Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy （DR）， and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo， while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR， encompassing two stages： Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis， thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo"， microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction， deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation， and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically， treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi， resolving turbidity， and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies， such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity， strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis， and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang， modified Buyang Huanwutang， modified Danggui Buxuetang， Zhuixue Mingmu decoction， Tangmuqing， Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription， Danhong Huayu decoction， and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.

Hygroscopicity research has long been a key focus and hot topic in Chinese materia medica（CMM）. Elucidating hygroscopic mechanisms plays a vital role in formulation design， process optimization， and storage condition selection. Hygroscopic models serve as essential tools for characterizing CMM hygroscopic mechanisms， with various types available. The double exponential model is a kinetic mathematical model constructed based on the law of conservation of energy and Fick's first law of diffusion， tailored to the physical properties of CMM extracts. In recent years， this model has been extensively applied to simulate the dynamic moisture absorption behavior of CMM extracts and solid dosage forms under varying humidity conditions. It has revealed the correlation between moisture absorption kinetic parameters and material properties， offering a new perspective for characterizing the moisture uptake behavior of CMM. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of this model in the field of CMM， analyzes its advantages， disadvantages， and challenges in this domain， and explores its potential application trends in other fields. It aims to provide references for elucidating the moisture absorption mechanisms of CMM and researching moisture-proofing technologies， while also offering insights for its broader application in food and polymer materials.

ObjectiveTo investigate somatization symptoms in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei， and to explore their correlation with earthquake experiences. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was used to select 324 adolescents in Hefei as the survey objects. The self-rating scale of somatization symptoms （SSS） and the fatigue intensity scale （FIS） were used to evaluate the somatization symptoms and fatigue degree of middle school students， and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of somatization symptoms and fatigue among middle school students. ResultsA total of 324 adolescents were included， and the overall detection rate of somatization symptoms was 6.5%， and the detection rate of moderate or above fatigue was 20.1%. The results of regression analysis showed that adolescents who were concerned about the earthquake for a longer time （≥1 h） had a higher risk of somatization symptoms （OR=5.430， 95%CI： 1.547-19.058）， and adolescents who received pre-earthquake training had a lower degree of fatigue （OR=0.535， 95%CI： 0.292-0.981） （P<0.05）. ConclusionDuring the frequent earthquakes， adolescents have more somatization symptoms and fatigue. Therefore， it is crucial to enhance health education， reduce the emphasis on event-related reports， and implement earthquake prevention and disaster reduction training to improve the physical and mental health of adolescents.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Runmu Dihuang decoction （RMDHD） in treating perimenopausal dry eye with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome based on the silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3）/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups （n=10 per group）： Sham operation group， model group， sodium hyaluronate eye drop group， and low-， medium-， and high-dose RMDHD groups （5.625， 11.25， 22.50 g·kg^-1）. Except for the sham operation group， all rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were administered 0.1% benzalkonium chloride eye drops combined with long-term chronic irritation to establish a perimenopausal dry eye model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Drug administration began in the 11th week after modeling and continued for 21 days. General conditions， screen-grip test scores， tear secretion volume， tear film breakup time （TFBUT）， and corneal fluorescein staining were recorded. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， estradiol （E₂）， and progesterone （PROG） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Pathological changes in the lacrimal glands， corneas， and uteri were observed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Protein expression levels of SIRT3， HIF-1α， phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， and total NF-κB p65 in the lacrimal glands were detected by Western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the lacrimal glands was assessed by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultsAfter model establishment， no significant differences were observed among the groups except the sham operation group. Compared with the sham operation group， the other groups exhibited slowed movement， dull responses， increased irritability， reduced body weight， elevated rectal temperature， decreased screen-grip test scores， reduced tear secretion， and significantly shortened TFBUT （P<0.05）. After treatment， compared with the model group， the sodium hyaluronate eye drop group and all RMDHD groups showed improved general conditions， significantly increased tear secretion （P<0.05）， prolonged TFBUT （P<0.05）， and elevated screen-grip test scores （P<0.05）. Serum ROS and FSH levels were significantly decreased， while E₂ and PROG levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Pathological damage to the cornea， lacrimal glands， and uterus was ameliorated. In addition， protein expression levels of SIRT3 and HIF-1α in the lacrimal glands were significantly upregulated （P<0.05）， whereas the expression of p-NF-κB p65， IL-1β， and TNF-α was significantly downregulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionRMDHD increases tear secretion and TFBUT， improves lacrimal gland and corneal injury， and alleviates dry eye symptoms in a perimenopausal dry eye rat model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. The underlying mechanism may be related to regulation of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway， inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses， and reduction of ocular surface tissue damage.

This paper summarizes Professor WANG Xiuxia's clinical experience in treating hyperprolactinemia using the liver soothing therapy. Professor WANG identifies liver qi stagnation and rebellious chong qi （冲气） as the core pathomechanisms of hyperprolactinemia. Furthermore， liver qi stagnation may transform into fire or lead to pathological changes such as spleen deficiency with phlegm obstruction or kidney deficiency with essence depletion. The treatment strategy centers on soothing the liver， with a modified version of Qinggan Jieyu Decoction （清肝解郁汤） as the base formula. Depending on different syndrome patterns such as liver stagnation transforming into fire， liver stagnation with spleen deficiency， or liver stagnation with kidney deficiency， heat clearing， spleen strengthening， or kidney tonifying herbs are added accordingly. In addition， three paired herb combinations are commonly used for symptom specific treatment， Danggui （Angelica sinensis） with Chuanxiong （Ligusticum chuanxiong）， Zelan （Lycopus lucidus） with Yimucao （Leonurus japonicus） ， and Jiegeng （Platycodon grandiflorus） with Zisu （Perilla frutescens）.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of pupil diameter and its association with myopia in school age children, providing ideas into the mechanisms of the role of pupil diameter in the onset and development of myopia. Methods: Adopting a combination of stratified cluster random sampling and convenience sampling method, 3 839 children from six schools in Shandong Province were included in September 2021. Pupil diameters distribution was analyzed by age, sex, and myopic status. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between pupil diameter and cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE), as well as axial length (AL) and other variables. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to match myopic and non myopic children at a 1∶1 ratio based on age and sex. A generalized linear model (GLM) was constructed with pupil diameter as the dependent variable to identify independent factors influencing pupil size and its association with myopia. Results: The mean pupil diameter of school age children was (5.77±0.80)mm. Pupil diameter exhibited a significant increasing trend with age ( F =49.34， P trend ＜ 0.01). Myopic children had a significantly larger mean pupil diameter [(6.10±0.73)mm] compared to non myopic children [(5.62±0.79)mm] with a statistically significant difference( t=18.10, P <0.01). Multivariable GLM analysis, adjusted for age, amplitude of accommodation, and uncorrected visual acuity, revealed a negative correlation between pupil diameter and cycloplegic SE (before PSM: β =-0.089, after PSM: β =-0.063, both P ＜0.01). Conclusions Myopic school age children exhibite larger pupil diameters than their non myopic counterparts. Pupil diameter may serve as a potential indicator for monitoring myopia development in school age children.

T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

BACKGROUND: Senescent human skin primary fibroblast (FB) models have been established for studying aging-related, proliferative, and inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the transcriptome characteristics of human primary dermal FBs from children and the elderly with four senescence models. METHODS: Human skin primary FBs were obtained from healthy children (FB-C) and elderly donors (FB-E). Senescence models were generated by ultraviolet B irradiation (FB-UVB), D-galactose stimulation (FB-D-gal), atazanavir treatment (FB-ATV), and replication exhaustion induction (FB-P30). Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, co-culturing with immune cells, and bulk RNA sequencing were used for systematic comparisons of the models. RESULTS: In comparison with FB-C, FB-E showed elevated expression of senescence-related genes related to the skin barrier and extracellular matrix, proinflammatory factors, chemokines, oxidative stress, and complement factors. In comparison with FB-E, FB-UVB and FB-ATV showed higher levels of senescence and expression of the genes related to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and their shaped immune microenvironment highly facilitated the activation of downstream immune cells, including T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. FB-P30 was most similar to FB-E in terms of general transcriptome features, such as FB migration and proliferation, and aging-related characteristics. FB-D-gal showed the lowest expression levels of senescence-related genes. In comparisons with the single-cell RNA sequencing results, FB-E showed almost complete simulation of the transcriptional spectrum of FBs in elderly patients with atopic dermatitis, followed by FB-P30 and FB-UVB. FB-E and FB-P30 showed higher similarity with the FBs in keloids. CONCLUSIONS Each senescent FB model exhibited different characteristics. In addition to showing upregulated expression of natural senescence features, FB-UVB and FB-ATV showed high expression levels of senescence-related genes, including those involved in the SASP, and FB-P30 showed the greatest similarity with FB-E. However, D-galactose-stimulated FBs did not clearly present aging characteristics.
Humans ; Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Cellular Senescence/physiology* ; Skin/metabolism* ; Child ; Transcriptome/genetics* ; Aged ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Cells, Cultured ; Galactose/pharmacology*

Obesity is a worldwide health problem. An imbalance in energy metabolism is an important cause of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Our previous studies showed that inhibition of miR-429 increased the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in beige adipocytes; however, whether local inhibition of miR-429 in subcutaneous adipose tissue affects diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local overexpression of miR-429 sponge in subcutaneous adipose tissue on obesity and related metabolic disorders. The control adeno-associated virus (AAV) or AAV expressing the miR-429 sponge was injected into mouse inguinal white adipose tissue. Seven days later, the mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to induce obesity. The effects of the miR-429 sponge on body weight, adipose tissue weight, plasma glucose and lipid levels, and hepatic lipid content were explored. The results showed that the overexpression of miR-429 sponge in subcutaneous white adipose tissue reduced body weight and fat mass, decreased fasting blood glucose and plasma cholesterol levels, improved glucose tolerance, and alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in mice. Mechanistic investigation showed that the inhibition of miR-429 significantly upregulated the expression of UCP1 in adipocytes and adipose tissue. These results suggest that local inhibition of miR-429 in subcutaneous white adipose tissue ameliorates obesity and related metabolic disorders potentially by upregulating UCP1, and miR-429 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/physiology* ; Obesity/metabolism* ; Mice ; Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism* ; Metabolic Diseases ; Subcutaneous Fat/metabolism* ; Male ; Uncoupling Protein 1/metabolism* ; Diet, High-Fat ; Mice, Inbred C57BL