Elemene is widely recognized as an effective anti-cancer compound and is routinely administered in Chinese clinical settings for the management of several solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its detailed molecular mechanism has not been adequately demonstrated. In this research, it was demonstrated that elemene effectively curtailed NSCLC growth in the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Mechanistically, employing high-throughput screening techniques and subsequent biochemical validations such as microscale thermophoresis (MST), microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p) was pinpointed as a critical target through which elemene exerts its anti-tumor effects. Interestingly, elemene serves as a binding stabilizer for miR-145-5p, demonstrating a strong binding affinity (dissociation constant (K _D) = 0.39 ± 0.17 μg/mL) and preventing its degradation both in vitro and in vivo, while not interfering with the synthesis of the primary microRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) and precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). The stabilization of miR-145-5p by elemene resulted in an increased level of this miRNA, subsequently suppressing NSCLC progression through the miR-145-5p/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. Our findings provide a new perspective on revealing the interaction patterns between clinical anti-tumor drugs and miRNAs.

Objective:To explore the changes of brain excitation/inhibition balance and gray matter volume (GMV) and their correlations with clinical features in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS).Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed; 83 BECTS children enrolled from Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University from January 2015 to January 2024 were selected as BECTS group. During the same period, 101 age- and gender-matched healthy children were recruited as healthy control group through advertisements in local primary schools. Data of conventional MRI and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) of the two groups were collected. Whole brain GMV was analyzed by voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and Hurst index was calculated based on time series data of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal of rs-fMRI. Correlations of GMV and Hurst index with disease duration and onset age in children with BECTS were explored by Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Compared with the healthy control group, the BECTS group had significantly increased GMV and decreased Hurst index in the bilateral Rolandic region ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that in the BECTS group, GMV in bilateral Rolandic region was negatively correlated with onset age ( r=-0.267, P=0.015) and positively correlated with disease course ( r=0.267, P=0.015); Hurst index in bilateral Rolandic region was positively correlated with onset age ( r=0.323, P=0.003) and negatively correlated with disease course ( r=-0.240, P=0.029); Hurst index was negatively correlated with GMV in bilateral Rolandic region ( r=-0.328, P=0.003). Conclusion:BECTS children have excitation/inhibition imbalance in epilepsy-related regions and cortical structural delay, and both of them are related to onset age and disease course.

Elemene is widely recognized as an effective anti-cancer compound and is routinely administered in Chinese clinical settings for the management of several solid tumors,including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).However,its detailed molecular mechanism has not been adequately demonstrated.In this research,it was demonstrated that elemene effectively curtailed NSCLC growth in the patient-derived xenograft(PDX)model.Mechanistically,employing high-throughput screening techniques and subsequent biochemical validations such as microscale thermophoresis(MST),microRNA-145-5p(miR-145-5p)was pinpointed as a critical target through which elemene exerts its anti-tumor effects.Inter-estingly,elemene serves as a binding stabilizer for miR-145-5p,demonstrating a strong binding affinity(dissociation constant(KD)=0.39±0.17 μg/mL)and preventing its degradation both in vitro and in vivo,while not interfering with the synthesis of the primary microRNA transcripts(pri-miRNAs)and precursor miRNAs(pre-miRNAs).The stabilization of miR-145-5p by elemene resulted in an increased level of this miRNA,subsequently suppressing NSCLC progression through the miR-145-5p/mitogen-activated pro-tein kinase kinase kinase 3(MAP3K3)/nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB)pathway.Our findings provide a new perspective on revealing the interaction patterns between clinical anti-tumor drugs and miRNAs.

Background: Inhalation-based combination therapy has gained increasing attention for local treatments. However, a key challenge remains in ensuring the sustained pulmonary release of multiple active ingredients, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations. Objective: This study investigates a novel PulmoSphere-based inhalable carrier designed for the sustained pulmonary release of multiple active ingredients, using Shuang-Huang-Lian as a model TCM formulation containing three chemical markers. Materials and methods: The carrier was developed using PulmoSphere technology, incorporating phospholipid complexes of the chemical markers and hyaluronic acid (HA) into spray-dried microparticles. The aerodynamic properties, release characteristics, pulmonary distribution, and anti-inflammatory efficacy of different formulations were evaluated in vitro and in mice. Results: The microparticles retained the excellent aerodynamic properties of conventional PulmoSphere particles, with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of approximately 3.1 μm and a fine particle fraction of approximately 55%. Compared to free Shuang-Huang-Lian or phospholipid complex-loaded PulmoSphere particles, the HA-containing particles prolonged the retention of chemical markers in the lung epithelial lining fluid, demonstrating sustained release in vivo. Additionally, the HA-containing formulation enhanced the exposure of the three chemical markers to immune cells and lung tissues, leading to improved and prolonged anti-inflammatory effects, even at decreased doses. Conclusion: This novel inhalable particle system represents a promising approach for sustained pulmonary co-delivery of multiple active ingredients, offering enhanced and extended local therapeutic efficacy.

Objective:To investigate the differences of the glymphatic system (GS) function between patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-HS) and healthy controls and between different seizure types by using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), and to analyze the correlation between GS function and the course of disease, as well as the efficacy of predicting the surgical outcome.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 171 patients with mTLE-HS (mTLE-HS group) and 75 healthy volunteers (HC group) were retrospectively enrolled from July 2009 to July 2021 at Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University. The general information of all subjects, such as seizure type (partial seizure, secondary generalized seizure), surgical outcome, etc., was analyzed. The 3D magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo T 1WI and DTI sequence images were collected. The VBM analysis method was used to segment cerebrospinal fluid and calculate the volume. The ALPS index of the bilateral brain was calculated using the Atlas-based DTI-ALPS method. Independent sample t-test or paired t test were used to compare the ALPS index between the mTLE-HS group and HC group, and between patients with different seizure types. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between bilateral ALPS index and disease duration in mTLE-HS group. The predictive value of the ALPS index for surgical outcomes was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve. Results:Among the 171 mTLE-HS patients, 98 patients were mTLE with left-side HS (mTLE-LHS) and 73 patients were mTLE with right-side HS (mTLE-RHS); 37 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 27 with good prognosis and 10 with poor prognosis. Compared with the HC group, the left-side ALPS index of mTLE-LHS and mTLE-RHS were both decreased ( P<0.05). The right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS was lower than that in the HC group ( P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the right-side ALPS index between mTLE-LHS and HC group ( P=0.080). The ALPS index on the affected side of patients with secondary generalized seizures was significantly lower than that of patients with only partial seizures (all P<0.05), but the difference in ALPS index on the healthy side was not statistically significant( P>0.05). The left-side and right-side ALPS index in mTLE-LHS were negatively correlated with disease duration ( r=-0.272, P=0.007; r=-0.307, P=0.002), but no significant correlation was found between the left-side or right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS (all P>0.05). The DTI-ALPS index on the affected side in mTLE-HS patients exhibited good diagnostic accuracy for surgical outcome classification, with an area under the curve of 0.778. Conclusions:The patients with mTLE-HS exhibit dysfunction of the GS, and the degree of impairment is related to the type of seizure and the course of epilepsy. The ALPS index, which characterizes the function of GS, demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy for classifying surgical outcomes.

Objective To compare the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides,cyclophosphamide,and cisplatin on the establishment of a mouse model of diminished ovarian reserve(DOR).Methods Mice were randomly divided into the following treatment groups:control(Ctrl),Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides(TWP),cyclophosphamide(CTX),and cisplatin(DDP).Mice in the TWP group received a 50 mg/kg suspension of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides by gavage for 14 days,mice in the CTX group received a 20 mg/kg cyclophosphamide suspension by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days,and mice in the DDP group received a 1.5 mg/kg cisplatin solution by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days.The body weight,uterine index,and ovarian index were recorded,the estrous cycle was monitored using the vaginal smear method,and the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH),estradiol(E2),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),and luteinizing hormone(LH)were detected using ELISA.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect ovarian follicle development.The rates of oocyte maturation and fertility were analyzed.Results The three treatment groups of mice all showed the following:significantly decreased body weight and ovarian index(P＜0.05);apparent disorder of the estrous cycle;significantly decreased levels of AMH and E2(P＜0.05);decreased and increased rates of developing follicles and atretic follicles,respectively(P＜0.05);and significantly decreased rates of oocyte maturation,pregnancy,and live birth(P＜0.05).Conclusions DOR mouse models were successfully constructed using Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides,cyclophosphamide,or cisplatin,as evidenced by decreased body weight and ovarian index,disordered estrous cycle and hormones,and DOR function,resulting in reduced rates of oocyte maturation,pregnancy,and total number of live births.These DOR effects were most appropriate in the cyclophosphamide group.

Objective To compare the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides,cyclophosphamide,and cisplatin on the establishment of a mouse model of diminished ovarian reserve(DOR).Methods Mice were randomly divided into the following treatment groups:control(Ctrl),Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides(TWP),cyclophosphamide(CTX),and cisplatin(DDP).Mice in the TWP group received a 50 mg/kg suspension of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides by gavage for 14 days,mice in the CTX group received a 20 mg/kg cyclophosphamide suspension by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days,and mice in the DDP group received a 1.5 mg/kg cisplatin solution by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days.The body weight,uterine index,and ovarian index were recorded,the estrous cycle was monitored using the vaginal smear method,and the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH),estradiol(E2),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),and luteinizing hormone(LH)were detected using ELISA.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect ovarian follicle development.The rates of oocyte maturation and fertility were analyzed.Results The three treatment groups of mice all showed the following:significantly decreased body weight and ovarian index(P＜0.05);apparent disorder of the estrous cycle;significantly decreased levels of AMH and E2(P＜0.05);decreased and increased rates of developing follicles and atretic follicles,respectively(P＜0.05);and significantly decreased rates of oocyte maturation,pregnancy,and live birth(P＜0.05).Conclusions DOR mouse models were successfully constructed using Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides,cyclophosphamide,or cisplatin,as evidenced by decreased body weight and ovarian index,disordered estrous cycle and hormones,and DOR function,resulting in reduced rates of oocyte maturation,pregnancy,and total number of live births.These DOR effects were most appropriate in the cyclophosphamide group.

Objective:To explore the changes of brain excitation/inhibition balance and gray matter volume (GMV) and their correlations with clinical features in benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS).Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed; 83 BECTS children enrolled from Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University from January 2015 to January 2024 were selected as BECTS group. During the same period, 101 age- and gender-matched healthy children were recruited as healthy control group through advertisements in local primary schools. Data of conventional MRI and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) of the two groups were collected. Whole brain GMV was analyzed by voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and Hurst index was calculated based on time series data of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal of rs-fMRI. Correlations of GMV and Hurst index with disease duration and onset age in children with BECTS were explored by Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Compared with the healthy control group, the BECTS group had significantly increased GMV and decreased Hurst index in the bilateral Rolandic region ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that in the BECTS group, GMV in bilateral Rolandic region was negatively correlated with onset age ( r=-0.267, P=0.015) and positively correlated with disease course ( r=0.267, P=0.015); Hurst index in bilateral Rolandic region was positively correlated with onset age ( r=0.323, P=0.003) and negatively correlated with disease course ( r=-0.240, P=0.029); Hurst index was negatively correlated with GMV in bilateral Rolandic region ( r=-0.328, P=0.003). Conclusion:BECTS children have excitation/inhibition imbalance in epilepsy-related regions and cortical structural delay, and both of them are related to onset age and disease course.

Objective:To investigate the differences of the glymphatic system (GS) function between patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-HS) and healthy controls and between different seizure types by using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), and to analyze the correlation between GS function and the course of disease, as well as the efficacy of predicting the surgical outcome.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 171 patients with mTLE-HS (mTLE-HS group) and 75 healthy volunteers (HC group) were retrospectively enrolled from July 2009 to July 2021 at Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University. The general information of all subjects, such as seizure type (partial seizure, secondary generalized seizure), surgical outcome, etc., was analyzed. The 3D magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo T 1WI and DTI sequence images were collected. The VBM analysis method was used to segment cerebrospinal fluid and calculate the volume. The ALPS index of the bilateral brain was calculated using the Atlas-based DTI-ALPS method. Independent sample t-test or paired t test were used to compare the ALPS index between the mTLE-HS group and HC group, and between patients with different seizure types. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between bilateral ALPS index and disease duration in mTLE-HS group. The predictive value of the ALPS index for surgical outcomes was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve. Results:Among the 171 mTLE-HS patients, 98 patients were mTLE with left-side HS (mTLE-LHS) and 73 patients were mTLE with right-side HS (mTLE-RHS); 37 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 27 with good prognosis and 10 with poor prognosis. Compared with the HC group, the left-side ALPS index of mTLE-LHS and mTLE-RHS were both decreased ( P<0.05). The right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS was lower than that in the HC group ( P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the right-side ALPS index between mTLE-LHS and HC group ( P=0.080). The ALPS index on the affected side of patients with secondary generalized seizures was significantly lower than that of patients with only partial seizures (all P<0.05), but the difference in ALPS index on the healthy side was not statistically significant( P>0.05). The left-side and right-side ALPS index in mTLE-LHS were negatively correlated with disease duration ( r=-0.272, P=0.007; r=-0.307, P=0.002), but no significant correlation was found between the left-side or right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS (all P>0.05). The DTI-ALPS index on the affected side in mTLE-HS patients exhibited good diagnostic accuracy for surgical outcome classification, with an area under the curve of 0.778. Conclusions:The patients with mTLE-HS exhibit dysfunction of the GS, and the degree of impairment is related to the type of seizure and the course of epilepsy. The ALPS index, which characterizes the function of GS, demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy for classifying surgical outcomes.

Objective To develop a questionnaire on the transitional care needs of patients undergoing arthroscopic day surgery and to test its reliability and validity.Methods Based on the Omaha Question Classification System,the questionnaire item pool was constructed after literature reviews and qualitative interviews.A questionnaire-based scale was drafted based on the established item pool by carrying out two rounds of consultation with 15 experts in clinical nursing,nursing management,clinical medicine,rehabilitation medicine,and other fields from 6 provinces or cities in China.Reliability and validity of the scale were tested using convenience sampling,involving 280 patients with arthroscopic day surgery from 4 general hospitals in Jinan of Shandong province,China,between March and August 2023.Results The response rates for the two rounds of expert consultation were 83.33%and 100.00%,respectively.The authority coefficients of the two rounds both was 0.82,and the coordination coefficients for the 2 rounds were 0.169 and 0.218,respectively.In the first round,the average importance rating of secondary index was from 4.13 to 4.80 with the coefficient of variation from 0.086 to 0.208,and the full score ratio from 33.33%to 80.00%.In the second round,the average importance rating of secondary index ranged from 4.20 to 5.00 with the coefficient of variation from 0.00 to 0.18,and the full score ratios from 40%to 100.00%.A total of 280 patients completed the survey.The overall Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.922,the overall split-half reliability was 0.79,the scale-level content validity index(S-CVI)and the item-level content validity index(I-CVI)of the total scale all was 1.The KMO value of exploratory factor analysis was 0.925,the Bartrett spherical test value was 5456.320(P<0.001),and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 63.319%.After the reliability and validity tests,the scale was finalised and determined to consist of four dimensions with 30 items:environmental field(2 items),psychosocial field(5 items),physiological field(15 items)and health-related behavior field(8 items).Conclusion The questionnaire on the transitional care needs of patients undergoing arthroscopic day surgery has good reliability and validity and makes it an effective assessment tool for the transitional care need of arthroscopic day surgery patients.