BACKGROUND:Recent research indicates that disc degeneration is closely related to abnormal stress load,and mechanotransduction proteins play a key role in it. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and mechanism of mechanotransduction proteins in the mechanotransduction process induced by abnormal mechanical stimulation in disc degeneration,and to summarize the current treatment strategies targeting mechanotransduction to delay intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:Using"intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,cartilaginous endplate,cell,mechanics,signal transduction,protein,biomechanics"as Chinese search terms,and"intervertebral disc,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,cartilaginous endplate,cell,mechanical stimulation,signal transduction,protein,biomechanics"as English search terms,relevant literature in the PubMed and CNKI databases was searched.A total of 88 articles were ultimately included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Disc cells can sense external mechanical stimulation through various mechanotransduction proteins and convert it into biological responses within the cells.These transduction proteins mainly include collagen proteins in the extracellular matrix,cell membrane surface receptors(such as integrins and ion channels),and cytoskeleton structural proteins.Their regulation of mechanotransduction processes primarily involves the activation of multiple pathways,such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway,and Ca2+/Calpain2/Caspase3 pathway.Mechanotransduction proteins play a key role in the mechanotransduction of disc cells.Abnormal expression of these proteins or resulting changes in the extracellular matrix environment can disrupt the mechanical balance of disc cells,leading to disc degeneration.In-depth study of the expression and regulatory mechanisms of mechanotransduction proteins in disc cells,and identification of key pathological links and therapeutic targets,is of significant importance for developing treatment strategies for disc degeneration.Current strategies to delay intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting mechanotransduction mainly include regulation of transduction proteins and improvement of the extracellular matrix.However,research in this area is still in its early stages.As research continues,new breakthroughs are expected in the regulation of disc degeneration by mechanotransduction proteins.

As a complex autoimmune disease， rheumatoid arthritis （RA） involves immune microenvironment dysregulation resulting from excessive activation of pyroptosis， which is a crucial factor in disease progression. Based on the theory of ying-wei in traditional Chinese medicine， "ying decline and wei attack" is considered the fundamental pathogenesis of RA. Pyroptosis serves as a microscopic manifestation of this concept， suggesting a potential correlation between "ying decline and wei attack" and pyroptosis nd immune microenvironment dysregulation in RA. Accordingly， treatment principles based on this theory are proposed： in the early stage of the disease， boosting wei to consolidate the exterior， and regulating ying to dispel pathogens； in the middle and late stages， harmonizing ying to remove stagnation， and nourishing its transformational source.

The use of wastewater analysis, or wastewater-based epidemiology, to assess and monitor the situation of drug abuse is now widely used at home and abroad. However, there is currently a lack of effective evaluation methods and effective ways of comparison, supervision and standardization, which is not conducive to the analysis and comparisons of data in different countries and regions. Quality control techniques can control the laboratory's analytical errors, safeguard the consistency and comparability of identification conclusions, and promote the further improvement of the level and capacity of urban drug governance, thus playing significant roles. This paper provides an overview of sample collection, sample preservation and transportation, laboratory analysis, back-calculation of drug use and external laboratory quality control in the process of wastewater analysis, with a view to exploring more comprehensive scientific and objective methods and approaches suitable for examining and evaluating qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs in wastewater among laboratories.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo（BPPV）is a common peripheral vestibular disorder，and at present，otolith shedding and displacement is highly recognized as the main pathological mechanism of BPPV. An increasing amount of evidence has shown that otolith particle shedding is closely associated with vitamin D，and 25-（OH）D is expected to become a potential biomarker for BPPV and an important target for the treatment of BPPV and residual symptoms after successful repositioning. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanism of vitamin D in BPPV and residual dizziness and summarizes the association of vitamin D with BPPV and residual symptoms based on the treatment methods for vitamin D regulation.
Vitamin D

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and cognitive dysfunction, and its mediating role between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive dysfunction. MethodsA case-control study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2021 at the Shanghai Yangpu District Central Hospital, China. A total of 193 subjects were recruited and divided into two groups based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normal control (NC) group (n=95) and cognitive impairment group (n=98). The prevalence of T2DM was determined on the basis of medical history, while mtDNAcn in peripheral blood samples was quantified using realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsUnivariate analyses revealed that the mean mtDNAcn in the cognitive impairment group was 0.76±0.37, significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.06±0.45) (P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that higher mtDNAcn was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (OR=0.315, 95%CI: 0.125‒0.795). Additionaly, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between mtDNAcn and the total MoCA score (r=0.381, P<0.01). Morever, T2DM history (OR=2.741, 95%CI: 1.002‒7.497) and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (OR=1.796, 95%CI: 1.190‒2.711) were identified as risk factors for cognitive impairment. Mediation analyses indicated that mtDNAcn served as a mediator between T2DM/HbA1c and the risk of cognitive impairment, with proportions of mediating effect of 9.04% and 9.18%, respectively. ConclusionPatients with mild and moderate cognitive impairment have significantly lower mtDNAcn than those with normal cognitive function. Reduced mtDNAcn is an influencing factor for cognitive dysfunction and may play a mediating role in the association between T2DM and mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis （AE） model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group，model group，single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group （regular dose group），half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group， with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 （a protein in the tight junction） and Occludin in the colon tissue， as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. ResultsCompared with the blank group，the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher （P<0.05），and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage，glandular atrophy，disordered arrangement，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration，and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly （P<0.05），with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration，the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.05） and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein （P<0.05）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.01），and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration，the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.01）. Meanwhile，the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein （P<0.01）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.05） and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue， protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents， Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.

Objective To analyze the trend of global cellulitis disease burden from 1990 to 2019, and to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of cellulitis disease. Methods The Global Burden of Disease 2021 (GBD2021) data were collected, and data on the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of cellulitis were analyzed for each country worldwide. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and age-standardized rate (ASR) were used to estimate the trend change of cellulitis from 1990 to 2021. Results The global burden of cellulitis increased significantly in 2021, with 55.96 million cases, 28.9 million deaths and 876.1 million DALYs, respectively. Incidence and mortality rates were generally higher in males than in females. The incidence and DALYs were higher in high SDI regions, with the highest burden observed in South Asia. In contrast, East Asia exhibited the lowest burden and demonstrated a declining trend. There were significant differences between countries, with India having the highest prevalence, the United States having the highest incidence, and Bahrain having the fastest growing rate.In 2021, China had the lowest age-standardised incidence of cellulitis in the world and the fastest declining age-standardised incidence and age-standardised DALYs. Conclusion The global disease burden of cellulitis is increasing from 1990-2021, and cellulitis remains an an important global public health problem. Targeted preventive meausres should be taken in areas with different economical levels. Men, middle-aged and elderly people, and newborns are the key groups in need of attention and health education.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis （AE） model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group，model group，single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group （regular dose group），half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group， with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 （a protein in the tight junction） and Occludin in the colon tissue， as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. ResultsCompared with the blank group，the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher （P<0.05），and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage，glandular atrophy，disordered arrangement，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration，and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly （P<0.05），with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration，the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.05） and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein （P<0.05）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.01），and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration，the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.01）. Meanwhile，the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein （P<0.01）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.05） and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue， protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents， Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.

Objective: To investigate the abnormal fluctuation of coagulation function indicators in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma patients, and to analyze its correlation with disease progression and prognosis. Methods: The data of 172 children with Burkitt lymphoma in Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and 120 healthy children were used as control group. Plasma prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fib), International standardized ratio (INR), D-dimer (D-D), fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and antithrombin (AT) were measured. Appropriate statistical methods were used to compare the data between two groups, and the Cox regression model was employed to analyze the influencing factors. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Levels of D-D, FDP, INR, and PT were significantly higher in children with Burkitt lymphoma than in the healthy controls [median (P25, P75) for the case group: 0.35 (0.13, 1.22), 3.10 (1.30, 10.20), 1.16 (1.06, 1.24), 12.60 (11.43, 13.50); median (P25, P75) for the healthy control group: 0.10 (0.07, 0.15), 0.60 (0.20, 1.08), 1.06 (1.02, 1.13), 11.50 (11.00, 12.30)](P<0.05). Levels of D-D, FDP, INR, PT, and TT were significantly elevated in children with recurrence compared to those without recurrence [median (P25, P75) for the recurrent group: 0.44 (0.16, 1.42), 3.85 (1.50, 12.25), 1.17 (1.08, 1.24), 12.70 (11.73, 13.50), 16.20 (14.80, 17.80); median (P25, P75) for the non-recurrent group: 0.21 (0.11, 0.69), 2.00 (1.00, 6.85), 1.11 (1.03, 1.24), 11.90 (11.10, 13.43), 15.20 (14.50, 16.40)](P<0.05). Levels of D-D, FDP in children with metastasis were significantly higher than those without metastasis [median (P25, P75) for the metastatic group: 0.51 (0.17, 1.84), 4.38 (1.70, 13.45); median (P25, P75) for the non-metastatic group: 0.20 (0.11, 0.39), 1.50 (1.00, 3.10)] (P<0.05). Levels of D-D and FDP were significantly higher in children with advanced stage than in those with early stage [median (P25, P75) for the high-stage group: 0.33 (0.14, 1.20), 3.10 (1.40, 10.23); median (P25, P75) for the low-stage group: 0.12 (0.08, 0.24), 0.90 (0.50, 2.50)] (P<0.05). Levels of D-D and FDP in high-risk children were significantly higher than those of low-risk [median (P25, P75) for the high-risk group: 0.28 (0.13, 1.01), 2.90 (1.15, 9.65); median (P25, P75) for the low-risk group: 0.12 (0.08, 0.17), 0.80 (0.43, 1.98)] (P<0.05). Levels of D-D, FDP, INR, and PT were significantly higher in children with poor prognosis than in those with favorable prognosis [median (P25, P75) for the poor prognosis group: 1.76 (0.80, 2.72), 13.45 (7.20, 25.30), 1.19 (1.12, 1.32), 12.85 (12.10, 14.35); median (P25, P75) for the favorable prognosis group: 0.23 (0.12, 0.52), 2.00 (1.00, 4.80), 1.14 (1.05, 1.23), 12.30 (11.40, 13.40)] (P<0.05). INR levels significantly increased with accumulating chemotherapy cycles [median (P25, P75) for one session: 1.09 (1.02, 1.20); two sessions: 1.31 (1.23, 1.38); three sessions: 1.79 (1.52, 2.41)] (P<0.05). Age, APTT, D-D, FDP, INR, PT, recurrence and metastasis had a significant effect on the survival of children with Burkitt lymphoma (P<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with Burkitt lymphoma exhibit coagulation disorders, which are influenced by recurrence, metastasis, clinical stage, risk stratification, and prognosis. In clinical practice, it is crucial to prioritize the monitoring of coagulation indicators to facilitate timely detection of coagulation dysfunction.