Objective: To investigate the regulatory role of miR-6824-3p in macrophage function and its molecular mechanism in inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, thereby providing experimental evidence to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms underlying persistent HBV infection. Methods: miR-6824-3p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into human THP-1-induced macrophages. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), neutral red uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and fluorescent latex particle phagocytosis assays were employed to evaluate the effects of miR-6824-3p on macrophage phenotype and function. Through a combination of bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assays, western blot, and siRNA interference techniques, we identified the target gene of miR-6824-3p and examined their effects on downstream signaling pathways. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to assess the impact of miR-6824-3p-regulated macrophages on HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigen levels in HepAD38 cells. Key effector molecules were identified through neutralization assays. Results: miR-6824-3p mimic significantly promoted the expression and secretion of proinflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, in macrophages (P<0.001), while concurrently reducing ROS production and phagocytosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-6824-3p downregulated NRAS expression in macrophages, which was accompanied by a reduction in MAPK signalling path-way activity (p-MEK, p-ERK). Compared to the control group, the medium of macrophages with overexpressed miR-6824-3p inhibited the expression of HBV DNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV-associated antigens HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcAg in HepAD38 cells (P<0.01). Similar results were also observed in the co-culture system of macrophages with HepAD38 cells. The addition of TNF-α neutralizing antibodies markedly attenuated the aforementioned antiviral effects (P<0.001). Conclusion: miR-6824-3p targets NRAS to affect the downstream MAPK signaling pathway, regulating the immune function of macrophages. The TNF-α induced by miR-6824-3p is one of the key molecules that suppress HBV replication. This study provides evidence for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs influence HBV replication via modulating the host immune microenvironment.

Objective: To assess the status of sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among school attending young students in Guangdong Province, so as to provide evidence base for formulating targeted intervention strategies. Methods: From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was employed to conduct an anonymous online survey among 41 119 students from 20 higher education institutions and vocational colleges in Guangdong Province. Chi square test was utilized for rate comparisons and univariate analysis, and a multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze factors associated with novel synthetic drug use. Results: The self reported rate of sexual behavior was 5.2%. Among sexually active students, the rates of unprotected sexual intercourse, having temporary sexual partners, and having commercial sexual partners were 32.4%, 34.5%, and 26.3%, respectively. The awareness rate of HIV related knowledge was 75.7%. The overall use rate of novel psychoactive substances(NPS) was 1.0%, and among sexually active students it was 6.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that students with sexual experience ( OR =4.15) and those with HIV testing history ( OR =9.38) had higher risks of NPS use; among sexually active students, those with unprotected sexual intercourse ( OR =6.83) and those with commercial sexual partners ( OR = 4.68 ) had higher risks of NPS use (all P <0.05). Conclusions The HIV/AIDS knowledge level among surveyed students needs further improvement, and high risk sexual behaviors are cross linked with novel synthetic drug use. It is recommended to carry out integrated health education for all students and implement comprehensive targeted interventions for sexually active students.

In recent years, the incidence of dry eye disease(DED)is increasing, positioning it as one of the most prevalent diseases affecting the ocular surface. Inflammatory response is the pathological basis of DED, involving various inflammatory mediators and inflammatory signaling pathways. Consequently, anti-inflammatory treatment emerges as a fundamental strategy for preventing and managing DED. This review summarizes the classic inflammatory factors involved in the development and progression of DED, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, matrix metalloproteinases, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. It also discusses the relevant inflammatory signaling pathways: the MAPKs pathway, NF-κB pathway, Wnt pathway and TLR pathway. Additionally, this review addresses the mechanisms of action and alterations in relevant biomarkers associated with current first-line recommended anti-inflammatory therapies, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and traditional Chinese medicine approaches to inflammation management. This comprehensive overview aims to enhance understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms underlying DED while exploring future therapeutic prospects.

In recent years, the incidence of dry eye disease(DED)is increasing, positioning it as one of the most prevalent diseases affecting the ocular surface. Inflammatory response is the pathological basis of DED, involving various inflammatory mediators and inflammatory signaling pathways. Consequently, anti-inflammatory treatment emerges as a fundamental strategy for preventing and managing DED. This review summarizes the classic inflammatory factors involved in the development and progression of DED, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, matrix metalloproteinases, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. It also discusses the relevant inflammatory signaling pathways: the MAPKs pathway, NF-κB pathway, Wnt pathway and TLR pathway. Additionally, this review addresses the mechanisms of action and alterations in relevant biomarkers associated with current first-line recommended anti-inflammatory therapies, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and traditional Chinese medicine approaches to inflammation management. This comprehensive overview aims to enhance understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms underlying DED while exploring future therapeutic prospects.

Liver fibrosis is a vital cause of morbidity in patients with liver diseases and developing novel anti-fibrotic drugs is imperative. Isovalerylspiramycin I (ISP I) as a major component of carrimycin applied to upper respiratory infections, was first found to possess anti-fibrotic potential. The present study aims to evaluate the functions and mechanisms of ISP I in protecting against liver fibrosis. According to our results, ISP I not only reduced the expressions of fibrogenic markers in LX-2 cells but also appeared great protective effects on liver injury and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligation (BDL) rats and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) mice. We proved that nucleotide-binding protein 2 (NUBP2) was the direct target of ISP I. ISP I through targeting NUBP2, increased the amount of vascular non-inflammatory molecule-1 (VNN1) on the cell membrane, which will inhibit oxidative stress and fibrosis. Simultaneously, the original carrimycin's protective effect on liver damage and fibrosis was verified. Therefore, our study provides potential agents for patients with liver fibrosis-related diseases, and the clear mechanism supports wide application in the clinic.

Liver fibrosis is a vital cause of morbidity in patients with liver diseases and developing novel anti-fibrotic drugs is imperative.Isovalerylspiramycin Ⅰ(ISP Ⅰ)as a major component of carrimycin applied to upper respiratory infections,was first found to possess anti-fibrotic potential.The present study aims to evaluate the functions and mechanisms of ISP Ⅰ in protecting against liver fibrosis.According to our results,ISP Ⅰ not only reduced the expressions of fibrogenic markers in LX-2 cells but also appeared great protective effects on liver injury and liver fibrosis in bile duct ligation(BDL)rats and carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)mice.We proved that nucleotide-binding protein 2(NUBP2)was the direct target of ISP Ⅰ.ISP Ⅰ through targeting NUBP2,increased the amount of vascular non-inflammatory molecule-1(VNN1)on the cell membrane,which will inhibit oxidative stress and fibrosis.Simultaneously,the original carri-mycin's protective effect on liver damage and fibrosis was verified.Therefore,our study provides po-tential agents for patients with liver fibrosis-related diseases,and the clear mechanism supports wide application in the clinic.

OBJECTIVE To develop the quality evaluation standard indicator system for hospital cough and wheeze pharmaceutical care clinic （CWPC） pharmacist training within the layered learning practice model （LLPM）， and apply it in clinical practice. METHODS Our teaching team established an LLPM model to train cough and wheeze pharmacists， according to the actual conditions of our college. Using qualitative interview methods， expert questionnaires were compiled with literature research； the expert correspondence methods were employed to conduct two rounds of consultation with 10 domestic respiratory medicine experts， thus constructing an evaluation index system for the teaching quality of cough and wheeze pharmacists. The experts’ positive coefficient， authority coefficient， Kendall’s harmony coefficient， and the degree of concentration of opinions were calculated. The analytic hierarchy process （AHP） was used to determine the weight of each indicator within the index system. From June 2023 to June 2024， the teaching team enrolled 21 pharmacists in the training program. The teaching team assessed and scored the trial group （LLPM） and control group （traditional teaching model） based on the benefit indicators for pharmacists and patients in the evaluation index system， and compared the results. RESULTS This study explored the establishment of a training system for cough and wheeze pharmacists under the LLPM model， and initially established an evaluation index system using the Delphi method. In two rounds of Delphi method questionnaires， the recovery rate was 100%， with an authority coefficient exceeding 0.8， Kendall’s harmony coefficient ranging from 0.235 to 0.459， and all P-values being less than 0.05. Four primary （comprising trainee feedback， learning gains， behavioral improvements， and training performance）， 12 secondary and 33 tertiary indicators were finalized. In the empirical evaluation， the results of the two groups showed a significant benefit to the pharmacists in the trial group. Specifically， the percentage of patients receiving corticosteroids for COPD or wheeze service patients per month （80.5%）， an average increase in the number of cough and wheeze team service outpatient visits per month （compared to the same period of the previous year） of 14.8 visits per month， and the patient satisfaction score （4.9） were all significantly higher than those in the control group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The application of the LLPM in competency training for pharmacists specializing in cough and wheeze care yields multiple benefits and holds significant guiding value. The constructed training quality evaluation index system under this model is scientific and reliable.

Objective To investigate the impact of virtual reality combined with body weight-supported treadmill training on phantom limb pain,lower limb dynamics,gait stability,balance func-tion,and quality of life in amputees.Methods A prospective study enrolled 100 unilateral lower limb amputees as participants,who were randomly divided into experimental group(n=50)and con-trol group(n=50).The experimental group received virtual reality combined with body weight-sup-ported treadmill training,while the control group received conventional rehabilitation training.Out-comes,including phantom limb pain intensity[Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions(DN4)scores],lower limb dynamics[vertical ground reaction force(Fz),anteroposterior ground reaction force(Fy),joint moments],gait parameters,static balance(Berg Balance Scale score),dynamic balance(stability time,proportion of gait support time),quality of life[12-Item Short-form Health Survey(SF-12)score],and activities of daily living[Modified Barthel Index(MBI)score]were assessed before intervention and at 4,8,and 12 weeks post-intervention.Results At 4,8,and 12 weeks post-intervention,the experimental group exhibited significantly lower VAS and DN4 scores compared to baseline and the control group(P＜0.05).Gait speed,stride length,ca-dence,stance time,Berg Balance Scale score,stability time,and proportion of gait support time improved in the experimental group compared to baseline and the control group(P＜0.05).SF-12 score,MBI score,peak Fz,peak Fy,knee flexion moment,ankle abduction moment,and stance phase proportion also increased significantly in the experimental group compared to baseline and the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Virtual reality combined with body weight-supported tread-mill training effectively alleviates phantom limb pain,improves lower limb dynamics,gait stability,and balance function,and enhances quality of life in amputees.

The mechanism of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is still unclear, which might be closely related to ion channel changes, central sensitization and decreased function of descending inhibitory system after injury. Existing studies have shown that the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome play a key role in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury; therefore, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome is a promising therapeutic strategy. This review analyzes the molecular mechanism and treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome in neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury, aiming to provide references for pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND:Cervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative disease that has become one of the most common and frequent diseases threatening human health.At present,the initial diagnosis of the cervical spine and its surrounding structures mainly relies on the interpretation of medical images by radiologists,which not only requires a high level of technical requirements for operators,but also has the disadvantages of strong subjectivity,high labor intensity,and low efficiency.With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology,its powerful data processing and image recognition capabilities have shown broad application prospects in the medical field.Deep learning has also made certain progress in the research of spinal diseases.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current status and research progress in the application of artificial intelligence technology in cervical spine imaging images in recent years,evaluating the performance of artificial intelligence models as well as future trends and challenges to be overcome.METHODS:The first author searched the relevant articles in WanFang,CNKI,and PubMed in June 2024.The Chinese search terms were"artificial intelligence,deep learning,cervical spine."English serach terms were"artificial intelligence,Al,cervical vertebrae,cervical."Finally,101 articles were included and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Artificial intelligence technology can realize automatic segmentation of cervical vertebrae and measurement of curvature change by segmentation,classification,landmarks recognition of medical image parts,detect cervical vertebral fracture,nerve root,and spinal cord type cervical spondylosis,identify cervical spine ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament,and predict post-surgery related risk factors and cervical vertebra maturation classification.(2)Although artificial intelligence technology has shown great potential in the field of cervical spine research,it is still in the early stages of exploration and rapid development,with unlimited room for development and innovation.