Diabetic nephropathy（DN） is a common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes. In recent years， the classical herbal formula Shenqi dihuang decoction has demonstrated unique advantages in the clinical treatment of DN. This article conducts a systematic review of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of Shenqi dihuang decoction in the treatment of DN. It reveals that the mechanism by which this formula improves DN involves multi-target synergistic regulation. For instance, Shenqi dihuang decoction exerts multiple pharmacological effects by regulating signaling pathways including phosphatidy linostiol 3-kinase/protein kinase B， AMP-activated protein kinase/silent information regulator 1/forkhead box O1， and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathways.These effects include regulating glucose and lipid metabolism， inhibiting oxidative stress， reducing inflammation， improving insulin resistance， modulating cell death （apoptosis/autophagy/ferroptosis/pyroptosis）， and preventing renal fibrosis. Existing clinical studies indicate that Shenqi dihuang decoction and its modified formulas， alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods， can significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism， reduce proteinuria， and delay renal function decline in patients with DN. These effects are superior to those of Western medicines such as irbesartan， valsartan， and empagliflozin， and the treatment demonstrates good safety. Future research should leverage systems biology and artificial intelligence technologies to further elucidate the integrated mechanisms in the treatment of DN by Shenqi dihuang decoction， thereby advancing the precision and standardization of its clinical application.

Objective To investigate the radon activity concentrations in subways of Nanning City and assess the average annual effective doses for subway staff and passengers due to radon exposure. Methods Sixty-three stations across the subway lines 2, 3, and 5 were selected as study sites. Radon activity concentrations were measured using the scintillation counting method with scintillation vials. Results The radon activity concentrations in subway lines 2, 3, and 5 were 7.9-24.4, 12.0-26.2, and 12.6-18.2 Bq/m³, respectively. The average radon activity concentrations for these three lines were (17.4 ± 4.6), (19.1 ± 4.1), and (14.6 ± 1.7) Bq/m³, respectively. Statistical analysis using SPSS 26.0 software revealed a significant difference in radon activity concentrations among these stations (P<0.01). Considering the data in previous research, the average radon activity concentration across all stations in the subway lines of Nanning City was determined to be 17.4 Bq/m³. The estimated average annual effective dose due to radon exposure was 0.131 mSv for subway staff and 0.033 mSv for passengers. Conclusion The radon activity concentrations in the subway lines of Nanning City were significantly lower than the national standard limit (400 Bq/m³). The annual effective doses from radon exposure for both subway staff and passengers were below the limits specified in the Basic Standards for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (GB18871—2002). The health impact of radon and its progeny on subway staff and passengers in the subway lines of Nanning City was extremely low and can be considered negligible.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of remifentanil （RMZL） in alleviating lung ischemia-reperfusion injury （LIRI） in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis through modulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 （NLRP3） pathway. MethodsRats were stochastically assigned into Control group， LIRI group， RMZL low-dose group， RMZL medium-dose group， RMZL high-dose group， and RMZL high-dose+HIF-1α activator dimethyloxallyl glycine （DMOG） group， with 18 rats in each group. Rats in Control group only had their left pulmonary hilum free and did not undergo ischemia-reperfusion treatment. Except for the Control group， LIRI models were constructed in all other groups. Rats in LIRI group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model； rats in Control group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before freeing left pulmonary hilum； rats in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding dose of drug 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model. The wet/dry weight ratio of lungs was calculated. HE staining was used to study lung tissue pathology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of gasdermin D （GSDMD） and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect interleukin-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α， NLRP3， cysteine-aspartic protease-1 （Cleaved caspase-1）， and gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） proteins in lung tissue. ResultsCompared to the Control group， the LIRI group showed disordered alveolar structure， thickened alveolar septa， and abundant inflammatory cell infiltration in rats. The lung wet/dry weight ratio， relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue， IL-1β， IL-18 levels， and HIF-1α， NLRP3， Cleaved caspase-1， and GSDMD-N proteins increased （P0.05）. For the LIRI group， rats in the RMZL low， medium， and high-dose groups displayed attenuated alveolar septal thickening and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. The lung wet/dry weight ratio， relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue， IL-1β， IL-18 levels， and HIF-1α， NLRP3， Cleaved caspase-1， and GSDMD-N proteins declined， and the RMZL high-dose group showed the most prominent trend （P0.05）. Compared with the RMZL high-dose group， rats in the RMZL high-dose+DMOG group exhibited thickened alveolar septa and more inflammatory cell infiltration， along with increased lung wet/dry weight ratio， relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue， levels of IL-1β and IL-18， and protein expression of HIF-1α， NLRP3， Cleaved caspase-1， and GSDMD-N （P0.05）. ConclusionRMZL may inhibit pyroptosis in LIRI rats by suppressing HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway.

Objective To verify the safety and effectiveness of a new percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency instrument for nucleus pulposus ablation. Methods A new percutaneous controllable curved plasma radiofrequency instrument were designed (controllable curved group), and its ablation effect was compared with the currently used straight head non-bendable plasma ablation instrument (non-bendable group) on gross specimens. The ablation instrument was placed through the right intervertebral foramen, and continuous ablation on the same intervertebral disc was conducted for three times. The ablation range and trajectory were recorded, and the temperature changes in the front, back, left, and right of the ablation center during and 15 seconds after ablation were monitored by the inserted temperature probe. Results There were no difference in temperature changes in the front, back, right regions of the ablation center during and 15 seconds after ablation between the two groups. The temperature changes in the left region of the ablation center both during and 15 seconds after 3rd ablation were larger than those in the non-bendable group (P＜0.01). Compared with the non-bendable group, the controllable curved group achieved angle control and larger single ablation area (2.282 5 mm² vs 1.135 8 mm², P＜0.000 1). Conclusions This new percutaneous controllable curved plasma ablation instrument can achieve angle control and ablation on the side opposite to the puncture site, increase ablation volume, and is safe.

Objective:To evaluate the role of inositol 1, 4, 5 triphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1)-regulated changes in mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) structure in the long-term cognitive impairment induced by multiple exposures to sevoflurane anesthesia in neonatal mice.Methods:Sixty SPF-grade healthy neonatal C57BL/6J mice of either sex, aged 6 days, weighing 6-10 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), multiple sevoflurane anesthesia group (group S), and IP3R antagonist 2-APB+ multiple sevoflurane anesthesia group (group I+ S). Group S and group I+ S inhaled 3% sevoflurane anesthesia for 2 h starting from 6, 8 and 10 days after birth. In group I+ S, 2-APB 3 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected before each sevoflurane anesthesia. The open field test was performed at day 31 after birth to assess the spontaneous mobility. The Morris water maze test was performed at days 31-36 after birth to assess the cognitive function. Mice were sacrificed at the end of the water maze test, hippocampal CA1 region was isolated and hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i) and rate of necroptosis (using Flow cytometry) and expression of IP3R1, G protein-coupled receptor 75 (GRP75), receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and phosphorylated human mixed-series protein kinase-like structural domains (p-MLKL) (by Western blot). Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe and record the partial length of MAMs, endoplasmic reticulum circumference and mitochondrial circumference. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the speed, distance, and time of staying at the center in open field tests among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged on postnatal days 33-35, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the necroptosis rate in the hippocampal CA1 region and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of IP3R, GRP75, RIPK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL was up-regulated, and the ratio of MAMs partial length/endoplasmic reticulum perimeter and ratio of MAMs partial length/mitochondria perimeter in hippocampal neurons were elevated in group S ( P<0.05). Compared with group S, the escape latency was significantly shortened on postnatal days 32-35, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the necroptosis rate in the hippocampal CA1 region and [Ca 2+ ] i were decreased, the expression of IP3R, GRP75, RIPK1, RIPK3 and p-MLKL was down-regulated, and the ratio of MAMs partial length/endoplasmic reticulum perimeter and ratio of MAMs partial length/mitochondria perimeter in hippocampal neurons were decreased in group I+ S ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Structural changes in MAMs in the hippocampal CA1 region mediated by the up-regulation of IP3R1 expression are involved in the process of long-term cognitive impairment induced by multiple exposures to sevoflurane anesthesia in neonatal mice.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between sevoflurane preconditioning-induced reduction of cognitive impairment and hippocampal necroptosis after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in rats.Methods:Sixty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6 months, weighing 400-450 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each) using the random number table method: control group (group C), sevoflurane group (Sev group), CPB group and CPB+ sevoflurane preconditioning group (CPB+ Sev group). The rats were exposed to 0.4% sevoflurane for 2 h in CPB+ Sev group and Sev group. The CPB model was established at 30 min after the end of sevoflurane preconditioning in CPB+ Sev group. The open field test was performed to assess the autonomic movement ability on the 2nd day after CPB. The Morris water maze test was used to assess the cognitive function on the 3rd day after CPB. The hippocampal tissues were removed after the end of the Morris water maze test for determination of the necroptosis rate and cytosolic calcium concentration of hippocampal neuron ([Ca 2+ ] i) (by flow cytometry) and the expression of phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (p-RIPK1), phosphorylated RIPK3 and phosphorylated mixed-lineage kinase-like domain (p-MLKL) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (by transmission electron microscopy). Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of the open field test among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened, the hippocampal necroptosis rate and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL was up-regulated ( P<0.05), the organelles of hippocampal neurons swelled, lysosomes broke, and some chromatin in nuclei dissoluted in CPB group. Compared with CPB group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was prolonged, the hippocampal necroptosis rate and [Ca 2+ ] i were decreased, the expression of p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the damage to the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was sinificantly reduced in CPB+ Sev group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which sevoflurane preconditioning attenuates cognitive impairment may be related to the inhibition of calcium overload-mediated hippocampal necroptosis in a rat model of CPB.

Objective:To evaluate the role of RhoA/ROCK2 pathway in electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning-induced reduction of the perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) in aged rats.Methods:Eighty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 20 months, weighing 600-650 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using the random number table method: sham operation group (group S), PND group, EA preconditioning group and EA preconditioning plus RhoA agonist arachidonic acid group (EA+ AA group). The PND model was prepared using exploratory laparotomy performed under 3% sevoflurane anesthesia. In PND, EA and EA+ AA groups, EA preconditioning was initiated 5 days before operation as follows: Bilateral acupoints Zusanli, Hegu and Neiguan were stimulated with sparse-dense waves at 2/15 Hz and an electric current intensity of 1 mA, applied for 30 min a day for 5 consecutive days. Arachidonic acidin 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before surgery in group AA. The open field test was conducted at 3 days postoperatively to measure the autonomous motor function, and the Morris water maze test was conducted at 3-7 days postoperatively to evaluate the cognitive function. After the end of Morris water maze test, the rats were sacrificed, and the hippocampal tissue in CA1 region was obtained for determination of the apoptosis rate of cells and concentrations of cytoplasmic calcium ion ([Ca 2+ ] i) (by flow cytometry) and the expression of phosphorylated RhoA (p-RhoA), ROCK2, and cleaved caspase-3 (by Western blot) and for examination of the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons (with a transmission electron microscope). Results:There was no statistically significant difference in each parameter of the open field test among the four groups ( P>0.05). Compared with group C, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was marked in PND group. Compared with PND group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was significantly attenuated in EA group. Compared with EA group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal cells and [Ca 2+ ] i were increased, the expression of p-RhoA, ROCK2 and cleaved-caspase-3 was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage to hippocampal neurons was aggravated in EA+ AA group. Conclusions:The mechanism by which EA preconditioning reduces PND is related to inhibiting the activation of hippocampal RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and reducing calcium overload-mediated apoptosis in cells of aged rats.

Objective To sort out the current situation and research hotspots of the application of information technology in drug safety in China，reveal the latest research frontier, and provide a basis for the follow-up research. Methods The literature about the application of information technology in the field of drug safety were searched from 2012 to 2022 in three major databases of CNKI, WanFang and VIP databases, and visual analysis was conducted with the help of Citespace software. Results A total of 848 valid papers were included, and the number of annual publications showed a phased growth trend, and the cooperation between authors and publishers was not close enough. The application of information technology in drug safety was mainly reflected in pharmaceutical service, intravenous drug dispensing center and antibacterial drugs. The main technical means of information construction in the field of drug safety were prescription pre-audit system, knowledge base and automation. The research frontiers were mainly intelligence, knowledge base, prescription audit, and proprietary Chinese medicines. Conclusion The application of information technology in drug safety in China is in a period of vigorous development, and cooperation among different regions, institutions, and authors should be strengthened to promote information sharing. In the future, the related research of information technology in the field of Chinese patent medicine should be focused, and the research content of information technology application in drug safety could be further improved.

Several types of arthritis share the common feature that the generation of inflammatory mediators leads to joint cartilage degradation. However, the shared mechanism is largely unknown. H2BK120ub1 was reportedly involved in various inflammatory diseases but its role in the shared mechanism in inflammatory joint conditions remains elusive. The present study demonstrated that levels of cartilage degradation, H2BK120ub1, and its regulator WW domain-containing adapter protein with coiled-coil (WAC) were increased in cartilage in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients as well as in experimental RA and OA mice. By regulating H2BK120ub1 and H3K27me3, WAC regulated the secretion of inflammatory and cartilage-degrading factors. WAC influenced the level of H3K27me3 by regulating nuclear entry of the H3K27 demethylase KDM6B, and acted as a key factor of the crosstalk between H2BK120ub1 and H3K27me3. The cartilage-specific knockout of WAC demonstrated the ability to alleviate cartilage degradation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) mice. Through molecular docking and dynamic simulation, doxercalciferol was found to inhibit WAC and the development of cartilage degradation in the CIA and CIOA models. Our study demonstrated that WAC is a key factor of cartilage degradation in arthritis, and targeting WAC by doxercalciferol could be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating cartilage destruction in several types of arthritis.

Tumor cell-intrinsic programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signals mediate tumor initiation, progression and metastasis, but their effects in ameloblastoma (AM) have not been reported. In this comprehensive study, we observed marked upregulation of PD-L1 in AM tissues and revealed the robust correlation between elevated PD-L1 expression and increased tumor growth and recurrence rates. Notably, we found that PD-L1 overexpression markedly increased self-renewal capacity and promoted tumorigenic processes and invasion in hTERT⁺-AM cells, whereas genetic ablation of PD-L1 exerted opposing inhibitory effects. By performing high-resolution single-cell profiling and thorough immunohistochemical analyses in AM patients, we delineated the intricate cellular landscape and elucidated the mechanisms underlying the aggressive phenotype and unfavorable prognosis of these tumors. Our findings revealed that hTERT⁺-AM cells with upregulated PD-L1 expression exhibit increased proliferative potential and stem-like attributes and undergo partial epithelial‒mesenchymal transition. This phenotypic shift is induced by the activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling axis; thus, this study revealed a crucial regulatory mechanism that fuels tumor growth and recurrence. Importantly, targeted inhibition of the PD-L1-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling axis significantly suppressed the growth of AM patient-derived tumor organoids, highlighting the potential of PD-L1 blockade as a promising therapeutic approach for AM.
Ameloblastoma/metabolism* ; Humans ; B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology* ; Signal Transduction ; Cell Proliferation ; Up-Regulation ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Telomerase/metabolism* ; Jaw Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Male