AIM:To observe the effect of cationic nanoemulsion eye drops on the tear film and ocular surface morphology of orthokeratology wearers, and to provide a basis for the clinical selection of eye drops during orthokeratology wear. METHODS:A prospective study was conducted on patients with refractive errors who were fitted with orthokeratology lenses for the first time at Anhui Aier Eye Hospital,from February 2025 to October 2025. Patients were randomly assigned to the experimental group, which received a cationic nanoemulsion eye drops, or the control group, which received a 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops. One drop of the assigned lubricant was instilled in each eye before lens insertion and before lens removal in both groups for 3 consecutive months. Uncorrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, anterior corneal curvature, tear film break-up time, tear film lipid layer score, and corneal fluorescein staining score were compared between the two groups at baseline and at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after lens wear. RESULTS: A total of 64 eyes(all right eyes)from 64 patients with refractive errors were enrolled. Ultimately, 60 patients completed the final follow-up, including 30 in the experimental group(n=30; male/female: 14/16; age: 9.57±1.07 y)and the control group(n=30; male/female: 12/18; age: 9.43±1.01 y). No significant intergroup differences were found in uncorrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, anterior corneal curvature, or corneal fluorescein staining scores either before or after lens wear(all P>0.05).The tear film break-up time was significantly longer and tear film lipid layer score was significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group at post-wear time point(all P<0.05). Uncorrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and anterior corneal curvature improved significantly from baseline at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after lens wear in both groups(all P<0.05). Corneal fluorescein staining scores increased significantly from baseline at 1 wk and 1 mo in the control group(both P<0.05), whereas no significant change was observed in the experimental group. No cases of severe corneal injury(score of 3)were found in either group. CONCLUSION: Cationic nanoemulsion eye drops have a similar effect to 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops in improving the visual acuity and corneal morphology of orthokeratology wearers, but have more advantages in stabilizing the tear film and improving the state of the tear film lipid layer, and have good safety, so they can be used as an ideal choice of eye drops for orthokeratology wearers.

Objective: To identify the latent classes of acceptance and striving and their associated factors among nursing students, and to examine the mediating role of positive acceptance and striving in the association between self transcendence and subjective well being, so as to provide evidence for targeted interventions to improve subjective well being among nursing students. Methods: From July to October 2025, a convenience sample of 861 nursing students was recruited from five schools in Sichuan and Chongqing, China. Participants were surveyed using the Self transcendence Scale, the Positive Acceptance and Striving Scale, and the General Well being Scale. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify profiles of positive acceptance and striving. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associated factors, and relative mediation analysis was performed to assess differences in the mediating effect across latent profiles. Results: Three latent classes of acceptance and striving were identified: the low acceptance-low striving profile (46.34%, n =399), the moderate acceptance-moderate striving profile (40.88%, n =352), and the high acceptance-high striving profile (12.78%, n =110). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that, with the low acceptance-low striving profile as the reference, nursing students with higher self transcendence scores ( OR =151.85) and those who studied nursing because of personal preference ( OR =14.72) or parental expectations ( OR =11.16) were more likely to be classified into the high acceptance-high striving profile (all P <0.05). Male students ( OR =0.19), those perceiving nurses social status as average ( OR =0.35), and those receiving moderate teacher support ( OR =0.23) were less likely to be classified into the high acceptance-high striving profile (all P <0.05). Positive acceptance and striving partially mediated the association between self transcendence and subjective well being, with a total effect of β =0.97 and a mediating effect of β =0.48; the mediating effect accounted for 49.34% of the total effect. Relative mediation analysis showed that the mediating effect was statistically significant only in the low acceptance-low striving profile ( β =0.21), whereas the direct effects were stronger in the moderate acceptance-moderate striving and high acceptance-high striving profiles ( β =0.39, 1.06)(all P <0.05). Conclusions Positive acceptance and striving among nursing students exhibit substantial heterogeneity. Its predictive effect on subjective well being and the underlying mediating mechanism vary across latent profiles. Profile specific interventions should therefore be implemented to improve subjective well being among nursing students.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and osteoporosis (OP) are two very common metabolic diseases. A growing body of experimental evidence supports a pathophysiological link between MAFLD and OP. MAFLD is often associated with the development of OP. Rutaecarpine (RUT) is one of the main active components of Chinese medicine Euodiae Fructus. Our previous studies have demonstrated that RUT has lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and can improve the OP of rats. However, whether RUT can improve both fatty liver and OP symptoms of MAFLD mice at the same time remains to be investigated. In this study, we used C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 months to construct a MAFLD model, and gave the mice a low dose (5 mg·kg^-1) and a high dose (15 mg·kg^-1) of RUT by gavage for 4 weeks. The effects of RUT on liver steatosis and bone metabolism were then evaluated at the end of the experiment [this experiment was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (approval number: IMB-20190124D₃03)]. The results showed that RUT treatment significantly reduced hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, and significantly reduced bone loss and promoted bone formation. In summary, this study shows that RUT has an effect of improving fatty liver and OP in MAFLD mice.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease caused by abnormal synchronous discharge of the brain, which is characterized by recurrent and transient neurological abnormalities, mainly manifested as loss of consciousness and limb convulsions, and can occur in people of all ages. At present, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are still the main means of treatment, but their efficacy is limited by the problem of drug resistance, and long-term use can cause serious side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction and vital organ damage. Although surgical resection of epileptic lesions has achieved certain results in some patients, the high cost and potential risk of neurological damage limit its scope of application. Therefore, the development of safe, accurate and personalized non-invasive treatment strategies has become one of the key directions of epilepsy research. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained significant attention as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. PBM uses light of specific wavelengths to penetrate tissues and interact with photosensitive molecules within cells, thereby modulating cellular metabolic processes. Research has shown that PBM can enhance mitochondrial function, promote ATP production, improve meningeal lymphatic drainage, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the growth of neurons and synapses. These biological effects suggest that PBM not only holds the potential to reduce the frequency of seizures but also to improve the metabolic state and network function of neurons, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for epilepsy treatment. Compared to traditional treatment methods, PBM is non-invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. Its low risk of significant side effects makes it particularly suitable for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering new therapeutic options for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Furthermore, PBM’s multi-target mechanism enables it to address a variety of complex etiologies of epilepsy, demonstrating its potential in precision medicine. In contrast to therapies targeting a single pathological mechanism, PBM’s multifaceted approach makes it highly adaptable to different types of epilepsy, positioning it as a promising supplementary or alternative treatment. Although animal studies and preliminary clinical trials have shown positive outcomes with PBM, its clinical application remains in the exploratory phase. Future research should aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms of PBM, optimize light parameters, such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, and investigate potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PBM and ensuring its safety and consistency in clinical settings. This review summarizes the types of epilepsy, diagnostic biomarkers, the advantages of PBM, and its mechanisms and potential applications in epilepsy treatment. The unique value of PBM lies not only in its multi-target therapeutic effects but also in its adaptability to the diverse etiologies of epilepsy. The combination of PBM with traditional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and neuroregulatory techniques, holds promise for developing a more comprehensive and multidimensional treatment strategy, ultimately alleviating the treatment burden on patients. PBM has also shown beneficial effects on neural network plasticity in various neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamic remodeling of neural networks plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, and PBM’s multi-target mechanism may promote brain function recovery by facilitating neural network remodeling. In this context, optimizing optical parameters remains a key area of research. By adjusting parameters such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, researchers aim to further enhance the therapeutic effects of PBM while maintaining its safety and stability. Looking forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, optical engineering, and clinical medicine, will drive the development of PBM technology and facilitate its transition from laboratory research to clinical application. With the advancement of portable devices, PBM is expected to provide safer and more effective treatments for epilepsy patients and make a significant contribution to personalized medicine, positioning it as a critical component of precision therapeutic strategies.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major chronic respiratory condition with high morbidity and mortality, imposing a serious economic and public health burden. The World Health Organization ranks COPD among the top 4 chronic diseases worldwide. Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture (ZSWQF), a novel Tibetan herbal formulation independently developed by our research team, has shown therapeutic potential for chronic respiratory diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effects of aerosolized ZSWQF on cigarette smoke-induced COPD in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty C57 mice were randomly divided into a Control group, a COPD group, and a ZSWQF group. The Control group received saline aerosol inhalation without cigarette smoke exposure; both the COPD group and the ZSWQF group were exposed to cigarette smoke, with the former receiving saline inhalation and the latter treated with ZSWQF aerosol. White blood cell (WBC) count was performed using a fully automatic blood cell analyzer. Serum, alanine transaminase (ALT), and serum creatinine (SCr), as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BALF cell classification was determined using a hematology analyzer. Lung function was assessed with a small animal pulmonary function system, including airway resistance (RI) and cyclic dynamic compliance (CyDN). Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and mean linear intercept (MLI) and destruction index (DI) were calculated to evaluate morphological changes. Network pharmacology was applied to identify disease-related and ZSWQF-related targets, followed by intersection and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and enrichment analysis of biological functions and pathways. Primary type II alveolar epithelial cell (AEC II) from SD rats were isolated and divided into a Control group, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, a normal serum group, a water extract of ZSWQF (W-ZSWQF) group, a ZSWQF containing serum group, and a MLN-4760 [angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 inhibitor]. Western blotting was performed to assess protein expression of ACE, p38 [a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)], phospho (p)-p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p-ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-JNK, inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B alpha (IκBα), p-IκBα, and p-p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κBp65). RESULTS: WBC counts were significantly higher in the COPD group than in controls (P<0.01) and decreased following ZSWQF treatment (P<0.05). No significant intergroup differences were found in organ weights, ALT, or SCr (all P>0.05). Serum and BALF levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, as well as total BALF cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, were elevated in the COPD group compared with controls and reduced by ZSWQF treatment (P<0.05). COPD mice exhibited increased RI, decreased CyDN, marked alveolar congestion, inflammatory infiltration, thickened septa, and higher MLI and DI values versus controls (P<0.05); ZSWQF treatment significantly reduced MLI and DI (P<0.05). Network pharmacology identified 151 potential therapeutic targets for ZSWQF against COPD, with key nodes including TNF, IL-6, protein kinase B (Akt) 1, albumin (ALB), tumor protein p53 (TP53), non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT) 3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and beta-catenin (CTNNB1). Enrichment analysis indicates involvement of cancer-related, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, calcium, and MAPK signaling pathways. Western blotting results showed that compared with the LPS group, AEC II treated with ZSWQF-containing serum exhibited decreased expression of ACE, p-p38/p38, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-NF-κBp65, while ACE2 expression was upregulated, consistent with the MAPK/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway regulation predicted by network pharmacology. CONCLUSIONS Aerosolized ZSWQF provides protective effects in COPD mice by reducing airway inflammation and remodeling.
Animals ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/etiology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Network Pharmacology ; Smoke/adverse effects* ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Administration, Inhalation ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Lung/drug effects* ; Interleukin-6/blood*

Lumbar disc (LD) herniation and aging are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial morbidity. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms connecting the LD aging and herniation, particularly focusing on cellular senescence and molecular alterations in the nucleus pulposus (NP). We performed a detailed analysis of NP samples from a diverse cohort, including individuals of varying ages and those with diagnosed LD herniation. Our methodology combined histological assessments with single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and molecular changes related to NP aging and herniation. We discovered that cellular senescence and a decrease in nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) are central to both processes. Additionally, we found an age-related increase in NFAT1 expression that promotes NPPC senescence and contributes to both aging and herniation of LD. This research offers fresh insights into LD aging and its associated pathologies, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the root causes of LD herniation and aging.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/metabolism* ; Humans ; Aging/pathology* ; Nucleus Pulposus/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Transcriptome ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology* ; Adult ; Cellular Senescence ; Stem Cells/pathology* ; Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism*