Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.

Objective: To understand the prevalence of myopia among primary and secondary school students in minority areas of Yunnan Province, and to explore the influence of outdoor activities and short-distance use of eyes, so as to provide a basis for early myopia intervention. Methods: In October 2020, the survey was conducted among 1 782 primary and secondary school students in three cities of Yunnan through a multi stage random cluster sampling method. All subjects underwent a questionnaire survey and the visual acuity examination at baseline. The first follow-up was conducted in October 2021 to obtain 1 691 valid samples, and the second follow-up was conducted in May 2023 to obtain 1 367 valid samples. Factors associated with myopia among primary and secondary school students were explored by using generalized estimating equations. Results: The prevalence rates of myopia in 2020, 2021 and 2023 were 52.64%, 61.62% and 69.35%, respectively, showing an increasing trend ( χ 2 trend =91.77, P <0.05). The results of multivariate regression analysis on the generalized estimation equations showed that age at baseline ( OR =1.31), girls ( OR =1.76), Hani ethnicity ( OR =0.75), Bai ethnicity ( OR =0.69), parental myopia ( OR =1.97-2.29), parents often reducing children s exercise time for homework or tutoring ( OR =1.35), less than 1 time or 2-3 times of ball sports per week ( OR =1.27, 1.20 ), reading and writing in the classroom during the break ( OR =1.27), reading in direct sunlight occasionally ( OR =1.20), using only desk lamp for writing at home ( OR =0.71), more than 1 hours of short-distance eye use for a break once ( OR =1.23) were associated with myopia among primary and secondary school students ( P <0.05). Conclusions Outdoor activities and short-distance use of eye among primary and middle school students in minority areas in Yunnan province are suboptimal. Enhancing the related environmental and behavioral factors can effectively mitigate the occurrence and progression of myopia.

This study aims to systematically characterize the targeted effects of Quanduzhong Capsules on cartilage lesions in knee osteoarthritis by integrating spatial transcriptomics data mining and animal experiments validation, thereby elucidating the related molecular mechanisms. A knee osteoarthritis model was established using Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats, via a modified Hulth method. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was employed to detect knee osteoarthritis-associated pathological changes in knee cartilage. Candidate targets of Quanduzhong Capsules were collected from the HIT 2.0 database, followed by bioinformatics analysis of spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844) from cartilage tissues in clinical knee osteoarthritis patients to identify spatially specific disease genes. Furthermore, a "formula candidate targets-spatially specific genes in cartilage lesions" interaction network was constructed to explore the effects and major mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules in distinct cartilage regions. Experimental validation was conducted through immunohistochemistry using animal-derived biospecimens. The results indicated that Quanduzhong Capsules effectively inhibited the degenerative changes in the cartilage of affected joints in rats, which was associated with the regulation of Quanduzhong Capsules on the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2(BMPR2)-fibronectin 1(FN1)-matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2) signal axis in the articular cartilage surface and superficial zones, subsequently inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation leading to oxidative stress and inflammatory diffusion. In summary, this study clarifies the spatially specific targeted effects and protective mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules within pathological cartilage regions in knee osteoarthritis, providing theoretical and experimental support for the clinical application of this drug in the targeted therapy on the inflamed cartilage.
Animals ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Male ; Humans ; Capsules ; Female ; Disease Models, Animal

AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

Objective : To investigate the antidepressant effects and the underlying mechanisms of tetrahydrocurcumin(THC) and its nanoparticle formulation(THCN). Methods : Forty-six male ICR mice were randomly divided into Con group, LPS group, THC group, THCN group and SER group. A mouse depression model was established by intraperitoneal administration of LPS. The anxiety and depression-like behaviors of mice were evaluated by open field test(OFT) and forced swimming test(FST). Myelin staining was applied to assess the extent of demyelination in the prefrontal cortex of the mice. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were further examined for the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) through quantitative immunofluorescence assays. Results : Compared with the Con group, the LPS group showed increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in both the long-term and short-term experiments(P<0.05); the degree of demyelination increased in the LPS group of the long-term experiment(P<0.01); the expression of GFAP was reduced in the LPS group of the short-term experiment(P<0.01), while the expression of TLR4 increased(P<0.05); the expression of TLR4 decreased in the THC group(P<0.01); the expression of GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of the THCN group was reduced(P<0.01), while the expression of TLR4 increased(P<0.05). Compared with the LPS group, the THC group showed reduced depressive-like behaviors in the long-term experiment(P<0.05), while the anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors of the THCN group and the SER group were reduced(P<0.05), and the anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors of the THC group and the THCN group were reduced in the short-term experiment(P<0.05); the degree of demyelination was reduced in the THC group, THCN group and SER group in the long-term experiment(P<0.05); the expression of GFAP increased in the THC group of the short-term experiment(P<0.05), while the expression of TLR4 was reduced(P<0.05), and the expression of GFAP increased in the THCN group(P<0.05). Compared with the THC group, the THCN group and the SER group showed reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the long-term experiment(P<0.05); the expression of GFAP in the prefrontal cortex of the THCN group was reduced in the short-term experiment(P<0.05), while the expression of TLR4 in the hippocampal DG area increased in the short-term experiment(P<0.01). Conclusion Tetrahydrocurcumin and its nanoparticle formulation both exert significant ameliorative effects on depression-like behaviors and demyelination in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide. The antidepressant mechanism of THC appears to be mediated through the down-regulation of TLR4 and the up-regulation of GFAP. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant action of THCN seems predominantly focused on the enhancement of GFAP expression.

In order to explore the possible role and molecular mechanism of the combined action of leech and bear bile in liver and gallbladder diseases, this study first used network pharmacology methods to screen the components and targets of leech and bear bile, as well as the related target genes of liver and gallbladder diseases. The selected key genes were subjected to interaction network and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. Then, using sodium oleate induced HepG2 cell lipid deposition model and DL-ethionine induced mouse fatty liver model, the activity of leech and bear bile alone and in combination in reducing liver fat was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, and the expression of key pathway related proteins suggested by network pharmacology was detected by Western blot. The results of network pharmacology analysis showed that the active ingredients of leech and bear bile have 295 intersecting targets with liver and gallbladder related diseases, involving more than 200 signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and phospholipase D signaling pathway closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism. The results of in vitro validation experiments showed that both leech and bear bile, alone and in combination, can significantly inhibit the lipid deposition induced by sodium oleate in human liver cells, reduce the triacylglycerol level in cell culture supernatant, and inhibit the lipid content in liver cells. The observation results of Nile red staining confocal microscopy showed that the combination of leech and bear bile had better activity in reducing lipid deposition in liver cells compared to using them alone. In a mouse fatty liver model, the combination of leech and bear bile can better reduce elevated organ indices, blood lipids, and liver lipid levels, as well as lower the levels of serum liver injury biomarkers. The animals used in this experiment and related disposal meet the requirements of animal welfare. Before the experiment, it was reviewed and approved by IACUC, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The Western blot experiment results showed that the combination of leech and bear bile can significantly upregulate the expression levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins, and increase the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios, which is consistent with the predicted results of network pharmacology. The combination of leech and bear bile has great potential for treating fatty liver disease, and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway may be one of the important mechanisms for reducing lipid deposition in liver cells.

Background Previous studies found that high temperature and heatwave increase the risk of traffic injuries. The complex road conditions in Yunnan Province result in frequent traffic accidents. However, there is limited evidence on the correlation between heatwave and traffic injuries in Yunnan Province. Objective To assess the association between heatwave events and traffic injuries, to estimate its disease burden, and to identify relevant sensitive groups. Methods We collected data on traffic injury cases and concurrent meteorological information from four surveillance sites in Yunnan Province, China: Dali, Lufeng, Zhaoyang, and Qilin from May to September each year from 2015 to 2023. Traffic injury cases refer to patients who visited the outpatient or emergency departments of local surveillance hospitals for the first time due to traffic injuries. Meteorological data were derived from the fifth generation atmosphericreanalysis dataset of the global climate provided by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. A time-stratified case-crossover design combined with distributed lag non-linear model was used to analyze the association between short-term exposure to heatwave and traffic injuries. We also conducted subgroup analyses by sex, age, occupation, injury cause, activity at the time of injury occurrence, and severity of injury. Results A total of 34764 traffic injury surveillance cases were included in the analysis. The risk of traffic injuries occurred during heatwave was 1.13 times (95%CI: 1.07, 1.20) greater than those occurred during non-heatwave, and 2.64% (95%CI: 1.49%, 3.73%) of traffic injuries were attributed to heatwave exposure throughout the study period. The results of stratified analysis showed greater impacts of heatwave on the risk of traffic injuries in female [odds ratio (OR)=1.17, attributable fraction (AF)=3.23%], people aged 15-64 years (OR=1.13, AF=2.68%), farmers/workers (OR=1.22, AF=4.07%), people with non-motor vehicle traffic injuries (OR=1.17, AF=3.24%), people who were driving or riding when injuries occurred (OR=1.12, AF=2.43%), and people with minor injuries (OR=1.18, AF=3.49%) ( P<0.05). Longer duration [excess risk (ER)=0.99%] and greater intensity (ER=4.12%) of heatwave had greater impacts on the risk of traffic injuries (P<0.05). Conclusion Heatwave events are associated with an increased risk of traffic injuries. Female, people aged 15-64, farmers/workers, people with non-motor vehicle traffic injuries, those injured while driving/riding a vehicle, and people with minor injuries are particularly vulnerable. The findings suggest that targeted mitigation and adaptation measures should be taken to address the risk of traffic injuries associated with extreme climate events.

Background Arsenic exposure has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis. The fibronectin type III structural domain 3B protein (FNDC3B) has been shown to promote cancer cell proliferation; however, its role in arsenic-induced apoptosis remains to be elucidated. Objective To investigate the effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) and its metabolites on the expression of FNDC3B gene in A549 cells and to understand the function of FNDC3B gene in A549 cells. Methods (1) A549 cells were exposed to varying final concentrations of NaAsO₂ and their optical density at 450 nm values were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) after 48 h. Survival curves were plotted, and a final exposure dose was selected according to the survival rate. Total protein and RNA were extracted by exposing A549 cells to high (30 µmol·L⁻¹), medium (20 µmol·L⁻¹), and low (10 µmol·L⁻¹) NaAsO₂ concentrations, high (30 µmol·L⁻¹) monomethylarsinic acid (MMA), and high (30 µmol·L⁻¹) dimethylarsinic acid for a period of 48 h. mRNA expression and the protein expression of the FNDC3B gene was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB), while the protein ubiquitination expression of the FNDC3B gene was detected by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) and WB assay. (2) Knockdown of FNDC3B gene expression was achieved in A549 cells by siRNA interference. The si-FNDC3B fragment was transfected in A549 cells for 48 h. The mRNA and protein expression of FNDC3B gene was then detected by qRT-PCR and WB assay. Cell viability was determined through CCK-8 assay. Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay were employed to detect both early and late apoptosis, while cleaved caspase3 protein and P53 signalling pathway related protein expressions were evaluated by WB. Results (1) The CCK-8 results demonstrated a decline in the viability of A549 cells with an increase in NaAsO₂ concentration, with an inhibitory concentration at 50% of 38.12 µmol·L⁻¹. The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that compared to the control group, varying concentrations of NaAsO₂ (10, 20, and 30 µmol·L⁻¹) significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of FNDC3B gene (P<0.01). In contrast, MMA and DMA showed no significant effect on FNDC3B mRNA expression (P>0.05). The WB analysis revealed that the protein expression of FNDC3B was reduced in the NaAsO₂-treated group compared to the control, accompanied by elevated ubiquitination levels of FNDC3B protein, particularly at the K48 ubiquitination site. MMA and DMA exhibited no impact on FNDC3B protein expression. (2) Following the specific knockdown of FNDC3B expression in A549 cells, the CCK-8 assay demonstrated a significant reduction in cell viability in the silenced FNDC3B group (si-FNDC3B) compared to the control group. The JC-1 assay demonstrated that the mitochondrial membrane potential was diminished in the si-FNDC3B group relative to the control group. The Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay revealed that the si-FNDC3B group exhibited a notable degree of apoptosis. The si-FNDC3B group also displayed substantial apoptosis. The WB analysis indicated that the relative expressions of cleaved caspase3, P53, MDM2, Bad, and Bax proteins were elevated in the si-FNDC3B group in comparison to the control group. Conclusion The presence of NaAsO₂ is observed to promote the ubiquitination expression of the FNDC3B protein, which in turn reduces the expression of FNDC3B protein. However, the main metabolites DMA and MMA have no effect on the expression of FNDC3B. Furthermore, the silencing of FNDC3B is observed to inhibit the viability of A549 cells and promote apoptosis, a phenomenon related to the activation of P53 signaling pathway.

Amblyopia is a common visual development disorder and is the main cause of monocular vision impairment in children and adults. Photobiomodulation(PBM), a non-invasive treatment method, has gradually gained attention in the field of ophthalmology. This paper begins with the macroscopic manifestation of light on the animal model of amblyopia. Additionally, it discusses the pathological changes of the amblyopic retina and the human eye's central nervous system, as well as the influence and mechanism of PBM on the visual perception and processing system and its chemical effect on the visual system through dopamine and melatonin. It examines its mechanism of action, current clinical application status, and future development direction in order to provide new ideas and theoretical foundation for amblyopia treatment.