Objective:To study the effects of fluoride and aluminum exposure alone and in combination on pyroptosis and the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway in NG108-15 cells.Methods:Using a factorial design method, NG108-15 cells cultured in vitro were divided into control group [0 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) + 0 mg/L aluminium trichloride (AlCl 3)], fluoride group (40 mg/L NaF + 0 mg/L AlCl 3), aluminum group (0 mg/L NaF + 160 mg/L AlCl 3), and fluoride + aluminum group (40 mg/L NaF + 160 mg/L AlCl 3) according to the concentrations of NaF and AlCl 3. After 24 hours of cultivation, the cells were collected for subsequent experiments. The fluorescence intensity of pyroptosis index GSDMD in each group was detected by immunofluorescence method. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, gasdermin D N-terminus (GSDMD-N) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in each group were detected by Western blotting. Results:The immunofluorescence results showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.02), the fluorescence intensity of GSDMD in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups (1.49 ± 0.02, 1.22 ± 0.04, 1.25 ± 0.03) were higher ( P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.01, 1.00 ± 0.08, 1.00 ± 0.06), the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 (1.21 ± 0.06, 1.60 ± 0.07, 1.42 ± 0.02), ASC (2.61 ± 0.07, 1.53 ± 0.01, 2.12 ± 0.03), Caspase-1 (1.32 ± 0.05, 1.53 ± 0.04, 2.07 ± 0.05), and GSDMD (1.60 ± 0.03, 1.65 ± 0.04, 2.23 ± 0.05) were higher in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups ( P < 0.05). Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.04, 1.00 ± 0.08, 1.00 ± 0.05, 1.00 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.03, 1.00 ± 0.06), the protein expression levels of NLRP3 (1.55 ± 0.06, 1.40 ± 0.07, 1.24 ± 0.05), ASC (1.66 ± 0.05, 1.48 ± 0.06, 1.32 ± 0.06), Caspase-1 (1.51 ± 0.02, 1.40 ± 0.01, 1.28 ± 0.03), GSDMD (1.24 ± 0.03, 1.31 ± 0.06, 1.18 ± 0.03), GSDMD-N (1.18 ± 0.04, 1.27 ± 0.03, 1.27 ± 0.03), and IL-1β (1.81 ± 0.03, 1.70 ± 0.08, 1.52 ± 0.05) were higher in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Exposure to fluoride and aluminum alone and in combination can induce pyroptosis in NG108-15 cells, and the mechanism may be related to up-regulation of molecules related to the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.

Objective:To study the effects of fluoride and aluminum exposure alone and in combination on pyroptosis and the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway in NG108-15 cells.Methods:Using a factorial design method, NG108-15 cells cultured in vitro were divided into control group [0 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) + 0 mg/L aluminium trichloride (AlCl 3)], fluoride group (40 mg/L NaF + 0 mg/L AlCl 3), aluminum group (0 mg/L NaF + 160 mg/L AlCl 3), and fluoride + aluminum group (40 mg/L NaF + 160 mg/L AlCl 3) according to the concentrations of NaF and AlCl 3. After 24 hours of cultivation, the cells were collected for subsequent experiments. The fluorescence intensity of pyroptosis index GSDMD in each group was detected by immunofluorescence method. The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1, and GSDMD in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, GSDMD, gasdermin D N-terminus (GSDMD-N) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in each group were detected by Western blotting. Results:The immunofluorescence results showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.02), the fluorescence intensity of GSDMD in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups (1.49 ± 0.02, 1.22 ± 0.04, 1.25 ± 0.03) were higher ( P < 0.05). The results of qRT-PCR showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.01, 1.00 ± 0.08, 1.00 ± 0.06), the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 (1.21 ± 0.06, 1.60 ± 0.07, 1.42 ± 0.02), ASC (2.61 ± 0.07, 1.53 ± 0.01, 2.12 ± 0.03), Caspase-1 (1.32 ± 0.05, 1.53 ± 0.04, 2.07 ± 0.05), and GSDMD (1.60 ± 0.03, 1.65 ± 0.04, 2.23 ± 0.05) were higher in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups ( P < 0.05). Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group (1.00 ± 0.04, 1.00 ± 0.08, 1.00 ± 0.05, 1.00 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.03, 1.00 ± 0.06), the protein expression levels of NLRP3 (1.55 ± 0.06, 1.40 ± 0.07, 1.24 ± 0.05), ASC (1.66 ± 0.05, 1.48 ± 0.06, 1.32 ± 0.06), Caspase-1 (1.51 ± 0.02, 1.40 ± 0.01, 1.28 ± 0.03), GSDMD (1.24 ± 0.03, 1.31 ± 0.06, 1.18 ± 0.03), GSDMD-N (1.18 ± 0.04, 1.27 ± 0.03, 1.27 ± 0.03), and IL-1β (1.81 ± 0.03, 1.70 ± 0.08, 1.52 ± 0.05) were higher in the fluoride, aluminum, and fluoride + aluminum groups ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Exposure to fluoride and aluminum alone and in combination can induce pyroptosis in NG108-15 cells, and the mechanism may be related to up-regulation of molecules related to the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.

Purpose To investigate the distribution characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages(TAM)in different regions of breast cancer with enhanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS),and to further explore the relationship between TAM and CEUS indicators and clinicopathology in different regions of breast cancer.Materials and Methods A total of 119 patients with suspected breast cancer admitted to the Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University from March 2021 to March 2023 were prospectively included.CEUS was applied to the tumor,and ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy was also taken.The lesions diagnosed as breast cancer by pathology was outlined the central area,marginal area and normal area next to the cancer,and was obtained the time intensity curves of different areas.The tissues were taken for immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry,and the TAM cells were stained and distinguished.The characteristics of TAM in different regions of breast cancer and its correlation with clinical pathology were analyzed,respectively.Results By immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry,there were significant differences in the number of TAM infiltration in the border area,central area and adjacent area of breast cancer(immunohistochemistry:F=382.326,P<0.05;flow cytometry:F=24.955,P<0.05).The characteristics of CEUS in three different regions showed that the TAM in the central region of breast cancer increased when filling defect appeared(t=2.631,P<0.05),but the TAM in the peripheral region was more(t=2.999,P<0.05).After angiography,lesions showed high perfusion,and there was significantly more TAM in the edge and central area of the lesion than that in normal area next to the cancer(t=5.529,P<0.05;t=2.584,P<0.05).Clinical stage was related to the TAM in three regions.When the clinical stage was high,there were more TAM in all three regions(t=6.658,2.367,2.400,all P<0.05).Histological grading was high,and TAM in all three areas was high(F=101.151,16.922,26.822,all P<0.05).Conclusion There was a decreasing trend of TAM in the marginal area,central area and adjacent tissues of breast cancer during CEUS.The edge region has more malignant CEUS characteristics than that in the central region and the normal region adjacent to cancer;and the number of TAM is more in breast cancer with late clinical grading,poor tissue differentiation and obvious contrast-enhanced ultrasound malignant characteristics.The distribution characteristics of TAM represent the malignant degree and metastatic probability of breast cancer to a certain extent,and TAM is a factor related to the invasion of breast cancer.

AIM: To investigate the correlation between fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters in patients with hypertensive retinopathy(HRP).METHODS: A total of 50 patients(22 left eyes and 28 right eyes)with HRP admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively included as the experimental group, and 50 healthy physical examination subjects(22 left eyes and 28 right eyes)during the same period were included as the healthy group. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters.RESULTS: The AUC values of fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters and their combined diagnosis of HRP were 0.853, 0.844 and 0.935, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that carotid systolic peak blood flow velocity was negatively correlated with foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area, FAZ circumference and non-circularity index, and positively correlated with macular vascular density(all P<0.05). The end-diastolic blood flow velocity was positively correlated with FAZ area and macular vascular density(all P<0.05). The internal carotid artery resistance index was positively correlated with FAZ area(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The combination of fundus blood flow parameters and carotid artery ultrasound blood flow parameters in the diagnosis of HRP has good application value in the diagnosis of HRP.

In recent years,significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.In line with global advancements,two anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies have been approved and successfully launched in China for clinical use.Lecanemab and Donanemab were officially used in June 2024 and April 2025 in China,respectively.In order to standardize the rational and safe application of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease in China,this article integrates recom-mendations from the clinical trials and real-world experience from the author's team and domestic peers to further update the recom-mendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody based on the 2024 version.It includes indications for therapy,pre-treatment evaluation and preparation,administration protocols and safety measures during treatment,and post-treatment monitor-ing strategies.

Purpose To investigate the distribution characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages(TAM)in different regions of breast cancer with enhanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS),and to further explore the relationship between TAM and CEUS indicators and clinicopathology in different regions of breast cancer.Materials and Methods A total of 119 patients with suspected breast cancer admitted to the Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University from March 2021 to March 2023 were prospectively included.CEUS was applied to the tumor,and ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy was also taken.The lesions diagnosed as breast cancer by pathology was outlined the central area,marginal area and normal area next to the cancer,and was obtained the time intensity curves of different areas.The tissues were taken for immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry,and the TAM cells were stained and distinguished.The characteristics of TAM in different regions of breast cancer and its correlation with clinical pathology were analyzed,respectively.Results By immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry,there were significant differences in the number of TAM infiltration in the border area,central area and adjacent area of breast cancer(immunohistochemistry:F=382.326,P<0.05;flow cytometry:F=24.955,P<0.05).The characteristics of CEUS in three different regions showed that the TAM in the central region of breast cancer increased when filling defect appeared(t=2.631,P<0.05),but the TAM in the peripheral region was more(t=2.999,P<0.05).After angiography,lesions showed high perfusion,and there was significantly more TAM in the edge and central area of the lesion than that in normal area next to the cancer(t=5.529,P<0.05;t=2.584,P<0.05).Clinical stage was related to the TAM in three regions.When the clinical stage was high,there were more TAM in all three regions(t=6.658,2.367,2.400,all P<0.05).Histological grading was high,and TAM in all three areas was high(F=101.151,16.922,26.822,all P<0.05).Conclusion There was a decreasing trend of TAM in the marginal area,central area and adjacent tissues of breast cancer during CEUS.The edge region has more malignant CEUS characteristics than that in the central region and the normal region adjacent to cancer;and the number of TAM is more in breast cancer with late clinical grading,poor tissue differentiation and obvious contrast-enhanced ultrasound malignant characteristics.The distribution characteristics of TAM represent the malignant degree and metastatic probability of breast cancer to a certain extent,and TAM is a factor related to the invasion of breast cancer.

Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in 16 provinces of China from 2009 to 2023.Methods:The data of this study were collected from the ARI surveillance data from 16 provinces in China from 2009 to 2023, with a total of 28 278 ARI cases included in the study. The clinical specimens from ARI cases were screened for HRSV nucleic acid from 2009 to 2023, and differences in virus detection rates among cases of different age groups, regions, and months were analyzed.Results:A total of 28 278 ARI cases were enrolled from January 2009 to September 2023. The age of the cases ranged from<1 month to 112 years, and the age M ( Q1, Q3) was 3 years (1 year, 9 years). Among them, 3 062 cases were positive for HRSV nucleic acid, with a total detection rate of 10.83%. From 2009 to 2019, the detection rate of HRSV was 9.33%, and the virus was mainly prevalent in winter and spring. During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the detection rate of HRSV fluctuated between 6.32% and 18.67%. There was no traditional winter epidemic peak of HRSV from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, and an anti-seasonal epidemic of HRSV occurred from April to May 2023. About 87.95% (2 693/3 062) of positive cases were children under 5 years old, and the difference in the detection rate of HRSV among different age groups was statistically significant ( P<0.001), showing a decreasing trend of HRSV detection rate with the increase of age ( P<0.001). Among them, the HRSV detection rate (25.69%) was highest in children under 6 months. Compared with 2009-2019, the ranking of HRSV detection rates in different age groups changed from high to low between 2020 and 2023, with the age M (Q1, Q3) of HRSV positive cases increasing from 1 year (6 months, 3 years) to 2 years (11 months, 3 years). Conclusion:Through 15 years of continuous HRSV surveillance analysis, children under 5 years old, especially infants under 6 months old, are the main high-risk population for HRSV infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and patterns of HRSV in China have changed.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an information traceability management system in the management of cleaning and disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes hence to provide a scientific basis for improving the quality in cleaning and disinfection of the endoscopes.Methods Both of the gastrointestinal endoscopes used in the gastrointestinal endoscopy centre in our hospital between October 2022 and September 2023 were included in this study.The endoscopes were divided into two groups:the 55 gastroscopes and 52 enteroscopes which were cleaned and disinfected with a regular method after use between October 2022 and March 2023 were assigned as a control group.While the 60 gastroscopes and 42 enteroscopes which were cleaned and disinfected with the information traceability management method after use between April 2023 and September 2023 were assigned in a trial group.The two groups were compared with the pass rate of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)bioluminescence test and microbial culture test,as well as the time for cleaning and disinfection.Results The gastrointestinal endoscopes in the trial group showed a significantly higher pass rates with the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)bioluminescence test and microbial culture test,and took significantly shorter time for cleaning and disinfection(all P<0.05).Conclusion The information traceability management system can significantly improve the effectiveness in cleaning and disinfection of the gastrointestinal endoscopes and improve the quality of cleaning and disinfection.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an information traceability management system in the management of cleaning and disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes hence to provide a scientific basis for improving the quality in cleaning and disinfection of the endoscopes.Methods Both of the gastrointestinal endoscopes used in the gastrointestinal endoscopy centre in our hospital between October 2022 and September 2023 were included in this study.The endoscopes were divided into two groups:the 55 gastroscopes and 52 enteroscopes which were cleaned and disinfected with a regular method after use between October 2022 and March 2023 were assigned as a control group.While the 60 gastroscopes and 42 enteroscopes which were cleaned and disinfected with the information traceability management method after use between April 2023 and September 2023 were assigned in a trial group.The two groups were compared with the pass rate of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)bioluminescence test and microbial culture test,as well as the time for cleaning and disinfection.Results The gastrointestinal endoscopes in the trial group showed a significantly higher pass rates with the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)bioluminescence test and microbial culture test,and took significantly shorter time for cleaning and disinfection(all P<0.05).Conclusion The information traceability management system can significantly improve the effectiveness in cleaning and disinfection of the gastrointestinal endoscopes and improve the quality of cleaning and disinfection.

Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in 16 provinces of China from 2009 to 2023.Methods:The data of this study were collected from the ARI surveillance data from 16 provinces in China from 2009 to 2023, with a total of 28 278 ARI cases included in the study. The clinical specimens from ARI cases were screened for HRSV nucleic acid from 2009 to 2023, and differences in virus detection rates among cases of different age groups, regions, and months were analyzed.Results:A total of 28 278 ARI cases were enrolled from January 2009 to September 2023. The age of the cases ranged from<1 month to 112 years, and the age M ( Q1, Q3) was 3 years (1 year, 9 years). Among them, 3 062 cases were positive for HRSV nucleic acid, with a total detection rate of 10.83%. From 2009 to 2019, the detection rate of HRSV was 9.33%, and the virus was mainly prevalent in winter and spring. During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the detection rate of HRSV fluctuated between 6.32% and 18.67%. There was no traditional winter epidemic peak of HRSV from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, and an anti-seasonal epidemic of HRSV occurred from April to May 2023. About 87.95% (2 693/3 062) of positive cases were children under 5 years old, and the difference in the detection rate of HRSV among different age groups was statistically significant ( P<0.001), showing a decreasing trend of HRSV detection rate with the increase of age ( P<0.001). Among them, the HRSV detection rate (25.69%) was highest in children under 6 months. Compared with 2009-2019, the ranking of HRSV detection rates in different age groups changed from high to low between 2020 and 2023, with the age M (Q1, Q3) of HRSV positive cases increasing from 1 year (6 months, 3 years) to 2 years (11 months, 3 years). Conclusion:Through 15 years of continuous HRSV surveillance analysis, children under 5 years old, especially infants under 6 months old, are the main high-risk population for HRSV infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and patterns of HRSV in China have changed.