Quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale semiconductor crystals, have emerged as a revolutionary class of nanomaterials with unique optical and electrochemical properties, making them highly promising for applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. Their tunable emission spectra, long-term photostability, high quantum yield, and excellent charge carrier mobility enable precise control over light emission and efficient charge utilization, which are critical for biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the use of quantum dots for disease diagnosis and therapy, highlighting their potential and the challenges involved in clinical translation. Quantum dots can be classified based on their elemental composition and structural configuration. For instance, IB-IIIA-VIA group quantum dots and core-shell structured quantum dots are among the most widely studied types. These classifications are essential for understanding their diverse functionalities and applications. In disease diagnosis, quantum dots have demonstrated remarkable potential due to their high brightness, photostability, and ability to provide precise biomarker detection. They are extensively used in bioimaging technologies, enabling high-resolution imaging of cells, tissues, and even individual biomolecules. As fluorescent markers, quantum dots facilitate cell tracking, biosensing, and the detection of diseases such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and immune-related disorders. Their ability to provide real-time, in vivo tracking of cellular processes has opened new avenues for early and accurate disease detection. In the realm of disease treatment, quantum dots serve as versatile nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Their nanoscale size and surface modifiability allow them to transport therapeutic agents to specific sites, improving drug bioavailability and reducing off-target effects. Additionally, quantum dots have shown promise as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, quantum dots interact with oxygen molecules to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can selectively destroy malignant cells, vascular lesions, and microbial infections. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissues, making PDT a promising strategy for treating complex diseases. Despite these advancements, the translation of quantum dots from research to clinical application faces significant challenges. Issues such as toxicity, stability, and scalability in industrial production remain major obstacles. The potential toxicity of quantum dots, particularly to vital organs, has raised concerns about their long-term safety. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to mitigate these risks, including surface modification, coating, and encapsulation techniques, which can enhance biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. Furthermore, improving the stability of quantum dots under physiological conditions is crucial for their effective use in biomedical applications. Advances in surface engineering and the development of novel encapsulation methods have shown promise in addressing these stability concerns. Industrial production of quantum dots also presents challenges, particularly in achieving consistent quality and scalability. Recent innovations in synthesis techniques and manufacturing processes are paving the way for large-scale production, which is essential for their widespread adoption in clinical settings. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research progress in quantum dot applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and pathogen detection. It also discusses the multiple barriers hindering their clinical use and explores potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of quantum dot research, emphasizing the need for further studies on toxicity mitigation, stability enhancement, and scalable production. By addressing these critical issues, quantum dots can realize their full potential as transformative tools in disease diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing biomedical science.

Aim To investigate the role of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in promoting the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells to β cells. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) for five consecutive days to establish a type 1 diabetes (T1DM) mouse model. After two weeks, they were randomly divided into model groups and 97% EPA diet intervention group, 75% fish oil (50% EPA +25% DHA) diet intervention group, and random blood glucose was detected every week; after the model expired, the regeneration of pancreatic β cells in mouse pancreas was observed by immunofluorescence staining. The islets of mice (obtained by crossing GCG

Objective We aimed to compared matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in synovial fluid,the phosphorylation level of Smad3 in articular cartilage (P-Smad3),and their correlation with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) of liver-kidney deficiency pattern and pattern of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis.Methods Using a cross-sectional field investigation method,KOA patients hospitalized in the Orthopedics Department of Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2019 to February 2023 were collected. A total of 112 KOA patients were included,among which 63 cases were diagnosed with liver-kidney deficiency pattern,and 49 cases were diagnosed with pattern of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis. The intensity of knee pain,function,and X-ray imaging result were quantified using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS),Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale,and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) Grading Scale,respectively. The TCM pattern was identified and quantified using a TCM Pattern Scoring Scale. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the phosphorylation characteristics of Smad3 in articular cartilage,and ELISA was used to measure the contents of MMP-13 and TGF-β1 in synovial fluid. The level characteristics and their correlation with the degree of syndrome were analyzed.Results (i) There was no statistically significant difference in VAS scores,Lysholm scores,and K-L grades between KOA patients with different TCM patterns. (ii) Compared with KOA patients with pattern of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis,patients with pattern of liver-kidney deficiency had higher levels of MMP-13 in synovial fluid and lower levels of TGF-β1 in synovial fluid (P<0.05). (iii) In KOA patients with liver-kidney deficiency pattern,there was a positive correlation between the level of MMP-13 in synovial fluid and the score of TCM pattern (r=0.292,P=0.020),while there was a negative correlation between the level of TGF-β1 in synovial fluid and the score of TCM pattern (r=-0.781,P<0.001). In KOA patients with pattern of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis,there was also a positive correlation between the level of MMP-13 in synovial fluid and the score of TCM pattern (r=0.936,P<0.001). (iv) The mean optical density value of P-Smad3 in articular cartilage was lower in KOA patients with liver-kidney deficiency pattern than in pattern of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis (P<0.05).Conclusion KOA patients with liver-kidney deficiency pattern or pattern of intermingled phlegm and blood stasis have different levels of TGF-β1 and MMP-13 in synovial fluid,as well as varying degrees of Smad3 phosphorylation in articular cartilage,which is consistent with the analysis of etiology and pathogenesis under different patterns. The levels of TGF-β1 and MMP-13 in synovial fluid of patients with liver-kidney deficiency pattern can reflect the severity of the pattern to a certain extent,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation level of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This study enriches the research content of the material basis of TCM patterns.

Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment on tumor growth in mice with Lewis lung cancer,and to explore the molecular mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian rapamycin target protein(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signal pathway.Methods Sixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group(0.9％NaCl),Lewis lung cancer-bearing mice were randomly divided into model group(0.9％NaCl),control group(0.9％NaCl,cisplatin 5 mg·kg-1)and low,medium,high dose experimental groups(Guiqi Yiyuan ointment 1.6,3.3,6.6 g·kg-1,cisplatin 5 mg·kg-1).Flow cytometry was used to detect bone marrow-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs);the expression of related proteins in tumor tissues was detected by Western blot.Results The tumor inhibition rates in control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(39.87±4.45)％,(45.74±14.97)％,(57.78±4.70)％and(69.82±11.05)％.The proportion of MDSCs in bone marrow of in blank group,model group,control group and low,medium,high dose experimental groups were(36.13±1.08)％,(68.63±2.94)％,(58.93±2.02)％,(58.00±1.50)％,(50.93±5.06)％and(43.07±2.41)％.The protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K in model group,control group and low,medium and high experimental groups were 0.97±0.03,0.77±0.02,0.72±0.01,0.68±0.03 and 0.53±0.02;PTEN were 0.21±0.07,0.65±0.07,0.74±0.06,0.99±0.13,1.11±0.13;p-Akt/Akt were 1.01±0.02,0.82±0.02,0.77±0.00,0.72±0.03 and 0.52±0.04;p-mTOR/mTOR were 1.01±0.01,0.76±0.05,0.69±0.07,0.59±0.06 and 0.47±0.06.There were significant differences between low,medium,high experimental groups and control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Guiqi Yiyuan ointment combined with cisplatin can significantly improve the quality of life and inhibit tumor growth in mice.The mechanism may be the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway and the enhancement of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy.

Objective To observe the effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder on the growth of subcutaneously implanted tumor and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase(caspase)-3 and caspase-9 in subcutaneously implanted tumor of Lewis lung cancer mice.Methods The model of transplanted tumor of Lewis lung cancer in mice was established.Seventy SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group,control group and combined group.Blank group and model group were given 0.9％NaCl 0.2 mL by gavage;control group was given 0.9％NaCl by gavage and 25 mg·kg-1cisplatin intraperitoneally;high,medium,low dose experimental groups were given 193,96,48 mg·kg-1·d-1 Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder 0.2 mL by gavage,respectively;combined group was given 96 mg·kg-1·d-1 Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder 0.2 mL by gavage,and 25 mg·kg-1 cisplatin intraperitoneally,once every other day.The myelogenous suppressor cells(MDSCs)of mouse bone marrow were detected by flow cytometry,and the expressions of Bel-2,Bax,caspase-3 and caspase-9 in tumor cells were detected by immunofluorescence.Results The percentage of MDSCs in bone marrow of mice in blank group,model group,low dose experimental,medium,high dose experimental group,control group and combination group were(32.50±2.76)％,(63.13±3.14)％,(48.43±2.23)％,(42.53±1.28)％,(32.93±3.56)％,(51.30±4.25)％and(19.90±6.21)％,respectively.The fluorescence intensities of Bax in model group,low dose experimental group,medium dose experimental group,high dose experimental group,control group and combination group were 10.42±0.68,12.40±1.23,15.14±0.65,22.95±1.76,27.18±1.62 and 31.61±1.28;Bel-2 were 36.85±0.80,33.92±4.20,28.88±1.01,20.04±2.21,15.69±2.36 and 6.05±0.73;caspase-3 were 5.28±0.44,7.63±0.55,9.66±0.85,14.73±1.18,17.95±1.29 and 22.92±1.95;caspase-9 were 9.48±0.90,11.57±0.72,13.45±0.93,15.73±1.44,19.20±0.96 and 23.21±1.51.There were significant differences between medium,high dose experimental groups and model group(all P＜0.05),and there were significant differences between combined group and control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Platycodon grandiflorum Bai powder can up-regulating the expression of Bax,caspase-3 and caspase-9,down-regulating the expression of Bel-2,inhibiting MDSCs,promoting tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth.

Objective To explore clinical outcomes and bone resection of interlaminar fenestration decompression and u-nilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)technique in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods A retrospective study was performed on 105 patients with single-level LDH treated from December 2019 to December 2021.Fifty-four patients in UBE group,including 32 males and 22 females,aged from 18 to 50 years old with an average of(38.7±9.3)years old,were treated with UBE,29 patients withL4.5and 25 patients with L5S1.There were 51 patients in small fenestration group,including 27 males and 24 females,aged from 18 to 50 years old with an average of(39.9±10.0)years old,were treated with small fenestra-tion,25 patients with L4.5 and 26 patients with L5S1.Perioperative indexes,such as operation time,postoperative time of getting out of bed and hospital stay were observed and compared between two groups.Visual analogue scale(VAS)and Oswestry dis-ability index(ODI)were compared between two groups before operation and 1,3,6 and 12 months after operation,respective-ly;and modified MacNab evaluation criteria was used to evaluate clinical efficacy.Amount of bone resection and retention rate of inferior articular process laminoid complex were compared between two groups.Results All 105 patients were successfully completed operation.Both of two groups were followed up from 6 to 12 months with an average of(10.69±2.49)months.Oper-ation time,postoperative time of getting out of bed and hospital stay were(58.20±5.54)min,(2.40±0.57)dand(3.80±0.61)d in UBE group,and(62.90±7.14)min,(4.40±0.64)d and(4.40±0.64)d in small fenestrum group,respectively;and had sta-tistically difference between two groups(P＜0.05).Postoperative VAS of low back and leg pain and ODI in both groups were significantly lower than those before surgery(P＜0.05).VAS of lumbar pain in UBE group(1.37±0.49)score was lower than that of small fenestration group(2.45±0.64)score,and had statistically difference(t=9.745,P＜0.05).Postoperative ODI in UBE group at 1 and 3 months were(28.54±3.31)％and(22.87±3.23)％,respectively,which were lower than those in small fenestra group(36.31±9.08)％and(29.90±8.36)％,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).There were no significant difference in VAS and ODI between two groups at other time points(P＞0.05).According to the modified MacNab evaluation criteria at the latest follow-up,49 patients got excellent result,3 good,and 2 fair in UBE group.In small fenestration group,35 patients got excellent,12 good,and 4 fair.In UBE group,amount of bone resection on L4,5 segment was(0.45±0.08)cm3 and(0.31±0.08)cm3 on the segment of L5S1.In small fenestration group,amount of bone resection on L4.5 segment was(0.57±0.07)cm3 and(0.49±0.04)cm3 on the segment of L5S1,and amount of bone resection of lower articular process laminar complex on the same segment in UBE group was less than that in small fenestration group(P＜0.05).In UBE group,retention rate of laminoid complex on L4,5 segment was(0.73±0.04)and L5S1 segment was(0.83±0.03),whileL4,5segment was(0.68± 0.06)and L5S1 segment was(0.74±0.04)in small fenestration group,the lower articular process laminar complex retention rate in UBE group was higher than that in small fenestration group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Both unilateral double-channel endoscopy and small fenestration of laminae could achieve good clinical results in treating LDH,but UBE has advantages of less trauma,higher eficiency,faster postoperative recovery and less damage to bone structure.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of endogenous ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA)against cisplatin-induced myelosuppression and the mechanism of reducing apoptosis in bone marrow nucleated cells using mfat-1 transgenic mice.Methods:The experimental animals were divided into 4 groups:wild-type mice normal control group,mfat-1 transgenic mice normal control group,wild-type mice model group and mfat-1 transgenic mice model group.The mice in the model group were injected intraperitoneally with 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin on day 0 and day 7 to construct a myelosuppression model,while the mice in the normal control group were injected intraperitoneally with an equal amount of saline,and their status was observed and their body weight was measured daily.Peripheral blood was taken after 14 day for routine blood analysis,and the content and proportion of PUFA in peripheral blood were detected using gas chromatography.Bone marrow nucleated cells in the femur of mice were counted.The histopathological changes in bone marrow were observed by histopathological staining.The apoptosis of nucleated cells and the expression level changes of apoptosis-related genes in the bone marrow of mice were detected by flow cytometry and fluorescence quantitative PCR.Results:Compared with wild-type mice,mfat-1 transgenic mice showed significantly increased levels of ω-3 PUFA in peripheral blood and greater tolerance to cisplatin.Peripheral blood analysis showed that endogenous ω-3 PUFA promoted the recovery of leukocytes,erythrocytes,platelets and haemoglobin in peripheral blood of myelosuppressed mice.The results of HE staining showed that endogenous ω-3 PUFA significantly improved the structural damage of bone marrow tissue induced by cisplatin.Flow cytometry and PCR showed that,compared with wild-type mice model group,the apoptosis rate of bone marrow nucleated cells in mfat-1 transgenic mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.001),and the expression of anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 mRNA was significantly increased(P＜0.01),while the expressions of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Bak mRNA were significantly reduced(P＜0.001,P＜0.05).Conclusion:Endogenous ω-3 PUFA can reduce cisplatin-induced apoptosis in bone marrow nucleated cells,increase the number of peripheral blood cells and exert a protective effect against cisplatin-induced myelosuppression by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related genes.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effect of injection of indocyanine green(ICG)through peripheral vein and gallbladder in laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)of difficult gallbladder.Methods Patients with difficult gallbladder who underwent LC by the same surgical team from May to October 2023 in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology were divided into three groups according to A random number table.Group A was injected ICG through peripheral vein before operation,group B was injected ICG through gallbladder during operation,and group C was the control group.The differences of operation time,intraoperative blood loss,hospitalization time,hospitalization cost and postoperative complications among the three groups were compared,and the effects of fluorescence mode cholangio-gram in group A and group B were compared.One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the normal distri-bution of the measurement data among groups,and LSD-t test was used to compare the two groups.The counting data was compared by chi-square test.The Boferroni test was appied to compare the two groups.Results There were no differences in length of stay,hospitalization cost and postoperative complications among the three groups(P＞0.05).The operative time and intraoperative blood loss of group A and group B were lower than those of group C(P＜0.05),but there was no difference between group A and group B(P＞0.05).The total imaging rate of the first three tubes of free gallbladder triangle(early stage)in group A was 41.67%,which was significantly lower than that in group B(63.89%)(P＜0.05).Conclusion ICG is beneficial for the identification of extrahepatic bile duct structures during LC of difficult gallbladder,and ICG injection through the gallbladder is helpful for the early identification of extrahepatic bile duct.

Objective:To evaluate trauma repair and reconstruction surgery mediated by near-infrared-Ⅱ (NIR-Ⅱ) imaging in practice of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 38 patients who had undergone trauma repair and reconstruction surgery mediated by near-infrared-Ⅱ (NIR-Ⅱ) imaging in practice of ERAS principles at Department of Orthopedic Trauma and Microsurgery, Zhongnan Hospital from May 2021 to December 2021. There were 22 males and 16 females with an age of (50.3±2.7) years. To implement ERAS, NIR-Ⅱ imaging was used for patency evaluation after vascular anastomosis in 14 cases, for skin flap harvesting and perfusion monitoring in 13 cases, and for evaluation of arterial/venous blood supply after finger replantation in 11 cases. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at 2, 7 and 14 days after surgery, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction [by Chinese Hospital Patient Experience and Satisfaction Monitor (CHPESM)], limb function recovery (by Likert scale) and postoperative complications were recorded.Results:All patients were followed up for more than 14 days. All surgeries succeeded. The reconstructed limbs or flaps survived to recover basically normal shape and function. The VAS scores for all patients were (2.1±0.6) points, (1.6±0.6) points and (0.8±0.4) points on postoperative 2, 7 and 14 days, respectively. The length of hospital stay was (9.8±3.4) days, and the patient satisfaction was >95% at discharge. As for the recovery of limb function at the last follow-up evaluated by the Likert 5-point scale, 12 cases experienced no stiffness, 8 ones mild stiffness, 11 ones slightly severe stiffness, 3 ones moderate to severe stiffness, 2 ones severe stiffness, and 2 ones complete stiffness. Complications related to the surgery occurred in none of the patients.Conclusion:In practice of ERAS principles, application of NIR-Ⅱ imaging in trauma repair and reconstruction surgery can effectively alleviate pain, improve satisfaction, reduce hospital stay, and accelerate functional recovery for the patients.

AIM To investigate the effects of Moluodan Dami Pills on chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)rats and their mechanism.METHODS The rat models were randomly divided into the model group,the low-dose group and high-dose Moluodan Dami Pills groups(2.43 g/kg and 4.86 g/kg),and vitamin A group(0.32 g/kg),following the 16 weeks successful induction of CAG by five-factor modeling method,in contrast to another 10 normal rats of the control group.After 8 weeks corresponding administration,the rats of each group had their general physiological status and pH value of gastric juice assessed;their pathological changes of gastric mucosa observed by naked eyes combined with HE staining;their changes of gastrin-secreting cells(G cells)and somatostatin-secreting cells(D cells)in gastric mucosa observed by immunohistochemistry;and their serum levels of pepsinogen Ⅰ/pepsinogen Ⅱ(PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ)ratio,TNF-α and IL-6 detected by ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Moluodan Damei Pills and vitamin A displayed lower pH values of gastric juice(P＜0.05),improved pathological changes of gastric mucosa,increased G and D cells counts(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),increased ratio of serum PGⅠ/PGⅡ,and decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Moluodan Dami Pills can effectively improve the symptoms of CAG rats through its influence on the number and secretion abilityof G and D cells,the levels of serum PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ ratio and inflammatory factors.