ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Danggui Shaoyaosan （DSS） on renal injury in db/db mice and its impact on endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） in renal tissues. MethodsThirty 8-week-old male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week， after which urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were monitored to establish a diabetic kidney disease （DKD） model. The model mice were randomly divided into a model group， an irbesartan group， and three DSS treatment groups with different doses （16.77， 33.54， and 67.08 g·kg^-1·d^-1）. A normal group was set as control. Each group was intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs or saline for 8 weeks. After the intervention， general conditions were observed. Serum cystatin C （Cys-C）， 24-hour urinary total protein （24 h-UTP）， 24-hour urinary microalbumin （24 h-UMA）， urinary creatinine （Ucr）， and urea nitrogen （UUN） were measured. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was used to observe glomerular basement membrane （GBM） and ultrastructural changes of the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） in glomerular endothelial cells. Western blot， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze renal tissue structure and the expression of GRP78， CHOP， and related markers. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the mice in the model group showed curled posture， sluggish response， poor fur condition， increased levels of Cys-C， 24 h-UTP， 24 h-UMA， and UUN （P<0.05）， while Ucr decreased （P<0.05）. The GBM was significantly thickened， with podocyte and foot process fusion. The protein expressions of GRP78， CHOP， and ATF6 were significantly upregulated （P<0.05）， the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP increased （P<0.05）， and immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced GRP78 signal （P<0.05）. After treatment， the mice exhibited improved behavior， normalized GBM and podocyte structure， improved ER morphology and markedly better biochemical indicators. Western blot， Real-time PCR， and immunohistochemistry indicated that the ERS-related markers were downregulated in the DSS treatment groups （P<0.05）， suggesting alleviated ERS and improved renal function. ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate renal pathological damage in db/db mice， possibly by regulating ERS in glomerular endothelial cells， although the underlying signaling mechanisms require further investigation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jujuboside A （JuA） on the learning and memory abilities and histopathological changes in the rat model of vascular cognitive impairment （VCI） and explore the potential mechanisms by which JuA treats VCI. MethodsA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group （n=10）， a blank control group （n=10）， and a modeling group （n=30）. The rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation （2-VO） for the modeling of VCI. After stabilization， the VCI rats were randomized into model， JuA （20 mg·kg^-¹）， and donepezil （0.45 mg·kg^-¹） groups. After 4 weeks of gavage， the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats. Nissl staining was employed to evaluate the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β）， cAMP response element-binding protein （CREB）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， and protein kinase B （Akt） in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of GSK-3β， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， Bcl-2， PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， and p-Akt in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group exhibited declines in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.01）， neuronal damage and decreased neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region （P<0.01）， up-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01）， and down-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2， as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.01）. In comparison to the model group， both the JuA and donepezil groups demonstrated improvements in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with reduced neuronal damage and increased neurons （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the two groups showed down-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01） and up-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2 and the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There were no statistically significant differences between the blank control and sham operation groups in terms of the learning and memory abilities， neuron count， and mRNA and protein levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related factors. ConclusionJuA can ameliorate the cognitive impairment in the rat model of VCI by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons， and alleviating the hippocampal neuronal damage.

The gradient field, one of the core magnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, is generated by gradient coils and plays a critical role in spatial encoding and the generation of echo signals. The uniformity or linearity of the gradient field directly impacts the quality and distortion level of MRI images. However, traditional point measurement methods lack accuracy in assessing the linearity of gradient fields, making it difficult to provide effective parameters for image distortion correction. This paper introduced a spherical measurement-based method that involved measuring the magnetic field distribution on a sphere, followed by detailed magnetic field calculations and linearity analysis. This study, applied to assess the nonlinearity of asymmetric head gradient coils, demonstrated more comprehensive and precise results compared to point measurement methods. This advancement not only strengthens the scientific basis for the design of gradient coils but also provides more reliable parameters and methods for the accurate correction of MRI image distortions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/instrumentation* ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Nonlinear Dynamics ; Magnetic Fields ; Algorithms ; Phantoms, Imaging

OBJECTIVES: Pyroptosis plays a critical role in tubulointerstitial lesions of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion and may be closely related to DKD, but its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of ANXA2 in high glucose-induced pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, providing new targets for DKD prevention and treatment. METHODS: Human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were divided into a normal glucose group (5.5 mmol/L), a high glucose group (30.0 mmol/L), and a osmotic control group (24.5 mmol/L mannitol+5.5 mmol/L glucose). ANXA2 expression was modulated by overexpression of plasmids and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell proliferation was measured by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and ANXA2, p50, and p65 subcellular localization by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was employed to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), and collagen type IV (Col-IV). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting were used to analyze nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits p50/p65 and the pyroptosis pathway factors NLR family Pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, inferleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. Protein interactions between ANXA2 and p50/p65 were examined by co-immunoprecipitation, while chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to examine NF-κB binding to the ANXA2 promoter. RESULTS: High glucose upregulated ANXA2 expression and promoted its nuclear translocation (P<0.01). High glucose reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and elevated α-SMA, FN, and Col-IV expression (all P<0.05); ANXA2 overexpression aggravated these effects (all P<0.05), while ANXA2 knockdown reversed them (all P<0.05). High glucose activated NF-κB and increased NLRP3, caspase-1, L-1β, and IL-18 mRNA and protein expression (all P<0.05); ANXA2 overexpression further enhanced this, whereas knockdown suppressed NF-κB activation and downstream factors (all P<0.05). Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed ANXA2 directly binds the NF-κB subunit p65. ChIP assays revealed p65 binds specifically to ANXA2 promoter regions (ChIP-2, ChIP-4, and ChIP-6), and luciferase activity in corresponding mutant constructs (M2, M4, and M6) was significantly increased versus controls (all P<0.05), confirming positive transcriptional regulation of ANXA2 by p65. CONCLUSIONS ANXA2 and NF-κB form a positive feedback loop that sustains NLRP3 inflammasome activation, promotes pyroptosis pathway activation, and aggravates high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury. Targeting ANXA2 or blocking its interaction with p65 may be a novel strategy to slow DKD progression.
Humans ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Annexin A2/physiology* ; Epithelial Cells/cytology* ; Kidney Tubules/cytology* ; Glucose/pharmacology* ; Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism* ; Feedback, Physiological

BACKGROUND:Up to now,there is no literature on the relationship between blood laboratory tests and the course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head in different stages.It is necessary to further explore and analyze so as to better clarify the influencing factors of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the relationship between blood laboratory indicators and the course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head by the Association Research Circulation Osseous(ARCO),thus exploring the influencing factors of blood laboratory indicators on the course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:This study used a retrospective study design.A total of 2 103 patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head were retrieved from Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences database,and 1 075 patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head were ultimately included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Patient age,gender,body mass index,and blood laboratory test results were collected.Blood laboratory tests included low-density lipoprotein,total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,apolipoprotein β,apolipoprotein α1,uric acid,total protein quantitative,alkaline phosphatase,activated partial thromboplastin time,prothrombin time,prothrombin time International Normalized Ratio,prothrombin time activity,fibrinogen quantitative,coagulation time of thrombin,D-dimer,total iron binding capacity,and platelet count.The indicators of patients with different age groups and different ARCO stages were compared,and multiple Logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the influencing factors of ARCO stages in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were statistical differences in total cholesterol,uric acid,prothrombin time,prothrombin time International Normalized Ratio,and D-dimer among ARCO stages in the young group(P<0.05).Among young patients in ARCO stage II,total cholesterol levels were higher than those in ARCO stage III(P<0.05).Uric acid levels in ARCO stage IV were higher than those in ARCO stage II and III(P<0.05).Prothrombin time and prothrombin time International Normalized Ratio were shorter in ARCO stage IV and II than in ARCO stage III(P<0.05).D-dimer levels were higher in ARCO stage III and IV than in ARCO stage II(P<0.05).(2)There were statistically significant differences in high-density lipoprotein,coagulation time of thrombin,and D-dimer among ARCO stages in the middle-aged group(P<0.05).Among middle-aged patients in ARCO stage IV,high-density lipoprotein levels were higher than those in ARCO stages II and III(P<0.05).Coagulation time of thrombin was shorter in ARCO stage IV than in ARCO stage III(P<0.05).D-dimer levels were higher in ARCO stages IV than in ARCO stages II and III(P<0.05).(3)The uric acid,activated partial thromboplastin time,D-dimer,and platelet count in the elderly group showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The uric acid level in ARCO stage IV was higher than that in ARCO stage II and III patients in the elderly group(P<0.05),while the activated prothrombin time in ARCO stage II patients was shorter than that in ARCO stage III patients in the elderly group(P<0.05).The D-dimer level in ARCO stage III and IV patients was higher than that in ARCO stage II patients in the elderly group(P<0.05).The platelet count in ARCO stage IV was lower than that in ARCO stage III patients in the elderly group(P<0.05).(4)Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that total cholesterol and platelet count may be protective factors for course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head,while D-dimer,uric acid,overweight,and young and middle age may be risk factors for course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(5)It is indicated that total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein,uric acid,prothrombin time,prothrombin time International Normalized Ratio,and D-dimer are statistically significant among patients with different ARCO stages.Total cholesterol and platelet count may be protective factors for the course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head,while D-dimer,uric acid,overweight,and middle-aged and young age groups may be hazard factors for the course of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

AIM:To study whether glycyrrhizic acid(GL)can resist the ototoxicity of cisplatin(CDDP)in mice and its molecular mechanism.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 5 groups:control group,DMSO(5%)group,CDDP(4 mg/kg)group,CDDP+low-dose(50 mg/kg)GL group,and CDDP+high-dose(100 mg/kg)GL group(n=14).Auditory brainstem response(ABR)was used to detect hearing changes of mice.HE staining was used to observe the morphological change of cochlear stria vascular in mice.Evans blue(EB)staining was used to observe the per-meability change of the blood-labyrinth barrier(BLB).Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression and distribution of adhesion protein VE-cadherin and tight junction protein ZO-1 on the cochlear stria.ELISA assay and immunofluorescence technology were employed to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleu-kin-1β(1L-1β).RESULTS:In CDDP group,ABR waveforms of all frequencies were disturbed,the hearing threshold was significantly increased,and I wave latency was prolonged(P＜0.05).In CDDP+GL group,ABR waveforms of various frequencies were well differentiated,the hearing threshold was significantly decreased,and the latency of I-wave was shortened(P＜0.01).The disordered morphology and more vacuoles in the stria vascularis were observed by HE staining in CDDP group.The GL alleviated CDDP-induced damage in the stria vascularis.In EB staining,CDDP caused an increase in per-meability of BLB(P＜0.01),which was improved by GL treatment(P＜0.01).Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of VE-cadherin and ZO-1 in CDDP group were decreased(P＜0.01),which was restored in CDDP+GL group(P＜0.01).The ELISA and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α was in-creased after CDDP treatment(P＜0.01),which was restored in CDDP+GL group(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:The GL alleviates CDDP-induced hearing loss in mice by inhibiting CDDP-induced inflammation and reducing the permeability of BLB.

Objective:To analyze the total expendition,developmental changes and flow of the total cost of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in China from 2016 to 2021,and to study the development of the total cost of TCM in different medical institutions.Methods:Institutional flow method and case-base aggregation method were used to account for the total TCM costs.Results:From 2016 to 2021,the total amount of total TCM costs flowed to TCM-type hospitals was the highest in China,the proportion of total TCM costs in primary healthcare organizations was increased,and TCM-type clinics and outpatient clinics were developed more rapidly.The share of Chinese medicine drug costs in total Chinese medicine costs has been declined,and the share of county hospitals in their total health costs has been risen overall Conclusion:In the future,it would increase the TCM investment,attach importance to the development of TCM services in non-Chinese medicine hospitals,improve the capacity of primary Chinese medicine services,continue to consolidate the policy of"strengthening the primary",and maintain the rapid development of Chinese medicine clinics and outpatient clinics;the value of Chinese medicine technical labor should be emphasized,and the driving force of county hospitals should be brought into full play.

Objective:To analyze the total expendition,developmental changes and flow of the total cost of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in China from 2016 to 2021,and to study the development of the total cost of TCM in different medical institutions.Methods:Institutional flow method and case-base aggregation method were used to account for the total TCM costs.Results:From 2016 to 2021,the total amount of total TCM costs flowed to TCM-type hospitals was the highest in China,the proportion of total TCM costs in primary healthcare organizations was increased,and TCM-type clinics and outpatient clinics were developed more rapidly.The share of Chinese medicine drug costs in total Chinese medicine costs has been declined,and the share of county hospitals in their total health costs has been risen overall Conclusion:In the future,it would increase the TCM investment,attach importance to the development of TCM services in non-Chinese medicine hospitals,improve the capacity of primary Chinese medicine services,continue to consolidate the policy of"strengthening the primary",and maintain the rapid development of Chinese medicine clinics and outpatient clinics;the value of Chinese medicine technical labor should be emphasized,and the driving force of county hospitals should be brought into full play.

Objective:To analyze the total expendition,developmental changes and flow of the total cost of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in China from 2016 to 2021,and to study the development of the total cost of TCM in different medical institutions.Methods:Institutional flow method and case-base aggregation method were used to account for the total TCM costs.Results:From 2016 to 2021,the total amount of total TCM costs flowed to TCM-type hospitals was the highest in China,the proportion of total TCM costs in primary healthcare organizations was increased,and TCM-type clinics and outpatient clinics were developed more rapidly.The share of Chinese medicine drug costs in total Chinese medicine costs has been declined,and the share of county hospitals in their total health costs has been risen overall Conclusion:In the future,it would increase the TCM investment,attach importance to the development of TCM services in non-Chinese medicine hospitals,improve the capacity of primary Chinese medicine services,continue to consolidate the policy of"strengthening the primary",and maintain the rapid development of Chinese medicine clinics and outpatient clinics;the value of Chinese medicine technical labor should be emphasized,and the driving force of county hospitals should be brought into full play.

Objective:To analyze the total expendition,developmental changes and flow of the total cost of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in China from 2016 to 2021,and to study the development of the total cost of TCM in different medical institutions.Methods:Institutional flow method and case-base aggregation method were used to account for the total TCM costs.Results:From 2016 to 2021,the total amount of total TCM costs flowed to TCM-type hospitals was the highest in China,the proportion of total TCM costs in primary healthcare organizations was increased,and TCM-type clinics and outpatient clinics were developed more rapidly.The share of Chinese medicine drug costs in total Chinese medicine costs has been declined,and the share of county hospitals in their total health costs has been risen overall Conclusion:In the future,it would increase the TCM investment,attach importance to the development of TCM services in non-Chinese medicine hospitals,improve the capacity of primary Chinese medicine services,continue to consolidate the policy of"strengthening the primary",and maintain the rapid development of Chinese medicine clinics and outpatient clinics;the value of Chinese medicine technical labor should be emphasized,and the driving force of county hospitals should be brought into full play.