The mitochondrial unfolded protein response(UPRmt)represents a crucial intracellular stress response mechanism that plays a fundamental role in maintaining mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that dysregulation of UPRmt contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of various systemic disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as age-related pathologies. Emerging research has particularly highlighted the involvement of UPRmt in ocular diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This comprehensive review examines the physiological functions of UPRmt and its regulatory mechanisms in age-related eye diseases. The roles of key UPRmt downstream effector molecules in ocular cell populations such as lens epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and retinal ganglion cells are systematically analyzed. Importantly, the dual regulatory nature of UPRmt in ocular pathophysiology is discussed, that is, its moderate activation promotes mitochondrial homeostasis, mitigates oxidative stress, and suppresses inflammatory responses, its chronic or excessive activation triggers apoptotic pathways, induces metabolic dysfunction, and ultimately accelerates disease progression. By elucidating these mechanisms, our review provides novel insights into ocular disease pathogenesis and proposes potential therapeutic strategies targeting UPRmt modulation for the prevention and treatment of age-related eye disorders.

Magnetic stimulation has made significant strides in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, current magnetic stimulation techniques lack the precision to accurately modulate specific nuclei and cannot realize deep brain magnetic stimulation. To address this, we utilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as mediators to achieve precise targeting and penetration. We investigated the effects of magnetic fields with varying frequencies on neuronal activity and compared the activation effects on neurons using a 10-Hz precise magneto-stimulation system (pMSS) with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in mice. Oxytocin levels, dendritic morphology and density, and mouse behavior were measured before and after pMSS intervention. Our findings suggest that pMSS can activate oxytocinergic neurons, leading to upregulation of oxytocin secretion and neurite outgrowth. As a result, sociability was rapidly improved after a one-week pMSS treatment regimen. These results demonstrate a promising magneto-stimulation method for regulating neuronal activity in deep brain nuclei and provide a promising therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder.
Animals ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology* ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods* ; Male ; Social Behavior ; Mice ; Oxytocin/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/physiology*

Objective:A dose verification system of two-dimensional semiconductor matrix(SRS MapCHECK)was used to verify the dose of the clinical treatment plan of patients who underwent CyberKnife(CK),which realized rapid verification for individualization of radiotherapy plans of patients through analyzed the γ-passing rates of them.Methods:A total of 253 patients with tumor who received CK clinical treatment in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from March 2021 to May 2023 were selected.Among of them,121 cases received CK treatment on head,and 30 cases received that on lung,and 102 cases received CK treatment on abdomen and other metastatic tumor.In the MultiPlan treatment plan system,the plan of patient was mapped to the integrated model composed of StereoPHAN model and SRS MapCHECK matrix dose verification system by the means of the plan image center overlap.The dose verification was conducted on the plan of each patient on the basis of ensuring the consistency of the number of beam,direction of beam and the monitor unit.The different γ analysis standards(1%/1 mm,2%/1 mm,3%/1 mm,1%/2 mm,2%/2 mm,3%/2 mm,1%/3 mm,2%/3 mm and 3%/3 mm)were adopted to conduct global analysis of absolute dose for each verification plan,and the threshold(TH)of low dose was set as 10%.Results:The γ passing rates of phantom verification plans of 253 patients were respectively(88.64±5.91)%,(95.43±3.40)%,(97.90±2.06)%,(96.51±2.35)%,(98.15±1.68)%,(99.06±1.12)%,(98.30±1.39)%,(99.09±0.97)%and(99.52±0.63)%under different analysis standards.The γ passing rates of other standards of patients with tumor on different parts were larger than 95%except the analysis result of 1%1 mm standard.The overall analysis result of the deviation of central point dose was(-1.30±2.17)%,among of which the tumor of head,abdominal tumors and other metastatic tumor were about approximately-2%,while that of lung tumors were approximately-3%.The deviation of abdominal and other metastatic tumor was the minimum.The correlation analysis showed that the target volume and the size of the minimum collimator were respectively correlated to the dose deviation of the center.Conclusion:SRS MapCHECK dose verification system can conveniently and quickly realize the individualized verification for the plan of patients who receive CK treatment.

Background::Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by excessive proliferation of small pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), endothelial dysfunction, and extracellular matrix remodeling. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) plays an important role in the maintenance of vascular tone and blood flow. However, the role of GRK2 in the pathogenesis of PAH is unknown.Methods::GRK2 levels were detected in lung tissues from healthy people and PAH patients. C57BL/6 mice, vascular smooth muscle cell-specific Grk2-knockout mice ( Grk2?SM22), and littermate controls ( Grk2flox/flox) were grouped into control and hypoxia mice ( n = 8). Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was induced by exposure to chronic hypoxia (10%) combined with injection of the SU5416 (cHx/SU). The expression levels of GRK2 and Yes-associated protein (YAP) in pulmonary arteries and PASMCs were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA expression levels of Grk2 and Yes-associated protein ( YAP) in PASMCs were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Wound-healing assay, 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining were performed to evaluate the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. Meanwhile, the interaction among proteins was detected by immunoprecipitation assays. Results::The expression levels of GRK2 were upregulated in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PAH and the lungs of PH mice. Moreover, cHx/SU-induced PH was attenuated in Grk2?SM22 mice compared with littermate controls. The amelioration of PH in Grk2?SM22 mice was accompanied by reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling. In vitro study further confirmed that GRK2 knock-down significantly altered hypoxia-induced PASMCs proliferation and migration, whereas this effect was severely intensified by overexpression of GRK2. We also identified that GRK2 promoted YAP expression and nuclear translocation in PASMCs, resulting in excessive PASMCs proliferation and migration. Furthermore, GRK2 is stabilized by inhibiting phosphorylating GRK2 on Tyr86 and subsequently activating ubiquitylation under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion::Our findings suggest that GRK2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of PAH, via regulating YAP expression and nuclear translocation. Therefore, GRK2 serves as a novel therapeutic target for PAH treatment.

Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is a liver disease characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and necrosis of the liver tissue as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a xenobiotic nuclear receptor best known for its function in the transcriptional regulation of drug metabolism and disposition. Clinical reports suggested that the antibiotic rifampicin, a potent human PXR activator, is a contraindication in alcoholics, but the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we showed that the hepatic expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was uniquely elevated in ASH patients and a mouse model of ASH. Pharmacological inhibiting FABP4 attenuated ASH in mice. Furthermore, treatment of mice with the mouse PXR agonist pregnenolon-16α-carbonitrile (PCN) induced the hepatic and circulating levels of FABP4 and exacerbated ASH in a PXR-dependent manner. Our mechanism study established FABP4 as a transcriptional target of PXR. Treatment with andrographolide, a natural compound and dual inhibitor of PXR and FABP4, alleviated mice from ASH. In summary, our results showed that the PXR-FABP4 gene regulatory axis plays an important role in the progression of ASH, which may have accounted for the contraindication of rifampicin in patients of alcoholic liver disease. Pharmacological inhibition of PXR and/or FABP4 may have its promise in the clinical management of ASH.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium hyaluronate gel in preventing adhesion after prophylactic enterostomy.Methods:One hundred and twenty four patients from 6 hospitals were enrolled in this prospective multi-center randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into the study group ( n=59) or the control group ( n=65).All patients underwent prophylactic enterostomy. Patients of study group received odium hyaluronate gel for adhesion-prevention,while those in control group did not receive any adhesion-prevention treatment. The incidence of moderate to severe adhesion around the incision in the stoma area were evalutated during stoma reduction surgery. Results:The incidence of moderate to severe adhesion around the incision in the stoma area was 6.3% in the study group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) compared to that of the control group (32.6%). Conclusion:Sodium hyaluronate gel can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of moderate and severe adhesions after abdominal surgery.

Purpose: Various types of trauma can cause retinal hemorrhages in children, including accidental and nonaccidental head trauma. We used animal eyes and a finite element model of the eye to examine stress patterns produced during purely linear and angular accelerations, along with stresses attained during simulated repetitive shaking of an infant. Methods: Using sheep and primate eyes, sclerotomy windows were created by removing the sclera, choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium to expose the retina. A nanofiber square was glued to a 5 mm2 area of retina. The square was pulled and separated from vitreous while force was measured. A finite element model of the pediatric eye was used to computationally measure tension stresses during shaking. Results: In both sheep and primate eyes, tension stress required for separation of retina from vitreous range from 1 to 5 kPa. Tension stress generated at the vitreoretinal interface predicted by the computer simulation ranged from 3 to 16 kPa during a cycle of shaking. Linear acceleration generated lower tension stress than angular acceleration. Angular acceleration generated maximal tension stress along the retinal vasculature. Linear acceleration produced more diffuse force distribution centered at the poster pole. Conclusions The finite element model predicted that tension stress attained at the retina during forcible shaking of an eye can exceed the minimum threshold needed to produce vitreoretinal separation as measured in animal eyes. Furthermore, the results show that movements that involve significant angular acceleration produce strong stresses localized along the vasculature, whereas linear acceleration produces weaker, more diffuse stress centered towards the posterior pole of the eye.

Objective:To compare the prognosis of patients with unilateral sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma treated by different surgical selection, and analyze the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis.Methods:One hundred and twenty-six patients at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from Feb 2011 to Oct 2018 were retrospectively divided into group A (total thyroiclectomy) and group B (unilateral lobectomy).Results:There were no significant differences in postoperative recurrence rate ( χ2=0.394, P=0.530), mortality ( χ2=3.175, P=0.146), biochemical cure rate ( χ2=0.613, P=0.434), progression free survival and overall survival ( P=0.278, 0.175) between group A and group B; Tumor diameter ≥4 cm and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors affecting the overall survival. The incidence of postoperative temporary hypocalcemia ( χ2=5.068, P=0.024) and permanent hypocalcemia ( χ2=6.590, P=0.010) in group A was higher than that in group B. Conclusions:Ipsolateral thyroidectomy can be applied to patients with unilateral sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma with similar long term prognosis and tower incidence of temporary hypocalcemia and permanent hypocalcemia compared to total thyroidectomy.

Objective To design a kind of customized insole with zonal gradient hardness for people with high arch foot in need of plantar decompression. Methods A functional gradient structure was designed and applied to the customized insole. Porous elements with corresponding elastic modulus were used in different areas of insole. The relationship between structural element parameters and modulus was studied through mechanical tests. The foot geometry and plantar pressure distribution data of volunteers were collected, and the plantar region was divided according to the pressure contour line, so as to assemble the structural unit. Four kinds of customized insoles were designed: ordinary flat insole, optimized flat insole, ordinary full contact insole and optimized full contact insole. Through plantar pressure test experiment, the optimization design of sub region was verified. Results The designed insole could reduce the peak pressure of high arch foot by 52.8% in static standing state and 18.43% in gait condition. Conclusions This method can be used to design customized insoles, such as functional insoles for patients with diabetes and high arch feet, by providing better decompression function. The research findings provide references for conservative treatment of foot diseases with decompression needs.

Objective:To observe the effects of miR-146a on human retinal endothelial cell (HREC) under high glucose condition.Methods:Total of 57 cases diagnosed as diabetic mellitus and 40 cases with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from October to December 2013.Forty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled and served as control group.The clinical data and venous blood samples of subjects were collected.HRECs were cultured in normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L) or high glucose medium (30 mmol/L). Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-146a.The cultured HRECs were transfected with miR-146a mimic, mimic negative control, inhibitor and inhibitor negative control by lipofectamine2000, respectively.The expression of miR-146a and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA was examined by real-time PCR and the expression of nuclear factor-кB (NF-кB) p65 and NF-кB p65 Ser536 was detected by Western blot assay. Results:The relative expression of miR-146a mRNA in the diabetic mellitus group and DR group was 0.36±0.08 and 0.27±0.08, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.00±0.16 in the control group (both at P<0.01). The expression of miR-146a mRNA was 0.37±0.11 in the high glucose group, which was lower than 1.00±0.18 in the normal control group ( t=5.57, P<0.01). The relative expression of miR-146a mRNA in the miR-146a mimic group was 2 540.00±105.00, which was significantly higher than 61.00±17.90 in the miR-146a mimic control group; The relative expression of miR-146a mRNA in the miR-146a inhibitor group was 0.04±0.01, which was significantly lower than 0.88±0.04 in the miR-146a inhibitor control group ( t=23.23, 17.12; both at P<0.01). The relative expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in the miR-146a mimic group was 0.35±0.12, which was significantly lower than 1.00±0.13 in the miR-146a mimic control group; The relative expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in the miR-146a inhibitor group was 2.74±0.48, which was significantly higher than 1.00±0.16 in the miR-146a inhibitor control group ( t=3.58, 3.37; both at P<0.05). The relative expression of NF-кB p65 Ser536 in the miR-146a mimic group was 0.43±0.03, which was significantly lower than 1.07±0.09 in the miR-146a mimic control group ( t=6.74, P<0.01). The relative expression of NF-кB p65 Ser536 in the miR-146a inhibitor group was 2.08±0.12, which was significantly higher than 1.00±0.01 in the miR-146a inhibitor control group ( t=8.76; P<0.01). Conclusions:miR-146a can reduce inflammation of HREC in high glucose condition through inhibiting ICAM-1 expression and NF-кB phosphorylation.