ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yijingtang （YJT） in treating diminished ovarian reserve （DOR） in rats by regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodsFifty female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly allocated into blank， model， low- and high-dose （12.579 and 25.158 g·kg^-1， respectively） YJT， and dehydroepiandrosterone （7.487 5 mg·kg^-1） groups， with 10 rats in each group. The rats in other groups except the blank group were administrated with the tripterygium glycosides tablet suspension （5 mg·kg^-1） by gavage for 14 days for the modeling of DOR. The rats in the drug treatment groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage from day 15 for 30 consecutive days， and those in the blank and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water. The vaginal exfoliated cell smears were observed to assess the changes in the estrous cycle. The wet weight of bilateral ovaries was weighed for calculation of the ovarian index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ovaries and the proportions of follicles at various levels were calculated. The serum levels of sex hormones ［follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， estradiol （E₂）， and anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）］ and inflammatory factors ［tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-1beta （IL-1β）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10）］ were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB profilin α （IκBα）， NF-κB and inflammatory factors in the ovarian tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of factors related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence （IF） was used to detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed disturbed estrous cycles， increased inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue， decreases in ovarian index and proportion of presinusoidal follicles， and an increase in the proportion of atretic follicles （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the model group showed elevated serum levels of FSH， LH， TNF-α， and IL-1β， up-regulated mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， IκBα， NF-κB， TNF-α， and IL-1β and protein levels of TLR4， MyD88， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65 （P<0.01）， lowered serum levels of AMH， E₂， and IL-10， down-regulated mRNA level of IL-10 （P<0.01）， and massive nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. Compared with the model group， dehydroepiandrosterone and low and high doses of YJT restored the disturbed estrous cycle， reduced inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue， increased the ovarian index （P<0.01）， and changed the follicular composition ratio （P<0.01）. Furthermore， the drugs lowered the serum levels of FSH， LH， TNF-α， and IL-1β， down-regulated the mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， IκBα， NF-κB， TNF-α， and IL-1β and the protein levels of TLR4， MyD88， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， raised the serum levels of AMH， E₂， and IL-10， up-regulated the mRNA level of IL-10 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ConclusionYJT may inhibit the release and expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to attenuate the inflammatory responses in the ovarian tissue， thereby improving the ovarian function in DOR rats.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yijingtang （YJT） in treating diminished ovarian reserve （DOR） in rats by regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodsFifty female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly allocated into blank， model， low- and high-dose （12.579 and 25.158 g·kg^-1， respectively） YJT， and dehydroepiandrosterone （7.487 5 mg·kg^-1） groups， with 10 rats in each group. The rats in other groups except the blank group were administrated with the tripterygium glycosides tablet suspension （5 mg·kg^-1） by gavage for 14 days for the modeling of DOR. The rats in the drug treatment groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage from day 15 for 30 consecutive days， and those in the blank and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water. The vaginal exfoliated cell smears were observed to assess the changes in the estrous cycle. The wet weight of bilateral ovaries was weighed for calculation of the ovarian index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ovaries and the proportions of follicles at various levels were calculated. The serum levels of sex hormones ［follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， estradiol （E₂）， and anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）］ and inflammatory factors ［tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-1beta （IL-1β）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10）］ were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB profilin α （IκBα）， NF-κB and inflammatory factors in the ovarian tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of factors related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence （IF） was used to detect the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed disturbed estrous cycles， increased inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue， decreases in ovarian index and proportion of presinusoidal follicles， and an increase in the proportion of atretic follicles （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the model group showed elevated serum levels of FSH， LH， TNF-α， and IL-1β， up-regulated mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， IκBα， NF-κB， TNF-α， and IL-1β and protein levels of TLR4， MyD88， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65 （P<0.01）， lowered serum levels of AMH， E₂， and IL-10， down-regulated mRNA level of IL-10 （P<0.01）， and massive nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. Compared with the model group， dehydroepiandrosterone and low and high doses of YJT restored the disturbed estrous cycle， reduced inflammatory infiltration in the ovarian tissue， increased the ovarian index （P<0.01）， and changed the follicular composition ratio （P<0.01）. Furthermore， the drugs lowered the serum levels of FSH， LH， TNF-α， and IL-1β， down-regulated the mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， IκBα， NF-κB， TNF-α， and IL-1β and the protein levels of TLR4， MyD88， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， raised the serum levels of AMH， E₂， and IL-10， up-regulated the mRNA level of IL-10 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the ovarian tissue. ConclusionYJT may inhibit the release and expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to attenuate the inflammatory responses in the ovarian tissue， thereby improving the ovarian function in DOR rats.

Objective:To observe the effects of Bushen Antai Mixture on nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) in placental tissue of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) mice.Methods:The CBA/J mice (female) and DBA/2 (male), CBA/J mice (female) and BALB/c (male) were caged at a ratio of 2 : 1 to establish RSA and normal pregnant mice, respectively. The next morning, the vaginal plug was found or the sperm was seen under the microscope as the successful modeling, which was counted as the first day of pregnancy. CBA/J×BALB/c mice were set as normal group, and the RSA model pregnant mice were divided into model group, progesterone group, and Bushen Antai Mixture low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups using a random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. The normal group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage. Bushen Antai Mixture low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups were given 3.9 g/kg, 11.7 g/kg and 23.4 g/kg Bushen Antai Mixture by gavage. The progesterone group was given progesterone capsule aqueous solution 26 mg/kg by gavage for 14 consecutive days. The embryo loss rate of mice was calculated. The pathological changes of placental tissues were observed by HE staining. The expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and NF-κB protein and mRNA in placental tissues were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR.Results:Compared with the model group, the embryo loss rate of mice in the Bushen Antai Mixture low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups and the progesterone group significantly decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01); the pathological morphology of placental tissue improved; the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 protein and mRNA in placental tissue significantly increased ( P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of NF-κB protein and mRNA significantly decreased ( P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion:Bushen Antai Mixture may may treat RSA by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inhibiting NF - κB expression, and improving oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the placental tissue of RSA pregnant mice.

Objective To investigate the relationships of the mRNA expression levels of mitochon-drial ribosomal large subunit protein 13(MRPL13),BCL2-associated protein A1(BCL2A1)and TP53 apoptosis-inducing protein 1(TP53AIP1)in the serum of breast cancer patients with their chemotherapy efficacy as well as immune function.Methods A total of 148 triple-negative breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were selected as the study subjects.Based on chemotherapy efficacy,they were divided into responsive group(97 cases)and non-responsive group(51 cases).Sixty healthy individuals undergoing physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group.The mRNA expression levels of MRPL13,BCL2A1 and TP53AIP1 in the serum of patients were detected.The concentrations of immunoglobulin M(IgM),immunoglobulin G(IgG)and im-munoglobulin A(IgA)in the serum of patients were measured,and the proportions of CD4+and CD8+cells in whole blood were determined.The mRNA expression levels of MRPL13,BCL2A1 and TP53AIP1 were compared between the breast cancer group and the control group.The mRNA ex-pression levels of MRPL13,BCL2A1 and TP53AIP1 were compared between the responsive and non-responsive groups.The differences in immune function indicators before and after chemotherapy be-tween the responsive and non-responsive groups,were compared.The correlations of the mRNA ex-pression levels of MRPL13,BCL2A1 and TP53AIP1 with immune indicators were analyzed.Factors influencing chemotherapy efficacy were screened.Results The mRNA expression levels of MRPL13 and BCL2A1 in the breast cancer group were higher than those in the control group,while the mRNA expression level of TP53AIP1 was lower,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).In the responsive group,the mRNA expression levels of MRPL13 and BCL2A1 were lower than those in the non-responsive group,while the mRNA expression level of TP53AIP1 was higher,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).After chemotherapy,the IgM concentration in the responsive group was higher than that in the non-responsive group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).The proportion of CD8+cells in the responsive group was lower than that in the non-responsive group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).The mRNA expres-sion level of MRPL13 was positively correlated with IgM,IgG and CD8+(r=0.672,0.716,0.824,P＜0.05).The mRNA expression level of BCL2A1 was positively correlated with IgA and CD4+(r=0.654,0.862,P＜0.05).The mRNA expression level of TP53AIP1 was negatively cor-related with CD4+and CD8+(r=-0.846,-0.792,P＜0.05).High expressions of MRPL13 and BCL2A1 were independent risk factors for chemotherapy efficacy in breast cancer patients(P＜0.05),while high expression of TP53AIP1 was protective factor(P＜0.05).Conclusion The mRNA expression levels of MRPL13,BCL2A1 and TP53AIP1 in the serum of triple-negative breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are correlated with the levels of IgM,IgG and IgA,the proportions of CD4+and CD8+T cells,and chemotherapy efficacy.High expression of MRPL13 and BCL2A1 are independent risk factors for poor chemotherapy efficacy,while high expression of TP53AIP1 is a protective factor.

Objective : To investigate the effect and mechanism of M2 macrophage polarization induced by HCT116 with highly metastatic colorectal cancer cells on immune escape in colorectal cancer. Methods : After the co-culture of colorectal cancer cells conditioned medium(CM) and PMA-induced M0 macrophages, the polarization of M2 macrophages was observed by flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) experiments. The CMM0, CMSW480-Mφ and CMHCT116-Mφ were co-cultured with HCT116 cells, and the expression of programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1) was detected by Western blot and qPCR. At the same time, the stimulated HCT116 cells were co-cultured with human T lymphocytes to detect the survival of HCT116 cells and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ). The difference of kruüppel-like factor 4(KLF4) expression between SW480 and HCT116 cells was detected by Western blots, qPCR and ELISA. After pretreatment of HCT116 cells with KFL4 inhibitor Kenpaullone(Ken), the CMHCT116 and CMHCT116+Ken were co-cultured with M0 macrophages and the polarization of M2 macrophages was observed by flow cytometry, qPCR and ELISA. The CMHCT116-Mφ and CM_((HCT116+Ken)-Mφ) was co-cultured with HCT116 cells, and the PD-L1 expression of HCT116 cells was detected by Western blot and qPCR. Results: After the stimulation of M0 macrophages with CM, the proportion of CD11b+CD206+ cells in HCT116-Mφ cells was higher, and the expression of M2 macrophage markers interleukin(IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) were higher. Compared with the CMSW480-Mφ group, the PD-L1 protein expression level was higher in the CMHCT116-Mφ group. After co-culture with T lymphocytes, the cell survival rate are the most in CMHCT116-Mφ group, while the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were the lowest. After the addition of Ken, the polarization ratio and markers of M2 macrophages decreased. Compared with CMHCT116-Mφ group, the expression of PD-L1 in HCT116 cells of the CM_((HCT116+Ken)-Mφ) group decreased. Conclusion Highly metastatic colorectal cancer cells induce polarization of M2 macrophages by secreting KLF4, promote PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer cells, facilitate tumor immune escape, and provide potential targets for clinical immunotherapy.

BackgroundWomen may develop severe symptoms of stress disorder following childbirth， which may be exposed to a risk of developing mental health problems， and even lead to the recurrence of the illness in female patients with schizophrenia， while comparatively limited research has been undertaken concerning the clinical characteristics and treatment of puerperal schizophrenia in China. ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics of puerperal schizophrenia， so as to provide references for the clinical treatment. MethodsA total of 24 patients with puerperal schizophrenia who were hospitalized in the female ward of adult psychiatry department of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from 2012 to 2020 and met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fourth edition （DSM-IV） diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia were included as puerperal group. Another 48 non-puerperal women with schizophrenia were concurrently enrolled as control group. Then the basic data， scores on Positive and Negative Symptom Scale （PANSS） and the discharge medication were recorded. ResultsThe percentages of newly onset and positive family history of psychosis in puerperal group were larger than those in control group， with statistical significance （χ²=9.321， 5.240， P<0.05 or 0.01）. Puerperal group scored higher on PANSS excitement factor （t=-2.220， P<0.05） and lower on negative factor （t=3.377， P<0.01） compared with control group. In terms of discharge medication， puerperal group reported a higher dosage of antipsychotic drugs （t=-2.095， P<0.05）， and a larger proportion of combined use of benzodiazepines or antidepressants （χ²=21.316， 5.114， P<0.05 or 0.01） compared with control group， with statistical significance. ConclusionPatients with puerperal schizophrenia display increased ratings of excitement symptoms and decreased ratings of negative symptoms， which necessitates the use of high doses of antipsychotic drugs， and combined use of benzodiazepines and antidepressants.

Objective To enhance CT radiation dose management in radiology department via applying Six Sigma management method.Methods The radiation quality control processes in the radiology department were optimized according to the Six Sigma quality management DMAIC pattern.The volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),dose length product(DLP),radiation quality control problems of adult and pediatric CT scans from January 2022 to February 2022 were collected as baseline data,and data collected from August 2022 to September 2022 were taken as the control group for analysis via Six Sigma management method.All data of the dose values and problem rates were compared and analyzed between before and after Six Sigma management methods.Results The DLP in the adult group was decreased by 65.5％in computed tomography urography(CTU),decreased by 25.5％in neck enhancement,decreased by 9.8％in head,decreased by 24％in facial cranial,and decreased by 27.7％in chest enhancement,with a statistical difference(P＜0.05).While DLP in the adult group was decreased by 9.7％in abdominal enhancement,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).The DLP in the pediatric(＜1 year)group was increased by 35％in head scans,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).While the DLP was decreased by 30.2％in 1 to 5 years group,decreased by 21.8％in 6 to 10 years group,decreased by 27.6％in 11 to 15 years group,with statistical difference(P＜0.05).The DLP of facial cranial was decreased by 43.3％in 6 to 10 years group,decreased by 29.1％in 11 to 15 years group,with statistical difference(P＜0.05).The DLP of chest was decreased by 13％in＜1 year group(P＞0.05),increased by 2.2％in 1 to 5 years group(P＞0.05),decreased by 42.6％in 6 to 10 years group,decreased by 54.2％in 11 to 15 years group(P＜0.05).The incidence of radiological quality control problems of after Six Sigma management was significantly lower than that of before Six Sigma management(P＜0.05).Conclusion Six Sigma management method can identify problems in the clinical practice and enhance the ability of radiation quality control through optimization.

ObjectiveTo analyze the long-term trends of the disease burden of diabetes attributed to metabolic factors in China from 1990 to 2019, and provide scientific recommendations for diabetes prevention and control in China. MethodsDescriptive analysis was conducted on the disease burden data of diabetes attributed to metabolic factors in China from 1990 to 2019, obtained from GBD 2019, encompassing death form diabetes, disability-adjusted life years (DALY), years of life lost (YLL), and years lived with disability (YLD). Joinpoint regression models were employed to analyze the long-term trends in mortality and DALY rates. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of two metabolic risk factors, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and high body mass index (BMI) levels, on the disease burden of diabetes. ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, the overall standardized mortality and DALY rates attributed to metabolic factors for diabetes in the general population in China showed an upward trend, with both average annual percent changes (AAPCs) of 0.1% in the total population. The trend was upward in males with AAPCs of 0.9% and 0.6%, while it was downward in females with AAPCs of -0.4% and -0.3%. As age increased, the disease burden of diabetes attributed to metabolic factors showed an upward trend, with high FPG and high BMI ranking as the top two attributing risk factors. The disease burden of diabetes attributed to metabolic factors was higher in Chinese males than females. ConclusionThe disease burden of diabetes attributed to metabolic factors is increasing among the overall population and particularly among males, while the burden for female is declining. There is a need to increase intervention efforts for males aged 65 and above, provide scientific guidance on residents’ diet and lifestyle habits, and control blood glucose and body weight.

Objective:To study the risk factors of venous thromboembolism(VTE)and the predictive value of the improved VTE score model to identify the risk of VTE in gynecological surgery patients.Methods:From Janu-ary 1,2020 to December 31,2022,41 patients with VTE after gynecological surgery were selected as the VTE group,and a total of 164 patients with adjacent gynecological surgeries during the same period were selected as the non-VTE group with a ratio of 1 :4.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to ana-lyze the risk factors of VTE after gynecological surgery,and a modified VTE risk factor rapid assessment model(referred to as the improved VTE score model)was constructed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to study the predictive value for VTE for in gynecological surgery,and compared with the Caprini score model(Caprini table for short).Results:①Multivatiate Logistic regression analysis showed that there were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in gynecology surgery(OR＞1,P＜0.05),including age≥60 years,BMI≥28 kg/m2,malignant tumors,surgery time＞3 hours,history of thrombosis,and the increased D-di-mer difference before and after surgery.②The Area under Curve(AUC)of ROC was 0.963 in the improved VTE score model with a Youden index 81.10％,sensitivity 87.80％and specificity 93.29％.The AUC of the Caprini score model was 0.888 with Youden index 63.41％,sensitivity 73.17％and specificity 90.24％.The improved VTE score model the Caprini score model identified 92.68％and 85.37％of VTE patients as high-risk or ex-tremely high-risk,respectively,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusions:More attention should be paid to the six independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in gynecology surgery.The two score models showed a similar identified level.However,the improved VTE score model is more simple and easier to operate,has better practicality,and has certain clinical promotion value.

Objective To investigate the enhanced CT and MRI imaging features of nasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)and lymphoma(NHL),and to analyze the efficacy of different imaging features in differentiating nasal sinus SCC from NHL.Methods The imaging,clinical and pathological data of 67 patients with sinus SCC and NHL who underwent sinus CT and MRI with contrast CT and MRI in our hospital and confirmed by surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed,and the tumor origin,maximum diameter,CT density,MRI signal intensity,enhancement degree,tumor internal necrosis,adjacent bone destruction,invasion of surrounding tissues,and The imaging features such as cervical lymph node metastasis within the scanning range were analyzed,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and area under the curve(AUC)were used to analyze the efficacy of different imaging features to distinguish nasal sinus SCC and NHL.Results There were statistically significant differences between the five imaging features of nasal sinus SCC and NHL,including tumor origin,maximum diameter,internal tumor necrosis,surrounding bone destruction and peripheral tissue invasion(P＜0.05),and the AUC of differentiating SCC and NHL were 0.708,0.694,0.785,0.850 and 0.629,respectively.The AUC of SCC and NHL was 0.969,and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.9%and 97.2%,respectively.Conclusion On contrast-enhanced CT and MRI,the imaging signs of tumor origin,maximum diameter,tumor internal necrosis,bone destruction and surrounding tissue invasion are helpful to distinguish nasal sinus SCC from NHL,especially if the tumor originates in the nasal cavity,necrosis is rare,bone destruction is mild,and the possibility of nasal sinus NHL should be given priority.Contrast-enhanced CT and MRI can help differentiate nasal sinus SCC from NHL,and the combination can help improve differential diagnostic performance.