OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of Xiangsha yiwei tang on gastric mucosal injury in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG）. METHODS Rats were randomly assigned into normal control group， model group， Xiangsha yiwei tang low-， medium- and high-dose groups （6， 12， 18 g/kg， calculated by crude drug）， and high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei tang+740 Y-P [Xiangsha yiwei tang 18 g/kg+transforming growth factor β1/phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/ protein kinase B（TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt） pathway activator group 740 Y-P 10 mg/kg]， with 18 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs via oral gavage or injection， once daily， for 4 consecutive weeks. Gastric mucosal blood flow， the levels of serum gastrointestinal hormones [including motilin （MTL）， gastrin （GAS）， and pepsinogen （PP）]， as well as inflammatory cytokines [including tumor necrosis factor- α （TNF- α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6] in rats were measured. Pathological damage to gastric mucosal tissue was observed in rats； the apoptotic rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected. The expressions of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins [including B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）] in the gastric mucosal tissues of rats were assessed. RESULTS Compared with normal control group， model group had abnormal gastric mucosal tissue structure， with shedding of gastric mucosal epithelial cells， and prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells. Gastric mucosal blood flow， the serum levels of MTL， GAS， PP， and Bcl-2 protein expression were lowered significantly， while serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β and IL-6， apoptosis rate， protein expressions of Bax and TGF-β1， the phosphorylations of PI3K and Akt were increased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group， Xiangsha yiwei decoction groups exhibited attenuated histopathological injuries in gastric mucosal tissues， reduced inflammatory cell infiltration， and significant improvements in the aforementioned quantitative parameters （P＜0.05）. Compared with high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei tang， high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei decoction combined with 740 Y-P exhibited significantly aggravated histopathological injuries in gastric mucosal tissues， and the aforementioned quantitative parameters were markedly reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Xiangsha yiwei tang can alleviate gastric mucosal damage in CAG rats， and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM)is a grade 4 glioma with the highest malignancy and invasiveness in the central nervous system,accounting for approximately 30％of all tumors in the central nervous system.Due to the unclear pathogenesis of GBM,there is currently no specific target for the treatment of GBM.Temozolomide(TMZ)is the only first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of GBM,but suffers from a low drug response rate and high susceptibility to drug resistance.Therefore,the development of new targets and novel GBM therapeutic agents is an urgent clinical problem.Pentraxin 3(PTX3),a member of the pentameric protein superfamily,has been shown to have a promotive effect on a variety of tumors.Increasing evidences showed that PTX3 played a crucial role in the progression of GBM.PTX3 can promote the proliferation,migration and invasion ability of GBM cells,increase the angiogenesis ability in the GBM microenvironment and malignant progression of GBM.In the article,the structure,physiological function,expression regulation,role and mechanism of PTX3 in GBM were mainly reviewed,with a view to provide guidance for PTX3 as a potential drug target for the treatment of GBM.

Objective To examine the changing prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Burkholderia cepacia in 52 hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021.Methods A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were collected from 52 hospitals between January 1,2015 and December 31,2021.Antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains was tested using Kirby-Bauer method or automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems according to a unified protocol.The results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released in the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)guidelines(2023 edition).Results A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were isolated from all age groups,especially elderly patients.The proportion was 11.1％(1 032 strains)in children,significantly lower than the proportion in adults.About half(46.5％,4 310/9 261)of the strains were isolated from patients at least 60 years old and 42.3％(3 919/9 261)of the strains were isolated from young adults.Most isolates(71.1％)were isolated from sputum and respiratory secretions,followed by urine(10.7％)and blood samples(8.1％).B.cepacia isolates were highly susceptible to the five antimicrobial agents recommended in the CLSI M100 document(33rd edition,2023).B.cepacia isolates showed relatively higher resistance rates to meropenem and levofloxacin.However,the resistance rates to ceftazidime,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and minocycline remained below 8.1％.The percentage of B.cepacia strains resistant to levofloxacin was the highest compared to other antibiotics in any of the three age groups(from 12.4％in the patients＜18 years old to 20.6％in the patients aged 60 years or older).Conclusions B.cepacia is one of the clinically important non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria.Accurate and timely reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility test results and ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance are helpful for rational prescription of antimicrobial agents and proper prevention and control of nosocomial infections.

AIM:To observe the role of enoyl-coenzyme A hydratase/L-3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydroge-nase(Ehhadh)in renal tubulointerstitial inflammation in high-fat diet(HFD)fed mice,and to explore its molecular mecha-nism.METHODS:Twenty-four C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:standard diet(SD)group,HFD group,HFD with Ehhadh overexpression(HFD+Ehh)group and HFD with blank vector(HFD+Vec)group.Each group consisted of 6 mice.The HFD mice were fed with a diet containing 60%fat,20%protein,and 20%carbohydrates for 16 weeks.Briefly,at the end of 8 weeks,the mice in HFD+Ehh or HFD+Vec group were injected with adeno-associated virus 9(AAV9)-Ehhadh or AAV9-vector via the tail vein,and then continued another 8-week HFD feeding.At the end of the experiments,the renal function and morphological changes were observed.The protein expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),caspase-1 p10,interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 in the kidney were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the colocalization of Ehhadh and peroxisomal biogenesis factor 14(Pex14).ELISA was used to detect the content of IL-1β and IL-18 in the urine.Lipid droplet formation in renal tissues was detected by Nile red staining.Absolute quantitative lip-idomic analysis were used to detect the differential lipid species in renal cortices of the mice in SD,HFD and HFD+Ehh groups.RESULTS:Compared with SD group,the expression of Ehhadh protein was significantly decreased in the peroxi-some of renal tubular epithelium cells in HFD-fed mice(P<0.01).Overexpression of Ehhadh significantly improved renal function(P<0.01)and alleviated the morphological changes of renal tubular epithelial cells in HFD group.Moreover,it significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and macrophage infiltration in renal tu-bule interstitium of HFD-fed mice(P<0.01).At the same time,Ehhadh overexpression inhibited HFD-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation(P<0.01).It also attenuated lipid deposition in renal tubular epithelium cells(P<0.01)and promoted the β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acid such as cholesterol and phospholipids in peroxisomes.CONCLUSION:The Ehhadh inhibits tubulointerstitial inflammation by promoting long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation in peroxisomes and in-hibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFD-fed mice.

Objective:To explore the application effects of traditional Chinese medicine five-tone therapy combined with personalized emotional counseling in patients with post-stroke insomnia, aiming to provide a reference for improving patients′ sleep quality in clinical practice.Methods:A quasi-experimental study was conducted. A total of 70 inpatients with post-stroke insomnia from the Department of Neurology and the Department of Rehabilitation at Lianyungang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2023 and February 2024 were selected using convenience sampling method. Of these, 35 patients admitted between January and July 2023 were assigned to the control group, while 35 patients admitted between August 2023 and February 2024 were assigned to the experimental group. The control group received routine treatment and care, while the experimental group was additionally provided with traditional Chinese medicine five-tone therapy combined with personalized emotional counseling. The intervention period was four weeks for both groups. Evaluations were conducted using polysomnography, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the patients′ use of hypnotic medications.Results:The control group consisted of 18 males and 17 females, with an average age of (58.02 ± 5.22) years; the experimental group consisted of 22 males and 13 females, with an average age of (56.41 ± 5.49) years. After the intervention, the total sleep time, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, and the Insomnia Severity Index score in experimental group were (376.22 ± 52.39) min, (9.36 ± 3.22) points, and (13.89 ± 2.16) points, respectively, compared to (343.78 ± 74.51) min, (12.02 ± 3.76) points, and (16.66 ± 3.04) points in the control group, with statistically significant ( t=2.11, 3.18, 4.39, all P<0.05). The experimental group′s hypnotic medication usage rate and nursing satisfaction score were 11.43% (4/35) and (81.05 ± 3.68) points, respectively, compared to 34.29% (12/35) and (76.21 ± 5.22) points in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( χ2=5.51, t=4.48; both P<0.05). Conclusions:Traditional Chinese medicine five-tone therapy combined with personalized emotional counseling can effectively improve sleep quality in post-stroke insomnia patients, reduce the use of hypnotic medications, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Objective:To explore the association between A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and sarcopenia in Chinese older adults.Methods:Totally 1 728 participants in waves 1 and 3 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were enrolled in this cohort-based cross-sectional analysis. ABSI was calculated by using anthropometric measurements from CHARLS. According to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 consensus update on sarcopenia, low muscle strength and low muscle mass were used as the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to assess the relationship between ABSI and sarcopenia, and subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of other factors on this association.Results:High ABSI showed a significant association with the risk of sarcopenia among older adults in China, and RCS analysis demonstrated a positive linear correlation between ABSI and sarcopenia. Additionally, the relationship of ABSI with sarcopenia was significantly modified by educational level and depressive status.Conclusion:ABSI, a novel anthropometric measure, serves as an effective threshold for assessing sarcopenia risk in the Chinese older population, providing a basis for developing clinical interventions and public health strategies for the prevention and early identification of sarcopenia.

AIM To investigate the protective effects of kaempferide on hyperuricemic nephropathy(HN)in mice.METHODS Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the allopurinol group(5 mg/kg),the kaempferol group(50 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose kaempferide groups(25,50 mg/kg).HN mouse models were established by administering potassium oxyzinate(300 mg/kg)and hypoxanthine(500 mg/kg)in combination for 21 days,concurrently with the test drug.Following treatment administration,serum uric acid(SUA),serum creatinine(SCr),24-hour urinary protein(24 h UTP),and hepatic xanthine oxidase(XOD)levels were measured.Renal tissue pathology was assessed using HE staining and Masson staining.Apoptosis in renal tissue was evaluated via TUNEL staining.The expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis-associated proteins in renal tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group demonstrated elevated levels of SUA,SCr,24 h UTP,and hepatic XOD activity(P＜0.01);marked renal damage,and increased area of renal interstitial fibrosis and apoptosis rate(P＜0.01);and increased protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,cleaved-Caspase-1,pro-IL-1β,IL-1β,Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3 in renal tissue(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups treated with allopurinol,kaempferol,or kaempferid showed reduced levels of SUA,SCr,24 h UTP,and hepatic XOD activity(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);improved renal pathological injury with reduced renal interstitial fibrosis area and apoptosis rate of renal tissue(P＜0.01);and downregulated protein expressions ofNLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,cleaved-Caspase-1,pro-IL-1β,IL-1β,Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3 in renal tissue as well(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Kaempferide improves renal function while attenuating inflammation,fibrosis,and apoptosis in the kidneys of HN mice.This nephroprotective effect may stem from its dual action in inhibiting hepatic XOD to reduce uric acid synthesis and blocking NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteric-coated metformin hydrochloride capsules(Junlida?)in patients with T2DM and poor glycemic control under lifestyle interventions.Methods In this study,419 patients with T2DM were recruited from 15 research centers from July 2020 to March 2022,and randomly divided into observation(Obs)group(n=209)and control group(Con,n=210)using a multicenter,randomized,double-blind,non-inferiority trial design.Patients in the Obs group were treated with enteric-coated Metformin hydrochloride capsules(Junlida?),and patients in the Con group were treated with Metformin hydrochloride tablets(Glucophage?).The optimal effective dose of 2 g/d was achieved within 4 weeks,and the reasonable dose was maintained until the end of treatment.The treatment period was 24 weeks.HbA1c and its compliance rate,FPG,and body weight were compared between the two groups in full analysis set(FAS)and protocol set(PPS).Safety and adverse events(AE)were evaluated in safety set(SS).Results A total of 414 participants were randomized(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group).414 cases in FAS population(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group),and 328 cases in PPS population(164 cases in Obs group and 164 cases in Con group),and 414 cases in SS population(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group).After treatment,HbA1c,FPG and body weight were lower in both groups(P<0.05)in FAS and PPS.HbA1c compliance rate was not significantly different between the two groups in FAS and PPS(P>0.05).The results of non-inferiority test showed that the lower limit was>-0.4%in both FAS(-0.154,95%CI-0.384～0.069)and PPS(-0.139,95%CI-0.390～0.112),and the Obs group reached non-inferiority end point.The achievement rate,compliance rate,safety index and incidence of AE were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions Junlida? demonstrated non-inferiority to Glucophage? in glycemic control and can be safely and effectively used in patients with diabetes.

Objective:To investigate the optimal reconstruction grade of IDream reconstruction technique in reducing image noise,optimizing image quality,and displaying liver cysts through the subjective assessment on the display of computed tomography (CT) image with differently reconstructive grades in IDream reconstruction technique of iterative reconstruction algorithm,and the objective evaluation of image quality of upper abdomen. Methods:The imaging data of CT plain scan of 53 patients with hepatic cysts who underwent plain scans on upper abdomen at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August to September 2021 were retrospectively collected. All images were reconstructed to standard window images by using 6 kinds of methods that included filtered back projection (FBP) and IDream grades 1 to 5,which resulted in 6 groups of images that included FBP group and IDream grades 1-5. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) values of the liver,abdominal aorta,erector spine muscle,fat and spleen in images of each group were measured and recorded,respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images were calculated. Two CT diagnostic physicians with more than 8 years of experience conducted subjective scoring for the display in the images of hepatic cysts of each group. The objective parameters and the subjective scores of hepatic cysts of reconstructive images with different grades were compared. A one-way analysis of variance was adopted to analyze the objective parameters,and Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted on the subjective score of the display of hepatic cysts. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the CT values among different reconstruction grades on the liver,abdominal aorta,fat,erector spine muscle and spleen (P>0.05). In the FBP group and IDream grades 1 to 5 groups,the SD values of images gradually decreased with the increasing of the reconstruction grades,which were respectively (18.11±5.03),(15.37±4.97),(13.26±4.83),(11.68±4.56),(10.99±4.36) and (10.60±4.21) Hu. The SNR and CNR of the liver gradually increased. The differences in SD values,SNR,and CNR among the six groups of images were all statistically significant (F=20.75,17.72,3.15,P<0.05),respectively. The subjective scores for the display of hepatic cysts from the FBP group to IDream grades 1 to 4 were respectively (3.12±0.35),(3.63±0.46),(4.02±0.42),(4.61±0.48) and (4.63±0.48),which were gradually increasing,while the score for the IDream grade 5 group slightly decreased to (4.53±0.47). The subjective scores for hepatic cysts in the images of IDream grades 3 and 4 groups were the highest. The comparison of the average subjective scores of the images of hepatic cysts among the six reconstruction grades showed statistically significant differences (H=192.17,P<0.05). Conclusion:In CT plain scan on the upper abdomen,with the increasing of IDream reconstruction grades,the image noises gradually decrease,and objective parameters of images gradually enhance,and the reconstructions of IDream grades 3 and 4 can obtain the optimal image quality of upper abdomen at the objective score of hepatic cysts.

This study was aimed at analyzing the biotypes and genetic diversity characteristics of five non-major Brucella species,to provide a scientific basis for understanding the species diversity of Brucella and strengthening pathogen monitoring and control.According to the biotypes(species,hosts,isolation locations,and time)and MLVA-16 genotypes(MLVA-16 lo-cus data,MLVA-11 genotypes)of five non-major pathogenic Brucella in the international MLVA database,we used Bionu-merics 8.0 software and PHYLOVIZ2.0 online software to analyze the geographical origin and genetic diversity characteristics of strains.A total of 227 strains were studied,including 121 Brucella ceti,47 B.pinnipedialis,37 Brucella ovis,11 B.mi-croti,and Brucella neotomae.The greatest host diversity was observed for B.ceti,followed by B.pinnipedialis and B.mi-croti.B.ceti was distributed in European and South American countries;B.pinnipedialiswas distributed in Europe;and B.microti.was distributed in the Czech Republic,Austria,and Hungary in Central Europe.B.ovis was widely distributed in Af-rica,Argentina,Australia,Brazil,Greece,the United States,Spain,and France.The MLVA-11 genotypes of different types of Brucella showed high polymorphism and large differences,thus suggesting that the strains have different geographical ori-gins.MST analysis indicated that the studied strains were divided into four branches(BCⅠ-Ⅳ),among which B.ceti was di-vided into two different branches(BC-Ⅰ and BC-Ⅱ),the strains of other types formed different branches(or sub-branches),and the strains of different types showed clear regional and dominant host characteristics.Genetic correlation analysis of strains of the Brucella genus revealed that non-major pathogenic Brucella had clear genetic,distribution,and host spectrum differ-ences with respect to four classical pathogenic Brucella species.Five non-major pathogenic Brucella strains presented unique genetic evolutionary patterns,geographical distributions,and host tropism characteristics,thereby providing new insight for understanding the biological and genetic diversity of those Brucella strains.