Objective To observe the clinical effect of Jiu-Wei-Yong-An granule combined with cetirizine in the treatment of damp-heat accumulation syndrome of eczema. Methods 108 eczema patients with syndrome of damp-heat accumulated in the skin, treated in the Department of Traditional Chinese Surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from December 2021 to March 2023, were selected. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 54 cases in each. Both groups took cetirizine tablets orally for basic treatment. The observation group was given Jiu-Wei-Yong-An granules, and the control group was given placebos of the same. The clinical efficacy before and after treatment in the two groups was observed and compared, including TCM syndrome scores, eczema area and severity index （EASI）, visual analogue scale （VAS）, and adverse reactions. Results After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group （88.9%） was higher than that of the control group （77.8%）, and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.05）. After treatment, the TCM syndrome score, EASI and VAS in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）, and the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the total rate of adverse reactions between the two groups （P>0.05）. Conclusion The combination of Jiu-Wei-Yong-An granules and cetirizine tablets in the treatment of damp-heat eczema showed significantly better clinical outcomes in the observation group compared to the control. It effectively improved patient conditions, reduced skin lesion areas, and alleviated itching, with both safety and efficacy that merit clinical promotion.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM）external treatment methods in alleviating skin pruritus caused by eczema through a Meta-analysis. Methods Randomized clinical trials investigating the use of TCM external treatment methods for skin pruritus caused by eczema were searched in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, VIP, Wanfang, Sinomed, PubMed, Embase, LILACS, and Cochrane, up to December 2024. Two reviewers independently screened and entered the statistical data, conducted bias risk assessment by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, version 5.1.0, and performed Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.1. Results Ultimately, 14 studies involving 1 788 patients were included. Compared to the control group, TCM external treatment methods （treatment group）showed better improvement in pruritus scores （Z=11.88, P<0.000 01）, better improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index （EASI） scores （Z=23.15, P<0.000 01）, higher overall clinical efficacy rate （Z=6.21, P<0.000 01）, better improvement in TCM symptoms （Z=5.49, P<0.000 01）, and lower clinical recurrence rate （Z=2.88, P=0.004）. Three of the included studies mentioned adverse reactions, with the treatment group showing lower adverse reactions than the control group. Conclusion The external treatment of TCM was more effective in treating skin pruritus caused by eczema compared to the control group. Given the biases and heterogeneity in the included literature, this conclusion needs to be further substantiated by more large-scale, multi-center, randomized, controlled, and double-blind studies.

Objective This study aims to achieve high-yield functional expression of the human voltage-gated potassium channel K_V3.1 using an Escherichia coli cell-free protein synthesis system, thereby providing a novel synthetic approach for drug screening, structural analysis and functional characterization of K_V3.1. Methods K_V3.1 was expressed in an Escherichia coli cell-free protein synthesis system for 10 hours in the presence of peptide surfactant A₆K. The secondary structure of K_V3.1 was analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The potassium channel activity of the recombinant protein liposome K_V3.1-A₆K was investigated using fluorescent dyes Oxonol VI as indicators, which are capable of reflecting alterations in membrane potential. Results Soluble K_V3.1 protein was successfully synthesized, achieving a purified yield of up to 1.2 mg/mL via an Escherichia coli cell-free protein synthesis system. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that K_V3.1 exhibited characteristic α-helical secondary structures. Membrane potential fluorescence assays demonstrated that the K_V3.1-A₆K proteoliposomes, which were reconstructed with surfactant peptide A₆K, exhibited remarkable potassium ion permeability. Conclusion This study successfully achieved high-yield expression of human K_V3.1 with activity using an Escherichia coli-based cell-free protein synthesis system. This innovative method not only significantly enhances the expression yield of K_V3.1, but also maintains its functional activity, thereby establishing a novel and efficient synthetic platform for drug screening and advancing our understanding of structure-function relationships in K_V3.1 research.
Humans ; Escherichia coli/metabolism* ; Shaw Potassium Channels/biosynthesis* ; Cell-Free System ; Circular Dichroism ; Protein Biosynthesis ; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism* ; Membrane Potentials ; Shab Potassium Channels

Objective To prepare Xuanyang Jiedu cream and to study its pharmacodynamics.Methods The herbal decoction process of Xuanyang Jiedu cream was optimized by orthogonal design method.The prescription of the cream preparation was screened according to the external properties,malleability and stability of cream.Forty normal guinea pig were randomly divided into four groups(10 in each group):blank group,model group,ketoconazole cream group,and Xuanyang Jiedu cream group.The guinea pig model of tinea corporis was established to investigate the efficacy of Xuanyang Jiedu cream in the treatment of superficial fungal disease.Results The optimal extraction conditions were 3 extractions,water added for 20 times,and 1.5 h of extraction time.The number of extractions and the amount of water significantly affected on the extraction process of the liquid extract.The optimized Xuanyang Jiedu cream looked smooth and creamy,with moderate viscosity and good stabilities of centrifuge,cold and heat resistance.After 14 d treatment,there were still obvious erythema,scales and papules on the lesions in the model group.The scores of erythema,scales and papules in the Xuanyang Jiedu cream group and the ketoconazole cream group were lower than those in the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion Xuanyang Jiedu cream has antifungal activity and may be a new treatment for skin superficial mycosis.

Circadian rhythms are self-sustaining oscillations within biological systems that play key roles in a diverse multitude of physiological processes.The circadian clock mechanisms in brain and peripheral tissues can oscillate independently or be synchronized/disrupted by external stimuli.Dental enamel is a type of mineralized tissue that forms the exterior surface of the tooth crown.Incremental Retzius lines are readily observable microstructures of mature tooth enamel that indicate the regulation of amelogenesis by circadian rhythms.Teeth enamel is formed by enamel-forming cells known as ameloblasts,which are regulated and orchestrated by the circadian clock during amelogenesis.This review will first examine the key roles of the circadian clock in regulating ameloblasts and amelogenesis.Several physiological processes are involved,including gene expression,cell morphology,metabolic changes,matrix deposition,ion transportation,and mineralization.Next,the potential detrimental effects of circadian rhythm disruption on enamel formation are discussed.Circadian rhythm disruption can directly lead to Enamel Hypoplasia,which might also be a potential causative mechanism of amelogenesis imperfecta.Finally,future research trajectory in this field is extrapolated.It is hoped that this review will inspire more intensive research efforts and provide relevant cues in formulating novel therapeutic strategies for preventing tooth enamel developmental abnormalities.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of zinc finger protein 281(ZNF281)in high glucose(HG)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and extracellular matrix(ECM)synthesis in renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs).Methods HG induced RTECs were used to construct a diabetic kidney disease cell model,and cells were divided into the control group,the HG group and the mannitol group.Cell proliferation viability was detected by CCK-8.The expression of ZNF281 was knocked down in HG-treated RTECs using small interfering RNA(siRNA).HG-induced RTECs after knockdown of ZNF281 were divided into the control group,the HG group,the HG+ZNF281 siRNA group and the HG+ZNF281 vector group.Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)was activated using AMPK agonist,acadexin(AICAR),and then cells were divided into the control group,the HG group,the HG+AICAR group and the HG+dimethyl sulfoxide group.The expression levels of ZNF281,EMT and ECM synthesis-related indexes were detected by qPCR and Western blot assay.Results Compared with the control group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of vimentin,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN)and collagen Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ)were significantly higher,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly lower in the HG group.Compared with the HG group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of EMT and ECM synthesis-related indexes were significantly changed in the HG+ZNF281 siRNA group and the HG+AICAR group.The protein and mRNA expression levels of ZNF281 were significantly reduced in the HG+AICAR group compared with the HG group.In cells co-treated with AICAR and transfected with ZNF281 plasmid,the expression levels of vimentin,α-SMA,FN and Col Ⅰ were significantly higher in the AICAR+ZNF281 group,and E-cadherin was significantly lower compared with that of the vector group.Conclusion AMPK inhibits EMT and ECM synthesis in HG-treated RTECs by negatively regulating the expression level of ZNF281.

Oral diseases concern almost every individual and are a serious health risk to the popula-tion.The restorative treatment of tooth and jaw defects is an important means to achieve oral function and support the appearance of the contour.Based on the principle of"learning from the nature",Deng Xu-liang's group of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology has proposed a new concept of"microstructural biomimetic design and tissue adaptation of tooth/jaw materials"to address the worldwide problems of difficulty in treating dentine hypersensitivity,poor prognosis of restoration of tooth defects,and vertical bone augmentation of alveolar bone after tooth loss.The group has broken through the bottle-neck of multi-stage biomimetic technology from the design of microscopic features to the enhancement of macroscopic effects,and invented key technologies such as crystalline/amorphous multi-level assembly,ion-transportation blocking,and multi-physical properties of the micro-environment reconstruction,etc.The group also pioneered the cationic-hydrogel desensitizer,digital stump and core integrated restora-tions,and developed new crown and bridge restorative materials,gradient functionalisation guided tissue regeneration membrane,and electrically responsive alveolar bone augmentation restorative membranes,etc.These products have established new clinical strategies for tooth/jaw defect repair and achieved inno-vative results.In conclusion,the research results of our group have strongly supported the theoretical im-provement of stomatology,developed the technical system of oral hard tissue restoration,innovated the clinical treatment strategy,and led the progress of the stomatology industry.

Background Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) is involved in silicosis fibrosis induced by silicon oxide (SiO₂) exposure. Its role in silicosis fibrosis by inducing ferroptosis of alveolar type II epithelial cells and its related mechanism remain unclear. Objective To explore the effect and possible mechanism of OC-STAMP on ferroptosis of alveolar type II epithelial cells and silicosis fibrosis in rats under SiO₂ exposure. Methods Twenty male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into two groups: control (Sham) group and SiO₂ group, 15 rats in each group. Rats in the SiO₂ group were given 1 mL of 50 mg·L⁻¹ SiO₂ suspension at one time through the non-exposed intratracheal instillation method to establish an animal model of silicosis, and rats in the Sham group were give 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution in the same way. Rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Samples of lung tissue were fixed in glutaraldehyde or paraformaldehyde for observing ultrastructure of mitochondria by transmission electron microscopy; HE, Masson, VG, and Prussian blue were used to observe changes in lung tissue structure and iron deposition. The expression level of OC-STAMP and the degree of lung fibrosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression level of OC-STAMP in rat lung tissue was detected and the transfection effect of OC-STAMP was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overexpression (OCS group) and inhibition expression (SI-OC group) models were constructed by OC-STAMP plasmid and OC-STAMP small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection to cultured MLE-12 cells, respectively. The relative expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and other proteins in lung tissue and MLE-12 were detected by Western blotting. Results The results of HE, Masson, and VG staining showed that the silicosis modeling was successful after 8 weeks of SiO₂ exposure. The immunofluorescence results showed that OC-STAMP and ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 3 (ABCA3) co-localized in alveolar type II epithelium. The immunohistochemical results showed that the levels of OC-STAMP and collagen I in the SiO₂ group were significantly higher than those in the Sham group (P<0.01). The RT-PCR results showed that the OC-STAMP mRNA in the lung tissue of the SiO₂ group was significantly higher than that of the Sham group (P<0.01). The Prussian blue staining in the lung tissue of the SiO₂ group showed positive brownish-yellow particles. Compared with the Sham group which showed normal mitochondrial structure, the mitochondrial structure was generally swollen and the mitochondrial cristae dissolved and disappeared in the SiO₂ group by transmission electron microscope observation. The Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 both decreased in the lung tissue of the SiO₂ group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression level of Vimentin increased (P<0.01). In the transfected MLE-12 cells, compared with the Sham group, the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in the OCS group were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion OC-STAMP may affect the expression of proteins related to ferroptosis, and promote lung fibrosis induced by SiO₂ exposure.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of serum free light chain ratio (rFLC) and difference (dFLC) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: Clinical data of 479 cases of newly diagnosed MM patients with FLC test records referred to our hospital from January 2012 to March 2016 were collected. rFLC preferred cut-off values were selected as≤14.828,14.828-364.597, ≥364.597 according to the literatures. The dFLC was divided into ≤112.85,112.85-2891.83, ≥2891.83 mg/L three groups. The rFLC and dFLC values among the death, the non-death, the progress and the non-progress groups were compared by t test. The correlation analysis showed that the rFLC and dFLC values were related to the death or progression of the disease. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between each factor and death or progression. Univariate survival analysis (PFS) and total survival (OS) were performed using Kaplan-Meier. Single-variable and multivariate prognostic analysis were performed using Cox model. Results: The cutoff values of rFLC less than 14.828 or dFLC less than or equal to 112.85 mg/L impacted most significant on OS and PFS of the patients (P<0.05) . Different rFLC cut-off values between two groups showed that when rFLC=14.828, OS was significantly better than the other two groups (NR vs 61 & 47 months, P=0.019) ; different dFLC cut-off values between two groups disclosed that PFS and OS were statistically significant when dFLC less than or equal to 112.85 mg/L compared with the other two groups (P<0.05) . The 4-year PFS/OS rates in the initial dFLC≤112.85 mg/L and rFLC≤14.828 groups was significantly higher than of the other two groups. Conclusion Different cutoff levels of rFLC and dFLC might have obviously effects on the prognoses of patients with newly diagnosed MM. The difference of survival prognosis would be more pronounced when rFLC≤14.828 or dFLC≤112.85 mg/L with lower risk of death and lower risk ratio, which might be ideal cutoff value for determining the prognosis of these patients.

BACKGROUNDHigh rate of in-stent restenosis (ISR) remained an unsolved clinical problem in clinical practice, especially among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetic patients often had hypertriglyceridemia with elevated levels of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). Increasing evidence suggested that VLDL-C was known as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and had been recommended as a treatment target by current dyslipidemia guidelines. However, the role of VLDL-C in the occurrence and development of ISR in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with DM had not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the elevated levels of VLDL-C and the risk of ISR in CAD patients with DM.

METHODSA total of 1390 diabetic patients, who underwent coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and followed up by angiography within 6-24 months, were consecutively enrolled. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, gender, CAD risk factors, family history, life style, medical history, and coronary angiographic information, were collected carefully at baseline percutaneous coronary intervention and follow-up angiography. Multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression modeling using the step-wise method (entry, 0.05; removal, 0.05) was used to determine the independent risk associated with ISR in diabetic patients.

RESULTSFinally, 1206 of patients were included in this study. ISR occurred in 132/1206 diabetic patients (10.9%) by follow-up angiography. Patients with ISR had elevated median serum VLDL-C levels compared with those without ISR (0.65 mmol/L vs. 0.52 mmol/L, P = 0.030). The multivariate regression analysis showed that VLDL-C was significantly associated with the risk of ISR in diabetic CAD patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.29, P = 0.017). The HR for the risk of ISR associated with VLDL-C level ≥0.52 mmol/L was 3.01 (95% CI: 1.24-7.34, P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONThe elevated level of serum VLDL-C was a significant and independent risk factor for ISR in diabetic CAD patients after coronary DES implantation.