Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are both chronic progressive respiratory diseases that cannot be completely cured. COPD is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, chronic airway inflammation, and gradual decline in lung function, whereas PH is characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction, remodeling, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. These diseases have similar pathological features, such as vascular hyperplasia, arteriolar contraction, and inflammatory infiltration. Despite these well-documented observations, the exact mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of COPD and PH remain unclear. Evidence that mitochondrial dynamics imbalance is one major factor in the development of COPD and PH. Mitochondrial dynamics is precisely regulated by mitochondrial fusion proteins and fission proteins. When mitochondrial dynamics equilibrium is disrupted, it causes mitochondrial and even cell morphological dysfunction. Mitochondrial dynamics participates in various pathological processes for heart and lung disease. Mitochondrial dynamics may be different in the early and late stages of COPD and PH. In the early stages of the disease, mitochondrial fusion increases, inhibiting fission, and thereby compensatorily increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. With the development of the disease, mitochondria decompensation causes excessive fission. Mitochondrial dynamics is involved in the development of COPD and PH in a spatiotemporal manner. Based on this understanding, treatment strategies for mitochondrial dynamics abnormalities may be different at different stages of COPD and PH disease. This article will provide new ideas for the potential treatment of related diseases.
Humans ; Mitochondrial Dynamics/physiology* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/metabolism* ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Animals

Andrographolide sulfonate (AS) is a sulfonated derivative of andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, and has been approved for several decades in China. The present study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic application and possible mechanisms of AS in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results indicated that administration of AS by injection or gavage significantly reduced the paw swelling, improved body weights, and attenuated pathological changes in joints of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in the serum and ankle joints were reduced. Bioinformatics analysis, along with the spleen index and measurements of IL-17 and IL-10 levels, suggested a potential relationship between AS and Th17 cells under arthritic conditions. In vitro, AS was shown to block Th17 cell differentiation, as evidenced by the reduced percentages of CD4⁺ IL-17A⁺ T cells and decreased expression levels of RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, without affecting the cell viability and apoptosis. This effect was attributed to the limited glycolysis, as indicated by metabolomics analysis, reduced glucose uptake, and pH measurements. Further investigation revealed that AS might bind to hexokinase2 (HK2) to down-regulate the protein levels of HK2 but not glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and overexpression of HK2 reversed the inhibition of AS on Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, AS impaired the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signals in vivo and in vitro, which was abolished by the addition of lactate. In conclusion, AS significantly improved adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Animals ; Th17 Cells/immunology* ; Diterpenes/pharmacology* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Andrographis paniculata/chemistry* ; Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy* ; Interleukin-17/immunology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of natural moxibustion at "Feishu （BL 13）" on immune balance of T helper cell 17 （Th17） / regulatory T cell （Treg） in healthy rats. MethodsForty-eight rats were randomly divided into 10 rats in the sham moxibustion group and 38 rats in natural moxibustion group. The rats in the sham moxibustion group applied blank acupoint stickers to bilateral "Feishu （BL 13）"， and the rats in natural moxibustion group applied acupoint stickers filled with Compound Banmao Ointment （复方斑蝥膏） to bilateral "Feishu （BL 13）" for a period of 8 h. Thirty rats in natural moxibustion group were successfully blistered after 8 h， and then were randomly divided into 1-day， 3-day and 7-day groups with 10 rats in each group. The general condition of rats was recorded during the experiment； different time groups of natural moxibustion were sampled at the corresponding time， and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the skin in the area of application； flow cytometry was used to detect the subpopulations of Th17 and Treg in peripheral blood， and the value of Th17/Treg was calculated； and ELISA was used to detect the serum interleukin 17A （IL-17A） and interleukin 6 （IL-6）， interleukin 10 （IL-10） levels. ResultsCompared with sham moxibustion group， blisters can be seen in the application area of rats in 1-day natural moxibustion group， and the rats often scratched the skin of the moxibustion area， which showed loose stratum corneum， thickening of the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum， absence of cells in the basal layer， inflammatory cell infiltration， and elevation of Treg in peripheral blood， and serum IL-17A， IL-6； in 3-day natural moxibustion group， the moxibustion area of the rats was scabbed and partially detached， with the most obvious dermatopathological changes， and elevated peripheral blood Th17 and Treg， and serum IL-17A， IL-6， IL-10； in 7-day natural moxibustion group， skin damage and pathological changes in the area of moxibustion were basically restored； Th17/Treg values were reduced in 1-， 3- and 7-day moxibustion groups after blistering （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the 1-day moxibustion group， peripheral blood Th17， Treg， and serum IL-17A elevated in the 3-day moxibustion group； peripheral blood Treg， serum IL-17A， and IL-6 decreased， and Th17/Treg values elevated in the 7-day moxibustion group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the 3-day moxibustion group， the 7-day moxibustion group had lower peripheral blood Th17 and Treg， serum IL-17A， IL-6， and IL-10， and higher Th17/Treg values （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionNatural moxibustion at "Feishu （BL 13）" can shift the Th17/Treg balance towards Treg of healthy rats， which will gradually lead to immune homeostasis， and regulate the relevant inflammatory factors in the serum to prevent inflammation from occurring and developing.

Objective:To explore the application effect of theory of inventive problem solving(TRIZ)in the management of loaner instruments in central sterile supply department(CSSD).Methods:TRIZ management team was set up to analyze problems in cleaning,disinfection and sterilization of loaner instruments.The invention principles of TRIZ were compared to determine targeted solutions to the corresponding problems.A total of 1,000 pieces of loaner instruments received by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were selected from January and December 2023 were selected,the 500 pieces received from January to June were managed by routine standard management mode,and the 500 pieces received from July to December were managed by the TRIZ management mode.The qualification rates of instruments cleaning,disinfection,packaging and sterilization,the incidence of adverse events,the satisfaction scores of clinical departments and assessment results of newly hired nurses of CSSD were compared between the two management modes.Results:The qualification rates of instruments cleaning,disinfection,packaging and sterilization of TRIZ management mode were 98.00%(490/500),97.20%(486/500),96.40%(482/500)and 96.00%(480/500),respectively,which were higher than those of routine standard management mode,the difference was statistically significant(x2=12.029,11.685,8.859,8.322,P<0.05).The incidence of adverse events of TRIZ management mode was 0%,the routine standard management mode was 1.20%,the difference was statistically significant(x2=6.036,P<0.05).The average scores of CSSD newly hired nurses in of theoretical knowledge,treatment process,cleaning,disinfection and sterilization and packaging of TRIZ management mode were(89.20±6.69)points,(88.47±3.48)points,(92.47±5.37)points and(92.00±5.83)points,respectively,which were higher than those of routine standard management mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=3.993,4.402,3.926,3.332,P<0.05).The satisfaction scores of clinical department personnel with instruments quality,distribution,handover,information traceability,service attitude and overall satisfaction of TRIZ management mode were(18.65±0.81)points,(18.85±1.04)points,(18.95±1.05)points,(18.40±0.75)points,(18.35±0.93)points and(93.20±1.91)points,respectively,which were higher than those of the routine standard management mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=3.599,5.889,4.851,4.865,2.075,8.723,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of TRIZ in the management of loaner instruments in CSSD can significantly improve theoretical knowledge and practical skills of newly hired nurses in CSSD,thereby improving the qualification rates of instruments cleaning,disinfection,packaging and sterilization of loaner instruments,reducing the occurrence of instrument-related adverse events and improving satisfaction of department personnel with instruments use.

Objective:To explore the value of coronary artery plaque progression parameters based on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in predicting the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease.Methods:The study included clinical, imaging, and prognosis (MACE) parameters of non-obstructive coronary artery disease patients who underwent CCTA at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2010 to December 2022. Patients were grouped based on the occurrence of MACE, and differences in clinical data, plaque baseline, and progression parameters between the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to identify factors that could effectively predict the occurrence of MACE in patients. Models were constructed using plaque baseline parameters, plaque progression parameters, and a combination of both. The concordance index-time curve, net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to evaluate the risk stratification ability of the models.Results:A total of 258 patients were included, of whom 62 cases experienced MACE during the follow-up period. In comparison to the MACE(-) group, patients in the MACE(+) group exhibited longer lesion length, greater degree of stenosis, larger plaque total volume, calcified plaque volume, non-calcified plaque volume, fibrous plaque volume, total plaque burden, lipid-rich plaque burden, higher peri-coronary adipose tissue attenuation index (FAI), and annual change of diameter stenosis(ΔDS/y). There were also more cases of coronary artery disease reporting and data system upgrades and non-obstructive progression to obstructive status ( P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that FAI, ΔDS/y, and non-obstructive progression to obstructive status were independent predictors of MACE occurrence. Concordance index-time curve results indicated that the combined model had a better predictive efficacy for MACE in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease compared to models based on plaque baseline parameters and plaque progression parameters. Conclusion:The plaque progression parameters and FAI based on CCTA have the potential to predict the high-risk population for MACE in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease, demonstrating good risk stratification value.

Objective:The phenotype and genotype of a pedigree with Glanzmann thrombasthenia caused by compound heterozygous mutation in the ITGA2B gene and its molecular pathogenesis were explored.Methods:The platelet aggregation rate of the proband and his family was detected by using a platelet aggregation test with adenosine diphosphate, collagen, epinephrine, arachidonic acid, and ristocetin. The expression levels of CD41 (αⅡb), CD61 (β3), and CD42b (GPⅠb) on the platelet surface was detected by flow cytometry. Gene sequencing technology was used for the genetic identification of the family. RT-PCR was used in the detection of mRNA splicing, and qRT-PCR was used in detecting the relative mRNA level of the ITGA2B gene. Bioinformatics analysis was used to evaluate the pathogenicity of mutation sites and their effects on protein structure and function. The expressions of total αⅡb and β3 in platelets were analyzed by Western blot.Results:Except ristocetin, the other four inducers could not induce platelet aggregation in the proband. Flow cytometry showed that the expression levels of αⅡb and β3 were only 0.25% and 9.76%, respectively, on the platelet surface of the proband, whereas GPⅠb expression was relatively normal. The expression levels of glycoproteins in the other family members were almost normal. c.480C>G and c.2929C>T mutations were detected in the proband through gene sequencing. The c.480C>G mutation was inherited from his mother, and the c.2929C>T mutation was inherited from his father. The RT-PCR and sequencing results showed that the c.480C>G mutation caused mRNA splicing in the proband and his mother, resulting in the deletion of 99 bases in c.476G-574A (p.S160-S192). qRT-PCR showed that the c.2929C>T variant reduced the mRNA level of the ITGA2B gene in the proband and his father. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the c.480C>G mutation might form a binding sequence with hnRNP A1 protein and generate the 5′SS splice site. The three-dimensional structural model of the αⅡb subunit showed that the β-propeller domain of the p.S160-S192 deletion lost two β-strands and one α-helix in blade 2. The c.2929C>T nonsense mutation caused premature translation termination and produced a truncated protein with the deletion of p.R977-E1039, including the cytoplasmic domain, transmembrane domain, and a β chain of the extracellular Calf-2 domain. The total αⅡb expression of the proband was absent, and the relative expression of β3 was 11.36% of the normal level.Conclusion:The compound heterozygous mutation c.480C>G in exon 4 and c.2929C>T in exon 28 of the ITGA2B gene probably underlies Glanzmann thrombasthenia in this pedigree.

Objective:To analyze the F10 gene mutations in a Chinese pedigree affected with the deficiency of the hereditary coagulation factor X (FX), resulting from a new deletion mutation, and to study the associated molecular pathogenesis.Methods:Next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to screen the genetic mutations in the proband which were then verified by Sanger sequencing. The FX activity (FX∶C) of probands and their family members was detected using the blood clotting method, and the mutation sites of the family members were analyzed using Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the mutation site was predicted by using the online bioinformatics software, Mutation Taster. The SWISS-MODEL software was used for stimulating the three-dimensional models of the wild-type and mutant proteins for analyzing the influence of the mutation site on the structure and function of the proteins, and for analyzing the difference between the catalytic residues of the wild-type and the mutant proteins. The level of the F10 gene mRNA was quantitatively analyzed by qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) method by constructing plasmids, transfecting human embryonic kidney 293T cells (HEK 293T), and analyzing the splicing of the mutated site by RT-PCR method. The levels of FⅩ∶Ag in cell lysates and cell culture media (both inside and outside the cells) were detected by the ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) method.Results:A medium-grade factor X deficiency with a 36.42% FⅩ∶C ratio was detected in the proband by the coagulation method. NGS analysis demonstrated a heterozygous deletion mutation in exon 8:c.902_919del (p.Ala301_Glu306del) in the proband. Sanger sequencing analysis indicated that some members of the family (mother and grandfather) were also carriers of the corresponding deletion mutation. Online bioinformatics software predicted the pathogenic nature of the c.902_919del mutation, with a pathogenic score of 0.999. The 3D protein structure model analysis indicated that the c.902_919del mutation resulted in the disappearance of a segment of β-fold in the protein structure, thereby shortening the preceding segment of the β-fold and a subsequent loss of hydrogen bonds between adjacent amino acids with no significant difference in the side chain conformation of the key catalytic residues compared to the wild-type. mRNA splicing analysis indicated the absence of alternative splicing changes in the mutation, and qRT-PCR results indicated the absence of a statistically significant difference between the mRNA levels of F10 gene and wild-type mRNA in cells expressing c.902_919del mutant. The ELISA results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the FX∶Ag levels of the mutant cell culture medium and the lysate.Conclusions:In this pedigree, the heterozygous mutation in exon 8 of F10 gene (c.902_919del, p.Ala301_Glu306del) caused the hereditary factor Ⅹ deficiency.

Various c-mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (c-MET) inhibitors are effective in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer; however, the inevitable drug resistance remains a challenge, limiting their clinical efficacy. Therefore, novel strategies targeting c-MET are urgently required. Herein, through rational structure optimization, we obtained novel exceptionally potent and orally active c-MET proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) namely D10 and D15 based on thalidomide and tepotinib. D10 and D15 inhibited cell growth with low nanomolar IC₅₀ values and achieved picomolar DC₅₀ values and >99% of maximum degradation (D_max) in EBC-1 and Hs746T cells. Mechanistically, D10 and D15 dramatically induced cell apoptosis, G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell migration and invasion. Notably, intraperitoneal administration of D10 and D15 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the EBC-1 xenograft model and oral administration of D15 induced approximately complete tumor suppression in the Hs746T xenograft model with well-tolerated dose-schedules. Furthermore, D10 and D15 exerted significant anti-tumor effect in cells with c-MET^Y1230H and c-MET^D1228N mutations, which are resistant to tepotinib in clinic. These findings demonstrated that D10 and D15 could serve as candidates for the treatment of tumors with MET alterations.

The responsive patterns of phytochrome gene family members to photoperiod and abiotic stresses were comparatively analyzed and the favorable natural variation sites of these genes were identified. This would help understand the mechanism of phytochrome gene family in photoperiod-regulated growth and development and abiotic stress response. In addition, it may facilitate the molecular marker assisted selection of key traits in foxtail millet. In this study, we used RT-PCR to clone three phytochrome genes SiPHYA, SiPHYB and SiPHYC from ultra-late maturity millet landrace variety 'Maosu'. After primary bioinformatics analysis, we studied the photoperiod control mode and the characteristics of these genes in responding to five abiotic stresses including polyethylene glycol (PEG)-simulated drought, natural drought, abscisic acid (ABA), high temperature and NaCl by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Finally, we detected the mutation sites of the three genes among 160 foxtail millet materials and performed haplotype analysis to determine the genes' functional effect. We found that the cloned cDNA sequences of gene SiPHYA, SiPHYB and SiPHYC were 3 981, 3 953 and 3 764 bp respectively, which contained complete coding regions. Gene SiPHYB and SiPHYC showed closer evolutionary relationship. Photoperiod regulated all of the three genes, but showed more profound effects on diurnal expression pattern of SiPHYB, SiPHYC than that of SiPHYA. Under short-day, when near heading, the expression levels of SiPHYA and SiPHYB were significantly lower than that under long-day, indicating their roles in suppressing heading of foxtail millet under long-day. SiPHYB and SiPHYC were responsive to PEG-simulated drought, natural drought, ABA and high temperature stresses together. SiPHYA and SiPHYB responded differently to salt stress, whereas SiPHYC did not respond to salt stress. Re-sequencing of 160 foxtail millet materials revealed that SiPHYB was highly conservative. Two missense mutations of SiPHYA, such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 7 034 522^C→T and SNP7 036 657^G→C, led to delaying heading and increasing plant height. One missense mutation of SiPHYC, such as SNP5 414 823^G→T, led to shortening heading under short-day and delaying heading under long-day, as well as increasing plant height and panicle length regardless of photo-thermal conditions. Photoperiod showed different regulatory effects on SiPHYA, SiPHYB and SiPHYC. SiPHYB and SiPHYC jointly responded to various abiotic stresses except for the salt stress. Compared with the reference genotype, mutation genotypes of SiPHYA and SiPHYC delayed heading and increased plant height and panicle length.
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Photoperiod ; Phytochrome/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Setaria Plant/metabolism* ; Stress, Physiological/genetics*

Objective:To explore the effect of risk assessment and follow-up management combined with early ultrasound intervention on reducing perioperative pressure ulcer in infants.Methods:A total of 469 perioperative infants and young children admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from June 2019 to June 2020 were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into observation group ( n=243) and control group ( n=226) by random number table. Children in the control group were treated with routine care for preventing pressure ulcers. Children in the observation group were treated with risk assessment and follow-up management combined with ultrasound on the basis of the control group. The incidence of pressure ulcers was compared between the two groups at 3 and 7 days after surgery. Results:The incidence of pressure ulcers in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group at 3 days and 7 days after operation, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . It could be seen that the severity of pressure injury in the observation group was lower than that in the control group. Conclusions:Risk assessment and follow-up management combined with ultrasound in early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of pressure ulcers in infants and young children during the perioperative period, which is worthy of promotion and application.