Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and functional impairment. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological progression of RA with dysfunction of endothelial cells to promote synovial inflammation, sustain pannus formation, subsequently leading to joint damage. Colquhounia Root Tablets (CRT), a Chinese patent drug, has shown a satisfying clinical efficacy in treating RA, while the underlying mechanism by which CRT inhibits RA-associated angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a research approach combining transcriptomic data analysis, bio-network mapping, and in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the molecular mechanisms of CRT in suppressing angiogenesis in RA. Animal welfare and experimental procedures follow the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (ratification number: IBTCMCACMS21-2307-06). Network analysis identified that key genes such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2), SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) significantly enriched in pathways related to NOD-like receptor signaling and VEGF signaling, indicating that CRT may inhibit angiogenesis by regulating vascular endothelial cell function with modulating angiogenesis-related pathways. In vivo data showed that CRT significantly reduced the positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in the ankle joint of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. In vitro data further confirmed that CRT effectively inhibited VEGF-induced migration, invasion, and tube formation in HUVECs, while significantly reduced the expression of angiogenesis-related factors VEGF/CD31/Ang-1, as well as the positive expression of VEGF and CD31 in HUVECs. Furthermore, CRT markedly decreased the protein expression of NOD2, VEGFA, and SMAD3. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CRT may inhibit the RA-related angiogenesis by targeting the NOD2/SMAD3/VEGF signaling axis to improve endothelial cell function, enriching the scientific connotation of CRT in inhibiting pathological angiogenesis in RA and also offer new insights for clinical prevention and treatment of RA.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prototypical neurodegenerative disorder, encompasses multifaceted pathological processes. As pivotal cellular structures within the central nervous system, ion channels play critical roles in regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and neurotransmitter release. Extensive research has revealed significant alterations in the expression and function of ion channels in AD, implicating an important role of ion channels in the pathogenesis of abnormal Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in calcium homeostasis and neural network functionality. This review systematically summarizes the crucial roles and underlying mechanisms of ion channels in the onset and progression of AD, highlighting how these channel abnormalities contribute to AD pathophysiology. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of ion channel modulation in AD treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing multifactorial nature and heterogeneity of AD. The development of multi-target drugs and precision therapies is proposed as a future direction of scientific research.
Alzheimer Disease/therapy* ; Humans ; Ion Channels/physiology* ; Oxidative Stress ; Animals ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; Synaptic Transmission ; Calcium/metabolism*

This study explores whether the current external quality assessment (EQA) level and acceptable bias for basic semen analysis in China are clinically useful. We collected data of semen EQA from Andrology laboratories in the Hunan Province (China) in 2022 and searched for data in the published literature from January 2000 to December 2023 in China. On the basis of these data, we analyzed the coefficients of variation and acceptable biases of different quality control materials for basic semen analysis through robust statistics. We compared these findings with quality specifications based on biological variation from optimal, desirable, and minimum levels of bias to seek a unified and more suitable semen EQA bias evaluation standard for China's national conditions. Different sources of semen quality control material exhibited considerable variation in acceptable biases among laboratories, ranging from 8.2% to 56.9%. A total of 50.0% of the laboratories met the minimum quality specifications for progressive motility (PR), whereas 100.0% and 75.0% of laboratories met only the minimum quality specifications for sperm concentration and total motility (nonprogressive [NP] + PR), respectively. The Z value for sperm concentration and PR+NP was equivalent to the desirable performance specification, whereas the Z value for PR was equivalent only to the minimum performance specification. This study highlights the feasibility of operating external quality assessment schemes for basic semen analysis using quality specifications based on biological variation. These specifications should be unified among external quality control (EQC) centers based on biological variation.
Semen Analysis/standards* ; Humans ; China ; Male ; Quality Control ; Sperm Motility ; Sperm Count/standards*

ObjectiveTo provide reference for further strengthening the management of laboratory animals in Sichuan Province by reviewing and analyzing the results of parasitic and microbial quality inspections of laboratory animals from 2017 to 2023. Methods Sichuan Province has 31 licensed laboratory animal production units, with the main species including mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, and pigs. Sampling inspections and reports were conducted for units with laboratory animal production qualifications in accordance with current national and local standards for laboratory animal classification. The quality inspection results for various laboratory animals in Sichuan Province from 2017 to 2023 were analyzed. Results With the exception of 2018, annual quality inspections of laboratory animals were conducted every year between 2017 and 2023. Mice: In 2017, positive results for helminths, flagellates, Salmonella, murine hepatitis virus antibodies, and murine pneumonia virus antibodies were detected, with a pass rate of only 42.9%. In 2019, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected, with a pass rate of 86.7%. In 2021, Sendai virus antibodies were detected, yielding a pass rate of 85.7%.The pass rate in 2020, 2022, and 2023 was 100%. Rats: In 2017, positive results were found for helminths, mycoplasma antibodies, Staphylococcus aureus, Sendai virus antibodies, murine pneumonia virus antibodies, rat parvovirus RV strain antibodies, rat parvovirus (H-1) strain antibodies, and rat coronavirus antibodies, with a pass rate of 40.0%. In 2019, mycoplasma antibodies, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected, with a pass rate of 35.0%. No positive indicators were detected in 2020. In 2021, Sendai virus antibodies and rat parvovirus RV strain antibodies were detected, with a pass rate of 50.0%. In 2022, positive results for rat parvovirus RV strain antibodies were found, yielding a pass rate of 87.5%. In 2023, Pasteurella pneumotropica and Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected, with a pass rate of 85.7%. Dogs: In 2017 and 2019, the antibody titers for rabies virus and canine distemper virus were below the required standard, with pass rates of 33.3% and 20.0%, respectively. In 2020 and 2022, the pass rate was 100%. Guinea pigs (general grade): In 2019, positive results for Toxoplasma antibodies were detected, with a pass rate of 80.0%. In all other years, the pass rate was 100%. Monkeys: In 2019, positive results for Toxoplasma gondii and rhesus herpesvirus type I antibodies were found, with a pass rate of 87.5%.In 2020 and 2022, rhesus herpesvirus type I antibodies were positively detected, yielding pass rates of 93.3% and 97.5%, respectively. The pass rates in 2021 and 2023 were 100%. Clean guinea pigs, rabbits and pigs all passed the inspection each year. ConclusionIssues related to the parasitic and microbial quality of laboratory animals persist in Sichuan Province. Supervision and sampling inspections have proven to be effective in identifying these issues promptly, serving as a critical measure to ensure the quality of laboratory animals. The results of these inspections offer valuable data to support the healthy development of the laboratory animal industry in Sichuan Province.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of piperacillin-tazobactam in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infection （cUTI） in adults. METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 352 cUTI adult patients in our hospital from January 1， 2021 to December 31， 2023. All patients received piperacillin-tazobactam. The detection of pathogens in patients， the clinical efficacy and microbial clearance rate after treatment， the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and treatment cost were observed in all patients. RESULTS Of the 352 patients， pathogen culture results of 54 patients were detected， mainly Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The clinical effective rate was 94.3%， the microbial clearance rate was 81.5%， and the incidence of adverse reactions was 1.4%. The percentage of male effective patients in urinary surgery department was significantly higher than invalid patients， while the proportion of transplant treatment and the proportion of patients with concomitant kidney transplantation were significantly lower than invalid patients （P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in clinical effective rate between the two groups after those patients were divided into target treatment group and empirical treatment group according to the sensitivity of pathogen to piperacillin-tazobactam （P＝0.902 5）. CONCLUSIONS Piperacillin-tazobactam is effective and safe in the treatment of cUTI.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 inhibitor(SGLT2i)has steadily demonstrated benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes complicated with cardiovascular diseases based on evidence-based medicine,but its precise mechanism is yet unknown.We identified type 2 diabetes patients with HFpEF by searching PubMed,Web of Science,China knowledge network(CNKI),and other databases.We then summarized the pathological mechanism of HFpEF caused by type 2 diabetes.At the same time,to link to evidence-based medical,we explored the future of SGLT2i in clinical application.

Objective To analyze the factors associated with pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff bridge suture.Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the data of 112 patients with unilateral rotator cuff injury who received arthroscopic bridge suture in our department were collected and were investigated in the form of telephone follow-up.In this study,SPSS 23.0 was used to input data and conduct statistical analysis.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the above influencing factors and postoperative pain.Results A total of 112 patients were included for statistical analysis,single factor analysis revealed,including course of disease,smoking history,preoperative University of California,Los Angeles(UCLA)score,Constant score,numeric rating scale(NRS),size of rotator cuff tear,whether it was full-thickness tear and degree of tendon retraction might be related to postoperative pain(P<0.05).The age,gender,body mass index(BMI),drinking history,diabetes and hypertension were not related to postoperative pain(P>0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis concluded that there were four factors related to postoperative pain,and the correlation degree was preoperative NRS,preoperative UCLA score,tear size and smoking history.Conclusion The causes of postoperative pain after arthroscopic rotator cauff repair are complex and diverse.Analyzing the cause of postoperative pain can effectively reduce the pain of patients and promote the recovery of shoulder joint function.

Humans ; PPAR gamma/metabolism* ; Multiple Sclerosis ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha

β-Thalassemia caused by abnormal coding of the β-globin gene is the most common hemoglobinopathy in many Asian countries. The in-depth study of the molecular basis and epigenetic mechanism of globin gene expression is the key to explore a new treatment for thalassemia. In this study, FAIRE (formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements), 3C (chromosome conformation capture) and ChIP (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) were used to investigate the three-dimensional interaction network of β-globin family gene loci and the molecular mechanism of functional regulation of gene expression during rapamycin-induced chromatin remodeling in CD4+ T cells. The results showed that the opening degree of globin gene chromatin, the interaction frequency between the gene promoter region and the regulatory element LCR (Locus control regions), and the enrichment efficiency of CTCF (CCCTC-binding factor) in the gene promoter region changed differently during the change of rapamycin treatment concentration from low to high, which led to the same change trend of the gene expression pattern. At the 10 nmol/ L concentration, chromatin accessibility and gene expression decreased (P < 0. 05). At 20 nmol/ L and 50 nmol/ L concentrations, chromatin accessibility increased and gene expression was up-regulated (P < 0. 05). In this study, the molecular mechanism of gene expression regulation of the β-globin family was expounded through this dynamic change process. Our work provides a theoretical and clinical practice basis for clinical precision treatment.

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.
Adult ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Imatinib Mesylate/adverse effects* ; Incidence ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pyrimidines/adverse effects* ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzamides/adverse effects* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase/drug therapy* ; Aminopyridines/therapeutic use* ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*