Aim Mouse model of myocardial hypertro-phy was established via intraperitoneal injection of iso-proterenol(ISO)in mice.This approach allows for an in-depth investigation into the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of emodin,offering novel in-sights and directions for the improvement of myocardial hypertrophy.Methods The mice were randomly di-vided into the following groups:control group(CON),emodin group(EMO),MAPK activator control group(EMO+Ani),model group(ISO),treatment group(ISO+EMO),and activator intervention group(ISO+EMO+Ani).After treatment with emodin and inter-vention with MAPK activator,the heart weight ratio and cardiac size of each group were observed.Hematoxy-lin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the patho-logical changes in cardiac tissue,and kits were utilized to measure the levels of GSH,LDH,and MDA in the serum.Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of inflammatory and oxidative factors,as well as p-p38,p-ERK,p38,and ERK in cardiac tis-sue.Results Emodin can significantly inhibit the production of myocardial inflammatory and oxidative factors induced by ISO,thereby effectively alleviating the degree of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.Af-ter the p38/ERK signaling pathway was specifically ac-tivated by farnesol,the improvement effect of emodin on myocardial hypertrophy was weakened.Further comparison revealed that,compared with the myocardi-al hypertrophy pathological model group,the pathologi-cal protein expression levels in the farnesol-treated group showed no significant difference,and were even higher in some indicators.Conclusion Emodin can effectively inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and improve the state of oxidative stress by modulating the p38/ERK signaling pathway,thereby exerting an ameliorative effect on myocardial hypertrophy.

Background and Aims:With the widespread use of electrosurgical devices in open thyroid surgery,the surgical smoke generated during procedures has become a significant concern,as it compromises surgical visibility,reduces operational efficiency,and poses health risks to medical staff.Currently,local smoke evacuation is commonly performed by an assistant using a handheld suction device,which is limited in range,interferes with surgical procedures,and increases labor costs.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness,safety,feasibility,and staff satisfaction associated with a self-made annular smoke evacuation device constructed from readily available materials for use in open thyroid surgery.Methods:A total of 82 patients undergoing open surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma at Suqian First People's Hospital between March and June 2024 were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group(41 patients each).During surgery,the observation group used a self-made annular smoke evacuation device for continuous smoke removal,while the control group used conventional manual suction via an assistant.Outcomes compared between the two groups included PM2.5 concentrations 30 cm above the surgical field,operative time,intraoperative blood loss,and medical staff satisfaction with smoke removal.Results:During thyroid tissue dissection,the PM2.5 concentration in the observation group was(63.26±11.71)μg/m3,corresponding to a"good"air quality level,while in the control group it was(126.35±40.12)μg/m3,ranging from"mild to severe pollution"—a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).In the observation group,operative times for unilateral and bilateral procedures were(31.25±11.36)min and(71.13±17.12)min,respectively,with intraoperative blood loss of(10.5±5.3)mL and(18.6±5.5)mL.In the control group,times were(39.27±15.42)min and(78.35±22.35)min,with blood loss of(12.5±5.8)mL and(20.5±6.5)mL,respectively—all differences not statistically significant(all P>0.05).Staff satisfaction was significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group(97.6%vs.31.7%,P<0.05).Conclusion:The self-made annular smoke evacuation device demonstrated favorable results in open thyroid surgery,effectively reducing surgical smoke concentration,improving visibility,and minimizing health risks to medical staff without compromising surgical efficiency or safety.The device is cost-effective,easy to assemble,and can be repurposed postoperatively as a drainage tube,requiring no additional consumables.Its reusability and ease of integration offer strong practical value and clinical applicability.

Objective:To discuss the inhibitory effects of combined application of chlorogenic acid(CA),procyanidin(PC),and paeoniflorin(PF),the active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra,on Enterococcus faecalis(E.faecalis)and its biofilm,and to clarify the mechanism.Methods:The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC)of CA,PC,and PF against E.faecalis were detected by microdilution method;the fractional inhibitory concentration index(FICI)and fractional bactericidal concentration index(FBCI)of the three active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra in combination were detected by checkerboard dilution method.The experiment was divided into control group,high concentration of single-drug groups(PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group),and drug combination groups(CA-2+PC-1 group,CA-2+PC-2 group,PF-4+PC-2 group,PF-6+PC-2 group,PF-4+CA-4 group,and PF-6+CA-4 group).Crystal violet staining was used to detect the biofilm formation of E.faecalis in various groups after treated with three active components in combination;scanning electron microscope(SEM)was used to observe the morphology of E.faecalis biofilm in various groups after treated with three active components in combination;spot assay was used to detect the inhibitory effects of three active components in combination on E.faecalis planktonic bacteria and biofilm in various groups;SEM was used to observe the damage to E.faecalis cell membrane in various groups after treated with three active components in combination;kit was used to detect the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)levels in E.faecalis planktonic bacteria and biofilm in various groups after treated with three active components in combination.Results:Among the three active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra,the MIC of PC was 4 g·L?1 and the MBC was 6 g·L?1;the MIC of CA was 8 g·L?1 and the MBC was 10 g·L?1;the MIC and MBC of PF were both>10 g·L?1,and the concentration of PF was selected as 10 g·L?1.The combination of PC and CA showed synergistic effects,the combination of PC and PF showed additive effects,and the combination of CA and PF showed additive effects.The crystal violet staining results showed that compared with control group,the biofilm formations of E.faecalis in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,CA-10 group,and drug combination groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with PF-10 group,the biofilm formations of E.faecalis in PC-6 group,CA-10 group,CA-2+PC-1 group,CA-2+PC-2 group,PF-4+PC-2 group,PF-6+PC-2 group,and PF-6+CA-4 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The SEM results showed that in control group,the E.faecalis biofilm was thick,with tightly connected bacteria,regular morphology,and intact cell membranes;in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group,the thickness of E.faecalis biofilm was significantly reduced,and the arrangement of bacteria became relatively loose;in all drug combination groups,the E.faecalis biofilm was significantly reduced or even completely disappeared,and under high magnification,the biofilm structure was completely absent,with bacterial fragments adhering and aggregating,losing their original bacterial morphology.The spot assay results showed that compared with control group,the colonies of E.faecalis planktonic bacteria in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group were significantly reduced after treated for 5,10,and 30 min,indicating gradually enhanced bactericidal effects;among drug combination groups,the combination of CA and PC significantly reduced the colonies of E.faecalis planktonic bacteria within 5 min,showing strong bactericidal effects.Compared with CA group and PC group,the colonies of E.faecalis planktonic bacteria in all drug combination groups showed no significant reduction after treated for 5,10,and 30 min;compared with control group,the colonies of E.faecalis biofilm in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group were gradually decreased after the treated for 30 and 60 min,suggesting that the high concentration of single-drug groups exhibited gradually enhanced bactericidal effects on E.faecalis in biofilm.Among them,the biofilm-killing effect of PC-6 group was the most significant,with no colony formation observed after treated for 30 min;in drug combination groups,only a few colonies of E.faecalis biofilm were observed in CA-2+PC-2 group after treated for 30 min,indicating effective killing of bacteria in biofilm;compared with PC-6 group and CA-10 group,all drug combination groups achieved the bactericidal effects of high concentration of single-drug groups at low concentrations.The SEM results showed that in control group,E.faecalis exhibited an oval shape with intact cell membranes;in PF group,bacterial morphology was altered,and cell membrane integrity was damaged;in CA group,most bacterial cell membranes remained relatively intact,but the bacterial surface showed shrinkage and depression,with a few bacteria exhibiting disrupted cell membrane integrity;in PC group,the integrity of bacterial cell membranes was most severely damaged,leading to leakage of cellular contents and aggregation of cell fragments into flocculent structures;in all drug combination groups,E.faecalis exhibited ruptured cell membranes,leakage of contents,and aggregation of bacterial debris,especially in the combination of CA and PC,where the most severe disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity and complete leakage of contents were observed;in the combination of PF and CA,bacterial surface pits and shrinkage were observed,with occasional cell membrane rupture.The kit results showed that compared with control group,the ATP levels in E.faecalis planktonic bacteria and biofilm in various groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with PF-10 group,the ATP levels in E.faecalis planktonic bacteria in CA-10 group,CA-2+PC-2 group,PF-4+CA-4 group,and PF-6+CA-4 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the ATP levels in E.faecalis biofilm in CA-10 group and CA-2+PC-2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:The combined application of PF,PC,and CA,the active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra,exhibits significant inhibitory effects on E.faecalis and its biofilm formation.The pairwise combinations of three active components show synergistic or additive effects,with the combination of CA and PC demonstrating the most significant synergistic effect.The underlying mechanism may be related to the disruption of E.faecalis cell membrane integrity and inhibition of bacterial ATP levels.

Objective:To investigate the differences in clinical outcomes of septic children with varying serum zinc levels,and to analyze the relationship between reduced serum zinc levels and organ dysfunction as well as 28-day mortality in septic children.Methods:This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from pediatric patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock in the Department of critical care medicine of the children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2017 and December 2022.Clinical characteristics,organ dysfunction,and prognosis were compared between two groups:children with low serum zinc levels and those with normal zinc levels.Results:The serum zinc level of septic children within 24 hours of admission was 9.60(5.52,13.80)μmol/L,with 50.54%(94/186)of the children exhibiting low serum zinc levels(<10.07 μmol/L).Compared to the normal serum zinc group,the low serum zinc group had a significantly lower Pediatric Critical Illness Score(PCIS)[(78.71±9.35)vs.(85.12±8.51),P=0.005]and higher 28-day mortality(46.80%vs.14.13%,P<0.001).The low serum zinc group also had a higher proportion of invasive mechanical ventilation(64.89%vs.47.82%,P=0.019),renal replacement therapy(15.59%vs.3.26%,P=0.003),and use of vasoactive drugs(56.38%vs.30.43%,P<0.001).The rate of underlying conditions in the low serum zinc group was significantly higher than that in the normal serum zinc group(57.44%vs.36.95%,P=0.005).Additionally,the low serum zinc group had a higher incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,shock,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS)compared to the normal serum zinc group(P<0.05).Serum zinc levels had predictive value for 28-day mortality in septic children(AUC=0.813;95%CI:0.725～0.902;P<0.001).A serum zinc level of less than 6.950 μmol/L predicted the death of septic children with a sensitivity of 0.618 and a specificity of 0.902.Conclusion:Sepsis in children is commonly associated with low serum zinc levels,especially in those with underlying conditions such as hematologic and oncologic disorders.Sepsis patients hypozincemia with a higher incidence of DIC,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,shock,and MODS.A serum zinc level below 6.95 μmol/L serves as a significant predictor of 28-day mortality in children with severe sepsis.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is recognized as a significant complication of diabetes mellitus and categorized into glomerular DKDs and tubular DKDs, each governed by distinct pathological mechanisms and biomarkers. Methods: Through the identification of common features observed in glomerular and tubular lesions in DKD, numerous differentially expressed gene were identified by the machine learning, single-cell transcriptome and mendelian randomization. Results: The diagnostic markers versican (VCAN) was identified, offering supplementary options for clinical diagnosis. VCAN significantly highly expressed in glomerular parietal epithelial cell and proximal convoluted tubular cell. It was mainly involved in the up-regulation of immune genes and infiltration of immune cells like mast cell. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed that serum VCAN protein levels were a risky factor for DKD, while there was no reverse association. It exhibited the good diagnostic potential for estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria in DKD. Conclusion VCAN showed the prospects into DKD pathology and clinical indicator.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is recognized as a significant complication of diabetes mellitus and categorized into glomerular DKDs and tubular DKDs, each governed by distinct pathological mechanisms and biomarkers. Methods: Through the identification of common features observed in glomerular and tubular lesions in DKD, numerous differentially expressed gene were identified by the machine learning, single-cell transcriptome and mendelian randomization. Results: The diagnostic markers versican (VCAN) was identified, offering supplementary options for clinical diagnosis. VCAN significantly highly expressed in glomerular parietal epithelial cell and proximal convoluted tubular cell. It was mainly involved in the up-regulation of immune genes and infiltration of immune cells like mast cell. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed that serum VCAN protein levels were a risky factor for DKD, while there was no reverse association. It exhibited the good diagnostic potential for estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria in DKD. Conclusion VCAN showed the prospects into DKD pathology and clinical indicator.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is recognized as a significant complication of diabetes mellitus and categorized into glomerular DKDs and tubular DKDs, each governed by distinct pathological mechanisms and biomarkers. Methods: Through the identification of common features observed in glomerular and tubular lesions in DKD, numerous differentially expressed gene were identified by the machine learning, single-cell transcriptome and mendelian randomization. Results: The diagnostic markers versican (VCAN) was identified, offering supplementary options for clinical diagnosis. VCAN significantly highly expressed in glomerular parietal epithelial cell and proximal convoluted tubular cell. It was mainly involved in the up-regulation of immune genes and infiltration of immune cells like mast cell. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed that serum VCAN protein levels were a risky factor for DKD, while there was no reverse association. It exhibited the good diagnostic potential for estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria in DKD. Conclusion VCAN showed the prospects into DKD pathology and clinical indicator.

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is recognized as a significant complication of diabetes mellitus and categorized into glomerular DKDs and tubular DKDs, each governed by distinct pathological mechanisms and biomarkers. Methods: Through the identification of common features observed in glomerular and tubular lesions in DKD, numerous differentially expressed gene were identified by the machine learning, single-cell transcriptome and mendelian randomization. Results: The diagnostic markers versican (VCAN) was identified, offering supplementary options for clinical diagnosis. VCAN significantly highly expressed in glomerular parietal epithelial cell and proximal convoluted tubular cell. It was mainly involved in the up-regulation of immune genes and infiltration of immune cells like mast cell. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed that serum VCAN protein levels were a risky factor for DKD, while there was no reverse association. It exhibited the good diagnostic potential for estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria in DKD. Conclusion VCAN showed the prospects into DKD pathology and clinical indicator.

Objective:To explore the expression of lamin (LMN) gene in Colorectal cancer (CRC) , as well as the effects of knockdown LMNA expression in colorectal cancer cells on its migration ability and related molecular mechanisms.Methods:Paraffin-embedded specimens of tumor tissues and corresponding peritumoral tissues were collected from 37 colorectal cancer patients for the detection of LMNA protein expression. Colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was cultured in vitro and divided into Mock group (transfected MOCk-siRNA) and LMNA group (transfected LMNA-siRNA) . Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the LMNA mRNA content in SW480 cells of experimental group and control group. The expression levels of LMNA, Wnt and β-catenin in SW480 cells of experimental group and control group were detected by Western blotting. The migration ability of cells in each group was detected by cell scratch test. The migration ability of cells in each group were detected by transwell assay.Results:Immunohistochemical test showed that the positive rate of LMNA protein in colorectal cancer tissues was 89.19% (33/37 cases) , and the expression rate in corresponding paracancer tissues was 48.65% (18/37 cases) . The expression level of LMNA in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancer tissues ( P<0.001) . siRNA decreased the expression of LMNA protein in colorectal cancer cells SW480. The scratch healing rate was (53.71±5.34) % in the experimental group and (83.84±6.98) % in the control group. The results of Transwell experiment showed that the number of successfully migrated cells in the experimental group was 34.92±5.11, and that in the control group was 93.87±12.57. The results showed that the migration ability of SW480 cells was significantly decreased after low expression of LMNA ( P<0.01) . Western blot results showed that the relative expression level of Wnt and β-catenin in LMNA group was 0.42±0.12 and 0.22±0.11 respectively. The relative expression levels of Wnt and β-catenin in MOCK group were 1.28±0.26 and 1.14±0.21 respectively. The expression levels of P16 and Wnt and β-catenin in PC3 cells with low LMNA expression were increased ( P<0.05) , while the expressions of WNT and β-catenin were decreased (both P<0.05) . Conclusion:The expression of LMNA was significantly increased in colorectal cancer, which may be related to the malignant degree of colorectal cancer. LMNA proteins may affect the migration ability of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Cell Line ; bcl-X Protein/metabolism* ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Rats ; Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*