BACKGROUND: Salvianolate is a compound mainly composed of salvia magnesium acetate, which is extracted from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza . In recent years, salvianolate injection has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but the mechanism of how it can alleviate cardiotoxicity remains unclear. METHODS: The cardiac injury model was constructed by treatment with doxorubicin (Dox) or azithromycin (Azi) in zebrafish larvae. Heart phenotype, heart rate, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were observed in the study. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanism of salvianolate treatment. Moreover, cardiomyocyte autophagy was assessed by in situ imaging. In addition, the miR-30a/becn1 axis regulation by salvianolate was further investigated. RESULTS: Salvianolate treatment reduced the proportion of pericardial edema, recovered heart rate, and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis in Dox/Azi-administered zebrafish larvae. Mechanistically, salvianolate regulated the lysosomal pathway and promoted autophagic flux in zebrafish cardiomyocytes. The expression level of becn1 was increased in Dox-induced myocardial tissue injury after salvianolate administration; overexpression of becn1 in cardiomyocytes alleviated the Dox/Azi-induced cardiac injury and promoted autophagic flux in cardiomyocytes, while becn1 knockdown blocked the effects of salvianolate. In addition, miR-30a, negatively regulated by salvianolate, partially inhibited the cardiac amelioration of salvianolate by targeting becn1  directly. CONCLUSION This study has proved that salvianolate reduces cardiomyopathy by regulating autophagic flux through the miR-30a/becn1 axis in zebrafish and is a potential drug for adjunctive Dox/Azi therapy.
Animals ; Zebrafish ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Cardiomyopathies/metabolism* ; Beclin-1/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Doxorubicin

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune condition distinguished by a multifaceted etiology that encompasses both genetic and environmental factors. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms behind RA pathogenesis has delved into the critical role of epigenetic regulatory processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings provide new insights into the intricate nature of RA and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates the latest developments in the epigenetic regulation of RA, concentrating on how these mechanisms affect the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with the disease. We analyze the roles of specific proteins that function as 'writers', 'erasers', and 'readers' in epigenetic modifications, highlighting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, in view of the significance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA, we deliberate on their involvement in disease progression and explore miRNA-based treatment strategies. By integrating these diverse epigenetic dimensions, this review offers a comprehensive epigenetic perspective on RA pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Objective: To construct a nonsuicidal selfinjury (NSSI) risk prediction model for middle school students using different machine learning algorithms and evaluate the models effectiveness, so as to provide guidance for the prevention and control of NSSI in campus. Methods: In March 2023, a total of 3 372 middle and high school students from schools in Nanchang, Fuzhou and Shangrao cities in Jiangxi Province were selected by combining stratified random cluster sampling and convenient sampling methods. Questionnaire surveys were conducted using various instruments including general information questionnaire, Selfesteem Scale, Ottawa Selfinjury Scale, Social Support Assessment Scale, Chinese Version of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, Event Attribution Style Scale, Adolescent Resilience Scale, and Adolescent Life Events Scale. Data were divided into training set (n=2 361) and test set (n=1 011) at a ratio of 7∶3, and variables were selected based on univariate and LASSO regression results. Four machine learning algorithms including namely random forest, support vector machine, Logistic regression and XGBoost, were used to construct NSSI risk prediction models, and the models performance was evaluated and compared using metrics including area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and F1 score. Results: The detection rate of NSSI among middle school students was 34.4%. Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in NSSI detection rates among middle school students of different grades, genders, registered residence locations, whether they were class cadres and four types of bullying (physical, verbal, relational bullying and cyberbullying) (χ2=27.17, 15.81, 11.54, 4.63；68.22, 140.63, 77.81, 13.95, P<0.05). NSSI was included as the dependent variable in the LASSO regression model for variable screening, and the results regression identified 10 predictive variables including grade level, selfesteem, subjective support, support utilization, verbal bullying, emotional control, interpersonal relationships, punishment, loss of relatives and property, and health and adaptation issues. The AUC values of random forest, support vector machine, Logistic regression, and XGBoost algorithms were 0.76, 0.76, 0.76 and 0.77, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between pairwise comparisons (Z=-0.59-0.82, P>0.05). Sensitivity values were 0.62, 0.61, 0.62 and 0.61, respectively. Specificity values were 0.74, 0.78, 0.78 and 0.78, respectively. Positive predictive values were 0.56, 0.59, 0.60 and 0.59, respectively. Negative predictive values were 0.79, 0.79, 0.80 and 0.79, respectively. F1 scores were 0.59, 0.60, 0.61 and 0.60, respectively. Conclusions All four nonsuicidal selfinjury risk prediction models perform well, with the Logistic regression model slightly outperforming the others. Schools and parents should pay attention to the predictive factors corresponding to NSSI, so as to reduce the occurrence of NSSI among middle school students.

Zi goose is a small local variety with high fecundity,good meat quality,roughage resist-ance,strong adaptability and excellent down quality.It is an excellent female parent for cross breeding among varieties.With the rapid development of goose industry,the variety of Zi goose has not been well protected,the variety is hybrid and degraded seriously,and the number of pure Zi goose is decreasing day by day.This paper reviewed the research progress on the breeding distribu-tion and preservation status of Zi goose and the variety characteristics of Zi goose,in order to pro-vide reference for the research,protection and utilization of germplasm resources of Zi goose and the stable development of goose industry.

This paper introduces Professor HUANG Jinchang's experience in treating low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) of rectal cancer. Based on the clinical experience in treating fecal incontinence after rectal cancer surgery, Professor HUANG Jinchang proposes that the primary pathogenesis of LARS is spleen-kidney yang deficiency with internal obstruction of damp turbidity. The treatment approach should focus on strengthening the spleen, warming the kidney, and eliminating turbidity. The Baliao acupoints are specifically selected to eliminate turbidity, promote yang , facilitate the qi flow of the viscera, and regulate the opening and closing of the anus. Emphasis is placed on deep needling at the Baliao acupoints, with flexible acupoint selection based on accompanying symptoms. Additionally, moxibustion and bloodletting cupping are used to restore regular bowel movements and improve the quality of life for patients who have undergone anus-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.
Humans ; Rectal Neoplasms/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Female ; Fecal Incontinence/etiology* ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Middle Aged ; Yang Deficiency/therapy* ; Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

AIM:To investigate the effect of hypoxia-preconditioned human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(hUCMSC-Exos)on pulmonary vascular endothelial-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH).METHODS:(1)Primary hUCMSCs were isolated and cultured by tissue adhesion method,and hUCMSC-Exos were extracted by ultrafiltration and identified.(2)Twenty-four SPF male SD rats were ran-domly divided into normoxia(N)group,hypoxia(H)group,hypoxia+normoxic hUCMSC-Exos group and hypoxia+hypoxia-preconditioned hUCMSC-Exos group,with 6 rats in each group.The rats in H group and intervention groups were placed in a cabin that simulated the hypoxic environment at an altitude of 5 000 m,and normoxic hUCMSC-Exos,hypoxia-precon-ditioned hUCMSC-Exos or equivalent volume of PBS were injected through the tail vein on the 3rd,5th,7th,10th and 14th days in hypoxia environment.After 21 d of modeling,the right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP)and right ven-tricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)of the rats were detected,and the pathological changes of lung tissues were observed by HE staining.(3)After starvation for 12 h,human pulmonary arteriole endothelial cells(HPAECs)were randomly di-vided into normoxic control(N-Con)group,hypoxic model(H-Con)group,hypoxia+normoxic hUCMSC-Exos group and hypoxia+hypoxia-preconditioned hUCMSC-Exos group.The migration ability and tube formation ability of HPAECs were detected by Transwell assay and tube formation experiment.The expression of CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in HPAECs was detected by immunofluorescence double-staining.The protein levels of CD31,VE-cadherin,α-SMA and vimentin in pulmonary vessels and HPAECs were assessed by Western blot.RESULTS:(1)The HPH rat model was suc-cessfully established after 21 d of hypoxia,and EndMT occurred in pulmonary vessels.Compared with N group,the levels of RVSP,RVHI,percentage of vascular wall area(WA%)and percentage of vascular wall thickness(WT%)in H group were significantly increased(P＜0.01),pulmonary vascular wall thickening and the protein levels of CD31 and VE-cad-herin were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),while the protein levels of α-SMA and vimentin were significantly increased in pulmonary vessels(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with H group,the RVSP,RVHI,WA%and WT%(P＜0.01)were significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and pulmonary vascular remodeling was attenuated after normoxic or hypoxia-preconditioned hUCMSC-Exos intervention.After hypoxia-preconditioned hUCMSC-Exos intervention,HPH pul-monary vascular remodeling and EndMT formation were significantly inhibited.(2)After 48 h of hypoxic treatment,the migration,tubule formation and EndMT of HPAECs were induced.Compared with H-Con group,cell migration and tube formation were significantly decreased after hypoxia-preconditioned hUCMSC-Exos intervention(P＜0.01).The protein levels of CD31 and VE-cadherin were increased,while the protein levels of α-SMA and vimentin were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Hypoxia-preconditioned hUCMSC-Exos attenuate the formation of HPH pulmonary vascu-lar remodeling by inhibiting pulmonary vascular EndMT.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of serological indicators and evaluate the diagnostic value of a new established combined serological model on identifying the minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with compensated cirrhosis.Methods:This prospective multicenter study enrolled 263 compensated cirrhotic patients from 23 hospitals in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China between October 2021 and August 2022. Clinical data and laboratory test results were collected, and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was calculated. Ammonia level was corrected to the upper limit of normal (AMM-ULN) by the baseline blood ammonia measurements/upper limit of the normal reference value. MHE was diagnosed by combined abnormal number connection test-A and abnormal digit symbol test as suggested by Guidelines on the management of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis. The patients were randomly divided (7∶3) into training set ( n=185) and validation set ( n=78) based on caret package of R language. Logistic regression was used to establish a combined model of MHE diagnosis. The diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve. The internal verification was carried out by the Bootstrap method ( n=200). AUC comparisons were achieved using the Delong test. Results:In the training set, prevalence of MHE was 37.8% (70/185). There were statistically significant differences in AMM-ULN, albumin, platelet, alkaline phosphatase, international normalized ratio, MELD score and education between non-MHE group and MHE group (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that AMM-ULN [odds ratio ( OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.05-3.14, P=0.038] and MELD score ( OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.20, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for MHE, and the AUC for predicting MHE were 0.663, 0.625, respectively. Compared with the use of blood AMM-ULN and MELD score alone, the AUC of the combined model of AMM-ULN, MELD score and education exhibited better predictive performance in determining the presence of MHE was 0.755, the specificity and sensitivity was 85.2% and 55.7%, respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve showed that the model had good calibration ( P=0.733). The AUC for internal validation of the combined model for diagnosing MHE was 0.752. In the validation set, the AUC of the combined model for diagnosing MHE was 0.794, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration ( P=0.841). Conclusion:Use of the combined model including AMM-ULN, MELD score and education could improve the predictive efficiency of MHE among patients with compensated cirrhosis.

3D bioprinting technology is a rapidly developing technique that employs bioinks containing biological materials and living cells to construct biomedical products. However, 3D-printed tissues are static, while human tissues are in real-time dynamic states that can change in morphology and performance. To improve the compatibility between in vitro and in vivo environments, an in vitro tissue engineering technique that simulates this dynamic process is required. The concept of 4D printing, which combines "3D printing + time" provides a new approach to achieving this complex technique. 4D printing involves applying one or more smart materials that respond to stimuli, enabling them to change their shape, performance, and function under the corresponding stimulus to meet various needs. This article focuses on the latest research progress and potential application areas of 4D printing technology in the cardiovascular system, providing a theoretical and practical reference for the development of this technology.
Humans ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Bioprinting/methods* ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Cardiovascular System ; Tissue Scaffolds

Gas vesicles (GVs) are gas-filled protein nanostructures that can regulate the buoyancy of microorganisms such as cyanobacteria and archaea. Recent studies have shown that GVs have the potential to be used as ultrasound molecular imaging probes in disease diagnosis and treatment. However, the mechanism of the inflation and deflation of GVs remains unclear, which hampers the preservation of GVs and gas replacement. In the present study, the environmental pH value was found to be an important factor in regulating the inflation and deflation of GVs. It can not only regulate the inflation and deflation of GVs in vivo to make Microcystis sp. cells present distinct levitation state, but also regulate the inflation and deflation of purified GVs in vitro, and the regulation process is reversible. Our results may provide a technical support for the large-scale production and preservation of biosynthetic ultrasound molecular imaging probes, especially for gas replacement to meet different diagnostic and therapeutic needs, and would facilitate the application of biosynthetic ultrasound molecular imaging probes.
Cyanobacteria ; Proteins/chemistry* ; Nanostructures/chemistry* ; Molecular Imaging ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration

Objective: To investigate the outbreak of mumps in a remote village school of Zhaoqing City, to evaluate and vaccine effectiveness ( VE ) of mumps containing vaccine (MuCV), so as to provide reference for the formulation of epidemic prevention and control strategies. Methods: Through on site case investigations and interviews, case data and epidemic related epidemiological information were obtained. Descriptive and retrospective cohort studies were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics, explore risk factors, and evaluate the protective effect of vaccines. Results: Totally 166 cases of mumps were found, and all of them were students. The total attack rate was 7.79% and the outbreak lasted for 60 days. The first case occurred on October 11th and the last case occurred on December 9th in 2018. Most of the cases aged from 10 to 13 years old, accounting for 66.27%. There were 96 male patients and 70 female patients, with no statistically significant sex difference in the incidence rate ( χ 2=2.40, P >0.05). Involving 28 classes, 11 of which had an incidence rate more than 10%, mainly distributed in grades 2, 4 and 6. There were statistically significant differences in incidence rates among different grades ( χ 2=96.89, P <0.01) and different floors ( χ 2=67.35, P < 0.01 ), with the third floor higher than the other floors. Twelve out of 58 boarding pupils were cases, and boarding pupils were 1.89 times higher in risk of contracting mumps than day students ( RR=1.89, 95%CI =1.10-3.23). Pupils without being given the shot of MuCV were higher in the infection rate than those having the shot ( χ 2=5.70, P <0.05), and the VE % was 35% (95% CI = 7%- 55%). The VE % of one dose was 34% (4%-54%), while the effectiveness of protection was declined with time ( χ 2 trend =6.53, P < 0.05). The effectiveness of vaccine almost diasappeared six years after the shot ( χ 2=1.12, P >0.05). Conclusion Delayed case report and isolation, low rate of receiving MuCV, and decreasing effectiveness of one shot MuCV are closely assocaited with the outbreak and ongoing spread of the epidemic.