ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.

Ganoderic acid is a class of lanostane-type triterpenoids found in Ganoderma species, and is one of the most important pharmacologically active components in G. lucidum, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-neuropsychiatric, anti-tumor, and immune-enhancing properties. The content of ganoderic acid in G. lucidum is very low, and the traditional extraction process is complex, yielding minimal amounts at high cost. The biosynthetic pathway of G. lucidum triterpenoids(GLTs), including the synthesis of different structural forms of ganoderic acid from lanosterol, as well as the molecular regulatory mechanisms involving key regulatory enzyme genes and their functions, are not yet fully understood. With the continuous development of synthetic biology technologies, there has been a deeper understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolic regulation pathways of ganoderic acid and its derivatives at the molecular level. Research has explored the key regulatory enzyme genes related to ganoderic acid biosynthesis and their functions. Moreover, through the optimization of synthetic biology and culture conditions, large-scale production and preparation of GLTs at the cellular level have been achieved. This paper reviews and analyzes the latest research progress on the biosynthesis pathways and metabolic regulation of GLTs, focusing on the configuration of ganoderic acid and its derivatives, the biosynthetic pathways, key enzyme genes, transcription factors related to ganoderic acid biosynthesis, signal transduction mechanisms, and factors affecting triterpenoid biotransformation. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for improving the efficient production of triterpenoid pharmacological components and the exploitation and utilization of G. lucidum resources.
Triterpenes/chemistry* ; Reishi/chemistry* ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Lanosterol

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is markedly influenced by both immune and inflammatory reactions throughout its progression. Dendritic cells, as pivotal antigen-presenting entities, play a crucial role in the initiation of immune responses and the preservation of immunological homeostasis. Accumulating data indicates that dendritic cells are present in healthy arteries and accumulate significantly in atherosclerotic plaques. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches and vaccination protocols have yielded substantial clinical advancements in managing chronic inflammatory diseases, with dendritic cell-centric modalities emerging for atherosclerotic management. In this review, we delineate the essential functions and underlying mechanisms of dendritic cells and their subsets in the modulation of atherosclerotic inflammation and immune responses. We underscore the immense promise of dendritic cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies, including vaccines and innovative combinations with nanotechnological drug delivery platforms for atherosclerosis treatment. We also discuss the challenges associated with dendritic cell immunotherapy and provide perspectives on the future direction of this field.

OBJECTIVE: Huachansu injection (HCSI), a promising anti-cancer Chinese medicine injection, has been reported to have the potential for reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The objective of this study is to explore the synergistic and detoxifying effects of HCSI when used in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11). METHODS: To investigate the effect of HCSI on anti-CRC efficacy and intestinal toxicity of CPT-11, we measured changes in the biological behavior of LoVo cells in vitro, and anti-tumor effects in LoVo cell xenograft nude mice models in vivo. Meanwhile, the effect of HCSI on intestinal toxicity and the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) expression was investigated in the CPT-11-induced colitis mouse model. Subsequently, we measured the effect of HCSI and its 13 constituent bufadienolides on the expression of UGT1A1 and organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B3 (OATP1B3) in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The combination index (CI) results showed that the combination of HCSI and CPT-11 exhibited a synergistic effect (CI < 1), which significantly suppressing the LoVo cell migration, enhancing G2/M and S phase arrest, and inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, the damage to intestinal tissues was attenuated by HCSI in CPT-11-induced colitis model, while the increased expression of UGT1A1 in HepG2 cells and in mouse was observed. CONCLUSION The co-therapy with HCSI alleviated the intestinal toxicity induced by CPT-11 and exerted an enhanced anti-CRC effect. The detoxifying mechanism may be related to the increased expression of UGT1A1 and OATP1B3 by HCSI and its bufadienolides components. The findings of this study may serve as a theoretical insights and strategies to improve CRC patient outcomes. Please cite this article as: Jiang B, Meng ZY, Hu YJ, Chen JJ, Zong L, Xu LY, Zhang XQ, Zhang JX, Han YL. Huachansu injection enhances anti-colorectal cancer efficacy of irinotecan and alleviates its induced intestinal toxicity through upregulating UGT1A1-OATP1B3 expression in vitro and in vivo. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):576-590.
Irinotecan/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Glucuronosyltransferase/genetics* ; Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Up-Regulation/drug effects* ; Male ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Hep G2 Cells ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Amphibian Venoms

Objective:To explore the current status of barriers to participation in phaseⅡcoronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and the factors influencing them, and to provide new ideas for reducing barriers to participation in rehabilitation and improving the participation rate in cardiac rehabilitation.Methods:For this study, a cross-sectional survey research method was utilized. The study included 334 patients who underwent CABG and were admitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between June 2022 and May 2023. These patients were selected using the convenience sampling method. A General Information Questionnaire, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS-C/M), and a Questionnaire on the Knowledge of Information Related to Cardiac Rehabilitation were used to conduct the survey. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the independent influencing factors on barriers to participation in phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation in post-CABG patients.Results:Out of 334 patients, 248 were males and 86 were females with age (54.74 ± 7.61) years old. The total average score of CRBS-C/M in patients after CABG surgery was 3.20 ± 0.43, with the highest external logistic factors score of 3.42 ± 0.58. The knowledge status score of information related to cardiac rehabilitation was 42.11 ± 7.94. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the following factors independently influenced post-CABG patients′ barriers to participating in phaseⅡcardiac rehabilitation: marital status, whether or not they had completed phase I cardiac rehabilitation,number of other comorbidities, knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation information. All of these differences were statistically significant ( t values were -4.87-3.35, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The barriers to participation in phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation in post-CABG patients are at an intermediate to high level, and healthcare professionals should emphasize the assessment of barrier factors in these patients, and target the development and implementation of phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation in terms of the influencing factors.

Objective: To explore the family rehabilitation model for children with scar contracture after hand burns and observe its efficacy. Methods: A retrospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. From March 2020 to March 2021, 30 children with scar contracture after deep partial-thickness to full-thickness burns of hands, who met the inclusion criteria, were hospitalized in the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to the rehabilitation model adopted, 18 children (23 affected hands) were included in a group mainly treated by family rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as family rehabilitation group), and 12 children (15 affected hands) were included in another group mainly treated by hospital rehabilitation (hereinafter referred to as hospital rehabilitation group). In the former group, there were 11 males and 7 females, aged (4.8±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (3.1±0.8) d after wound healing; in the latter group, there were 7 males and 5 females, aged (4.6±2.1) years, who began rehabilitation treatment (2.8±0.7) d after wound healing. The children in hospital rehabilitation group mainly received active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, supplemented by independent rehabilitation training after returning home; after 1-2 weeks of active and passive rehabilitation training in the hospital, the children in family rehabilitation group received active and passive rehabilitation training at home under the guidance of rehabilitation therapists through WeChat platform. Both groups of children were treated for 6 months. During the treatment, they wore pressure gloves and used hand flexion training belts and finger splitting braces. Before treatment and after 6 months of treatment, the modified Vancouver scar scale, the total active movement of the hand method, and Carroll quantitative test of upper extremity function were used to score/rate the scar of the affected hand (with the difference of scar score between before treatment and after treatment being calculated), the joint range of motion (with excellent and good ratio being calculated), and the function of the affected limb, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, equivalence test, Fisher's exact probability test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The differences of scar scores of the affected hands of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group between after 6 months of treatment and those before treatment were 3.0 (2.0, 7.0) and 3.0 (2.0, 8.0) respectively (with 95% confidence interval of 2.37-5.38 and 1.95-5.91). The 95% confidence interval of the difference between the differences of the two groups was -2.43-2.21, which was within the equivalent boundary value of -3-3 (P<0.05). The excellent and good ratios of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group were 3/23 and 2/15 respectively before treatment, and 15/23 and 12/15 respectively after 6 months of treatment. The ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.58 and 2.30, respectively, P<0.05), but the ratings of joint range of motion of the affected hand between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 0.39 and 0.55, respectively, P>0.05). The functional ratings of the affected limbs of children in family rehabilitation group and hospital rehabilitation group after 6 months of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (with Z values of 3.98 and 3.51, respectively, P<0.05), but the functional ratings of the affected limbs between the two groups were similar before treatment and after 6 months of treatment (with Z values of 1.27 and 0.38, respectively, P>0.05). Conclusions: The WeChat platform assisted rehabilitation treatment with mainly family rehabilitation, combined with hand flexion and extension brace can effectively reduce the scarring after children's hand burns, improve the joint range of motion of the affected hands, and promote the recovery of affected limb function. The effect is similar to that of hospital-based rehabilitation providing an optional rehabilitation, treatment method for children who cannot continue to receive treatment in hospital.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child ; Cicatrix/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Wound Healing ; Hand Injuries/rehabilitation* ; Wrist Injuries ; Contracture/etiology* ; Burns/complications*

Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of body mass index (BMI) and risk factors for obesity in children with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA). METHODS: The children with DBA who attended National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, from January 2003 to December 2020 were enrolled as subjects. The related clinical data and treatment regimens were recorded. The height and weight data measured within 1 week before or after follow-up time points were collected to calculate BMI. The risk factors for obesity were determined by multivariate regression analysis in children with DBA. RESULTS: A total of 129 children with DBA were enrolled, among whom there were 80 boys (62.0%) and 49 girls (38.0%), with a median age of 49 months (range 3-189 months). The prevalence rate of obesity was 14.7% (19/129). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the absence of ribosomal protein gene mutation was closely associated with obesity in children with DBA (adjusted OR=3.63, 95%CI: 1.16-11.38, adjusted P=0.027). In children with glucocorticoid-dependent DBA, obesity was not associated with age of initiation of glucocorticoid therapy, duration of glucocorticoid therapy, and maintenance dose of glucocorticoids (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence rate of obesity in children with DBA, and the absence of ribosomal protein gene mutation is closely associated with obesity in children with DBA.
Child ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Anemia, Diamond-Blackfan/genetics* ; Pediatric Obesity/complications* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Ribosomal Proteins/genetics* ; Mutation

OBJECTIVE: To build bridges between anti-α enolase antibody (anti-enolase 1 antibody, anti-ENO1 antibody) and common clinical and laboratory characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to analyze the role of anti-ENO1 antibody in the evaluation of SLE disease activity. METHODS: The SLE patients with retinopathy and without retinopathy were enrolled in the study, as well as healthy individuals whose gender and age matched with those of the SLE patients. Serum anti-ENO1 antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), presenting as intra-group positive rate and arbitrary units (AU) value. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: The SLE retinopathy patients represented various fundus abnormalities. Ranked by percentage, the top three retinopathies were retinal hemorrhage (14/32, 43.75%), cotton-wool spots (8/32, 25.00%) and retinal vein occlusion (3/32, 9.38%). Among the 32 SLE retinopathy patients, 13 (40.63%) suffered from two or more fundus abnormalities. The positive rate and AU value of the SLE patients were higher than of the SLE patients without retinopathy (68.75% vs. 46.00%, P=0.043; 16.11%±10.35% vs. 12.06%±6.47%, P=0.045). Besides, the positive rate and AU value of the two SLE groups were both significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (P < 0.001). Compared with the SLE-without-retinopathy group, the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI)-2000 of the SLE retinopathy patients were significantly higher than those of the SLE patients without retinopathy (17.41±4.25 vs. 9.48±5.35, P < 0.001). Dividing all the SLE patients into an anti-ENO1-positive group and an anti-ENO1-negative group, we found that anti-ENO1-positive was more likely to be correlated to developing fever and positive result of urine occult blood (P=0.011, P=0.042). Comparing with the patients with negative anti-ENO1 antibodies, the patients with positive anti-ENO1 antibodies had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [the median (range) was 29.50 (1.52-110.00) mg/L vs. 12.00 (4.00-101.00) mg/L, P=0.001], higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) [the median (range) was 14.30 (4.02-37.80) g/L vs. 10.46 (2.50-25.73) g/L, P=0.000 3], and higher blood platelet count (PLT) [(205.87×10⁹±67.98×10⁹) /L vs. (164.57×10⁹±69.57×10⁹) /L, P=0.008], as well as higher immunoglobulin A (IgA) [the median (range) was 2.85 (0.07-27.00) g/L vs. 2.05 (0.42-4.36) g/L, P=0.014]. CONCLUSION The positive rate and AU value of anti-ENO1 antibody suggested higher SLE disease activity and they were elevated in SLE and SLE retinopathy.
Humans ; Autoantibodies ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Retinal Diseases/etiology* ; Immunoglobulin G

With the increasing detection rate of early upper gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction, the safety of proximal gastrectomy with clear indications has been verified, and function-preserving proximal gastrectomy has been widely used. However, proximal gastrectomy destructs the normal anatomical structure of esophagogastric junction, resulting in severe postoperative gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and seriously affecting the quality of life. Among various anti-reflux surgery methods, reconstruction of "cardiac valve" has always been the focus of relevant scholars because its similarity with the mechanism of normal anti-reflux. After years of development, evolution and optimization, the designed seromuscular flap anastomosis includes tunnel muscle flap anastomosis, Hatafuku valvuloplasty, single muscle flap anastomosis and double muscle flap anastomosis. The double muscle flap anastomosis has become a research hotspot because it shows good anti-reflux effect in clinical application. This paper reviews the history, research status and hot issues of seromuscular flap anastomosis of esophageal remnant stomach at home and abroad.
Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Esophagogastric Junction/surgery* ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Gastroesophageal Reflux/surgery* ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*