OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the mechanisms of Chaiqi yigan granules （CQYG） improving hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS The signaling pathways of CQYG intervention in HCC were predicted using network pharmacology. A mice model of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma was established by injecting H22 hepatoma cells into the axilla. Successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group （normal saline）， sorafenib group （positive control， 50 mg/kg）， and CQYG low-， medium- and high-dose groups （24.83， 49.66， 99.32 g/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically， once a day， for 14 consecutive days. After last administration， pathological morphological changes in the tumor tissues of mice were observed in each group. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen Ki-67 in tumor tissues of mice. Western blot assay was used to measure the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） [N-cadherin， E-cadherin， Vimentin， matrix metalloproteinase 7 （MMP7）] and the mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway [p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， phosphorylated JNK， extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）， phosphorylated ERK1/2] in tumor tissue of mice. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that metabolic pathways， pathways in cancer， and the MAPK signaling pathway were key signaling pathways through which CQYG exert their anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects. In animal experiments， the tumor tissues of mice in the model group exhibited dense tumor cells and vigorous growth. Compared with model group， CQYG high-dose group showed a decreased density of tumor cells in the tumor tissues of mice. Moreover， the expression levels of Ki-67， N-cadherin， MMP7 and Vimentin proteins， along with the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK proteins， were all significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）. The expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）， the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK protein was increased， the difference was not statistically significant （ P ＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS CQYG can inhibit EMT by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway， thereby suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis and ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect in improving HCC.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of loop cutaneous ureterostomy (LCU) in the treatment of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) with severe hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) in infants under 1 year of age，so as to provide reference for infants unsuitable for stage-Ⅰ ureteral reimplantation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 infants with POM and severe HUN treated with LCU in our hospital during Jan.2019 and Dec.2023.The clinical characteristics，surgical techniques，indications，postoperative complications，stage-Ⅱ surgical approaches，and follow-up outcomes were summarized. Results: All operations were successful，with an average operation time of (37.08±7.53) min (6 left-sided LCU and 6 right-sided LCU).During the mean follow-up of (10.12±2.70) months，all infants showed clinical improvement，with complete resolution or significant alleviation of hydronephrosis，reduced ureteral diameter，and increased renal cortical thickness.Complications included asymptomatic bacteriuria in 3 cases (25%) and urinary tract infection (UTI) in 1 case，all resolved with oral antibiotics.Four cases developed peristomal rashes，which improved with topical treatment.Eleven infants underwent stage-Ⅱ Cohen ureterovesical reimplantation at a mean age of (15.20±2.07) months.Notably，27.3%(3/11) required ureteral tailoring or plication during reimplantation，which reduced the risk of ischemic necrosis from excessive trimming.During the follow-up of (22.17±13.93) months，hydronephrosis and renal function improved，and no febrile UTI or bladder dysfunction occurred. Conclusion: LCU is a safe and effective method，which can provide adequate urinary drainage，relieve obstruction，stabilize renal function，and allow time for ureteral maturation and renal parenchymal recovery.LCU also facilitates subsequent stage-Ⅱ surgery by reducing ureteral dilation.

Objective To explore the potential of serum uric acid/albumin ratio(sUAR)as a predictive model for acute kidney injury(AKI)after PCI in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods A total of 166 STEMI patients admitted to Duchang Hospital from July 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively selected and divided into two groups:the occurrence group(n =34)and the non-occurrence group(n =132)based on whether AKI occurred after PCI.Base-line data,biochemical indexes,and sUAR were compared between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to analyze the risk factors for AKI following PCI,and a nomogram prediction model was developed.The ROC curve was developed to analyze the predictive efficiency of the model.Results There were significant differences in age,hypertension,Killip classification,NLR,sUAR,LVEF,contrast agent dose,PCI operation time,and multi-vessel lesions between the two groups(P＜0.05).Older age(OR=1.066),Killip grade≥2(OR=7.174),elevated NLR(OR=4.440),increased sUAR(OR=2.071),high contrast agent dose(OR=1.104),and prolonged PCI operation duration(OR=1.044)were identified as the independent risk factors for AKI following PCI(P＜0.05).The AUC values for the NLR,sUAR,"NLR+sUAR"and no-mogram prediction models were 0.807(95%CI:0.717～0.897),0.810(95%CI:0.729～0.892),0.877(95%CI:0.808～0.946),0.940(95%CI:0.901～0.979),respectively.Bootstrap(B =1 000)internal validation indicated that the bias-corrected prediction curve was closely aligned with the ideal line,and the nomogram risk prediction model had good predictive a-bility.The decision-making curve analysis revealed that the model's threshold probability ranged from 0.01 to 0.90 with a net re-turn more than 0.Conclusion AKI after PCI in STEMI patients are closely related to such indicators as age,Killip classifica-tion,NLR,sUAR,contrast agent dose,and PCI operation duration.The nomogram prediction model demonstrates higher predic-tive efficiency for AKI after PCI compared to the single model and it holds better clinical application value.

[Objective]To explore how hyperthyroidism induces ventricular remodeling via activating β-catenin/FoxO1 in rat cardiomyocytes.[Methods]Hyperthyroidism-induced ventricular remodeling rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection of levothyroxine(T4)at 0.1 mg/kg for 30 days.β-catenin inhibitor MSAB(14 mg/kg)was admin-istrated for 30 days.We used western blot to detect the expression of myocardial hypertrophy marker ANP,β-catenin and FoxO1;immunofluorescence to examine the expression and intracellular distribution of β-catenin and FoxO1.Hyperthy-roidism-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy rat models were established by treatment of triiodothyronine(T3)into cul-tured primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes for 24 hours.β-catenin siRNA(30 nmol/L)was used to down-regulate β-catenin expression in cardiomyocytes.Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the effects of β-catenin inhibition on the hyperthyroidism-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.[Results]Following Wnt/β-catenin activation,β-catenin was found increased nuclear expression,to bind to the nuclear transcriptional factors and regulate the gene ex-pression.β-catenin nuclear expression was significantly increased in the hyperthyroidism-induced ventricular remodeling rats,but no change was found in the expression of typical transcriptional factor TCF7l2.Our results revealed that inhibiting β-catenin by MSAB attenuated the hyperthyroidism-induced rat ventricular remodeling.Further analysis indicated that β-catenin/FoxO1 expression was significantly increased in hyperthyroidism-induced myocardial hypertrophy which could be attenuated by suppressing β-catenin/FoxO1 in cardiomyocytes.[Conclusions]β-catenin/FoxO1 is activated in hyperthy-roidism-induced myocardial hypertrophy and β-catenin/FoxO1 inhibition attenuates hyperthyroidism-induced cardiomyo-cyte hypertrophy.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of esketamine on learning and memory function after chronic stress and the signaling pathway of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type 2 (CaMKⅡ)-cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus of developing rats.Methods:Sixty clean-grade healthy Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex, aged 7 days, weighing 10-15 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control+ normal saline group (CN group), chronic stress+ normal saline group (NS group), and chronic stress+ esketamine group (ES group). A chronic stress model was established using a chronic unpredictable stress method. After the end of stress stimulation, esketamine 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 7 consecutive days in ES group, and the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in NS group. Y maze test and Morris water maze test were used to assess the learning and memory function after intraperitoneal administration. Venous blood samples were obtained to measure the serum cortisol and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The animals were then sacrificed under anesthesia, the brain was removed and the hippocampal tissue was isolated for examination of the pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region and for determination of the ratios of phosphorylated NMDAR (p-NMDAR)/NMDAR, phosphorylated CaMKII (p-CaMKⅡ)/CaMKⅡ, and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB)/CREB (by Western blot). Results:Compared with CN group, the time spent in the novel arm was significantly shortened, the number of entries into the novel arm was reduced, the escape latency was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the serum cortisol and ROS concentrations were increased, the p-NMDAR/NMDAR ratio, p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ ratio and p-CREB/CREB ratio were decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of neurons were marked in NS group. Compared with NS group, the time spent in the novel arm was significantly prolonged, the number of entries into the novel arm was increased, the escape latency was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the serum cortisol and ROS concentrations were decreased, the p-NMDAR/NMDAR ratio, p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ ratio and p-CREB/CREB ratio were increased ( P<0.05), and the pathological changes of neurons were significantly attenuated in ES group. Conclusions:Esketamine can improve the learning and memory function after chronic stress in developing rats, and the mechanism may be related to reduction of oxidative stress and enhancement of the activity of hippocampal NMDAR-CaMKII-CREB signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the correlations of computed tomography (CT), clinical, and pathological features in patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma positive and negative for spread through air spaces (STAS). Methods A total of 236 patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma confirmed by surgery and pathology were selected, including 118 patients in STAS-positive group and 118 patients in STAS-negative group. The clinical data, CT signs, and pathological features of the two groups were collected and analyzed. Results There was a correlation between age and the occurrence of STAS. The age of the positive group was higher than that of the negative group. Smoking history and family history of tumor had no correlation with the occurrence of STAS. CT features signs such as nodule type and shape, tumor-lung interface, lobulation sign, spiculation sign, vacuole/cavity, air-bronchogram, pleural indentation sign, vascular changes, mean diameter of tumor, mean diameter of solid component, and the percentage of tumor solid components were significantly different between patients with and without STAS. The incidence of STAS in patients with solid nodules and partial solid nodules was significantly higher than that in patients with ground glass nodules. Multivariate analysis showed that the percentage of tumor solid components, air-bronchogram sign, lobulation sign, and tumor-lung interface were independent risk factors for predicting the occurrence of STAS. Conclusion The clinical data and CT signs of patients with invasive lung adenocarcinoma are related to the occurrence of STAS. CT signs such as the percentage of tumor solid components, air-bronchogram, lobulation sign, and tumor-lung interface are of great significance to STAS prediction. Our findings provide an important basis for selection of personalized clinical treatment plans.

ObjectiveTo analyze the exposure-response relationship of peripheral whole blood chromium level and lung function as well as genetic toxicity indicators in workers exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)] compounds, and to propose a biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium for soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed workers. Methods A total of 515 workers from a dynamic occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed cohort in an enterprise from 2010 to 2017 were selected as the research subjects using a retrospective cohort study. A total of 918 followed-up results of research subjects and baseline data of a cohort were analyzed based on bibliometric analysis. The results include lung function tests, whole blood chromium level detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, peripheral micronuclei frequency (MNF) detected by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The results of bibliometric analysis showed that domestic and foreign studies on biological monitoring of Cr(Ⅵ) compounds increased year by year in the past 30 years, and whole blood chromium levels had a good correlation with the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure. The geometric mean of whole blood chromium levels in males and females among the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure cohort was 2.77 and 1.79 μg/L, respectively. A turning point appeared in 6.00 μg/L chromium in whole blood of the exposure-response curve of whole blood chromium levels with lung function indicators and genetic toxicity indicators. For each unit increase in the natural logarithm-transformed whole blood chromium level, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) decreased by 0.05 L, the FEV₁/forced-vital-capacity decreased by 0.67%, the peak expiratory flow decreased by 0.15 L/s, the maximal mid-expiratory flow decreased by 0.09 L/s, the MNF increased by 0.149‰, the urinary 8-OHdG increased by 0.090 μg/g, and the mtCN increased by 0.013. When the whole blood chromium level was >6.00 μg/L, there was a significant increase in urinary 8-OHdG, MNF, and mtCN (all P<0.01). Conclusion The level of whole blood chromium can be used as a biomarker for occupational exposure to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds. The preliminary biological exposure limit is set at 6.00 μg/L for whole blood chromium in workers exposed to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds.

Objective To study the requirement of exogenous phosphorus for 2-year-old and 3-year-old ginseng seedings.Methods Two-and three-year-old ginsengs were used as experimental materials.Calcium superphosphate and phosphorus-free Hoagland solution were used as fertilizer,and the concentrations of P2O5 were set to be 0 mmol·L-1,0.5 mmol·L-1,1.5 mmol·L-1,3 mmol·L-1,6 mmol·L-1,8 mmol·L-1,respectively.The effects of different concentrations of phosphorus fertilizer on agronomic indexes,photosynthetic characteristics and accumulation of ginsenosides Rg1,Rb1 and Re were studied.Results The plant height,stem diameter,root weight,leaf area,relative content of chlorophyll,net photosynthetic rate and total saponins content of different year-old panax ginseng were significantly increased by applying phosphorus at 1.5-3.0 mmol·L-1.Among them,compared with the phosphorus-free group,the root weight of second-year ginseng was increased by 16％and the saponin content was increased by 24％;the root weight of third-year ginseng was increased by 89％and the saponin content was increased by 132％.The appropriate application rate of phosphorus fertilizer(phosphorus pentoxide)during the growth of second and third year ginseng was 26.6 mg and 53.3 mg of plant,respectively.Conclusion External application of suitable concentration of phosphorus fertilizer can enhance the external morphological characteristics of ginseng,improve photosynthetic physiological properties and increase the content of active ingredients.

Objective:To evaluate the role of microRNA-149-5p (miR-149-5p) in resveratrol-induced reduction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in rats.Methods:Rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9C2 was cultured and then divided into 5 groups ( n=27 each) using a random number method: control group (C group), LPS group, resveratrol group (RSV group), miR149-5p inhibitor negative control group (LRN group), and miR149-5p inhibitor group (LRI group). A cardiomyocyte injury model was prepared by incubating cells with culture medium containing 10 μg/ml LPS for 24 h. RSV group was incubated with resveratrol (final concentration of 10 μmol/L) for 24 h, followed by incubation with culture medium containing 10 μg/ml LPS for another 24 h. LRN group and LRI group were transfected with miR149-5p inhibitor negative control and miR149-5p inhibitor, respectively, and then the other treatments were similar to those previously described in RSV group. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis rate by flow cytometry, the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and content of glutathione (GSH) in the supernatant by microplate method, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) by TBA reaction method, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by WST-1 method, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of miR-149-5p by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results:Compared with C group, the expression of miR-149-5p was significantly down-regulated, the cell viability was decreased, the concentrations of LDH, TNF-α and IL-6 in supernatant, apoptosis rate, ROS level and MDA content were increased, and the GSH content and SOD activity were decreased in LPS group ( P<0.05). Compared with LPS group, the expression of miR-149-5p was significantly up-regulated, the cell viability was increased, the concentrations of LDH, TNF-α and IL-6 in supernatant, apoptosis rate, ROS level and MDA content were decreased, and the GSH content and SOD activity were increased in RSV group ( P<0.05). Compared with RSV group or LRN group, the expression of miR-149-5p was significantly down-regulated, the cell viability was decreased, the concentrations of LDH, TNF-α and IL-6 in supernatant, apoptosis rate, ROS level and MDA content were increased, and the GSH content and SOD activity were decreased in LRI group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which resveratrol alleviates LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury is associated with the up-regulation of miR-149-5p expression and inhibition of cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in rats.

Objective:To assess the treatment outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) in patients with obstructive jaundice due to unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods:The clinical data of patients with obstructive jaundice who underwent EUS-BD due to ERCP failure at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital from September 2018 to November 2023, was retrospectively collected and analyzed. We explored the technical success, clinical success, and adverse events associated with EUS-BD.Results:In total, 43 EUS-BD procedures were performed in 39 patients with a technical success rate of 86.0% (37/43). The clinical success rate was 81.1% (30/37). Biliary drainage was not effectively achieved in seven cases, including two fatal cases and five cases of recurrent postoperative biliary obstruction. The incidence of adverse events was 21.6% (8/37), including two cases of postoperative bile leakage peritonitis, two cases of stent displacement, one case of stent dislocation, one case of perforation, and two cases of death.Conclusion:EUS-BD is a relatively safe and effective method for bile duct drainage, serving as a dependable alternative therapeutic option for patients with obstructive jaundice due to unsuccessful ERCP.