ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Jianpi Huazhuo Tiaozhi Granule （健脾化浊调脂颗粒， JHTG） in treating atherosclerosis （AS） based on the regulation of perivascular adipose tissue （PVAT） browning via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/AKT） signaling pathway. MethodsFifteen SPF male C57BL/6J mice served as control group， while 76 ApoE^-/- mice were first fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to establish AS model. After successful modeling， they were randomly divided into model group （n=16）， as well as the browning group， the low-， medium- and high-dose JHTG group， with 15 mice in each group. The browning group was intraperitoneally injected with β3-adrenergic receptor agonist CL 316243 at 1 mg/（kg·d） once daily. The low-， medium- and high-dose JHTG groups were treated with 4.3 g/（kg·d）， 8.6 g/（kg·d）， and 17.2 g/（kg·d） of JHTG by gavage， respectively， while the control group and the model group were given normal saline at 10 ml/（kg·d） by intragastric administration， once daily. All groups received continuous intervention for 4 weeks. The aorta was collected to assess the plaque ratio by gross oil red O staining. HE staining was used to measure the plaque area in cross-sections. Masson staining was employed to detect the proportion of collagen fibers in plaque. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the quantity and morphological changes of mitochondria and lipid droplets in adipocytes. The levels of serum triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） were detected， as well as tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） and interleukin 6 （IL-6） levels in the PVAT and aorta. The protein levels of adiponectin and leptin in PVAT， and protein expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase （p-PI3K）， protein kinase B （AKT）， phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-AKT）， uncoupling protein 1 （UCP1）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α （PGC-1α）， and PR domain containing 16 （PRDM16） were measured. The mRNA expression levels of UCP1， PGC-1α and PRDM16 in PVAT were detected. ResultsCompared to the control group， the model group showed increased serum TG， TC， and LDL-C levels and decreased HDL-C level， elevated TNF-α and IL-6 levels in PVAT and aorta， decreased average fluorescence intensity of adiponectin， increased average fluorescence intensity of leptin， reduced p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT values as well as protein levels and mRNA expression levels of UCP1， PGC-1α and PRDM16 （P＜0.01）. The pathological results showed that no significant plaque formation was observed in the aortas of mice in the control group. In the model group， multiple plaques were observed in the aortas， with large numbers of foam cells， cholesterol crystals， and inflammatory cell aggregation in the plaques. Compared to the model group， the browning group and the high-dose JHTG group significantly improved the above indicators and aortic pathological changes （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Three JHTG groups showed a dose-dependent effect in reducing LDL-C level and plaque ratio by gross oil red O staining， elevating the average fluorescence intensity of adiponectin， the p-AKT/AKT value， the protein level of PGC-1α， and the mRNA expression levels of UCP1 and PRDM16 （P＜0.05）. The high-dose JHTG group and the browning group showed similar efficacy in improving the pathology of the aorta. ConclusionJHTG may promote PVAT browning in AS model mice through the PI3K/AKT pathway， improve the endocrine function of PVAT， inhibit aortic inflammation， and thereby ameliorate the formation of AS plaques.

ObjectiveTo establish background data for a 90-day feeding trial of SD rats to ensure the reliability of research data. MethodsBackground data from six independent 90-day feeding trials of SD rats conducted by the National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs from 2020 to 2023 were summarized. These studies involved a blank control group of 120 SPF-grade 4-week-old SD rats, with an equal number of males and females, which were only given standard full-nutrient pelleted rat feed. After the quarantine period, the animals were observed for an additional 90 days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of Zoletil (50 mg/mL) for anesthesia, blood sampling, euthanasia, and necropsy. By analyzing the data from the blank control group, a relevant background database for SD rats was established. ResultsBoth male and female rats exhibited steady weight gain, with a more pronounced increase in male rats. Within 90 days, the average body weight of male and female rats increased to over 500 g and 300 g, respectively. Three weeks later, the average daily food intake of male rats stabilized at approximately 25~28 g per rat, while that of female rats remained stable at approximately 16~19 g per rat. The food utilization rate of all animals gradually decreased from the first week of the experiment. In the white blood cell (WBC) differential count results, significant differences were observed in the counts of WBCs, neutrophils (Neut), lymphocytes (Lymph), and monocytes (Mono) between males and females (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the percentages of neutrophil (%Neut), lymphocyte (%Lymph), and monocyte (%Mono) between the sexes (P>0.05). The average red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were higher in male animals than in female animals (P<0.05). The average values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose (GLU), and triglyceride (TG) in male rats were higher than those in female rats (P<0.05). The urinary pH range for male animals was 5.0 to 8.5, while for female animals it was 6.5 to 9.0. The majority of male animals had a urinary specific gravity lower than 1.020, and the majority of female animals had a urinary specific gravity lower than 1.015. The weights of various organs (excluding the adrenal glands and reproductive organs) in male animals were heavier than those in female animals (P<0.001), while the organ/body weight ratios (excluding the kidneys and reproductive organs) of female animals were higher than those of male animals (P<0.001). ConclusionThis study summarizes the background reference ranges for body weight, food intake, hematology, and serum biochemistry indicators in SPF-grade SD rats in the untreated control group from six 90-day feeding trials conducted by the National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs. It provides important reference data for related research. By summarizing the background and spontaneous histopathological changes in rats, this study aids in the standardization and normalization of subsequent research, as well as in the evaluation and analysis of abnormal results.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO 2), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2), and Oxygen Consumption/lactate (VO 2/Lac) with risk of death in patients with severe ARDS. Methods:A retrospective cohort study method was used, and the study subjects were hospitalized for >5 days adult patients with severe ARDS in the central intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023. The following patients were excluded: IC test was not completed on the 4th day of ICU admission, IC test results were unreliable, mechanical ventilation duration had exceeded 48 h at the time of ICU transfer or admission, palliative care patients and pregnant and parturient women. Using indirect calorimetry to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 values on the 4th day of admission, reviewing medical records to obtain general condition, disease information, blood gas analysis (including lactate value), diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and following up deaths by telephone and time of death. The primary outcome measure was death at 90 days, and the secondary outcome measure was death at 28 days, length of stay in ICU, total length of stay, and total hospitalization cost. Cox regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between VO 2, VCO 2, VO 2/Lac and primary and secondary outcome indexes. Results:A total of 216 patients were enrolled, 78 patients (36.1%) died and 138 patients (63.9%) survived at 90 days. After correction for confounders, the results of multifactorial Cox regression analysis suggested that compared with the Q4 group, HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2 Q1 and Q2 groups was 3.21 (1.38, 7.49) and 3.24 (1.42, 7.38), and HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VCO 2 Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups was 5.88 (2.33, 14.84), 4.26 (1. 60, 11.34) and 3.54 (1.34, 9.35), respectively, and the HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2/Lac Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups were 8.72 (3.01, 25.25), 8.43 (2.91, 24.47) and 4.04 (1.34, 12.17) respectively. P-trends were all <0.05, indicating that VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were linearly and negatively associated with the risk of 90-day mortality. In addition, VO 2, VCO 2, and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 28-day risk of death and higher VO 2/Lac was negatively associated with length of ICU stay. Conclusions:VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 90-day mortality risk and 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe ARDS and may be independent risk factors predicting mortality risk of such patients.

BACKGROUND:Apoptosis plays an important role in secondary brain injury.Therefore,to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of promoting nerve cell survival after traumatic brain injury provides a new direction and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of traumatic brain injury. OBJECTIVE:To explore the expression changes of Lnx1 molecule in mammalian cortical neurons after brain injury and the possible mechanism involved in secondary brain injury. METHODS:Eighty adult SD rats were divided into 20 male and 20 female mice in sham operation group and 20 male and 20 female mice in traumatic brain injury group.The traumatic brain injury rat model was established by heavy falling method.At 6,12,24,48,and 72 hours after brain injury,the expression of related molecules in damaged cortical neurons was analyzed by RT-qPCR,western blot assay,and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The brain tissue of traumatic brain injury group was bleeding and obvious tissue injury could be observed.Water content of brain tissue increased after traumatic brain injury.(2)Compared with the sham operation group,the expression of Lnx1 in cortical neurons after traumatic brain injury increased significantly at 24 hours after injury.(3)After traumatic brain injury,the expression of PBK and BCR protein decreased,and the pro-survival factor ctgf increased.(4)These findings suggest that after traumatic brain injury,the expression of Lnx1 is up-regulated in neurons,which may be due to the decrease of the expression of its target molecules PBK and BCR,and further promote the expression of living factor ctgf,which has a protective effect on the damaged neurons.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of ligustilide(LIG)-mediated phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway on mitophagy in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods 161 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into sham operation(Sham)group,model group,LIG low-dose group,LIG high-dose group,mitophagy inhibitor(Mdivi-1)group,LIG high-dose+Mdivi-1 group,and the positive drug Nimodipine(NMDP)group,each with 23 rats.A modified middle cerebral artery wire thrombus method was used to construct a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats,and the neurobehavioral scores of rats in each group were compared by Longa's five-point scale;the volume of cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TCC)staining,the histopathology and ultrastructure of the hippocampus were examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM).And the Na+-K+-Adenosine Triphosphate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);double immunofluorescence staining for translocase of the outer membrane of mitochondrion 20(TOMM20)and Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)co-localized area percentage.Flow cytometry assay(FCM)to test the level of reactive oxygen(ROS);real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to measure the relative content of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons;and Western blot was performed to test the level of autophagy and the PINK1/Parkin pathway related protein expression.Results Compared with the Sham group,the neurological function score and cerebral infarction volume of the model group were increased,the hippocampal neurons showed pathological damage such as disordered arrangement,nucleolus disappearance and partial shrinkage of the nucleus and plasma,nuclear membrane rupture,swelling,membrane rupture and crista reduction of some mitochondria,a large number of autophagosomes were observed,and the colocalization area percentage of TOMM20 and LC3 was increased.TOMM20 and cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV isoform 1(COX4I1)in hippocampus and selective autophagy adaptor protein 62(p62)protein expression,mitochondrial encoded ATP synthase 6(mt-ATP6)/Ribosomal protein L13(Rpl13)ratio and Na+-K+-ATPase content decreased,while PINK1 and Parkin protein expression,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.602～52.012,all P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the neurological function score,cerebral infarction volume,pathological and ultrastructural damage of hippocampal neurons were significantly improved in the LIG low,high dose and NMDP groups,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.851～12.525,all P<0.01).The colocalization of TOMM20 and LC3 and the content of Na+-K+-ATPase were increased,while the expression of TOMM20,COX4I1 and p62 proteins and the mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio were decreased in the high-dose LIG group.The protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.087～33.211,all P<0.01).Compared with the LIG high-dose group,the Mdivi-1 and LIG+Mdivi-1 groups had significantly decreased colocalization of TOMM20 and LC3 and Na+-K+-ATPase content,and significantly increased expression of TOMM20,COX4I1 and p62 proteins and mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio.The protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.008～43.415,all P<0.01).However,the percentage of TOMM20 and LC3 co-localization area,PINK1 and Parkin protein expression,LC3-II/I ratio and Na+-K+-ATPase content in the hippocampus of the LIG+Mdivi-1 group were higher than those of the Mdivi-1 group.The protein expression of COX4I1 and p62,mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio and ROS level were lower than those in MDIV-1 group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.721～21.513,all P<0.01).Conclusion LIG may activate mitophagy by regulating PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to protect neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Objective To observe the value of pool sign on T2WI for differentiating solitary brain metastasis(SBM)from solitary mass type high grade glioma(HGG).Methods Totally 120 patients with SBM(SBM group)and 184 patients with solitary mass type HGG(HGG group)confirmed by postoperative pathology or clinical follow-up were retrospectively enrolled.The incidence of pool sign were compared between groups,and the efficacy of pool sign for differentiating SBM from solitary mass type HGG was analyzed.Results Pool sign was noticed in 37 cases(37/120,30.83％)in SBM group and 9 cases(9/184,4.89％)in HGG group,the incidence of pool sign in SBM group was higher than that in HGG group(x2=38.063,P＜0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of pool sign for differentiating SBM and solitary mass type HGG was 30.83％(37/120),95.11％(175/184),80.43％(37/46)and 67.83％(175/258),respectively.In SBM group,the incidence of pool sign in cases with primary tumor of adenocarcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma was 40.79％(31/76),16.67％(3/18)and 12.50％(3/24),respectively,with significant difference(x2=8.911,P=0.012),while compared pairwisely showed significant difference between SBM of adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma(x2=6.505,P=0.011).Conclusion The pool sign on T2WI was helpful for differentiating SBM,especially SBM of adenocarcinoma from solitary mass type HGG.

Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.

Objective To observe changes of brain functional connectivity in clinical frontline physicians under high occupational stress risk using gradient analysis based on MRI.Methods Totally 25 clinical frontline physicians were prospectively enrolled as observation group,while 25 non-medical staff in hospital taken as controls(control group).Brain resting-state functional MRI were acquired and preprocessed with Brainspace toolbox.Brain functional connectivity gradients were calculated,and the gradient components were compared between groups.Results In hierarchical structures of gradient components 1 and 2,significant increase of gradient components were noticed in observation group,mainly including default mode network,visual network and dorsal attention network related brain regions.Conclusion Gradient components of single modal brain regions in clinical frontline physicians significantly increased under high occupational stress risk.

Objective To explore the association between knee torsion and multiple bony abnormali-ties of the lower limb in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation(RPD).Methods The preoperative imaging data of RPD patients treated in our institution between May 2020 and October 2024 were col-lected retrospectively.A total of 238 patients were included in this study,with 83.6%being females.All patients underwent standard hip-knee-ankle CT scans,and lower limb bony structural parameters were reconstructed and measured using Mimics 20.0,focusing on variables such as knee torsion,femo-ral anteversion(FAA),femoral distal torsion angle(DFTA),supratrochlear spur,tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove distance(TT-TG),Caton-Deschamps index,and tibial torsion.Bony abnormalities were categorized based on previously established risk thresholds.Moreover,chi-square tests were em-ployed to compare the composition ratio differences between knee torsion and multiple lower limb osse-ous abnormalities.Results Among all affected knees,the proportion of excessive knee torsion was 33.6%,while in cases with osseous abnormalities,the value was over 40%.Compared with cases of low knee torsion,patients with excessive knee torsion showed significantly higher proportions of FAA(41.3%vs.27.2%,P=0.028),excessive DFTA(60%vs.32.9%,P<0.001),supratrochlear spur(55%vs.38.6%,P=0.016),trochlear dysplasia(93.8%vs.73.4%,P<0.001),excessive TT-TG(68.8%vs.43.7%,P<0.001),and patella alta(50%vs.22.2%,P<0.001).Additionally,95%of knees with excessive torsion exhibited two or more bony risk factors,whereas 55%had four or more bony structural abnormalities,which was significantly higher than those of low knee torsion(55%vs.21.5%,P<0.001).Conclusion In RPD patients,excessive knee torsion is associated with multiple low-er limb bony abnormalities.Moreover,patients with high knee torsion(>12°)are significantly more likely to have multiple bony abnormalities than those with low torsion.Therefore,in surgical decision-making for such patients,lower limb bony abnormalities should be assessed comprehensively.

Objective:To investigate the causal impact of maternal smoking around birth(MSAB)on off-spring's risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD),autism spectrum disorder(ASD),bipolar disorder(BD),and major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods:The datasets for MSAB and 4 psychiatric disorders were extracted from genome-wide association studies(GWAS).Mendelian randomization(MR)was employed,using in-verse variance weighting(IVW)as the primary analysis method.Sensitivity analyses and outlier correction were conducted using weighted median(WM),MR-Egger regression,and MR-PRESSO.The results were expressed as odds ratios(OR)and corrected for false discovery rate(FDR).Results:MR analysis showed significant causal re-lationships between MSAB and increased risk of ADHD(OR=5.36,95％CI=2.58-7.63,PFDR=0.003),MDD(OR=1.92,95％CI=1.29-2.88,PFDR=0.003),and BD(OR=6.33,95％CI=1.56-8.73,PFDR=0.013).However,no statistically significant association was found between MSAB and ASD(OR=1.66,95％CI=0.23-5.87,PFDR=0.616).Conclusion:This study suggests a potential causal link between maternal smoking around the time of birth and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,bipolar disorder,and major depressive disorder in offspring.