1.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.
2.Strategizing data compliance in intelligent healthcare: A four-step solution.
Xuejiao SONG ; Xiao LIU ; Xuelai YANG ; Chaozeng SI ; Xianbo ZUO ; Jingjing HE ; Yong CUI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1254-1256
3.Advances in gene and cellular therapeutic approaches for Huntington's disease.
Xuejiao PIAO ; Dan LI ; Hui LIU ; Qing GUO ; Yang YU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(5):307-337
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by the abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the Huntingtin gene (HTT) located on chromosome 4. It is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner and is characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. To date, there are no curative treatments for HD have been developed; current therapeutic approaches focus on symptom relief and comprehensive care through coordinated pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods to manage the diverse phenotypes of the disease. International clinical guidelines for the treatment of HD are continually being revised in an effort to enhance care within a multidisciplinary framework. Additionally, innovative gene and cell therapy strategies are being actively researched and developed to address the complexities of the disorder and improve treatment outcomes. This review endeavours to elucidate the current and emerging gene and cell therapy strategies for HD, offering a detailed insight into the complexities of the disorder and looking forward to future treatment paradigms. Considering the complexity of the underlying mechanisms driving HD, a synergistic treatment strategy that integrates various factors-such as distinct cell types, epigenetic patterns, genetic components, and methods to improve the cerebral microenvironment-may significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes. In the future, we eagerly anticipate ongoing innovations in interdisciplinary research that will bring profound advancements and refinements in the treatment of HD.
Huntington Disease/pathology*
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Humans
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Genetic Therapy/methods*
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Animals
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Huntingtin Protein/genetics*
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Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods*
4.Lipopolysaccharide regulates neutrophil inflammation through activating the LRG1/ROCK1 signaling
Qiao FENG ; Xin HAN ; Bohui YUAN ; Xuejiao ZHANG ; Hui HUA ; Wanpeng CHENG ; Suping QIN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xiaomei LIU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(4):597-602
Objective To investigate the role of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in regulating the inflammatory response of neutrophil through the leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1(LRG1)/Rho-associated protein kinase(ROCK1)signaling.Methods HL-60 cells were treated with 1 μmol/L all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)and 12.5 μL/mL dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)for 72 h and 96 h,and the morphological changes were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining.The expression of CD11b was detected by flow cytometry.LPS induced the activation of dHL-60 and human peripheral blood neutrophils.The transcription and secretion levels of LRG1,ROCK1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by qPCR and ELISA,respectively.The expression levels of LRG1 and ROCK1 after the activation of dHL-60 were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,dHL-60 was treated with the recombinant protein LRG1 and ROCK1 inhibitor Y-27632;the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by qPCR.Results Neutrophils were activated by LPS.The expression levels of LRG1 and ROCK1 were significantly increased,and the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased.The recombinant protein LRG1 activated dHL-60 in vitro,and the transcription levels of ROCK1 and inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased.Using the ROCK1 inhibitor Y-27632,the production levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced.Conclusion LPS can regulate the production levels of neutrophil inflammatory cytokines through activating the LRG1/ROCK1 signaling,thus exacerbating the inflammatory response.
5.Inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on rotavirus replication in vivo and in vitro and its effect on expression of immune factors
Xiaofeng LI ; Meihui CHENG ; Yang LIU ; Changcheng LIU ; Xuejiao JIA ; Mengqi LIU ; Wei ZHAO
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(6):1597-1605
Objectives:To discuss the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on the replication of rotavirus(RV)strain SA11 in vivo and in vitro,and to clarify its effect on the expression of related immune factors.Methods:For in vitro experiments,Lactobacillus reuteri was cultured and identified,and the standard curve and growth curve were plotted to screen the optimal time and concentration for Lactobacillus reuteri cultivation.The cells were infected with Lactobacillus reuteri at the concentrations of 5×108,10×108,50×108,100×108,200×108,and 500×108 CFU·mL-1,and the surival rates of Caco-2 cells were detected by trypan blue staining method.Various concentrations of Lactobacillus reuteri were co-incubated with RV in vitro and applied to the Caco-2 cells.The cells were divided into negative control group(NC group),positive control group(PC group),and 107,108,109,and 1010 CFU·mL-1 Lactobacillus reuteri groups.Immunofluorescence focus method was used to detect the viral titers in the Caco-2 cells after treated with Lactobacillus reuteri and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the copy numbers of RV VP6 gene in the Caco-2 cells after treated with various concentrations of Lactobacillus reuteri.In in vivo experiments,25 litters of SPF suckling mice were divided into control group,RV group(infected with SA11 strain),Ab-NC group(treated with antibiotic to deplete gut microbiota),Ab-RV group(depleting gut microbiota and then infected with SA11 strain),and Ab-Lac-RV group(depleting gut microbiota,treated with Lactobacillus reuteri,and then infected with SA11 strain).The fecal samples were collected on days 2,4,6,8,and 10 gavage,colon tissue sample were collected on day 4 of and RT-qPCR method was used to detect the copy numbers of RV VP6 gene in feces and the mRNA expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8,IL-10,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in colon tissue of the suckling mice in vartious groups.Results:The Lactobacillus reuteri grew well,with round,smooth,and milky white convex colonies and neat edges.After Gram staining,the bacteria appeared purple,irregular,and square-shaped rods.16SrDNA sequencing showed 99%sequence homology,indicating successful activation of Lactobacillus reuteri.The number of live Lactobacillus reuteri was linearly related to the absorbance(A)value,and the standard curve for regression analysis was Y=0.437 5X+0.000 6,R2=0.999 4.During the 0-2 h cultivation period,the bacteria were at the logarithmic growth phase with slow growth;from 2-14 h,the bacteria grew rapidly and stabilized at 14-16 h,reaching the growth rate peak at 16 h,after which they entered the decline phase.Infection with Lactobacillus reuteri at concentrations of 5×108,10×108,50×108,100×108,and 200×108 CFU·mL-1 resulted in the survival rates of Caco-2 cells were all>90%,so these concentrations were selected for the further experiments.Compared with PC group,the copy numbers of RV VP6 gene in the Caco-2 cells in 5×108,10×108,50×108,100×108,and 200×108 CFU·mL-1 Lactobacillus reuteri groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with PC group,the viral titers in the Caco-2 cells in 107,108,109,and 1010 CFU·mL-1 Lactobacillus reuteri groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the numbers of gut microbiota colonies in Ab-NC,Ab-RV,and Ab-Lac-RV groups were significantly decreased,indicating successful depletion of gut microbiota in the suckling mice.On days 2 and 4 after gavage,the RV VP6 gene copy number in the feces in Ab-RV group was significantly lower than that in RV group(P<0.05).On days 4,6,8,and 10 after gavage,the RV VP6 gene copy number in the feces in Ab-Lac-RV group was significantly lower than that in Ab-RV group(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the expression levels of IL-1β,IL-10,IFN-γ,and TNF-α mRNA in colon tissue in Ab-RV and Ab-Lac-RV groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while the expression level of IL-8 mRNA was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression level of IL-10 mRNA in colon tissue in Ab-LAC-RV group was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion:Lactobacillus reuteri may inhibit the RV replication by upregulating the expressions of IL-1β,IL-10,IFN-γ,and TNF-α mRNA and downregulating the expression of IL-8 mRNA.
6.Application analysis of two nutritional screening tools in nutritional status assessment of elderly inpatients
Jie LIU ; Jinjing LIU ; Guirong HE ; Xuejiao XIAN ; Hongjun YANG
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(17):2598-2602
Objective To evaluate the nutritional status of elderly inpatients by using the nutritional risk screening table 2002(NRS2002)and the short-form mini-nutritional assessment(MNA-SF),and to eval-uate the applicability of the two tools.Methods The general data were collected from the inpatients aged ≥80 years old by the random sampling method.They were divided into the two age groups:≥90 years old and<90 years old,and their nutritional status was assessed by using the two nutritional screening tools.Meanwhile,the fasting venous blood nutritional related indicators including albumin(Alb),hemoglobin(Hb),C-reactive protein(CRP),transferrin(TRF),prealbumin(PA)and retinol-binding protein(RBP)levels were detected.Furthermore the results conducted the correlation analysis.Results There were 404 cases(48.56%)of nutri-tional risk in the NRS2002 evaluation.The occurrence rate of nutritional risk in the ≥90 years old group was higher than that in the<90 years old group(P<0.01).There were 616 cases(74.04%)of malnutrition/risk of malnutrition in the MNA-SF evaluation.The incidence rate of malnutrition risk in the≥90 years old group was higher than that in the<90 years old group(P<0.01).With the serum ALB<30 g/L as the ref-erence standard,the applicabilities were compared between the two kinds of nutritional screening tools,the re-sults found that the two kinds of nutritional screening tools all were suitable for the nutritional status screen-ing of elderly inpatients.The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)of the MNA-SF for evaluating the nutritional status in the elderly inpatients was 0.814,the sensitivity and specificity were 75.7%and 87.7%respectively.AUC of ROC in NRS2002 for evaluating the nutritional status in the elderly inpatients was 0.805,the sensitivity and specificity were 88.6%and 62.2%respectively.The correla-tion analysis results of Hb,CRP,PA,RBP and TRF biochemical indexes with MNA-SF score and NRS2002 score showed that NRS2002 score and MNA-SF score were correlated with PA,RBP and TRF.Conclusion The incidence rate of nutritional risk in elderly inpatients is high.Both NRS2002 and MNF-SF nutritional screening tools are suitable for elderly inpatients and have high accuracy.Meanwhile,combining nutrition-related indicators to evaluate the nutritional status of elderly patients can improve the accuracy of nutritional assessment.
7.Ulinastatin reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury mediated by NLRP3 in skeletal muscle
Liang QI ; Peigen YUAN ; Yalan CHEN ; Xuejiao LIU
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(26):71-75
Objective To investigate the role of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)pathway in limb ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)pretreated with ulinastatin(UTI).Methods Twenty-one SD rats were randomly divided into Sham group,IRI group,UTI group.In UTI group,ulinastatin was injected after anesthesia.After 10 minutes,the animal model was established by claming the femoral artery and ligaturing collateral circulation.After 3h of ischemia,the clamp and tourniquet were removed and the rats underwent 2h of reperfusion.In the other groups,the homologous saline was also injected in the same time.Plasma concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and creatine kinase(CK),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-18,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured.The gastrocnemius muscle was harvested and immediately stored at-80℃.NF-κB and NLRP3 were detected by Western blot and PCR.The other section muscle was stored in triformol for HE staining.The wet/dry was also immediately detecting.Results The level of wet/dry,LDH,CK,IL-6,IL-18,TNF-α,NF-κB,NLRP3 IRI were higher than those in Sham group(P<0.05).The level of wet/dry,LDH,CK,IL-6,IL-18,TNF-α,NF-κB,NLRP3 IRI were significantly lower than those in IRI group(P<0.05).Conclusion Ulinastatin can reduce the cellular inflammatory response through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway,thereby achieving a protective effect on limb IRI in rats.
8.Research on the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine's five-element music therapy in patients with autoimmune liver disease of liver depression and spleen deficiency type
Xuan WANG ; Jingxian HU ; Shuyu HAN ; Ying WANG ; Xuan WU ; Yanchao ZHAO ; Xuejiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(7):789-795
Objective To explore the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine's five-element music therapy com-bined with individualized emotional counseling intervention in patients with autoimmune liver disease of liver de-pression and spleen deficiency type.Methods 74 patients with autoimmune liver disease of liver depression and spleen deficiency type who were admitted to the hepatology department of a tertiary hospital from January 2021 to February 2022 were selected as research subjects,and they were divided into an experimental group and a control group by a random number table with 37 cases in each group.The control group was given routine treatment and nursing care,as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine's emotional nursing.The experimental group received Tradi-tional Chinese Medicine's five-element music therapy combined with individualized emotional counseling intervention on the basis of routine treatment and nursing care,with an intervention period of 4 weeks.The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD-7),Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)were used to evaluate patients within 24 hours after admission and after 4 weeks of intervention.Results A total of 72 patients completed the study,with 36 in the experimental group and 36 in the control group.Before and after intervention,the scores of GAD-7,PHQ-9,and PSQI in the experimental group were compared,and the dif-ferences were statistically significant(P<0.001).After the intervention,the GAD-7 score in the experimental group was(7.89±3.15),which was lower than(10.14±4.41)in the control group.The PHQ-9 score was(12.33±4.08)in the ex-perimental group,which was lower than(14.64±5.34)in the control group.The PSQI score was(12.39±3.06)points,which was lower than(14.22±3.37)in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The application of Traditional Chinese Medicine's five-element music therapy combined with individual-ized emotional guidance intervention can effectively improve the sleep quality and help alleviate negative emotions in patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency type of autoimmune liver disease.
9.Basic research on cardiac structure and function of middle-aged and elderly cynomolgus monkey hearts based on ultrasound diagnosis
Shuhua LIU ; Dan ZHOU ; Hongyi CHEN ; Yunfeng LI ; Zhongqiang HUANG ; Yalun GUAN ; Changlin WU ; Xuejiao LI ; Ge LI ; Yu ZHANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(7):856-866
Objective To conduct basic research on the structure and function of the heart in cynomolgus monkeys older than 10 years to provide data for animal selection in elderly disease research.Methods A total of 144 cynomolgus monkeys>10 years old were selected as research subjects,including 37 females and 66 males in the 10~15 years group,and 21 females and 20 males in the 16~20 years group.Basic data on cardiac structure and function in middle-aged and elderly cynomolgus monkeys were obtained through comparative analysis of general indicators(body mass index,blood pressure,and heart rate),blood biochemical indicators(blood glucose,blood lipids,and ion indicators),and cardiac structure and function indicators.Results General indicators for the 10~15 years and 16~20 years groups were compared.As age increased,the blood pressure and heart rate of female and male monkeys increased,and there was a significant difference in blood pressure changes between male monkeys.A comparison of two sets of blood biochemical indicators showed that,as age increased,blood glucose,triglycerides,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,blood calcium,blood sodium,and blood potassium increased,while lactate dehydrogenase decreased,in female and male monkeys.Among these,blood glucose,triglycerides(males),total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(males),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(males),blood calcium,blood sodium,blood potassium,and lactate dehydrogenase showed significant changes.A comparison of cardiac contractile function between the two groups showed that,as age increased,the anterior and posterior diameters of the left atrium significantly decreased in both female and male monkeys.Female monkeys showed a significant decrease in the interventricular septal end systolic diameter,left ventricular end diastole and systolic diameters,left ventricular end diastolic and systolic volumes,and left ventricular mass index,while no significant changes were seen in male monkeys.A comparison of diastolic function between the two groups showed that,as age increased,the late diastolic velocity of the mitral valve decreased significantly in male monkeys,while the early diastolic velocity of the left ventricular sidewall increased significantly in female monkeys.Correlation analysis was conducted between the metabolic indicators and the cardiac structure and function indicators of female and male monkeys.The correlations between metabolic indicators and cardiac structure and function indicators were weak in female monkeys,for which the maximum absolute Γ value did not exceed 0.39.However,the correlations between metabolic indicators and cardiac structure and function indicators were relatively strong in male monkeys,for which the maximum absolute Γ value reached 0.66.Conclusions Based on ultrasound analysis combined with metabolic indicators,the heart function of cynomolgus monkeys was studied,and basic data related to the structure and function of the heart in middle-aged and elderly cynomolgus monkeys were obtained.As age increased,blood glucose and lipid indicators increased in cynomolgus monkeys,while cardiac systolic and diastolic functions show a downward trend,similar to changes in middle-aged and older adult human populations.These data provide support for animal selection in research on age-related diseases related to heart function.
10.Construction, reliability and validity of a scale for self-management of patients with dry eye
Xuejiao LIU ; Shuxian LIU ; Haiying LI ; Lijuan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Mengnan ZHAO ; Zhangfang MA ; Wanxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(33):2603-2611
Objective:To construct and test the reliability and validity of an assessment scale for self-management of patients with dry eye, so as to help patients establish dry eye related health behaviors.Methods:Based on the knowledge attitude and practice theory, the initial scale was constructed on the basis of literature review and qualitative interview, and revised through Delphi expert consultation and expert argumentation. After the preliminary investigation, 211 dry eye patients treated in the dry eye nursing outpatient department of Beijing Tongren Hospital from August 2023 to January 2024 were selected by convenience sampling method for questionnaire investigation to test the reliability and validity of the scale.Results:Among 211 dry eye patients, there were 58 males and 153 females, aged (39.31 ± 12.81) years old. The scale of self-management of patients with dry eye included 27 items in 3 dimensions: knowledge, attitude and behavior. The authority coefficient of the two rounds of expert consultation was 0.86, and the Kendall coordination index increased from 0.175 to 0.223 (both P < 0.01). The cumulative variance contribution rates of the three dimensions were 41.843%, 54.219% and 44.273%, respectively. The Cronbach α coefficient of the scale was 0.787, and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.641. Conclusions:The scale of self-management of patients with dry eye has good reliability and validity and can be used in the assessment of dry eye patients to provide a reference basis for targeted guidance and intervention.

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