Objective To explore the role of interleukin (IL)-1β in the pathogenesis of gout.Methods Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) were used to measure the expression of IL-1β mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and IL-1β in plasma samples from 120 acute gouty (AG) arthritis,70 chronic gouty (CG) arthritis,80 intercritical gouty (IG) arthritis patients and 96 healthy control subjects respectively.Results The expression of PBMCs IL-1β mRNA and plasma concentration of IL-1β were both much higher in gout patients than those in controls (P ＜ 0.01,respectively).And the plasma levels of IL-1β mRNA and IL-1β significantly increased in the AG group compared with CG and IG groups (P ＜ 0.01,respectively) and much higher in the CG group than those in the IG group.Positive correlations existed between plasma concentration of IL-1β and the levels of white blood cell,neutrophil,monocyte,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,blood uric acid,globulin and PBMCs IL-1β mRNA (P ＜ 0.01,respectively) while negative correlation between plasma IL-1β and plasma level of apolipoprotein in gout patients (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Elevated plasma level of IL-1β may be involved in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic gouty arthritis.

Objective To investigate the role of miR-223 in the pathogenesis of acute gouty inflammation.Methods The subjects were divided into 3 groups:65 acute gout patients (AG),50 inter-critical gout patients (IG),and 45 healthy controls (HC).The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the clinical laboratory parameters were all collected.The expression of miR-223 in the PBMCs was detected using realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) (TaqMan probe).The PBMCs of 5 healthy people were stimulated with monosodium urate (MSU) (100 μg/ml) for 12 h,and then,miR-223,NLRP3 mRNA and IL-1β production were all measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA respectively.All data were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 statistical software,Wilcoxon rank sum test,t test and Spearman's correlations analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results ① The expression of miR-223 in AG and IG groups was both significantly decreased than that in the HC group (8±17 vs 26±76,P＜0.05;9±17 vs 26±76,P＜0.05;respectively),AG group was significantly decreased than that in the IG group [8(17) vs 9(17),Z=11.387,P＜0.01].② After stimulated with MSU in healthy controls,IL-1β production and NLRP3 mRNA were both significantly increased [(86±5) pg/ml vs (13±6) pg/ml,t=21.042,P＜0.01;5.2±0.4 vs 1.2±0.4,t=14.640,P＜0.01;respectively],while the expression of miR-223 was significantly decreased (0.34±0.20 vs 1.05±0.24,t=-5.164,P＜0.01).Conclusion The data suggests that miR-223 might be involved in the patho-genesis of spontaneous regulation,but further study is needed to discover the exact mechanism.

Objective Using bioinformatics methods to study the immune infiltration mechanism of Primary Sj?gren's syndrome(pSS)and to explore potential target Chinese medicines,which can provide new directions for the clinical treatment of pSS.Methods Gene expression profile microarray dataset of pSS was downloaded from the GEO database,differential genes were screened using R software,and gene ontology(GO)and gene pathway enrichment(KEGG)enrichment analysis was performed on these differential genes.Protein interaction network analysis of differential genes was performed by applying the STRING database,key genes were screened by using Cytoscape,and ELISA for the verification of key genes expression.Immune infiltration and correlation of immune cells in pSS were calculated by CIBERSORT inverse convolution method in 22.Finally,the herbal prediction of key target genes was performed by using the Coremine Medical database.Results A total of 232 differential genes were obtained,of which 207 were up-regulated and 25 were down-regulated.GO was mainly enriched in:leukocyte mediated immunity,lymphocyte mediated immunity,leukocyte cell-cell adhesion,etc;KEGG was mainly enriched in Hematopoietic cell lineage,Primary immunodeficiency,Intestinal immune network for IgA production,Phagosome,Leishmaniasis.Ten key genes were screened:PTPRC,CD19,LCP2,CCR5 and CD69 etc.The hub genes expression in the pSS is the same as that of GSE40611.Immune infiltration showed that memory B cells,T cells CD4 memory activated,and T cells CD4 na?ve were highly expressed in the pSS.Immune cell correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between initial Monocytes and T cells regulatory(Tregs),a positive correlation between Macrophages M1 and B cell na?ve,and a negative correlation between Plasma cells and T cells CD4 memory activated.COREMINE Medical predicted that Ginseng,Panax notoginseng,Tripterygium wilfordii,Burnet,Magnolia,and Strychni may treat pSS.Conclusion The development and progression of pSS are the results of the combined involvement of multiple genes and pathways.Memory B cells,T cells CD4 memory activated,and T cells CD4 na?ve may promote the development of pSS.The predicted Ginseng,Panax notoginseng,Tripterygium wilfordii,Burnet,Magnolia,Strychni may be used as target herbs for the potential treatment of pSS.

Objective:To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of ceftobiprole, vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin against Staphylococcus aureus (SAU) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) bloodstream infections, which can provide a reference for clinical medication. Methods:A total of 1 777 strains of staphylococci were isolated from blood culture of 51 hospitals within the Blood Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System (BRICS) from January to December in 2021. The dilution method was used to assess the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ceftobiprole, vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin on staphylococci. Additionally, the probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of these medications in varied dosage regimens were predicted using Monte Carlo simulation.Results:Ceftobiprole demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), the MIC 50 and MIC 90 were 0.500 and 1.000 mg/L, respectively, and the MIC range was ≤0.060 to 4.000 mg/L.Meanwhile, the ceftobiprole-resistance rate of SAU was 0.1%(1/1 073), but the resistance rate of CNS was 7.7%(54/704). There was no evidence of staphylococcal resistance to daptomycin or vancomycin. Against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), no resistance to the four drugs was observed. Monte Carlo simulation showed that standard drug regimens of ceftobiprole (500 mg once every eight hours) and daptomycin (6 mg·kg -1·d -1) achieved high PTA and CFR against staphylococcus.The current vancomycin and linezolid standard treatment for staphylococcal bloodstream infections had a low CFR. When vancomycin 1 000 mg once every eight hours was used, the CFRs of MRSA and MSSA were both≥90.0%, while the CFR of CNS was still less than 80.0%. CFR of linezolid against staphylococcus was ≥90.0% under the dosages of 600 mg once every eight hours. Conclusions:Ceftobiprole, vancomycin, linezolid and daptomycin all show strong antibacterial activity against staphylococcus.Ceftobiprole and daptomycin standard treatment represent adequate antibacterial efficacy against staphylococcal bloodstream infections. Furthermore, appropriate increase of the dosages of vancomycin and linezolid based on the MIC value and species of bacteria is necessary.

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. The low early diagnosis rate and poor prognosis of patients have caused serious social burden. Regular screening of high-risk population by low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of lung cancer and bring new opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. In recent years, LDCT lung cancer screening programs have been carried out in many countries around the world and achieved good results, but there are still some controversies in the selection of screening subjects, screening frequency, cost effectiveness and other aspects. In this paper, the key factors of LDCT lung cancer screening, screening effect, pulmonary nodule management and artificial intelligence contribution to the development of LDCT will be reviewed, and the application progress of LDCT in lung cancer screening will be discussed.
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Artificial Intelligence ; Early Detection of Cancer/methods* ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Radiation Dosage ; Tomography, Spiral Computed/methods*

[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effects of forkhead box transcription factor (FOXK2) overexpression on the proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion of human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells and its related molecular mechanism. Methods: The open reading frame (ORF) of FOXK2 was cloned into lentivirus expression vector, which was then enveloped in HEK293T cells and transfected into human ovarian cancerSK-OV-3cells.TheoverexpressionefficiencywasdetectedbyqPCRandWesternblotting.Theproliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion of SK-OV-3 cells were detected by CCK-8, Scratch-healing, Transwell and Cell adhesion assays respectively, and the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were detected by qPCR. Results: The FOXK2 overexpression vector was constructed successfully and packaged into lentivirus, which was then transfected into SK-OV-3 cells. After transfection, the expression of FOXK2 was significantly increased (P<0.01); the proliferation, migration and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells were significantly reduced while the adhesion ability was significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and the expression levels of E-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly increased while that of vimentin and fibronection were significantly decreased (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Overexpression of FOXK2 in SK-OV-3 cells leads to a significant decrease in proliferation, migration and invasion but increase in adhesion. The molecular mechanism may be related to the reversion of the EMT process in tumor cells, suggesting that FOXK2 may be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Background Research on non-target organ damage of biological pesticides has attracted much attention. Rotenone exposure may be far beyond the occupational environment, and the exposureduring pregnancy may be increased through bioaccumulation, fruit or vegetable residues, and other forms of oral intake. At present, the effects of rotenone on placental development and its mechanism are still unknown. Objective To investigate the developmental damage of rat placenta and evaluate the expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3β) and beta catenin (β-catenin) followed by rotenone exposure through the placental barrier during pregnancy, as well as to propose possible associated mechanisms. Methods Eighteen sexually mature SD female infertile rats without specific pathogens were selected and divided into three groups: blank control group (0.9% saline), corn oil group, and rotenone group (corn oil + 2 mg·kg⁻¹ rotenone) by random number method, six female animals in each group. Another six male rats were selected and mated to the female rats at night with a female to male ratio of 3:1 per cage. Pregnant rats were given 0.9% saline, corn oil, and 2 mg·kg⁻¹ rotenone preparation by isovolumetric gavage once daily for the entire gestation period (19 d), and their conditions were observed after the last dose. The pregnant rats were anesthetized, and the size of the placenta and blood perfusion were detected by ultrasound the next day of the last dose of rotenone. Then, 3 pregnant rats in each group were sacrificed immediately and the placenta and umbilical cord tissues were dissected. The remaining 9 pregnant rats gave birth naturally, and the fetuses were observed for developmental evaluation and weighed. The histopathological changes of umbilical cord and placenta were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The reactive oxygen species levels of placenta tissues were detected by flow cytometry. The Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of placenta tissues was detected by colorimetric method. The localization and levels of GSK-3β and β-catenin expression of placenta were detected by immunohistochemistry. The p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β and p-β-catenin/β-catenin protein expression in placental tissues were measured by Western blotting. Results No injury or death was recorded during the pregnant rats receiving rotennon administration. Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal absorption and postpartum stillbirth were found in the rotenone group, and the weight of the fetal mice decreased (P<0.05). The B-ultrasound showed disc-shaped placenta with a thick middle and thin edge, smooth fetal surface, rough maternal surface, visible placental lobules, granular echotexture of the placenta with comma-like echogenic densities, and chorionic plate showing deep indentations, no calcification, degeneration, or necrosis in each group. Compared with the corn oil group, the fetal surface diameter of the placenta was reduced in the rotenone group (P<0.05). The Doppler color ultrasound showed that interplacental blood flow was reduced in the rotenone group, while interplacental blood flow was abundant in the blank control and the corn oil groups. The hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that smooth muscle cells in the umbilical cord tissues of rats were loosely arranged, with fuzzy nuclei and inflammatory infiltration in the rotenone group. The placental trophoblast cells were small in size, disorderly arranged with nuclear fragmentation and cytoplasm turbidity. The tissue reactive oxygen species level in the rotenone group was higher than those in the other two groups (P<0.05). The Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of placental tissues was reduced in the rotenone group (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence low-magnification observation showed that GSK-3β and β-catenin were expressed in placental tissue, weak fluorescence expression in the decidua basalis, strong fluorescence expression in the labyrinthine layer structure. The labyrinthine layer under high magnification showed that compared with the blank control group and the corn oil group, the brightness of β-catenin fluorescence expression in the rotenone group decreased (P<0.05), and the brightness of GSK-3β expression increased (P<0.05). The Western blotting results showed that the expression of β-catenin and p-GSK-3β proteins decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of GSK-3β protein increased (P<0.01) in the rotenone group. No significant expression of p-β-catenin protein was detected in the placenta tissue of each group. Conclusion Rotenone exposure during pregnancy induces placental hypoperfusion, growth retardation, and oxidative stress in rats, as well as down-regulation of β-catenin and p-GSK-3β protein expression, and up-regulation of GSK-3β protein expression, which may further lead to abnormal pregnancy and fetal restricted growth.

OBJECTIVE To establish comprehensive quality evaluation method based on multi-index components combined with multivariate statistical analysis， and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Periploca forrestii. METHODS Taking 11 batches of P. forrestii medicinal materials from different areas in Guizhou as samples， the contents of neochlorogenic acid， cryptochlorogenic acid， chlorogenic acid， procyanidin A2， isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C were determined by HPLC. Clustering heat map analysis， grey correlation analysis（GRA） and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution（TOPSIS） were used to evaluate the quality of P. forrestii. RESULTS The results of methodological investigation of content determination were in accordance with the relevant regulations， and the linear relationship and accuracy of each component were good in their respective sampling range. The contents of chlorogenic acid， cryptochlorogenic acid， neochlorogenic acid， procyanidin A2， isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C in 11 batches of samples were 3.650-7.302， 0.888-2.575， 1.371- 2.386， 0.947-1.469， 0.084-0.169 and 0.725-1.067 mg/g， respectively. The content of each component was significantly different， with the highest content of chlorogenic acid and the lowest content of isochlorogenic acid A. The comprehensive results of cluster heat map， GRA and TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive quality of S5 and S10 was relatively good. CONCLUSIONS The established method is accurate， stable and simple. Combined with multivariate statistical analysis method， it can be used for quality evaluation of P. forrestii. The quality of samples from Jiuzhou Town and Caiguan Town of Xixiu District in Anshun City of Guizhou Province are relatively good among 11 different origin samples.