ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenweishu granule （WWSG） on functional dyspepsia （FD） with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats by integrating network pharmacology， molecular docking， and animal experiments. MethodsActive components and corresponding targets of WWSG were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP） and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM）. Disease-related targets for FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome were screened using GeneCards and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCMIP）. Core therapeutic targets were identified via Cytoscape and validated by molecular docking. A rat model of FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome was established using vinegar gavage combined with tail-clamping. The rats were randomly divided into a model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose WWSG groups （2.0， 4.0， 8.0 g·kg^-1）， a domperidone group （3.0 mg·kg^-1）， a Fuzi Lizhong pillwan （0.8 g·kg^-1）， and a normal control group （n=10 per group）. Drugs were administered once daily by gavage for 14 consecutive days. After treatment， body weight， symptom scores， and gastrointestinal motility indices were recorded. Gastric and duodenal pathologies changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Brain-gut peptides were measured in serum and tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess stem cell factor （SCF） and receptor tyrosine kinase （c-Kit） protein expression in gastric tissues. ResultsA total of 305 drug targets， 1 140 disease targets， and 116 overlapping targets were identified. Cytoscape analysis revealed 104 core targets. Enrichment analysis indicated that the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway was the key mechanism. Molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between active components of WWSG and SCF/c-Kit proteins （binding energy<-5.1 kcal·mol^-1）. Compared with the normal group， model rats exhibited slower weight gain （P<0.05）， reduced gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion （P<0.01）， mild gastric mucosal shedding， duodenal inflammatory cell infiltration， decreased levels of gastrin （GAS）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and elevated somatostatin （SS） expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. WWSG treatment ameliorated weight gain， symptom scores， and low-grade inflammation in gastric/duodenal tissues. High-dose WWSG significantly improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion， upregulated GAS， 5-HT， and VIP， and downregulated SS expression in serum and tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot demonstrated that SCF and c-Kit protein expression was decreased in the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， which was reversed by WWSG intervention （P<0.05）. ConclusionWWSG exerts therapeutic effects on FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats， potentially by regulating the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway to enhance gastrointestinal motility.

Objective To explore the longitudinal associations of body roundness index (BRI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF) with the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods This study included participants from the UK Biobank who were free of AF or pregnancy at baseline and completed the first and second assessments of BRI, VAI, and METS-VF. The changes in BRI, VAI, and METS-VF were classified using K-means clustering analyses, and the cumulative adiposity indices were also calculated. The primary outcome was new-onset AF. Three Cox regression models were employed to investigate the longitudinal associations of the BRI, VAI, and METS-VF changes with the risk of incident new-onset AF. The results were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to explore potential non-linear associations between baseline or cumulative adiposity indices and the risk of new-onset AF. C-index analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of BRI, VAI, and METS-VF for new-onset AF. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age, gender, race, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Polygenic risk scores were applied to account for genetic susceptibility and investigate potential interactions between adiposity indices and genetic risk. Univariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships of cumulative adiposity indices and magnetic resonance imaging and dual X-ray absorptiometry parameters, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, VAT mass, trunk fat volume, and trunk fat mass. We further applied the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, with the feature importance being measured to evaluate the predictive value of each adiposity index for imaging parameters. Mendelian randomization analysis was further conducted to investigate the potential causal relationship between trunk fat mass and AF. Results A total of 12 776 participants were included. Over a median follow-up of 9.60 years, 761 (5.96%) new-onset AF events were recorded. Participants were divided into four classes based on the changes in adiposity indices. In the fully adjusted model, compared to participants in Class 1 of BRI, those in Class 3 (HR＝1.30, 95%CI 1.04-1.63, P＝0.023) and Class 4 (HR＝2.17, 95%CI 1.61-2.93, P＜0.001) were associated with significantly higher risks of new-onset AF. Regarding METS-VF, participants in Class 4 of METS-VF also demonstrated a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF compared to those in Class 1 (HR＝1.66, 95%CI 1.15-2.39, P＝0.007). However, no significant association was observed between different classes of VAI and the risk of new-onset AF. For every 1 standard deviation increase in cumulative BRI, VAI, and METS-VF, the fully adjusted HRs of new-onset AF were 1.23 (95%CI 1.13-1.35), 1.02 (95%CI 0.94-1.10), and 1.23 (95%CI 1.12-1.35), respectively. Cumulative adiposity indices (BRI, VAI, and METS-VF) were divided into quartiles. Using the first quartile as reference, participants in the highest quartiles of BRI (HR＝1.40, 95%CI 1.10-1.79, P＝0.007) and METS-VF (HR＝1.44, 95%CI 1.13-1.83, P＝0.003) both exerted a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF. Regarding VAI, no significant association was observed (HR＝1.00, 95%CI 0.81-1.23, P＝0.988). Restricted cubic spline analyses revealed non-linear relationships between cumulative BRI, baseline/cumulative VAI, and baseline/cumulative METS-VF with new-onset AF risk (all P_overall＜0.05, P_non-linear＜0.05). In the C-index analysis, BRI demonstrated the highest predictive performance for new-onset AF, followed by METS-VF and VAI. Subgroup analysis indicated a stronger association between METS-VF and the risk of new-onset AF amongst participants younger than 60 years (P_interaction＝0.008). Polygenic risk score analysis stratified by genetic risk demonstrated a synergistic effect between BRI and genetic risk with new-onset AF, with the overall risk of new-onset AF increasing as both BRI and genetic risk increased. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between cumulative BRI with VAT volume, VAT mass, trunk fat volume, and trunk fat mass. The feature importance plot derived from the XGBoost algorithm indicated that cumulative BRI had the greatest predictive value on VAT volume, VAT mass, trunk fat volume, and trunk fat mass. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed a significant causal relationship between trunk fat mass and AF. Conclusions There are significant non-linear associations between BRI, METS-VF, and VAI with new-onset AF. Higher BRI and METS-VF are significantly associated with a higher risk of new-onset AF, whereas no significant association is observed for the VAI. BRI exhibits a positive correlation with VAT and trunk fat, and demonstrates superior performance in predicting new-onset AF compared to VAI and METS-VF. Monitoring and managing BRI may be important in the early detection and intervention of AF.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture technique (for regaining consciousness and opening orifice) on methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), and key methyltransferases and demethylases, so as to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). METHODS: Of 68 male Sprague-Dawley rats of SPF grade, 15 rats were randomly selected as a sham-operation group, and the remaining rats were subjected to the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion using the suture ligation. CIRI was induced by ischemia for 2 h followed by reperfusion. Rats that failed to modeling or died were excluded. The rest 45 rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e. model group, acupuncture group, and non-point acupuncture group, with 15 rats in each group. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Shuigou" (GV26). In the non-point acupuncture group, acupuncture was delivered at three non-points, located 3 mm below the bilateral midaxillary line and 3 mm lateral to the tip of the coccyx. One intervention was operated in these two acupuncture groups and the needles were retained for 30 min. Before modeling start and 2 h after ischemia, a laser speckle flowmeter was used to monitor the cerebral blood perfusion. In 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion, the neurological behavioral score was evaluated. The volume of rat cerebral infarction was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and the level of m6A methylation in ischemic cortical area was detected by Dot blot, and the protein and mRNA expression of the demethylase i.e. fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) and key methyltransferases, i.e. methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), and Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) in ischemic cortical area were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Cerebral blood perfusion decreased by>70% after 2 h ischemia. Compared with the sham-operation group, the neurobehavioral score and the percentage of cerebral infarction volume increased in the model group (P<0.01); the level of m6A methylation in the ischemic cortical area increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression of FTO decreased (P<0.01), and that of ALKBH5, METTL3, and METTL14 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. When compared with the model group and the non-point acupuncture group, the acupuncture group showed a decrease in the neurobehavioral score and the percentage of cerebral infarction volume (P<0.01), the level of m6A methylation in the ischemic cortical area was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the protein and mRNA expression of FTO was elevated (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture technique presents its protective effect on the brain in the rats with CIRI, which is related to up-regulating the expression of FTO and modulating m6A methylation.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Rats ; Brain Ischemia/genetics* ; Humans ; Adenosine/metabolism* ; Methylation ; Acupuncture Points ; Cerebral Cortex/metabolism*

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.

Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) functions as a key regulator in inflammation and cell death and is involved in mediating a variety of inflammatory or degenerative diseases. A number of allosteric RIPK1 inhibitors (RIPK1i) have been developed, and some of them have already advanced into clinical evaluation. Recently, selective RIPK1i that interact with both the allosteric pocket and the ATP-binding site of RIPK1 have started to emerge. Here, we report the rational development of a new series of type-II RIPK1i based on the rediscovery of a reported but mechanistically atypical RIPK3i. We also describe the structure-guided lead optimization of a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable RIPK1i, 62, which exhibits extraordinary efficacies in mouse models of acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. Collectively, 62 provides a useful tool for evaluating RIPK1 in animal disease models and a promising lead for further drug development.

Background The benchmark dose (BMD) method calculates the dose associated with a specific change in response based on a specific dose-response relationship. Compared with the traditional no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) method, the BMD method has many advantages, and the 95% lower confidence limit of benchmark dose lower limit (BMDL) is recommended to replace NOAEL in deriving biological exposure limits. No authority has yet published any health-based guideline for rare earth elements. Objective To evaluate genotoxicity threshold induced by acute exposure to neodymium nitrate in mice using BMD modeling through micronucleus test and comet assay. Methods SPF grade mice (n=90) were randomly divided into nine groups, including seven neodymium nitrate exposure groups, one control group (distilled water), and one positive control group (200 mg·kg⁻¹ ethyl methanesulfonate), 10 mice in each group, half male and half female. The seven dose groups were fed by gavage with different concentrations of neodymium nitrate solution (male: 14, 27, 39, 55, 77, 109, and 219 mg·kg⁻¹; female: 24, 49, 69, 97, 138, 195, and 389 mg·kg⁻¹) twice at an interval of 21 h. Three hours after the last exposure, the animals were neutralized by cervical dislocation. The bone marrow of mice femur was taken to calculate the micronucleus rate of bone marrow cells, and the liver and stomach were taken for comet test. Results The best fitting models for the increase of polychromatophil micronucleus rate in bone marrow of female and male mice induced by neodymium nitrate were the exponential 4 model and the hill model, respectively. The BMD and the BMDL of female mice were calculated to be 31.37 mg·kg⁻¹ and 21.90 mg·kg⁻¹, and those of male mice were calculated to be 58.62 mg·kg⁻¹ and 54.31 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. The best fitting models for DNA damage induced by neodymium nitrate in female and male mouse hepatocytes were the exponential 5 model and the exponential 4 model, respectively, and the calculated BMD and BMDL were 27.15 mg·kg⁻¹ and 11.99 mg·kg⁻¹ for female mice, and 16.28 mg·kg⁻¹ and 10.47 mg·kg⁻¹ for male mice, respectively. The hill model was the best fitting model for DNA damage of gastric adenocytes in both female and male mice, and the calculated BMD and BMDL were 36.73 mg·kg⁻¹ and 19.92 mg·kg⁻¹ for female mice, and 24.74 mg·kg⁻¹ and 14.08 mg·kg⁻¹ for male mice, respectively. Conclusion Taken the micronucleus rate of bone marrow cells, DNA damage of liver cells and gastric gland cells as the end points of genotoxicity, the BMDL of neodymium nitrate is 10.47 mg·kg⁻¹, which can be used as the threshold of genotoxic effects induced by acute exposure to neodymium nitrate in mice.

Objective:To design a specialized ultrasound therapeutic device for rabbit urethral scars and to verify its applicability and effectiveness.Methods:New Zealand male rabbits were used as the experimental objects, and the ultrasound therapeutic instrument was customized according to the structure and size of the rabbit penises. The ultrasound therapeutic instrument included the ultrasound pulse emission and control system, the final-stage amplifier, and the ultrasound probe. Firstly, the ultrasound probe was designed according to the size and structure of rabbit penises, and the parameters of the ultrasound probe were determined by COMSOL finite element simulation and actual testing of the sound field distribution. Secondly, the driving circuit of the ultrasound probe was designed according to the parameters of the elements. Then the ultrasound pulse emission and control system based on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and the serial screen were designed. Subsequently, the ultrasound therapeutic instrument was subjected to a performance test and a safety test. The ultrasound therapeutic instrument was constructed to include the ultrasound amplifier and the ultrasound probe. Finally, a rabbit urethra reconstruction model was constructed, and eight white rabbits were randomly divided into a model group and an experimental group. The rabbits in the experimental group received the ultrasound therapeutic instrument for treatment of the urethra immediately, with an ultrasound frequency of 2 MHz, a pulse interval of 10 ms, and an output sound intensity of 0.73 W/cm 2. The treatment was performed twice a week (on Tuesday and Thursday), with 10 min of irradiation each time, lasting for four weeks. The rabbits in the model group did not receive any treatment. The area percentage of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) staining-positive areas in rabbit urethral tissues were quantitatively analyzed, and the urethral circumference was calculated using Image J software. Results:Due to the addition of sound-absorbing materials, the sound pressure distribution in the treatment chamber was more uniform, and the average value of the standing wave ratio was 1.11, indicating that the structural design met the design requirements. In the overall performance test, the natural focal position of the three ultrasonic transducers was 10 mm, and the consistency of the sound field distribution meet the experimental requirements. The relationship between the peak sound pressure of each transducer and the power supply voltage was close to linear. The output sound intensity ranged from 0.35 to 0.74 W/cm 2, which met the experimental requirements. With the ultrasound output, the temperature of the test point increased slowly, and this experiment could increase the temperature of the tissue by up to 3.3 ℃, which would not lead to thermal damage to the tissue. Animal experiment results showed that the immunopositive area fraction of TGF-β1 in the urethral tissues of rabbits in the experimental group [(4.21 ± 1.32)%] was smaller than that of the model group [(8.53 ± 3.43)%] ( t = ?4.24, P < 0.001). The immunopositive area fraction of TNF-α in the urethral tissues of rabbits in the experimental group [(5.14 ± 2.72)%] was smaller than that of the model group [(7.23 ± 1.57)%] ( t = ?3.37, P < 0.05). The MMP-2 level in the urethral tissue of rabbits in the experimental group [(10.65 ± 2.24)%] was higher than that of the model group[(6.98 ± 2.74)%] ( t = 2.19, P < 0.05). The urethral circumference [(12 209 ± 2 743) μm] was higher than that of the model group [(10 127 ± 2 237) μm] ( t = 15.46, P < 0.05). Conclusions:An ultrasound therapeutic instrument dedicated to rabbit urethral scars has been successfully designed and can be used for the study of ultrasound treatment of rabbit urethral scars.

A case of spinal cord abscess caused by Nocardia cyriacigeorgica is reported. The patient is an elderly man with a history of nephritic syndrome who presented with aggravating lower back pain and then gradually developed urinary retention, weakness and numbness in both lower extremities. Operative intervention was performed, and postoperative pathological findings suggested spinal cord abscess formation. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the cerebrospinal fluid identified Nocardia cyriacigeorgica as the causative pathogen. Although appropriate antibiotics were prescribed, the patient died 3 months later.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the protective effect of empagliflozin on ischemic brain injury and neurological dysfunction in mice, and further explore its potential mechanism. METHODS: Acute cerebral ischemia model was induced by the permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery in C57BL/6J mice. Empagliflozin(10 and 30 mg·kg−1) was administered to mice one hour after the onset of occlusion. Brain infarct volume and neurological defect score were assayed 24 h after surgery. Mice were subjected to photo-thrombosis and further administered with empagliflozin 3, 10, 30 mg·kg−1 intragastricly for either 7 or 14 consecutive days. The grid-walking task and the cylinder task were performed daily to determine the sensory-motor function of the mice. Alternatively, the mice were treated with 10 mg·kg−1 empagliflozin simultaneously with 10% glucose(i.p.) for 7 consecutive days after the photo-thrombosis model to evaluate their motor sensory function. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the activation of microglia within the infarct area 7 d after the photo-thrombosis. RESULTS: One hour after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery, gavage of empagliflozin significantly increased the brain infarct volume and neurological dysfunction. While in photo-thrombosis surgery, treatment of empagliflozin(10 mg·kg−1) for consecutive 7 or 14 days significantly decreased the rate of false foot in grid-walking task and the assymetric index in cylinder task. At the dose of 30 mg·kg−1, however, empagliflozin even aggravated photo-thrombosis-induced neurological dysfunction, while the dose of 3 mg·kg−1 showed no effect. Unexpectedly, the protective effect of empagliflozin(10 mg·kg−1) could not be reversed by glucose treatment. The results of immunofluorescence showed that empagliflozin(10 mg·kg−1) significantly alleviated the microglia activation in the ischemic area after the photo-thrombosis operation. CONCLUSION Empagliflozin cannot protect against acute ischemia-induced brain injury in mice. Empagliflozin alleviated ischemia-induced neurological dysfunction with consecutive administration in a dose-related manner. Empagliflozin-conferred neuroprotection may not be attributable to its effects on lowing blood glucose. Alternatively, empagliflozin may play a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting the excessive activation of microglia in ischemic brains.