Hypertrophic scar is a fibrous hyperplastic disorder that arises from skin injuries. The current therapeutic modalities are constrained by the dense and rigid scar tissue which impedes effective drug delivery. Additionally, insufficient autophagic activity in fibroblasts hinders their apoptosis, leading to excessive matrix deposition. Here, we developed an active microneedle (MN) system to overcome these challenges by integrating micromotor-driven drug delivery with autophagy regulation to remodel the scar microenvironment. Specifically, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid were introduced into the MNs as a built-in engine to generate CO₂ bubbles, thereby enabling enhanced lateral and vertical drug diffusion into dense scar tissue. The system concurrently encapsulated curcumin (Cur), an autophagy activator, and triamcinolone acetonide (TA), synergistically inducing fibroblast apoptosis by upregulating autophagic activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that active MNs achieved efficient drug penetration within isolated scar tissue. The rabbit hypertrophic scar model revealed that TA-Cur MNs significantly reduced the scar elevation index, suppressed collagen I and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression, and elevated LC3 protein levels. These findings highlight the potential of the active MN system as an efficacious platform for autonomous augmented drug delivery and autophagy-targeted therapy in fibrotic disorder treatments.

Objective To screen key autophagy-related genes in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and investigate potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AH. Methods Two AH gene chips in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and autophagy-related data sets obtained from MSigDB and GeneCards databases were used, and the key genes were verified and obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The screened key genes were subject to gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein-protein interaction (PPI) and immune infiltration analyses. Messenger RNA (mRNA)- microRNA (miRNA) network was constructed to analyze the expression differences of key autophagy-related genes during different stages of AH, which were further validated by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in the liver tissues of AH patients and mice. Results Eleven autophagy-related genes were screened in AH (EEF1A2, CFTR, SOX4, TREM2, CTHRC1, HSPB8, TUBB3, PRKAA2, RNASE1, MTCL1 and HGF), all of which were up-regulated. In the liver tissues of AH patients and mice, the relative expression levels of SOX4, TREM2, HSPB8 and PRKAA2 in the AH group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusions SOX4, TREM2, HSPB8 and PRKAA2 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AH.

Objective To investigate the relationship of miRNA gene polymorphisms with blood pressure(BP)responses to the sodium and potassium diet intervention.Methods In 2004,we recruited 514 participants from 124 families in seven villages of Baoji,Shaanxi Province,China.All subjects were given a three-day normal diet,followed by a seven-day low-salt diet,a seven-day high-salt diet,and finally a seven-day high-salt and potassium supplementation.A total of 19 miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were selected for analysis.Results Throughout the sodium-potassium dietary intervention,the BP of the subjects fluctuated across all phases,showing a decrease during the low-salt period and an increase during the high-salt period,followed by a reduction in BP subsequent to potassium supplementation during the high-salt diet.MiR-210-3p SNP rs 12364149 was significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP),diastolic BP(DBP)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)responses to low-salt diet.MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178 was significantly associated with SBP while miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with MAP responses to low-salt intervention.In addition,miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly correlated with SBP,DBP and MAP responses to high-salt intervention.MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs1 1191676 and rs2292807 were associated with SBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet.MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178,miR-210-3p SNP rs12364149,miR-382-5p SNP rs4906032 and rs4143957 were significantly associated with SBP response to high-salt diet.In addition,miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with SBP,DBP and MAP responses to potassium supplementation.MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs11191676,rs2292807,and miR-19a-3p SNP rs4284505 were significantly associated with SBP responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation.Conclusion miRNA gene polymorphisms are associated with BP response to sodium and potassium,suggesting that miRNA genes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

In the era of evidence-based medicine, it is necessary to explore the unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on standardized technical methods and operating procedures in order to achieve the modernization and internationalization of TCM and benefit all humanity. The proposal of a three-pronged evidence system combining TCM theory, human experience and experimental evidence marks an important progress in the thinking method of the TCM evaluation system. The multi-evidence body integrated through appropriate methods provides a strong support for the clinical guideline recommendations and evidence-based health decision-making in TCM. Based on the current methodological progress of international evidence synthesis and grading, this paper proposes a novel approach for integrating multi-evidence in TCM: the MERGE framework. The aim is to establish a solid foundation for the development of this methodology and provide guidance for the advancement of evidence-based medicine framework in TCM.

Objective To assess the efficacy of pirfenidone combined with PD-L1 inhibitor for treatment of bladder cancer in a mouse model and its effect on tumor immune microenvironment modulation.Methods Forty C57BL/6 mouse models bearing ectopic human bladder cancer xenografts were randomized into control group,PD-L1 inhibitor group,pirfenidone group and combined treatment group(n=10).After successful modeling,PD-L1 inhibitor treatment was administered via intraperitoneal injection at 12.5 mg/kg every 3 days,and oral pirfenidone(500 mg/kg)was given on a daily basis.The survival rate of the mice and tumor growth rate were compared among the 4 groups.The expressions of CD3,CD8,CD45,E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the tumor tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry after the 21-day treatment,and bone marrow-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)were observed with immunofluorescence staining;serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(CRE)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH-L)were analyzed using an automated biochemical analyzer.Results Treatment with PD-L1 inhibitor and pirfenidone alone both significantly decreased tumor growth rate and tumor volume at 21 days(P<0.05),but the combined treatment produced an obviously stronger inhibitory effect(P<0.05).PD-L1 inhibitor and pirfenidone alone significantly increased E-cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin expression in the tumor tissue(P<0.05).The two treatments both significantly increased the percentage of CD3+,CD8 and CD45+ T cells and decreased the percentage of Ly-6G+CD11b+MDSCs in the tumor tissue,and these changes were more obvious in the combined treatment group(P<0.05).No significant differences were found in serum ALT,AST,BUN,CRE or LDH-L levels among the 4 groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Combined treatment with pirfenidone and PD-L1 inhibitor significantly inhibits the progression of bladder cancer in mice possibly by regulating tumor immune microenvironment and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the tumor cells.

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of miR-204-5p on biological behaviors of bladder cancer cells and its molecular mechanism.Methods Survival analysis and correlation analysis were performed using TCGA database to explore the association of miR-204-5p expression with survival outcomes and clinicopathological parameters of bladder cancer patients.The expression level of miR-204-5p was detected in bladder cancer and adjacent tissues and in normal uroepithelial cells and bladder cancer cells.In cultured bladder cancer cells,the effects of miR-204-5p overexpression and knockdown on cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were analyzed.Transcriptome sequencing,bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay were carried out to confirm targeted inhibition of RAB22A by miR-204-5p to promote malignant biological behaviors of bladder cancer cells.Results Patients with high miR-204-5p expressions had lowered median survival time and poor prognosis(P<0.05).The expression of miR-204-5p was significantly up-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells(P<0.05).In bladder cancer cells,miR-204-5p overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation,migration and invasion and reduced cell apoptosis.Transcriptome sequencing,bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay all suggested that RAB22A was a key downstream factor of miR-204-5p.Overexpression of miR-204-5p significantly inhibited RAB22A expression in bladder cancer cells,and overexpression of RAB22A partially reversed miR-204-5p overexpression-induced enhancement of bladder cancer cell proliferation.Conclusion High expression of miR-204-5p promotes proliferation,migration and invasion and reduces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells by negatively regulating RAB22A expression.

Objective To assess the efficacy of pirfenidone combined with PD-L1 inhibitor for treatment of bladder cancer in a mouse model and its effect on tumor immune microenvironment modulation.Methods Forty C57BL/6 mouse models bearing ectopic human bladder cancer xenografts were randomized into control group,PD-L1 inhibitor group,pirfenidone group and combined treatment group(n=10).After successful modeling,PD-L1 inhibitor treatment was administered via intraperitoneal injection at 12.5 mg/kg every 3 days,and oral pirfenidone(500 mg/kg)was given on a daily basis.The survival rate of the mice and tumor growth rate were compared among the 4 groups.The expressions of CD3,CD8,CD45,E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the tumor tissues were detected with immunohistochemistry after the 21-day treatment,and bone marrow-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)were observed with immunofluorescence staining;serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(CRE)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH-L)were analyzed using an automated biochemical analyzer.Results Treatment with PD-L1 inhibitor and pirfenidone alone both significantly decreased tumor growth rate and tumor volume at 21 days(P<0.05),but the combined treatment produced an obviously stronger inhibitory effect(P<0.05).PD-L1 inhibitor and pirfenidone alone significantly increased E-cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin expression in the tumor tissue(P<0.05).The two treatments both significantly increased the percentage of CD3+,CD8 and CD45+ T cells and decreased the percentage of Ly-6G+CD11b+MDSCs in the tumor tissue,and these changes were more obvious in the combined treatment group(P<0.05).No significant differences were found in serum ALT,AST,BUN,CRE or LDH-L levels among the 4 groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Combined treatment with pirfenidone and PD-L1 inhibitor significantly inhibits the progression of bladder cancer in mice possibly by regulating tumor immune microenvironment and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the tumor cells.

Objective To explore the regulatory effect of miR-204-5p on biological behaviors of bladder cancer cells and its molecular mechanism.Methods Survival analysis and correlation analysis were performed using TCGA database to explore the association of miR-204-5p expression with survival outcomes and clinicopathological parameters of bladder cancer patients.The expression level of miR-204-5p was detected in bladder cancer and adjacent tissues and in normal uroepithelial cells and bladder cancer cells.In cultured bladder cancer cells,the effects of miR-204-5p overexpression and knockdown on cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were analyzed.Transcriptome sequencing,bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay were carried out to confirm targeted inhibition of RAB22A by miR-204-5p to promote malignant biological behaviors of bladder cancer cells.Results Patients with high miR-204-5p expressions had lowered median survival time and poor prognosis(P<0.05).The expression of miR-204-5p was significantly up-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells(P<0.05).In bladder cancer cells,miR-204-5p overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation,migration and invasion and reduced cell apoptosis.Transcriptome sequencing,bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay all suggested that RAB22A was a key downstream factor of miR-204-5p.Overexpression of miR-204-5p significantly inhibited RAB22A expression in bladder cancer cells,and overexpression of RAB22A partially reversed miR-204-5p overexpression-induced enhancement of bladder cancer cell proliferation.Conclusion High expression of miR-204-5p promotes proliferation,migration and invasion and reduces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells by negatively regulating RAB22A expression.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Objective:To observe the characteristics and differences of gut microbiota in asthma patients with different inflammatory types through metagenomic analysis.Methods:Adults aged ≥18 years who visited the Respiratory Clinic of Peking University Third Hospital from August 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022 and were primarily diagnosed with asthma were selected as the study subjects. Finally, 29 patients with stable asthma were included. Fresh fecal samples were collected and the fecal DNA was extracted for high-throughput 16sRNA sequencing of gut microbiota. The diversity and community structure of gut microbiota in different groups of asthma patients were compared, and the species differences were analyzed through random forest and LEfSe analysis.Results:There were sex-based differences in asthma patients with different types of inflammation, and the proportion of female patients was higher in neutrophilic asthma patients ( χ2=4.14, P=0.042). There was no significant intergroup difference in the alpha diversity of gut microbiota among asthma patients with different inflammatory types, but there were significant differences in the microbiome. Patients with neutrophilic asthma had higher relative abundance of Bacillales ( P=0.029) and Oscillospiraceae ( P=0.015). In species LEfSe analysis, patients with eosinophilic asthma had a higher relative abundance of fungi. Conclusion:There are intergroup differences in the gut microbiota of asthma patients with different inflammation types, and fungi are biomarkers that distinguish the differences in gut microbiota between patients with eosinophilic asthma and neutrophilic asthma.