ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group， model group （M）， Sini San group （MS， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， and fluoxetine group （MF， 2 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. After 8 weeks， the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum corticosterone （CORT）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， corticotropin-releasing factor （CRF）， lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， Zonulin， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy， and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced （P0.01）， whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group （P0.05）. Compared with the normal group， hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased （P0.05）， and compared with the model group， both were significantly increased in the Sini San group （P0.05， P0.01）. Compared with the normal group， serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased （P0.05， P0.01）， and compared with the model group， Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased （P0.05）. No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group， widened and blurred tight junctions， sparse and shortened microvilli， and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group， which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators， liver function， and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group， model group （M）， Sini San group （MS， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， and fluoxetine group （MF， 2 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. After 8 weeks， the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum corticosterone （CORT）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， corticotropin-releasing factor （CRF）， lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， Zonulin， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex， and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy， and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group （P<0.05）. Compared with the normal group， hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and compared with the model group， both were significantly increased in the Sini San group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and compared with the model group， Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group， widened and blurred tight junctions， sparse and shortened microvilli， and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group， which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators， liver function， and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent surgical resection for eyelid tumors at our hospital between March 2018 and March 2023. Participants were categorized into benign and malignant groups based on tumor characteristics. Clinical data were collected. Genetic data for eyelid tumors were obtained from the GEO database, and differential gene analysis, including volcano plot visualization and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, was performed using the Sangerbox 3.0 platform. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX in tissue samples. Correlations with clinical features were analyzed using Spearman analysis, and prognostic factors were identified via Logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: This study included 69 patients with eyelid tumors(78 eyes), categorized into a benign group(37 patients, 41 eyes)and a malignant group(32 patients, 37 eyes)based on tumor characteristics. There were significant differences between the two groups in histological subtype, TNM staging, vascular invasion, differentiation status, and local infiltration(all P<0.05). Among benign tumors: pigmented nevi in 11 eyes(27%), hemangiomas in 9 eyes(22%), squamous cell papillomas in 5 eyes(12%), epidermoid cysts in 5 eyes(12%), seborrheic keratoses in 4 eyes(10%), neurofibromas in 3 eyes(7%), and both calcifying epithelioma and xanthelasma in 2 eyes each(5%); among malignant tumors: basal cell carcinoma in 18 eyes(49%), meibomian gland carcinoma in 8 eyes(22%), squamous cell carcinoma in 5 eyes(14%), sebaceous gland carcinoma in 4 eyes(11%), lymphoma and malignant melanoma each in 1 eye(3%). At the follow-up cutoff date of March 2025, the 2-year survival rate in the benign group(95%)was significantly higher than that in the malignant group(78%; P<0.05). Bioinformatics analysis identified 4 103 differentially expressed genes, including Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX, which were predominantly involved in pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway and calcium-related signaling. Spearman analysis revealed that local invasion(rs=0.71, P<0.05)and TNM stage(rs=0.73, P<0.05)correlated with Cyclin D1 expression; local invasion(rs=0.76, P<0.05)and histological subtype(rs=0.65, P<0.05)correlated with p53 expression. Logistic regression results indicated that Cyclin D1, p53, TNM staging, and local invasion were prognostic risk factors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of these four indicators had the highest predictive value for prognosis(AUC=0.83).CONCLUSION: High expression of cyclin D1 and p53 serves as molecular markers for distinguishing benign from malignant eyelid tumors and assessing prognosis. Combined detection of these markers with TNM staging and local invasion demonstrates high predictive value for prognosis.

During orthodontic treatment, clinical monitoring of patients is a crucial factor in determining treatment success. It aids in timely problem detection and resolution, ensuring adherence to the intended treatment plan. In recent years, digital technology has increasingly permeated orthodontic clinical diagnosis and treatment, facilitating clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and follow-up monitoring. This review summarizes recent advancements in digital technology for monitoring orthodontic tooth movement, related complications, and appliance-wearing compliance. It aims to provide insights for researchers and clinicians to enhance the application of digital technology in orthodontics, improve treatment outcomes, and optimize patient experience. The digitization of diagnostic data and the visualization of dental models make chair-side follow-up monitoring more convenient, accurate, and efficient. At the same time, the emergence of remote monitoring technology allows orthodontists to promptly identify oral health issues in patients and take corresponding measures. Furthermore, the multimodal data fusion method offers valuable insights into the monitoring of the root-alveolar relationship. Artificial intelligence technology has made initial strides in automating the identification of orthodontic tooth movement, associated complications, and patient compliance evaluation. Sensors are effective tools for monitoring patient adherence and providing data-driven support for clinical decision-making. The application of digital technology in orthodontic monitoring holds great promise. However, challenges like technical bottlenecks, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain.

Cardiovascular diseases （CVD），a group of common diseases in clinical practice，are witnessing a steady rise in both incidence and mortality rates，posing a challenge to public health. Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang，originating from Synopsis of the Golden Chamber （《金匮要略》），was initially used to treat severe cases of chest impediment. The formula consists of Trichosanthis Fructus，Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus，Pinelliae Rhizoma，and Baijiu. It has a wide range of clinical applications，with therapeutic effects including moving Qi to relieve depression，activating Yang to dissipate mass，and expelling phlegm to alleviate chest congestion. In recent years，clinical research has confirmed that Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang，with or without modification，used alone or in combination with Western medicine，has definite effects in the treatment of CVD such as hyperlipidemia，coronary atherosclerotic heart disease，hypertension，heart failure，and arrhythmia. It can alleviate disease symptoms and reduce the risk of re-hospitalization. Basic research indicates that the mechanisms of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang include improving endothelial functions，exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties，countering oxidative stress，preventing apoptosis，inhibiting ventricular remodeling，regulating mitochondrial functions，improving hemorheology，and modulating autophagy and neurotransmitters. This article reviews relevant articles in recent years with focuses on the compatibility，clinical application，and mechanism of Gualou Xiebai Banxiatang. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism research and clinical application of this formula in treating CVD and to offer ideas and reference for in-depth research.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction （半夏泻心汤， BXD） in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis （DGP）. MethodsA total of 29 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups， blank group （5 rats） and model group， BXD group and metformin group （8 rats in each group）. Except for the blank group， rats were administered intraperitoneally with 1% streptozotocin （STZ） solution and were fed a high-sugar， high-fat diet to establish the DGP rat model. After successful modeling， the BXD group was treated with BXD at 6.68 g/（kg·d） by gavage， the metformin group was treated with metformin hydrochloride at 105 mg/（kg·d） by gavage， and the blank group and the model group were treated with normal saline at 6.68 ml/（kg·d） by gavage， for 8 weeks. After the last administration， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG） were measured and gastric emptying rate was calculated. ELISA was used to detect the levels of gastrointestinal hormones motilin （MTL） and gastrin （GAS）， as well as inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in gastric tissue. Oil red O staining was performed to observe liver pathological morphology. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was used to observe gastric antrum tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect liver X receptor α （LXRα） levels in the liver. Western Blot was used to detect the protein levels of LXRα in liver tissue， and of janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， phospho-janus kinase 2 （p-JAK2）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） and phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （p-STAT3） in gastric antrum tissue. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） was used to measure the mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue and JAK2， STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed significant hepatic fatty degeneration， gastric antrum tissue structure destruction， and increases in FBG， HbA1c， TC， and TG levels； the average fluorescence intensity， protein level， and mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue were reduced； the gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS and MTL levels decreased； inflammatory factors including TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β in gastric tissue increased， IL-10 decreased； in gastric antrum tissue， the mRNA expression of p-JAK2/JAK2， p-STAT3/STAT3， and JAK2 and STAT3 increased （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， both the BXD group and the metformin group showed improved liver and gastric antrum tissue pathology； FBG， HbA1c， TC， and TG levels decreased， while LXRα fluorescence intensity， protein level， and mRNA expression in liver tissue significantly increased； the gastric emptying rate and the levels of GAS and MTL in gastric tissue were markedly higher； the levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β decreased， whereas IL-10 levels increased， p-JAK2/JAK2， p-STAT3/STAT3， and the mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The BXD group showed higher level than the metformin group in FBG， HbA1c， and TG levels， lower level in gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS content， and higher level in gastric tissue TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β levels； there was also a decrease in IL-10 levels， and a reduction in LXRα fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression in liver tissue， as well as in p-JAK2/JAK2 levels in gastric antrum tissue （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionBXD can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in DGP model rats while improving gastric function and alleviating gastric tissue inflammation. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of LXRα expression in liver tissue and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in gastric antrum tissue.

Objective To explore the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of liposarcoma in the head and neck region, and simultaneously analyze the efficacy of different treatment regimens. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with primary untreated head and neck liposarcoma who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2024. All patients were monitored during follow-up, and their prognoses were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Liposarcoma accounted for up to 60% of the cases in the orbit, while the remaining liposarcomas were primarily located in various interspaces of the neck. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common type, comprising 33%, while myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was the rarest at 4%. The tumor pathological type (P<0.001) and Ki67 (P=0.014) significantly affected the tumor control rate. However, an analysis of disease-specific survival rates revealed no significant differences across various factors (all P>0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of head and neck liposarcoma is better compared to that of liposarcomas in other parts of the body. However, myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic fat sarcoma, and high Ki67 levels are indicators of poor prognosis. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy does not significantly enhance disease-specific survival rates.

Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study; 41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.
Humans ; Male ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; Adult ; Micronucleus Tests ; Semen Analysis ; Oligospermia/genetics* ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Sperm Count ; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective ; Middle Aged

Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017-2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 10 6 (0.09 × 10 6 -0.27 × 10 6 ) ml and 12.21 × 10 6 (4.52 × 10 6 -19.91 × 10 6 ) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; China ; Body Fat Distribution ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Body Mass Index ; Tissue Donors ; Obesity/complications* ; Spermatozoa ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of molecular targeted agents in children with progressive pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pLGG patients treated with oral targeted therapies at the Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2021. Treatment responses and safety profiles were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 20 enrolled patients, the trametinib group (n=12, including 11 cases with BRAF fusions and 1 case with BRAF V600E mutation) demonstrated 4 partial responses (33%) and 2 minor responses (17%), with a median time to response of 3.0 months. In the vemurafenib group (n=6, all with BRAF V600E mutation), 5 patients achieved partial responses (83%), showing a median time to response of 1.0 month. Comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in progression-free survival rates between the two treatment groups (P>0.05). The median duration of clinical benefit (defined as partial response + minor response + stable disease) was 11.0 months for vemurafenib and 18.0 months for trametinib. Two additional cases, one with ATM mutation treated with olaparib for 24 months and one with NF1 mutation receiving everolimus for 21 months, discontinued treatment due to sustained disease stability. No severe adverse events were observed in any treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Molecular targeted therapy demonstrates clinical efficacy with favorable tolerability in pLGG. Vemurafenib achieves high response rates and induces early tumor shrinkage in patients with BRAF V600E mutations, supporting its utility as a first-line therapy.
Humans ; Glioma/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Brain Neoplasms/genetics* ; Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects* ; Adolescent ; Infant ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics* ; Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use* ; Mutation