ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan （ZGW） treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 （DRD4）/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase 4 （NOX4） signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone （0.35 mg·kg^-1）. After successful modeling， the rats were randomized into model， methimazole （positive control， 5 mg·kg^-1）， low-， medium-， and high-dose （1.85， 3.70， 7.40 g·kg^-1， respectively） ZGW， and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage， the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones ［triiodothyronine （T₃）， thyroxine （T₄）， thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH）］， renal function indexes ［serum creatine （Scr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］， energy metabolism markers ［cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） and cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）］， and oxidative stress-related factors ［superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and NADPH）］ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4， NOX4， mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins ［NADH：ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 （NDUFS4） and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 （COX4）］， and inflammation-related protein ［tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）］ pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed mental malaise， body weight decreases （P<0.01）， inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue， a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid， elevations in serum levels of T₃， T₄， Scr， BUN， cAMP， cAMP/cGMP， MDA， and NADPH （P<0.01）， down-regulation in protein levels of TSH， SOD， and DRD4 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulation in expression of NOX4， p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK， and inflammatory factors （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， ZGW increased the body weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells， restored the thyroid structure and follicle size， lowered the serum levels of T₃， T₄， Scr， BUN， cAMP， cAMP/cGMP， MDA and NADPH （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the expression of TSH， SOD and DRD4 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the expression of NOX4， p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK， and inflammatory factors （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole （P<0.05）. ConclusionBy activating DRD4， ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway， reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response， thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.

Objective:To compare the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with donafenib and programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors and TACE combined with donafenib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).Methods:Clinical data of 148 patients with uHCC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 127 males and 21 females, aged (56.6±9.9) years. Patients were divided into two groups: the TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors group (TACE+ DP, n=73) and TACE combined with single donafenib (TACE+ D, n=75). The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and the occurrence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of the two groups of patients were observed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival assessment, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. The related factors affecting the prognosis of patients were indentified and analyzed. Results:The median PFS of patients in the TACE+ D group and the TACE+ DP group were 7.2 months (95% CI: 5.7-8.3 months) and 10.5months (95% CI: 8.9-11.3 months), respectively. The median OS was 13.2 months (95% CI: 12.3-13.7 months) and 16.9 months (95% CI: 15.1-19.8 months), respectively. All these differences were statistically significant ( χ2=17.81, 26.92, respectively, both P<0.001). The ORR and DCR of TACE+ DP group were both higher than those in TACE+ D group [53.4% (39/73) vs 36.0% (27/75), χ2=4.55, P=0.031; and 90.4% (66/73) vs 77.3% (58/75), χ2=4.66, P=0.044]. No grade 4 or above adverse events occurred in either the TACE+ DP or the TACE+ D group. The most common treatment-related adverse events in TACE+ D and TACE+ DP group were hand-foot syndrome [46.7% (35/75) vs 49.3% (36/73)], hypertension [26.7% (20/75) vs 30.1% (22/73)], fatigue [22.7% (17/75) vs 24.7% (18/73)], diarrhea [26.7% (20/75) vs 28.8% (21/73)], and thrombocytopenia [25.3% (19/75) vs 28.8% (21/73)]. There was no significant difference in the incidence and severity of TRAEs between the groups ( χ2=0.08, P=0.774). TACE+ DP treatment was a favorable prognostic factor for PFS ( HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.22-0.49, P<0.001) and OS ( HR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.11-0.33, P<0.001) of patients. Conclusion:Compared to TACE combined with donafenib, TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors, with good efficacy and safety, significantly improved the treatment response and survival in patients with uHCC.

AIM To investigate the repair effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the TUDCA group,the BMSCs transplantation group and the combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation group,with the SCI rat model established by Allen's method.The next day after modeling,the rats of TUDCA and combination therapy groups were given 200 mg/kg TUDCA by gavage.On the 3rd day after modeling,rats in BMSCs transplantation group and combination therapy group were injected with 1 mL tuned bone marrow BMSCs(the 3rd generation,1× 106/mL)via tail vein.Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were given gastric perfusion of normal saline and injection of 1 mL PBS through tail vein.On the 3rd,7th and 14th day after modeling,the rats had their motor function of hind limbs observed and BBB score determined.After the corresponding drug administration,the rats had their movement track of hind limbs recorded by footprint experiment;their the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-10,Arg-1,PI3K and Akt in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot;their pathological changes of spinal cord tissue observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP detected by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with TUDCA,or BMSCs transplantation,or combination therapy shared improved hind limb function and spinal cord histomorphology(P＜0.05);increased fluorescence intensity of MAP2 and GAP43,and protein expressions of IL-10,Arg-1,p-PI3K and p-Akt(P＜0.05);decreased fluorescence intensity of GFAP and IL-6 protein expressions(P＜0.05);among which the combination therapy group took the lead(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation may restore the function of the rat model of SCI by reducing inflammatory reaction,alleviating secondary injury,and promoting axon and myelin regeneration via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective:To compare the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with donafenib and programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors and TACE combined with donafenib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).Methods:Clinical data of 148 patients with uHCC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 127 males and 21 females, aged (56.6±9.9) years. Patients were divided into two groups: the TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors group (TACE+ DP, n=73) and TACE combined with single donafenib (TACE+ D, n=75). The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and the occurrence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of the two groups of patients were observed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival assessment, and the log-rank test was used for comparison. The related factors affecting the prognosis of patients were indentified and analyzed. Results:The median PFS of patients in the TACE+ D group and the TACE+ DP group were 7.2 months (95% CI: 5.7-8.3 months) and 10.5months (95% CI: 8.9-11.3 months), respectively. The median OS was 13.2 months (95% CI: 12.3-13.7 months) and 16.9 months (95% CI: 15.1-19.8 months), respectively. All these differences were statistically significant ( χ2=17.81, 26.92, respectively, both P<0.001). The ORR and DCR of TACE+ DP group were both higher than those in TACE+ D group [53.4% (39/73) vs 36.0% (27/75), χ2=4.55, P=0.031; and 90.4% (66/73) vs 77.3% (58/75), χ2=4.66, P=0.044]. No grade 4 or above adverse events occurred in either the TACE+ DP or the TACE+ D group. The most common treatment-related adverse events in TACE+ D and TACE+ DP group were hand-foot syndrome [46.7% (35/75) vs 49.3% (36/73)], hypertension [26.7% (20/75) vs 30.1% (22/73)], fatigue [22.7% (17/75) vs 24.7% (18/73)], diarrhea [26.7% (20/75) vs 28.8% (21/73)], and thrombocytopenia [25.3% (19/75) vs 28.8% (21/73)]. There was no significant difference in the incidence and severity of TRAEs between the groups ( χ2=0.08, P=0.774). TACE+ DP treatment was a favorable prognostic factor for PFS ( HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.22-0.49, P<0.001) and OS ( HR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.11-0.33, P<0.001) of patients. Conclusion:Compared to TACE combined with donafenib, TACE combined with donafenib and PD-1 inhibitors, with good efficacy and safety, significantly improved the treatment response and survival in patients with uHCC.

AIM To investigate the repair effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the TUDCA group,the BMSCs transplantation group and the combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation group,with the SCI rat model established by Allen's method.The next day after modeling,the rats of TUDCA and combination therapy groups were given 200 mg/kg TUDCA by gavage.On the 3rd day after modeling,rats in BMSCs transplantation group and combination therapy group were injected with 1 mL tuned bone marrow BMSCs(the 3rd generation,1× 106/mL)via tail vein.Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were given gastric perfusion of normal saline and injection of 1 mL PBS through tail vein.On the 3rd,7th and 14th day after modeling,the rats had their motor function of hind limbs observed and BBB score determined.After the corresponding drug administration,the rats had their movement track of hind limbs recorded by footprint experiment;their the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-10,Arg-1,PI3K and Akt in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot;their pathological changes of spinal cord tissue observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP detected by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with TUDCA,or BMSCs transplantation,or combination therapy shared improved hind limb function and spinal cord histomorphology(P＜0.05);increased fluorescence intensity of MAP2 and GAP43,and protein expressions of IL-10,Arg-1,p-PI3K and p-Akt(P＜0.05);decreased fluorescence intensity of GFAP and IL-6 protein expressions(P＜0.05);among which the combination therapy group took the lead(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation may restore the function of the rat model of SCI by reducing inflammatory reaction,alleviating secondary injury,and promoting axon and myelin regeneration via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

AIM To investigate the promotional effects of esculin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs)transplantation on the repair of spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the esculin group for gavage of 20 mg/kg esculin,the BM-MSCs group for tail vein injection of 1 mL of 1×106/mL BM-MSCs,and the combinaiton treatment group.The SCI rat model was established using Allen's method,followed by the 14 days consecutive corresponding drug administration starting from the 2nd day after modeling.On days 3,7 and 14 of drug administration,the rats had their hind limbs motor function evaluated by the BBB scoring;and their footprint experiment conducted on the 14th day after modeling.After 14 days of administration,the rats had their morphological changes of spinal cord tissue observed with HE staining and Nissl staining;their activities of SOD and GSH,and level of MDA in spinal cord tissue detected by kits;their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP in spinal cord tissue detected by immunofluorescence;and their expressions of NQO-1,Nrf-2,Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups interved with esculin,or BM-MSCs,or the combination treatment showed improvements in hind limb function and spinal cord tissue morphology(P＜0.05);decreased MDA levels(P＜0.05);increased SOD and GSH activities(P＜0.05);increased MAP2 and GAP43 fluorescence intensity(P＜0.05);decreased GFAP fluorescence intensity(P＜0.05);increased NQO-1,Nrf-2 and Bcl-2 protein expressions(P＜0.05);and decreased Bax protein expression(P＜0.05).And the combination treatment group was observed with an even better effects(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination of esculin and BM-MSCs transplantation can effectively improve the spinal cord tissue damage and hind limb function in SCI rats.This effect may be achieved by activating the Nrf-2/NQO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress response,thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis,blocking glial scar formation,and promoting stem cell differentiation to rebuild neurons.

Objective:To investigate the pathogen distribution, temporal trends in the rates of antimicrobial resistance, and susceptibility of bloodstream isolates and comparatively explore the epidemiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in hematology departments across 56 healthcare facilities in Guangdong Province from 2020 to 2024.Methods:A multicenter analysis was conducted to evaluate the constituent ratio of different pathogens isolated from clinical isolate data from bloodstream specimens in hematology, respiratory, and intensive care unit (ICU) departments across 56 healthcare facilities in Guangdong Province (2020-2024), and antimicrobial resistance trends in pathogens with high-detection rate over 5 years were assessed. Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CRO) were randomly sampled for carbapenemase gene detection and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility tests with novel antimicrobial agents.Results:From 2020 to 2024, a total of 8 968, 6 440, and 25 511 bloodstream isolates were identified in the hematology, respiratory, and ICU departments, respectively, across 56 participating facilities in Guangdong Province, with significant differences in the pathogen constituent ratio among departments ( P<0.001). Notably, the hematology department demonstrated a predominance of Escherichia coli (24.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.7%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (15.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (5.1%). In the resistance analysis, the rates of meropenem resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia increased from 6.7% and 5.8% (2020) to 14.0% and 15.8% (2024), respectively. Conversely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a declining trend in the rate of meropenem resistance (6.2% to 1.9%) and imipenem (10.2% to 6.1%) during the same period. Acinetobacter baumannii demonstrated a biphasic resistance pattern to common antimicrobial agents, characterized by an initial decline, followed by a rebound. In this study, the susceptibility rates to conventional antimicrobial agents were significantly higher in Staphylococcus aureus versus coagulase-negative Staphylococci, with no glycopeptide- or linezolid-resistant strains detected. Notably, the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium increased from 0 in 2020 to 23.1% in 2024. CRO carbapenemase phenotypes through active surveillance revealed that 80% Escherichia coli isolates were carrying blaNDM, 90% Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were carrying blaKPC, 10% Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were carrying blaVIM, and 100% Acinetobacter baumannii were carrying blaOXA-23. The results of the antimicrobial susceptibility test in CRO revealed that carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO) demonstrated a 0 resistance rate to tigecycline, polymyxin B, and aztreonam/avibactam, whereas carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited a 0 resistance rate to aztreonam/avibactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, and imipenem/relebactam. Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a 95.0% susceptibility rate to amikacin and polymyxin B, with a 45.0% resistance rate to ceftazidime/avibactam. In contrast, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii demonstrated complete susceptibility (100.0%) to sulbactam/durlobactam (MIC90=2 μg/ml), whereas eravacycline showed MIC50 and MIC90 values of 1 and 2 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion:The pathogen constituent ratio of bloodstream isolates differed significantly among hematology, respiratory, and ICU departments. Notably, although CRO exhibited an escalating prevalence, it sustained high susceptibility to novel antimicrobial agents.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between SET domain bifurcated 1(SETDB1)expression and trefoil factor 1(TFF1)gene methylation,along with its clinical significance.Methods:Fifty-five lung adenocarcinoma samples and normal tissues of distant cancer were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College Hebei Province.TFF1 gene methylation levels were measured by pyrosequencing,relative TFF1 mRNA expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and TFF1 and SETDB1 protein expression were quantified via immunohistochemistry.The clinical significance and correlation between TFF1 methyla-tion levels and SETDB1 protein expression were analyzed statistically.In vitro,SETDB1 siRNA or negative control siRNA was transfected into A549 cells.Following transfection,SETDB1 mRNA expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR,and SETDB1 protein expression was evaluated via Western blot.TFF1 methylation was reassessed via pyrosequencing.Results:In lung adenocarcinoma and normal tissues of distant cancer,TFF1 gene methylation rates were(70.16±6.32)%and(12.46±2.22)%,respectively.TFF1 mRNA relative expression levels were 0.56±0.17 for cancer tissues and 1.56±0.22 for the normal tissues of distant cancer.All detected differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).TFF1 protein expression rates were 29.09%(16/55)for cancer tissues and 65.45%(36/55)for the normal tissues of distant cancer.Additionally,relative positivity rates for SETDB1 protein expression were 74.55%(41/55)and 23.64%(13/55),respectively,and all differences were stat-istically significant(all P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that SETDB1 protein expression was significantly higher in cancer tissues(72.89±5.27)%,compared to normal tissues of distant cancer(24.27±2.37)%.In contrast,TFF1 protein expressed was markedly lower in can-cer tissues(15.38±2.33)%than in normal tissues of distant cancer(72.72±4.48)%.All differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).TFF1 methylation and SETDB1 expression were associated with lung adenocarcinoma(r=0.486,P<0.05).Both TFF1 methylation and SETDB1 expression were closely associated with tumor TNM stage,tissue differentiation,and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Furthermore,TFF1 methylation increased following SETDB1 downregulation(P<0.05).Conclusions:During lung adenocarcinoma progression,SETDB1 expres-sion correlates with TFF1 methylation,and the highly expressed SETDB1 may play a role in catalyzing TFF1 methylation.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)NRON on myocardial fibrosis in mice with myocardial infarction(MI).Methods Thirty-two C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to a Sham group,MI group,MI+shNRON group or MI+NC group,with eight mice in each group.The expression level of lncRNA NRON in myocardial tissue of mice was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Hematoxylin and eosin staining,Masson's trichrome staining,and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the degree of myocardial injury,myocardial fibrosis,and the expression level of collagen Type Ⅰ(col Ⅰ).Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of TGF-β1,p-Smad2,and p-Smad3 in myocardial tissue of the mice.Results Compared with the Sham group,the expression of NRON,col Ⅰ,TGF-β1,p-Smad2,and p-Smad3 proteins were increased in the MI group.Compared with the MI group,the expression of NRON,the degree of myocardial damage and fibrosis,the expression of col Ⅰ,TGF-β1,p-Smad2,and p-Smad3 proteins were decreased in the MI+shNRON group.Conclusion Down-regulation of lncRNA NRON can alleviate myocardial injury and inhibit myocardial fibrosis in mice with MI,and the molecular mechanism may be related to inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the spatiotemporal expression patterns of Patched 1(Ptch1)and insulin enhancer binding protein-1(Isl 1)in mouse embryonic foregut and their relationship with the early development of trachea-main bronchus.Methods The foregut of 60 mouse embryos at E9.5-12.5 was separated for the detection of Isl1 and sonic hedgehog(Shh)protein by Western blotting.Serial paraffin sections of 6 mouse embryos at E9.5-14.5 were taken for immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence double staining with Isl1,Ptch1,forkhead box protein A2(Foxa2),type Ⅱ collagen α1 chain(Col2a1)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),as well as HE staining and Masson staining.Results The expression trend of Isl1 and Shh in foregut endoderm at E9.5-12.5 was similar,and the peak of Shh expression was later than Isl1.The foregut developed into the trachea at E9.5-12.5,Ptch1 was expressed in the thickening and protrusion of the respiratory endoderm,the laryngal-tracheal groove and the solid cell cord,accompanied by the increase and aggregation of Isl1-positive mesenchymal cells,forming a characteristic pyramidal structure centered on the respiratory endoderm and the solid cell cord;The main bronchus appeared at E12.5-13.5,Ptch1 was only expressed in its lateral wall,accompanied by the accumulation of Isl1-positive mesenchymal cells;The trachea-main bronchial epithelium lost Ptch1 expression and the surrounding Isl 1-positive mesenchymal cells also decreased rapidly at E13.5-14.5.Co12a1-positive chondrocytes first appeared in the Isl1-positive mesenchymal area adjacent to the Ptch1-positive epithelium at E12.5;Col2a1-positive cartilage was nested within the Isl1-positive mesenchymic area in a"C"shape and expanded in a proximal-distal pattern at E12.5-13.5;Col2a1-positive cartilage extended to the dorsal trachea beyond the Isl1-positive mesenchyma and encircles α-SMA positive smooth muscle in a circular manner at E14.5.Conclusion The expression of Ptch1 in the foregut endoderm is involved in the development and morphogenesis of the trachea-main bronchus epithelium,and is closely related to the proliferation and aggregation of Isl1-positive mesenchyme in the trachea-main bronchial wall,Subsequently,they jointly determine the time,location and extent of airway cartilage.