ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang （BXT） inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） rats by regulating the interleukin-17（IL-17）/extracellular regulated protein kinases（ERK）/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β（C/EBPβ）signaling pathway， thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided into the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （0.549， 1.098， 2.196 g·kg^-1， respectively） of BXT， and the positive drug group （vitacoenzyme， 0.3 g·kg^-1）. A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention， the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the contents of IL-17， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， and C/EBPβ in serum， as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin， N-cadherin， and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17， p-ERK， and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and its phosphorylated form （p）-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK， COX-2， and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group， the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The levels of IL-17， TNF-α， COX-2， and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased， while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with different doses of BXT， the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The levels of IL-17， TNF-α， COX-2， and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased， while the content of E-cadherin was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum， regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.

Avian infectious bronchitis(IB),a rapidly spreading and acute disease in chickens,is caused by the infectious bronchitis virus(IBV).IB is characterized by its remarkable genetic varia-bility.IBV has a high degree of mutation,and the existing means of immunization often fail to a-chieve good results,seriously affecting the development of the domestic poultry industry.This ar-ticle offers a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the immune response to IBV,focusing on three key areas:non-specific immunity,mucosal immunity,and specific immunity.By dissecting these aspects,the aim is to provide a theoretical reference for the study of the immune mechanism of IBV.

Objective To investigate the expression of ferritinophagy-related gene ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1(ELAVL1)in multiple myeloma(MM)and elucidate its diagnostic and prognostic value for MM.Methods First,we analyzed ELAVL1 expression level in healthy controls and MM patients using data from the GEO and TCGA databases.Subsequently,bone marrow specimens were collected from 28 newly diagnosed MM patients and 20 healthy controls,and qRT-PCR was employed to validate ELAVL1 expression.The diagnostic and prognostic potential of ELAVL1 was assessed using ROC curve analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.Additionally,univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for MM prognosis.Finally,KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID online platform.Results The level of ELAVL1 expression was significantly higher in newly diagnosed MM patients and refractory/relapsed MM patients than in the healthy controls(P＜0.001).Moreover,ELAVL1 expression was positively correlated with the International Staging System(ISS)stage of MM(P＜0.01).Furthermore,qRT-PCR validation confirmed that ELAVL1 expression was elevated in the 28 newly diagnosed MM patients compared to the 20 healthy controls(P＜0.001).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ELAVL1 could effectively differentiate between newly diagnosed MM patients,healthy controls,and MGUS patients(P＜0.001 and P=0.000 2,respectively).Survival analysis revealed that high ELAVL1 expression was associated with shorter progression-free survival(P=0.0141)and overall survival(P=0.008 0).Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses identified high ELAVL1 expression as an independent risk factor for poor MM prognosis(P=0.005 0).KEGG analysis suggested that ELAVL1 might be involved in the Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways.Conclusion High ELAVL1 expression in MM may serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and poor prognosis.ELAVL1 may promote MM initiation and progression via the Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways.

Avian infectious bronchitis(IB),a rapidly spreading and acute disease in chickens,is caused by the infectious bronchitis virus(IBV).IB is characterized by its remarkable genetic varia-bility.IBV has a high degree of mutation,and the existing means of immunization often fail to a-chieve good results,seriously affecting the development of the domestic poultry industry.This ar-ticle offers a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the immune response to IBV,focusing on three key areas:non-specific immunity,mucosal immunity,and specific immunity.By dissecting these aspects,the aim is to provide a theoretical reference for the study of the immune mechanism of IBV.

Objective To investigate the expression of ferritinophagy-related gene ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1(ELAVL1)in multiple myeloma(MM)and elucidate its diagnostic and prognostic value for MM.Methods First,we analyzed ELAVL1 expression level in healthy controls and MM patients using data from the GEO and TCGA databases.Subsequently,bone marrow specimens were collected from 28 newly diagnosed MM patients and 20 healthy controls,and qRT-PCR was employed to validate ELAVL1 expression.The diagnostic and prognostic potential of ELAVL1 was assessed using ROC curve analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.Additionally,univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for MM prognosis.Finally,KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID online platform.Results The level of ELAVL1 expression was significantly higher in newly diagnosed MM patients and refractory/relapsed MM patients than in the healthy controls(P＜0.001).Moreover,ELAVL1 expression was positively correlated with the International Staging System(ISS)stage of MM(P＜0.01).Furthermore,qRT-PCR validation confirmed that ELAVL1 expression was elevated in the 28 newly diagnosed MM patients compared to the 20 healthy controls(P＜0.001).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ELAVL1 could effectively differentiate between newly diagnosed MM patients,healthy controls,and MGUS patients(P＜0.001 and P=0.000 2,respectively).Survival analysis revealed that high ELAVL1 expression was associated with shorter progression-free survival(P=0.0141)and overall survival(P=0.008 0).Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses identified high ELAVL1 expression as an independent risk factor for poor MM prognosis(P=0.005 0).KEGG analysis suggested that ELAVL1 might be involved in the Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways.Conclusion High ELAVL1 expression in MM may serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and poor prognosis.ELAVL1 may promote MM initiation and progression via the Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways.

Objective To investigate the impact of overweight on the prognosis of patients with acute mild ischemic stroke or moderate-high risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods A total of 366 patients with acute mild ischemic stroke or moderate-high risk TIA who carried CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles were included in the study. Baseline data were collected at admission, and clinical outcomes were collected within 3 months post-onset (primary outcomes: stroke recurrences within 3 months post-onset; secondary outcomes: composite outcome of stroke recurrence or death within 3 months post-onset, vascular events, and quality of life within 3 months). Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the cumulative incidence curve of outcomes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and multivariate Logistic regression model were used to evaluate the relationship between overweight and clinical outcomes within 3 months post-onset in patientswith ischemic stroke or TIA. The integrated discrimination improvement index (IDI) and net reclassification improvement index (NRI) were calculated to assess the predictive value of adding body mass index (BMI, whether overweight or not) based on traditional models for predicting the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke or TIA. Results After 3 months of follow-up, 28 patients had stroke recurrence, 1 patient died, and 31 patients had vascular events. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence curve showed that the cumulative incidences of stroke recurrence, stroke recurrence or death, and vascular events after 3 months of onset were lower in overweight patients compared with non-overweight patients (Log-rank P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with non-overweight patients, overweight patients had significantly reduced risks of stroke recurrence within 3 months (HR=0.24; 95%CI, 0.08 to 0.71), composite outcome of stroke recurrence or death (HR=0.24; 95%CI, 0.08 to 0.69), and vascular events (HR=0.22; 95%CI, 0.07 to 0.63), and significantly improved quality of life within 3 months (OR=0.39; 95%CI, 0.20 to 0.76). The IDI and NRI calculations showed that compared with traditional models, the new model adding BMI (whether overweight) had significantly improved predictive ability for the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke or TIA. Conclusion Overweight may be a protective factor for the prognosis of TIA patients with acute mild ischemic stroke or moderate-high risk who carry CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles. Compared with non-overweight patients, overweight patients have reduced risks of stroke recurrence, composite outcome of stroke recurrence or death, and vascular events within 3 months post-onset, and improved quality of life within 3 months post-onset.

Icariin,which belongs to the class of flavonoids,is the main active ingredient of the traditional tonic Chinese herb Epimedii Folium.Modern studies have shown that icariin has a wide range of effects on the male reproductive system.It has various pharmacological activities such as regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis,antioxidants,promoting testosterone secretion,improving erectile function,inhibiting prostate cancer cell migration,invasion,and regulating cell cycle.It has research value and application prospects in the field of urology and assisted reproduction.Therefore,Icariin's pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms on the male reproductive system are reviewed in this paper combined with literature visualization analysis.It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the therapeutic value development and application of icariin in male reproductive health.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with adenomyosis (AM) and endometrial cancer (EC) and their role in preoperative diagnosis.Methods A total of 142 patients with AM complicated with EC or endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and AM with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) during the same period were collected from this hospital.They were divided into AM with EC or EAH group (71 cases) and control group (71 cases) according to whether they were complicated with EC or EAH.The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of the patients with adenomy-osis complicated with endometrial cancer were discussed.Results Univariate analysis showed that age, increased proportion of CA125 and CA125, uterine volume, proportion of hypertension and abnormal endometrial ultrasonog-raphy in patients with AM with EC or EAH were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the pro-portion of dysmenorrhea was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that endometrial thickening, endometrial echogenicity, and endometrial thickening combined with echogenicity were independent risk factors for AM with EC or EAH.Conclusion In clinical practice, the patients with AM with endometrial thickening or uneven echo-ech-o of ultrasound should be treated by hysteroscopy and curettage before further operation plan is formulated, so as to achieve the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment of EC.

Objective:To analyze the electroencephalogram (EEG) features of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to combine the characteristics for classification and prediction.Methods:One hundred and thirty-five patients attending the Department of Neurology at the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University were enrolled, including 34 patients with AD, 67 patients with MCI, and 34 healthy control (HC). The electroencephalogram signals of these patients in the resting state were collected and preprocessed. Relative power spectral density features and sample entropy features on a multi-band scale were extracted to compare the whole-brain differences in electroencephalogram features among the 3 groups of subjects, and then subdivided into brain regions and individual leads for in-depth analysis. The above two features were fused to classify and predict AD, MCI, and HC by support vector machine (SVM).Results:The frontal regions had higher δ relative power spectral densities than the other regions, and the occipital and temporal regions showed relatively lower distributions. θ-Band relative power spectral densities had a more even distribution of sizes across brain regions. α-Band relative power spectral densities were concentrated in the occipital lobe, while β-band relative power spectral densities were mainly concentrated in the parietal and temporal lobes. Except for the central lobe, the δ-band relative power spectral densities of the AD group were higher than those of the MCI group ( P < 0.05) and HC group ( P < 0.01) in all brain regions and the whole brain. θ-band relative power spectral densities of the AD group were higher than those of the MCI gourp ( P < 0.001) and HC group ( P < 0.001) in the whole brain and in all brain regions. α-Band relative power spectral densities of the AD group were lower than those of the other groups only in the temporal lobe (all P < 0.05). The relative power spectral density of the β-band in the AD group was higher than that of the other groups in the whole brain and in all brain regions ( P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). The difference in the relative power spectral density of the δ-band in the C3 lead in the central lobe of the AD and HC groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The relative power spectral density of the γ-band in the temporal lobe was higher than that in the other regions of the AD group, the MCI group, and the HC group. The relative power spectral density of the γ-band in the T3 lead in the AD group was significantly lower than that in the T4 lead. The average entropy of samples in the whole brain and in each brain region was lower than that in the HC group in the AD and MCI groups (all P < 0.05). The entropy of the samples at lead C3 in the AD group was lower than that in the MCI group ( P < 0.05). The differences between the relative power spectral density, sample entropy, and the actual data classification evaluation indexes (accuracy rate, precision rate, recall rate, and F1 score) that fused the two features, and the rearranged data were all statistically significant (all P < 0.001). When the relative power spectral density feature and the sample entropy feature were fused in the classification features, the best classification prediction was achieved, with an accuracy rate of 80%, a precision rate of 78%, a recall rate of 78%, and the F1 score of 79%. Conclusions:Relative power spectral density and sample entropy analysis can reveal the abnormalities of electroencephalogram activities of AD and MCI patients from different perspectives (linear and nonlinear), and the combination of these two features in classification prediction can improve the classification effect.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of BCL-2 inhibitor-based treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory t (11; 14) primary systemic light chain amyloidosis.Methods:This was a retrospective case series study. Ten patients with relapsed/refractory t(11;14) primary systemic light chain amyloidosis who had all received treatment with a combination regimen including the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax from January 2018 to November 2022 at the Hematology Department of Peking University People′s Hospital were included. Adverse events, and hematological and organ responses were evaluated.Results:The median age of the ten enrolled patients was 59 (range 41-78) years, and the male to female ratio was 8∶2. Except for one patient, a very good partial or better response was achieved in 8/9 patients and one patient obtained a partial response. The overall response rate was 100%. The median time to achieve a hematological response was 60 (range 24-236) days. At least one organ response was observed in 7/9 patients. With a median follow-up of 18 months, one patient experienced hematological progression and one patient died. Grade 3 adverse events included lymphocytopenia (3 cases), anemia (1 case), diarrhea (1 case), and appendicitis (1 case). One patient died of pulmonary fungal infection two months after completion of treatment, which was not excluded as being treatment related.Conclusion:A combination regimen including BCL-2 inhibitors in patients with relapsed/refractory t(11;14) primary systemic light chain amyloidosis is a potentially safe and effective treatment option that warrants further investigation.