This study aims to explore the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction(HJD) in treating acute liver injury(ALI) in the mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Fifty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose group HJD, and dexamethasone group. The mouse model of sepsis was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS after 7 days of gavage with HJD, and dexamethasone(0.2 mL) was injected intraperitoneally 1.5 h after modeling. The murine sepsis score(MSS) was recorded 12 h after modeling. The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the liver tissue and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the serum were measured by ELISA. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the mouse liver. The content of light chain 3 of microtubule-associated protein 1(LC3) was detected by immunofluorescence, and that of sirtuin 1(SIRT1) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK), LC3, and P62 were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, and SIRT1 in the liver tissue. The results showed that compared with model group, drug interventions decreased the MSS and liver injury indicators, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines, improved the liver tissue structure, upregulated the protein levels of of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 and the mRNA levels of AMPK and LC3, and downregulated the mRNA level of P62. To sum up, HJD can regulate the autophagy level and reduce inflammation to ameliorate acute liver injury in septic mice by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 autophagy pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Sirtuin 1/genetics* ; Male ; Mice ; Sepsis/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Humans ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*

Recent studies have shown that shorter periods of ejaculatory abstinence may enhance certain sperm parameters, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these improvements are still unclear. This study explored whether reduced abstinence periods could improve semen quality, particularly for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). We analyzed semen samples from men with normal sperm counts ( n = 101) and those with low sperm motility or concentration ( n = 53) after 3-7 days of abstinence and then after 1-3 h of abstinence, obtained from the Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha, China). Physiological and biochemical sperm parameters were evaluated, and the dynamics of transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived fragments (tRFs) were analyzed using deep RNA sequencing in five consecutive samples from men with normal sperm counts. Our results revealed significant improvement in sperm motility and a decrease in the DNA fragmentation index after the 1- to 3-h abstinence period. Additionally, we identified 245 differentially expressed tRFs, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was the most enriched. Further investigations showed significant changes in tRF-Lys-TTT and its target gene mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 ( MAP2K2 ), which indicates a role of tRFs in improving sperm function. These findings provide new insights into how shorter abstinence periods influence sperm quality and suggest that tRFs may serve as biomarkers for male fertility. This research highlights the potential for optimizing ART protocols and improving reproductive outcomes through molecular approaches that target sperm function.
Male ; Humans ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; RNA, Transfer/genetics* ; Sperm Motility/genetics* ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; Sexual Abstinence/physiology* ; Sperm Count ; DNA Fragmentation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of Wip1 phosphatase on hematopoietic function in the mouse spleen. METHODS: Wip1 knockout mice were bred, and the effect of Wip1 deletion on the proportion and number of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, as well as their mature subsets in mouse spleen was detected by flow cytometry. The Proteome Profiler^TM antibody array was used to analyze the role of Wip1 deletion on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in CD45^highCD11b⁺ myeloid cells sorted from mouse spleen. RESULTS: Wip1 deletion resulted in smaller size and significant reduction of cell number in the mouse spleen. The absolute numbers of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells were decreased. Meanwhile, the absolute number of T and B lymphocytes also significantly declined. However, the proportion of erythroid progenitors and erythroid cells at various stage significantly increased, but the number of mature erythroid cells decreased. Furthermore, the myeloid cells and their subsets neutrophils, monocytes, CD45^highCD11b⁺ and CD45^lowCD11b⁺ were all reduced. CD45^highCD11b⁺ myeloid cells displayed proinflammatory phenotype in the spleen. CONCLUSION Wip1 gene deletion impairs normal hematopoietic function in the mouse spleen, leading to a significant reduction of mature hematopoietic cells of various lineages, and proinflammatory phenotype in CD45^highCD11b⁺ myeloid cells.
Animals ; Mice ; Spleen/cytology* ; Mice, Knockout ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology* ; Myeloid Cells/cytology* ; Protein Phosphatase 2C ; Hematopoiesis ; Flow Cytometry

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Humans ; Vascular Stiffness ; Coal Mining ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Coal ; Miners

BACKGROUND:Studies have found that nicotine can activate the dopamine system,slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease,but the specific mechanism is still unclear.Research on the neuroprotective mechanism of nicotine in animal models of Parkinson's disease is lacking. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of nicotine on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in mice. METHODS:Twenty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into vehicle group,rotenone group,autophagy agonist group and nicotine group,with seven mice in each group.Dopaminergic nerve damage was induced by rotenone in C57BL/6 mice,and the autophagy agonist(rapamycin)or nicotine was given before modeling.The spatial exploration function of the mice was observed by open field test.Western blot and Q-PCR were used to detect the expression of α-synuclein,autophagy related factors Beclin-1 and P62,and apoptosis-related factors Bax,Bcl-2 and Cleaved-caspase3 in the nigra of each group.The deposition of mitochondria,autophagosomes and lipofuscin in nigra cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy.The survival of neurons was observed by Nissl staining.The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase was observed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The open field test showed that the distance,average speed and time of movement were reduced in the rotenone group compared with the solvent group.Compared with the rotenone group,the exercise distance,average speed and exercise time of mice were increased in the nicotine group and autophagy agonist group(P＜0.05).The results of immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry showed that the mean fluorescence intensity and mean absorbance value of tyrosine hydroxylase in the rotenone group decreased compared with that in the solvent group.Compared with the rotenone group,the mean fluorescence intensity and mean absorbance value of tyrosine hydroxylase were increased in the nicotine group and autophagy agonist group.Western blot and Q-PCR results showed that compared with the solvent group,the expressions of α-synuclein and P62 in the rotenone group were increased,while Beclin-1 expression was decreased(P＜0.05);compared with the rotenone group,the expression of α-synuclein and P62 decreased in the nicotine group and autophagy agonist group,and the expression of Beclin-1 increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the solvent group,the expressions of Bax and Cleaved caspase3 were increased and Bcl-2 expression was decreased in the rotenone group(P＜0.05);compared with the rothenone group,the expressions of Bax and Cleaved-caspase3 were decreased and the expression of Bcl-2 was increased in the nicotine and autophagy agonist groups(P＜0.05).To conclude,nicotine may have a dopaminergic neuroprotective effect on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease mouse models by improving autophagy dysfunction and reducing apoptosis.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

【Objective】 To objectively evaluate the quality control level of blood testing process in blood banks through quantitative monitoring and trend analysis, and to promote the homogenization level and standardized management of blood testing laboratories in blood banks. 【Methods】 A quality monitoring indicator system covering the whole process of blood collection and supply, including blood donation service, blood component preparation, blood testing, blood supply and quality control was established. The questionnaire Quality Monitoring Indicators for Blood Collection and Supply Process with clear definition of indicators and calculation formulas was distributed to 17 blood banks in Shandong province. Quality monitoring indicators of each blood bank from January to December 2022 were collected, and 31 indicators in terms of blood testing were analyzed using SPSS25.0 software. 【Results】 The proportion of unqualified serological tests in 17 blood bank laboratories was 55.84% for ALT, 13.63% for HBsAg, 5.08% for anti HCV, 5.62% for anti HIV, 18.18% for anti TP, and 1.65% for other factors (mainly sample quality). The detection unqualified rate and median were (1.23±0.57)% and 1.11%, respectively. The ALT unqualified rate and median were (0.74±0.53)% and 0.60%, respectively. The detection unqualified rate was positively correlated with ALT unqualified rate (r=0.974, P<0.05). The unqualified rate of HBsAg, anti HCV, anti HIV and anti TP was (0.15±0.09)%, (0.05±0.04)%, (0.06±0.03)% and (0.20±0.05)% respectively. The average unqualified rate, average hemolysis rate, average insufficient volume rate and the abnormal hematocrit rate of samples in 17 blood bank laboratories was 0.21‰, 0.08‰, 0.01‰ and 0.02‰ respectively. There were differences in the retest concordance rates of four HBsAg, anti HCV and anti HIV reagents, and three anti TP reagents among 17 blood bank laboratories (P<0.05). The usage rate of ELISA reagents was (114.56±3.30)%, the outage rate of ELISA was (10.23±7.05) ‰, and the out of range rate of ELISA was (0.90±1.17) ‰. There was no correlation between the out of range rate, outrage rate and usage rate (all P>0.05), while the outrage rate was positively correlated with the usage rate (r=0.592, P<0.05). A total of 443 HBV DNA positive samples were detected in all blood banks, with an unqualified rate of 3.78/10 000; 15 HCV RNA positive samples were detected, with an unqualified rate of 0.13/10 000; 5 HIV RNA positive samples were detected, with an unqualified rate of 0.04/10 000. The unqualified rate of NAT was (0.72±0.04)‰, the single NAT reaction rate [(0.39±0.02)‰] was positively correlated with the single HBV DNA reaction rate [ (0.36±0.02) ‰] (r=0.886, P<0.05). There was a difference in the discriminated reactive rate by individual NAT among three blood bank laboratories (C, F, H) (P<0.05). The median resolution rate of 17 blood station laboratories by minipool test was 36.36%, the median rate of invalid batch of NAT was 0.67%, and the median rate of invalid result of NAT was 0.07‰. The consistency rate of ELISA dual reagent detection results was (99.63±0.24)%, and the median length of equipment failure was 14 days. The error rate of blood type testing in blood collection department was 0.14‰. 【Conclusion】 The quality monitoring indicator system for blood testing process in Shandong can monitor potential risks before, during and after the experiment, and has good applicability, feasibility, and effectiveness, and can facilitate the continuous improvement of laboratory quality control level. The application of blood testing quality monitoring indicators will promote the homogenization and standardization of blood quality management in Shandong, and lay the foundation for future comprehensive evaluations of blood banks.

【Objective】 To establish an effective quality monitoring indicator system for blood quality control in blood banks, in order to analyze the quality control indicators for blood collection and supply, and evaluate blood quality control process, thus promoting continuous improvement and standardizing management of blood quality control in blood banks. 【Methods】 A quality monitoring indicator system covering the whole process of blood collection and supply, including blood donation services, component preparation, blood testing, blood supply and quality control was established. The Questionnaire of Quality Monitoring Indicators for Blood Collection and Supply Process was distributed to 17 blood banks in Shandong, which clarified the definition and calculation formula of indicators. The quality monitoring indicator data from January to December 2022 in each blood bank were collected, and 20 quality control indicators data were analyzed by SPSS25.0 software. 【Results】 The average pass rate of key equipment monitoring, environment monitoring, key material monitoring, and blood testing item monitoring of 17 blood banks were 99.47%, 99.51%, 99.95% and 98.99%, respectively. Significant difference was noticed in the pass rate of environment monitoring among blood banks of varied scales(P<0.05), and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the total number of blood quality testing items and the total amount of blood component preparation was 0.645 (P<0.05). The average discarding rates of blood testing or non-blood testing were 1.14% and 3.36% respectively, showing significant difference among blood banks of varied scales (P<0.05). The average discarding rate of lipemic blood was 3.07%, which had a positive correlation with the discarding rate of non testing (r=0.981 3, P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the discarding rate of lipemic blood between blood banks with lipemic blood control measures and those without (P<0.05). The average discarding rate of abnormal color, non-standard volume, blood bag damage, hemolysis, blood protein precipitation and blood clotting were 0.20%, 0.14%, 0.06%, 0.06%, 0.02% and 0.02% respectively, showing statistically significant differences among large, medium and small blood banks(P<0.05).The average discarding rates of expired blood, other factors, confidential unit exclusion and unqualified samples were 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.003% and 0.004%, respectively. The discarding rate of blood with air bubbles was 0.015%, while that of blood with foreign body and unqualified label were 0. 【Conclusion】 The quality control indicator system of blood banks in Shandong can monitor weak points in process management, with good applicability, feasibility, and effectiveness. It is conducive to evaluate different blood banks, continuously improve the quality control level of blood collection and supply, promote the homogenization and standardization of blood quality management, and lay the foundation for comprehensive evaluation of blood banks in Shandong.