Background The pathogenesis of silicosis has not been fully elucidated, and microRNAs (miRNA) may be involved in the occurrence and development of silicosis. Objective To investigate the effect of miR-204-3p inhibitor on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide dust-induced alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A co-culture model of macrophages and epithelial cells was established using a Transwell chamber. NR8383 macrophages were seeded into the upper chamber of the Transwell, and RLE-6TN cells were seeded into the lower chamber. After 24 h of culture, the medium in the lower chamber was discarded, washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and replaced with serum-free medium. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, silicosis group, miRNA NC group, and miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chamber was transfected with miRNA NC for the miRNA NC group or the miR-204-3p inhibitor for the miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chambers of the remaining two groups were added by equal amounts of serum-free medium. After 24 h, except for the control group that received an equal volume of serum-free medium, the upper chambers of the remaining three groups were treated with 800 μg·mL⁻¹ silicon dioxide dust. Morphological changes in each group were observed under a microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT-related factors, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin, were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The mRNA and protein expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin, were also assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The fluorescence expression intensities of α-SMA, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results The morphological observation revealed that RLE-6TN cells in the control group exhibited a regular oval shape. After treatment with silicon dioxide, the cells predominantly displayed a long spindle shape. Following the intervention with the miR-204-3p inhibitor, the number of long spindle-shaped cells increased, and the intercellular gaps widened. The RT-qPCR results showed that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group exhibited significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of EMT-related markers (α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin) (P<0.05), while the relative mRNA expression level of E-Cadherin was significantly reduced (P<0.05); the relative mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related markers (Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin) were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group showed significantly increased relative mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), decreased E-Cadherin mPNA expression (P<0.05), and elevated mPNA expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The Western blot analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group had significantly higher protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), lower E-Cadherin protein expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited significantly elevated protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), reduced E-Cadherin expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group showed enhanced fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and reduced fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited increased fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and decreased fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Conclusion The miR-204-3p inhibitor may exacerbate the EMT process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced RLE-6TN cells. miR-204-3p plays a negative regulatory role in silicosis fibrosis.

Objective To explore the role of miR-204-3p in silicosis and to elucidate the mechanism by which it affects silicosis fibers by regulating silica dust-induced alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in rats.Methods Forty SD rats were divided randomly into 4 groups:Control,Silicosis,AAV-Control,and AAV-miR-204-3p groups.The pathology of lung tissue damage was detected by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Relative expression levels of miR-204-3p and EMT marker genes in lung tissues from rats in each group were analyzed by real-time fluorescence reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),and protein expression levels of EMT-related markers in lung tissues were detected by Western blot.Results The alveolar structure was damaged,the lung septa showed interstitial fibrosis,and expression levels of mesenchymal markers were elevated in the Silicosis group compared with the Control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).The alveolar structure was more complete,the EMT process was alleviated,fibrosis was improved,and mesenchymal marker expression was reduced in the AAV-miR-204-3p group compared with the AAV-Control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Conclusions Free silica dust induces EMT in rat lung tissue.Overexpression of miR-204-3p can attenuate the EMT process induced by free silica dust in rats,and may thus affect silicosis fibrosis.

Objective To explore the role of miR-204-3p in silicosis and to elucidate the mechanism by which it affects silicosis fibers by regulating silica dust-induced alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in rats.Methods Forty SD rats were divided randomly into 4 groups:Control,Silicosis,AAV-Control,and AAV-miR-204-3p groups.The pathology of lung tissue damage was detected by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)and Masson staining.Relative expression levels of miR-204-3p and EMT marker genes in lung tissues from rats in each group were analyzed by real-time fluorescence reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR),and protein expression levels of EMT-related markers in lung tissues were detected by Western blot.Results The alveolar structure was damaged,the lung septa showed interstitial fibrosis,and expression levels of mesenchymal markers were elevated in the Silicosis group compared with the Control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).The alveolar structure was more complete,the EMT process was alleviated,fibrosis was improved,and mesenchymal marker expression was reduced in the AAV-miR-204-3p group compared with the AAV-Control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Conclusions Free silica dust induces EMT in rat lung tissue.Overexpression of miR-204-3p can attenuate the EMT process induced by free silica dust in rats,and may thus affect silicosis fibrosis.

Cilia,as cellular sensory organelles,actively partici-pate in and regulate cellular processes such as autophagy and metabolic breakdown during their generation and transportation.Autophagy,on the other hand,is a cell self-protection mecha-nism that maintains cellular homeostasis by clearing aggregates and damaged organelles.Combining recent research findings,this review comprehensively elucidates the bidirectional crosstalk between primary cilia and autophagy.Specifically,it highlights the crucial role of cilia-dependent signaling pathways in activa-ting cellular autophagy and how autophagy regulates cilia genera-tion and length by degrading specific ciliary proteins.Moreover,the dysregulation of primary cilia and autophagy is closely asso-ciated with the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of vari-ous ciliopathy-related diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis.In terms of pharmacotherapy,this review provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of small mole-cule inhibitors targeting ciliogenesis,including cytoskeletal drugs and Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors.Despite the current limitations in clinical use,these drugs lay the groundw-ork for developing highly specific targeted small molecule inhibi-tors of ciliogenesis and for the treatment of ciliopathies and canc-ers.By systematically discussing ciliogenesis,autophagy,disea-ses and drugs,this review offers new insights for further elucida-ting the crosstalk between ciliogenesis and autophagy,exploring their pathological mechanisms in disease development,and de-veloping therapeutic strategies in the future.

AIM To investigate the effects of Rutong Ruanjian Tablets on angiogenesis in cancer tissues of rats with preneoplastic breast cancer(PBC).METHODS 60 female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group of 10 rats and a model group of 50 rats for the establishment of the PBC models of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern with 9 weeks of oral administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA)and cervical ligation.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into the model group,the tamoxifen group(3.2 mg/kg),the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(128 mg/kg),the 3,5-difluorobenzoyl group(DAPT,5 mg/kg),and the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets(128 mg/kg via gavage)+DAPT(5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection)group,for 1 month corresponding drug administration,with 10 rats in each group.Then the rats had their cancer progression and syndrome scores observed;their angiogenesis evaluated by assessment of microvascular density(MVD);their vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression assessed by immunohistochemistry;and their mRNA and protein expressions of proteins related to the DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 pathway measured using RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS During carcinogenesis of rats induced by DMBA,there was gradual disappearance of E-cadherin expression and consistency of HE staining result with the PBC progression confirming the success of the modeling.Compared with the blank group,the model group showed increased MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group exhibited reduced MVD values,mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of VEGF,DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The Rutong Ruanjian Tablets+DAPT group showed reduced mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1,and protein expressions of DLL4,Notch1 and Hes1 compared to the Rutong Ruanjian Tablets group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Rutong Ruanjian Tablets can inhibit angiogenesis and attenuate cancer progression in PBC rats of Liver-Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern,and the mechanism may lie in the downregulation of DLL4/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway related proteins.

Objective:To explore the effect of Taichi motor imagination therapy combined with resistance exercise on the recovery of heart function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 118 elderly CHF patients admitted to Huangshan Shoukang Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 were included in this randomized controlled trial.Participants were randomly divided into intervention group(n=59)and control group(n=59).Participants in the control group received conventional anti-heart failure treatment,while those in the intervention group received additional Taichi motor imagination therapy and resistance exercise.The in-tervention lasted for 3 months.Cardiac function[left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd)and interventricular septal thickness at diastole(IVSTd)],quality of life[Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ)],markers of heart failure and neurohormones[B-type natri-uretic peptide(BNP),norepinephrine(NE),aldosterone(ALD)and angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ)]levels and the inci-dence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared to those in the control group,participants in the intervention group had significant higher LVEF[(50.52±1.96)％vs.(45.84±2.21)％],and significant lower LVEDd[(57.12±1.72)mm vs.(60.45±2.14)mm],IVSTd[(8.84±0.82)mm vs.(10.00±1.19)mm],MLHFQ score[(28.86±5.34)points vs.(34.51±6.57)points],BNP[(9.23±1.35)pg/ml vs.(13.62±1.49)pg/ml],NE[(13.09±0.93)pmol/L vs.(16.63±0.86)pmol/L],ALD[(1.82±0.12)ng/L vs.(2.35±0.15)ng/L],AngⅡ[(0.75±0.07)ng/L vs.(0.90±0.06)ng/L]and incidence of MACE(6.90％vs.26.32％)(P＜0.01 all).Conclusion:Taichi motor imagination therapy combined with resistance exercise may improve the cardiac function and quality of life in CHF patients.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Aim To compare the observation results of atomic force microscopy(AFM)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and to summarize the main problems and solutions of AFM in observing biological macromolecules,using the observa-tion subjects of protein samples purified by our research group.Methods The protein samples were diluted to 15 nmol·L-1 with PBS,fixed on glass slides,silicon wafers,and mica sheets,dried,and made into solid-phase observation samples.SEM sam-ples were plated with platinum before observation.The surface structures of proteins were observed using AFM and SEM,sample heights were calculated,and differences in results were com-pared.Results Protein samples with positive charges tended to shift to the right during observation due to the repulsion of the AFM probe;mica sheets could effectively eliminate the positive charge of proteins to avoid sample movement;PBS provided a stable environment for protein samples,but the crystallization of PBS salts interfered with probe operation and imaging clarity;SEM samples needed to be plated with platinum before observa-tion and could not achieve the precision of AFM.Conclusions Both AFM and SEM can directly observe protein structures in vitro,with AFM providing higher precision results;when protein sample stability permits,ultrapure water is preferred as the sol-vent carrier,and volatile liquids such as ethanol can also serve as solvent carriers.The application of AFM offers a new approach for pharmacological studies on interactions between biological macromolecules.

Objective:To explore the effect of Taichi motor imagination therapy combined with resistance exercise on the recovery of heart function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 118 elderly CHF patients admitted to Huangshan Shoukang Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 were included in this randomized controlled trial.Participants were randomly divided into intervention group(n=59)and control group(n=59).Participants in the control group received conventional anti-heart failure treatment,while those in the intervention group received additional Taichi motor imagination therapy and resistance exercise.The in-tervention lasted for 3 months.Cardiac function[left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd)and interventricular septal thickness at diastole(IVSTd)],quality of life[Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ)],markers of heart failure and neurohormones[B-type natri-uretic peptide(BNP),norepinephrine(NE),aldosterone(ALD)and angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ)]levels and the inci-dence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared to those in the control group,participants in the intervention group had significant higher LVEF[(50.52±1.96)％vs.(45.84±2.21)％],and significant lower LVEDd[(57.12±1.72)mm vs.(60.45±2.14)mm],IVSTd[(8.84±0.82)mm vs.(10.00±1.19)mm],MLHFQ score[(28.86±5.34)points vs.(34.51±6.57)points],BNP[(9.23±1.35)pg/ml vs.(13.62±1.49)pg/ml],NE[(13.09±0.93)pmol/L vs.(16.63±0.86)pmol/L],ALD[(1.82±0.12)ng/L vs.(2.35±0.15)ng/L],AngⅡ[(0.75±0.07)ng/L vs.(0.90±0.06)ng/L]and incidence of MACE(6.90％vs.26.32％)(P＜0.01 all).Conclusion:Taichi motor imagination therapy combined with resistance exercise may improve the cardiac function and quality of life in CHF patients.

Aim To explore the mechanism of the syn-ergistic effect of the ferroptosis inducer erastin com-bined with shikonin in promoting ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts(HSFBs).Methods Hypertrophic scar tissues provided by the General Hos-pital of Ningxia Medical University were collected,and HSFBs were extracted.HSFBs were identified by HE staining and immunofluorescence.The inhibitory rates of Era and SHK on HSFBs at different concentrations were detected by CCK-8 assay,and the IC50 value was calculated.CompuSyn software was used to calculate the co-use index(CI).Control group,Erastin(Era)group,shikonin(SHK)group and Era+SHK group were set up,and the number and morphological chan-ges of cells were observed after 24 hours of interven-tion.The ability of cell migration and invasion was de-tected by scratch test and Transwell test.The changes of malondialdehyde(MDA),total iron ion and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by corresponding biochemical kits.The expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and GOT1,SLC7A11,GPX4 and FTH1 were detected by Western blot.Results The IC50 value of Era and SHK of primary HSFBs was 2.22 μmol·L-1 and 3.94μmol·L-1 respectively,which was used as the single drug concentration for subsequent experiments.The CompuSyn software was employed to calculate the CI value when the two drugs were used in combination,and the concentrations corresponding to CI=0.39597(Era:1.2 μmol·L-1+SHK:1.5 μmol·L-1)were selected as subsequent combination concentrations(Because when CI was equal to 0.395 97,the concen-tration of each drug was lower than the concentration of single drug,and the inhibition rate of combined drug was greater than 50％).Compared with the monother-apy group,the number of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group was significantly reduced,cell membrane showed breakage and vesiculation,cell wrinkling became smal-ler,and cytoplasm was concentrated.The migration and invasion ability of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group were obviously weakened(P＜0.05),and the expres-sion of fibrosis-related proteins collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA was reduced(P＜0.05);the contents of MDA,total i-ron ions,and ROS in HSFBs of the SHK+Era group increased(P＜0.05),and the protein expression lev-els of SLC7A11,GOT1,GPX4,and FTH1 further de-creased(P＜0.05).Conclusions Erastin in combi-nation with shikonin can synergistically inhibit the pro-liferation,migration and fibrosis levels of HSFBs.The mechanism may be that erastin enhances the inhibition of shikotin on GOT1,increases the levels of cellular i-ron ions,ROS,and lipid peroxides,thereby promoting ferroptosis in HSFBs.