Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box (TOX), a member of the high mobility group protein super-family, plays an important role in T cell development, functional maintenance, and exhaustion. It has been recently found that TOX exerts critical immunoregulatory functions during pathogen infections, and TOX expression is strongly associated with the intensity and tolerance of host immune responses. This review systematically summarizes the structural and functional features of TOX and focuses on its expression dynamics, mechanisms of action, and immunomodulatory effects during viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, which provides a theoretical support to better understanding of the role of TOX in infectious diseases and provides new insights into development of potential immunotherapeutic strategies targeting TOX.

BACKGROUND: The association between uric acid-albumin ratio (UAR) with different diseases has been evaluated before. However, the association between UAR with spontaneous reperfusion (SR) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been explored. METHODS: STEMI patients admitted to our department and underwent primary coronary angiography between 1^st November 2018 and 31^st December 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into the SR group and the non-SR group according to the index coronary angiography results. The association between UAR and SR was evaluated by uni-variable and multi-variable logistic analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimum cut-off level of UAR in predicting SR. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-seven patients were finally enrolled in our study, 55 patients were divided into the SR group and 302 patients were divided into the non-SR group. In uni-variable analysis, patients with SR were older (P = 0.032), with higher red blood cell distribution width (P < 0.001) and red blood cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (P < 0.001), higher level of C-reactive protein (P = 0.046), higher level of uric acid (P < 0.001) compared with patients without SR. Patients with SR had a lower level of platelets (P = 0.008), lower level of on-admission B-type natriuretic peptide (P < 0.001). As for the level of UAR, STEMI patients with SR had significantly higher levels of UAR compared with STEMI patients without SR [11.1 (8.9-13.4) vs. 8.3 (6.6-10.0), P < 0.001]. Further multi-variable logistic analysis reveals that UAR was the independent risk factor of SR in different models after adjusting different variables. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that UAR had good predictive value in SR (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.702-0.794, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that UAR is an independent risk factor for predicting SR in STEMI patients.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and to explore the risk factors leading to poor prognosis.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with ECPR admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the survival status at the time of discharge, the patients were divided into the survival group and death group. The difference of clinical data between the two groups was compared to explore the risk factors related to death and poor prognosis. Risk factors associated with death were identified by Binary Logistic regression analysis. Results:A total of 95 patients with ECPR were included in this study, 62 (65.3%) died and 33 (34.7%) survived at discharge. Patients in the death group had longer low blood flow time [40 (30, 52.5) min vs. 30 (24.5, 40) min ] and total cardiac arrest time[40 (30, 52.5) min vs. 30(24.5, 40) min], shorter total hospital stay [3 (2, 7.25) d vs. 19 (13.5, 31) d] and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assisted time [26.5 (17, 50) h vs. 62 (44, 80.5) h], and more IHCA patients (56.5% vs. 33.3%) and less had spontaneous rhythm recovery before ECMO (37.1% vs. 84.8%). Initial lactate value [(14.008 ± 5.188) mmol/L vs.(11.23 ± 4.718) mmol/L], APACHEⅡ score [(30.10 ± 7.45) vs. (25.88 ± 7.68)] and SOFA score [12 (10.75, 16) vs. 10 (9.5, 13)] were higher ( P< 0.05). Conclusions:No spontaneous rhythm recovery before ECMO, high initial lactic acid and high SOFA score are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in ECPR patients.

Objective To investigate the association between four single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)(rs9340 in MAPK1,rs14804 in NRAS,rs712 and rs7973450 in KRAS)in the 3'UTR of ERK1/2 signaling pathway-related genes and non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods A total of 478 NSCLC patients and 480 healthy controls were enrolled in this study.Four SNPs were genotyped by using TaqMan assays.The association between the four SNPs and NSCLC was analyzed.Results The distribution frequency difference of the allele of rs9340 was statistically significant between the control group and the non-small cell squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)group(P = 0.009),suggesting that the G allele of rs9340 may be a protective factor for non-small cell lung squamous cell carcinoma(OR = 0.67,95%CI:0.50～0.91).In addition,in the<50 years age group,the distribution frequency difference of the allele of rs9340 was statistically significant between the control group and the NSCLC group(P = 5.07×10-4),indicating that the G allele of rs9340 may be a protective factor for NSCLC(OR = 0.46,95%CI:0.29～0.72).Conclusion The SNP rs9340 in MAPK1 may be associated with the risk of NSCLC.

Objective:To conduct a comparative analysis of the radiation damage to zebrafish embryos and the associated biological mechanism after ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional dose rate irradiation.Methods:Zebrafish embryos at 4 h post-fertilization were exposed to conventional and FLASH irradiation (9 MeV electron beam). The mortality and hatchability of zebrafish after radiation exposure were recorded. Larvae at 96 h post-irradiation underwent morphological scoring, testing of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and analysis of changes in oxidative stress indicators.Results:Electron beam irradiation at doses of 2-12 Gy exerted subtle effects on the mortality and hatchability of zebrafish embryos. However, single high-dose irradiation (≥ 6 Gy) could lead to developmental malformation of larvae, with conventional irradiation showing the most significant effects ( t = 0.87-9.75, P < 0.05). In contrast, after FLASH irradiation (≥ 6 Gy), the ROS levels in zebrafish and its oxidative stress indicators including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced ( t = 0.42-15.19, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ROS levels in incubating solutions after conventional and FLASH irradiation ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:Compared to conventional irradiation, FLASH irradiation can reduce radiation damage to zebrafish embryos, and this is in a dose-dependent manner. The two irradiation modes lead to different oxidative stress levels in zebrafish, which might be a significant factor in the reduction of radiation damage with FLASH irradiation.

Objective To investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of Sophora davidii Hance leaves total alkaloids(SDLTAs)and possible molecular mechanisms.Methods The lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation model of RAW264.7 cells was used,and different concentrations of SDLTAs(50,100 and 200 μg/mL)were administered,and the effect of SDLTAs on cellular NO expression was detected by the Griess method;ELISA method was used to detect the effect of SDLTAs on the expression of IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;The expression of iNOS,NF-κB p65 and IκBα mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR;Western blotting was used to detecte the expres-sion of p-p38,p-p65 and p-JNK in the cells and NF-κB p65 in the nucleus.Results SDLTAs could significantly inhibit the LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells.SDLTAs significantly decreased the secretion of NO,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β in cells(P<0.01),and significantly decreased the mRNA expressions of iNOS,NF-κB p65 and IκBα in cells(P<0.01).Significantly decreased the protein expression of p-p38,p-p65 and p-JNK in cells and NF-κB p65 in nucleus(P<0.01).Conclusion SDLTAs can exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway.

This study aims to establish a quality grading standard that combines the conventional quality evaluation based on morphological characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine with the modern quality evaluation. Based on the existing standards and market circulation of Isatidis Radix, the diameter and color of Isatidis Radix decoction pieces were selected as the appearance traits for preliminary grading. The effects of internal quality indexes such as moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ethanol-soluble extractives, and 9 water-soluble components on different grades of decoction pieces were comprehensively compared, and the key grading indexes were determined by t-test. The relevance between appearance traits and the internal quality indexes was investigated by multi-dimensional statistical analyses such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA). Furthermore, the fluorescent substrate was employed to investigate the inhibitory effects of different grades of Isatidis Radix decoction pieces on the neuraminidase of influenza virus. The rationality of the selected grading index components was verified by network pharmacology. The results showed that the diameter of decoction pieces had significantly positive correlations with other index components except moisture. Considering the existing commodity specifications, grading standards, and actual market circulation of Isatidis Radix, the quality grading standard of Isatidis Radix decoction pieces was developed with diameter as the appearance trait and(R,S)-goitrin as the limit index component of being qualified. On this basis, the content of ethanol-soluble extractives, total sinigrin, and total nucleoside were selected for quality grading. The in vitro enzyme activity evaluation showed that the first grade of Isatidis Radix decoction pieces had stronger inhibitory effect on the neuraminidase of influenza virus, and the network pharmacology results showed that the selected index components for quality grading had significant correlations with influenza. This study established a quality grading standard combining appearance traits and internal quality indexes, which provides a scientific basis for improving the existing grading standards and the price and quality of Isatidis Radix decoction pieces.
Isatis/chemistry* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Network Pharmacology ; Neuraminidase/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Quality Improvement/standards* ; Viral Proteins

Objective:Intravascular large B-cell lymphomas are a rare group of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with no apparent specificity of symptoms and often a poor prognosis.This study aims to investigate the clinical features and imaging manifestations of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma,to improve the awareness of clinicians and imaging physicians and to reduce the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this disease. Methods:Five patients with pathologically confirmed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma diagnosed between December 2011 and February 2022 at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were retrospectively analyzed for clinical features and imaging manifestations. Results:The age range for the 5 patients in this paper was 44-72 years at an average of(55.4±11.2)years,2 were male and 3 were female.There were 4 patients with fever,3 patients with cough,3 patients with fatigue,and 2 patients with neurological symptoms.The primary sites of lesions were bilateral adrenal glands(2 cases),liver(1 case),central nervous system(1 case),lung(1 case).Imaging of the corresponding site was performed in 5 cases.When the primary site is the adrenal gland,it appears as bilateral adrenal masses or bilateral adrenal thickening with clear contours.When the primary site is the liver,it appears as a hypodense lesion in the right lobe of the liver with"vascular floating sign".When the primary site is the central nervous system,it appears as multiple tumor-like lesions in the frontal-parietal-occipital lobe,right temporal lobe and bilateral cerebellar hemispheres with multiple hemorrhages within the lesions.When the primary site is the lung,it appears as multiple ground glass shadows and solid changes in both lungs with localized lobular septal thickening.The final pathological diagnosis was intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in all 5 patients,one of whom had a good prognosis after chemotherapy,2 of whom died within 3 days of discharge,and two of whom were lost to follow-up. Conclusion:Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma can involve multiple tissues and organs,and its prognosis is often poor,and its imaging manifestations possess certain specificity.When this disease is highly suspected,a biopsy of the corresponding organ should be performed as soon as possible to clarify the diagnosis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, cytogenetics, molecular biology, treatment, and prognosis of patients with therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/AML) secondary to malignancies. Methods: The clinical data of 86 patients with t-MDS/AML in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2010 and April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, primary tumor types, and tumor-related therapies were analyzed. Results: The study enrolled a total of 86 patients with t-MDS/AML, including 67 patients with t-AML, including 1 patient with M(0), 6 with M(1), 27 with M(2), 9 with M(3), 12 with M(4), 10 with M(5), 1 with M(6), and 1 with M(7). Sixty-two patients could be genetically stratified, with a median overall survival (OS) of 36 (95% CI 22-52) months for 20 (29.9%) patients in the low-risk group and 6 (95% CI 3-9) months for 10 (14.9%) in the intermediate-risk group. The median OS time was 8 (95% CI 1-15) months in 32 (47.8%) patients in the high-risk group. For patients with non-acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and AML, the median OS of the low-risk group was 27 (95% CI 18-36) months, which was significantly longer than that of the non-low-risk group (χ(2)=5.534, P=0.019). All 9 APL cases were treated according to the initial treatment, and the median OS was not reached, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 100.0%, (75.0±6.2) %, and (75.0±6.2) % respectively. Of the 58 patients with non-APL t-AML (89.7%), 52 received chemotherapy, and 16 achieved complete remission (30.8%) after the first induction chemotherapy. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates of the non-APL t-AML group were (42.0 ± 6.6) %, (22.9±5.7) %, and (13.4±4.7) %, respectively. The median OS of patients who achieved remission was 24 (95% CI 18-30) months, and the median OS of those who did not achieve remission was 6 (95% CI 3-9) months (χ(2)=10.170, P=0.001). Bone marrow CR was achieved in 7 (53.8%) of 13 patients treated with vineclar-containing chemotherapy, with a median OS of 12 (95% CI 9-15) months, which was not significantly different from that of vineclar-containing chemotherapy (χ(2)=0.600, P=0.437). In 19 patients with t-MDS, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were (46.8±11.6) %, (17.5±9.1) %, and (11.7±9.1) % with a median OS of 12 (95% CI 7-17) months, which was not significantly different from that in t-AML (χ(2)=0.232, P=0.630) . Conclusions: Breast cancer, bowel cancer, and other primary tumors are common in patients with t-MDS/AML, which have a higher risk of adverse genetics. Patients with APL had a high induction remission rate and a good long-term prognosis, whereas patients without APL had a low remission rate and a poor long-term prognosis.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy* ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/therapy* ; Prognosis ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy* ; Neoplasms, Second Primary/drug therapy* ; Remission Induction ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*

Literature regarding the impacts of heavy metal exposure on erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between 10 urinary metals and ED in a large, nationally representative adult male sample. The dataset was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period of 2001-2002 and 2003-2004. Weighted proportions and multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables were utilized to determine the relationship between metal exposure and ED. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized to evaluate the impact of a mixture of urinary metals on ED. A total of 1328 participants were included in our study. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, cobalt (Co) and antimony (Sb) were positively associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.73, P = 0.020; and OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.77, P = 0.018, respectively) after full adjustment. Men in tertile 4 for Co (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.41, P for trend = 0.012) and Sb (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.40, P for trend = 0.041) had significantly higher odds of ED than those in tertile 1. Furthermore, the WQS index was significantly linked with increased odds of ED after full adjustment (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72, P < 0.05). Our study expanded on previous literature indicating the possible role of heavy metal exposure in the etiology of ED. The evaluation of heavy metal exposure should be included in the risk assessment of ED.
Adult ; Humans ; Male ; United States ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Nutrition Surveys ; Metals, Heavy ; Risk Assessment