ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis （GA） in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species （ROS）/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/interleukin-1β （IL-1β） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal， model， colchicine （0.3 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （25， 50， 100 mg·kg^-1， respectively） quercetin groups （n=10）. The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs （10 mL·kg^-1） by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5， an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate （MSU） suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6， 12， 24， 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Malondialdehyde （MDA）， xanthine oxidase （XOD）， and total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA， XOD， and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 （IL-6）， necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and IL-1β in the rat serum， as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue， were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3， thioredoxin-interacting protein （TXNIP）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain （ASC）， precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （pro-Caspase-1）， cleaved Caspase-1 （Caspase-1 p20）， and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity， mental fatigue， increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores （P<0.01）， aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration （P<0.01）， elevated levels of XOD， MDA， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue （P<0.01）， a declined level of T-SOD （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3， TXNIP， ASC， pro-Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3， TXNIP， ASC， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions， decreased gait scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced joint swelling （P<0.01）， alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration （P<0.05， P<0.01）， lowered levels of XOD， MDA， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue （P<0.01）， increased levels of T-SOD （P<0.01）， down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， pro-Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue （P<0.01）. Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway， downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation， and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum placental growth factor(PLGF)/soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1),combined with the placental three-dimensional energy Doppler index(3D-PDI)in preeclampsia(PE).Methods From January 2021 to December 2022,120 pregnant women with PE risk factors were selected and followed up until 1 week after delivery.Serum PLGF and sFlt-1 levels were measured at routine prenatal check-ups at 14 to 20 weeks gestation.The PLGF/sFlt-1 ratio was calculated,and placental 3D-PDI was detected by ultrasound,including the vascularization index(VI),blood flow index(FI),and vascularization-blood flow index(VFI).Based on whether PE occurred after 20 weeks of pregnancy,cases were divided into PE(55 cases)and control groups(65 cases).The PE group was further divided into mild PE(35 cases)and severe PE groups(20 cases)based on the severity of the di-sease.The differences in PLGF/sFlt-1 and 3D-PDI between the groups were compared in terms of a statistical analysis of the correlation between PLGF,sFlt-1,and 3D-PDI.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was plotted,and the predictive value of each index on PE alone or in combination was analyzed.Results The systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),24 h protein-uria level,preterm birth rate,NICU admission rate,and preconception BMI in the PE group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The two groups had no differences in age,gestational age,pregnancy history,and fertility history(P＞0.05).The serum PLGF/sFlt-1 of the PE group was lower than that of the control group,and the serum PLGF/sFlt-1 of the severe group was lower than that of the mild group(P＜0.05).The 3D-PDI index of the PE group was lower than that of the control group,and the 3D-PDI index of the severe group was lower than that of the mild group(P＜0.05).Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that PLGF and VFI were signifi-cantly positively correlated(P＜0.01),and sFlt-1 was significantly negatively correlated with VFI(P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that PLGF/sFlt-1,VI,FI,and VFI all had predictive value for PE and the value of VI,FI,and VFI jointly predicted PE,and was higher than that of various parameters(AUC = 0.951).Serum PLGF/sFlt-1,VI,FI,and VFI combined predicted the highest value(AUC=0.987).Conclusion In patients with PE,serum PLGF,sFlt-1,and placental VFI are significantly correlated.Serum PLGF/sFlt-1,placenta VI,FI,and VFI are reduced in early pregnancy,and the combined application of the four indicators has the highest efficacy in predicting PE,providing a possible reference for the early clinical screening or prediction of PE.

The transcription factors (TFs) in the NAC family are involved in regulating multiple biological processes, playing an important role in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. Our previous studies have demonstrated that TaNAC14, a member of the NAC family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), positively regulates root growth and development and enhances the drought tolerance of wheat seedlings. In this study, we analyzed the physicochemical properties and structure and verified the subcellular localization and transcriptional activation activity of TaNAC14. The prokaryotic expression vector pET21a-HMT-TaNAC14 was constructed and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 CodonPlus (DE3)-RIPL. The conditions for inducing the expression of the recombinant protein HMT-TaNAC14 were optimized. The solubility of the recombinant protein was analyzed, and the protein was purified by affinity chromatography on a Ni-nitrilotriacetic acid column. The results indicated that TaNAC14 had a conserved domain of the NAM family. It was located in the nucleus and had transcriptional activation activity. The optimal conditions for expression of the recombinant protein in E. coli were induction with 0.2mmol/L IPTG for 4 h. The recombinant protein mainly existed in the soluble form, and the target protein was obtained after purification. This study lays a foundation for the identification of target genes regulated by TaNAC14.
Triticum/metabolism* ; Escherichia coli/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism* ; Genetic Vectors/genetics*

Objective To investigate the influence of overweight and obese on serum expressions of adipocytokines and prognosis of patients with acute leukemia. Methods Five hundred and seventy patients diagnosed as acute leukemia in the People's Hospital of Liaoning Province and Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from July 2008 to July 2015 were collected. According to the body mass index (BMI), the patients were subdivided into two groups as obese/overweight group (BMI≥24 kg/m2) and control group (BMI<24 kg/m2). The avidinbiotincomplex-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELLSA) was used to detect the adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels in the two groups. The t test was used to compare the difference of serum adiponectin, leptin and resistin expression between the two groups; Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the difference of survival between the two groups. Results In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the adiponectin levels in obese/overweight group were lower than those in the control group [adult ALL:(3.8±2.1) pg/ml vs. (6.4±2.9) pg/ml, child ALL:(4.2±2.7) pg/ml vs. (7.4±3.1) pg/ml, AML:(4.1±2.3) pg/ml vs. (6.9±3.1) pg/ml;t values were-2.291,-2.462,-2.244;P values were 0.023, 0.015, 0.026, respectively]. The leptin levels were high in the child ALL obese/overweight group than those in the control group (34±17 vs. 21±17) (t= 2.092, P= 0.038). The resistin levels of all the acuteleukemia patients did not have statistical difference between the obese/overweight group and control group(all P>0.05). In AML and adult ALL patients, the survival analysis showed that the 5-year overall survival rate in obese/overweight group were lower than that in the control group (38.0％vs. 46.6％,χ2= 1.449, P= 0.001;41.4％vs. 48.4％,χ2= 4.166, P= 0.041). Conclusion For the acute leukemia, the adiponectin levels are low in obese or overweight patients, and the 5-year survival rate of obese or overweight AML and adult ALL patients is lower than that of normal weight patients.

Objectives To observe the anesthetic effects of an improved anesthetic method on goat by comparing with the original method, and to provide theoretical and practical reference for anesthesia during the establishment of goat models.Methods A total of 72 goats were selected to make tibial fracture models, 36 were enrolled as group A and others as group B.The group A was injected with Sumianxin and diazepam.The group B was injected with Sumianxin, diazepam and pumped propofol by intravenous pump.The times of animal struggle, total dose of additional Sumianxin, death rate, and recovery time were evaluated.Results The death rate of group A was 16.67% and there was no death in the group B.The times of struggle, the total dose of additional Sumianxin and the recovery time of the group A were higher than group B, showing a significant difference (P<0.05).Conclusions The improved anesthetic method can decrease the times of goat struggle times, reduce the dose of anaesthetics, and lower the death rate.

Objective To investigate the effects of intense low frequency noise on expression of caspase -3 in bama pigs ,and observe the death of cochlea hair cell .Methods 8 bama pigs were randomly divided into a normal control group(2 pigs) and experimental groups(6 pigs) .Auditory brainstem responses(ABR) were tested before the experiment .The control group was the same as the experimental groups except noise exposure .The experimental group was randomly divided into immediate group ,36 h group ,and 84 h group(2 pigs per group) .They were ex-posed to intense low frequency noise at 142 dB of 50 Hz for 5 min according to the three time points .ABR were test-ed again before the cochlea were collected at different time points .The expression of caspase -3 was studied through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence ,hair cell loss rate by counting to determine cell death .Results The average ABR threshold of 8 bama pigs(16 ears) before the exposure was 61 .25 ± 10 .72 dB nHL .ABR thresh-olds were not elicited after exposure to the noise .Different parts of bama pigs showed positive expression of caspase -3 in two ways .As time prolonged after exposure ,the positive expression of caspase -3 gradually weakened .The im-mediate group and 36 h group ,compared with the control group ,showed the apparent misplace of three out hair cells in the arrangement and levels .The 84 h group through immunofluorescence lost out hair cells ,and only inner hair cells were visible .Conclusion ABR thresholds were elevated after noise exposure .The procedure of hair cell nucleus damage and caspase-3 expression is different ,and the noise can induce opening apoptotic program of spiral ganglion .

Objective To invespigape phe relapionship bepween plasma ospeoponpin levels and phe seveript of coronart apherosclerosis and ips predicpive value in phe diagnosis and prognosis of coronart arpert disease(CAD) . Methods 788 individuals were included in phis reprospecpive spudt. Thet underwenp coronart angiographt bepween Jan. 1, 2011 po Dec. 31, 2011. Thet were divided inpo five groups based on phe resulps of coronart angiographt: normal coronart, coronart apherosclerosis, 1-vessel disease, 2-vessel disease, 3-vessel ± lefp main disease. The plasma ospeoponpin concenprapions were measured bt ELSIA. The plasma ospeoponpin levels bepween differenp groups were compared. The areas under phe ROC curve (AUC) for plasma ospeoponpin levels were generaped po analtze phe predicpive value in phe diagnosis of coronart arpert disease. The clinical condipions were followed-up. Results There were 788 individuals included in phe spudt. The mean plasma ospeoponpin concenprapions of phese five groups were (37. 05 ±15. 23)μg/ L for normal coronart, (51. 01 ± 18. 81) μg/ L for coronart apherosclerosis, (66. 26 ± 23. 22) μg/ L for 1-vessel disease, (76. 92 ± 26. 39) μg/ L for 2-vessel disease and (88. 14 ± 28. 93) μg/ L for 3-vessel ± lefp main disease respecpivelt. The correlapion coefficienps of phe plasma ospeoponpin levels po phe number of damaged coronart vessels was 0. 511. The AUC for plasma ospeoponpin levels predicping CAD was 0. 821. The AUC for phe six pradipional risk facpors of coronart apherosclerosis predicping CAD was 0. 692. During phe follow-up, 79 subjecps (20. 1% ) wiph plasma ospeoponpin levels no higher phan 71. 55 μg/ L experienced endpoinp evenps, and 118 subjecps (29. 9% ) wiph plasma ospeoponpin levels higher phan 71. 55 μg/ L experienced endpoinp evenps (P =0. 001). Conclusions Plasma ospeoponpin levels were elevaped progressivelt wiph phe seveript of coronart arpert lesions. Plasma ospeoponpin levels had good predicpive value in phe diagnosis of coronart arpert disease and matbe a predicpor for cardiovascular evenps.

Objective To explore clinical profile and significance of serum golgi protein 73 (GP73) in cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection .Methods A total of 109 cirrhotic patients with HBV infection were included ,in which 60 patients were compensated cirrhosis ,and 49 patients were decompensated cirrhosis .The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used to evaluate the clinical significance of GP73 for diagnosing decompensated cirrhosis in cirrhotic popula-tion .Results Serum GP73 level in cirrhotic patients was correlated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT ) and HBV DNA ,but neg-atively correlated with albumin levels .Serum GP73 levels in patients with decompensated cirrhosis was (215 .9 ± 96 .56)ng/mL , which was significant higher than (113 .7 ± 68 .95)ng/mL in patients with compensated cirrhosis .The area under ROC was 0 .82 (95% CI :0 .74 ~ 0 .90 ,P< 0 .05) .The sensitivity and specificity of GP73 diagnosing decompensated cirrhosis in cirrhotic population with chronic HBV infection were 77 .55% and 75 .00% respectively ,when the cut-off was set at 140 .5 ng/mL .Conclusion Serum GP73 level is related with liver injury and HBV replication .GP73 might be an useful marker for diagnosing decompensated cirrhosis in cirrhotic population with chronic HBV infections .

Objective To explore the prevalence and clinical and echocardiography features of the basal septal hypertrophy(BSH).Methods Clinical and echocardiography data of 1 056 elderly population in an urban community of Beijing were analyzed.BSH was defined as the thickness of basal interventricular septum ≥1.4 cm and basal septal/mid septal ≥1.3.Data were compared between BSH and non-BSH,and the risk factors of BSH were evaluated.Results The prevalence of BSH in this population was 7.39%(95%CI:5.8%-9.0%).BSH was not associated with current cardiovascular diseases (P >0.05).Its correlates in logistic analysis included male,diabetes mellitus,small end diastolic left ventricular dimension and abnormal left ventricular diastolic function (P <0.05),with OR 0.49(0.29,0.83),1.99(1.18,3.37),2.24 (1.35,3.72),0.39(0.26,0.59),and 1.96(1.01,3.81),respectively.Conclusions BSH is common in elderly community population and not associated with cardiovascular diseases.Its risk factors included male, obesity,diabetes mellitus,small end diastolic left ventricular dimension and abnormal left ventricular diastolic function.

Objective To assess the effect of combined hypertension (HT) and aging on left atrial (LA) size and phasic function.Methods This evaluation was based on the data from a cross-sectional study including 738 subjects with high risk for cardiovascular disease from an urban community in Beijing.Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to age (41-59,60-69 and ≥70 years) and further into HT and non-HT sub-groups.LA volume index were calculated and LA global longitudinal strain in late diastole (Sa),early diastole (Se),and total strain (Stot =Sa + Se),and strain rate in late diastole (SRa),systole (SRs),and early diastole (SRe) were measured using off-line speckle-tracking echocardiography.Results LA volume index increased significantly in HT groups with aging,whereas no changes could be viewed in non-HT subjects among all age groups.LA conduit index (Se and SRe) decreased with aging in both HT and non-HT subjects with more sever in HT subjects than in non-HT subjects in all age groups.The LA conduit index in 41-59 year-HT,and in 60-69 year-HT subjects were comparable with that in 60-69 year-non-HT subjects [Se (11.0 ±4.4)％ vs (11.6 ±4.7)％,SRe (1.0 ±0.4) s-1 vs (1.0 ±-0.3) s-1],and in ≥70 year-non-HT subjects [Se(10.1 ±4.0)％ vs (9.5 ±5.4)％,SRe (0.9 ±0.3)s-1 vs (0.8 ± 0.4) s-1],respectively.LA reservoir (Stot and SRs) and contraction (Sa and SRa) index also decreased with aging in HT but not in non-HT subjects.Conclusions Aging along does not lead to LA enlargement in subjctes,but it does when combined HT.There is synergistic effect of HT and aging on LA volume and phasic function.