Pupil size, as a window into the minds of others, plays a crucial role in social interaction. While previous studies have focused on the influence of non-social factors, such as the physical properties of stimuli, on pupil diameter, recent research has emphasized the significant connection between social information processing and pupil size. In this comprehensive review, we aim to explore how the processing of social stimuli (e.g., face, biological motion) and their emotional characteristics affect pupil size. In essence, pupil size is believed to reflect an individual’s perception of social stimuli. It goes beyond simple physical properties and encompasses the processing of complex social information, including social contexts and interactions. The modulation of pupil size in response to social stimuli is believed to be driven by two key mechanisms: emotional arousal and social attention. When individuals encounter emotionally charged social cues, their pupils tend to dilate, indicating heightened emotional engagement. Similarly, the dilation of pupils when individuals focus on specific social cues suggests an increased allocation of cognitive resources to process relevant social information. Furthermore, the connection between pupil size and social information processing has provided intriguing findings in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Known for their significant social deficits, individuals with ASD exhibited abnormal pupillary responses when presented with social stimuli. These findings raise the possibility of utilizing pupillary responses as a potential index for identifying individuals with ASD at a relatively younger age. Moreover, the incorporation of pupillary response measurements in the diagnosis holds great promise in transcending the limitations of the minimum diagnostic age. This can have important implications both in terms of theoretical understanding and practical applications related to the diagnosis and intervention of ASD.

Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators. Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),anti-infective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed. Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group. Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-α and IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.

AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase 3(METTL3)in the pathogenesis of diabetic cataract.METHODS: We cultured SRA01/04 cells in low and high sugar media for 24h and measured changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)indicators(E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, ZO-1 and α-SMA)using RT-qPCR and Western blot assays. Cell migration was also assessed using transwell and scratch assays. To investigate the expression level and localization of METTL3 in human lens anterior capsules tissues. Additionally, we used m6A dot blot assay to detect the m6A methylation level of cells cultured in low and high glucose media for 24h, and employed RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments to detect RNA and protein expression of METTL3 in cells. We then treated the cells with METTL3 inhibitor and measured changes in EMT markers by RT-qPCR and Western blot; m6A methylation level was detected by m6A dot blot test; cell migration was detected by Transwell. Finally, the expression of transforming growth factor-β(TGFβ1)in cultured cells was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and the expression levels of TGFβ1 and SNAIL in cells were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS: Under high glucose conditions, the expression of EMT markers, METTL3, and m6A methylation levels were significantly increased in cells(P<0.05). Furthermore, the migratory ability of cells was higher in high-sugar medium than in low-sugar medium. In human lens anterior capsules, METTL3 expression was higher in patients with diabetic cataract compared to those with age-related cataract. Importantly, treatment with the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 inhibited EMT in cells, the expression of TGFβ1 and SNAIL, as well as m6A methylation levels in cells(all P<0.05)compared to high-sugar + dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)group. Moreover, the migratory capacity of cells was reduced after the addition of STM2457 compared to the high-sugar + DMSO group.CONCLUSION:METTL3 promotes the EMT in human lens epithelial cells under high glucose conditions by activating the TGFβ1/SNAIL pathway, thus contributing to the development of diabetic cataracts.

The powder modification technology was used to improve the powder properties and microstructure of Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract powder, thereby solving the problem of poor solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules. The influence of modifier dosage and grinding time on the solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract powder was investigated with the solubility as the evaluation index, and the optimal modification process was selected. The particle size, fluidity, specific surface area, and other powder properties of Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract powder before and after modification were compared. At the same time, the changes in the microstructure before and after modification was observed by scanning electron microscope, and the modification principle was explored by combining with multi-light scatterer. The results showed that after adding lactose for powder modification, the solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract powder was significantly improved. The volume of insoluble substance in the liquid of modified Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract powder obtained by the optimal modification process was reduced from 3.8 mL to 0 mL, and the particles obtained by dry granulation of the modified powder could be completely dissolved within 2 min after being exposed to water, without affecting the content of its indicator components adenosine and allantoin. After modification, the particle size of Dioscoreae Rhizoma extract powder decreased significantly, d_(0.9) decreased from(77.55±4.57) μm to(37.91±0.42) μm, the specific surface area and porosity increased, and the hydrophilicity improved. The main mechanism of improving the solubility of Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules was the destruction of the "coating membrane" structure on the surface of starch granules and the dispersion of water-soluble excipients. This study introduced powder modification technology to solve the solubility problem of Dioscoreae Rhizoma formula granules, which provided data support for the improvement of product quality and technical references for the improvement of solubility of other similar varieties.
Powders ; Solubility ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; Technology ; Plant Extracts ; Particle Size

A 3-year-old boy presented with bluish patch and scattered blue spots on the left side of his face. After several sessions of laser treatment, the azury patch in the periorbital area became even darker. Histopathology showed many bipolar, pigment-laden dendritic cells scattered in the papillary and upper reticular dermis. Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive for S100, SOX-10, melan-A, P16, and HMB-45. The positive rate of Ki-67 was less than 5%. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed with nevus of Ota concurrent with common blue nevus. Therefore, for cases of the nevus of Ota with poor response to laser treatment, the possible coexisting diseases should be suspected.
Male ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Nevus, Blue/pathology* ; Nevus of Ota/therapy* ; Skin/pathology* ; Face ; Skin Neoplasms/pathology*

Humans ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombocytosis/etiology*

AIM: To investigate the role and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3(METTL3)-mediated N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modification in regulating biological activity of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cultured in vitro were divided into the following groups: control group(normal culture), low density lipoprotein(LDL)group, fluorescence-labelled LDL(Dil-LDL)group, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL oxidized LDL(ox-LDL)groups, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL fluorescence-labelled ox-LDL(Dil-ox-LDL)groups, DMSO group, STM2457(METTL3 inhibitor)group, DAPT group; and monkey retina-choroidal endothelial cells(RF/6A)cultured in vitro were divided into control group, DMSO group, 12.5 μg/mL ox-LDL group, and DAPT group. Endocytosed lipoprotein level was examined through fluorescence microscopy. RNA m6A methylation level was detected through a dot blot assay. Protein and RNA levels of METTL3 or angiogenesis-related markers were measured through Western blot assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively. METTL3 expression and localization were investigated through immunofluorescence. Cell migratory and tube formation capacities were assessed through transwell migration and tube formation assays, respectively.RESULTS: Endocytosed lipoprotein levels in HUVECs exposed to Dil-LDL, 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL Dil-ox-LDL groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. 12.5μg/mL and 25μg/mL ox-LDL groups significantly increased m6A methylation(all P<0.05), METTL3 protein expression(all P<0.01), and cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P<0.01). METTL3 mRNA level was significantly unregulated in the 12.5μg/mL ox-LDL group(P<0.05). In comparison to the DMSO group, the addition of STM2457 caused significant decrease in m6A methylation level(P<0.05), expression of VEGF and other angiogenesis-related markers(all P<0.05), cell migration and angiogenesis capacities(all P<0.01)and the expression of NICD(P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in METTL3 protein and mRNA levels(all P>0.05). The expression of VEGF and NICD(all P<0.05), as well as the ability of cell migration and angiogenesis of RF/6A, was all significantly decreased in the DAPT group compared to the DMSO group(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: METTL3-mediated m6A methylation modification promotes angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells via the Notch signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic benefit of complete revascularization in elderly patients (aged over 75 years) with multi-vessel disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is currently unclear. This study aimed to determine the long-term prognostic impact of complete revascularization in this population. METHODS: We conducted this study using data obtained from the BleeMACS (Bleeding complications in a Multicenter registry of patients discharged after an Acute Coronary Syndrome) registry, which was carried out from 2003 to 2014. The objective was to categorize older patients diagnosed with ACS into two groups: those who underwent complete revascularization and those who did not. Propensity score matching and the Kaplan-Meier analysis were employed to examine differences in one-year clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), which encompassed a combination of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Out of 1263 patients evaluated, 445 patients (35.2%) received complete revascularization. Patients who underwent complete revascularization had a higher prevalence of hypertension and prior percutaneous coronary intervention compared to those who did not. During the one-year follow-up period, complete revascularization was associated with a significantly decreased risk of MACE [13.7% vs. 20.5%, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88, P = 0.007] and a lower risk of myocardial infarction (5.9% vs. 9.9%, HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33-0.92, P = 0.02). However, it was not linked to a lower risk of all-cause death (9.5% vs. 13.5%, HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.45-1.02, P = 0.06). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS Long-term clinical improvements were observed in ACS patients aged over 75 years with multi-vessel disease who achieved complete revascularization. Therefore, adhering to guidelines for complete revascularization should be recommended for elderly patients.

Objective:To investigate the effect of early postoperative enteral nutrition(EN)on postoperative rehabilitation and inflammation after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer,in order to provide reference for postoperative rehabilitation of such patients.Methods:Patients who received laparoscopic assisted radical gastrectomy in Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2020 to December 2022 were included in the analysis.According to the different ways of postoperative nutritional treatment,patients were divided into the observation group(early postoperative EN group)and the control group(parenteral nutrition group),and indexes such as postoperative rehabilitation,abdominal drainage flow and the level of inflammatory mediators in drainage fluid were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 81 patients were included,including 41 in the observation group and 40 in the control group.Interval of the first postoperative exhaust(t=3.806;P＜0.001)and resuming diet day(t=5.510;P＜0.001),and length of postoperative hospital stay(t=2.401;P=0.019)in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group.Levels of peripheral blood albumin(t=14.040;P＜0.001)and prealbumin(t=9.832;P＜0.001)of the observation group at postoperative day(POD)5 were significantly higher than those of the control group,but there was no significant difference in hemoglobin level(t=1.477;P=0.144).The level of CRP in peripheral blood of the observation group at POD 5(t=7.758;P＜0.001)and the incidence of postoperative SIRS[(12.2％,5/41)vs(32.5％,13/40),x2=4.830;P=0.028)]were significantly lower than those in the control group.The average drainage volume(t=6.858;P＜0.001),drainage removal time(t=5.016;P＜0.001),and TNF-α level(t=4.993;P＜0.001)and IL-6 level(t=20.640;P＜0.001)in postoperative drainage at POD 5 were significantly lower in the observation group than those in the control group.Conclusion:Early postoperative EN could accelerate the rehabilitation process after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy,improve postoperative nutritional status,and reduce abdominal inflammation.

Objective: To understand the risk factors and antibiotics-resistant patterns of invasive Acinetobacter baumannii infection in Children. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 6 tertiary hospitals from January 2016 to December 2018. The basic information, clinical data and the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing were collected from the 98 pediatric inpatients with Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid and analyzed. According to the susceptibility of the infected strains to carbapenems, they were divided into carbapenem-sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii (CSAB) group and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) group. According to the possible sources of infection, they were divided into nosocomial infection group and community infection group. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used to analyze categorical variables and rank sum test were used to analyze continuous variables. The risk factors of invasive CRAB infection in children were analyzed by Logistic regression. Result: There were 56 males and 42 females in 98 cases. The onset age of patients was 8 (2, 24) months. There were 62 cases (63%) from rural area. A total of 87 cases (89%) were confirmed with bloodstream infection, and 12 cases (12%) confirmed with meningitis (1 case was accompanied with bloodstream infection). In these patients, 66 cases (67%) received invasive medical procedures or surgery, 54 cases (55%) received carbapenems-containing therapy. Twenty-four cases were infected with CRAB, and 74 cases with CSAB. The onset age of cases in CRAB group was lower than that in CSAB group (4 (1, 9) vs. 10 (4, 24) months, Z=-2.16, P=0.031). The proportions of hospitalization in intensive care unit, carbapenem antibiotics using, pneumonia and adverse prognosis in CRAB group were higher than those in CSAB group (6 cases (25%) vs. 4 cases (5%), 18 cases (75%) vs. 36 cases (49%), 17 cases (71%) vs. 17 cases (23%), 6 cases (25%) vs. 4 cases (5%), χ²=5.61, 5.09, 18.32, 5.61, all P<0.05). Seventy-seven cases were nosocomial infection and 21 cases were hospital-acquired infection. The proportion of children hospitalized in high-risk wards for nosocomial infections, length of hospitalization, number of antimicrobial therapy received and duration of antimicrobial therapy were higher in the hospital associated infection group than those in the community acquired infection group (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that children from rural area (OR=8.42, 95%CI 1.45-48.88), prior mechanical ventilation (OR=12.62, 95%CI 1.31-121.76), and prior antibiotic therapy (OR=4.90, 95%CI 1.35-17.72) were independent risk factors for CRAB infection. The resistance percentage of CSAB isolates to many classes of antibiotics was <6% except to gentamicin, which was as high as 20% (13/65). All CRAB isolates of resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam (20/20), cefepime (23/23), piperacillin (17/17), meropenem (23/23) and imipenem (24/24) were 100%. The resistance percentage to other antibiotics were up to 42%-96%. Conclusions: Most of invasive Acinetobacter baumannii infection in children in China are hospital-acquired. The outcome of invasive CRAB infection was poorer than that of CSAB infection. The drug resistance rate of CRAB strains isolated is high. Living in rural area, prior invasive mechanical ventilation and prior antibiotic therapy were independent risk factors for invasive CRAB infection. The prevention and control of nosocomial infection and appropriate use of antibiotics to reduce Acinetobacter baumannii infection.
Acinetobacter Infections/epidemiology* ; Acinetobacter baumannii ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Carbapenems/therapeutic use* ; Child ; Cross Infection/epidemiology* ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis