Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and arises predominantly from the choroid. Mitochondria, as essential organelles, not only fuel energy metabolism, but also orchestrate signal transduction and apoptosis. Recent studies have progressively uncovered the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in UM, including mitochondrial DNA copy-number alterations, reprogramming of mitochondria-related metabolic genes, and mitochondria-dependent autophagy. Moreover, mitochondria modulate UM progression partly through the PI3K/AKT axis. Natural compounds and small-molecule drugs that impair mitochondrial function have also shown promising activity in inducing UM cell dysfunction. These findings provide new insights into UM pathogenesis and highlight mitochondria as potential therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of sepsis in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the compliance with sepsis diagnosis and treatment guidelines in intensive care unit (ICU) at different levels of hospitals, and to identify the risk factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with sepsis in this region. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted in ICU of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Critical Care Medicine Alliance. The survey period was from 10:00 on January 31, 2024, to 09:59 on February 1, 2024. The patients diagnosed with sepsis admitted to the ICU during the study period were included in the analysis. Data on patient demographics, physiology, microbiology, and treatment protocols were collected, with follow-up until the 28th day after ICU admission or death. Baseline characteristics and treatment information of septic patients across different hospital levels were compared, as well as clinical data of septic patients with different 28-day outcomes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for 28-day death in septic patients. RESULTS: A total of 77 units of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Critical Care Medicine Alliance from 14 prefectures/cities in Xinjiang participated in the survey. On the survey day, 727 patients were admitted to ICU, of whom 179 (24.6%) were diagnosed with sepsis, and 64 (35.8%) died within 28 days, 115 (64.2%) survived. Among the participating institutions, 33 were tertiary hospitals (42.9%), managing 97 septic cases (54.2%), and 44 were secondary hospitals (57.1%), managing 82 septic cases (45.8%). The lactic acid monitoring rate and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) rate for septic patients in tertiary hospitals were significantly higher than those in secondary hospitals [lactic acid monitoring rate: 92.8% (90/97) vs. 82.9% (68/82), CRRT rate: 17.5% (17/97) vs. 3.7% (3/82), both P < 0.05]. No statistically significant differences were observed between tertiary and secondary hospitals in length of ICU stay or 28-day mortality [length of ICU stay (days): 11.0 (16.0) vs. 10.0 (22.0), 28-day mortality: 35.1% (34/97) vs. 36.6% (30/82), both P > 0.05]. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score and lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score. Significant differences were noted in vital signs [heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂)], laboratory markers [red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte ratio (LYM%), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), pH value, base excess (BE)], and monitoring, diagnosis and treatment information (invasive blood pressure monitoring, mechanical ventilation, CRRT, usage of norepinephrine). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that body temperature [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.416, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.022-1.961, P = 0.037] and WBC (HR = 1.040, 95%CI was 1.010-1.071, P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for 28-day death in patients with sepsis. CONCLUSIONS Sepsis in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is characterized by a high mortality. In this region, tertiary hospitals demonstrate better compliance with bundled treatment strategies such as lactic acid monitoring and the usage of CRRT compared to secondary hospitals, yet they do not show significant advantages in clinical outcomes. Body temperature and WBC are independent risk factors for 28-day death in patients with sepsis in this region. However, clinicians should still consider the actual situation of patients, along with more optimal early warning indicators and comprehensive system assessments, to identify and prevent risk factors for adverse outcomes in patients.
Humans ; Sepsis/diagnosis* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Intensive Care Units ; Prognosis ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Incidence

Objective:To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with Castleman disease (CD).Methods:A retrospective case-series study was conducted. A total of 85 patients newly diagnosed with CD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University between July 2007 and August 2024 were collected. Their clinical characteristics and prognostic factors were analyzed.Results:Among the 85 patients, 45 had unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) and 40 had multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). In the UCD group, females were more commonly affected (64.4%, 29/45), with a median age of onset of 39 years. The primary lesions were mainly located in the retroperitoneum, neck, abdomen, and axilla; and the hyaline vascular subtype was the predominant pathological type (69.4%, 25/36). In the MCD group, males were more frequently affected (62.5%, 25/40), with a median age of onset of 50 years; and the plasmacytic subtype was the main pathological type (68.2%, 15/22). Compared with UCD patients, MCD patients presented more systemic symptoms and signs [85.0% (34/40) vs. 13.3% (6/45), χ2 = 43.66, P < 0.001], splenomegaly [42.5% (17/40) vs. 2.2% (1/45), χ2 = 20.58, P < 0.001], hepatomegaly [25.0% (10/40) vs. 0 (0/45), χ2 = 10.46, P = 0.001], edema or effusion in serous cavity [67.5% (27/40) vs. 8.9%(4/45), χ2 = 31.40, P < 0.001], hematological system involvement [32.5% (13/40) vs. 0 (0/44), χ2 = 16.92, P < 0.001], and renal involvement [22.5% (9/40) vs. 2.3%(1/44), χ2 = 6.36, P = 0.012]. Laboratory findings showed that the levels of hemoglobin and albumin in MCD patients were lower than those in UCD patients, while white blood cell count in MCD patients was higher than that in UCD patients. Additionally, MCD patients exhibited elevated levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and ferritin compared to UCD patients (all P < 0.05). Among UCD patients, 40 cases underwent simple surgical resection, with no deaths during follow-up and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 100.0%; among MCD patients, 34 cases received chemotherapy, 4 received siltuximab, 3 died during follow-up with a 5-year OS rate of 87.5%; and there was no statistically significant difference in OS between the MCD and UCD groups ( χ2 = 3.67, P = 0.055). Among MCD patients, the OS of those with renal involvement (9 cases) was worse than that of those without renal involvement (31 cases) ( χ2 = 8.39, P = 0.004). Conclusions:CD is a highly heterogeneous disorder. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for UCD, with a favorable prognosis. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for MCD, with a relatively poor prognosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of liraglutide on the gut microbiota of db/db diabetic mice and the predictive value of the microbial structure for the hypoglycemic efficacy.Methods The db/db mice were randomly divided into control group and liraglutide group(0.4 μg/g).Fasting blood glucose levels were measured in the mice,and fecal samples were collected to determine the structure of the gut microbiota.Results Compared with the control group,the liraglutide group exhibi-ted a significant increase in the average number of operational taxonomic unit(OTU)(P＜0.01).The number of observed species,Chao1 index and ACE index were all significantly higher in the liraglutide group than those in the control group(P＜0.05).Additionally,the liraglutide group showed a signifi-cant increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and a significant decrease in the abundance of Actinobacteria compared with the control group(P＜0.01).The percentage decrease in blood glucose levels in db/db mice was positively correlated with the abundance of Pseudomonadaceae and negatively correlated with the abundances of Clostridiaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae.Conclusion Liraglutide treatment can modulate the structure of the gut microbiota,increasing the number of OTU and diversity,particularly enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Clostridium,Lachnospira and Oscillospira.The gut microbiota structure in mice serves as a predictive factor for the hypoglycemic efficacy of liraglutide,with diabetic mice exhibiting a higher abundance of Pseudomonas being more likely to benefit from liraglutide-induced hypoglycemic therapy.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.MethodsWe tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control. The rats were divided into four groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group, and Wuhua herbal tea group. The rats underwent body weight measurements, sucrose preference test, and open-field test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6. Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group rats had depressive tendencies, exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair. The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees (P = .015 and P = .002); reduced serum levels of ACTH, corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6 (all P .05); and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF, CREB, JAK2, and STAT3 in the hippocampus (all P .05); and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels (P = .006).ConclusionWuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation, alleviating neuroinflammation. It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function, reducing depressive symptoms.

Panax ginseng, a perennial herbaceous plant and a representative of the Panax genus, is renowned for its exceptional medicinal value and economic benefits, often referred to as the “King of Herbs.” With the increasing market demand and the limited availability of suitable cultivation land, the issue of continuous cropping obstacles for P. ginseng has become increasingly prominent, directly hindering the sustainable development of the ginseng industry. This article summarizes the concept and hazards of continuous cropping obstacles and, drawing on the latest research, provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and response mechanisms. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research into the mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in P. ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a perennial herbaceous plant and a representative of the Panax genus, is renowned for its exceptional medicinal value and economic benefits, often referred to as the “King of Herbs.” With the increasing market demand and the limited availability of suitable cultivation land, the issue of continuous cropping obstacles for P. ginseng has become increasingly prominent, directly hindering the sustainable development of the ginseng industry. This article summarizes the concept and hazards of continuous cropping obstacles and, drawing on the latest research, provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and response mechanisms. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research into the mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in P. ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a perennial herbaceous plant and a representative of the Panax genus, is renowned for its exceptional medicinal value and economic benefits, often referred to as the “King of Herbs.” With the increasing market demand and the limited availability of suitable cultivation land, the issue of continuous cropping obstacles for P. ginseng has become increasingly prominent, directly hindering the sustainable development of the ginseng industry. This article summarizes the concept and hazards of continuous cropping obstacles and, drawing on the latest research, provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and response mechanisms. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research into the mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in P. ginseng.

In 2025, the American Cancer Society published "Cancer statistics, 2025", which projected cancer data for the upcoming year based on incidence data collected by central cancer registries (through 2021) and mortality data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (through 2022). Similarly, the National Cancer Center of China released "Cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2022" in December 2024, analyzing data from 22 cancer registries across the country. This study provides a comparative analysis of cancer incidence and mortality trends in China and the United States during the same period, with a focus on sex- and age-specific distributions and long-term changes in cancer patterns. Long-term trends indicate that lung and liver cancer mortality rates in China have declined, primarily due to tobacco control measures and hepatitis B vaccination programs. However, the burden of gastric and esophageal cancers remains substantial. In the United States, mortality rates for colorectal and lung cancers have continued to decline, largely attributed to widespread screening programs and advances in immunotherapy. As economic growth and social development, China’s cancer profile is gradually shifting towards patterns observed in countries with high human development index. However, the prevention and control of upper gastrointestinal cancers remains a critical public health challenge that requires further attention.

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.