ObjectiveTo compare the differences in fungal community composition between lesional and non-lesional scalp areas in patients suffering from severe alopecia areata （AA）， and compare these with healthy scalp areas in control subjects. Additionally， to preliminarily explore the changes in scalp fungal communities in severe AA patients and their potential underlying immunological mechanisms. MethodsA total of 20 severe AA patients and 18 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin swab samples were collected from lesional and non-lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients， as well as from the normal scalp of healthy controls. The fungal internal transcribed spacer （ITS） region was amplified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. ResultsThe lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients exhibited higher α-diversity and species richness in fungal communities. Notably， the relative abundance of Ascomycota， along with genera such as Mycosphaerella， Aspergillus， Penicillium， and Wallemia， significantly increased in the bald regions. In contrast， Acremonium and Schizophyllum were more predominant in the non-lesional areas of severe AA patients. ConclusionDistinct region-specific differences in scalp fungal microbiota in severe AA patients suggests that fungal dysbiosis may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. These findings provide new insights into the disease characteristics of severe AA from the perspective of scalp microecology.

Background: and Purpose Bilirubin has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Herein, we investigated whether total bilirubin (TBIL) modifies the association between hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Methods: Data were obtained from the PolyvasculaR Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and vaScular Events study. TBIL and direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels were assayed using fasting venous blood samples. Indirect bilirubin (IBIL) was calculated by subtracting DBIL from TBIL. TBIL was stratified as ≤17 μmol/L and >17 μmol/L based on the biological relevance of Gilbert’s syndrome. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, self-reported hypertension history, or current use of antihypertensive agents. White matter hyperintensity, lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, and enlarged perivascular spaces were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and used to rate CSVD burden according to the criteria proposed by Wardlaw et al. and Rothwell et al. Results: This study included 3,061 participants, with a mean age of 61.2±6.7 years and 46.5% males. After adjusting for confounders, hypertension was associated with increased odds of presence of CSVD (Wardlaw: odds ratio [OR]=1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–2.44, P<0.001; Rothwell: OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.43–2.38, P<0.001) and higher modified total CSVD burden (common OR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.45–2.36, P<0.001) in participants with TBIL ≤17 μmol/L but not in TBIL >17 μmol/L (P for interaction <0.05). Johnson–Neyman analyses showed cut-off concentrations of 22.3–22.4 μmol/L for effect modification by TBIL. IBIL contributed to effect modification, whereas DBIL did not. Conclusions Mildly elevated TBIL may modify the association between hypertension and CSVD.

With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.

Magnolol, a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis, demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and anti-diabetic effects. Growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders. This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism. The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo, and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling in this process. Luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), CCAAT enhancer binding protein γ (CEBPG), and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene, as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity. Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells (ECs), hepatoma cell line G2 (HepG2) and hepatoma cell line 3B (Hep3B) cell lines, and primary mouse hepatocytes. The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene. SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15. In high-fat diet ApoE^-/- mice, administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15. These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity, indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Lignans/pharmacology* ; Growth Differentiation Factor 15/metabolism* ; Animals ; Biphenyl Compounds/pharmacology* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects* ; Activating Transcription Factor 4/genetics* ; Mice ; Humans ; Male ; Magnolia/chemistry* ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective To investigate the effects of Jiuwei Jianbu Drink on oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in rats with knee osteoarthritis via the high mobility group box-1 protein(HMGB1)/receptor for advanced glycation endproducts(RAGE)/phosphatidyli-nositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into six groups according to the random number table method:blank control group,model group,positive drug group,and Jiuwei Jianbu Drink low-,medium-,and high-dose groups,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank control group,knee osteoarthritis models were estab-lished in the other groups,which were then subjected to corresponding treatments.Knee joint diameter and mechanical pain and thermal pain threshold changes were observed.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and safranin O/fast green staining were used to assess pathological changes in cartilage tissue.Oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factor levels in knee joint cartilage tissue of each group were meas-ured.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the HMGB1/RAGE/PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway in knee joint tissues.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group exhibited increased knee joint diameter and decreased mechan-ical pain and thermal pain threshold.Jiuwei Jianbu Drink at all doses groups and the positive control group significantly improved these in-dicators in a dose-dependent manner(P＜0.05).Additionally,the Mankin score and Osteoarthritis Research Society International(OARSI)score in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group,while Jiuwei Jianbu Drink intervention significantly reduced the OARSI score,with the best effect observed in the high-dose group(P＜0.05).Compared with the blank con-trol group,the model group showed increased levels of nitric oxide(NO)and malondialdehyde(MDA),decreased levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and significantly elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Compared with the model group,Jiuwei Jianbu Drink significantly inhibited oxidative stress and inflam-matory responses,especially at high doses(P＜0.05).Moreover,the expression of HMGB1,RAGE,p-PI3K/PI3K,and p-Akt/Akt in the model group was higher than that in the blank control group,while Jiuwei Jianbu Drink intervention dose-dependently downregulat-ed the expression of these proteins(P＜0.05).Conclusion Jiuwei Jianbu Drink alleviates oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in rats with knee osteoarthritis by inhibiting the HMGB1/RAGE/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,thereby improving cartilage pathological chan-ges and demonstrating potential therapeutic value.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yishen Shengyang formula in allergic rhinitis(AR)by regulating the transcription factor BTB and CNC homology 2(Bach2)to promote regulatory T cell(Treg cell)differentiation.Methods AR mouse models were established via ovalbumin(OVA)sensitization and randomly divided into control group,AR model group(AR group),Yishen Shengyang formula group and dexamethasone group.Nasal symptoms were evaluated using behavioral scores;Histopathological changes in nasal mucosa were observed via hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff stain;Serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(sIgE),interleukin-4(IL-4),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay;Splenic Treg proportions were analyzed via flow cytometry;Bach2 protein expression was assessed by Western blot.Results Compared with control group,AR group mice showed significantly increased behavioral scores(P<0.05),goblet cell hyperplasia,inflammatory infiltration,elevated OVA-sIgE and IL-4 levels(P<0.05),reduced TGF-β(P<0.05),and decreased splenic Treg proportions and Bach2 expression(P<0.05).Yishen Shengyang formula treatment alleviated nasal symptoms(P<0.05),mitigated mucosal damage,decreased OVA-sIgE and IL-4,increased TGF-β(P<0.05),and upregulated Treg proportions and Bach2 expression(P<0.05),with efficacy comparable to dexamethasone.Conclusion Yishen Shengyang formula demonstrates potential therapeutic effects on allergic rhinitis by upregulating Bach2 expression and promoting Treg cell differentiation.This study provides a novel strategy and experimental basis for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of AR.

Cerebral small vessel disease represents a group of common vascular disorders involving pathological changes in arterioles,capillaries and venules,with microvascular investigation remaining a key challenge in stroke.With high signal-to-noise ratio and high contrast enabled by enhanced field strength,7T MRI can surpass the resolution limits of 3T MRI,revealing structural and functional abnormalities in cerebral small vessels below 400 μm,as well as detecting subtle lesions in brain tissue.This paper reviews the research progress of multimodal high-resolution imaging techniques based on 7T MRI,such as time-of-flight angiography,phase contrast imaging and susceptibility imaging,in the study of cerebral small vessel disease.Utilizing these technologies,7T MRI can clearly display the structure of cerebral small vessels,such as the lenticulostriate arteries and deep medullary veins,and measure functional parameters like flow velocity and susceptibility.Additionally,it can sensitively detect cerebral microbleeds and cortical cerebral microinfarct.These imaging data provide valuable information for detecting early features of cerebral small vessel disease and assessing its progression,offering new insights into its pathogenesis.Combined with artificial intelligence-based image analysis methods,7T MRI holds great promise for early diagnosis and progression evaluation in cerebral small vessel disease.

Acute ischemic stroke(AIS)is associated with high mortality and disability rates,presenting a substantial challenge to global public health challenge.Intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)is recognized as a cornerstone of early AIS treatment and is recommended as the standard therapeutic approach by both national and international guidelines.However,the clinical efficacy of IVT remains suboptimal due to several limitations,including a narrow therapeutic time window and the inevitable activation of the coagulation system and platelet aggregagation during thrombolysis.These factors may contribute to adverse outcomes such as early neurological deterioration(END)and vascular re-occlusion.Antiplatelet therapy(APT),which inhibits platelet aggregations,reduces microthrombus formation,and stabilizes the vascular endothelium with multifaceted mechanisms,has emerged as a promising adjunctive strategy to IVT,offering potential synergistic effects.This review summarized the latest evidence from both domestic and international studies,focusing on the mechanisms of APT,recent clinical advancements in IVT combined with APT,and the safety and efficacy of APT administration at different time windows relative to IVT.Emphasis is placed on the influence of various antiplatelet agents,dosing regimens,and initiation timing on therapeutic outcomes,alongside a comprehensive evaluation in the context of current guideline recommendations and clinical practice.Current guidelines recommend initiating APT 24 h after IVT,following imaging confirmation to exclude the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.However,the efficacy and safety of earlier APT initiation remain inconclusive.Individualized treatment strategies,such as early administration of low-dose,short-acting APT or combination therapy in specific patient subgroups,may effectively balance therapeutic benefits and risks.The adjunctive use of APT in IVT holds promise for enhancing efficacy and improving clinical outcomes,but precise stratification of safety and efficacy is essential.Future research should focus on optimizing combination IVT and APT strategies through individualized patient profiling,appropriate drug selection,and dynamic imaging monitoring to achieve precision management in AIS treatment.

Chronic wounds, defined as persistent failure to heal due to specific etiological factors, remain a major clinical challenge. Current standard interventions such as negative pressure wound therapy are limited by complications like hypergranulation and poor patient compliance, while emerging stem cell-based therapies carry potential tumorigenic risks. Consequently, identifying strategies to safely and effectively accelerate wound healing continues to be a critical focus in contemporary clinical research. Platelet-rich plasma derived extracellular vesicles (PRP-EVs) are extracellular vesicles released by platelets after activation. They have the characteristics of autologous origin, higher safety, and more mild and convenient clinical application. Studies have shown that PRP-EVs are rich in bioactive molecules such as lipids, proteins and RNA, which have outstanding performance in regulating wound inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, enhancing cell migration and proliferation, and are expected to become an effective tool for the treatment of chronic wounds. This review discusses the methods, mechanisms of action, and challenges associated with the use of PRP-EVs in chronic wound management, providing a foundation for future research and clinical applications in this field.