ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Simiao Wan improve intestinal uric acid excretion in hyperuricemic （HUA） rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 （SLC7A11/GPX4） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group， a model group， a low-dose Simiao Wan group （282.6 mg·kg^-1）， a high-dose Simiao Wan group （565.2 mg·kg^-1）， an etoricoxib group （5.4 mg·kg^-1）， and a ferroptosis inhibitor （Fer-1） group （2 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate （100 mg·kg^-1） combined with intragastric administration of hypoxanthine （500 mg·kg^-1） to establish the HUA rat model. After 21 days， rats in each administration group received the corresponding dose of drug by gavage， rats in the Fer-1 group received intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1， and rats in the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After sampling， serum levels of uric acid （SUA）， creatinine （Cr）， and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） were measured using biochemical assays. The content of ferrous ion （Fe²⁺）， reduced glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA）， as well as superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in ileal tissues were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum， and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial alterations in the ileal tissue. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of GPX4， ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 （ACSL4）， SLC7A11， and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 （ABCG2） in ileal tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to determine the mRNA expression of GPX4， FTH1， ACSL4， SLC7A11， and ABCG2 in the ileal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum UA， Cr， and BUN levels （P<0.01）， significantly increased content of MDA and Fe²⁺ in ileal tissue， and significantly decreased GSH content and SOD activity （P<0.01）. HE staining showed extensive shedding of the ileal villous epithelium， disrupted and disorganized villous structure， and incomplete local tissue architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial volume， decreased or even vanished cristae， indicating ultrastructural features characteristic of ferroptosis. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPX4， FTH1， SLC7A11， and ABCG2 were significantly downregulated， whereas those of ACSL4 were significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with Simiao Wan， the serum UA， Cr， and BUN levels significantly decreased in all dose groups （P<0.05，P<0.01）， the MDA and Fe²⁺ content in ileal tissues were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and the GSH content and SOD activity significantly increased （P<0.01）. HE staining showed that the shedding of ileal villous epithelium was markedly alleviated， the villous structure became relatively intact and regularly arranged， and local tissue damage was obviously improved. Transmission electron microscopy showed attenuated mitochondrial damage， improvement in mitochondrial shrinkage， and partial restoration of mitochondrial cristae. Molecular and immunohistochemical results showed that Simiao Wan upregulated GPX4， FTH1， SLC7A11， and ABCG2， and downregulated ACSL4 in a dose-dependent manner. In the high‑dose group， all indices improved significantly （P<0.05，P<0.01）， whereas in the low‑dose group， only improving trends were observed for FTH1， SLC7A11 mRNA， and ABCG2 protein. ConclusionSimiao Wan may inhibit ferroptosis of ileal epithelial cells by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway， and upregulate the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2， thereby promoting intestinal uric acid excretion and improving HUA.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of high expression of transmembrane and coiled helix structural domain 1 (TMCO1) on prognosis of gastric cancer and the possible mechanisms. METHODS: TMCO1 expression in gastric cancer and its effect on gastric cancer progression and prognosis were analyzed using publicly available databases and clinical data of patients undergoing radical surgery in our hospital, and its possible biological functions were explored using KEGG and GO analyses. In gastric cancer HGC-27 cells, the effects of lentivirus-mediated TMCO1 overexpression and TMCO1 silencing on cell apoptosis, proliferation, invasion and migration were examined. RESULTS: TMCO1 expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer tissues (P<0.05), and its high expression was positively correlated with cancer progression (P<0.001) and a lowered postoperative 5-year survival rate of the patients (P<0.05). Bioinformatic analyses suggested that TMCO1 may affect gastric cancer cell apoptosis via Wnt signaling. In HGC-27 cells, TMCO1 overexpression significantly promoted tumor cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell migration and invasion, whereas TMCO1 silencing produced the opposite effects. Western blotting showed that β-catenin levels were significantly upregulated in TMCO1-overexpressing cells and downregulated in cells with TMCO1 silencing. CONCLUSIONS TMCO1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, and its high expression promotes gastric cancer progression and affects long-term prognosis of the patients possibly by activating the Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Prognosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Movement ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)who are undergoing long-term home oxygen therapy.Methods:The study included a total of 60 elderly patients with COPD who were successfully discharged after receiving treatment at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from November 2021 to October 2022.The enrolled patients were randomly divided into two groups: the pulmonary rehabilitation group and the control group, with 30 patients in each group.The allocation was determined using a random number table and prospective research methods.Patients in the pulmonary rehabilitation group underwent a 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation training program, while patients in the control group received pulmonary rehabilitation education and nutrition education.The general data of the two groups of patients were compared, including lung function parameters[forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV 1), forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio(FEV 1/FVC), and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV 1%pred)], blood gas analysis[partial pressure of arterial oxygen(PaO 2), partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide(PaCO 2), arterial oxygen saturation(SaO 2)], 6-minute walking distance(6MWD), grip strength, 5-round sit to stand test(5R-STST), modified British medical research council(mMRC)score, COPD assessment test(CAT)score, closed cycles test(CCT), Berg balance scale(BBS), and safety measures.These parameters were assessed before and after the intervention. Results:A total of 29 patients in the pulmonary rehabilitation group and 28 patients in the control group completed the study.The general data between the two groups showed no significant difference(all P>0.05).After the intervention, patients in the pulmonary rehabilitation group showed improvements in FEV 1/FVC, PaO 2, PaCO 2, SaO 2, 6MWD, grip strength, 5R-STST, CAT, CCT, and BBS( t=-2.242, -4.630, W=-3.439, t=-6.512, -10.563, -6.197, W=-3.968, t=10.847, -7.334, W=-4.189, all P<0.05).Additionally, 6MWD, CAT, and CCT showed significant improvement after the intervention compared to the control group( t=-2.104, 2.183, 2.106, all P<0.05).No training-related adverse effects were observed during the study. Conclusions:The 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program is shown to be effective for elderly patients with COPD who are undergoing long-term home oxygen therapy.This program helps to improve respiratory function, systemic symptoms, exercise endurance, muscle strength, and balance function.It is designed to be simple and easy to implement, allowing patients to achieve their training goals and improve their clinical symptoms.Additionally, the program has been found to be safe and well-tolerated by patients, making it a valuable intervention that should be promoted and widely applied.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is a chronic progressive end-stage lung disease.However,the mechanisms un-derlying the progression of this disease remain elusive.Presently,clinically employed drugs are scarce for the treatment of PF.Hence,there is an urgent need for developing novel drugs to address such diseases.Our study found for the first time that a natural source of Prismatomeris connata Y.Z.Ruan(Huang Gen,HG)ethyl acetate extract(HG-2)had a significant anti-PF effect by inhibiting the expression of the transforming growth factor beta 1/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic(TGF-β1/Smad)pathway.Network pharmacological analysis suggested that HG-2 had effects on tyrosine kinase phosphorylation,cellular response to reactive oxygen species,and extracellular matrix(ECM)disassembly.Moreover,mass spec-trometry imaging(MSI)was used to visualize the heterogeneous distribution of endogenous metabolites in lung tissue and reveal the anti-PF metabolic mechanism of HG-2,which was related to arginine biosyn-thesis and alanine,asparate and glutamate metabolism,the downregulation of arachidonic acid meta-bolism,and the upregulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism.In conclusion,we elaborated on the relationship between metabolite distribution and the progression of PF,constructed the regulatory metabolic network of HG-2,and discovered the multi-target therapeutic effect of HG-2,which might be conducive to the development of new drugs for PF.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Purpose: This study compared the efficacy of heat insulation between 5% dextrose and 0.9% saline in radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Accordingly, temperature variations and maximum temperatures were assessed at identical distances and heat field distributions. Methods: Cubes of porcine liver tissue, measuring 10 mm across, were selected to precisely align the ablation boundary with the tissue boundary. An 18-gauge electrode with a 7-mm tip was inserted into each cube (10 per group) in a stainless-steel cup containing 40 mL of 5% dextrose or 0.9% saline. Fixed ablation was performed for 3 minutes using continuous mode at 30 W, simulating the typical thermal environment during thyroid RFA. Real-time temperature measurements were recorded by sensors positioned 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm from the cube’s edge. A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the maximum temperature, temperature variation, and duration of temperatures exceeding 42℃. Results: In both groups, the temperature curve declined with increasing distance from the edge of the ablated tissue. However, 0.9% saline exhibited higher maximum temperatures at 1, 3, and 5 mm compared to 5% dextrose (1 mm: 44.55°C±5.25°C vs. 34.68°C±3.07°C; 3 mm: 39.64°C±2.53°C vs. 29.22°C±2.21°C; 5 mm: 38.86°C±2.14°C vs. 28.74°C±2.51°C; all P<0.001). Considering a nerve injury threshold of 42°C, the 0.9% saline also displayed a greater proportion of samples reaching this temperature and a longer duration of temperatures exceeding it (P<0.05). Conclusion The heat insulation efficacy of 5% dextrose at 1-5 mm exceeds that of 0.9% saline at identical distances and in a common thermal environment during thyroid RFA.

Objective To analyze the optimal threshold of Doppler ultrasonography(DUS)in the diagnosis of hepatic artery stenosis(HAS)after liver transplantation and propose the diagnostic criteria of CT angiography(CTA) or digital subtraction angiography(DSA)for patients with tardus parvus waveform(TPW)in combination with liver dysfunction. Methods Clinical data of 171 patients undergoing liver transplantation, postoperative conventional DUS, liver function test, CTA or DSA were collected. The optimal threshold of resistance index(RI)and systolic acceleration time (SAT)for the diagnosis of HAS were determined by multi-level likelihood ratio(MLR). Different diagnostic criteria were established and the diagnostic efficacy was statistical y compared. Positive TPW was defined as the diagnostic criterion with low confidence, positive TPW+liver dysfunction as the moderate confidences, and positive TPW+liver dysfunction or positive TPW+optimal threshold as the high confidence. Results MLR revealed that RI<0.4 and SAT>0.12 s were the optimal threshold for the diagnosis of HAS. The specificity of diagnostic criteria with moderate and high confidence was significantly higher compared with that of the low confidence(P<0.05). Moreover, the false-positive rate was significantly decreased(P<0.05). The sensitivity of diagnostic criterion with moderate confidence was significantly lower than those of low and high confidence(both P<0.05), whereas the sensitivity did not significantly differ between the diagnostic criteria with low and high confidence(P>0.05). Conclusions For patients with positive TPW detected by DUS after liver transplantation, the optimal threshold of diagnostic criteria combined with liver dysfunction contribute to appropriate clinical decision-making for clinicians.