OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside （TWM） on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group （distilled water）， prednisone group （10 mg/kg）， and TWM high- and low-dose groups （10 and 5 mg/kg， respectively）. Additionally， blank group （distilled water） without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage， once a day， for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed； the levels of 24-hour urinary protein （24 h-UTP） and serum biochemical indicators [albumin （ALB）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum creatinine （SCr）， cholesterol （CHOL）， and triglyceride （TG）] in rats were determined； the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）] in kidney tissue of rats were determined； expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/microRNA-155-5p （miR-155-5p）/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure， with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP， serum levels of SCr， BUN， CHOL and TG， MDA content， mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）. Serum level of ALB， SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury， with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.

To investigate the transcriptionally regulatory mechanism of the senp8 promoter in yellow cat-fish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco);this study used P.fulvidraco as the research subject.Dual-luciferase re-porter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to analyze the functional activity of the promoter;coupled with in vivo experiments.The results indicated that the 2 045 bp senp8 promoter se-quence contained key transcription factor binding sites such as SP1;TATA-Box;CCAAT-Box;SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ.The binding sites of SREBP1(-901/-910 bp);PPARα(-1 291/-1 308 bp);and PPARγ(-1 292/-1 306 bp)in the senp8 promoter positively regulate its activity;and oleic acid or palmitic acid promote this binding.Furthermore;high-fat feeding promoted the expression of the senp8 gene and its protein in the liver of P.fulvidraco;oleic acid or palmitic acid treatment significantly en-hanced the activity of the senp8 promoter;and this enhancement could be achieved through the regulatory effects of SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ response elements.Additionally;high-fat feeding influenced the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to deSUMOylation modification in the liver of P.fulvidraco.This study provides new insights into the relationship between deSUMOylation modification and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the vertebrates.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and molecular variants of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with small cell components/neuroendocrine-like features (ChRCC-SC/ND-L).Methods:There were 7 cases of ChRCC-SC/ND-L diagnosed by light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (5 cases) and 971 Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army Navy (2 cases) between January 2010 and December 2023. The clinical data, histological characteristics, and immunohistochemical staining results of the patients were summarized. Among them, 4 cases underwent whole exome sequencing.Results:Among the 7 cases, 5 cases were male and 2 cases were female. The mean age was 53 (43,58)years,with a range of 36 to 76 years. Gross examination showed that the mean maximum tumor diameter was 7.9 (6.0,9.0) cm,with a range of 5.5 to 13.0 cm. The tumors were nodular, well-defined, gray, red or yellow in color with a solid cut surface, except for 1 case with cystic and solid on cut surface. One case showed visible necrosis, and 1 case invaded the renal pelvis and sinus. Microscopically, the tumors had clear boundaries. Typical ChRCC components (5 cases of classical type, 2 cases of eosinophilic type) were found in all cases, accompanied by varying amounts of small cell components (5%-90%). The two components were mixed in 6 cases or directly adjacent to each other in 1 case. The small cell components were arranged in clusters, dense acinar and nest-like structures, beam-like, fence-like, chrysanthemum-shaped clusters, and ribbon-like patterns. Three cases exhibited patchy necrosis. Intravascular tumor thrombus was found in 1 case. Immunohistochemically, EMA was expressed consistently in the small cell and typical ChRCC components (7/7); whilst both CK7 and CD117 were negative in 1 case with typical ChRCC component (6/7). Small cell components in 3 cases were positive for CD56, whereas all 7 cases were negative for CgA, Syn, and INSM1. The Ki-67 proliferation index was less than 1% in both components. Whole exome sequencing revealed that the 4 cases exhibited different genetic aberrations including 1 case with multiple chromosomal deletions, while 2 cases showed amplification of chromosome 12 and deletion of chromosome 11, respectively. The 7 cases were followed up for 25 to 172 months. Except for 1 patient that died with unknown causes 25 months after surgery, the remaining 6 cases were still alive (average 103.8 months, median 101 months).Conclusions:ChRCC-SC/ND-L is a very rare subtype of ChRCC. The small cell component does not represent true neuroendocrine differentiation and might indicate a morphological heterogeneity of the tumor. The presence of typical chromophobe cell carcinoma components is helpful for the diagnosis of ChRCC-SC/ND-L and they do not have consistent molecular characteristics. ChRCC-SC/ND-L has a good prognosis and the small cell components/neuroendocrine-like components might not have a significant impact on the outcome of patients with the tumor.

To understand the background of Escherichia coli(E.coli)carried by artificially bred sika deer and the biological characteristics of the isolated strains,such as drug resistance and pathogenicity,in April 2024,we collected 184 fresh deer fecal samples from four deer farms in Luxiang Township,Shuangyang District,Changchun City,Jilin Province,for isolation and cultivation of E.coli.The isolates were tested for drug resistance and biochemical identification with a BD PhoenixTM-100 Automated Microbiology System.The virulence genes were detected with PCR,and the strains were molecularly typed with ERIC-PCR.A total of 165 E.coli strains were isolated from 184 samples of deer feces,with an isolation rate of 89.67%.Twenty strains had a drug resistance phenotype,and the drug resistance rate was 12.12%;these strains included 15 strains of multi-drug resistant bacteria and 11 strains of ESBL-producing bacteria.Virulence gene detection indicated that the sika deer isolates carried multiple diarrhea-associated virulence genes,such as EAST-1(12.12%),eae(1.21%),stx1(7.88%),stx2(7.27%),and STa(1.82%).ERIC-PCR demonstrated that the isolates showed high polymorphism.The ESBL-producing E.coli carried by sika deer are likely to spread drug resistance in the community and livestock population.Some isolates carried multiple diarrhea-associated virulence genes,thus posing a human transmission risk.Therefore,monitoring of drug resistance and virulence genes must be strengthened,and antibiotics must be used reasonably during the breeding process to avoid excessive use and misuse.

To investigate the transcriptionally regulatory mechanism of the senp8 promoter in yellow cat-fish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco);this study used P.fulvidraco as the research subject.Dual-luciferase re-porter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to analyze the functional activity of the promoter;coupled with in vivo experiments.The results indicated that the 2 045 bp senp8 promoter se-quence contained key transcription factor binding sites such as SP1;TATA-Box;CCAAT-Box;SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ.The binding sites of SREBP1(-901/-910 bp);PPARα(-1 291/-1 308 bp);and PPARγ(-1 292/-1 306 bp)in the senp8 promoter positively regulate its activity;and oleic acid or palmitic acid promote this binding.Furthermore;high-fat feeding promoted the expression of the senp8 gene and its protein in the liver of P.fulvidraco;oleic acid or palmitic acid treatment significantly en-hanced the activity of the senp8 promoter;and this enhancement could be achieved through the regulatory effects of SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ response elements.Additionally;high-fat feeding influenced the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to deSUMOylation modification in the liver of P.fulvidraco.This study provides new insights into the relationship between deSUMOylation modification and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the vertebrates.

To understand the background of Escherichia coli(E.coli)carried by artificially bred sika deer and the biological characteristics of the isolated strains,such as drug resistance and pathogenicity,in April 2024,we collected 184 fresh deer fecal samples from four deer farms in Luxiang Township,Shuangyang District,Changchun City,Jilin Province,for isolation and cultivation of E.coli.The isolates were tested for drug resistance and biochemical identification with a BD PhoenixTM-100 Automated Microbiology System.The virulence genes were detected with PCR,and the strains were molecularly typed with ERIC-PCR.A total of 165 E.coli strains were isolated from 184 samples of deer feces,with an isolation rate of 89.67%.Twenty strains had a drug resistance phenotype,and the drug resistance rate was 12.12%;these strains included 15 strains of multi-drug resistant bacteria and 11 strains of ESBL-producing bacteria.Virulence gene detection indicated that the sika deer isolates carried multiple diarrhea-associated virulence genes,such as EAST-1(12.12%),eae(1.21%),stx1(7.88%),stx2(7.27%),and STa(1.82%).ERIC-PCR demonstrated that the isolates showed high polymorphism.The ESBL-producing E.coli carried by sika deer are likely to spread drug resistance in the community and livestock population.Some isolates carried multiple diarrhea-associated virulence genes,thus posing a human transmission risk.Therefore,monitoring of drug resistance and virulence genes must be strengthened,and antibiotics must be used reasonably during the breeding process to avoid excessive use and misuse.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and molecular variants of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with small cell components/neuroendocrine-like features (ChRCC-SC/ND-L).Methods:There were 7 cases of ChRCC-SC/ND-L diagnosed by light microscopy and immunohistochemical staining were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (5 cases) and 971 Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army Navy (2 cases) between January 2010 and December 2023. The clinical data, histological characteristics, and immunohistochemical staining results of the patients were summarized. Among them, 4 cases underwent whole exome sequencing.Results:Among the 7 cases, 5 cases were male and 2 cases were female. The mean age was 53 (43,58)years,with a range of 36 to 76 years. Gross examination showed that the mean maximum tumor diameter was 7.9 (6.0,9.0) cm,with a range of 5.5 to 13.0 cm. The tumors were nodular, well-defined, gray, red or yellow in color with a solid cut surface, except for 1 case with cystic and solid on cut surface. One case showed visible necrosis, and 1 case invaded the renal pelvis and sinus. Microscopically, the tumors had clear boundaries. Typical ChRCC components (5 cases of classical type, 2 cases of eosinophilic type) were found in all cases, accompanied by varying amounts of small cell components (5%-90%). The two components were mixed in 6 cases or directly adjacent to each other in 1 case. The small cell components were arranged in clusters, dense acinar and nest-like structures, beam-like, fence-like, chrysanthemum-shaped clusters, and ribbon-like patterns. Three cases exhibited patchy necrosis. Intravascular tumor thrombus was found in 1 case. Immunohistochemically, EMA was expressed consistently in the small cell and typical ChRCC components (7/7); whilst both CK7 and CD117 were negative in 1 case with typical ChRCC component (6/7). Small cell components in 3 cases were positive for CD56, whereas all 7 cases were negative for CgA, Syn, and INSM1. The Ki-67 proliferation index was less than 1% in both components. Whole exome sequencing revealed that the 4 cases exhibited different genetic aberrations including 1 case with multiple chromosomal deletions, while 2 cases showed amplification of chromosome 12 and deletion of chromosome 11, respectively. The 7 cases were followed up for 25 to 172 months. Except for 1 patient that died with unknown causes 25 months after surgery, the remaining 6 cases were still alive (average 103.8 months, median 101 months).Conclusions:ChRCC-SC/ND-L is a very rare subtype of ChRCC. The small cell component does not represent true neuroendocrine differentiation and might indicate a morphological heterogeneity of the tumor. The presence of typical chromophobe cell carcinoma components is helpful for the diagnosis of ChRCC-SC/ND-L and they do not have consistent molecular characteristics. ChRCC-SC/ND-L has a good prognosis and the small cell components/neuroendocrine-like components might not have a significant impact on the outcome of patients with the tumor.

Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.

Objective To explore the application value of echocardiography in the differential diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis(ATTR-CA)and immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis(AL-CA).Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of echocardiographic parameters of 50 confirmed CA patients diagnosed between November 2021 and January 2024 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University,including 6 cases of ATTR and 44 cases of AL.Parameters that could potentially distinguish between the two subtypes were selected using t-tests and x2 tests,and the diagnostic capabilities of these parameters for the two subtypes were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results There were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics,global longitudinal strain(GLS),ratio of apical to basal strain,ejection fraction to GLS ratio(EFSR),maximum thickness of left ventricular myocardium,relative thickness of left ventricular wall,presence of thickened atrioventricular valves,or presence of enlarged atria between ATTR and AL groups(P＞0.05).The interventricular septal thickness was greater than in ATTR group than in AL group(P＜0.05),and the E/e'ratio(ratio of spectral Doppler early diastolic peak velocity to tissue Doppler early diastolic peak velocity)was greater in ATTR group than in AL group(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for distinguishing between the two subtypes based on interventricular septal thickness and E/e'ratio were 0.891(95％CI:0.792-0.991)and 0.826(95％CI:0.698-0.955),respectively,with a sensitivity of 100.00％and specificity of 95.24％for combined diagnosis.Conclusion Echocardiographic parameters,including E/e'ratio and interventricular septal thickness,may have clinical significance in distinguishing between the two main subtypes of CA in patients.