Flexible conductive fibers have been widely applied in wearable flexible sensing. However, exposed wearable flexible sensors based on liquid metal (LM) are prone to abrasion and significant conductivity degradation. This study presented a high-sensitivity LM conductive fiber with integration of strain sensing, electrical heating, and thermochromic capabilities, which was fabricated by coating eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) onto spandex fibers modified with waterborne polyurethane (WPU), followed by thermal curing to form a protective polyurethane sheath. This fiber, designated as Spandex/WPU/EGaIn/Polyurethane (SWEP), exhibits a four-layer coaxial structure: spandex core, WPU modification layer, LM conductive layer, and polyurethane protective sheath. The SWEP fiber had a diameter of (458.3 ± 10.4) μm, linear density of (2.37 ± 0.15) g/m, and uniform EGaIn coating. The fiber had excellent conductivity with an average value of (3 716.9 ± 594.2) S/m. The strain sensing performance was particularly noteworthy. A 5 cm × 5 cm woven fabric was fabricated using polyester warp yarns and SWEP weft yarns. The fabric exhibited satisfactory moisture permeability [(536.06 ± 33.15) g/(m ²·h)] and maintained stable thermochromic performance after repeated heating cycles. This advanced conductive fiber development is expected to significantly promote LM applications in wearable electronics and smart textile systems.
Wearable Electronic Devices ; Polyurethanes/chemistry* ; Electric Conductivity ; Gallium/chemistry* ; Metals/chemistry*

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) complicated by hyperuricemia (HUA) and explore their potential as novel diagnostic molecular markers and their target genes. METHODS: This study was conducted among 30 CHF patients with HUA (observation group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) enrolled between September, 2020 and September, 2023. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 CHF patients with HUA for analyzing exosomal miRNAs by high-throughput sequencing, and the results were validated in the remaining 24 patients using qRT-PCR. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to predict the the target genes of the identified differential miRNAs. We also validated the differentially expressed miRNAs by animal experiment. RESULTS: A total of 42 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were detected in observation group by high-throughput sequencing; among them, miR-27a-5p was significantly upregulated (P=0.000179), and miR-139-3p was significantly downregulated (P=0.000058). In the 24 patients with both CHF and PUA, qRT-PCR validated significant upregulation of miR-27a-5p (P=0.004) and downregulation of miR-139-3p (P=0.005) in serum exosomes. When combined, miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p had a maximum area under the curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% CI: 0812-0.987) for predicting CHF complicated by HUA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that the differential expressions of miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p was associated with the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway to activate the autophagic response. We obtained the same conclusion from animal experiment. CONCLUSIONS Upregulated exosomal miR-27a-5p combined with downregulated exosomal miR-139-3p expression can serve as a novel molecular marker for diagnosis of CHF complicated by HUA, and their differential expression may promote autophagy in cardiomyocytes by activating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
Humans ; Hyperuricemia/diagnosis* ; Heart Failure/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Animals

OBJECTIVES: To explore the bioactive components in Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills (JWXYP) and their mechanisms for alleviating depression-like behaviors. METHODS: The active compounds, key targets, and pathways of JWXYP were identified using TCMSP and TCMIP databases. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized equally into 6 groups including a control group and 5 chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression groups. After modeling, the 5 model groups were treated with daily gavage of normal saline, 1.8 mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride (positive control drug), or JWXYP at 1.44, 2.88, and 4.32 g/kg. The depression-like behaviors of the rats were evaluated using behavioral tests, and pathological changes in the liver and hippocampus were examined with HE staining. The biochemical indicators in the serum and brain tissues were detected using ELISA. Serum metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the differential metabolites using OPLS-DA, and gut microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS: Network pharmacology revealed that menthone and paeonol in JWXYP were capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier to regulate inflammatory pathways and protect the nervous system. In the rat models subjected to CUMS, treatment with JWXYP significantly improved body weight loss, sucrose preference and open field activities, reduced liver inflammation, alleviated structural changes in the hippocampal neurons, decreased serum levels of TNF‑α, IL-1β, IL-6 and LBP, and increased 5-HT and VIP concentrations in the serum and brain tissue, and these effects were the most pronounced in the high-dose group. Metabolomics analysis showed changes in such metabolites as indole-3-acetamide and acetyl-L-carnitine in JWXYP-treated rats, involving the pathways for bile acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism. 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated increased gut microbiota diversity and increased abundance of Lactobacillus species in JWXYP-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS JWXYP alleviates depression-like symptoms in rats by regulating the neurotransmitters, inhibiting inflammation and oxidation, and modulating gut microbiota.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Depression/drug therapy* ; Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism* ; Rats ; Inflammation ; Male ; Hippocampus ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects*

ObjectiveMyelodysplastic syndromes （MDS） is a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders，and this study aims to investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α（HIF-1α） in the bone marrow cells of patients with MDS and its correlation with the clinical features of MDS，the therapeutic efficacy of arsenic-containing Chineseherbal compound，and the survival prognosis. MethodAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria，27 MDS patients treated with arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound in the Department of Hematology，Xiyuan Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2022 to September 2022 were included，and their bone marrow samples were collected by myelotomy. HIF-1α expression level in bone marrow cells was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） to analyze its correlation with clinical features，and logistic and Cox regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the efficacy and prognostic survival of MDS patients. ResultThe HIF-1α mRNA expression level was lower in bone marrow cells of MDS patients than in healthy subjects. HIF-1α was positively correlated with the degree of myelodysplasia（r=0.384，P<0.05） and bone marrow granulocytic system%（G%）（r=0.560，P<0.01）. Logistic regression showed that HIF-1α was a risk factor for the prognosis in the follow-up of the efficacy of treatment（P<0.05）and Cox regression showed that HIF-1α was an independent factor affecting the survival prognosis of MDS patients ［odds ratio（OR）=398.968，95% confidence interval（CI）（1.281，116 858.743），P<0.05］. ConclusionThe level of HIF-1α expression in bone marrow cells of MDS patients was closely related to the degree of clinical myelodysplasia and G%，and HIF-1α was a risk factor for the efficacy for and survival prognosis of MDS patients.

Objective To observe the toxicity of low concentration Mn²⁺ compound combined with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine on nerve cell line PC12 cells for long-term and its mechanism. Methods PC12 cells at logarithmic growth stage were treated with 0 (control), 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μM manganous chloride, and 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM chloroquine for 24 h, respectively. The effect of manganous chloride and chloroquine on cell viability was detected by MTT assay. The combined effect of the two compounds on cell viability was determined at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. The mitochondrial respiratory function was further examined to explore the possible toxicity mechanism of manganous chloride and chloroquine. Results Compared with the control group, manganous chloride and chloroquine alone had inhibitory effect on cells survival in a concentration-dependent manner. Manganous chloride and chloroquine at concentrations of 40 μM and 2.5 μM, respectively, had no significant effect on cell survival. Compared with the control group, administration of 2.5 μM chloroquine alone for 24, 48 and 72 h did not significantly change cell survival and mitochondrial respiratory function. Treatment of cells with manganous chloride alone at the concentration of 40 μM for 72 h did affect mitochondrial respiratory function. However, the cell survival and mitochondrial respiratory function in the combined administration of manganous chloride and chloroquine for 72 h were significant decreased (P< 0.05). Conclusion The long-term combination of low-concentration manganous chloride and chloroquine produced an additive cytotoxicity on PC12 cells, and the toxicity mechanism may be related to the damage of mitochondrial function.

Objective To investigate the targeting of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)expression by Ran-binding protein 9(RANBP9)and its effect on colorectal cancer Colo320 cell apoptosis.Methods Gene expression levels of RANBP9 were analyzed in 625 colon cancer tissues and 20 normal colon tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas database.The relationship between RANBP9 expression and survival time of patients with colon cancer was analyzed using KMPLOT.The expression of TGF-β1 in normal colon tissues and colon cancer tissues was analyzed using the human protein immunohistochemistry database and the relationship between TGF-β1 expression and the survival of patients with colon cancer was analyzed using the UALCAN database.The relationship between RANBP9 and TGF-β1 was analyzed by dual luciferase experiments.Colo320 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-GFP-RANBP9 and control pcDNA3.1-GFP-RANBP9-NC plasmids,respectively,and normal control cells were established without transfection.The cells were cultured and the growth viability of each group of cells was detected by the iazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide method,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 staining,and RANBP9 and TGF-β1 protein expression were detected by Western blot.Results RANBP9 expression was significantly reduced in colon cancer tissues.Compared with patients with low RANBP9 expression,patients with high RANBP9 expression had a higher survival curve and significantly higher expression of TGF-β1 in colon cancer tissue.Compared with patients with high TGF-β1 expression,patients with low TGF-β1 expression had a significantly higher survival curve(P＜0.05).RANBP9 targeted the expression of TGF-β1 in colon cancer.Compared with the normal group,cell growth,mitochondrial membrane potential,and TGF-β1 expression were all significantly down-regulated and the apoptosis rate and RANBP9 expression were significantly increased in the experiment group(P＜0.05).Conclusions RANBP9 can target the expression of TGF-β1,promote the growth of Colo320 colon cancer cells,decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential,and induce apoptosis.

Objective To explore the performance of routine blood test parameters,bone marrow parameters and the risk factors of leukemia conversion in higher-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)treated with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method in the real world.Methods The clinical data of 162 patients with higher-risk MDS who were admitted to the Department of Hematology,Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from September 2017 to September 2022 were collected,and their clinical data,blood routine parameters,and bone marrow parameters were analyzed.Results A total of 162 higher-risk MDS patients were included,and the overall effective rate of the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment,mainly using Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method being 48.8%.Patients with higher-risk MDS who were younger than 70 years old were more likely to obtain curative effect when treated with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method combined with chemotherapy(P<0.05).After treatment with Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method,PLT levels in higher-risk MDS patients were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and PLT levels in the ineffective group increased more significantly(P<0.05).After treatment,the HGB level in the effective group significantly increased(P<0.05).After treatment,the proportion of bone marrow granulocytes,megakaryocytes and lymphocytes in higher-risk MDS patients were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Bushen Jiedu Huayu Method,mainly using arsenic containing TCM compound,can treat higher-risk MDS.It can increase the HGB content and PLT level of patients,increase the proportion of bone marrow granulocytes,megakaryocytes and lymphocytes,and also play a certain role in reducing the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells,namely demethylation.

Objective:To screen the host interaction proteins of the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)nonstructural protein(NSs)by immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis,to discuss the functions,subcellular localization,and biological pathways of these interaction proteins,and to provide the basis for clarifying the replication and pathogenic mechanism of SFTSV.Methods:The eukaryotic expression vectors pSFTSV-NSs-Flag(experimental group)and Flag-CMV-3(negative group)were transfected into the human embryonic kidney 293T cells,and contorl group(no treatment)was set up.The lysates of the cells in various groups were collected,and the expression and localization of SFTSV NSs in the host cells were verified by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting methods.The protein lysates were treated with protein A/G and immunoprecipitation was used to enrich host proteins binding to NSs.The captured interaction proteins were initially analyzed by silver staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining to observe the differential protein bands in various groups;liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to obtain the information of protein sequences;the reliable proteins were retained and searched by UniProt database;Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis,IPR,eukaryotic orthologous groups(KOGs)functional annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathway enrichment analysis,subcellular localization,and transcription factor(TF)functional annotation were used to determine the subcellular structure,gene functions,and biological processes of the interaction proteins.Results:The immunofluorescence results showed that the SFTSV NSs expressed a single specific band at relative molecular mass 33 000 and was localized in the cytoplasm in a granular inclusion body-like manner.The silver staining and Coomassie brilliant blue staining results showed there were significant differential protein bands between experimental group and negative group.The mass spectrometry results identified 46 potential interaction proteins.The GO functional enrichment analysis,KOGs functional annotation,and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis results showed that the biological pathways related to viral translation,cellular metabolism,and protein transport were enriched with a considerable number of proteins.Eight annotated proteins had intermediate filament domains.The highest percentage of subcellular localization was cytoplasmic proteins,consistent with the NSs localization site.The TF functional annotation analysis results showed one protein from the NF-Y family.Conclusion:The interaction proteins play roles in assisting the proper protein folding,participating in the cribosome translation,and forming the cytoskeleton,which may be involved in antiviral replication.These proteins can be used as candidate proteins for further study on the replication mechanism of SFTSV.

In response to the Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance， Innovation， and Development of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） and the spirit of the National Conference on TCM， Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine organized experts in Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of traditional Chinese and western medicine to discuss the clinical advantages of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis （AR） and they reached a basic consensus. In recent years， the prevalence of AR has been on the rise， threatening the quality of life of patients and giving rise to a heavy burden to both the patients and the society. AR is resulted from immune imbalance rather than reduced immunity or hyperimmunity， and the imbalance is similar to the Yin-yang disharmony in TCM. In the treatment of this disease， western medicine features rapid onset. However， it is cost-intensive and causes severe surgical trauma， and the recurrence is common. TCM boasts diverse methods for AR， which can be used in all stages of this disease. It has advantages in controlling symptoms such as nasal congestion， runny nose， or dysosmia in the attack stage， preventing recurrence in the remission stage， and treating refractory AR or steroid-resistant AR. In particular， acupuncture enjoys a reputation in treatment of AR， which has been supported by evidence-based medicine and recommended by guidelines. While treating local symptoms of AR， TCM regulates the psychosomatic conditions， which facilitates chronic disease management and long-term follow-up. We should integrate the advantages of TCM and western medicine， give full play to the unique nonnegligible and irreplaceable advantages of TCM， formulate a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment scheme for learning and promotion， and summarize the research outcomes to promote the theoretical innovation of TCM on AR from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine.

Objective:To investigate the value of serum gastrin 17 (G-17), pepsinogen I (PG I), pepsinogen II (PG II), and programmed cell death protein 5 (PDCD5) in the identification of gastric precancerous state and the diagnosis of early gastric cancer.Methods:A total of 86 patients with early gastric cancer who received treatment at the Marine Police Corps Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Force from July 2018 to June 2022 were included in the gastric cancer group. Eighty patients with gastric precancerous states who concurrently received treatment in the same hospital were included in the precancerous state group. An additional 80 partiapants who concurrently received physical examination in the same hospital were included in the healthy group.The value of G-17, PG I, PG II, and PDCD5 in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer was analyzed.Results:The levels of G-17 and PG II in the precancerous state group [(10.87 ± 3.23) pmol/L, (15.78 ± 3.33) μg/L] and gastric cancer group [(18.78 ± 4.10) pmol/L, (21.25 ± 4.48) μg/L] were significantly higher compared with the healthy group [(5.56 ± 1.43) pmol/L, (13.52 ± 3.02) μg/L, F = 362.65, 94.12, all P < 0.05]. The levels of PG I and PDCD5 in the precancerous state group [(79.52 ± 16.62) μg/L, (1.35 ± 0.15) μg/L] and gastric cancer group [(50.06 ± 15.58) μg/L, (0.85 ± 0.13) μg/L] were significantly lower than those in the healthy group [(110.12 ± 30.23) μg/L, (1.60 ± 0.12) μg/L, F = 151.07, 650.56, all P < 0.05)].There were significant differences between the precancerous state and the gastric cancer groups in terms of family history of gastric cancer, consumption of high salt fried foods, alcohol consumption history, and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection ( χ2 = 10.39, 4.68, 11.47, 36.49, all P < 0.05). Family history of gastric cancer ( OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.03-1.96) and Hp infection ( OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.30-10.85) were identified as risk factors for gastric cancer ( P < 0.05). The combination of G-17, PG I, PG II, and PDCD5 had the highest predictive efficiency for early gastric cancer ( P < 0.05), with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being 0.982, sensitivity and specificity of 98.84% and 90.00%, respectively. Conclusion:Family history of gastric cancer and Hp infection are risk factors for gastric cancer. Patients with precancerous state and early gastric cancer have elevated serum levels of G-17 and PG II and reduced serum levels of PG I and PDCD5 protein. Combined detection of these four indicators has a high diagnostic value for early gastric cancer.