Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of systemic immune microenvironment during the progression of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced acute ulcerative colitis(UC)induced in mice by Mass cytometry(CyTOF).Methods:Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and model group.The control group was given normal drinking water for 15 d.The mouse in the model group were given 5%DSS in drinking water,which was changed to normal drinking water after 7 days.In the model group,peripheral blood was collected on days 4,9 and 15,respectively.CyTOF was used to detect the expressions of 33 immune cell markers and changes in cell subsets in peripheral blood of mice,and the characteristics of systemic immune microenvironment in mice with acute UC were analyzed.Results:The cluster analysis of 33 kinds of immune cell markers showed that CD45+cells in peripheral blood of mice with DSS induced acute UC were divided into 23 fine subgroups,among which the proportions of B cell subgroup,T cell subgroup and neutrophil subgroup showed significant changes.A further dimensional reduction cluster analysis of T cell subsets found significant differences in the composition and proportion of the 10 identified T cell subsets.Conclusion:The systemic immune micro-environment map of mice with acute UC induced by DSS has been successfully constructed,and heterogeneity has been found in the systemic immune microenvironment of mice with acute UC.The changes and activation degree of T cell subpopulations are closely re-lated to disease progression and inflammation level.The results of this study provide theoretical basis for assisting the diagnosis,moni-toring the risk,progression,treatment and prognosis of acute UC.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of systemic immune microenvironment during the progression of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced acute ulcerative colitis(UC)induced in mice by Mass cytometry(CyTOF).Methods:Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and model group.The control group was given normal drinking water for 15 d.The mouse in the model group were given 5%DSS in drinking water,which was changed to normal drinking water after 7 days.In the model group,peripheral blood was collected on days 4,9 and 15,respectively.CyTOF was used to detect the expressions of 33 immune cell markers and changes in cell subsets in peripheral blood of mice,and the characteristics of systemic immune microenvironment in mice with acute UC were analyzed.Results:The cluster analysis of 33 kinds of immune cell markers showed that CD45+cells in peripheral blood of mice with DSS induced acute UC were divided into 23 fine subgroups,among which the proportions of B cell subgroup,T cell subgroup and neutrophil subgroup showed significant changes.A further dimensional reduction cluster analysis of T cell subsets found significant differences in the composition and proportion of the 10 identified T cell subsets.Conclusion:The systemic immune micro-environment map of mice with acute UC induced by DSS has been successfully constructed,and heterogeneity has been found in the systemic immune microenvironment of mice with acute UC.The changes and activation degree of T cell subpopulations are closely re-lated to disease progression and inflammation level.The results of this study provide theoretical basis for assisting the diagnosis,moni-toring the risk,progression,treatment and prognosis of acute UC.

This study was aimed at understanding the Blastocystis,Enteroc ytozoon bieneusi,Cryptosporidium spp.,Gi-ardia duodenalis,and Pentatrichomonas hominis infection status in Chinese Milu deer(Elaphurus davidianus)in various prov-inces of China.A total of 81 fecal samples were collected from Beijing,Inner Mongolia,Hebei,and Hubei.PCR was used to detect the protozoans,and their subtypes and zoonoticity were determined through sequence and phylogenetic analyses.PCR re-sults indicated an infection prevalence of 40.74％,19.75％,and 8.64％for Blastocystis,E.bieneusi,and Cryptosporidium spp.,respectively,whereas G.duodenalis and P.hominis was not detected.Only one subtype of Cryptosporidium spp.(Cryptosporidium deer genotype)was detected.Four E.biene-usi genotypes were detected:HLJD-V,MWC-d1,BEB6,and CGC2.Five Blastocystis ST types were found:ST10,ST14,ST21,ST23,and ST25.Cryptosporidium spp.,E.bieneusi,and Blastocystis infections were prevalent,and zoonotic subtypes or genotypes of E.bieneusi and Blastocystis were i-dentified.The prevention and control of intestinal protozoa in Chinese Milu deer would support population health and is im-portant for public health.

This study was aimed at understanding the Blastocystis,Enteroc ytozoon bieneusi,Cryptosporidium spp.,Gi-ardia duodenalis,and Pentatrichomonas hominis infection status in Chinese Milu deer(Elaphurus davidianus)in various prov-inces of China.A total of 81 fecal samples were collected from Beijing,Inner Mongolia,Hebei,and Hubei.PCR was used to detect the protozoans,and their subtypes and zoonoticity were determined through sequence and phylogenetic analyses.PCR re-sults indicated an infection prevalence of 40.74％,19.75％,and 8.64％for Blastocystis,E.bieneusi,and Cryptosporidium spp.,respectively,whereas G.duodenalis and P.hominis was not detected.Only one subtype of Cryptosporidium spp.(Cryptosporidium deer genotype)was detected.Four E.biene-usi genotypes were detected:HLJD-V,MWC-d1,BEB6,and CGC2.Five Blastocystis ST types were found:ST10,ST14,ST21,ST23,and ST25.Cryptosporidium spp.,E.bieneusi,and Blastocystis infections were prevalent,and zoonotic subtypes or genotypes of E.bieneusi and Blastocystis were i-dentified.The prevention and control of intestinal protozoa in Chinese Milu deer would support population health and is im-portant for public health.

Using Shenfu injection as a case study,this research elucidates the content and methodologies involved in the comprehensive evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine injections.The aim is to provide a foundation for the rational clinical application of Chinese medicine injections,the research and development of value in traditional Chinese medicinal products,and informed pharmaceutical decision-making,thereby promoting the safe,effective,and rational use of medications.Through systematic literature review and the application of fundamental methodologies such as evidence-based medicine and pharmacoeconomics,the comprehensive evaluation of Shenfu Injection is conducted from aspects including pharmaceutical characteristics,efficacy,safety,cost-effectiveness,suitability,accessibility,and innovativeness.The outcomes of this study reveal that the active constituents of Shenfu Injection and their pharmacological effects stated in the indications are explicit,affirming clinical efficacy and demonstrating good safety profile.The economic analysis of its utilization alongside conventional therapies for heart failure establishes its cost-effectiveness;however,its timeliness necessitates updating.Suitability,accessibility,and innovativeness show some hignlights.In summary,this investigation underscores the established efficacy and safety framework for select indications of Shenfu Injection in clinical evidence,with a notable research gap in the realm of cost-effectiveness requiring further attention and refurbishment.Additionally,a more thorough investigation is warranted into the suitability,accessibility,and innovativeness of its employment within medical institutions.

Background In mainland China, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) have approximately an 40% prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages, and severe vision loss. China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes, regarding opinions on inactive PCV, choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy or combined therapy, patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF) after loading dose anti-VEGF, and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage. An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews, which informed the recommendations that address these questions. This guideline used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations. Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices. (1) For patients with inactive PCV, we suggest observation over treatment. (2) For treatment-na?ve PCV patients, we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy. (3) For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment, we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT. (4) For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy, we suggest the treat and extend (T&E) regimen rather than the pro re nata (PRN) regimen following three monthly loading doses. (5) For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments, we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation. (6) For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage (equal to or more than four optic disc areas) involving the central macula, we suggest surgery (vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) intraocular injection and gas tamponade) rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy. Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients' management.

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of NTRK3 gene rearrangement thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The PTC cases without BRAF V600E mutation were collected at Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch from January 2015 to January 2020. The cases of NTRK3 gene rearrangement PTC were examined using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The clinical data, histopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical features and molecular pathological changes were retrospectively analyzed. Data from the TCGA PTC dataset and the literature were also studied. Results: A total of 3 PTC cases harboring NTRK3 gene rearrangement were confirmed. All the patients were female, aged from 26,49,34 years. Histologically, two of them demonstrated a multinodular growth pattern. Only one case showed prominent follicular growth pattern; the other two tumors showed a mixture of follicular, papillary and solid growth patterns. All tumors showed a typical PTC nuclear manifestation, with some nuclear pleomorphism, vacuolated foci and oncocytic features. The characteristic formation of glomeruloid follicular foci was present in two cases which also showed psammoma bodies, and tumoral capsular or angiolymphatic invasion. The background thyroid parenchyma showed chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Mitotic rates were low, and no cases had any tumor necrosis. The pan-TRK and TTF1 testing was both positive in 3 cases, while S-100 and mammaglobin were both negative in them. FISH studies confirmed the NTRK3 gene rearrangement in all 3 cases. Studies on the TCGA datasets and literature revealed similar findings. Conclusions: NTRK3 gene rearrangement PTC is rare. It may be easily misdiagnosed due to the lack of histological and clinicopathological characteristics. Molecular studies such as pan-TRK immunostaining, FISH and even next-generation sequencing are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry of pan-TRK performed in the PTC cases without BRAF V600E mutation can be used as a good rapid-screening tool. With the emergence of pan-cancer tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors, proper diagnosis of these tumors can help determine appropriate treatments and improve their outcomes.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Mutation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics* ; Receptor, trkC ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/genetics* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics*

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic and molecular genetic characteristics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of histiocyte-rich rhabdomyoblastic tumor (HRRMT). Methods: The clinical data of two cases of HRRMT diagnosed in Fujian Provincial Hospital and Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated People's Hospital from 2020 to 2021 were collected. Histopathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to assess morphological changes; the genetic changes were analyzed with next-generation sequencing. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Both cases showed well-defined solid nodules and soft masses. Microscopically, the tumors had a fibrous pseudocapsule with lymphocytic aggregation, and locally invaded the surrounding skeletal muscle tissue, and the tumor cells were fusiform to epithelioid with an intensive foamy histiocytic infiltrate. No necrosis or mitosis was observed. Immunophenotyping showed the tumor cells were positive for desmin, either one or both skeletal muscle markers (myogenin or MyoD1), and negative for h-caldesmon, ALK and SMA. The Ki-67 index was<5%. Using next-generation sequencing, one case was found to harbour KRAS (G12D) and MSH3 (Q470^*) mutations. Conclusions: HRRMT is a newly described skeletal muscle tumor with uncertain malignant potential. Its diagnosis and differential diagnosis depend on morphologic and IHC staining. No specific molecular genetics changes have been identified so far.
Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Histiocytes/pathology* ; Humans ; Molecular Biology ; Muscle Neoplasms/pathology* ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Bushen Huoxue Formula (BSHXF) for the treatment of discogenic low-back pain (DLBP). METHODS: This was a parallel, double-blind, randomized, clinical trial performed between May 2019 and June 2020. Seventy patients were assigned by computerized random number table to the treatment group (lumbar traction and BSHXF, 35 cases) or the control group (lumbar traction and placebo, 35 cases). The patients received intervention for 3 weeks. Assessment was conducted before treatment and at week 1, 2, 3 during treatment. Primary outcome was the self-reported score of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), clinical efficacy rate by minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as well as lumbar tenderness, muscle tone and lumbar spine mobility. Adverse reactions were recorded. Follow-up was performed at 1 and 3 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: In the treatment group, ODI score was significantly decreased compared with baseline (P<0.05) and the control group at 2- and 3- week treatment. Similarly, VAS score decreased compared with the baseline (P<0.05) and was lower than that in the control group at 2- and 3- week treatment (P<0.05). The clinical efficacy rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group after treatment [32.35% (11/34) vs. 3.13% (1/32), P<0.05). Moreover, the tenderness, and muscle tone, as well as the back extension and left flexion in lumbar spine mobility in the treatment group at 3-week treatment were significantly improved compared with the control group (P<0.05). Follow-up showed that at 1-month after treatment, the treatment group had better outcomes than the control group with regard to a total score of ODI and VAS scores, as well as clinical efficacy rate (all P<0.05). Moreover, VAS score was still significantly lower than the control group at 3-month follow-up (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were reported during the study. CONCLUSION BSXHF combined with lumbar traction can significantly improve the clinical symptoms including pain intensity, functionality, muscle tone, and lumbar spine mobility in DLBP patients. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900027777).
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/therapy* ; Low Back Pain/drug therapy* ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Pain Measurement ; Treatment Outcome