Dry eye disease(DED)is a common ocular surface disorder worldwide, primarily characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), decreased tear film stability, ocular discomfort, and visual impairment. In recent years, factors such as the widespread use of digital devices,the aging population, and environmental changes have contributed to a significant increase in its global prevalence, making it a major public health concern. Red light therapy(RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT)or photobiomodulation(PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-energy red or near-infrared light to irradiate tissues. It exerts photobiomodulatory effects to promote cellular repair and functional recovery. This therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in treating various ocular conditions. Its broader clinical application could improve therapeutic outcomes, alleviate patient discomfort and financial burden, and reduce the consumption of healthcare resources, thereby yielding significant socio-economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the multifaceted mechanisms and application prospects of RLT in managing DED, including its anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of meibomian gland function, promotion of conjunctival goblet cell repair, and alleviation of visual fatigue, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for its clinical adoption.

Objective: The cross sectional study aimed to identify predominant co-occurrence patterns among six common mental health issues in college students, so as to provide empirical basis for designing targeted interventions. Methods: From October 2024, a total of 9 837 students from 4 universities in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, participated in the current study by multistage random cluster sampling method. Participants completed self report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item Scale (GAD-7), Young s Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Insomnia Symptom Self rating Scale, the Ottawa Self injury Inventory, and the Brief Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences Questionnaire. Demographic and co-occurrence characteristics were first compared using Chi square or trend Chi-square tests, followed by application of the Apriori algorithm to mine association rules for primary co-occurrence patterns. Results: The detection rate of co-occuring the common mental health issues was 46.44%. The detection rate was significantly higher in female than in male students (50.42%, 43.61%; χ 2=44.46) and in students from rural versus urban areas (47.22%, 44.60%; χ 2=5.67) (both P <0.05). Significant differences were observed among freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (46.63%, 48.35%, 45.05% , 43.66%, respectively; χ 2=9.22, P <0.05), although no statistically significant trend was detected ( χ 2 trend =3.75, P = 0.05 ). Association rule mining identified “anxiety + depression” “anxiety + psychotic experiences + depression” and “anxiety + sleep disorder + depression” as the combinations with the highest support. In addition, “anxiety+depression+Internet addiction+psychotic experiences =>sleep disorder (>= refered to the occurrence of the latter item under the condition that the former item occurs)” and “anxiety + depression+Internet addiction=>sleep disorder” were combinations with relatively high confidence. Conclusions Co-occurrence of these mental health issues among college students is high and exhibits diverse patterns. Strategies to address this burden should prioritize integrated interventions that target these specific combinations of factors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between susceptibility genes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children with obesity. METHODS: We conducted a two-step case-control study. Ninety-three participants were subjected to whole-exome sequencing (exploratory set). Differential genes identified in the small sample were validated in 1,022 participants using multiplex polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing (validation set). RESULTS: In the exploratory set, 14 genes from the NAFLD-associated pathways were identified. In the validation set, after adjusting for sex, age, and body mass index, ECI2 rs2326408 (dominant model: OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02-1.72; additive model: OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.47), C6orf201 rs659305 (dominant model: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.01-1.69; additive model: OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00-1.45), CALML5 rs10904516 (pre-ad dominant model: OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01-1.83; adjusted dominant model: OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03-1.91; and pre-ad additive model: OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.66) polymorphisms were significantly associated with NAFLD in children with obesity ( P < 0.05). Interaction analysis revealed that the gene-gene interaction model of CALML5 rs10904516, COX11 rs17209882, and SCD5 rs3733228 was optional ( P < 0.05), demonstrating a negative interaction between the three genes. CONCLUSION In the Chinese population, the CALML5 rs10904516, C6orf201 rs659305, and ECI2 rs2326408 variants could be genetic markers for NAFLD susceptibility.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Case-Control Studies ; Exome Sequencing ; Adolescent ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Obesity/complications* ; Pediatric Obesity/complications* ; China

The present study delves into the cellular mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects of dehydrodiisoeugenol(DEH) by focusing on the transcription factor EB(TFEB)/autophagy-lysosome pathway. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was utilized to assess the impact of DEH on the viability of human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549). The inhibitory effect of DEH on the replication of influenza A virus(H1N1) was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Western blot was employed to evaluate the influence of DEH on the expression level of the H1N1 virus nucleoprotein(NP). The effect of DEH on the fluorescence intensity of NP was examined by the immunofluorescence assay. A mouse model of H1N1 virus infection was established via nasal inhalation to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 30 mg·kg~(-1) DEH on H1N1 virus infection. RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) was performed for the transcriptional profiling of mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs) in response to DEH. The fluorescent protein-tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) was used to assess the autophagy induced by DEH. Western blot was employed to determine the effect of DEH on the autophagy flux of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ under viral infection conditions. Lastly, the role of TFEB expression in the inhibition of DEH against H1N1 infection was evaluated in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophage(iBMDM), both wild-type and TFEB knockout. The results revealed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50)) of DEH for A549 cells was(87.17±0.247)μmol·L~(-1), and DEH inhibited H1N1 virus replication in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Compared with the H1N1 virus-infected mouse model, the treatment with DEH significantly improved the body weights and survival time of mice. DEH induced LC3 aggregation, and the absence of TFEB expression in iBMDM markedly limited the ability of DEH to counteract H1N1 virus replication. In conclusion, DEH exerts its inhibitory activity against H1N1 infection by activating the TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics* ; Animals ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Humans ; Mice ; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Influenza, Human/metabolism* ; Lysosomes/metabolism* ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/genetics* ; Eugenol/pharmacology* ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; Virus Replication/drug effects* ; A549 Cells ; Male

Panax species are mostly valuable medicinal plants. While some species' seeds are sensitive to dehydration, the dehydration tolerance of seeds from other Panax species remains unclear. The phospholipase D(PLD) gene plays an important role in plant responses to dehydration stress. However, the characteristics of the PLD gene family and their mechanisms of response to dehydration stress in seeds of Panax species with different dehydration tolerances are not well understood. This study used seeds from eight Panax species to measure the germination rates and PLD activity after dehydration and to analyze the correlation between dehydration tolerance and seed traits. Bioinformatics analysis was also conducted to characterize the PnPLD and PvPLD gene families and to evaluate their expression patterns under dehydration stress. The dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds was ranked from high to low as follows: P. ginseng, P. zingiberensis, P. quinquefolius, P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, P. japonicus var. angustifolius, P. japonicus, P. notoginseng, and P. stipuleanatus. A significant negative correlation was found between dehydration tolerance and seed shape(three-dimensional variance), with flatter seeds exhibiting stronger dehydration tolerance(r=-0.792). Eighteen and nineteen PLD members were identified in P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, respectively. These members were classified into five isoforms: α, β, γ, δ, and ζ. The gene structures, subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, and other characteristics of PnPLD and PvPLD were similar. Both promoters contained regulatory elements associated with plant growth and development, hormone responses, and both abiotic and biotic stress. During dehydration, the PLD enzyme activity in P. notoginseng seeds gradually increased as the water content decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, PLD activity first decreased and then increased. The expression of PLDα and PLDδ in P. notoginseng seeds initially increased and then decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, the expression of PLDα and PLDδ consistently decreased. In conclusion, the dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds showed a significant negative correlation with seed shape. The dehydration tolerance in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus and dehydration sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds may be related to differences in PLD enzyme activity and the expression of PLDα and PLDδ genes. This study provided the first systematic comparison of dehydration tolerance in Panax seeds and analyzed the causes of tolerance differences and the optimal water content for long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, thus providing a theoretical basis for the short-term and ultra-low temperature long-term storage of medicinal plant seeds with varying dehydration tolerances.
Seeds/metabolism* ; Panax/physiology* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Phospholipase D/metabolism* ; Plants, Medicinal/enzymology* ; Germination ; Multigene Family ; Water/metabolism* ; Dehydration ; Phylogeny

From the perspective of circular RNA forkhead box protein O3(circFOXO3) regulating glycolysis in osteoarthritis(OA) chondrocytes, this study investigated the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsules(TGXTC) alleviated OA degeneration. In in vivo experiments, after randomized grouping and relevant interventions, morphological staining was used to observe structural changes in cartilage tissue. The mRNA level of circFOXO3 in cartilage tissue was detected by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in the expression of glucose transporter 1(GLUT1), hexokinase 2(HK2), pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA), and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13). In in vitro experiments, fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) was used to detect circFOXO3 expression in chondrocytes from each group. A lentiviral vector was used to construct circFOXO3-silenced(sh-circFOXO3) chondrocytes. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the changes in circFOXO3 levels after silencing, and Western blot was used to assess the regulatory effects of TGXTC on GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MMP13 proteins in interleukin-1β(IL-1β)-induced chondrocytes under sh-circFOXO3 conditions. Masson staining and alcian blue staining results showed that the cartilage layer structure in the TGXTC and positive drug groups was improved compared with that in the model group. The mRNA level of circFOXO3 was significantly upregulated in both the TGXTC and positive drug groups, while the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was significantly reduced. FISH results showed that TGXTC upregulated the fluorescence intensity of circFOXO3 in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In the circFOXO3 silencing experiment, compared with the IL-1β group, circFOXO3 levels in the IL-1β + sh-circFOXO3 group were significantly decreased. Compared with the IL-1β + TGXTC group, circFOXO3 levels were significantly reduced in the IL-1β + sh-circFOXO3 + TGXTC group. Western blot results indicated that the elevated levels of GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MMP13 proteins in chondrocytes of the IL-1β group were significantly inhibited by TGXTC intervention. However, this regulatory effect was attenuated after circFOXO3 silencing. In conclusion, TGXTC alleviate glycolytic metabolism disorder in OA chondrocytes and delay OA degeneration by regulating circFOXO3.
Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; RNA, Circular/metabolism* ; Osteoarthritis/genetics* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism* ; Male ; Capsules ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/genetics*

In recent years, the study of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology in the heterogeneity of astrocytes (astrocytes) after spinal cord injury (SCI) has provided new perspectives on post-traumatic nerve regeneration and repair. To provide a review on the research progress of single-cell sequencing technology in astrocytes after spinal cord injury (SCI), and to more comprehensively and deeply elaborate the application of single-cell sequencing technology in the field of astrocytes after SCI. Single-cell sequencing technology can analyse the transcriptomes of individual cells in a high-throughput manner, thus revealing fine differences in cell types and states. By using single-cell sequencing technology, the heterogeneity of astrocytes after SCI and their association with nerve regeneration and repair were revealed. In conclusion, the application of single-cell sequencing technology provides an important tool to reveal the heterogeneity of astrocytes after SCI, to further explore the mechanisms of astrocytes in SCI, and to develop intervention strategies targeting their regulatory mechanisms in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy of SCI. The discovery of changes in astrocyte transcriptome dynamics has improved researchers' understanding of spinal cord injury lesion progression and provided new insights into the treatment of spinal cord injury at different time points. To date, all of these findings need to be validated by more basic research and sufficient clinical trials. In the future, single-cell sequencing technology, through interdisciplinary collaboration with bioinformatics, computer science, tissue engineering, and clinical medicine, is expected to open a new window for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism* ; Astrocytes/cytology* ; Single-Cell Analysis/methods* ; Humans ; Animals ; Transcriptome ; Nerve Regeneration

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of single-balloon and double-balloon enteroscopy in diagnosing pediatric small bowel diseases and assess the diagnostic efficacy of computed tomography enterography (CTE) for small bowel diseases using enteroscopy as the reference standard. METHODS: Clinical data from 576 children who underwent enteroscopy at Hunan Children's Hospital between January 2017 and December 2023 were retrospectively collected. The children were categorized based on enteroscopy type into the single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) group (n=457) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) group (n=119), and the clinical data were compared between the two groups. The sensitivity and specificity of CTE for diagnosing small bowel diseases were evaluated using enteroscopy results as the standard. RESULTS: Among the 576 children, small bowel lesions were detected by enteroscopy in 274 children (47.6%).There was no significant difference in lesion detection rates or complication rates between the SBE and DBE groups (P>0.05), but the DBE group had deeper insertion, longer procedure time, and higher complete small bowel examination rate (P<0.05). The complication rate during enteroscopy was 4.3% (25/576), with 18 cases (3.1%) of mild complications and 7 cases (1.2%) of severe complications, which improved with symptomatic treatment, surgical, or endoscopic intervention. Among the 412 children who underwent CTE, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing small bowel diseases were 44.4% and 71.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS SBE and DBE have similar diagnostic efficacy for pediatric small bowel diseases, but DBE is preferred for suspected deep small bowel lesions and comprehensive small bowel examination. Enteroscopy in children demonstrates relatively good overall safety. CTE demonstrates relatively low sensitivity but comparatively high specificity for diagnosing small bowel diseases.
Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Double-Balloon Enteroscopy/statistics & numerical data* ; Single-Balloon Enteroscopy/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Operative Time ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Intestine, Small/surgery* ; Intestinal Diseases/surgery*

Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.