treatment in difficult-to-treat levothyroxine hypersensitivity.