Objective To investigate the effects of Demodex infection on clinical symptoms,signs,and tear MMP-9 levels in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).Methods A total of 680 patients with MGD were selected from our hospital,including 162 males and 518 females,with an average age of(45.05±15.41)years old.The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of Demodex mite infestation:the Demodex positive group(340 cases)and the Demodex negative group(340 cases).All patients underwent evaluations using the OSDI questionnaire,SPEED questionnaire,eyelid margin alteration score,corneal fluorescein staining score,tear MMP-9 measurement,meibomian gland orifice score,meibomian gland excretion ability score,meibomian gland secretion score,meibomian gland loss score,tear film breakup time(BUT),and Schirmer I tear secretion test.The differences in these indicators between the two groups were compared.Results SPEED questionnaire score:Demodex positive group:(7.68±2.80),Demodex negative group:(6.28±1.99).There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(t=2.582,P=0.012).Eyelid margin alteration score:Demodex positive group:(3.63±1.53),Demodex negative group:(2.85±0.77).A statistically significant difference was observed(t=2.861,P=0.006).Corneal fluorescein staining score:Demodex positive group:(2.25±1.86),Demodex negative group:(1.08±1.33).There was a statistically significant difference(t=3.247,P=0.002).Tear MMP-9 content:Demodex positive group:(30.76±43.14)ng/mL,Demodex negative group:(12.36±12.10)ng/mL.A statistically significant difference was found(t=2.598,P=0.013).No statistically significant differences were observed between the Demodex positive and negative groups in meibomian gland orifice score,meibomian gland excretion ability score,meibomian gland secretion score,meibomian gland loss score,BUT,tear secretion examination,and age comparison(P>0.05).Conclusions Demodex mite infestation in patients with MGD exhibits significant differ-ences across various clinical indicators,notably in SPEED questionnaire scores,eyelid margin alterations,corneal fluorescein staining,and tear MMP-9 levels.These changes are associated with mechanisms including inflammatory responses,cellular damage,and immune dysregulation.Demodex mite infestation may significantly influence the clinical progression of MGD by exacerbating inflammation and symptom severity,potentially playing a crucial role in disease development.

Objective:To investigate immunomodulatory effects of methionine enkephalin(MENK)on macrophages,and to explore effect of opsonizing receptors in anti-influenza virus infection of macrophages.Methods:Potential targets for antiviral effects of MENK on macrophages were explored by network pharmacology.Proteomics analysis was used to identify differentially expressed pro-teins(DEPs)in macrophages of MENK-PR8 and PR8 groups.DEPs were analyzed by bioinformatics,and key factors were verified by qPCR and Western blot.Results:MENK had 85 intersection targets with macrophages and influenza viruses,of which 7 were related to phagosome pathway(mmu04145).A total of 215 DEPs were identified by mass spectrometry,which were highly enriched in phago-some(mmu04145)and interaction of viral proteins with cytokines and cytokine receptors(mmu04061)pathways.qPCR and Western blot showed that Fc gamma receptor(FcγR)and complement receptor(CR3)related to phagosome were highly expressed.Conclu-sion:MENK enhances function of phagocytosis and killing virus by upregulating opsonizing receptors via opioid receptor,suggesting that MENK can serve as an immune modulator or a novel preventive drug for influenza viruses.

Objective To investigate the effects of Demodex infection on clinical symptoms,signs,and tear MMP-9 levels in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).Methods A total of 680 patients with MGD were selected from our hospital,including 162 males and 518 females,with an average age of(45.05±15.41)years old.The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of Demodex mite infestation:the Demodex positive group(340 cases)and the Demodex negative group(340 cases).All patients underwent evaluations using the OSDI questionnaire,SPEED questionnaire,eyelid margin alteration score,corneal fluorescein staining score,tear MMP-9 measurement,meibomian gland orifice score,meibomian gland excretion ability score,meibomian gland secretion score,meibomian gland loss score,tear film breakup time(BUT),and Schirmer I tear secretion test.The differences in these indicators between the two groups were compared.Results SPEED questionnaire score:Demodex positive group:(7.68±2.80),Demodex negative group:(6.28±1.99).There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(t=2.582,P=0.012).Eyelid margin alteration score:Demodex positive group:(3.63±1.53),Demodex negative group:(2.85±0.77).A statistically significant difference was observed(t=2.861,P=0.006).Corneal fluorescein staining score:Demodex positive group:(2.25±1.86),Demodex negative group:(1.08±1.33).There was a statistically significant difference(t=3.247,P=0.002).Tear MMP-9 content:Demodex positive group:(30.76±43.14)ng/mL,Demodex negative group:(12.36±12.10)ng/mL.A statistically significant difference was found(t=2.598,P=0.013).No statistically significant differences were observed between the Demodex positive and negative groups in meibomian gland orifice score,meibomian gland excretion ability score,meibomian gland secretion score,meibomian gland loss score,BUT,tear secretion examination,and age comparison(P>0.05).Conclusions Demodex mite infestation in patients with MGD exhibits significant differ-ences across various clinical indicators,notably in SPEED questionnaire scores,eyelid margin alterations,corneal fluorescein staining,and tear MMP-9 levels.These changes are associated with mechanisms including inflammatory responses,cellular damage,and immune dysregulation.Demodex mite infestation may significantly influence the clinical progression of MGD by exacerbating inflammation and symptom severity,potentially playing a crucial role in disease development.

Objective:To investigate immunomodulatory effects of methionine enkephalin(MENK)on macrophages,and to explore effect of opsonizing receptors in anti-influenza virus infection of macrophages.Methods:Potential targets for antiviral effects of MENK on macrophages were explored by network pharmacology.Proteomics analysis was used to identify differentially expressed pro-teins(DEPs)in macrophages of MENK-PR8 and PR8 groups.DEPs were analyzed by bioinformatics,and key factors were verified by qPCR and Western blot.Results:MENK had 85 intersection targets with macrophages and influenza viruses,of which 7 were related to phagosome pathway(mmu04145).A total of 215 DEPs were identified by mass spectrometry,which were highly enriched in phago-some(mmu04145)and interaction of viral proteins with cytokines and cytokine receptors(mmu04061)pathways.qPCR and Western blot showed that Fc gamma receptor(FcγR)and complement receptor(CR3)related to phagosome were highly expressed.Conclu-sion:MENK enhances function of phagocytosis and killing virus by upregulating opsonizing receptors via opioid receptor,suggesting that MENK can serve as an immune modulator or a novel preventive drug for influenza viruses.

Objective:To discuss the effect of microRNA(miR)-30c-5p on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of the human prostate cancer cells(LNCap),and to clarify its possible mechanism.Methods:The LNCap cells were divided into LNCap group(without plasmid transfection),miR-30c-5p mimic group(transfected with miR-30c-5p mimic),mimic NC group(transfected with miR-30c-5p mimic NC),sh-DNA damage inducible transcript 4(DDIT4)group(transfected with sh-DDIT4),sh-NC group(transfected with sh-DDIT4 NC),miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-NC group(co-transfected with miR-30c-5p mimic and pc-DNA3.1 empty vector),and miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group(co-transfected with miR-30c-5p mimic and pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 over-expression plasmid).The RWPE-1 cells were cultured normally.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of miR-30c-5p and DDIT4 mRNA in the cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of DDIT4 protein in the cells in various groups;CCK-8 method was used to detect the proliferation rates of the LNCap cells in various groups;Transwell assay was used to detect the numbers of the invasion LNCap cells in various groups;Scratch assay was used to detect the scratch healing rates of LNCap cells in various groups;dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between miR-30c-5p and DDIT4.In the in vivo tumor formation experiment,18 male BALB/c nude mice were divided randomly into blank group,agomiR-NC group(transfected with agomiR-30c-5p NC),and agomiR-30c-5p group(transfected with agomiR-30c-5p);there were six mice in each group.The mice in agomiR-NC group and agomiR-30c-5p group were subcutaneously injected with LNCap cells,while the mice in blank group were given an equal volume of physiological saline.The volumes of tumor of the mice in various groups were detected.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of prostate cancer tissue the mice of in various groups;RT-qPCR method and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression levels of miR-30c-5p and DDIT4 mRNA and the fluorescence intensities of DDIT4 protein in prostate cancer tissue of the mice in various groups.Results:The In vitro prostate cancer cell experiment results showed that compared with RWPE-1 cells,the expression level of miR-30c-5p in the prostate cancer LNCap cells was decreased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of DDIT4 mRNA and protein were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After 48 of transfection,compared with LNCap group and mimic NC group,the expression level of miR-30c-5p in the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic group was increased(P<0.01).Compared with LNCap group and sh-NC group,the expression level of DDIT4 mRNA in the LNCap cells in sh-DDIT4 group was decreased(P<0.01).Compared with miR-30c-5p mimic group and miR-30c-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 NC group,the expression level of miR-30c-5p in The LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with miR-30c-5p mimic group and miR-30c-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 NC group,the expression level of DDIT4 mRNA in the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group was increased(P<0.01);compared with miR-30c-5p mimic group and miR-30c-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 NC group,the expression level of DDIT4 protein in the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group was increased(P<0.05).The CCK-8 method results showed that compared with LNCap group and mimic NC group,the proliferation rate of the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with LNCap group and sh-NC group,the proliferation rate of the LNCap cells in sh-DDIT4 group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with miR-30c-5p mimic group and miR-30c-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 NC group,the proliferation rate of the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group was increased(P<0.01).The Transwell assay results showed that compared with LNCap group and mimic NC group,the number of the invasion LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with LNCap group and sh-NC group,the number of invasion LNCap cells in sh-DDIT4 group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with miR-30c-5p mimic group and miR-30c-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 NC group,the number of the invasion LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group was increased(P<0.01).The scratch assay results showed that compared with LNCap group and mimic NC group,the scratch healing rate of the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with LNCap group and sh-NC group,the scratch healing rate of the LNCap cells in sh-DDIT4 group was decreased(P<0.01);compared with miR-30c-5p mimic group and miR-30c-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 NC group,the scratch healing rate of the LNCap cells in miR-30c-5p mimic+pc-DNA3.1-DDIT4 group was increased(P<0.01).The dual-luciferase reporter assay results showed that compared with the LNCap cells co-transfected with WT-DDIT4 and mimic NC,the luciferase activity of the LNCap cells co-transfected with WT-DDIT4 and miR-30c-5p mimic was decreased(P<0.01).The in vivo nude mouse tumor formation experiment results showed that on the 3 rd,6 th,9 th,12 th,and 15th days after cell injection,compared with blank group and agomiR-NC group,the tumor volumes of the nude mice in agomiR-30c-5p group were decreased(P<0.05).The HE staining results showed that in prostate cancer tissue of the mice in blank group and agomiR-NC group,the cell nuclei were enlarged,and nucleoli were prominent and deformed.In the mice in agomiR-30c-5p group,some regions of prostate cancer tissues results showed neatly arranged cells with normally shaped nuclei.The RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with agomiR-NC group,the expression level of miR-30c-5p in prostate cancer tissue of the mice in agomiR-30c-5p group was increased(P<0.01).Compared with blank group and agomiR-NC group,the expression level of DDIT4 mRNA in prostate cancer tissue of the mice in agomiR-30c-5p group was decreased(P<0.01).DDIT4 protein was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm.Compared with blank group and agomiR-NC group,the fluorescence intensity of DDIT4 protein in prostate cancer tissue of the mice in agomiR-30c-5p group was decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:The expression level of miR-30c-5p in the prostate cancer LNCap cells is decreased,and it inhibits the proliferation,migration,and invasion of the prostate cancer cells by targeting downregulation of DDIT4,thereby participating in the occurrence and development of prostate cancer.

Adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC)is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the adrenal gland and is characterized by a poor pro-gnosis in its advanced stages.Surgical resection of the tumors is typically limited to patients diagnosed in the clinical stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ,lead-ing to a high postoperative recurrence rate.The combination of mitotane(M)with etoposide(E),doxorubicin(D),and cisplatin(P)(EDP-M)is currently the only approved first-line treatment regimen for advanced ACC.However,the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in ACC remains limited.If the EDP-M regimen proves ineffective,there are no standardized or universally accepted second-line systemic treat-ment alternatives.Research advancements in the molecular mechanisms of ACC in recent years has led to increasing investigations on tyr-osine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)targeting EGFR,VEGFR,and mTOR,as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs).Moreover,previous studies have identified mutations in CTNBB1,TP53,KDM5A,CENP-H,and other genes that may serve as therapeutic targets or biomarkers,thereby expanding the treatment options available for ACC.ICIs are effective against diverse cancer types,including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),liver cancer,renal cell cancer,and urothelial cancer.Ongoing exploration into targeted therapies and immunotherapy,especially combination treatments,holds the promise of extending the survival of patients and enhancing their quality of life.

TCM dispensing is the most basic clinical pharmaceutical work of TCM.In recent years,based on the 9 key technologies of TCM dispensing,the TCM dispensing industry has ushered in great development,and innovative TCM dispensing information system and intelligent dispensing equipment have appeared.This article sorted out the current situation of TCM dispensing industry and looked forward to its future development route.The results showed that the introduction of new technology and new equipment in the key technical links of procurement acceptance,dispensing review,TCM decocting,medication guidance and so on have improved the quality of dispensing service and ensured the quality and safety of medication.In the development of modern TCM dispensing industry,it is necessary to improve the quality control standard system,service standard system and core equipment standard system in the standardization of dispensing technology;in terms of talent cultivation in the field of dispensing,it is necessary to focus on restructuring and building new educational models to cultivate new medical talents that intersect medical and engineering fields;in terms of informatization and intelligence,it is necessary to develop intelligent equipment that is more in line with the characteristics of TCM,and further promote and improve the"shared TCM pharmacy"model.Through improving the content of TCM clinical pharmaceutical care,developing new technology and equipment of TCM dispensing,and improving the level of dispensing service and education,it is expected to gradually realize the standardization,informatization and intelligent development of modern TCM dispensing industry.

OBJECTIVE To explore the efficacy， safety and economics of a dual therapy consisting of conventional dose of vonoprazan combined with conventional dose of amoxicillin in patients with primary treatment of Helicobacter pylori （HP） infection. METHODS Using a prospective cohort study， the patients diagnosed with HP infection and receiving initial treatment in Chengdu Xinhua Hospital from July 2021 to July 2022 were collected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were given vonoprazan/amoxicillin dual therapy （i.e. VA group， Vonoprazan fumarate tablets 20 mg， once a day+Amoxicillin capsules 1.0 g， twice a day， 14 days） and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy （i.e. LJAF group， Rabeprazole sodium enteric- coated tablets 20 mg， twice a day+Colloidal bismuth pectin capsules 200 mg， twice a day+Amoxicillin capsules 1.0 g， twice a day+ Furazolidone tablets 100 mg， twice a day， for 14 days） according to the patient’s medication willingness. Four weeks after the end of the treatment， HP eradication rates of the two groups were compared by using intention-to-treat （ITT）， modified intention-to- treat （MITT） and per-protocol （PP） analysis. The occurrence of adverse drug reactions （ADR） was recorded， and an economic evaluation was performed for them. RESULTS Among the 58 patients in VA group， 55 completed the trial， 2 were lost to follow- up and one withdrew due to rash； among the 62 patients in LJAF group， 57 completed the trial， 3 were lost to follow-up and 2 withdrew due to rash. Results of ITT， MITT and PP analysis showed that HP eradication rates of VA group were 86.2%， 89.3% and 90.9%， and those of LJAF group were 87.1%，91.5% and 94.7%， respectively； there was no statistical significance among different groups （P＞0.05）. The incidences of ADR in VA group and LJAF group were 6.9% and 14.5%，which were not significantly different （P＞0.05）. The result of cost minimization analysis showed that the treatment cost of VA group was 340.9 yuan， which was lower than 373.5 yuan of LJAF group. CONCLUSIONS In patients with primary treatment of HP infection， the efficacy and safety of dual therapy of conventional dose of vonoprazan combined with conventional dose of amoxicillin is equivalent to the bismuth-containing quadruplex therapy with low cost.

As an important platform compound, 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) can be used as a substrate to synthesize a variety of biological products with commercial potential. The titer of 3-HP by wild-type bacteria is low, which severely limits the large-scale application and production of 3-HP. By modifying the genes related to the metabolic pathway, engineered bacteria using cheap substrates as carbon sources are constructed, the aim of reducing production cost and increasing output is realized. In this paper, the recent progress in the synthesis of 3-HP by metabolic engineering at home and abroad is reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of glycerol pathway, malonyl-CoA pathway and beta-alanine pathway for synthesis of 3-HP are also summarized and analyzed, and the future development of 3-HP is prospected.
Glycerol ; metabolism ; Industrial Microbiology ; trends ; Lactic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; biosynthesis ; Metabolic Engineering ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; genetics

Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has long been used for the treatment of common metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the main limitation of its wider application is ingredient complexity of this formula. Thus, it is critically important to identify the major active ingredients of GQD and to illustrate mecha-nisms underlying its action. Here, we compared the effects of GQD and berberine, a hypothetical key active pharmaceutical ingredient of GQD, on a diabetic rat model by comprehensive analyses of gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, proinflammatory cytokines, and ileum transcriptomics. Our results show that berberine and GQD had similar effects on lowering blood glucose levels, modulating gut microbiota, inducing ileal gene expression, as well as relieving systemic and local inflammation. As expected, both berberine and GQD treatment significantly altered the overall gut microbiota structure and enriched many butyrate-producing bacteria, including Faecalibacterium and Roseburia, thereby attenuating intestinal inflammation and lowering glucose. Levels of short-chain fatty acids in rat feces were also significantly elevated after treatment with ber-berine or GQD. Moreover, concentration of serum proinflammatory cytokines and expression of immune-related genes, including Nfkb1, Stat1, and Ifnrg1, in pancreatic islets were significantly reduced after treatment. Our study demonstrates that the main effects of GQD can be attributed to berberine via modulating gut microbiota. The strategy employed would facilitate further stan-dardization and widespread application of TCM in many diseases.