Thrombospondin 4 (THBS4; TSP4), a crucial component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), serves as an important regulator of tissue homeostasis and various pathophysiological processes. As a member of the evolutionarily conserved thrombospondin family, THBS4 is a multidomain adhesive glycoprotein characterized by six distinct structural domains that mediate its diverse biological functions. Through dynamic interactions with various ECM components, THBS4 plays pivotal roles in cell adhesion, proliferation, inflammation regulation, and tissue remodeling, establishing it as a key modulator of microenvironmental organization. The transcription and translation of THBS4 gene, as well as the activity of the THBS4 protein, are tightly regulated by multiple signaling pathways and extracellular cues. Positive regulators of THBS4 include transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interferon-γ (IFNγ), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP12/13), and other regulatory factors (such as B4GALNT1, ITGA2/ITGB1, PDGFRβ, etc.), which upregulate THBS4 at the mRNA and/or protein level. Conversely, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OXLDL) acts as a potent negative regulator of THBS4. This intricate regulatory network ensures precise spatial and temporal control of THBS4 expression in response to diverse physiological and pathological stimuli. Functionally, THBS4 acts as a critical signaling hub, influencing multiple downstream pathways essential for cellular behavior and tissue homeostasis. The best-characterized pathways include: (1) the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, which THBS4 modulates through both direct and indirect interactions with integrins and growth factor receptors; (2) Wnt/β-catenin signaling, where THBS4 functions as either an activator or inhibitor depending on the cellular context; (3) the suppression of DBET/TRIM69, contributing to its diverse regulatory roles. These signaling connections position THBS4 as a master regulator of cellular responses to microenvironmental changes. Substantial evidence links aberrant THBS4 expression to a range of pathological conditions, including neoplastic diseases, cardiovascular disorders, fibrotic conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and atopic dermatitis. In cancer biology, THBS4 exhibits context-dependent roles, functioning either as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the tumor type and microenvironment. In the cardiovascular system, THBS4 contributes to both adaptive remodeling and maladaptive fibrotic responses. Its involvement in fibrotic diseases arises from its ability to regulate ECM deposition and turnover. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of THBS4 is particularly promising in oncology and cardiovascular medicine. As a biomarker, THBS4 expression patterns correlate significantly with disease progression and patient outcomes. Therapeutically, targeting THBS4-mediated pathways offers novel opportunities for precision medicine approaches, including anti-fibrotic therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and enhancement of tissue repair. This comprehensive review systematically explores three key aspects of THBS4 research(1) the fundamental biological functions of THBS4 in ECM organization; (2) its mechanistic involvement in various disease pathologies; (3) its emerging potential as both a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. By integrating recent insights from molecular studies, animal models, and clinical investigations, this review provides a framework for understanding the multifaceted roles of THBS4 in health and disease. The synthesis of current knowledge highlights critical research gaps and future directions for exploring THBS4-targeted interventions across multiple disease contexts. Given its unique position at the intersection of ECM biology and cellular signaling, THBS4 represents a promising frontier for the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in precision medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in promoting recovery of the facial function with the involvement of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. METHODS: Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into the control, sham-operated, facial nerve injury (FNI), EA, EA+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and EA+GDNF antagonist groups using a random number table, with 12 rats in each group. An FNI rat model was established with facial nerve crushing method. EA intervention was conducted at Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 2 weeks. The Simone's 10-Point Scale was utilized to monitor the recovery of facial function. The histopathological evaluation of facial nerves was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of Beclin-1, light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Additionally, IHC was also used to detect the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR. RESULTS: The facial functional scores were significantly increased in the EA group than the FNI group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed nerve axons and myelin sheaths, which were destroyed immediately after the injury, were recovered with EA treatment. The expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 were significantly elevated and the expression of P62 was markedly reduced in FNI rats (P<0.01); however, EA treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.01). Meanwhile, EA stimulation significantly increased the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR (P<0.01). After exogenous administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or GDNF antagonist, the repair effect of EA on facial function was attenuated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS EA could promote the recovery of facial function and repair the facial nerve damages in a rat model of FNI. EA may exert this neuroreparative effect through mediating the release of GDNF, activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, and further regulating the autophagy of facial nerves.
Rats ; Male ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Electroacupuncture ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism* ; Facial Nerve Injuries/therapy* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Beclin-1 ; Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Signal Transduction ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Autophagy ; Mammals/metabolism*

AIM To identify the chemical components of Longmu Qingxin Mixture by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and study its material basis for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.METHODS The sample was detected by mass spectrometry in positive and negative ion mode on a Waters CORTECS? UPLC? T3 chromatographic column.The data were analyzed with Peakview 1.2 software and matched with the Natural Products HR-MS/MS Spectral Library 1.0 database,and the components were identified in combination with literature reports.The material basis of Longmu Qingxin Mixture for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was analysed according to the identified components.RESULTS Forty chemical components were identified,including 11 flavonoids,6 monoterpene glycosides,4 triterpene saponins,3 phenolic acids,6 alkaloids etc.,which mainly derived from Radix Astragali,Radix Paeoniae Alba,Radix Scutellariae,licorice root,Ramulus Uncariae cum,etc.,baicalein,formononetin,astragaloside Ⅳ and rhynchophylline may be the material basis for the therapeutic effect of Longmu Qingxin Mixture.CONCLUSION UPLC-Q-TOF-MS can quickly identify the chemical components of Longmu Qingxin Mixture.Flavonoids,triterpene saponins and alkaloids may be the material basis for Longmu Qingxin Mixture for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,which can provide the basis for its material basis research,quality standard establishment and pharmacological study of the dismantled formula.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.

Objective To explore characteristics of co-infection of Chlamydia pneumoniae(Cpn)and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),and identify their effect on SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory response.Methods Patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)who received treatment in a hospital in Chenzhou City from December 20,2022 to February 20,2023 were selected.According to the severity of COVID-19,severe and critical cases were classified as the severe symptom group,while mild and moderate cases were classified as the mild symptom group.Meanwhile,according to the age of patients(≥18 years old as adults,＜18 years old as juveniles),they were divided into the adult severe symptom group,adult mild symptom group,juvenile severe symptom group,and juvenile mild symptom group.Propensity score was adopted to match age,gender,and under-lying diseases of patients in severe symptom and mild symptom group in a 1∶1 ratio.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),throat swabs,and serum specimens of patients were collected.Cpn IgG/IgM antibody was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),levels of 12 common cytokines(including interleukin-8[IL-8])in BALF were detected by flow cytometry,differences among groups were compared.Results A total of 102 patients were included,with 61 severe and critical(severe symptom)patients,as well as 41 mild and moderate(mild symp-tom)patients.There were 71 patients aged ≥18 years and 31 juvenile patients aged＜18 years.There were 39 pa-tients in the adult severe symptom group and 32 in the adult mild symptom group,and 30 pairs were successfully matched through propensity score analysis.There were 22 patients in the juvenile severe symptom group and 9 in the juvenile mild symptom group,and 8 pairs were successfully matched through propensity score analysis.Among COVID-19 patients,the positive rates of Cpn IgG and IgM were 36.27％(n=37)and 8.82％(n=9),respective-ly,with 1 case positive for both Cpn IgG and IgM.The level of interferon(IFN)-α in serum specimens from adult patients with severe symptom combined with positive Cpn IgG was higher than that of IgG negative patients(P=0.037).There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of other cytokines in BALF and serum speci-mens between the two groups of patients(all P＞0.05).The levels of IL-8 and IL-17 in serum specimens of patients with positive Cpn IgG in the adult mild symptom group were both higher than those in Cpn IgG negative patients(both P＜0.05).The levels of IL-8 in both BALF and serum specimens from Cpn IgM positivity patients in the ju-venile mild symptom group were higher than those from patients with negative Cpn IgM(both P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis results showed that Cpn IgG and IgM positivity were not risk factors for the development of se-vere COVID-19.Conclusion Combined Cpn infection is not a risk factor for the development of severe symptom in COVID-19 patients,and Cpn infection has limited impact on the secretion of inflammatory factors caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Objective To explore the value of electrocardiogram in predicting culprit vessels in acute inferior myocardial infarction.Methods The clinical data of 129 patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were received coronary intervention treatment,and the culprit vessels were identified by coronary angiography.The culprit vessels during surgery were recorded.The preoperative electrocardio-gram of patients were analyzed,a new method for predicting culprit vessels in acute inferior myocardial infarction was established based on the previous researches,and the accuracies of the Fiol method,Tiala method,Huang's algorithm and new method in predicting the culprit vessels in acute inferior myocardial infarction were also counted.The predictive abilities of various methods on culprit vessels were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.Results The culprit vessels of 109 patients were the right coronary artery,16 cases were the left circumflex artery,and 4 cases were the anterior descending artery.A total of 52 patients developed clinical complications,of which the culprit vessels of 47 cases were right coronary artery and 5 cases were circumflex artery.The accuracies of the Fiol method,Tierala method,Huang's algorithm,and new method in predicting culprit vessels were 83.7%,81.4%,82.9%,and 85.3%,respectively.The ROC curve analysis showed that the Fiol method(AUC=0.941),Tierrala method(AUC= 0.945),Huang's algorithm(AUC=0.945),and new method(AUC=0.964)all had strong predictive ability for culprit vessels.Conclusion For patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction,the Fiol method,Tierala method,Huang's algorithm,and new method all have high predictive value for culprit vessels in analyzing the preoperative electrocardiogram,and the new method has a higher predictive value.

This study was aimed at comparing performance differences among three metagenomic sequencing platforms,MGISEQ-2000,Illumina NextSeq 2000,and Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus,to optimize the sequencing process for trace samples.The three sequencing platforms were used to perform high-throughput sequencing on DNA standards and simulated samples.Through analysis of the quality of raw data and microbial detection capabilities,systematic differences among platforms were compared.The sequencing results were optimized for trace samples by incorporation of exogenous nucleic acids during the li-brary preparation process.In terms of data output per batch and base quality,MGISEQ-2000 surpassed the other two plat-forms.Illumina NextSeq 2000 had the lowest proportion of duplicate reads,whereas Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus had the highest proportion,and significant differences were observed across platforms(P＜0.001).In sequencing uniformity,MGISEQ-2000 and Illumina NextSeq 2000 were superior to Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus.MGISEQ-2000 provided a substantial advantage in microbial detection capability(P＜0.001),but the advantage diminished with decreasing bacterial fluid concentration.Ion GeneStudio S5 Plus had the shortest duration for single-batch sequencing.Moreo-ver,for trace samples with DNA content ≤0.05 ng,the experi-mental group(with added exogenous nucleic acids)achieved a higher number of reads than the control group(without exogenous nucleic acids),with a 11.09±8.03 fold increase.In conclu-sion,the different sequencing platforms each had advantages and disadvantages,thus allowing researchers to choose the appro-priate platform according to specific needs.Furthermore,the addition of exogenous nucleic acids improved the microorganism detection efficiency,and provided better support for subsequent diagnosis and evaluation of results.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with CD5+diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods:The clinical data of 161 newly treated DLBCL patients in Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.According to CD5 expression,the patients were divided into CD5+group and CD5-group.The clinical characteristics and prognosis of the two groups were statistically analyzed.Results:The median age of patients in CD5+group was 62 years,which was higher than 56 years in CD5-group(P=0.048).The proportion of women in CD5+group was 62.96％,which was significantly higher than 41.79％in CD5-group(P=0.043).The proportion of patients with IPI score＞2 in CD5+group was 62.96％,which was higher than 40.30％in CD5-group(P=0.031).Survival analysis showed that the median overall survival and progression-free survival time of patients in CD5+group were 27(3-77)and 31(3-76)months,respectively,which were both shorter than 30(5-84)and 32.5(4-83)months in CD5-group(P=0.047,P=0.026).Univariate analysis showed that advanced age,positive CD5 expression,triple or double hit at initial diagnosis,high IPI score and no use of rituximab during chemotherapy were risk factors for the prognosis of DLBCL patients.Further Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that these factors were also independent risk factors except for advanced age.Conclusion:CD5+DLBCL patients have a worse prognosis than CD5-DLBCL patients.Such patients are more common in females,with advanced age and high IPI score,which is a special subtype of DLBCL.