ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Naoqingtong decoction （NQT） on the kidney damage and the inflammatory factors NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain （ASC）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHRs）. MethodsTwenty-four SHRs were randomized into a model group， a low-dose （12.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1） NQT （NQT-L） group， a high-dose （25.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1） NQT group （NQT-H）， and a captopril （CTP， 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） group， with 6 rats in each group. In addition， 6 homozygous male Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as the control group. The control and model groups were administrated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage for 8 weeks. General behaviors of rats were observed during the intervention period， and the blood pressure was measured periodically. At the end of intervention， the body mass was weighed， and both kidneys were collected and weighed for the calculation of the renal index. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the kidney tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were employed to determine the expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-6， and TNF-α in the kidney tissue. ResultsDuring the experiment period， the control group had normal mental status， food intake， and activity， while the model group showed thinning of hair， loss of luster， reduced activity， loss of appetite， fecal adhesion， and irritability， and some of the skin had scratches or blood scabs. The above symptoms were alleviated to different degrees after 8 weeks of NQT administration. An intelligent non-invasive sphygmomanometer was used to measure the tail artery pressure of rats， which showed that the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of rats in the model group was higher than that in the control group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， drug interventions lowered the systolic and diastolic blood pressure （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the model group showed severe pathological damage in the kidney tissue， which was alleviated in each drug intervention group. Compared with the control group， the model group showed up-regulated expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-6， and TNF-α in the kidney tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the drug intervention groups showed down-regulated expression levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-6， and TNF-α in the kidney tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionNQT can lower the blood pressure in SHRs by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes， suppressing renal inflammation， and ameliorating hypertensive kidney damage.

ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.

Objective To develop a risk assessment scale for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis based on multidisciplinary collaboration, and to evaluate its diagnostic performance. Methods Based on multidisciplinary cooperation, integrating clinical experience from oncology and cardiology, literature data, and patient conditions, a risk assessment scale for ICI-associated myocarditis was developed. A total of 101 patients with malignancies who received immunotherapy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from October 2020 to October 2024 were included as the validation cohort. Patients were stratified into low-risk (0-1 point), medium-risk (2-4 points), and high-risk (≥5 points) groups based on their scale scores. The association between pretictive risk stratifications and actual assessment results was assessed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The predictive value of the scale for ICI-associated myocarditis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Agreement between the scale scores and actual assessment results was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. Results Based on the scale pretictive results, 28(27.7%), 8(7.9%), 65(64.4%) patients were at low risk, medium risk, and high risk for ICI-related myocarditis, respectively; however, 46(45.5%), 8(7.9%), 47(46.5%) were at low risk, medium risk, and high risk actually. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative incidence of ICI-related myocarditis in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that in the medium- and low-risk groups (P＜0.05). In the multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, the ICI-related myocarditis risk in high-risk group was about 4 times that in the low-risk group. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the average area under the curve (AUC) for predicting ICI-related myocarditis was 0.81, with an accuracy of 0.74. The Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was 0.55, indicating moderate agreement. In the actual high-risk group, no patient was predicted to be at low risk; in the actual low-risk group, 16 patients were predicted to be at high risk. Conclusions This risk assessment scale for ICI-associated myocarditis shows high predictive performance. It provides oncologists with a simple yet effective multidisciplinary diagnostic reference tool, potentially enhancing early identification of ICI-associated myocarditis.

Circadian rhythm is a biological endogenous process regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which transmits light signals to peripheral clocks and synchronizes the body with the external environment through balanced expression of circadian rhythm genes. Working the night shift, sleep disorders, and exposure to artificial light can lead to disturbances in circadian rhythm and genetic imbalances. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that circadian rhythm plays a significant role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, with increasing attention being directed toward their impact on oral health. Disturbances in circadian rhythm primarily affect psycho-neuro-immune mechanisms, oxidative stress responses, and oral microflora through pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and BMAL1-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) interactions. These disruptions may influence the progression of oral diseases. Certain pharmacological agents (e.g., melatonin, vitamin D, nobiletin, and propofol) have been shown to regulate mood disorders, immune function, and sleep-wake cycles by upregulating BMAL1 expression, thus alleviating disturbances in circadian rhythm. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions, such as sleep management strategies, psychotherapy approaches, and light therapy, also modulate these processes through HPA axis regulation. Currently, the specific mechanisms by which circadian rhythm regulates BDNF levels, T cell subsets, and inflammatory signals—thereby influencing both pathogenesis and treatment outcomes for oral diseases—remain unclear. Future research should focus on elucidating these molecular mechanisms as well as identifying therapeutic targets related to circadian rhythm within the oral health context. Further, multidisciplinary collaboration encompassing pharmacy, sleep behavior studies, and psychology will be instrumental in advancing prevention strategies and treatments for oral diseases.

Objective To observe the application effect and safety of continuous adductor canal block(ACB)with different doses of dexmedetomidine(DEX)combined with ropivacaine in postoperative analgesia of total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods Patients with TKA were enrolled as the research subjects and were divided into low-dose group,middle-dose group and high-dose group by the random number table method.At 10 min before induction of general anesthesia,all the groups were given 20 mL of 0.5％ropivacaine loading dose for ACB,placed nerve block indwelling catheter,and started ACB analgesia pump after the end of surgery.Low-dose group,middle-dose group and high-dose group were given 0.5,1.0 and 1.5 μg·kg-1 DEX+0.25％ropivacaine for a total of 100 mL,with a background dose of 4 mL·h-1and a control dose of 4 mL,and they locked for 30 min and continuously treated for 48 h.The surgical parameters and postoperative recovery quality of the two groups were compared.Visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate the pain status in resting state and motion state at 2,6,12,24 and 48 h after surgery.The number of effective compressions of self-controlled analgesia pump and the dosage of remedial analgesics at 48 h after surgery were counted and the safety evaluation was performed.Results No cases dropped out during treatment,and finally 30 cases were included in low-dose,middle-dose and high-dose groups,respectively.The first ambulation times in low-dose,middle-dose and high-dose groups were(54.22±8.37),(47.68±7.65)and(52.79±8.74)h;the time of active knee flexion 90° were(8.90±3.10),(7.20±2.70)and(8.60±2.40)d;the motion VAS scores were(3.86±0.59),(3.57±0.51)and(3.48±0.52)points at 48 h after surgery;the times of first analgesia pump compression within 48 h after surgery were(10.57±3.87),(12.45±3.63)and(13.36±3.56)h;the number of effective compressions of self-controlled analgesia pump were(6.11±2.18),(3.76±1.14)and(3.24±1.07)times;the remedial analgesia rates were 13.33％,0 and 0;at 6 h after surgery,quadriceps muscle strength scores were(4.81±0.21),(4.75±0.23)and(4.61±0.26)points,and the incidence rates of adverse drug reactions were 20.00％,6.67％and 6.67％,respectively.There were statistically significant differences in the above indicators between low-dose group and middle-dose group except for the incidence of adverse drug reactions(all P＜0.05).There were statistical differences between low-dose group and high-dose group except for the incidence of adverse drug reactions(all P＜0.05),but there were no statistical differences between middle-dose group and high-dose group(all P＞0.05).Conclusion The use of 1.0 μg·kg-1DEX combined with ropivacaine for ACB in TKA patients can achieve good postoperative analgesia effect and it has small impact on muscle strength and has good safety,thus this dose can be used as a clinical recommended dose.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9 involved in epithelial mesenchymal transformation(EMT)in chronic sinusitis(CRS).Methods The expression of MMP-9 from polypoid middle turbinate tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining qPCR and Western blot assay in 42 patients with CRS and 8 patients underwent septoplasty.Primary human nasal epithelial cells HNEpc were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group,the TGF-β1 group(5 μg/L TGF-β1 intervention)and the TGF-β1+si-MMP-9 group(transfected with si-MMP-9 and 5 μg/L TGF-β1 intervention).The expression of MMP-9 was detected by cell immunofluorescence staining.Expression levels of TGF-β1,MMP-9 and EMT-related proteins E-cadherin,vimentin and α-SMA were detected by Western blot assay.Results(1)The positive expression rate of MMP-9 was significantly higher in the nasal mucosa of CRS with nasal polyps(CRSwNP)group(54.5%,12/22)than that of the CRS without polyps(25.0%,5/20)group and the control group(12.8%,1/8).The relative expression levels of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in nasal mucosa were higher in the CRSwNP group than those in the CRSsNP group and the control group(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the control group,the expressions levels of TGF-β1,MMP-9,vimentin and α-SMA were increased in the TGF-β1 group,while the expression of E-cadherin was decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the TGF-β1 group,expression levels of TGF-β1,MMP-9,vimentin and α-SMA were decreased in the TGF-β1+si-MMP-9 group,and the expression of E-cadherin was increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion The expression of MMP-9 is increased in CRS patients,which may be involved in the development of CRS through the regulation of EMT.

[Abstract] [Objective] To investigate the therapeutic effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) subcutaneous injection combined with gypenosides (GPs) oral administration on BALB/c mouse psoriatic inflammation and explore its mechanism of action. [Methods] The 6-8 week-old female SPF BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, model, PRP, GPs and PRP+GPs group, with 5 mice in each group. Imiquimod (IMQ) was used to induce psoriasis-like skin inflammation on the back of mice except the control group. The onset and severity of psoriasis-like inflammation in different treatment groups were evaluated by observing skin lesions, skin thickness and measuring PASI score. HE staining and Ki67 staining were used to evaluate the pathological changes and proliferation of keratinocytes in psoriasis-like skin lesions. Blood cell count, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot were used to explore the changes in circulating white blood cell count, cytokines IL-17A and TNF-α, and related signaling pathway proteins p-STAT3 and p-P38. [Results] At the end of the experiment (on day 6), scale scores of model, PRP, GPs and PRP+GPs group were 3.6±0.49, 1.8±0.75, 1.8±0.75, 1.2±0.40, respectively; the ratios of skin thickness (μm) were 0.86±0.18, 0.59±0.10, 0.56±0.07 and 0.42±0.09; PASI scores were 10.6±1.02, 4.0±0.63, 4.0±1.10 and 3.2±0.75. Compared with the model group, the number of scales (P<0.01), patch thickness (P<0.01) and PASI score decreased (P<0.0001) showed a certain therapeutic effect, and PRP+GPs group had the best effect. Pathological examination showed that both the epidermal layer thickness (P<0.01) and epidermal cell proliferation (P<0.05) decreased in all treatment groups; IL-17A expression levels were 9.02±2.54, 16.56±3.49, 10.01±1.83, 11.12±2.48 and 10.50±2.16, and TNF-α expression levels were 223.36±70.34, 377.36±58.47, 265.42±45.14, 262.94±33.29 and 268.94±26.80 respectively. The expression of skin tissue IL-17A (P<0.05) and TNF-α (P<0.05) decreased, along with the decreased expression of related signaling pathway proteins p-STAT3 and p-P38. [Conclusion] PRP combined with GPs can reduce the expression of IL-17A and TNF-α through the STAT3 and P38 signaling pathways, thereby alleviating inflammation and inhibiting the overproliferation of keratinocytes, thus improving psoriasis-like skin inflammation in BALB/c mice.

ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.

【Objective】 To study and compare the effects of different storage temperature and time on coagulation factor after cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor(CAF) melting, and to provide reference for the establishment of industry standards. 【Methods】 From June 2021 to May 2023, a total of 96 bags of CAF were sampled in 4 bags per month, and timely detected in the same month. After the CAF was melted in a 37℃ water bath, the mild to moderate lipemic blood was labeled. Each bag of CAF and two 50 mL transfer bags were divided into two bags and two groups of 20 mL each using a sterile adapter. One group was placed in a 4℃ refrigerator and the other in a 22℃ water bath for 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Then 2 mL of aseptic sample was taken separately and put into the test tube, and 1mL of sample and 3 mL of buffer were added into the other test tube with the sampling gun and mixed on the machine for testing. The experimental data of 60 bags without mild to moderate lipemic blood cryoprecipitation and coagulation factor were randomly selected and statistically analyzed by SPSS21.0. 【Results】 After melting, CAF was stored for 0 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h to detect the average content and growth rate of coagulation factor in the two groups: 1) Storage at 4℃, factor Ⅷ content was 118.62, 111.57(-5.95%), 105.51(-11.05%), 103.30(-12.92%), 94.35(-20.46%) and 83.25(-29.82%) IU/ bag, respectively; Storage at 22℃, the factor Ⅷ content was 118.62, 112.69(-5.00%), 111.41(-6.08%), 109.01(-8.10%), 101.55(-14.39%) and 92.75(-21.81%) IU/ bag, and the storage results of the two groups were compared. At 24 h at 4℃ and 48 h at 22℃, the content of factor Ⅷ had significant statistical significance(P<0.01), and when stored at 22℃, the decay rate of factor Ⅷ was slower; 2) When stored at 4℃, the content of factor V was 41.19, 41.31(0.29%), 40.52(-1.64%), 40.27(-2.23%), 39.05(-5.19%) and 36.99(-10.21%) IU/ bag, respectively; Stored at 22℃, the factor V content was 41.19, 41.71(1.25%), 42.54(3.28%), 41.94(1.80%), 39.21(-4.80%) and 35.64(-13.48%) IU/ bag, respectively. Comparison of storage results between the two groups showed that the content of factor V was statistically significant(P<0.05) and significantly significant(P<0.01) at 4℃48 h and 22℃48 h, respectively, and the decay rate of factor V was faster when stored at 22℃; 3) When stored at 4℃, the Fbg content was 268.86, 268.17(-0.26%), 262.46(-2.38%), 270.50(0.61%), 267.52(-0.50%) and 261.92(-2.58%) mg/ bag, respectively; Stored at 22℃, the Fbg content was 268.86, 265.86(-1.12%), 264.12(-1.77%), 265.89(-1.11%), 266.04(-1.05%) and 261.04(-2.91%) mg/ bag, respectively. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups and the original 0 h content in each time period(P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 After CAF melting, coagulation factor decreased with the extension of storage time, especially the decrease of factor Ⅷ, followed by factor V, while Fbg basically unchanged. Comparison between the two groups showed that, factor Ⅷ decay rate is slower, factor V decay rate is faster of storage at 22℃. CAF should be transfused as soon as possible after melting. If the delay is unavoidable, for the delay time less than 12 h, storage at 4℃ is recommended, fot the delay time more than 12 h and less than 24 h, storage at 22℃ is recommended.

The typical regions have established a coordinated chronic disease management organization system,promoted the coordinated management of health care,medical,and medicine systems,optimized the chronic disease service process,and empowered the grassroots through information technology construction.It has achieved different degrees of results in controlling the condition of patients,reducing the hospitalization rate and the level of medical expenses of patients with chronic diseases,and saving medical insurance funds.