Objective To investigate the immunotoxicity effect of triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) on thymus tissue of mice, and analyze the related mechanism. Methods Specific pathogen free BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, low-, medium- and high-dose groups, with 12 mice per group (equal gender distribution). Mice in these four groups were orally administered doses of 0, 1, 10, and 150 mg/kg body weight of TPHP daily for 60 days. After the exposure, the complete blood count of mice was detected, thymus tissue was collected, coefficient of thymus organs was calculated, and the histopathology changes of thymus were observed. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression of genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular autophagy, and apoptosis in thymic tissues. Results During the exposure period, male mice in the high-dose group had poor fur condition, whisker loss, and increased irritability, while these phenomena were not observed in female mice. At the end of the exposure period, there were no significant changes in mice body weight or thymus organ coefficients among the groups. However, male mice in the high-dose group showed cellular apoptotic changes in the thymic tissue. The amount of white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil granulocyte, red blood cell distribution width, platelet and the plateletcrit of male mice was lower in the high-dose group than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of interleukin (Il)-1β, Il-6, catalase (Cat), P62, as well as the ratio of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 in thymic tissue of male mice were higher in the low-dose group than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1), P62, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in the thymic tissue of male mice were higher in the medium-dose group than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of Nrf2, Cat, Sod1, Gpx1, P62, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in the thymic tissue of male mice were higher in the high-dose group than that in the control group (all P<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of Il-1β and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in thymic tissue of female mice were higher in the low- and medium-dose group (all P<0.05), while the relative mRNA expression of interferon-γ, Nrf2, Cat, P62, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in thymic tissue of female mice were higher in the high-dose group than that in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion Although TPHP exposure had not significantly affected the body weight, thymus organ coefficient and histopathology of mice, it induced changes in oxidative stress-related indicators in thymic tissue, promoted cellular autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammation in the thymic tissue, with observed gender difference.

Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of exercise therapy on body structure,function,and activity and partici-pation in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain(CNSNP)based on the International Classification of Func-tioning,Disability and Health(ICF)framework. Methods A PICO framework was constructed,and randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the intervention of different types of exercise therapy for patients with CNSNP were retrieved from databases of CBM,Wanfang data,VIP,CNKI,Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed and Web of Science,from the establishment to March,2024.The quality of the literature was evaluated with Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro)scale,and the evidence quality of the outcome indicators was evaluated using GRADE.Data were syn-thesized and analyzed using RevMan 5.3,and the risk of bias was evaluated using Stata 18.0. Results A total of eleven RCTs involving 668 subjects were included.The scores of PEDro scale were five to eight.The types of interventions included muscle strength training,stability training,proprioception training,Yoga and Pi-lates.The control groups received placebo,physical factor therapy and health education.Exercise therapy could increase the craniovertebral angle(SMD=0.84,95%CI 0.42 to 1.26,P<0.001),reduce the Visual Analogue Scale score(SMD=-2.05,95%CI-2.58 to-1.52,P<0.001),increase the pressure pain threshold(MD=112.27,95%CI 75.03 to 149.50,P<0.001),increase the range of motion of cervical forward(SMD=1.24,95%CI 0.34 to 2.15,P=0.007)and lateral(SMD=1.52,95%CI 0.40 to 2.65,P=0.008)flexion,and improve the endurance of the deep cervical flexors(SMD=1.02,95%CI 0.10 to 1.94,P=0.03)and position sense of the cervical spine(SMD=-1.00,95%CI-1.47 to-0.53,P<0.001);however,it was not significant in improving the range of motion of backward flexion(SMD=0.85,95%CI-1.04 to 2.75,P=0.38)and rotation(SMD=1.65,95%CI-0.35 to 3.65,P=0.11).Exercise therapy could also reduce the Neck Disability Index score(MD=-11.88,95%CI-16.09 to-7.68,P<0.001),and it was no significant in the Short-Form-36 score(MD=19.04,95%CI-3.00 to 41.08,P=0.09). Conclusion Exercise therapy can improve head posture,pain,motion of forward flexion and lateral flexion,endurance of the cervical flexors and joint position sense,and the overall function in patients with CNSNP.However,fur-ther researches are needed to verify the effects on cervical backward flexion and rotation,and quality of life.

Objective To investigate the anti-estrogenic activity of bisphenol A and its substitutes, and to analyze the relevant mechanisms. Methods Bisphenol A and its three most widely used substitutes (bisphenol S, bisphenol F and bisphenol AF) were selected as the docking ligand molecules, and estradiol was used as the control ligand molecule. The ligand molecules docking was simulated with estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERβ using AutoDock software. Results Bisphenol A forms a hydrogen bond with ERα at the His474 residue and with ERβ via three hydrogen bonds at Leu260, His428, and Asn431 residues. Similar to bisphenol A, bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF and estradiol primarily interact with ERα and ERβ through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds, but with varying optimal binding sites and affinities. The binding forces of the optimal binding sites for bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, bisphenol S and estradiol with ERα were -4.15, -4.19, -2.73, -4.62 and -5.37 kcal/mol, respectively, and with ERβ were -3.76, -3.91, -2.86, -3.93, and -4.98 kcal/mol, respectively. The affinity ranking for two ERs with these five molecules from high to low was estradiol > bisphenol S> bisphenol F> bisphenol A > bisphenol AF. Conclusion The affinity between bisphenol compounds with ERα and ERβ is mainly based on the hydrophobic interaction with non-polar residues of the receptor and hydrogen bonding with key residues. Bisphenol S, bisphenol F and bisphenol AF showed similar or even stronger endocrine disrupting effects than bisphenol A.

Objective To verify whether β-arrestin-2 inhibits autophagy by up-regulating PI3K/Akt signal to protect the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice. Methods Twelve β-arrestin-2 knockout (KO) and twelve wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the KO+sham group, KO+IRI group, WT+sham group and WT+IRI group, six mice in each group. The mouse models with 70% liver IRI were established or sham operation was performed. Relevant experiments were carried out at 6 h after liver reperfusion or operation. The expression levels of apoptosis signal protein cleaved Caspase-3, proliferation signal protein Ki-67 and the PI3K/Akt signal protein p-Akt were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that compared with the corresponding sham group, the positive cell count for cleaved Caspase-3, Ki-67 and p-Akt in liver tissues of mice was significantly increased in the KO+IRI and WT+IRI groups (all P < 0.01). Compared with the WT+IRI group, the positive cell count for cleaved Caspase-3 in liver tissues of mice was significantly increased, whereas the positive cell count forKi-67 and p-Akt was significantly decreased in the KO+IRI group (both P < 0.05). Conclusions β-arrestin-2 can mitigate the liver cell apoptosis and promote the repair of injury after IRI in mice. Moreover, β-arrestin-2 inhibits autophagy by up-regulating the PI3K/Akt signal to alleviate liver IRI in mice.

Background::Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) remains a common complication during liver transplantation (LT) in patients. As a key downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been reported to be involved in various physiological and pathological processes. However, it remains elusive whether and how YAP may control autophagy activation during ischemia-reperfusion.Methods::Human liver tissues from patients who had undergone LT were obtained to evaluate the correlation between YAP and autophagy activation. Both an in vitro hepatocyte cell line and in vivo liver-specific YAP knockdown mice were used to establish the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion models to determine the role of YAP in the activation of autophagy and the mechanism of regulation. Results::Autophagy was activated in the post-perfusion liver grafts during LT in patients, and the expression of YAP positively correlated with the autophagic level of hepatocytes. Liver-specific knockdown of YAP inhibited hepatocytes autophagy upon hypoxia-reoxygenation and HIRI ( P <0.05). YAP deficiency aggravated HIRI by promoting the apoptosis of hepatocytes both in the in vitro and in vivo models ( P <0.05). Attenuated HIRI by overexpression of YAP was diminished after the inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine. In addition, inhibiting autophagy activation by YAP knockdown exacerbated mitochondrial damage through increasing reactive oxygen species ( P <0.05). Moreover, the regulation of autophagy by YAP during HIRI was mediated by AP1 (c-Jun) N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling through binding to the transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD). Conclusions::YAP protects against HIRI by inducing autophagy via JNK signaling that suppresses the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Targeting Hippo (YAP)-JNK-autophagy axis may provide a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of HIRI.

The prevalence of heart failure(HF) is increasing worldwide, and mitral regurgitation(MR) is a common manifestation in patients with end-stage HF. Currently, the indications for concomitant surgical intervention of significant preoperative MR during left ventricular assist device(LVAD) implantation are still controversial. Based on discussing the etiology, classification, and pathophysiology of functional MR in patients with end-stage HF, this paper reviews the relevant factors affecting the prognosis of such patients and the progress of research related to whether to perform mitral valve surgery to intervene in significant MR during LVAD implantation, to provide a further reference for clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on osteoarthritis in rats and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into osteoarthritis model group, electro-acupuncture group and control group (n=10), and in the former two groups, early osteoarthritis was induced using a modified DMM surgical modeling method. After successful modeling, the rats in the electro-acupuncture group were treated with electro-acupuncture at bilateral "Housanli" and "Anterior knee point". Behavioral tests of the rats were performed and scored using the LequesneMG scale. Subchondral bone degeneration was observed in each group, and serum levels of IL-1β, ADAMTS-7, MMP-3 and COMP were measured using ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β, Wnt-7B, β-catenin, ADAMTS-7, and MMP-3 in the cartilage tissue of the knee joints were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: In behavioral tests, the rats in the model and electroacupuncture groups had significantly higher LequesneMG scores after modeling than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 20 days of treatment, LequesneMG scores were significantly lowered in rats in the electroacupuncture as compared with the model rats (P < 0.05). Imaging examination revealed obvious subchondral bone damage in both the electroacupuncture group and the model group, but the damages were significantly milder with former group. Compared with the model rats, the rats receiving electroacupuncture had significantly lower serum levels of IL-1β, ADAMTS-7, MMP-3 and COMP (P < 0.05) with also lower expressions of IL-1β, Wnt-7B, β-catenin, ADAMTS-7 and MMP-3 in the cartilage tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture can alleviate joint pain and improve subchondral bone damage in rats with osteoarthritis by reducing IL-1β levels in the joint cartilage tissue and serum to alleviate joint inflammation and by reducing such cytokines as ADAMTS-7 and MMP-3 via regulating the Wnt-7B/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Rats ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; Osteoarthritis/metabolism* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Cartilage, Articular ; Inflammation/metabolism*

OBJECTIVETo summarize the disposal methods and the reasons of complications in operation of totally implantable central venous port (TICVP).

METHODSA total of 2 007 patients were enrolled in this observational, single-center study between December 2008 and March 2013. TICVP implantation was performed with one small skin incision and subcutaneous puncture of subclavian or jugular vein. Patient's profiles, indications of port system, early and delayed complications, and disposal methods were evaluated. There were 38 male and 1 969 female patients, aged from 21 to 85 years, with a mean of 47.6 years.

RESULTSThe mean duration of the TICVP system was (242 ± 12) days, ranging from 9 to 1 243 days. The achievement rate of puncture in the right jugular vein (99.76%) was the highest. Sonographic approach using the internal jugular vein were better than the external landmark-guided technique (99.80% vs. 96.34%, χ² = 29.905, P = 0.000). The rate of immediate complication was 0.80%, which included pneumothorax, hemothorax, lymphatic fistula and thrombosis. Early complications rate was 0.10%, which included pocket hematoma, catheter migration, venous thrombosis, port pocket infection, fibrin sheath formation. Late complications rate was 7.87%, which included catheter fracture, pinch-off syndrome, catheter-related bloodstream infection, fibrin sheath formation, catheter migration, extravasation, port inversion and port reveal. The rate of removal due to complications was 1.34% (27/2 007), and the early complication was higher (χ² = 8.053, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONSThe low incidence of complications suggests that TICVP is safe and reliable for long term intermittent venous access. The results support the use of TICVP in the oncology patients and patients requiring long-term intravenous therapy.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Catheterization, Peripheral ; adverse effects ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Prostheses and Implants ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

To explore the impact of an airway stepwise management strategy in the treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) in the ultra elderly critically ill patients.

Clinical data on the ultra eldely(≥80 years old) HAP patients at the department of Critied Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2021 to April 2023 was retrospective collected, and the enrolled patients were divided into an observation group (January 2022-April 2023) and control group (January 2021-December 2021) according to the airway stepwise management strategy. In the control group, conventional airway manage- ment was used, and in the observation group, an airway stepwise management strategy from simple to complex and from noninvasive to invasive was used. The oxygenation indices before and after airway interventiont, tracheal intubation/tracheostomy rate, and invasive ventilator usage rate was compared in both groups.

A total of 61 HAP patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected, including 31 in the observation group and 30 in the control group. Compared with before airway intervention, the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide gradually decreased, arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation index gradually increased at 12 h, 48 h and 72 h of airway intervention(all P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had lower arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation index(all P < 0.05), and the rate of tracheal intubation/incision (35.5% vs. 66.7%, P=0.015) and the rate of invasive ventilator use (41.9% vs. 73.3%, P=0.013) were lower in the observation group at 48 h of airway intervention.

The application of an airway stepwise management strategy in the ultra elderly HAP patients can significantly improve oxygenation status and reduce iatrogenic trauma.