ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Huayu Mingmu prescription on retinal angiogenesis and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR）-hypoxia inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor A （HIF-1α/VEGFA） signaling pathway in diabetic retinopathy （DR） rats. MethodsSixty-four SPF-grade male SD rats were used in the study. Eleven rats were randomly selected as the normal group， while the remaining 53 rats were fed a high-sugar， high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin （STZ） intraperitoneal injection to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） rat model. DR model evaluation was performed after 12 weeks of diabetes. The rats were then divided into model， low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Huayu Mingmu prescription （9.29， 18.57， 37.14 g·kg^-1）， and a calcium dobesilate group （0.16 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. The rats were orally administered the corresponding doses of Huayu Mingmu prescription and calcium dobesilate. The normal and model groups received equal volumes of physiological saline via gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Retinal vascular changes were observed through fundus photography， and pathological changes in retinal tissue were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Retinal microvascular pathological changes were examined through retinal vascular network preparation and periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining. Immunofluorescence （IF） was used to detect the expression of VEGFA and angiopoietin-2 （Ang-2） in retinal tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， HIF-1α， VEGFA， and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， HIF-1α， VEGFA， and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significant pathological changes in retinal tissue， including the appearance of acellular capillaries， as well as significant endothelial cell （E） proliferation and pericyte （P） loss （P<0.01）. The E/P was significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， HIF-1α， VEGFA， and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the expression of Ang-2 protein was significantly elevated （P<0.01）. In contrast， retinal tissue in the treatment groups showed alleviated pathological changes， with reduced endothelial cell proliferation and pericyte loss （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Among the treatment groups， the high-dose Huayu Mingmu prescription and the calcium dobesilate group exhibited a decreased E/P （P<0.01）. Protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR， HIF-1α， VEGFA， and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the expression of Ang-2 protein was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionHuayu Mingmu prescription can intervene in retinal neovascularization in DR rats， delay the progression of DR， and its mechanism may be related to antagonizing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway.

ObjectiveGliomas in the motor functional area can damage the corticospinal tract (CST), leading to motor dysfunction. Currently, there is a lack of unified methods for evaluating the extent of CST damage, especially in patients with high surgical risk where the minimum distance from the lesion to the CST is less than 10 mm. This study aims to further clarify the classification method and clinical significance of CST morphological changes in these patients. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 109 high-risk functional area glioma patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment with preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) imaging and intraoperative neurostimulation guidance between 2014 and 2024. All patients had a lesion-to-tract distance (LTD) of less than 10 mm between the CST and the lesion. Preoperative DTI evaluation of CST involvement-induced morphological changes were reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 cases (15.6%) with symmetric CST morphology compared to the healthy side (CST symmetry), 48 cases (44.0%) with significant CST morphology changes compared to the healthy side (CST deformation), and 44 cases (40.4%) with CST overlap with the tumor (CST overlap). Then we classified patients according to preoperative assessment of tumor-induced morphological changes, and analyze postoperative motor function for each category. ResultsPostoperative pathology showed a significantly higher proportion of high-grade gliomas (HGG) in the CST overlap group compared to the other two groups (P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CST overlap was a predictor of HGG (P=0.000). The rate of total tumor resection in the CST deformation group and overlap group was lower than in the CST symmetric group (P=0.008). There was a total of 41 postoperative hemiplegic patients, with 4 cases (23.5%) in the CST symmetric group, 11 cases (22.9%) in the CST deformation group, and 26 cases (59.1%) in the CST overlap group. CST overlap with the tumor predicted postoperative hemiplegia (P=0.016). Two-way ANOVA analysis of the affected/healthy side and CST morphology groups showed significant main effects of CST grouping and healthy-affected side (P=0.017 and P=0.010), with no significant interaction (P=0.31). The fractional anisotropy (FA) value in the CST overlap group and the affected side was lower. A decrease in the FA value on the affected side predicted postoperative hemiplegia (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 71.9%). ConclusionWe have established a method to predict postoperative hemiplegia in high-risk motor functional area glioma patients based on preoperative CST morphological changes. CST overlap leads to a decrease in CST FA values. This method can be used for precise patient management and aid in accurate preoperative surgical planning.

A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in SLCO2A1, c.1658T > A and c.96+4A > C.Through multidisciplinary consultation, we confirmed the diagnosis of pachydermoperiostosis.

AIM: To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Tang on the expression levels of ferritin, recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), glutathione(GSH), and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in retinal of aging model rats.METHODS: A total of 45 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)group, with 15 rats in each group. The blank group was intraperitoneally injected with physiological saline, while the model group and TCM group were intraperitoneally injected with D-galactose [500 mg/(kg·d)]. At the same time, the TCM group was orally administered with Liuwei Dihuang Tang [6.75 g/(kg·d)], while the blank group and model group were orally administered with equal volume of physiological saline for 8 consecutive wk. The expression levels of ferritin, SLC7A11, GSH, and GPX4 in the retinal tissues of rats in each group were detected.RESULTS: The expression of ferritin in the retinal tissue of the model group was increased compared to the blank group(P<0.05), while the expression of GSH, SLC7A11, and GPX4 was reduced(P<0.05). The expression of GSH, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the retina tissue of rats in the TCM group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Liuwei Dihuang Tang may exert a delaying effect on retinal aging by regulating the ferroptosis pathway.

Objective: To explore the association between bedroom light at night (LAN) exposure and body mass index (BMI) in children at 1 year follow up, so as to provide new strategies for obesity prevention. Methods: From December 2021 to May 2022, cluster random sampling was conducted, involving 648 children from two primary schools in Tianchang, Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, China, to assess bedroom LAN exposure of children during sleep. A questionnaire survey and physical examination were carried out in May 2022. Multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze the correlation between bedroom LAN exposure and BMI variable quantity at 1 year follow up (May, 2023). Results: The median intensity of bedroom LAN exposure during the sleep episode was [1.11(0.35,3.24)lx] in children. The proportion of the sample exposed to an average light intensity of ≥3 lx was 27.5%, while 19.0% was exposed to a LAN intensity of ≥5 lx during the sleep episode. In the multivariable linear regression, after adjusting for covariates, including sex, baseline age, sleep duration, family monthly income, and maternal education level, exposure to a 1 h-average post bedtime LAN intensity of ≥3 lx ( β=0.25, 95%CI =0.05-0.44) and LAN≥5 lx ( β=0.34, 95% CI = 0.12-0.55) was associated with a gain of 0.25 and 0.34 kg/m 2, respectively, in the children s BMI at the 1 year follow up ( P < 0.05). Conclusions A positive correlation was found between bedroom LAN exposure and BMI variable quantity at 1 year follow up in children. Thus, reduced bedroom LAN exposure might be useful for interventions aimed at obesity prevention.

AIM:To investigate the effect of gastrodin(GAS)on microglia-mediated inflammatory response after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)neonatal mice by regulating the expression of JAK1/STAT1 pathway through C-C chemokine recepeor 5(CCR5).METHODS:Forty-eight C57BL/6J mice at about 10 days after birth were randomly divided into sham group,HIBD model group and HIBD+GAS group.BV-2 microglia were divided into control(Con)group,oxygen glucose deprivation(OGD)group,oxygen glucose deprivation with gastrodin intervention(OGD+GAS)group,GAS group,Maraviroc(MVC)group,OGD+MVC group,and OGD+MVC+GAS group.The mRNA expression of CCL4 and CCR5 were detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expression of CCR5,p-JAK1,p-STAT1,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were detected by Western blot.The expression of CCR5,p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 in cells were observed by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:(1)Compared with sham group,the expression levels of CCL4 and CCR5 mRNA,and CCR5,p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 proteins were significantly higher in the ischemic side of the corpus callosum in HIBD group(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with Con group,the protein levels of CCR5,p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 significantly increased in BV-2 cells of OGD group(P＜0.05).The protein levels of CCR5,p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 in BV-2 cells of OGD+GAS group were significantly lower than those of OGD group(P＜0.05).(3)Maraviroc did not cause significant BV-2 cell death in the 0～80 μmol/L range.The p-JAK1 and p-STAT1 protein levels in MVC+OGD group were significantly lowered compared with OGD group(P＜0.05),but no significant difference was found between MVC+ OGD and OGD+MVC+GAS groups.CONCLUSION:Gastrodin can exert neuroprotective effects via CCR5/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of gastrodin for inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammation after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)in neonatal rats.Methods Thirty-nine 3-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into sham group,HIBD group and gastrodin treatment group.Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the corpus callosum of the rats.The potential targets of gastrodin for treatment of HIBD were screened by network pharmacology analysis.The expressions of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway proteins following HIBD-induced microglial activation in the rats and in cultured microglial BV-2 cells with oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD)were detected with Western blotting.The effects of LY294002(a specific inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway)and gastrodin on TNF-α and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in BV-2 cells with OGD was detected with RT-qPCR.Results In the neonatal rats with HIBD,gastrodin treatment significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β expressions and enhanced IL-10 and TGF-β1 expressions in the ischemic corpus callosum.Network pharmacology analysis showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and a strong binding between gastrodin and PI3K.Gastrodin significantly promoted PI3K and AKT phosphorylation in neonatal rats with HIBD and in BV-2 cells exposed to OGD.In BV-2 cells with OGD,gastrodin obviously suppressed OGD-induced increase of TNF-α and reduction of TGF-β1 mRNA expressions,and this effect was strongly attenuated by LY294002 treatment.Conclusion Gastrodin can inhibit microglia-mediated inflammation in neonatal rats with HIBD by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the mechanism behind the protective effects of gastrodin against microglia-mediated inflammatory responses following hypoxic-ischemic brain damage(HIBD)in neonatal mice.Methods Thirty-six 10-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomized into sham-operated group,HIBD(induced by ligation of the left common carotid artery followed by hypoxia for 40 min)group,and HIBD with gastrodin treatment groups(n=12).In gastrodin treatment group,100 mg/kg gastrodin was injected intraperitoneally 1 h before and at 2 and 12 h after hypoxia.After the treatments,the expressions of CCR5,AKT,p-AKT,and TNF-α and the co-expression of IBA1 and CCR5 in the corpus callosum of the mice were detected with Western blotting and immunofluorescence double staining.In a BV2 microglial cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD),the effects of pretreatment with gastrodin and Maraviroc(an CCR5 antagonist)on protein expressions of CCR5,AKT,p-AKT,TNF-α and IL-1β were evaluated using Western blotting and immunofluorescence double staining.Results The neonatal mice with HIBD showed significantly increased expressions of CCR5 and TNF-α with lowered p-AKT expression in the brain tissues,and GAS treatment obviously reversed these changes.HIBD also significantly increased the co-expression of IBA1 and CCR5 in the corpus callosum of the mice,which was obviously lowered by gastrodin treatment.In BV2 cells,OGD significantly increased the expressions of CCR5,TNF-α,and IL-1β and decreased the expression of p-AKT,and these changes were inhibited by treatment with gastrodin,Maraviroc or their combination;the inhibitory effect of the combined treatment did not differ significantly from that of gastrodin or Maraviroc alone.Conclusion Gastrodin can produce neuroprotective effects in neonatal mice with HIBD by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production and activate AKT phosphorylation via inhibiting CCR5.

Objective Tissue uptake and distribution of nano-/microplastics was studied at a single high dose by gavage in vivo.Methods Fluorescent microspheres (100 nm, 3 μm, and 10 μm) were given once at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·body weight). The fluorescence intensity (FI) in observed organs was measured using the IVIS Spectrum at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after administration. Histopathology was performed to corroborate these findings.Results In the 100 nm group, the FI of the stomach and small intestine were highest at 0.5 h, and the FI of the large intestine, excrement, lung, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscles were highest at 4 h compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the 3 μm group, the FI only increased in the lung at 2 h (P < 0.05). In the 10 μm group, the FI increased in the large intestine and excrement at 2 h, and in the kidney at 4 h (P < 0.05). The presence of nano-/microplastics in tissues was further verified by histopathology. The peak time of nanoplastic absorption in blood was confirmed.Conclusion Nanoplastics translocated rapidly to observed organs/tissues through blood circulation;however, only small amounts of MPs could penetrate the organs.

Objective This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of Shenling Baizhu Granules in treating low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)in rectal cancer.Methods The study employed a randomized,double-blind,placebo-parallel controlled,single-center,validity-tested clinical trial design.December 2019 to June 2022,the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Peking University First Hospital recruited 110 patients who had undergone low anterior resection(LAR)for rectal cancer and subsequently developed LARS.These patients,meeting the enrollment criteria,were randomly assigned into the treatment group(55)and the control group(55)using the double-blind method principle.The randomization table was generated by SAS 9.2 software employing the double-blind method.The treatment group received oral Shenling Baizhu Granules,while the control group received oral placebo granules.Both groups commenced treatment on the 10th day after-surgery for 30 consecutive days.Patients were evaluated using LARS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom grading,and XU Zhongfa score before treatment,on the 15th day of treatment,and on the 1st day after treatment cessation.Results Out of 110 patients,107 were included in the full analysis set for efficacy analysis:55 patients in the treatment group and 55 patients in the control group.One case in the treatment group was excluded(against protocol),and two cases in the control group were excluded(one lost to follow-up,one against protocol).Baseline data between the two groups were consistent,with no statistically significant difference.Before treatment,LARS scores for the treatment and control groups were 33.0(31.0,36.0)and 34.0(32.0,37.0)respectively.Patients with TCM symptom scores of grades 2 to 3 accounted for 92.73％and 90.57％in the treatment and control groups,respectively,with no statistically significant difference.After 30 days of treatment,LARS scores for the treatment and control groups were 21.0(19.8,23.0)and 26.0(22.0,28.0)respectively.The percentage of patients with TCM symptom scores of grades 2 to 3 decreased to 33.33％in the treatment group and 66.04％in the control group,with a statistically significant difference.Shenling Baizhu Granules showed rapid improvement in watery or loose stools in post-operative rectal cancer patients.After 30 days of treatment,Shenling Baizhu Granules significantly improved appetite,stool consistency,abdominal distension,abdominal pain,and eructation symptoms in postoperative rectal cancer patients.Before treatment,the XU Zhongfa scores for the treatment and control groups were 3.0(2.0,4.3)and 4.0(2.0,4.0)respectively,with no statistically significant difference.After 30 days of treatment,the XU Zhongfa scores for the treatment and control groups were 7.0(6.0,8.0)and 6.0(5.0,7.0)respectively,with the treatment group significantly higher than the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Shenling Baizhu Granules can effectively improve LARS symptoms in patients following LAR of rectal cancer within a short period of time.