BACKGROUND:Successful uterine spiral artery remodeling is necessary for normal pregnancy,in which vascular smooth muscle cells are important cells.Interferon-γ is associated with the loss of vascular smooth muscle cells during early pregnancy.However,the specific mechanism is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of interferon-γ on migration and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells through NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway. METHODS:Human vascular smooth muscle cells were divided into control group and interferon-γ group.The control group was cultured normally,and the interferon-γ group was treated with 10 ng/mL interferon-γ for 24 hours.The migration ability of vascular smooth muscle cells was detected by Transwell assay.The apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells was detected by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were detected by qPCR.Western blot assay was utilized to detect NLRP3,caspase-1,and cleaved N-terminal GSDMD protein expression levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the migration ability and apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells in interferon-γ group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells of interferon-γ group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,and cleaved N-terminal GSDMD protein in vascular smooth muscle cells in the interferon-γ group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The results suggest that interferon-γ may regulate the migration and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells through NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule (DZJTC) for repairing renal vascular endothelial injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: Fifty male SD rat models of DN, established by left nephrectomy, high-sugar and high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection, were randomized into DN model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose DZJTC treatment groups, and DAPT (a γ-secretase inhibitor) treatment group, with 10 rats with normal feeding as the control group. DZJTC was administered by daily gavage at 0.315, 0.63, or 1.26 g/kg, and DAPT (20 mg/kg, dissolved in 50% CMC-Na solution) was given by gavage every other day for 4 weeks; normal saline was given in the control and model groups. After treatment, the levels of creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and microalbuminuria (mALB) were detected with ELISA, and renal pathologies were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Renal expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the protein expressions of CD31 and Notch signaling pathway components were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS: The rat models of DN showed significantly increased CRE, BUN, and mALB levels, obvious renal pathologies under electron microscopy, increased renal VEGF, ET-1 and CD31 expressions, and upregulated Notch1, NICD, and MAML1 protein levels. Treatment with DZJTC at the 3 doses and DAPT significantly reduced CRE, BUN, and mALB levels, improved renal pathology, decreased VEGF, ET-1 and CD31 expressions, and lowered Notch1, NICD and MAML1 levels, and the effects were the most pronounced with high-dose DZJTC. CONCLUSIONS DZJTC ameliorates hyperproliferation and dysfunction of renal vascular endothelium in DN rats possibly by regulating renal VEGF and ET-1 levels via inhibiting NICD- and MAML1-mediated Notch signaling pathway.
Animals ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy* ; Receptor, Notch1/metabolism* ; Kidney/blood supply* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; Down-Regulation ; Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism* ; Nuclear Proteins/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsule(DZJTC)for repairing renal vascular endothelial injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods Fifty male SD rat models of DN,established by left nephrectomy,high-sugar and high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection,were randomized into DN model group,low-,medium-,and high-dose DZJTC treatment groups,and DAPT(a γ-secretase inhibitor)treatment group,with 10 rats with normal feeding as the control group.DZJTC was administered by daily gavage at 0.315,0.63,or 1.26 g/kg,and DAPT(20 mg/kg,dissolved in 50%CMC-Na solution)was given by gavage every other day for 4 weeks;normal saline was given in the control and model groups.After treatment,the levels of creatinine(CRE),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and microalbuminuria(mALB)were detected with ELISA,and renal pathologies were observed by transmission electron microscopy.Renal expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and endothelin-1(ET-1)were measured by immunohistochemistry,and the protein expressions of CD31 and Notch signaling pathway components were detected using Western blotting.Results The rat models of DN showed significantly increased CRE,BUN,and mALB levels,obvious renal pathologies under electron microscopy,increased renal VEGF,ET-1 and CD31 expressions,and upregulated Notch1,NICD,and MAML1 protein levels.Treatment with DZJTC at the 3 doses and DAPT significantly reduced CRE,BUN,and mALB levels,improved renal pathology,decreased VEGF,ET-1 and CD31 expressions,and lowered Notch1,NICD and MAML1 levels,and the effects were the most pronounced with high-dose DZJTC.Conclusion DZJTC ameliorates hyperproliferation and dysfunction of renal vascular endothelium in DN rats possibly by regulating renal VEGF and ET-1 levels via inhibiting NICD-and MAML1-mediated Notch signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate intraoperative pathological findings and the interventional effects of "deep cervical lymphaticovenous anastomosis+" (dcLVA+) on deep cervical lymphatic drainage as well as the blood flow of carotid artery and jugular vein in elderly patients with cognitive impairment, and to put forward the thoughts based on the findings from the surgery.Methods:Between May 2024 and December 2024, retrospective analysis of Microsurgery Hospital, Fengcheng Hospital, Xi'an Medical College performed dcLVA+ between the deep cervical lymphatics or lymph nodes and jugular veins in 50 elderly patients with cognitive impairment (19 males and 31 females, aged 55-88 years with 69.94 years in average). Nine patients were found with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score at 1 (mild), 7 with CDR score at 2 (moderate) and 34 with CDR score at 3 (severe). Intraoperative observations based on literature reviews had identified anatomical relationships between the lymphatic sacs containing cervical lymphatic chain and the carotid sheath. The lymph node count, size, distribution, thickness of fat tissue and conditions of lymphatic vessels were documented. Ultrasound was used to compare the blood flow of carotid artery and jugular vein as well as the cross-sectional areas at the planes of hyoid and cricoid cartilage before and after the closure of incisions under anaesthesia in 39 patients. Correlation analyses for Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Agitation behavior score before and 1 week after surgery were performed using Spearman's correlation and Wilcoxon paired tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted via the visit of outpatient clinic and WeChat and telephone interviews. Results:In surgery, the cervical lymphatic chain was found running within an almost enclosed sac surrounding the carotid sheath. There were enlarged lymph nodes, increased fat deposition, lymphatic dilation or fibrosis in the sac. The preoperative blood flow in the carotid artery at the planes of hyoid and cricoid cartilage in the 39 patients was recorded at 150.52 ml/min±40.33 ml/min and 358.29 ml/min±129.30 ml/min, while that in the jugular vein was at 172.50 ml/min±63.94 ml/min and 317.00 ml/min±105.21 ml/min, respectively, both were far lower than the normal blood flow. There were statistically significant differences in the blood flow of carotid artery and jugular vein before and after surgery ( P<0.01). It was found that the preoperative blood flow of the internal carotid artery at the plane of hyoid was positively correlated with the preoperative scores of MMSE ( P<0.01), MoCa ( P<0.05) and ADL ( P<0.01). The blood flow of the common carotid artery at the plane of cricoid cartilage was found significantly and positively correlated with the preoperative scores of MMSE ( P<0.05). It was also noted that the blood flow of the internal carotid artery at the plane of hyoid was significantly and positively correlated with the postoperative ADL ( P<0.01) but negatively correlated with the Agitation behavior score ( P<0.05). The blood flow of the common carotid artery at the plane of cricoid cartilage was significantly and positively correlated with the postoperative scores of MMSE and MoCa ( P<0.05). The blood flow of the internal jugular vein at the plane of hyoid was negatively correlated with the Agitation behavior score ( P<0.01). The cross-sectional area of carotid artery at the plane of left hyoid was significantly and positively correlated with the MMSE score ( P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed in MMSE, MoCa, ADL and Agitation behavior score before and after surgery ( P<0.01). Conclusion:dcLVA+ shows a certain therapeutic benefit to the elderly patients with cognitive impairment. The intraoperatively observed pathological changes in cervical lymphatic sacs affect deep cervical lymphatic drainage and the blood flow of carotid artery and jugular vein. Further studies are necessary to find out whether the findings from this study would be the specific pathological changes and the morbidity mechanisms among the elderly patients with cognitive impairment.

Objective To investigate the current status of acceptance of disability(AOD)among young and middle-aged spinal cord injury patients and analyze the factors influencing it,in order to provide a basis for nursing managers to develop targeted interventions.Methods From February to July 2024,a convenience sample of 330 young and middle-aged spinal cord injury patients who were hospitalized in 3 tertiary-level hospitals in Henan Province was selected.The survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire,the Brief Adaptation to Disability Scale-Revised,Perceived Social Support Scale,Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 item,Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire,Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire.Results A total of 322 patients were included in the final analysis,yielding a valid response rate of 97.58％.The AOD score for young and middle-aged spinal cord injury patients was(25.99±6.68).Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that gender,education level,type of paralysis,injury duration,pain intensity,social support,psychological resilience,disease perception,and coping styles(confrontation and submission)were influencing factors of AOD(P＜0.05).Conclusion AOD among young and middle-aged spinal cord injury patients is at a moderate level.Healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to male patients,those with low literacy,quadriplegia,shorter injury durations,high pain intensity,low social support,weak psychological resilience,strong disease perception,and yielding coping styles.Timely interventions are recommended to enhance AOD,strengthen rehabilitation outcomes,and improve prognosis.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of laser moxibustion(LM)on tumor-related immunity in tumor-bearing mice.Methods:Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into a control group,a model group,and an LM group,with 10 mice in each group.Mice in the control group did not receive any intervention,and mice in the model group and LM group were injected into the right armpit with 1×107 cells/mL Lewis lung carcinoma cells to induce tumor models.From the first day after the injection,the LM group mice were irradiated with LM at Guanyuan(CV4)and bilateral Zusanli(ST36),5 min each point for a total of 15 min,once daily for 15 consecutive days.From the day of visible tumor formation(i.e.,day 8),mice in the model and LM groups were measured every other day with a vernier caliper to calculate the tumor volume.On day 16 after injection,the serum,lung,spleen,and tumors of the mice were harvested.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe tumor pulmonary metastasis.Changes in the serum levels of programmed death 1(PD-1)and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;the abundance of PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins in tumors was determined by Western blotting;and the proportions of lymphocyte subsets and myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)in tumors and spleen were determined by flow cytometry.Results:Compared to the model group,the tumor volume of mice in the LM group decreased significantly on days 8 and 10(P<0.05);the lung tissues of the LM group showed no apparent tumor atypia;the proportion of monocytic MDSCs(M-MDSCs)in the tumors of LM group mice decreased(P<0.05);the PD-1 and PD-L1 levels in the serum of mice in the LM group declined with statistically significant variation in the reduction of PD-L1(P<0.01);PD-1 and PD-L1 protein expression in the tumor tissues of mice in the LM group reduced significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion:LM intervention can reduce the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the serum of tumor-bearing mice,decrease the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins and the proportion of M-MDSCs in tumor tissues.These effects may be one of the mechanisms by which LM slows the early-stage growth of Lewis lung carcinoma tumor in mice.

Objective:To establish a quality and safety evaluation index system for the daytime chemotherapy in the Day Medical Management Quality Control Center of Fujian Province, providing references for objectively evaluating the quality of day chemotherapy.Methods:From December 2023 to August 2024, this study screened the initial indexes of the quality and safety evaluation index system for daytime chemotherapy through literature search and expert discussions. An index system and its weights were determined by using two rounds of Delphi method and precedence chart method. The quality of daytime chemotherapy services in 8 hospitals was evaluated by using a thousand point scale checklist based on this index system.Results:The expert motivation of both rounds of Delphi method was 100%, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.92. The quality and safety evaluation index system for daytime chemotherapy included 3 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators, and 54 third-level indicators; Among them, the weights of the first-level indicator included structure quality, process quality, and result quality were 0.334, 0.556, and 0.110, respectively. The quality and safety scores of daytime chemotherapy in 8 hospitals ranged from 812 to 980 points, with an average of 933 points.Conclusions:The quality and safety evaluation index system for daytime chemotherapy could objectively and comprehensively evaluate the quality and safety of hospital daytime chemotherapy.

Objective To investigate the current symptom status of maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients,analyze the influencing factors from the perspective of multidimensional symptom burden,extract symptom groups,and construct a symptom network.Methods A total of 490 patients who received MHD at the blood purification center of a tertiary hospital in Shanghai from March to April 2025 were selected using a convenience sampling method.30 symptoms of MHD patients were investigated using a modified dialysis symptom index table.SPSS and R software were utilized to analyze the influencing factors,extract symptom groups,and construct a multidimensional symptom network.Results A total of 488 valid questionnaires were collected,with a valid questionnaire recovery rate of 99.59％.The median number of symptoms experienced by patients was 6(interquartile range:4,8),with the top 5 symptoms being dry skin(69.88％),fatigue or tiredness(56.97％),itching(56.97％),worry(50.20％),and dry mouth(46.31％).Multidimensional analysis indicated that age,duration of dialysis,education level,and complications were influencing factors of symptom burden scores across different dimensions.6 stable symptom groups were extracted,namely skin discomfort,fatigue and pain,gastrointestinal tract,sleep disorders,water-electrolyte imbalance,and uremia.The results of the symptom network analysis revealed that difficulty of falling asleep had the highest intensity centrality(rs=2.18,2.25,2.12).Conclusion The symptom association is relatively stable,and difficulty of falling asleep is the core symptom.This finding can assist clinical medical staff in achieving efficiency and precision in symptom group management.

Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of functionalized decellularized extracellular matrix(F-dECM)prepared from porcine auricular cartilage or porcine rib cartilage in repairing xenogeneic articular osteochondral defects.Methods:The por-cine auricular cartilage and rib cartilage were crushed and decellularized.Heparin modification and multi-factor loading were a-chieved through amide bond reaction.The physical characteristics of the particles were characterized by SEM observation and mer-cury intrusion.The chemical characteristics of the particles were characterized by tissue section staining and kit detection.The rabbit knee joint full-thickness defect models were established and implanted by different particles respectively.After 6 weeks and 12 weeks of operation,the samples were taken for gross observation,CT scanning and tissue sectioning to comprehensively evaluate the repair effect.Results:After heparin modification,the glycosaminoglycan lost during the decellularization process was replen-ished.Both heparinized auricular cartilage and costal cartilage presented a highly developed porous structure.Among them,the porosity and pore diameter of costal cartilage were both lower than those of auricular cartilage(P＜0.05).During the observation periods of 6 weeks and 12 weeks,the porcine costal cartilage F-dECM implantation group was superior to other experimental groups in knee joint repair effects(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Costal-derived F-dECM is a joint osteochondral defect repair material with application potential.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the level of hand grip strength(HGS)-based cachexia index(H-CXI)and all-cause mortality in a population with abnormal liver function.Methods The study was based on the America National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)data from 2011～2014,which included 2 752 cases of people with abnormal liver function and followed up until December 31,2019,using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and COX regression modeling to assess the relationship between H-CXI levels and all-cause mortality,and restricted cubic spline analysis to explore the nonlinear relationship.Results There were 244 all-cause deaths during a mean follow-up time of 82.70±3.86 months.H-CXI was ana-lyzed as a categorical variable(quartiles),and Cox regression analyses showed that in model 2,the risk of all-cause mortality was reduced in groups Q2,Q3 and Q4 compared with group Q1(HR=0.41,95%CI:0.21～0.82,P=0.012 1;HR=0.34,95%CI:0.16～0.69,P=0.003 1;HR=0.24,95%CI:0.09～0.67,P=0.006 3).Subgroup analyses revealed an interaction between stroke and all-cause mortality,and restricted cubic spline revealed a nonlinear relationship between H-CXI levels and all-cause mortality.Con-clusion H-CXI levels are negatively associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in people with abnormal liver function,and attention to H-CXI levels is needed in clinical practice to prevent adverse health outcomes.