Bone repair remains an important target in tissue engineering, making the development of bioactive scaffolds for effective bone defect repair a critical objective. In this study, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds incorporated with processed pyritum decoction (PPD) were fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted freeze-casting. The produced composite scaffolds were evaluated for their mechanical strength, physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, in vitro pro-angiogenic activity, and in vivo efficacy in repairing rabbit femoral defects. They not only demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties, enhanced mechanical strength, and good biosafety but also significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and aggregation of pro-angiogenic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo studies revealed that all scaffold groups facilitated osteogenesis at the bone defect site, with the β-TCP scaffolds loaded with PPD markedly enhancing the expression of neurogenic locus Notch homolog protein 1 (Notch1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteopontin (OPN). Overall, the scaffolds developed in this study exhibited strong angiogenic and osteogenic capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. The incorporation of PPD notably promoted the angiogenic-osteogenic coupling, thereby accelerating bone repair, which suggests that PPD is a promising material for bone repair and that the PPD/β-TCP scaffolds hold great potential as a bone graft alternative.
Calcium Phosphates/chemistry* ; Animals ; Bone Regeneration ; Rabbits ; Tissue Scaffolds ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Humans ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Osteogenesis ; Tissue Engineering/methods* ; Biomimetic Materials ; Cell Proliferation ; Angiogenesis

Peptide-based therapies have attracted considerable interest in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, bacterial infections, and neurodegenerative diseases due to their promising therapeutic properties and enhanced safety profiles. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the major trends in peptide drug discovery and development, emphasizing preclinical strategies aimed at improving peptide stability, specificity, and pharmacokinetic properties. It assesses the current applications and challenges of peptide-based drugs in these diseases, illustrating the pharmaceutical areas where peptide-based drugs demonstrate significant potential. Furthermore, this review analyzes the obstacles that must be overcome in the future, aiming to provide valuable insights and references for the continued advancement of peptide-based drugs.
Humans ; Peptides/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Drug Discovery ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy* ; Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy*

Objective To investigate the effect of auditory brainstem response(ABR)in clinical detection and severity assessment of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in children with normal hearing.Methods ① A total of 55 autistic children(110 ears)with normal hearing and 55 children(110 ears)with typical development(TD)who did not differ in sex composition ratio and average monthly age were divided into four sub-groups according to age:≤24 months group(22 ears),25～36 months group(40 ears),37～48 months group(28 ears)and＞48 months group(20 ears).The ABR latencies and interpeak latencies were compared between ASD children and age-matched TD children.② ASD children were graded by severity according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis-orders(DSM-V),and the correlations between the ABR latencies and interpeak latencies in autistic children with normal hearing and the severity grading were studied.Results ① No statistically significant differences in ABR wave latencies and interpeak latencies were found in autistic children with normal hearing under 24 months of age compared to age-matched TD children(P＞0.05).② Compared with children with TD,autistic children with nor-mal hearing at 25～36 months of age had significantly longer wave Ⅲ latencies and the interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ andⅠ-Ⅴ;the significantly longer wave Ⅲ,Ⅴ latencies,the interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ and Ⅰ-Ⅴ in autistic chil-dren with normal hearing at 37～48 months of age.Autistic children with normal hearing in the＞48 months group had significantly longer wave Ⅴ latencies and interpeak latencies of Ⅲ-Ⅴ,Ⅰ-Ⅴ than age-matched TD children(P＜0.05).③ The higher the ASD severity grading the longer the wave Ⅲ and V latencies and the longer interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ,and Ⅰ-Ⅴ(P＜0.05).Conclusion Differences in the level of auditory brainstem pathway de-velopment emerged at 25 months of age,and autistic children with normal hearing had significantly lower levels of auditory brainstem development than age-matched TD children.There were correlations between the latencies and interpeak latencies of ABR in autistic children with normal hearing and the severity grading.

Objective:This study aimed to compare the audiological characteristics between children with unilateral auditory neuropathy (UAN) and single-sided deafness (SSD) to establish a valid basis for the differential diagnosis of children with UAN.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on audiological and imaging evaluations of children with UAN and SSD who were treated at Beijing Children′s Hospital of Capital Medical University between May 2015 and June 2023. There were 17 children with UAN, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with an average age of 4.7 years. Additionally, there were 43 children with SSD, consisting of 27 males and 16 females, with an average age of 6.5 years. Audiological assessments included Auditory brainstem response (ABR), Steady-state auditory evoked potential (ASSR), Behavioural audiometry, Cochlear microphonic potential (CM), Distortino-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and acoustic immittance test. The results of the audiological assessment and imaging phenotypic between the two groups of children were compared and analyzed by applying SPSS 27.0 statistical software.Results:(1) The UAN group (77.8%) had a significantly higher rate of ABR wave III L than the SSD group (20.9%) ( P<0.01). The PA thresholds at 500 Hz and 1 000 Hz of children with SSD were higher than those of children with UAN, while the ASSR thresholds at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2 000 Hz, and 4 000 Hz of children with SSD were significantly higher than those of children with UAN ( P<0.05). (2) The degree of hearing loss in both UAN and SSD children was predominantly complete hearing loss. The percentage of complete hearing loss was significantly higher (χ2=4.353, P=0.037) in the SSD group (93.0%, 40/43) than in the UAN group (63.6%, 7/11). However, the percentage of profound hearing loss was significantly higher in the UAN group (27.3%, 3/11) than in the SSD group (2.3%, 1/43) ( Fisher′s exact test, P=0.023). In terms of hearing curve configuration, the percentage of flat type was significantly higher in the SSD group (76.7%, 33/43) than in the UAN group (36.4%, 4/11). The proportion of the UAN group (27.3%, 3/11) was significantly higher than that in the SSD group (2.3%, 1/43) in ascending type ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the hearing curves of the declining type and other types between the two groups ( P>0.05). (3) The proportion of imaging assessment without abnormality was significantly more common in the UAN group (81.8%) than in the SSD group (37.1%) (χ2=6.695, P=0.015). Conclusions:Compared to children with SSD, the occurrence of wave III L on the ABR test was significantly more common in children with UAN. The percentage of ascending hearing curves was significantly higher in children with UAN than in children with SSD. ASSR thresholds were significantly lower in children with UAN. The normal imaging phenotype was significantly more common in children with UAN than in children with SSD.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Yangxue Qingnao Granules(Siwu Decoction modified)in the treatment of hypertension based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods The chemical composition analysis results of Yangxue Qingnao Granules in the early stage of the research group were used as the basis for the screening of active compounds.The oral bioavailability≥30%and drug-likeness≥0.18 were used as the screening conditions,and the blood components were supplemented in combination with the literature.TCMSP,chemical professional database and SWISS database were used to predict the targets of potential active compounds of Yangxue Qingnao Granules.Hypertension-related targets were obtained through GeneCards and DiGSeE databases.The intersection of the targets related to hypertension disease and the targets of the potential active compounds of Yangxue Qingnao Granules(common targets)is the potential target of Yangxue Qingnao Granules for the treatment of hypertension.The potential targets were matched with the potential active compounds of Yangxue Qingnao Granules to obtain the antihypertensive active compounds of Yangxue Qingnao Granules.PPI analysis was performed on the potential targets of serum brain granules in the treatment of hypertension through the STRING database,and the core targets were screened according to the degree value.The David database was used to analyze the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment of the core targets.The core targets with the top six degrees were selected as the docking target proteins,and molecular docking verification was performed with the antihypertensive active compounds.Results A total of 32 potential active compounds,161 active compound targets and 1 539 hypertension-related targets were obtained.After intersection,88 potential targets(common targets)of Yangxue Qingnao Granules in the treatment of hypertension were obtained,involving 29 antihypertensive active compounds.PPI analysis screened 14 core targets:PPARG,ACHE,IL4,CCL2,JUN,NOS3,APP,IL1B,CAT,PTGS2,CASP3,TP53,TNF,IL6,involving 158 GO entries and 13 signaling pathways.Five key active ingredients,chlorogenic acid,rosmarinic acid,paeoniflorin catechinic acid and aloe emodin,were obtained by molecular docking,which were combined with PTGS2,CASP3,TNF,CAT,TP53 and IL6,respectively.Conclusion Yangxue Qingnao Granules may act on core targets such as PTGS2 and CASP3 through key active components such as chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid,regulate key pathways such as TNF signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway,and play a role in the treatment of hypertension through anti-inflammatory effects.

Cervical cancer, the most common gynecological malignancy, significantly and adversely affects women's physical health and well-being. Traditional surgical interventions and chemotherapy, while potentially effective, often entail serious side effects that have led to an urgent need for novel therapeutic methods. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising approach due to its ability to minimize damage to healthy tissue. Connecting a biothiol detection group to PTT-sensitive molecules can improve tumor targeting and further minimize potential side effects. In this study, we developed a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF)/photoacoustic (PA) dual-mode probe, S-NBD, which demonstrated robust PTT performance. This innovative probe is capable of activating NIRF/PA signals to enable the detection of biothiols with high emission wavelength (838 nm) and large Stokes shift (178 nm), allowing for in vivo monitoring of cancer cells. Additionally, the probe achieved an outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency of 67.1%. The application of laser irradiation (660 nm, 1.0 W/cm², 5 min) was able to achieve complete tumor ablation without recurrence. In summary, this seminal study presents a pioneering NIRF/PA dual-mode dicyanoisophorone-based probe for biothiol imaging, incorporating features from PTT for the first time. This pioneering approach achieves the dual objectives of improving tumor diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the percutaneous hollow screw internal fixation combined with cementoplasty in the treatment of periacetabular metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 16 patients with periacetabular metastasis who were treated with percutaneous hollow screw internal fixation combined with cementoplasty between May 2020 and May 2021. There were 9 males and 7 females. The age ranged from 40 to 73 years, with an average of 53.6 years. The tumor involved around the acetabulum, and 6 cases were located on the left and 10 cases on the right. Operation time, frequency of fluoroscopy, bed rest time, and complications were recorded. Before operation, and at 1 weeks, 3 months after operation, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the pain degree, the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) score was used to evaluate the quality of life. At 3 months after operation, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system was used to evaluate the functional recovery of patients. During follow-up, the loosening of internal fixator and bone cement leakage were observed by X-ray film. RESULTS: All patients were performed operation successfully. The operation time ranged from 57 to 82 minutes, with an average of 70.4 minutes. The frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy was 16-34 times, with an average of 23.1 times. After operation, 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of scrotal edema occurred. All patients felt the pain relieved after operation. The patients started walking at 1-3 days after operation, with an average of 1.4 days. All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean 9.7 months). The VAS and SF-36 scores significantly improved after operation when compared with the preoperative scores, and the scores at 3 months after operation were significant better than those at 1 week after operation ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, the MSTS score ranged from 9 to 27, with an average of 19.8. Among them, 3 cases were excellent (18.75%), 8 cases were good (50%), 3 cases were fair (18.75%), and 2 cases were poor (12.5%). The excellent and good rate was 68.75%. And 11 patients returned to normal walking, 3 had mild claudication, and 2 had obvious claudication. Radiological examination showed that there were 2 cases of bone cement leakage after operation, and there was no internal fixator loosening or displacement. CONCLUSION Percutaneous hollow screw internal fixation combined with cementoplasty can effectively relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients with periacetabular metastasis.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Cements ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Bone Screws ; Cementoplasty ; Pain

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of submucosal tunnel docking endoscopic resection (SDER) for the treatment of giant submucosal tumors in the cardia.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on data of patients with giant submucosal tumors in the cardia who were treated with SDER at the endoscopy center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Xuhui District Central Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022. The surgical records, postoperative pathology, complications, hospitalization, and follow-up were analyzed.Results:A total of 6 patients were included. The mean long diameter of the lesions was 4.0 cm, all of which were located in the cardia. All patients successfully underwent SDER treatment with a surgical time of 23-42 min. Postoperative pathology revealed that 4 cases were leiomyomas and 2 cases were gastrointestinal stromal tumors. All lesions were completely resected. The postoperative hospital stay was 3-5 d, and no serious complications occurred after surgery. All patients recovered on follow-up gastroscopy at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.Conclusion:The preliminary conclusion is that SDER for the treatment of giant submucosal tumors in the cardia is safe, effective.

Objective:To investigate the etiologies and clinical characteristics of bilateral adrenal lesions.Methods:The clinical data of 143 patients with bilateral adrenal lesions hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from Jan. 2013 to Mar. 2018 were collected and analyzed.Results:140 patients were retained for final analysis. 79 were men, and 61 were women. The age was (51.53±13.93) years. Regarding the etiologies, there were primary aldosteronism ( n=44, 31.43%) , Cushing’s syndrome ( n=27, 19.29%) , non-functional lesions ( n=23, 16.43%) , adrenal tuberculosis ( n=17, 12.14%) , pheochromocytoma ( n=11, 7.86%) , congenital adrenal hyperplasia ( n=5, 3.57%) , adrenal metastases ( n=5, 3.57%) , and adrenal lymphoma ( n=4, 2.86) . These patients were classified into the following groups according to the mass size: ≤2 cm, 2-4 cm and ≥4 cm. The highest proportion of primary aldosteronism (62.79%) , Cushing’s syndrome (46.15%) and pheochromocytoma (31.25%) was observed in the ≤2 cm, 2-4 cm and ≥4 cm groups, respectively. The mass sizes of primary aldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome and pheochromocytoma were compared, with pheochromocytoma the largest, followed by Cushing’s syndrome, non-functional lesion, and primary aldosteronism. Conclusions:For patients with bilateral adrenal lesions in our hospital, primary aldosteronism and Cushing’s syndrome are more common than non-functional lesion. Mass size is of great value in the diagnosis of endocrinological etiology, as well as distinguishing malignant tumors from the benign ones. The imaging phenotype is helpful to determine tumor types.

The body weight support rehabilitation training system has now become an important treatment method for the rehabilitation of lower limb motor dysfunction. In this paper, a pelvic brace body weight support rehabilitation system is proposed, which follows the center of mass height (CoMH) of the human body. It aims to address the problems that the existing pelvic brace body weight support rehabilitation system with constant impedance provides a fixed motion trajectory for the pelvic mechanism during the rehabilitation training and that the patients have low participation in rehabilitation training. The system collectes human lower limb motion information through inertial measurement unit and predicts CoMH through artificial neural network to realize the tracking control of pelvic brace height. The proposed CoMH model was tested through rehabilitation training of hemiplegic patients. The results showed that the range of motion of the hip and knee joints on the affected side of the patient was improved by 25.0% and 31.4%, respectively, and the ratio of swing phase to support phase on the affected side was closer to that of the gait phase on the healthy side, as opposed to the traditional body weight support rehabilitation training model with fixed motion trajectory of pelvic brace. The motion trajectory of the pelvic brace in CoMH mode depends on the current state of the trainer so as to realize the walking training guided by active movement on the healthy side of hemiplegia patients. The strategy of dynamically adjustment of body weight support is more helpful to improve the efficiency of walking rehabilitation training.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Gait ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Pelvis ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Walking