Decabromodiphenyl ether(BDE-209)and decabromodiphenyl ethane(DBDPE)are widely used brominated flame retardants,which have been detected in the atmosphere,water,soil,and various organisms.In this study,a method based on high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(HPLC-ICP-MS)was developed for determination of BDE-209 and DBDPE in sediment.Firstly,the target compounds in the sediments were extracted by accelerated solvent extraction(ASE),and the extraction solvent was hexane/dichloromethane(1∶1,V/V).The extract was concentrated by rotary evaporation and purified by a composite silica gel column(6 g neutral silica gel,8 g acidic silica gel,and 4 g anhydrous sodium sulfate),concentrated by nitrogen blowing,and then re-dissolved with 1 mL of toluene for instrumental determination.The chromatographic separation was carried out on a TC-C18(2)column(250 mm×4.6 mm)with isocratic elution using methanol-isopropanol-water(89∶6∶5,V/V)as the mobile phase,and the samples were separated within 20 min.Further,the Br element was quantified by ICP-MS to realize the detection of the target.The results showed that the method established in this study exhibited good linearity(R2>0.999)in the range of 100-10000 ng/mL,and the limits of quantification(LOQs)of the method were 2.0 ng/g for BDE-209 and 10.0 ng/g for DBDPE,with the relative standard deviations(RSDs,n=3)lower than 10%,and the recoveries were in the acceptable range(80.9%-120.7%).The matrix effect was effectively controlled within 10%.In addition,by analyzing the actual sediment samples from Guangxi,a background point,and Taizhou,Zhejiang,a typical contaminated area,it was found that neither BDE-209 nor DBDPE was detected in the sediment from Guangxi,while the concentrations of BDE-209 and DBDPE in the sediment from Zhejiang ranged from 1591.8 to 3362.9 ng/g,which further demonstrated the applicability and reliability of the method for analyzing actual environmental samples.This study provided a strong technical support for the accurate detection of POPs in the environment.

This paper explored the specific mechanism of ginsenoside Rg_1 in regulating mitochondrial fusion through the neurogenic gene Notch homologous protein 1(Notch1) pathway to alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury in HL-1 cells. The relative viability of HL-1 cells after six hours of hypoxia and two hours of reoxygenation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) activity in the cell supernatant was detected by the lactate substrate method. The content of adenosine triphosphate(ATP) was detected by the luciferin method. Fluorescence probes were used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species(Cyto-ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨ_m). Mito-Tracker and Actin were co-imaged to detect the number of mitochondria in cells. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, mitochondrial fusion protein 2(Mfn2), and mitochondrial fusion protein 1(Mfn1). The results showed that compared with that of the control group, the cell activity of the model group decreased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant increased. The level of Cyto-ROS increased, and the content of ATP decreased. Compared with that of the model group, the cell activity of the ginsenoside Rg_1 group increased, and the LDH released into the cell culture supernatant decreased. The level of Cyto-ROS decreased, and the ATP content increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 elevated ΔΨ_m and increased mitochondrial quantity in HL-1 cells with H/R injury and had good protection for mitochondria. After H/R injury, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 and Mfn1 decreased, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Mfn2 increased. Ginsenoside Rg_1 increased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. Silencing Notch1 inhibited the action of ginsenoside Rg_1, decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Mfn1, and increased the mRNA and protein levels of Mfn2. In summary, ginsenoside Rg_1 regulated mitochondrial fusion through the Notch1 pathway to alleviate H/R injury in HL-1 cells.
Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Receptor, Notch1/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Animals ; Mitochondrial Dynamics/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Cell Hypoxia/drug effects* ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects* ; Humans

This study aims to investigate the effect of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula on the neuroinflammation of rats with insomnia complicated with depression through the regulation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2(TREM2)/complement protein C1q signaling pathway. Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a positive drug group, as well as a high, medium, and low-dose groups of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the other groups were injected with p-chlorophenylalanine and exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress to establish the rat model of insomnia complicated with depression. The sucrose preference experiment, open field experiment, and water maze test were performed to evaluate the depression in rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect serum 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), dopamine(DA), and norepinephrine(NE) levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the damage in nucleus accumbens neurons. Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect TREM2, C1q, postsynaptic density 95(PSD-95), and synaptophysin 1(SYN1) expressions in rat nucleus accumbens, respectively. Golgi-Cox staining was utilized to observe the synaptic spine density of nucleus accumbens neurons. The results show that, compared with the model group, Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can significantly increase the sucrose preference as well as the distance and number of voluntary activities, shorten the immobility time in forced swimming test and the successful incubation period of positioning navigation, and prolong the stay time of space exploration in the target quadrant test. The serum 5-HT, DA, and NE contents in the model group are significantly lower than those in the normal group, with the above contents significantly increased after the intervention of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula. In addition, Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can alleviate pathological damages such as swelling and loose arrangement of tissue cells in the nucleus accumbens, while increasing the Nissl body numbers. Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can improve synaptic damage in the nucleus accumbens and increase the synaptic spine density. Compared to the normal group, the expression of C1q protein was significantly higher in the model group, while the expression of TREM2 protein was significantly lower. Compared to the model group, the intervention with Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula significantly downregulated the expression of C1q protein and significantly upregulated the expression of TREM2. Compared with the model group, the PSD-95 and SYN1 fluorescence intensity is significantly increased in the groups receiving different doses of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula. In summary, Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can reduce the C1q protein expression, relieve the TREM2 inhibition, and promote the synapse-related proteins PSD-95 and SNY1 expression. Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula improves synaptic injury of the nucleus accumbens neurons, thereby treating insomnia complicated with depression.
Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Depression/complications* ; Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/complications* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Receptors, Immunologic/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Synapses/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the population composition,seasonal dynamics,and infestation levels of cockroaches in Lanzhou,China,and to provide information for the scientific development of cockroach control strategies.Methods Monitoring was conducted at three locations using the sticky trap method.Habitats included farm product markets,catering establishments,hotels,hospitals,and residential areas.Results From 2016 to 2023,the average cockroach density was 0.77 insects per board,with an average infestation rate of 10.84%.Blattella germanica was the dominant species.Seasonal density of cockroaches showed an approximately unimodal distribution,peaking in September.The highest average density and infestation rates were observed in farm product markets.Conclusions Cockroach density and infestation levels in Lanzhou remained relatively low.A comprehensive prevention and control strategy focusing on environmental management in key areas should be implemented according to the seasonal fluctuations.

A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.

Objective:To build an evaluation index system for Huimin Insurance and provide reference for promoting the steady and sustainable development of Huimin Insurance.Methods:The evaluation indicators were initially constructed through literature analysis method and further revised and improved.The entropy weight TOPSIS method was used to evaluate and analyze 84 Huimin Insurance products with complete evaluation indicator data in 21 provinces across the country.Results:The constructed evaluation index system for Huimin Insurance includes 4 first-level indicators,10 second-level indicators and 28 third-level indicators.The weights of the first-level indicators,from high to low,are the sustainability indicator of Huimin Insurance(0.335 0),the guarantee ability indicator(0.235 1),the fairness indicator of participation in insurance(0.229 9)and the guarantee level indicator(0.200 0).The evaluation results show that the top ranked products are mainly concentrated in Zhejiang and Guangdong.Conclusion:The evaluation results of the entropy weight TOPSIS method are suitable for the comprehensive evaluation of Huimin Insurance and are comprehensive and scientific.They can be used to evaluate the operation and development of Huimin Insurance products,laying a good foundation for further evaluation of the sustainability of Huimin Insurance.

Poor prognosis and high mortality rate are frequently observed in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML), and there is no standard salvage therapy for these patients. As a method to evade apoptosis, cancer cells often upregulate anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2 and MCL-1. Recently, venetoclax-based combination therapies have demonstrated promising prospects in treating R/R AML. However, the prevalent use of venetoclax comes with a new challenge of resistance. Upregulation of BCL-1 and/or MCL-1 is the main cause of venetoclax resistance and preemptively targeting BCL-2/BCL-XL/MCL-1 can be used to delay or forestall drug resistance. Thus, selective targeting of BCL-2 and MCL-1 is a viable treatment strategy. This review reports the latest clinical progress on targeting BCL-2 and MCL-1 in R/R AML.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy* ; Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use* ; Sulfonamides/therapeutic use* ; Recurrence

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of portal and tail vein transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) against cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with starvation-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSC activation markers were identified using immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. BMSCs were injected into the liver tissues of bile duct ligation (BDL) mice via the tail and portal veins. Histomorphology, liver function, inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of key proteins were all determined in the liver tissues. RESULTS: BMSCs inhibited HSC activation by reducing α-SMA and collagen I expression. Compared to tail vein injection, DIL-labeled BMSCs injected through the portal vein maintained a high homing rate in the liver. Moreover, BMSCs transplanted through the portal vein resulted in greater improvement in liver color, hardness, and gallbladder size than did those transplanted through the tail vein. Furthermore, BMSCs injected by portal vein, but not tail vein, markedly ameliorated liver function, reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and decreased α-SMA + hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and collagen fiber formation. CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of BMSCs on cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice via portal vein transplantation was superior to that of tail vein transplantation. This comparative study provides reference information for further BMSC studies focused on clinical cholestatic liver diseases.
Animals ; Mice ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Liver Cirrhosis/etiology* ; Male ; Cholestasis/therapy* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*