ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress （CRS） and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank， model， positive drug （diazepam， 1 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （0.75， 1.5， 3 g·kg^-1， respectively） Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration， the elevated plus maze test， open field test， light and dark box test， and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats， and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1） and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in the colon， serum， and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1， occludin， nuclear factor-κB p65 （NF-κB p65） in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze， the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field， the time of entering the open box， the times of passing through the light and dark box， and the number of unburied beads （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees， and the high-dose group had the best effect， with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze （P<0.05）， the number of rats entering the central area in the open field （P<0.05）， the time of entering the open box， the times of passing through the light and dark boxes， and the number of unburied beads （P<0.01）. Moreover， the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes， Deferribacterota， Romboutsia， and Phascolarctobacterium， while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota， Bacteroides， norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014， and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon （P<0.01）， elevated levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-β in the colon， serum， and hippocampus （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon （P<0.01）， lowered the levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-β in the colon， serum， and hippocampus （P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 （P<0.01） and occludin （P<0.05） in the colon， down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus （P<0.05）， and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance， up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon， repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier， and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway， thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis， providing a new idea for further research.

AIM: To observe related influence of eye-use behaviors on the onset and progression of myopia among primary school student in Minhang district, Shanghai under the background of “double reduction”, and evaluate the impact of eye-use habit and behavior on the myopia development in children and adolescents.METHODS:A stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to select study subjects for longitudinal observation. Random sampling was conducted among grade 1-4 students from three primary schools in Minhang District, Shanghai from September to December 2021 after the implementation of the “double reduction” policy, with a 2-year observation period. Annual vision screenings were performed to obtain uncorrected visual acuity, non-cycloplegic refraction data, and spherical equivalent(SE). Biometric measurements were taken to acquire axial length(AL)and corneal curvature(CR). Questionnaires were administered to investigate the eye-use behaviors of participants. Taking myopia ≤-0.50 D as the diagnostic criterion, myopia incidence were calculated. SE and AL changes were used to evaluate myopia progression. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for myopia, and analyze the relationship between eye-use behaviors and myopia development or progression.RESULTS:A total of 2 986 children complete a follow-up for 2 a. The baseline prevalence of poor vision was 32.74%, increasing to 38.92% and 43.73% at 1 and 2 a follow-up, respectively, demonstrating a yearly upward trend. Taking uncorrected visual acuity combined with non-cycloplegic refraction as clinical screening criteria for myopia, the incidence was 24.72%, 27.60%, and 29.64% at baseline, 1, and 2 a follow-ups, respectively. These showed no statistical significant difference compared to the diagnostic standard of cycloplegic refraction SE(23.98%, 27.03%, and 29.17%; all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis found that daily outdoor and sleep duration were protective factors against myopia(OR=0.54, 0.84, all P<0.05), while age, parental myopia, duration of offline education, online education, electronic device usage, and poor visual posture were identified as risk factors(OR=2.72, 1.54, 1.72, 1.12, 1.47, 1.26, all P<0.001). Further analysis of myopia progression in baseline myopic children over 2 a revealed that age, parental myopia, baseline SE, duration of offline/online education, electronic device usage, and poor visual posture may contribute to rapid myopia progression.CONCLUSION:Under the background of “double reduction”, the eye-use behavior among primary school students in Minhang District, Shanghai has an important impact on the occurrence and development of myopia. In order to effectively prevent and control myopia, it is necessary to further strengthen the education and guidance of eye-use behavior.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of foldable capsular body(FCB)with traditional scleral buckling(SB)in the treatment of experimental retinal detachment animal models.METHODS: After successfully establishing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)animal models, 24 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups(RRD models group, SB group, and FCB group), with 8 rabbits in each group. The FCB and SB groups underwent SB and FCB surgeries for the RRD animal models, while the RRD models group only consists of RRD models without any surgical intervention during the follow-up period. The follow-up duration was 3 mo. Wide-field neonatal fundus imaging system and ophthalmic B-ultrasound were used to assess the fundus conditions before and after surgery. The Icare® TONOVET Plus tonometer was utilized to evaluate intraocular pressure changes before and after surgery. The Eaton and Draize scoring systems were selected to monitor postoperative inflammatory reactions.RESULTS: The retinal reattachment rates in the FCB and SB groups were 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). The intraocular pressure in both the FCB and SB groups increased postoperatively compared to preoperative levels(P<0.01), and there were no significant differences in intraocular pressure at any time points during the follow-up period between the groups(P>0.05). The intraocular pressure in the RRD models group remained at a low level throughout the follow-up period. The average surgical time for the FCB group was 16.87±2.29 min, which was shorter than 46.25±4.74 min in the SB group(t=-15.166, P<0.001). According to the Eaton and Draize scoring systems, the FCB group had lower grades of conjunctival hyperemia and edema in the early postoperative period compared to the SB group, indicating milder inflammatory reactions(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Both FCB and SB are effective in treating experimental RRD. Compared to SB, FCB is simpler to operate, and also has a shorter surgical time and milder postoperative inflammatory reactions.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor that recognizes multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns. It is a cytoplasmic immune factor that responds to cellular stress signals, and it is usually activated after infection or inflammation, forming an NLRP3 inflammasome to protect the body. Aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation is reportedly associated with some inflammatory diseases and metabolic diseases. Recently, there have been mounting indications that NLRP3 inflammasomes play an important role in liver injuries caused by a variety of diseases, specifically hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, hepatitis, and liver failure. Herein, we summarize new research pertaining to NLRP3 inflammasomes in hepatic injury, hepatitis, and liver failure. The review addresses the potential mechanisms of action of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and its regulation in these liver diseases.
Humans ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/physiology* ; Animals ; Liver Diseases/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: The application of photodynamic therapy in solid tumors has attracted increasing attention in recent years, and the efficiency of photosensitizers is a crucial determinant of therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of a novel photosensitizer, PEG-MTPABZ-PyC, in photodynamic therapy against gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Gastric cancer MKN45 cells were treated with PEG-MTPABZ-PyC. A high-content live-cell imaging system was used to assess the cellular uptake kinetics and subcellular localization of the photosensitizer. The cytotoxic effects of PEG-MTPABZ-PyC-mediated photodynamic therapy were examined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, while the intrinsic cytotoxicity of the photosensitizer alone was verified by the CCK-8 assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after photodynamic therapy was detected using 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). RESULTS: PEG-MTPABZ-PyC alone exhibited no cytotoxicity toward MKN45 cells, indicating excellent cytocompatibility. The compound efficiently entered cells within 6 hours and localized predominantly in lysosomes. Upon light irradiation, PEG-MTPABZ-PyC-mediated photodynamic therapy induced significant cytotoxicity compared with the control group (P<0.05) and generated abundant intracellular ROS. CONCLUSIONS The novel photosensitizer PEG-MTPABZ-PyC demonstrates potent photodynamic cytotoxicity against gastric cancer cells, showing promising potential for further development in gastric cancer photodynamic therapy.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Photochemotherapy/methods* ; Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Mesoporphyrins/pharmacology*

Objective To explore the roles of transfer RNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs)in the oncogenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma by analyzing the differential expression of tsRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma and the relationship between the expression levels of tsRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma and the prognosis of patients in order to further screen and validate the tsRNAs associated with lung adenocarcinoma.Methods The differential expression of tsRNAs between lung adenocarcinoma tissues and normal tissues was analyzed based on the database of the Computational Medicine Center.The effects of tsRNAs expression levels on the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients were analyzed based on the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database(TCGA-LUAD).The target genes were predicted based on TRFtarget2.0 and tRFTar databases.Gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were performed based on DAVID and KOBA KEGG online websites.The expression levels of target genes in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and normal tissues were analyzed based on the University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal(UALCAN)database.In vitro cell proliferation,migration,and invasion assays were performed to investigate the biological functions of tRF-19-69M8LOJX in lung adenocarcinoma cells.Results Compared with the normal tissues,tRF-19-69M8LOJX was up-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues(log2FC=4.28,FDR＜0.05).High expression level of tRF-19-69M8LOJX was associated with shorter progression-free survival(HR=1.565,95％CI=1.142-2.145,P=0.005).And its overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration(P＜0.001),and invasion(P=0.009)of A549 cells,and up-regulated COL1A1(P=0.002)and VCAN(P=0.022)significantly in the tRF-19-69M8LOJX overexpression cell model.Conclusion tRF-19-69M8LOJX is up-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues.And its high expression is closely associated with poor prognosis.The tsRNA may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of lung adenocarcinoma.

Terahertz(THz)technology,as an emerging tool for characterizing biomacromolecules,has rapidly developed over the past few decades,demonstrating significant application potential in multiple fields.Defensive qi is a vital energy in the human body,responsible for defense functions by warming the skin,regulating the opening and closing of the striae and interstices,and resisting the invasion of external pathogens.Defensive qi is one of the core concepts for disease prevention and health maintenance in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However,due to the high abstraction and complexity of TCM theory,the scientific connotation and mechanism of action of defensive qi remained incompletely elucidated.THz waves have the unique physical properties of molecular vibration sensitivity,penetrability,and thermal radiation effects,and are highly sensitive to biological tissues,which make THz technology a promising tool for defensive qi research.By analyzing the characteristics of THz waves,this paper explores the feasibility of applying THz technology to investigate the circulation patterns of defensive qi,the prevention and treatment of disorders related defensive qi,the pathological essence of defensive qi diseases,the material basis of defensive qi,the screening of defensive qi disorders,and the development of novel drugs targeting defensive qi disorders.This approach provides a new perspective and methodology for the research of TCM fundamental theory.

Objective To explore the effects of nail-tail transverse connection in the treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation(AAD)and its impacts on bone metabolism,serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and fibroblast growth factor-2(FGF-2)levels.Methods A total of 150 pa-tients with AAD were selected as the research subjects and divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 75 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with nail-tail transverse connection combined with posterior atlantoaxial pedicle screw internal fixation(C1-C2 PSR),while the control group was treated with C1-C2 PSR alone.Serum bone metabolism indicators[osteocalcin(BGP),type Ⅰ collagen N-terminal peptide(NTX),bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP),tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP),type Ⅰ collagen carboxy-terminal peptide(CTX)],VEGF and FGF-2 levels were compared between the two groups at different time points.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score was used to evaluate the patients' neurological function before surgery and 3 years after surgery.Bone graft fusion was evaluated at 6 months,1 year,2 years,and 3 years after surgery.Results At 1,3 and 6 months after surgery,the serum VEGF and FGF-2 levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).After treatment,the BALP,BGP,NTX,TRAP and CTX levels in both groups were lower than those before treatment,and their levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Before surgery,there was no statistically significant difference in the JOA scores be-tween the two groups(P＞0.05).At 3 years after surgery,the JOA scores in both groups were higher than those before surgery,and the JOA score and the score improvement rate in the observa-tion group were higher than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).At 6 months,1 year,2 years and 3 years after surgery,the success rate of bone graft fusion in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,with statistically significant differ-ences(P＜0.05).Conclusion Nail-tail transverse connection has significant effects in the treat-ment of AAD,which can effectively improve patients' bone metabolism and increase the serum VEGF and FGF-2 levels.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between CBCT imaging changes of condyle and clinical features,and related risk factors in patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMD).Methods:453 patients with TMD were enrolled and underwent CBCT scan for bilateral temporomandibular joints(TMJ),3D reconstruction of the TMJs was analyzed.Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between condylar bone changes and TMD clinical features.Results:Patients＜18 years old were more likely to have condylar bone changes than the adults.The symptoms of pain and restricted mouth opening were more likely to be detected in the condylar bone change group(n=133)than in the normal condylar bone group(n=320).The incidence of brux-ism in the normal condylar bone group was higher than that in the condylar bone change group.Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that only bruxism(OR=0.550),pain(OR=1.844)and mouth restriction(OR=2.024)were included in the regression equa-tion.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that,due to the protective effect of bruxism,the OR value of pain decreased from 1.844 to 1.791,and the OR value of mouth restriction decreased from 2.024 to 1.847.Conclusion:The condylar bone change in TMD patients more likely occur in puberty or patients with pain and restricted mouth opening.Bruxism may be a protective factor in the occurrence of condylar bone changes in TMD patients.