This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of tubuloside B (Tub B) on amyloid β-protein (Aβ), and analyse the potential mechanism. A model of amyloid fibril was established by incubation of Aβ_1-42 in vitro. Thioflavin-T (ThT), Congo red (CR), 8-anilino-1-naphthene sulfonic acid (ANS) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to detect the suppression of Tub B on the formation of Aβ_1-42 fibril. Circular dichroism (CD) was used to analyse the regulatory effect of Tub B on the secondary structure of Aβ_1-42. 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazole) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and red blood cell hemolysis experiments were used to investigate the attenuation of Tub B on Aβ_1-42 induced cytotoxicity. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining was used to assess the expression of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Aβ_1-42. And molecular docking experiment was used to explore the interaction between Tub B and Aβ_1-42. The results indicated that Tub B could inhibit Aβ_1-42 fibrillization in a certain extent, which retarded the structural transition of α-helix to β-sheet of Aβ_1-42, hampered the exposure of hydrophobic regions, and attenuated amyloid-induced cytotoxicity and hemolysis. In summary, Tub B can prevent the formation of Aβ_1-42 amyloid fibril, which may be related to its antioxidant activity and hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with protein molecules. All animal experiments were approved by the Experimental Animal Research Center of Air Force Medical University (No. 20190051).

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value and imaging characteristics of MRI combined with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) complicated with refractory epilepsy. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 42 patients with FCD complicated with refractory epilepsy who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022. All patients underwent preoperative MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT, and PET/MRI fusion was performed on the images. Chi-square test and Kappa consistency test were used to compare the localization diagnostic efficacy of PET/CT, MRI and PET/MRI fusion for epileptic foci. The patients were categorized based on gender, lesion location, pathological type, seizure type, and efficacy. Independent sample t-test and analysis of variance were used to compare maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) values and asymmetry index (AI) of the patients between different groups. Results:Among the 42 patients, the positive rates of MRI, PET/CT, PET/MRI fusion examinations were 85.7%(36/42), 95.2%(40/42), 100.0%(42/42), the lateral localization rates were 71.4%(30/42), 92.9%(39/42), 95.2%(40/42), and the localization rates were 57.1%(24/42), 81.0%(34/42), 88.1%(37/42), respectively. There were significant differences in the lateral localization rates and localization rates of epileptogenic foci between MRI and PET/CT (χ 2=6.574, P=0.010; χ 2=5.570, P=0.018). There were significant differences in the positive rates of lesions, the lateral localization rates and the localization rates of epileptogenic foci between MRI and PET/MRI fusion (χ 2=6.385, P=0.012; χ 2=8.571, P=0.003; χ 2=10.118, P=0.001). There were no significant differences in the positive rates of lesions between MRI and PET/CT, and in the positive rates of lesions, the lateral localization rates and localization rates of epileptogenic foci between PET/CT and PET/MRI fusion (χ 2=2.184, P=0.139; χ 2=2.024, P=0.155; χ 2=0.210, P=0.647; χ 2=0.819, P=0.365). The Kappa consistency test of PET/CT and PET/MRI fusion imaging was performed for the location of epileptogenic foci, and the Kappa=0.721 was obtained, indicating that they were consistent in the location of epileptogenic foci. The SUVmax values of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were lower, and the AI values were higher than that of patients with extra temporal lobe epilepsy (7.4±1.3 vs 9.6±1.6, 15.5±2.6 vs 12.9±2.4; t=5.154, 6.083; P=0.001, 0.001). The SUVmax values of patients with good efficacy (according to the Engel efficacy grading system, grades Ⅰ-Ⅱ indicating good efficacy) were higher, and the AI values were lower than that of patients with poor efficacy (according to the Engel efficacy grading system, grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ indicating poor efficacy; 9.5±1.9 vs 7.9±2.1, 13.5±3.3 vs 14.8±3.0; t=2.789, 3.722; P=0.042, 0.029). There were no significant differences in SUVmax and AI values among different genders, pathological types and seizure types (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The imaging characteristics of patients with different types of FCD complicated with refractory epilepsy are different. PET/MRI fusion is better than MRI in the diagnosis of FCD complicated with refractory epilepsy, and is consistent with PET/CT in the location of epileptogenic foci.

Bladder cancer （BCa） is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system， and its incidence is increasing year by year. At present， for all patients with resectable non-metastatic muscle-invasive BCa， radical cystectomy + bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection is strongly recommended， but they still face the risk of recurrence， metastasis and death. In recent years， the proportion of patients with advanced and metastatic BCa is increasing among patients with newly diagnosed BCa. Although current treatment models are diverse， they often struggle to achieve significant efficacy due to their low effectiveness and adverse effects， resulting in low survival rates for patients with advanced and metastatic BCa. Therefore， the treatment of BCa still faces great challenges， and there is an urgent need to discover an effective new antitumor drug. With the improvement of medical standards， traditional Chinese medicine has shown great advantages in the treatment of BCa. Traditional Chinese medicine is mild and easy to accept， and can inhibit tumor progression through a multi-pathway， multi-way and multi-target manner， so as to exert its anticancer effect. Taraxaci Herba is a medicinal and food homologous plant， which has many biological activities， such as antibacterial， anti-inflammatory， anti-oxidation， anti-tumor， protecting liver and gallbladder， reducing blood sugar and enhancing immunity， and it has shown a clear anticancer effect in breast cancer， liver cancer， gastric cancer， tongue cancer and lung cancer. By reviewing previous studies worldwide， this article summarizes the mechanism of Taraxaci Herba extract in inducing autophagy and apoptosis， inhibiting cell migration and invasion， regulating cell cycle and proliferation， regulating cell metabolism， inhibiting tumor angiogenesis， combining the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs， and regulating the transduction of related signal pathways. On this basis， this study systematically elaborates on the potential mechanism of Taraxaci Herba against BCa， in order to provide a theoretical basis for the research and treatment of BCa.

Misuse of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing herbs is the major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) in China. And diuretics are among the most commonly used medications for the treatment of PA-induced HSOS in clinical practice. As a traditional diuretic in traditional Chinese medicine, the diuretic mechanism of Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) has not been fully clarified, and there is no report on AR ameliorating PA-induced HSOS from a diuretic point of view. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) against acute liver injury induced by senecionine (a representative toxic PA) in mice, and to further elucidate its effect on impaired water-liquid balance in mice exposed to PA. All experiments were approved by the Animal Research Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Registration number: PZSHUTCM220808017). Animal welfare and the animal experimental protocols were strictly consistent with related ethics regulations of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Model of mice was induced by a single oral exposure of senecioine (50 mg·kg^-1) (SEN group), and AB23A (40 mg·kg^-1) intervention group (AB23A+SEN group), solvent control group (Ctrl group) and AB23A control group (AB23A group) were set up. The results showed that AB23A could significantly attenuate the levels of serum biochemical indices of liver functions in senecioine-induced acute liver injury mice, as evident by alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and hepatic sinusoidal stasis. AB23A also improved kidney function of mice exposed to senecionine, fascinated urinary excretion and repaired electrolyte disorders, as well as decreased content of senecioine metabolites. Further, the protein and mRNA expression of genes related to the water balance pathway were measured. AB23A could significantly down-regulate the elevated protein and mRNA expression levels of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor, and inhibit the transport of AQP2 to the apical plasma membrane induced by senecionine exposure. AB23A also significantly decreased serum levels of angiotensin II. In vitro studies further confirmed that AB23A regulates AQP2 expression in renal inner medullary collecting duct cells 3 (IMCD3). These data indicate that AB23A regulates the expression of AQP2 in renal medulla, thereby affecting its water reabsorption in mice with senecionine-induced acute liver injury. This work achieves a better understanding of the diuretic effect of AR, and provides experimental foundation and theoretical basis for the treatment of PA-induced acute liver injury by AR in clinics.

Objective To analyze the therapeutic effects and survival benefits of sintilimab combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer.Methods Patients with advanced gastric cancer were divided into the treatment group and the control group by cohort method.The control group was treated with albumin-bound paclitaxel-based chemotherapy[intravenous infusion of albumin-bound paclitaxel at 125 mg·m-2 from day 1 to day 8,for a cycle(21 days as a cycle);Tiggio capsule 40 mg·m-2·d-1 was taken orally for 1-14 days for 1 consecutive cycle;Trastuzumab was administered once every 3 weeks at an initial loading dose of 8 mg·kg-1,followed by maintenance treatment at a dose of 6 mg·kg-1 every 3 weeks].On this basis,the treatment group was treated with intravenous infusion of sintilimab injection at a dose of 200 mg·time-1 on the first day of each cycle,with 21 d as a cycle.After 6 cycles of continuous treatment,both groups were given maintenance treatment and were followed up for 8 months.The two groups were compared in terms of clinical efficacy,the levels of serum tumor markers[carbohydrate antigen 242(CA242),carbohydrate antigen 724(CA724),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),tissue polypeptide-specific antigen(TPS),soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1)and E-cadherin],survival and evaluated the safety.Results In this study,39 and 41 patients were enrolled in the control group and the treatment group,respectively.At the end of treatment,the objective response rates(ORR)in the treatment group and the control group were 56.10％and 33.33％;the disease control rates(DCR)were 78.05％and 48.71％.The differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).After treatment,serum CA242 levels in the treatment group and the control group were(57.64±5.82)and(68.95±7.23)mg·L-1;CA724 levels were(36.58±3.79)and(43.65±4.48)U·mL-1;CEA levels were(17.33±1.78)and(20.16±2.35)ng·mL-1;TPS levels were(21.35±2.44)and(37.65±3.84)U·L-1;sICAM-1 levels were(216.77±22.53)and(275.34±28.63)ng·mL-1;E-cadherin levels were(12.15±1.36)and(9.87±1.45)ng·mL-1.The differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The average progression free survival(PFS)of the treatment group and the control group was 7.55 months and 7.17 months;PFS rates were 65.78％and 56.42％.The differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The adverse drug reactions in the treatment group and the control group were mainly bone marrow suppression,nausea and vomiting,liver function damage,peripheral nerve paresthesia,and hypothyroidism.There was no statistically significant difference in the above adverse drug reactions between the treatment group and the control group(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Sintilimab combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer,which can significantly improve serum tumor markers and prolong PFS,with good safety.

Urticaria is a common allergic skin disease.Professor FAN Rui-Qiang believes that the main pathogenesis of urticaria is due to endowment intolerance,and wind-pathogen is the main pathogenic factor.The patients of Lingnan area are prone to be attacked by dampness interweaved with heat.The common syndrome patterns of urticaria are wind-damp heat syndrome,spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation syndrome,and disharmony between nutritive qi and defensive qi syndrome.For the treatment of urticaria by stages,the differentiation of deficiency and excess is stressed.Acute urticaria usually manifests as excess syndrome,and chronic urticaria often manifests as deficiency syndrome or deficiency interweaved with excess syndrome.For the treatment of urticaria patients with excess syndrome,therapies of clearing heat and removing dampness,and dispelling wind and relieving itching are recommended,and the modified prescription of Soufeng Lishi Decoction is usually adopted.For the treatment of urticaria patients with deficiency interweaved with excess syndrome,simultaneous treatment of symptoms and root causes should be performed,therapies of invigorating spleen,resolving dampness and relieving itching are recommended,and the modified prescription of Duopi Decoction is adopted.For the treatment of urticaria patients with deficiency syndrome,therapies of regulating nutritive qi and defensive qi,and expelling wind to relieve itching are recommended,and the modified prescription of Yupingfeng Powder plus Guizhi Decoction is adopted.The high-frequency Chinese medicinals for the treatment of urticaria treated by Professor FAN Rui-Qiang are Saposhnikoviae Radix,Cynanchi Paniculati Radix et Rhizoma,Schizonepetae Spica,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Albiziae Cortex,Artemisiae Scopariae Herba,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Forsythiae Fructus,Tribuli Fructus,Houttuyniae Herba,Rehmanniae Radix,Dictamni Cortex,Atractylodis Rhizoma,Poria,and Astragali Radix.Professor FAN Rui-Qiang's clinical medication is flexible,and aims to reduce recurrence and improve the quality of life of urticaria patients.

Objective To investigate disease characteristics and hospitalization costs of children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)admitted to Shanghai municipal medical hospitals from 2019 to 2023.Methods Depending on the Shanghai Municipal Hospital Pediatric Alliance,we retrospectively investigated community acquired MPP pediatric patients hospitalized in 22 municipal hospitals with pediatric qualifications(including 4 children's hospitals)in Shanghai from Jan 2019 to Dec 2023.We collected the patients'diagnosis codes,gender,age,length of hospital stay,hospitalization costs,and whether they progressed to severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(SMPP).Results From 2019 to 2023,a total of 29 045 hospitalized children with MPP were treated,with 6 035 cases(20.8%)identified as SMPP in the 22 hospitals.Trend analysis revealed a rising trend with years in the proportion of SMPP patients(χ2trend=365.498,P<0.001).Among the 4 children's hospitals,there were 18 710 cases with MPP,including 4 078 cases(21.8%)of SMPP.The proportion of SMPP patients also showed an increasing trend with years(χ2trend=14.548,P<0.001),and the proportion in 2023(23.0%)was higher than that in previous years with statistical significance.There were statistical differences in the seasonal distribution of MPP cases between different years,with higher proportions in summer and autumn overall.The age distribution of hospitalized MPP children varied among different years,with school-age children accounting for the majority(56.8%)in 2023.There was no difference in the distribution of severe cases between different genders,but there were differences in the proportion of severe cases among different age groups in different years,with a gradual increase in severe cases among children aged 1 to 3 years(χ2trend=191.567,P<0.001).The average length of hospital stay for MPP during the epidemic was higher than that during non-epidemic periods,and there were statistically significant differences in the average length of hospital stay between different years(P<0.001).The individual hospitalization costs during the epidemic were higher than in other years,and there were statistically significant differences in individual hospitalization costs between different years(P<0.001).The total hospitalization costs were still higher in 2019 and 2023.The individual hospitalization costs for SMPP were higher than for non-SMPP cases.Conclusion MPP outbreaks occurred in Shanghai in 2019 and 2023,with the higher proportions in summer and autumn overall.Compared to previous years,the number of hospitalized MPP children in Shanghai was higher in 2023,with a higher proportion of SMPP cases,especially among children under 3 years old.The individual per capita hospitalization expenses for SMPP cases were higher than for non-SMPP cases.