ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan （KXS） on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group， model group， treatment groups receiving KXS decoction， powders， and granules （3.08 g·kg^-1）， as well as donepezil group （0.51×10^-3 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin （STZ）. After 30 days of administration， behavioral assessments were conducted， and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， and silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3） was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （FIS1）， AMPK， p-AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， escape latency， number of platform crossings， time spent in the target quadrant， and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue， with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content （P<0.01） and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.05）. Additionally， the SOD activity was reduced， while ROS levels were elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in KXS-treated groups （various dosage forms） showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage， and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated （P<0.05）. SOD activity was elevated， and ROS levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated， with increased protein levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Across the KXS-treated groups， the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionKXS decoction， powders， and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats， with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway， improvement of the mitochondrial function， and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan （KXS） on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group， model group， treatment groups receiving KXS decoction， powders， and granules （3.08 g·kg^-1）， as well as donepezil group （0.51×10^-3 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin （STZ）. After 30 days of administration， behavioral assessments were conducted， and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， and silent information regulator 3 （SIRT3） was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （FIS1）， AMPK， p-AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group， rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， escape latency， number of platform crossings， time spent in the target quadrant， and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue， with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content （P<0.01） and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.05）. Additionally， the SOD activity was reduced， while ROS levels were elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in KXS-treated groups （various dosage forms） showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage， and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated （P<0.05）. SOD activity was elevated， and ROS levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated， with increased protein levels of OPA1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and SIRT3， while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Across the KXS-treated groups， the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionKXS decoction， powders， and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats， with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway， improvement of the mitochondrial function， and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.

Background The pathogenesis of silicosis has not been fully elucidated, and microRNAs (miRNA) may be involved in the occurrence and development of silicosis. Objective To investigate the effect of miR-204-3p inhibitor on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide dust-induced alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A co-culture model of macrophages and epithelial cells was established using a Transwell chamber. NR8383 macrophages were seeded into the upper chamber of the Transwell, and RLE-6TN cells were seeded into the lower chamber. After 24 h of culture, the medium in the lower chamber was discarded, washed three times with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and replaced with serum-free medium. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, silicosis group, miRNA NC group, and miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chamber was transfected with miRNA NC for the miRNA NC group or the miR-204-3p inhibitor for the miR-204-3p inhibitor group. The lower chambers of the remaining two groups were added by equal amounts of serum-free medium. After 24 h, except for the control group that received an equal volume of serum-free medium, the upper chambers of the remaining three groups were treated with 800 μg·mL⁻¹ silicon dioxide dust. Morphological changes in each group were observed under a microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT-related factors, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin, were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. The mRNA and protein expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin, were also assessed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The fluorescence expression intensities of α-SMA, N-Cadherin, and E-Cadherin were evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results The morphological observation revealed that RLE-6TN cells in the control group exhibited a regular oval shape. After treatment with silicon dioxide, the cells predominantly displayed a long spindle shape. Following the intervention with the miR-204-3p inhibitor, the number of long spindle-shaped cells increased, and the intercellular gaps widened. The RT-qPCR results showed that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group exhibited significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of EMT-related markers (α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin) (P<0.05), while the relative mRNA expression level of E-Cadherin was significantly reduced (P<0.05); the relative mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related markers (Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin) were also significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group showed significantly increased relative mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), decreased E-Cadherin mPNA expression (P<0.05), and elevated mPNA expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The Western blot analysis indicated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group had significantly higher protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), lower E-Cadherin protein expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited significantly elevated protein expression levels of α-SMA, Vimentin, and N-Cadherin (P<0.05), reduced E-Cadherin expression (P<0.05), and increased protein expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the silicosis group showed enhanced fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and reduced fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Compared with the miRNA NC group, the miR-204-3p inhibitor group exhibited increased fluorescence intensities of α-SMA and N-Cadherin and decreased fluorescence intensity of E-Cadherin. Conclusion The miR-204-3p inhibitor may exacerbate the EMT process and silicosis fibrosis in silicon dioxide-induced RLE-6TN cells. miR-204-3p plays a negative regulatory role in silicosis fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effects and mechanism of proanthocyanidins （PACs） on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head （SONFH） in rabbits based on the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 （RIPK1）/RIPK3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein （MLKL） signaling pathway. METHODS SONFH model in rabbits was induced by injecting Escherichia coli endotoxin+methylprednisolone. The successfully modeled rabbits were randomly divided into Model group （normal saline）， low-dose PACs group （PACs-L group， 11 mg/kg）， high-dose PACs group （PACs-H group， 22 mg/kg）， high-dose PACs+ RIPK1 activator （rRIPK1） group （PACs-H+rRIPK1 group， 22 mg/kg PACs+4 μg/kg rRIPK1）， along with a control group （normal saline）， with 6 rabbits in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine once a day intragastrically/via injection， for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last administration， the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in rabbit serum were measured. The changes in the microstructure of rabbit femurs， including bone mineral density （BMD）， trabecular thickness （Tb.Th）， trabecular number （Tb.N）， and trabecular separation （Tb. Sp） were examined. The histopathological features of rabbit femoral tissues were observed， and the apoptotic status of cells within the rabbit femoral tissues was detected. The mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and bone morphogenetic protein 2 （BMP2） in rabbit femoral tissues were determined. The expressions of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway-related proteins in femoral tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the Control group， serum contents of TNF-α and IL-6， Tb.Sp， empty bone cavity rate， cell apoptosis rate， phosphorylation levels of RIPK1， RIPK3 and MLKL in femoral tissue were significantly increased in the Model group （P＜0.05）. BMD， Tb.Th， Tb.N， as well as the mRNA expression of VEGF and BMP2， along with protein expression of caspase-8， in the femoral tissues were all decreased （P＜0.05）. The bone cells in the femoral tissue were unevenly distributed， and the trabeculae were arranged sparsely. Compared with the Model group， the aforementioned quantitative indicators （P＜0.05） and pathological changes in all dosage groups of PACs showed significant improvements. Compared with the PACs-H group， the aforementioned quantitative indicators （P＜0.05） and pathological changes in the PACs-H+rRIPK1 group showed significant reversal. CONCLUSIONS PACs can ameliorate SONFH in rabbits， and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway， suppression of apoptosis in femoral tissue cells， and promotion of angiogenesis.

Background Long-term exposure to free silica particles will lead to fibrosis of lung tissue, and abnormal expression of microRNA (miRNA) may affect the occurrence and process of fibrosis. Objective To observed possible intervention effect of miR-204-3p overexpression adenovirus on silicosis fibrosis induced by silica dust using a silicosis rat model via non-exposed intratracheal instillation. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, silicosis model group, miRNA-NC group, and miR-204-3p intervention group. Under ether anesthesia, rats in the silicosis model group, miRNA-NC group, and miR-204-3p intervention group were injected with 1 mL (50 mg·mL⁻¹) of free silica dust suspension into the trachea, while the control group was injected with the same volume of normal saline. After 30 d of dust exposure, the miR-204-3p intervention group was injected with rno-mir-204 adenovirus vector to overexpress miR-204-3p, and the miRNA-NC group was given empty virus vector. After 30 d of normal feeding, the animals were sacrificed by chloral hydrate anesthesia, and the lung tissue was taken for subsequent experiments. The relative expression level of miR-204-3p in lung tissue of rats in each group was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). HE staining, Masson staining, and Sirius red staining were used for pathological observation. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Fibronectin and Collagen I in lung tissue of rats in each group. RT-qPCR was used to detect the relative gene expression levels of fibrosis markers Fibronectin, Vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III in lung tissue of rats in each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of fibrosis markers Fibronectin, Vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III in lung tissue of rats in each group. Results The anatomical features of lung tissue in the control group were pink lung tissue with soft texture and smooth surface, while those in the silicosis model were grayish white tissue with hard texture and scars and grayish white silicon nodules on the surface. Compared with the silicosis model group, the color of lung tissue in the miR-204-3p intervention group became ruddy, the surface was smooth, and the texture became soft. The staining results showed that the alveolar wall of the control group was thin, there were a small number of capillaries in the alveoli, and the alveolar structure was clear and complete. In the silicosis model group, the alveolar wall became thicker, the pulmonary septum was partially broken, the alveolar structure was defective, and a large amount of collagen fibers were deposited. The alveolar structure of the miR-204-3p intervention group was relatively clear and there was a small amount of collagen fiber deposition. RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the control group, the relative expression levels of miR-204-3p in lung tissue of the silicosis model group and the miRNA-NC group were decreased (P<0.05), and the relative expression level of miR-204-3p in lung tissue of the miR-204-3p intervention group was increased (P＜0.05). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of Fibronectin and Collagen I in lung tissue of the silicosis model group were increased (P＜0.05). Compared with the silicosis model group, the relative expression levels of Fibronectin and Collagen I in lung tissue of the rats in the miR-204-3p intervention group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the relative protein and gene expression levels of fibrosis factors Fibronectin, Vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III in lung tissue of the silicosis model group increased (P＜0.05). Compared with the silicosis model group, the relative gene and protein expression levels of fibrosis factors Fibronectin, Vimentin, Collagen I, and Collagen III in lung tissue of rats in the miR-204-3p intervention group were decreased (P＜0.05). Conclusion Silica dust can cause lung fibrosis in rats, and overexpression of miR-204-3P in vivo can reduce silicosis fibrosis in rats caused by silica dust.

BACKGROUND:Studies demonstrated that miR-135a-5p was highly expressed in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells with cleft palate induced by dexamethasone.The primary cilium and its mediated Shh signaling pathway were involved in the autophagy of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells.It is speculated that miR-135a-5p may regulate autophagy in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells through primary cilia and its mediated Shh signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effect of miR-135a-5p on autophagy of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells. METHODS:In vitro,palatal mesenchymal cells from C57BL/6J mouse embryos were extracted and cultured.Cell transfections were set up as follows:(1)the cells were divided into control group,miR-135a-5p negative control group and miR-135a-5p mimic group;(2)NC+miR-NC group,KIF3B overexpression group,and miR-135a-5p+KIF3B group:qRT-PCR was performed to verify transfection efficiency of miR-135a-5p and KIF3B.A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome in the cells of each group.The degree of fluorescence expression of autophagy marker LC3B was determined by the immunofluorescence technique.The protein expression of KIF3B,LC3 and P62 was determined by western blot assay.(3)The cells were divided into miR-135a-5p negative control group,and SAG treated group,and SAG+miR-135a-5p group.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of Gli3,a key transcription factor downstream of Shh signaling.The protein expressions of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and P62 were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After overexpression of miR-135a-5p,the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome was significantly increased(P<0.01).The fluorescence density of LC3B increased significantly(P<0.01);the protein expression of KIF3B and P62 decreased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of LC3 increased.(2)After overexpression of KIF3B,the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the fluorescence density of LC3B was decreased(P<0.01);the protein expression of P62 was increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of LC3 was decreased(P<0.01).Targeted expression of KIF3B was inhibited by miR-135a-5p(P<0.01);the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome,the fluorescence intensity of LC3B as well as the protein expression of LC3 were reversed(P<0.01)and the protein expression of P62 was decreased(P<0.01).(3)SAG significantly increased the mRNA expression of Gli3(P<0.01),increased the protein expression of P62(P<0.01),and decreased the protein expression of LC3(P<0.01).When miR-135a-5p was added,Gli3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased(P<0.01);P62 protein expression was decreased(P<0.01),and LC3 protein expression was reversed(P<0.01).(4)These results indicate that miR-135a-5p targets the inhibition of KIF3B and promotes autophagy in mouse embryonic mesenchymal cells possibly by negatively regulating the Shh signaling pathway.

Objective:To analyze immune reconstitution and influencing factors in HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with access to antiviral therapy (ART) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) during 2005-2021.Methods:The data were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The study subjects were HIV infected MSM with access to the initial ART for ≥24 weeks in Guangxi from 2005 to 2021 and HIV RNA lower than the detection limit within 24 months. The proportion of infected MSM who had immune reconstitution after ART was calculated. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of immune reconstitution. Software SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 3 200 HIV infected MSM were enrolled, in whom 15.56 % (498/3 200) had no immune reconstitution, 14.78% (473/3 200) had moderate immune reconstitution, and the rate of complete immune reconstitution was 69.66% (2 229/3 200). The M ( Q1, Q3) of ART time for immune reconstitution was 12 (5, 27) months. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model analysis results showed that compared with those with initial ART at age ≥30 years, WHO clinical stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ illness, baseline BMI <18.50 kg/m 2 and baseline CD4 +T lymphocyte (CD4) counts <200 cells/μl, HIV infected MSM with initial ART at age <30 years, WHO clinical stageⅠ/Ⅱ illness, baseline BMI≥24.00 kg/m 2 and baseline CD4 counts ≥200 cells/μl were more likely to have complete immune reconstitution. Conclusions:In the HIV infected MSM in Guangxi, failures to achieve moderate and complete immune reconstitution were observed. Surveillance and ART regimen should be improved for key populations, such as those with older age and low baseline CD4 counts.

Ceria nanoparticles(CeO2 NPs)have become popular materials in biomedical and industrial fields due to theirpotential applications in anti-oxidation,cancer therapy,photocatalytic degradation of pollutants,sensors,etc.Many methods,including gas phase,solid phase,liquid phase,and the newly proposed green synthesis method,have been reported for the synthesis of CeO2 NPs.Due to the wide application of CeO2 NPs,concerns about their adverse impacts on human health have been raised.This review covers recent studies on the biomedical applications of CeO2 NPs,including their use in the treatment of various diseases(e.g.,Alzheimer's disease,ischemic stroke,retinal damage,chronic inflammation,and cancer).CeO2 NP toxicity is discussed in terms of the different systems of the human body(e.g.,cytotoxicity,genotoxicity,respiratory toxicity,neurotoxicity,and hepatotoxicity).This comprehensive review covers both fundamental discoveries and exploratory progress in CeO2 NP research that may lead to practical developments in the future.

Objective:To explore the factors influencing the supportive communication ability of medical undergraduates, and to propose strategies to improve supportive communication.Methods:By cluster sampling, we selected 388 medical undergraduates of grades 2017 and 2018 from Harbin Medical University for a questionnaire survey on supportive communication, general self-efficacy, and health education abilities. SPSS 22.0 was used for descriptive statistical analysis. AMOS 22.0 was used to construct a structural equation model to verify the relationship between the three variables. Mediating effects were also tested.Results:The students showed good supportive communication ability, with a total score of (74.28±10.84) points. The general self-efficacy score was (27.81±5.58) points, and the total score of health education ability was (25.50±4.76) points. General self-efficacy had direct positive effects on supportive communication and health education abilities ( β=0.75, 0.31, both P<0.001). Health education ability had a direct positive effect on supportive communication ability ( β=0.14, P<0.001). Health education ability played a significant mediating role in the influence of general self-efficacy on supportive communication ability (standardized mediating effect value=0.042, P<0.01), with the mediating effect accounting for 5.1%. Conclusions:The health education competency of medical undergraduates can mediate the effect of general self-efficacy on supportive communication ability. By strengthening medical humanities education to increase general self-efficacy and also emphasizing the cultivation of health education competency, the supportive communication ability of students can be improved.

Stomach exuberance and spleen deficiency are common pathogenesis of many metabolic diseases. Through analyzing the pathogenesis of stomach exuberance and spleen deficiency， it is believed that its essence is stomach heat and spleen deficiency. Stomach heat includes gastrointestinal heat， spleen and stomach damp-heat， and spleen deficiency is divided into deficiency of spleen yin， deficiency of spleen qi ， and deficiency of spleen yang. It is suggested that the metabolic diseases of stomach-exuberance and spleen-deficiency syndrome can be divided into three categories，i.e. stomach-heat and spleen yin-deficiency， stomach-heat and spleen qi-deficiency， and stomach-heat and spleen yang-deficiency， and the main treatment methods are clearing and draining heat， nourishing yin and moistening intestine， clearing dampness and heat， strengthening spleen and qi， clearing dampness and heat， strengthening spleen and warming yang， respectively， with prescriptions as Maziren Pills （麻子仁丸）， Qinlian Pingwei Powder （芩连平胃散）， and Jiawei Lianli Decoction （加味连理汤） accordingly.