Background In 2021, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) emerged as the forth leading cause of death in the world. However, the impact of air pollutants on COPD is still inconsistent across current studies. Objective To analyze the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide (SO₂) exposure and hospital admissions for COPD in Lanzhou, and to examine the modified effects of SO₂ across different genders, age groups, and seasons. Methods A total of 20718 hospital admission records for COPD were collected from Lanzhou between 2016 and 2020, alongside synchronized data on SO₂ concentration and meteorological variables. A generalized additive model integrated with a distributed lag nonlinear model was used to assess the relationship and the lag effects between SO₂ exposure and COPD admissions. Potential confounders, including meteorological factors, day-of-the-week effect, and holidays, were controlled for, with a maximum lag period set at 7 d. Two-pollutant models and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure robustness. Results are expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results During the study period, the average daily number of COPD admissions was 11.34±7.03. The average mass concentration of SO₂ was (23.72±12.35) μg·m⁻³. SO₂ exposure was positively correlated with COPD admissions; specifically, each 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in SO₂ concentration was associated with an RR of 1.440 (95%CI: 1.317, 1.573). Stratified analyses found that at a cumulative lag of 7 d, the RRs were higher among females, individuals aged ≥65 years, and during the cold season. Conversely, no significant increase in COPD admission risk related to SO₂ was observed during the warm season. For every 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in SO₂ concentration, the RR was 1.483 (95%CI: 1.311, 1.678) for females, 1.441 (95%CI: 1.311, 1.583) for those aged > 65 years， and 1.595 (95%CI: 1.313, 1.937) during the cold season. Conclusion Short-term exposure to ambient SO₂ exposure in Lanzhou is associated with an increased risk of COPD admission. The association is more pronounced among females, the elderly (aged> 65 years) and during the cold season.

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of miR-4508 regulating the inflammatory response of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by representative chrysotile asbestos.Methods:The chrysotile asbestos was ground into ultrafine dust using a horizontal planetary instrument, and human bronchial epithelium (16HBE) cells were taken as the object of infection. Cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit-8 method, cytotoxicity was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) kit. The released of inflammatory factor IL-6 was detected by electrochemical luminescence. The released inflammatory factor IL-8 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression level of miR-4508 was screened and verified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. After 16HBE cells were treated with AKT inhibitor MK2206, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PTEN were detected by western blot. The expression levels of AKT and PTEN and the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in miR-4508 overexpression and interference experiments.Results:With the increase of chrysotile asbestos exposure concentration, the cell survival rate decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, and the LDH content gradually increased. The secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in chrysotile 25, 50 and 75 μg/ml groups were (325.92±8.61) pg/ml, (331.51±4.96) pg/ml, (378.74±13.77) pg/ml, and (94.95±3.11) pg/ml, (357.60±1.80) pg/ml, (537.19±3.11) pg/ml, respectively, while the group with 0 μg/ml chrysotile was (95.85±1.20) pg/ml and (7.81±0.00) pg/ml ( P＜0.05). In addition, chrysotile asbestos exposure to 16HBE could induce the high expression of miR-4508 . After pretreatment with MK2206, the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PTEN were decreased, the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased, and the expression level of miR-4508 was significantly reduced. Overexpression of miR-4508 significantly increased the expressions of AKT and PTEN, and the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 ( P＜0.01). After interfering with miR-4508, the expressions of AKT and PTEN were significantly decreased, and the contents of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased ( P＜0.01). Conclusions:Chrysotile asbestos can induce the inflammatory response of 16HBE cells and up-regulate the expression level of miR-4508. The up-regulation of miR-4508 promotes the 16HBE inflammatory response induced by chrysotile asbestos through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/MR and contrast-enhanced CT in detecting metachronous ovarian metastasis after gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) surgery, and to evaluate its impact on clinical decision-making. Methods:This study employed a diagnostic test design. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 female patients with suspected metachronous ovarian metastasis following GSRCC resection between January 2023 and June 2025 in Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. All patients underwent both 18F-FAPI PET/MR and contrast-enhanced CT within 2 weeks. Using histopathology or clinical imaging follow-up (≥6 months) as the reference standard, the diagnostic performance of both modalities was compared (McNemar test, Fisher exact test and Delong test), and changes in clinical management were analyzed. Results:Metachronous ovarian metastasis was confirmed in 12 patients (22 lesions). 18F-FAPI PET/MR showed significantly higher sensitivity (90.9%(20/22) vs 72.7%(16/22); χ2=4.10, P=0.043), specificity (100%(30/30) vs 50.0%(15/30); χ2=13.01, P<0.001), and accuracy (96.2%(50/52) vs 59.6%(31/52); χ2=15.43, P<0.001), compared to contrast-enhanced CT, with a significantly higher AUC (0.964 vs 0.815; Z=2.85, P=0.015). It also demonstrated superior detection of extraovarian metastases, including anastomotic recurrence, peritoneal spread, and lymph node involvement ( P values: 0.004-0.031), and identified 5 additional rare-site metastases in 3 patients that were missed by contrast-enhanced CT. Based on 18F-FAPI PET/MR findings, clinical management was adjusted in 6 patients with metastasis. Conclusion:18F-FAPI PET/MR outperforms contrast-enhanced CT in diagnosing metachronous ovarian metastasis and performing whole-body restaging in post-surgical GSRCC patients, therapy provides critical evidence for informing decision-making.

BACKGROUND:Hydroxy safflower yellow A has anti-ischemia,anti-oxidation,anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects.Whether it affects neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis and its mechanism. METHODS:HT22 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into five groups:normal group,model group,hydroxy safflower yellow A group,colivelin group,and colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.HT22 cells were treated with glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation to establish neuronal pyroptosis model,and then treated with STAT3 agonist Colivelin and hydroxy safflower yellow A.JC-1 probe was employed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.Reactive oxygen species kit was used to determine the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.GSDMD/TUNEL staining was conducted to observe cell pyroptosis.Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect STAT3 and GSDMD protein expression.RT-PCR was utilized for assessing mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1.Western blot assay was utilized to measure the protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the number of pyroptotic cells increased in HT22 cells in the model group along with a significant increase in protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,Cleaved-caspase-1,GSDMD,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the model group,the number of pyroptotic cells reduced,and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins significantly decreased in the hydroxy safflower yellow A group.(2)In comparison with the model group,pyroptosis worsened in the colivelin group where mitochondrial membrane potential decreased along with elevated reactive oxygen species content and increased mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1,as well as increased protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the Colivelin group,above indexes were improved in the colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.These results suggest that hydroxy safflower yellow A plays a neuroprotective role through STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit HT22 pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment.

Objective To establish primary breast cancer cell lines from patient tissues and offer a new cancer cell model for basic research.Methods Breast cancer biopsy tissues were digested with typeⅡcollagenase and cultured in BCMI medium.When the cells proliferated rapidly,the medium was switched to DMEM.STR genotyping was per-formed to identify specific genetic markers of the four primary breast cancer cell lines.Colony expansion assays and sphere formation assays were conducted to analyze its tumorigenicity.Real-time PCR and Western blot experiments were used to analyze the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)molecule markers.Migration and invasion assays were performed to assess the metastatic potential of the primary breast cancer cells.Results We es?tablished four primary breast cancer cell lines:BC25#,BC51#,BC56#,and BC57#.These cell lines were cultured in DMEM medium,passaged multiple times and tagged with details about their clinical past.STR genotyping identified specific genetic markers for each of the four primary breast cancer cell lines.Clonogenic and sphere formation assays revealed that the four lines have a stronger tumor?forming capability compared to the classic breast cancer cell line T?47D.Real?time PCR and Western blot experiments showed that,compared to T?47D,the four primary breast cancer cell lines have decreased E?cadherin expression and increased vimentin expression.Migration and invasion assays indicated that BC25#had a higher metastatic potential than the traditional breast cancer cell line T?47D.Conclusions Four primary breast cancer cell lines,BC25#,BC51#,BC56#and BC57#are successfully estab?lished,which may act as new cancer cell model for laboratory research of breast cancer.

Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation ; Chromatin/immunology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Immunologic Memory ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Enhancer Elements, Genetic

Objective To evaluate the effects of bladder neck preservation on postoperative stress urinary inconti-nence and retrograde ejaculation in patients undergoing transurethral thulium laser enucleation of the prostate(ThuLEP).Methods The clinical data of 203 patients who underwent ThuLEP in our hospital from September 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the operation method,the patients were divided into bladder neck preservation group(n=95)and non-bladder neck preservation group(n=108).The occurrence of postoperative stress urinary inconti-nence and retrograde ejaculation of the two groups were compared.Results The differences between the patients of two groups in operative time(110[80,130]min vs 110[90,140]min),hospital stay(8[8,8]d vs 8[8,8]d),in-dwelling catheter time(7[7,7]h vs 7[7,7]h),and hemoglobin decline(9[6,14]g/L vs 8[4,13]g/L)were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups at 3 months postoperatively in maximum flow rate(20[18,21]mL/s vs 19[18,20]mL/s),scores of International Prostate Symp-tom Scale(5[4,6]vs 5[4,5]),post-void residual urine volume(0[0,8]mL vs 0[0,7.5]mL)and quality of life(2[1,3]vs 2[1,3])(P＞0.05).The differences in the rates of postoperative stress urinary incontinence(2.1％vs 9.3％)and retrograde ejaculation(49.4％vs 74.5％)between the two groups were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Bladder neck preservation during ThuLEP reduces the incidence of postoperative stress urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation.

BACKGROUND:In the occurrence and development of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system,neuroinflammation caused by microglia is the main pathological feature,so inhibiting the inflammatory response is very important to alleviate demyelination.Hydroxysafflor yellow A can protect the blood-brain barrier,inhibit neuronal apoptosis,and improve neurological function.OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibiting bicyclohexanone oxalyl dihydrazone-induced demyelination in mice.METHODS:(1)In vivo:Thirty healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups:normal group,cuprizone group,and hydroxysafflor yellow A group.The mice in the cuprizone group and the hydroxysafflor yellow A group were fed with 0.2％cuprizone diet for 6 weeks to establish mouse models of demyelination.The mice in the normal group were fed with normal diet.At the end of the 4th week,the mice in the hydroxysafflor yellow A group were intraperitoneally injected with hydroxysafflor yellow A 20 mg/kg per day.The mice in the normal and cuprizone groups were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline for 2 weeks.The behavioral changes of mice were evaluated by open field test and elevated plus maze test.The loss of myelin sheath in corpus callosum was detected by black gold staining,myelin basic protein and degraded myelin basic protein immunofluorescence staining.The activation of microglia and the expression of inflammatory factors were detected by I ba-1 immunofluorescence staining and ELISA,respectively.The protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4,myeloid differentiation factor 88,and nuclear factor κB p65 in the brain of mice in each group were detected by western blot assay.(2)In vitro experiment:The inflammation model of BV2 microglia was established by lipopolysaccharide induction.BV2 cells were divided into normal group,lipopolysaccharide group(1 μg/mL),and lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)+hydroxysafflor yellow A(25 μmol/L)group.The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the mice in the cuprizone group had severe anxiety,abnormal autonomic movement ability,and a large amount of myelin sheath loss in the corpus callosum.The average fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein was significantly reduced,and the average fluorescence intensity of degraded myelin basic protein was significantly increased.The number of lba1+microglia increased,the contents of interleukin 1β,tumor necrosis factor α,and interleukin 6 in the brain increased,and the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4,myeloid differentiation factor 88,and nuclear factor κB p65 increased significantly.The above symptoms and indexes of mice were reversed after hydroxysafflor yellow A treatment.(2)Hydroxysafflor yellow A significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor α,and interleukin 6 induced by lipopolysaccharide in BV2 microglia.(3)The above results demonstrate that hydroxysafflor yellow A can significantly improve cuprizone-induced demyelination in mice.The mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of microglial activation-mediated inflammatory response through the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor κB p65 signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder(PEG)combined with linaclotide(Lin)for bowel preparation in elderly constipated patients before colonoscopy.Methods In this prospective,randomized controlled trial,90 elderly patients with constipation undergoing colonoscopy were recruited at our hospital from June 2022 to December 2023.Participants were randomly assigned to three groups(n=30 each):PEG-3L alone,PEG-3L+Lin,and PEG-2L+Lin.Primary outcome was Boston Bowel Preparation Scale(BBPS)score and secondary outcomes included adverse event rates,colonoscopy completion rate,withdrawal time,and polyp detection rate.Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests.Results The PEG-3L+Lin group achieved significantly higher BBPS scores than both PEG-3L alone and PEG-2L+Lin groups did(both P<0.001).The PEG-2L+Lin group also outperformed the PEG-3L alone group in cleansing efficacy(90.0%vs.76.7%,P=0.008).The PEG-2L+Lin group demonstrated the best tolerability and lowest adverse event rate,the PEG-3L group had the longest withdrawal time(P<0.05),but the three groups showed no significant difference in polyp detection rates.Conclusion PEG combined with linaclotide significantly improves bowel cleansing in elderly constipated patients.PEG-2L+Lin regimen provides optimal balance between efficacy,safety,and tolerability,making it a preferable choice for this population.