Aim To establish thioacetamide(TAA)-induced mouse intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)model and investi-gate the characteristics so as to provide an experimental basis for exploring the pathological mechanisms of ICC and evaluating new drugs for ICC treatment.Methods C57BL/6J mice were ran-domly divided into the normal controls(NC)and TAA group.The mice in the NC group were fed with sterilized water,while those in the model group with 600 mg·L-1 TAA solution for 32 weeks.Blood was collected from the eyeballs of the anesthetized mice and used for detecting serum ALT,AST,DBIL,and TBIL levels.The morphology of mice livers was observed.The patho-logical changes in liver tissue were observed using HE,Sirius red,Masson,and Prussian blue staining.CK7,CK19,Ki67,CD68,TNF-α,and α-SMA levels were detected by immunohis-tochemistry staining.The mRNA and protein levels of ICC mark-ers were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.HNF4α+CK19+cells in liver tissue were detected by immunofluorescence assay.Results We found tumor nodules on the surface of livers in the mice treated with TAA.The pathological results showed inflammatory cell infiltration,tubular shape of tumor cells with arrangement and hepatic fibrosis.The levels of ALT,AST,DBIL,TBIL in serum were upregulated after TAA induction.Meanwhile,ICC markers CK7 and CK19,and the proliferative marker Ki67 were upregulated in liver tissue induced by TAA.CD68,a marker of macrophage,and TNF-α level were also up-regulated in liver tissue of TAA-treated mice.The α-SMA-posi-tive staining was increased,suggesting the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).Most interestingly,HNF4α+CK19+bi-phenotype cells were found in liver tissue of TAA-treated mice,suggesting that the biphenotype cells originated from hepatocytes.Conclusions TAA can be used to induce the ICC model in mice,with the characteristics of inflammatory cell infiltration,HSCs activation,liver fibrosis,and hepatocyte transformation in-to ICC cells,etc.,which is similar to that in human ICC.Therefore,the mouse ICC model can be used for exploring the mechanisms of ICC and evaluating the effects of endogenous mol-ecules and new drugs on ICC.

Objective To propose a human life signal separation and reconstruction method based on optimized variational mode decomposition(VMD)to improve the accuracy and timeliness of the life detection radar in extracting and separating human life signals such as heartbeat and respiration.Methods Firstly,the particle swarm optimization algorithm was used to optimize the parameters of VMD,and the human life signal was decomposed into a series of intrinsic mode functions(IMFs);secondly,the alignment entropy of each IMF was calculated,the noise was removed based on the alignment entropy threshold,and the remaining components were reconstructed to form human life signals;finally,the method proposed was compared with infinite impulse response(IIR)filtering,VMD and complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive nosie(CEEMDAN)to verify its performance.Results Under different noise levels the proposed method outperformed IIR filtering,VMD and CEEMDAN in evaluation metrics of signal-to-noise ratio and root-mean-square error,and behaved better than CEEMDAN in terms of computational time-consumption.Conclusion The proposed method realizes rapid separation and reconstruction of vital signals such as heartbeat and respiration while effectively filtering out the noise,which has broad application prospects in the fields of non-contact vital signs detection of bum/scald patients,infectious disease patients and newborns and the search and rescue of buried casualties after a disaster.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(3):9-15]

Objective Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has precise traits and advantages in the scientific prevention and remedy practice of diabetic gastroparesis(DGP).The review gathered and reviewed the research on the therapy of DGP with TCM in current years.It was once located that it performed an essential function by regulating Cajal interstitial cells,enteric nervous system,gastrointestinal hormones and gut microbiota.The research development of the mechanism and effect of TCM in the treatment of DGP were respectively reviewed from the above factors,providing thoughts and scientific foundation for the prevention and treatment of DGP.

This study investigates whether compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge can bind to the Toll like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation protein 2 (TLR4/MD2) protein complex and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Virtual screening of reported chemical components of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge against TLR4/MD2 was conducted in this study. The selected compound, neoprzewaquinone A (Neo A), was tested for its impact on the binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to receptors on the cell membrane, its affinity for the protein, its influence on the dimerization of TLR4 and MD2 in LPS-induced cells, and its effects on the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in cells. Results indicate that Neo A in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge exhibited the highest virtual binding affinity with TLR4/MD2, with a value of -12.8 kcal·mol^-1. Neo A significantly inhibited the binding of LPS to receptors on the cell membrane (P < 0.01). Moreover, Neo A demonstrated affinity for rhTLR4/MD2, rhTLR4, and rhMD2, with K_D values of 267, 534, and 228 nmol·L^-1, respectively. Amino acid residues like TYR131 and PHE121 in TLR4/MD2 might play a role in the alkyl and π-alkyl hydrophobic interactions with Neo A. Neo A also significantly inhibited the dimerization of TLR4 and MD2 in LPS-mediated cells (P < 0.01) and markedly suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 protein (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Neo A significantly or markedly inhibited the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in LPS-induced cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In conclusion, Neo A exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by binding TLR4/MD2 then disrupting the binding of LPS to TLR4/MD2. It may serve as a TLR4/MD2 inhibitor with the potential to treat inflammation-related diseases targeting TLR4/MD2.

Objective The leptin receptor,encoded by the LEPR gene,is involved in tumorigenesis.A potential functional variant of LEPR,rs1137101(Gln223Arg),has been extensively investigated for its contribution to the risk of digestive system(DS)cancers,but results remain conflicting rather than conclusive.Here,we performed a case-control study and subsequent meta-analysis to examine the association between rs1137101 and DS cancer risk. Methods A total of 1,727 patients with cancer(gastric/liver/colorectal:460/480/787)and 800 healthy controls were recruited.Genotyping of rs1137101 was conducted using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)assay and confirmed using Sanger sequencing.Twenty-four eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results After Bonferroni correction,the case-control study revealed that rs1137101 was significantly associated with the risk of liver cancer in the Hubei Chinese population.The meta-analysis suggested that rs1137101 is significantly associated with the risk of overall DS,gastric,and liver cancer in the Chinese population. Conclusion The LEPR rs1137101 variant may be a genetic biomarker for susceptibility to DS cancers(especially liver and gastric cancer)in the Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the carrier rate, genotype and phenotype of α-thalassemia fusion gene in Huadu district of Guangzhou, Guangdong province of China, and provide data reference for the prevention and control of thalassemia. METHODS: A total of 10 769 samples who were screened for thalassemia in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Huadu District from July 2019 to November 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Blood cell analysis and hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis were performed. Thalassemia genes were analyzed by gap-PCR and PCR-reverse dot blot hybridization (PCR-RDB). RESULTS: A total of 9 cases with α-thalassemia fusion gene were detected in 10 769 samples (0.08%). There were 7 cases with fusion gene heterozygote, 1 case with compound of α-thalassemia fusion gene and Hb G-Honolulu, 1 case with compound of α-thalassemia fusion gene and Hb QS. The MCV results of 4 samples of blood cell analysis were within the reference range, the Hb A2 value of 1 case was decreased, and there were no other abnormalities found. CONCLUSION The α-thalassemia fusion gene is common in Huadu district of Guangzhou, and heterozygotes are more common, and current screening methods easily lead to misdiagnosis.
Humans ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Genotype ; Phenotype ; Heterozygote ; China ; Mutation

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of CCKBR^fl/fl villin-Cre mice as a mouse model of salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH). METHODS: In the first part, 2-month-old CCKBR^fl/fl villin-Cre mice (CKO) and control CCKBR^fl/fl mice (WT) were fed with normal diet (0.4% NaCl) or high salt diet (4% NaCl), separately for 6 weeks. In the rescue study, one week of hydrochlorothiazide or saline injection were treated with the CKO mice fed high salt diet. The blood pressure, biochemical indexes, and the expression of small intestinal sodium transporters (NHE3, NKCC1, eNaC) was detected. The organ injury markers (MMP2/MMP9) and the histopathological changes of kidneys were observed, whereas the changes of duodenal sodium absorption were detected by small intestinal perfusion in vivo. RESULTS: The CCKBR^fl/fl villin-Cre mice with high salt intake exhibited high blood pressure, increased duodenal sodium absorption and urinary sodium excretion, and with renal injury. The protein expression of NHE3, NKCC1 and eNaC were also significant increase in the intestine of CKO-HS mice. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide remarkably attenuated the elevated blood pressure by high salt absorption in the CCKBR^fl/fl villin-Cre mice, but no significant histopathological changes were observed. CONCLUSIONS These results support a crucial role of intestinal Cckbr deficiency on SSH development and the diuretic antihypertension effect in CCKBR^fl/fl villin-Cre mice. The CCKBR^fl/fl villin-Cre mice with the high salt intake may serve as a stable model of salt-sensitive hypertensive induced by sodium overloading.

Humans ; Microcephaly ; Pedigree ; Nervous System Malformations ; Glucose

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a family with congenital dysfibrinogenemia, and analyze the risk of hemorrhage and thrombosis and blood transfusion strategies. METHODS: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT) of the proband and her family members were detected by automatic coagulometer, fibrinogen (Fg) activity and antigen were detected by Clauss method and PT algorithm respectively. Meanwhile, thromboelastometry was analyzed for proband and her family members. Then, peripheral blood samples of the proband and her family members were collected, and all exons of FGA, FGB and FGG and their flanks were amplified by PCR and sequenced to search for gene mutations. RESULTS: The proband had normal APTT and PT, slightly prolonged TT, reduced level of Fg activity (Clauss method). The Fg of the proband's aunt, son and daughter all decreased to varying degrees. The results of thromboelastogram indicated that Fg function of the proband and her family members (except her son) was basically normal. Gene analysis showed that there were 6233 G/A (p.AαArg35His) heterozygous mutations in exon 2 of FGA gene in the proband, her children and aunt. In addition, 2 polymorphic loci were found in the family, they were FGA gene g.9308A/G (p.AαThr331Ala) and FGB gene g.12628G/A (p.BβArg478Iys) polymorphism, respectively. The proband was injected with 10 units of cryoprecipitate 2 hours before delivery to prevent bleeding, and no obvious bleeding occurred during and after delivery. CONCLUSION Heterozygous mutation of 6233G/A (p.AαArg35His) of FGA gene is the biogenetic basis of the disease in this family with congenital dysfibrinogenemia.
Humans ; Child ; Female ; Fibrinogen/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Afibrinogenemia/genetics* ; Mutation ; Blood Transfusion

Background Preterm birth-related complications are the leading cause of death in newborns and children under the age of 5 years. Maternal heat exposure has been associated with both sleep status during pregnancy and the increased risk of preterm birth. However, whether sleep status could mediate the association between heat exposure and preterm birth remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the association between maternal heat exposure in early pregnancy and preterm birth, and to further explore potential mediation effect of sleep status on the association between heat exposure and preterm birth. Methods A birth cohort was established in Guangzhou Panyu Maternal Child Health Hospital (Guangzhou Panyu District He Xian Memorial Hospital) from 2017 until now. Pregnant women (with gestational age between 8 and 13 weeks) were included in this study when they presented to the hospital for their first prenatal care visit and signed an informed consent. Then they were followed up until delivery. A total of 3 268 pregnant women were included for the final analysis. Questionnaires were distributed to collect the demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and sleep status of pregnant women. Daily meteorological data during the study period were collected from meteorological monitoring stations in Guangzhou and the average ambient mean temperature of four weeks before the survey was calculated and assigned for each pregnancy. The 75th, 80th, 85th, 90th, and 95th percentiles (P₇₅, P₈₀, P₈₅, P₉₀, and P₉₅) of the average ambient temperature of all pregnant women were used as the thresholds to define heat exposure. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of heat exposure in different definitions on preterm birth and sleep status (sleep duration, night sleep timing, and wake up timing). The mediation effects of sleep status on the relationship between heat exposure and preterm birth were also analyzed. Results Among all the included participants, 165 newborns were preterm births with an incidence rate of 5.0%. Heat exposures with thresholds of P₉₀ and P₉₅ increased the risk of preterm birth, with ORs (95%CIs) of 1.66 (1.04-2.57) and 1.90 (1.03-3.33), respectively (P<0.05). Heat exposures with thresholds of P₇₅, P₈₀, P₈₅, P₉₀, and P₉₅ decreased the sleep duration (<9 h vs. ≥9 h, control group: ≥9 h), and the ORs (95%CIs) were 1.51 (1.25-1.83), 1.44 (1.17-1.77), 1.35 (1.08-1.70), 1.43 (1.09-1.87), and 1.45 (1.00-2.13), respectively. Heat exposures with P₇₅ and P₈₀ thresholds resulted in earlier wake up timing (<8: 00 vs. ≥8: 00, control group: <8: 00), with ORs (95%CIs) of 0.77 (0.63-0.93) and 0.76(0.61-0.93), respectively. No significant association was observed between heat exposure and night sleep timing. The mediation analyses showed that under heat exposure with P₉₀ threshold, a statistically significant mediation effect was observed for sleep duration, and the proportion mediated was 6.07% (95%CI: 0.17%-25.00%) (P<0.05). No significant mediation effect was observed for night sleep timing and wake up timing. Conclusion An elevated risk of preterm birth after heat exposure in early pregnancy may be partly mediated through reducing sleep duration.