The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes. Activating the AhR-CYP1A1 axis has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy against various inflammatory diseases. Here, a practical in situ cell-based fluorometric assay was constructed to screen AhR-CYP1A1 axis modulators, via functional sensing of CYP1A1 activities in live cells. Firstly, a cell-permeable, isoform-specific enzyme-activable fluorogenic substrate for CYP1A1 was rationally constructed for in-situ visualizing the dynamic changes of CYP1A1 function in living systems, which was subsequently used for discovering the efficacious modulators of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis. Following screening of a compound library, LAC-7 was identified as an efficacious activator of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis, which dose-dependently up-regulated the expression levels of both CYP1A1 and AhR in multiple cell lines. LAC-7 also suppressed macrophage M1 polarization and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages. Animal tests showed that LAC-7 could significantly mitigate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice, and markedly reduced the levels of multiple inflammatory factors. Collectively, an optimized fluorometric cell-based assay was devised for in situ functional imaging of CYP1A1 activities in living systems, which strongly facilitated the discovery of efficacious modulators of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis as novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Cancer is a highly deadly disease, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer being the most prevalent in women. However, traditional cancer treatments present challenges due to their strong toxic side effects and adverse reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from various plants possess therapeutic and preventive properties against cancer. These phytochemicals have been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy drugs, owing to their safety and efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the chemoprevention and mechanisms of phytochemicals against the four major female cancers. The focus will be on how these phytochemicals regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis to impede cancer progression. Given their extensive clinical applications, phytochemicals hold great promise in the field of cancer treatment. It hopes that this review will inspire more researchers to explore the potential of these natural compounds in combating female cancers.

Objective To compare the effect of routine speech training and computer-assisted training on post-stroke dysarthria. Methods From March,2021 to April,2023,72 patients with post-stroke dysarthria in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were ran-domly divided into control group(n=36)and experimental group(n=36).Both groups received routine rehabili-tation,while the control group received routine speech training,and the experimental group received computer-assisted training,for four weeks.They were assessed with modified Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment(m-FDA)and Speech Intelligibility(SI)before and after intervention. Results Eight cases in the control group and one case in the experimental group dropped down.The scores of m-FDA and SI improved in both groups after treatment(|Z|＞4.183,P＜0.001),and there was no significant difference between two groups(|Z|＜1.598,P＞0.05).Noninferiority of m-FDA was found between two groups(|t|＞3.656,P＜0.001). Conclusion Computer-assisted training could improve the speech function of patients with post-stroke dysarthria,simi-lar to routine speech training.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of ab-externo circumferential suture trabeculotomy(CST)on the 24 h pattern of intraocular pressure(IOP)in primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).METHODS: This retrospective study included 18 POAG patients who had poor control of IOP from March 2021 to May 2022. The ab-externo CST was performed, and IOP was tested preoperatively and 1 a postoperatively(9:00 a.m., 12:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m., 3 a.m., and 6:00 a.m.). The mean, peak, trough, and range of IOP, as well as the average diurnal-nocturnal IOP change were calculated and compared.RESULTS: The 24 h IOP curves exhibited a decreasing trend during the diurnal period and an increasing trend during the nocturnal period, reaching a trough in the afternoon and peaking at night; the time of trough and peak IOP occurred several hours earlier compared to preoperative eyes. Postoperatively, the mean, peak, and trough IOP values were significantly lower compared to preoperative levels. The range of fluctuation showed no significant difference, while the average diurnal-nocturnal IOP change increased significantly.CONCLUSION: CST could reduce IOP of patients with POAG, but could not change the range of IOP fluctuation. However, an increase in the average diurnal-nocturnal IOP change was observed, indicating that CST might not necessarily reduce diurnal-nocturnal IOP fluctuations.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of music therapy on cognitive function, motor function, and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment. MethodsFrom December, 2020 to July, 2022, 48 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 24) and experimental group (n = 24). Both groups received conventional medication, nursing, and conventional rehabilitation, while the experimental group received music therapy additionally, for eight weeks. Before and after intervention, the cognitive function was assessed by Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA), and motor function and ADL were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), respectively. ResultsSix cases in the control group dropped down. The increase in the scores of LOTCA and FMA was more in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.665, P < 0.05), however, no significant difference was found in the increase of MBI score between two groups. ConclusionMusic therapy could improve the cognitive function and motor function of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE To research the effect and mechanism of fermentation of Astragalus membranaceus on endogenous metabolites in hyperuricemia model rats using serum UHPLC-HRMS. METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into different groups, including blank group, model group, benzbromarone group(20 mg·kg-1), as well as fermentation of Astragalus membranaceus high-dose(3 g·kg-1) and low-dose group(1.5 g·kg-1). Model group and each treatment group were disposed with 300 mg·kg-1 oxonic acid potassium to establish hyperuricemia models. At the time of 1 h after modeling, rats in each treatment group were given corresponding drugs for intervention. Collected rat serum after 14 d. The serum of different groups were collected for endogenous metabolites research using UHPLC-HRMS. After multivariate statistical analysis, the different metabolites and metabolic pathways were selected. RESULTS The hyperuricemia rat modes were successfully established by oxonic acid potassium 14 d, and fermentation of Astragalus membranaceus showed good uric acid reducing effect. Compared with the blank group, 17 potential biomarkers associated with hyperuricemia were found in the model group. Among them, 9 potential biomarkers were significantly recalled by fermentation of Astragalus membranaceus. It mainly involved sphingolipid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, pantothenic acid and CoA biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism and other pathway. CONCLUSION This study can provide a basis for revealing the mechanism of reducing uric acid by fermentation of Astragalus membranaceus, and lay a foundation for the further development and utilization of Astragalus.

Music therapy as a new treatment means, can be applied to rehabilitation therapy for stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease and other diseases with effectiveness and safety.This paper reviews the background of music therapy and the research progress of music therapy in neurological rehabilitation of the elderly at home and abroad, providing the basis for the application of music therapy in the rehabilitation of the elderly nervous system diseases.

Objective:To explore the efficient construction of HSF1 gene knockout mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, and to establish the early basis for the mouse model of primary osteosarcoma.Methods:According to exon 9 of HSF1 gene structure, the corresponding GRNA (guideRNA) was selected and screened. Then the transcription template of sgRNA (small guide RNA) was amplified by PCR, and four up stream primers were obtained. Subsequently, sgRNA was transcribed in vitro and screened by Tube Screen platform to screen the sgRNA with effective cutting, and the sgRNA with the highest cutting efficiency was selected from the screening results for subsequent experiments. The transcription template of SPCas9mRNA was amplified by PCR, and then Cas9mRNA was transcribed in vitro. The sgRNA transcribed in vitro and Cas9mRNA were injected into the fertilized eggs of healthy C57BL/6 mice, and the tissue was extracted from the tail of the born mice and identified by PCR sequencing. Heterozygous female mice of F0 generation were selected to mate with wild-type male mice too btain F1 generation off spring. The mutation of gene bases of F1 generation mice was detected by AGAR gel electrophoresis and gene sequencing. The heterozygous male mice of the F1 generation and female mice of the F0 generation were back crossed to obtain the F2 generation daughter mice. The tail tissues were cut and sequenced to obtain the F2 generation homozygous knockout mice. PCR was used to observe the cutting efficiency of sgRNA and the sequencing of rat tail tissue, and SNAPGene software was used for gene sequence alignment to determine the deletion of base fragments.Results:The up stream primers sgRNA-1 Primer-f, sgRNA-2 Primer-f, sgRNA-3 Primer-f, sgRNA-4 Primer-f and down stream primers sgRNA-4 Primer -r were obtained by PCR amplification. After in vitro tran scription and screening of sgrRNA, sgrRNA-1, sgrRNA-2 and sgrRNA-4 had high cleavage efficiency and were selected for subsequent experiments. T7 promoter was added to the 5 'end of Cas9 mRNA, and Cas9 mRNA was obtained by PCR and in vitro transcription kit. Mixed Cas9-sgRNA solution was injected into the fertilized eggs of mice and cultured. The cultured two-cell fertilized eggs were injected into the ampulla of the pseudo pregnant female mice, and the F0 generation mice were obtained successfully. A total of 8 heterozygous mice of F0 generation were obtained by Agar gel electrophoresis. Three heterozygous knockout mice of F1 generation were obtained by breeding the female heterozygous mice of F0 generation with healthy wild-type male mice and PCR and sequencing. Three heterozygous male mice of F1 generation were back crossed with female mice of F0 generation 3 to obtain F2 generation mice. Through the observation of electrophoresis and sequencing results of F2 generation mice, it was confirmed that 7 mice were missing HSF1 base sequence, and the electrophoresis results showed mutant bands and no wild-type bands, which were identified as homozygous. The F2 generation homozygous mice were able to breed stably. As eries of results proved that the HSF1 gene knockout mouse model was successfully established in this experiment.Conclusion:CRISPR/Cas9 technology was successfully used to construct HSF1 gene knockout mouse model, with strong stability and high reproducibility, which laida foundation for further study of HSF1 gene expression products and establishment of mouse model of primary osteosarcoma.

Objective:To investigate DICER1 hotspot mutations in ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) and its associated clinicopathological features.Methods:Forty-three SLCTs and 40 other sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were examined for somatic DICER1 hotspot mutations by Sanger sequencing. The associations between mutation status and clinicopathological features, including patient age, tumor differentiation and recurrence, were analyzed.Results:Somatic DICER1 mutations were found in 51% (22/43) of SLCTs, while none in the other 40 SCSTs. The most common mutation of DICER1 was p.D1709N in exon 24 (41%, 9/22) and the second most common mutation of DICER1 was p.E1813K in exon 25 (14%, 3/22). A novel frameshift mutation (c.5464delG, p.M1837fs*16) was identified in one SLCT with microcystic pattern. Mutations were more likely to occur in patients under forty years of age ( P=0.046), whereas no significant associations were found between DICER1 mutations and clinical symptoms, morphology or tumor recurrence. Conclusions:Somatic DCIER1 hotspot mutations are specifically found in SLCT and may serve as an ancillary marker in differential diagnosis of SLCT from other SCST. The mutations occur more often in young patients (<40 years old). Additional studies are warranted to examine the associations between DICER1 mutations and clinicopathological features and prognosis of SLCT.

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the method for embedding multiple undecalcified mouse tibias in plastic blocks, improve the efficiency and stability of plastic embedding and reduce the detachment rate of plastic slides. METHODS: Thirty undecalcified tibias from 15 B6 mice were used for plastic embedding after calcein labeling, fixation, dehydration and infiltration. The tibias were embedded in cylindrical plastic blocks with a diameter of 4 mm. For each bone, the 1/4 proximal tibia was cut off, and the remaining 3/4 was used for re-embedding. Five bones were embedded in a single block with each bone standing closely on the surface of a flat plate. The samples were randomized into control and experimental groups in all the processes of embedding, sectioning and staining. In the 3 groups with modified embedment, flowing CO was added into the embedding solution, embedding solution was applied to the section surface, and the slides were heated at 95 ℃ for 15 min. The polymerization time, slide detachment rate, bone formation and osteoblast parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: We prepared 6 plastic blocks, each containing 5 tibias, whose cross sections were on the same plane. The blocks were completely polymerized and suitable for sectioning. Flowing CO into the embedding solution reduced the polymerization time and increased the rate of complete polymerization. Application of the embedding solution on the section surface significantly reduced the detachment rate of the sections ( < 0.05) without affecting bone formation analysis ( > 0.05). Heating the slides significantly lowered the detachment rate of the sections ( < 0.05) without affecting osteoblast analysis ( > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The optimized method allows effective embedding of multiple undecalcified mice tibias in the same block and can be an ideal method for histological analysis of undecalcified bones.
Animals ; Mice ; Plastics ; Staining and Labeling ; Tibia ; Tissue Embedding ; methods