Mitochondrial quality control （MQC） homeostasis serves as a fundamental mechanism in maintaining the mitochondrial structure and function. Dysregulation of MQC contributes to the progression of acute ischemic stroke （AIS） through multiple pathways including disturbances in energy metabolism， increased oxidative stress， and imbalances in mitochondrial fusion and fission. Drawing upon the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） theory of the kidney governing Yin and Yang， this study innovatively proposes an integrative model of "Yin-Yang dynamic balance-MQC homeostasis" to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Specifically， kidney Yang deficiency and decline result in reduced driving force， thereby inhibiting mitochondrial fusion. This leads to decreased efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and impaired adenosine triphosphate （ATP） production. Conversely， when kidney Yin is dysfunctional and excessive phlegm-blood stasis accumulates， mitochondrial fission becomes hyperactive， causing rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and intensified oxidative stress. The interplay between these two pathological states culminates in the central TCM pathogenesis—Yin-Yang imbalance and disordered Qi and blood-of AIS. To address this pathogenesis， a therapeutic strategy is proposed： tonifying the kidney as the primary intervention to restore MQC homeostasis， supplemented by resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to interrupt the deleterious cycle of cerebral vascular damage. This work integrates the holistic perspective of TCM with contemporary molecular insights， offering precise intervention targets along the "kidney-mitochondria axis" for the prevention and treatment of AIS， while establishing a novel integrative paradigm for stroke management that bridges traditional and modern medicine. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which TCM regulates MQC in AIS and integrating classical TCM theories with evidence-based medicine to facilitate the translation of theoretical insights into clinical applications.

Flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (3GT) is a key enzyme in the glucosidation of anthocyanins. To investigate the 3GT gene in rhododendron, we cloned an open reading frame (ORF) of 3GT gene (named Rh3GT) from Rhododendron hybridum Hort (Red cultivar) and then characterized this gene and the deduced protein in terms of the biochemical characteristics, expression level, and enzymatic function. The results showed that Rh3GT had a full length of 993 bp and encoded 330 amino acid residues. The deduced protein was hydrophilic, stable, weak acid, belonging to the glycosyltransferase family (GT-B type), with glutamine (Q) at position 44 in the PSPG box. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Rh3GT was most closely related to Vc3GT from Vaccinium corymbosum and Vm3GT from Vaccinium myrtillus. Rh3GT was expressed in the stems, leaves, and flowers and almost not expressed in the roots, with the highest expression level in petals during full blooming stage. Introduction of pCAMBIAL1302-Rh3GT into petals significantly up-regulated the expression level of Rh3GT and increased the total anthocyanin accumulation. Rh3GT was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 in the form of inclusion bodies with a size of about 36 kDa. The results of HPLC showed that the recombinant Rh3GT after denaturation, purification, and dilution could catalyze the synthesis of cyanidin and UDP-glucose to synthesize cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, indicating that the expressed protein had 3GT activity. This study provides basic data for further studying the molecular regulation mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis and theoretical support for molecular breeding of rhododendron.
Rhododendron/classification* ; Glucosyltransferases/metabolism* ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli/metabolism* ; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis* ; Anthocyanins/biosynthesis* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Amino Acid Sequence

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which 4-week high-intensity interval training(HIIT)regulates the mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt)in skeletal muscle and improves mitochondrial function in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS).Methods Male SPF-grade SD rats(6～8 weeks old)were divided randomly into control(C),model(M),HIIT+control(HC),and HIIT+model(HM)groups.Rats in the M and HM groups were subjected to CUMS for 8 weeks to establish a depression model,while rats in the HC and HM groups received HIIT for 5 d a week for 4 weeks.The exercise regimen consisted of 3 min high-speed(85％～90％Smax)combined with 1 min low-speed(50％～55％Smax)uninterrupted repetitive training(Smax is maximum training speed).Behavioral changes were evaluated at weeks 4 and 8.Tissue samples were taken 24 h after the last behavioral test and skeletal muscle mitochondria were examined by transmission electron microscopy.The ATP and reactive oxygen species(ROS)contents were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and protein expression levels of activating transcription factor(ATF)4,ATF5,C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),and heat shock protein 60(HSP60)were detected by Western blot.Results(1)The body mass,number of crossing grids,number of upright positions,sugar-water preference rate,and ATP content were significantly decreased in group M compared with group C(P＜0.01),while the number of damaged mitochondria,ROS content,ATF4,ATF5,CHOP,and HSP60 protein expression were significantly increased(P＜0.01).(2)After 4-weeks of HIIT intervention,the ATP content and ATF4 and ATF5 protein expression levels were significantly increased in the HC group compared with C group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The number of crossing grids,number of upright positions,sugar-water preference rate,ATP content,and ATF4 protein expression were significantly increased in the HM group compared with M group(P＜0.01),while the number of damaged mitochondria,ROS content,and ATF5,CHOP,and HSP60 protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).(3)After 4 weeks of HIIT intervention,the number of crossing grids in CUMS rats was significantly positively correlated with ATF4 protein expression,and ROS content was correlated with CHOP protein expression,number of damaged mitochondria,and ATF5 protein expression(|r|＞0.75,P＜0.01;|r|＞0.75,P＜0.05).Upright frequency was significantly negatively correlated with ATF5 and HSP60 protein expression,the number of crossing grids,the sugar-water preference rate,and the expression of CHOP and HSP60 proteins(|r|＜0.75,P＜0.05).Conclusions 4-week HIIT intervention can improve mitochondrial dysfunction and alleviate depressive-like behavior in CUMS rats by regulating skeletal muscle UPRmt.

Objective:To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of pediatric and adolescent mediastinal T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) and to evaluate their predictive value for early treatment response.Methods:A retrospective, multicenter case series study was conducted on 49 pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with mediastinal T-LBL between September 2020 and May 2024 at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Gaobo Boren Hospital, and Henan Cancer Hospital.All patients underwent chest MRI, including conventional MRI sequences and diffusion-weighted imaging.Tumor imaging characteristics were analyzed, and quantitative parameters such as minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin), maximum ADC (ADCmax), and mean ADC (ADCmean) were measured.Treatment response was evaluated 15 days post-treatment.The patients were divided into a response group (complete or partial response, 26 cases) and a non-response group (progressive disease or minor response, 23 cases).The relationship between MRI features and treatment response was analyzed.The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess inter-reader agreement, and independent sample t-tests and chi-square tests were employed to compare differences between groups.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive performance of imaging parameters. Results:Significant differences were observed between the response and non-response groups in ADC values [ADCmin (0.80±0.41)×10 -3 mm 2/s vs.(1.23±0.70)×10 -3 mm 2/s, ADCmax (1.14±0.48)×10 -3 mm 2/s vs.(1.92±0.77)×10 -3 mm 2/s, ADCmean (0.98±0.42)×10 -3 mm 2/s vs.(1.56±0.74)×10 -3 mm 2/s] and the maximum tumor diameter was [(11.92±3.61) cm vs.(8.17±2.46) cm] (all P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that ADCmax had the highest predictive efficiency for treatment response, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.853 (95% CI: 0.790-0.910), sensitivity of 92.3%, and specificity of 65.2%.The AUC for the maximum tumor diameter was 0.814, demonstrating its excellent predictive performance. Conclusions:MRI features, particularly ADC values and the maximum tumor diameter, can effectively predict treatment response in pediatric and adolescent mediastinal T-LBL.

Objective:To assess the risk of hearing impairment caused by Gentamicin in Chinese children.Methods:A retrospective analysis.Related literature was retrieved and selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relevant data was extracted.An evidence-based analysis was conducted on the relationship between hearing impairment and the application of Gentamicin in children.Results:A total of 150 literature reports in Chinese and 483 in English were retrieved.After screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 studies in Chinese and 20 in English were included for analysis.There were 13 clinical case reports, 17 retrospective studies and 4 prospective studies on hearing impairment after the application of the Gentamicin in Chinese children.There were 19 international clinical studies.In the 13 clinical case reports including 21 cases who had a history of Gentamicin, no relationship between hearing impairment and Gentamicin was described.A total of 13 419 patients with hearing impairment were included in 17 retrospective studies, and 3 063 (22.8%) of them had Gentamicin exposure in childhood.Among 19 international studies on the application of Gentamicin in children, 13 reported cases with hearing impairment.The incidence of hearing impairment in Gentamicin-treated patients ranged from 0.9% to 30.9%, and the reasons were family history of hearing impairment, otitis media, and sequelae of nervous system injuries.No children with hearing impairment were proved related to Gentamicin.Five studies with a control group (not the Gentamicin-treated group) showed no difference in the incidence of hearing impairment between the Gentamicin-treated group(0-30.9%) and the control group (0-31.4%).Conclusions:All the retrospective reports of hearing impairment caused by Gentamicin in Chinese children do not describe the causal relationship between hearing impairment and Gentamicin.In international studies, the incidence of hearing impairment is not higher in Gentamicin-treated children.Cohort and randomized controlled studies are needed to further assess the risk of hearing impairment in Chinese children.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with nystatin for treatment of vaginal Candida albicans biofilm infection. METHODS: In vitro cultured Candida albicans biofilm were treated with LIPUS, nystatin, or both, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nystatin was determined. Crystal violet staining, confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify the biofilm and observe the activity and morphological changes of the biofilms; DCFH-DA was used to detect the changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Twenty female New Zealand White rabbits with vaginal inoculation of Candida albicans biofilm were randomized into 4 groups for treatment with normal saline, LIPUS, nystatin, or both LIPUS and nystatin. The changes in vulvar symptoms of the rabbits were observed, and the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the vagina before and after treatment were observed using HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: In the combined treatment group, the MIC₅₀ and MIC₈₀ of nystatin in Candida albicans biofilms were both reduced by 50% compared with those in nystatin group, and the biofilm clearance rate increased by 26% and 68% compared with nystatin and LIPUS groups, respectively. Compared with nystatin and LIPUS treatment alone, the combined treatment produced stronger effects for inhibiting biofilm activity, causing structural disruption and promoting ROS production. In the rabbit models, the combined treatment more effectively improved vulvar symptoms and inflammatory infiltration, reduced residual vaginal hyphae/strains, and improved ultrastructure of the vaginal epithelium than LIPUS and nystatin treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS LIPUS combined with nystatin produces a significant synergistic antifungal effect against Candida albicans biofilm both in vitro and in vivo.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Female ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Candida albicans/physiology* ; Nystatin/therapeutic use* ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology* ; Ultrasonic Waves ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use* ; Vagina/microbiology* ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the perception of dental outpatient care quality from multiple perspectives of administrators, physicians, nurses, and patients and propose nursing care quality evaluation indices that are consistent with the clinical reality to provide reference for the construction of a scientific, systematic, and comprehensive dental outpatient care quality evaluation system. METHODS: A total of 39 interviewees, including 7 administrators, 11 doctors, 11 nurses, and 10 patients, were selected for semi-structured in-depth interviews in five regionally representative tertiary-level A stomatological specialty hospitals nationwide during January-April 2024 by using a multistage sampling method. Colaizzi 7-step analysis was used to analyze and summarize the interview data. Themes were extracted on the basis of the Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) three-dimensional quality assessment model. RESULTS: Five main themes and 15 secondary themes were extracted from three quality dimensions: structure, process, and result. The related topics of structural quality were as follows: disinfection and isolation norms, equipment and consumable management, nursing manpower ratio and nurse education structure, and emergency capability. The related topics of process quality were as follows: pre-diagnosis risk assessment, patient triage and guidance, communication and attitude, health education, humanistic care, continuous care, specialty operation, and four-hand operation. The related topics of result quality were as follows: satisfaction, adverse event management and analysis, effective complaints and disputes. CONCLUSIONS Structure quality is the foundation, process quality is the core, and result quality is the key in the evaluation of the quality of oral outpatient care. The standardization of disinfection and isolation, equipment and consumable management, allocation of reasonable nursing manpower and post capacity, implementation of high-quality nursing services, and improvement of the quality and satisfaction of medical cooperation are necessary guarantees to ensure the quality of oral outpatient care.
Humans ; Quality of Health Care ; Ambulatory Care/standards* ; Dental Care/standards* ; Outpatients

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to construct an evaluation index system for nursing quality management in outpatient dental clinics based on the structure-process-outcome model and provide an objective standard for the evaluation of nursing quality in outpatient dental clinics. METHODS: Through literature review, multi-subject interviews, and expert meetings, the first draft of the evaluation index for nursing quality management in outpatient dental clinics was formulated. The Delphi method was adopted to select and invite 15 experts in the fields of hospital infection management, nursing management, and specialized oral care from across the country to modify the first draft. RESULTS: The positive coefficients of the experts in the two rounds of consultation were 86.7% and 92.3%, respectively. The total authority coefficients of the experts were 0.791 and 0.717, respectively. The mean scores of the importance and feasibility of the third-level indices in the two rounds of consultation were all ≥4.333; the coefficients of variation were all ≤0.150; and the Kendall's coordination coefficients were 0.308 and 0.184 respectively, with P<0.05 for all. These results indicated that the experts were motivated to participate in this study. They recognized the importance and feasibility of the overall items in this index system, and their opinions were relatively consistent. Finally, an evaluation index system, which included 3 first-level indices, 7 second-level indices, 22 third-level indices, and 69 index connotations, for nursing quality management in outpatient dental clinics was determined. The weights of the three first-level indicators were all 0.333. Patient satisfaction (0.076, outcome dimension), hand hygiene (0.061, outcome dimension), chair care ratio (0.057, structural dimension), and turnover rate (0.057, structural dimension) were the top tertiary indicators in terms of portfolio weight. CONCLUSIONS The construction method of the evaluation index system for nursing quality management in outpatient dental clinics is scientific and reliable. It can provide a reference for the evaluation of the management level of nursing quality in outpatient dental clinics and promote the continuous improvement of nursing quality in outpatient dental clinics.
Humans ; Dental Clinics ; Delphi Technique

Since the global outbreak in 2022, the mpox epidemic has evolved from an African endemic to a public health emergency of international concern. The 2024 mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo caused by the Clade Ⅰb lineage is yet another wake-up call, with markedly higher prevalence and fatality rates observed among children under 15 years of age, thereby presenting new challenges for the children. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen prevention and control, block mother-to-child transmission routes, and establish innovative models with active community participation to reduce the risk of mpox transmission. In the future, it is urgent to analyze molecular mechanisms underlying the mother-to-child transmission of the virus, develop targeted antiviral drugs, establish a pediatric critical disease scoring system, and incorporate mpox vaccines into the World Health Organization′s expanded programme on immunization.

Objective:To explore the experience of clinical nurses in implementing nutritional management for patients with cirrhosis based on the nutrition care process and model, so as to provide references for nutritional management of patients with cirrhosis.Methods:From March to May 2024, 14 nurses from the Taihe County People's Hospital were selected for face-to-face semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling method. The Colaizzi's 7-step analysis was used to analyze the interview data.Results:A total of four themes were ultimately summarized, namely, multidimensional factors affecting patients' acceptance of nutritional management, nurses' professional competence affecting the implementation of nutritional management, deficiencies in practice affecting the implementation of nutritional management, and collaborative relationships between nurses and patients affecting the successful implementation of nutritional management.Conclusions:From the nurses' perspective, this study identifies strengths and weaknesses in the management and implementation of nutrition for patients with cirrhosis, which can provide a basis for further improvement and development of targeted nutritional management programs for patients with cirrhosis.