OBJECTIVES: Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury is a critical pathological process during liver transplantation. Kazinol B has known anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and metabolic regulatory properties, but its protective mechanism in H/R-induced liver injury remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Kazinol B in H/R-induced hepatocyte injury. METHODS: An ischemia-reperfusion model was established in healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, and an in vitro H/R model was created using cultured hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were treated with Kazinol B (0-100 μmol/L) to assess cytotoxicity and protective effects. Cell viability was evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Expression of apoptosis-related proteins, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad), and cleaved caspase-3, was detected by Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed via fluorescence probes, and inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TdT-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to assess DNA damage and apoptosis. RESULTS: Kazinol B had no significant effect on hepatocyte viability at 0-50 μmol/L, but showed cytotoxicity at 100 μmol/L (P<0.05). At 0.1-20 μmol/L, Kazinol B significantly improved cell survival, reduced LDH release, decreased apoptosis, and attenuated DNA damage (all P<0.001). At 10 μmol/L, Kazinol B markedly down-regulated Bad and cleaved caspase-3 (both P<0.05), and up-regulated Bcl-2 (P<0.01). It also dose-dependently reduced ROS levels and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β (all P<0.01). Both in vitro and in vivo, Kazinol B inhibited activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway without affecting extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling (P>0.05). TUNEL staining showed that the protective effect of Kazinol B against apoptosis was partially reversed by the JNK agonist anisomycin (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Kazinol B mitigates hepatocyte injury induced by H/R by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway. Its protective effect is associated with suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating its potential as a hepatoprotective agent.
Animals ; Hepatocytes/pathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Cell Survival/drug effects* ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between peripheral blood circular RNA Bardet-Biedl syndrome 9 (circBBS9) and circRNA catenin beta 1 (circCTNNB1) and weaning failure of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted. The patients with AECOPD who received invasive mechanical ventilation and passed the spontaneous breathing test (SBT) admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2022 to February 2024 were selected as the study subjects. According to the outcome of weaning, the patients were divided into failed weaning group and successful weaning group. At admission and before SBT, the expression levels of circBBS9 and circCTNNB1 in peripheral blood were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). General information, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) score within 24 hours of admission, vital signs before SBT and the most recent laboratory indicators before SBT of the patients were collected. The differences in circBBS9 and circCTNNB1 expression levels and clinical data between the two groups were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of the weaning failure. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to analyze the predictive value of each index on weaning failure. RESULTS: Ultimately, 132 patients with AECOPD who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation and passed the SBT were enrolled in the study. Among them, 82 patients were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation, while 50 patients failed to be weaned, resulting in a weaning failure rate of 37.88%. There was no statistically significant difference in the expression levels of circBBS9 and circCTNNB1 in the peripheral blood at admission of patients between the two groups. The expression level of circBBS9 in the peripheral blood before SBT of patients in the failed weaning group was significantly higher than that in the successful weaning group (2^-ΔΔCt: 131.64±30.24 vs. 100.00±21.32), and the expression level of circCTNNB1 was significantly lower than that in the successful weaning group (2^-ΔΔCt: 79.90±16.82 vs. 100.00±26.43), and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). The APACHEII score within 24 hours of admission and the levels of RSBI, SCr, and PCT before SBT in the failed weaning group were significantly higher than those in the successful weaning group [APACHEII score: 22.54±4.62 vs. 16.56±4.58, RSBI: 81.90±16.56 vs. 63.25±17.00, SCr (μmol/L): 100.20±17.27 vs. 89.93±26.29, PCT (μg/L): 1.08±0.18 vs. 0.87±0.22], and the Alb level before SBT was significantly lower than that in the successful weaning group (g/L: 29.71±2.73 vs. 33.93±2.89), and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in other clinical data between the two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that circBBS9 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.291, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.049-1.588] and APACHEII score (OR = 2.897, 95%CI was 1.004-8.353), RSBI (OR = 1.413, 95%CI was 1.057-1.890) were independent risk factors for weaning failure (all P < 0.05), and circCTNNB1 (OR = 0.812, 95%CI was 0.688-0.959) and Alb (OR = 0.149, 95%CI was 0.036-0.614) were protective factors (both P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that circBBS9, circCTNNB1, APACHEII score, RSBI, and Alb all had certain value for predicting weaning failure. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 95%CI were 0.820 (0.750-0.890), 0.755 (0.674-0.835), 0.827 (0.757-0.897), 0.795 (0.715-0.876), and 0.854 (0.791-0.919), respectively. Using the multivariate Logistic regression equation as the combined indicator, the AUC for predicting weaning failure reached 0.997 (95%CI was 0.993-1.000), which was significantly higher than that of the single indicators including circBBS9, circCTNNB1, APACHEII score, RSBI, and Alb (the Z value was 5.582, 6.093, 5.771, 5.932, and 5.182, respectively, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High expression of circBBS9 and low expression of circCTNNB1 in the peripheral blood of AECOPD patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation before SBT are associated with weaning failure. circBBS9, circCTNNB1 combined with APACHEII score, RSBI and Alb are helpful for predicting the failure of weaning in these patients.
Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/blood* ; Prospective Studies ; Ventilator Weaning ; RNA, Circular/blood* ; Respiration, Artificial ; Male ; Female ; Aged

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of severe early childhood caries (SECC) treatment combined with local anesthesia under general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 108 children under 6 years old who underwent SECC dental treatment under general anesthesia at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Third Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from March to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of classⅠor Ⅱ. The study subjects were divided into a control group (n=54) and an experimental group (n=54) by retrieving intraoperative cases and postoperative follow-up records. The control group was given general anesthesia through inhalation combined with nasotracheal intubation, whereas the experimental group was given local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine on each treated tooth on the basis of general anesthesia. The basic information, preoperative anesthesia depth, hemodynamic changes during different surgical procedures, postoperative pain, and adverse reactions in the two groups were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the basic information and preoperative anesthesia depth between the two groups (P>0.05). Among the three procedures (pulpotomy, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction), the three observed indicators in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The proportion of patients in the experimental group who needed to take analgesic measures in accordance with the modified facial pain scale (FPS-R) score was significantly lower than that in the control group at postoperative wakefulness and 2 h after surgery (P<0.05). Meanwhile, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups at 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). The proportion of patients in the experimental group who needed to take analgesic measures on the basis of the parent posto-perative pain measurement (PPPM) score was significantly lower than that in the control group when they were awake after surgery (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups at 2 and 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups at 24 h after surgery (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of local anesthesia during SECC dental treatment under general anesthesia results in minimal changes in intraoperative hemodynamics and mild postoperative pain response, hence worthy of clinical promotion.
Humans ; Anesthesia, General ; Child, Preschool ; Dental Caries/therapy* ; Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control* ; Anesthesia, Local/methods* ; Male ; Hemodynamics ; Female ; Lidocaine/administration & dosage* ; Child ; Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage* ; Anesthesia, Dental/methods*

Objective To investigate the value of multimodal ultrasound combined with immune-inflammatory indicators in predicting axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis in patients with breast cancer.Methods The clinical data of 106 breast cancer patients treated in the Ultrasound Depart-ment of Nantong Cancer Hospital from January 2023 to June 2024 were analyzed,and the patients were divided into ALN metastasis group and non-metastasis group based on postoperative pathological re-sults.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the immune-inflam-matory indicators and ultrasound parameters in both groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of each indicator.Results Univariate anal-ysis showed significant differences between the ALN metastasis group and the non-metastasis group in terms of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),aspect ratio,maximum tumor diameter,and Adler blood flow grade(P＜0.05).NLR,PLR,maximum tumor di-ameter,and Adler blood flow grade were independent influencing factors for predicting ALN metastasis in breast cancer(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)for predicting ALN metastasis using multimodal ultrasound combined with immune-inflammatory indicators was 0.877,with a diagnostic sensitivity of 84.7％and a specificity of 76.6％.The predictive efficacy of the combined multi-indicators was significantly higher than that of individual indicators(P＜0.05).Conclusion Multimodal ultrasound combined with immune-inflammatory indicators is associated with ALN metastasis in breast cancer patients and can provide a reference basis for clinical diagnosis,subsequent treatment,and prognosis evaluation.

Panax ginseng, a perennial herbaceous plant and a representative of the Panax genus, is renowned for its exceptional medicinal value and economic benefits, often referred to as the “King of Herbs.” With the increasing market demand and the limited availability of suitable cultivation land, the issue of continuous cropping obstacles for P. ginseng has become increasingly prominent, directly hindering the sustainable development of the ginseng industry. This article summarizes the concept and hazards of continuous cropping obstacles and, drawing on the latest research, provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and response mechanisms. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research into the mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in P. ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a perennial herbaceous plant and a representative of the Panax genus, is renowned for its exceptional medicinal value and economic benefits, often referred to as the “King of Herbs.” With the increasing market demand and the limited availability of suitable cultivation land, the issue of continuous cropping obstacles for P. ginseng has become increasingly prominent, directly hindering the sustainable development of the ginseng industry. This article summarizes the concept and hazards of continuous cropping obstacles and, drawing on the latest research, provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and response mechanisms. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research into the mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in P. ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a perennial herbaceous plant and a representative of the Panax genus, is renowned for its exceptional medicinal value and economic benefits, often referred to as the “King of Herbs.” With the increasing market demand and the limited availability of suitable cultivation land, the issue of continuous cropping obstacles for P. ginseng has become increasingly prominent, directly hindering the sustainable development of the ginseng industry. This article summarizes the concept and hazards of continuous cropping obstacles and, drawing on the latest research, provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and response mechanisms. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research into the mechanisms of continuous cropping obstacles in P. ginseng.

BACKGROUND:At present,many drugs used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome are super-designated drugs,and the treatment of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome still faces great challenges.Studies have shown that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can repair ovarian function,but few studies have reported their therapeutic effect on polycystic ovary syndrome. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on polycystic ovary syndrome,and to preliminarily explore the correlation between mitochondrial autophagy and the improvement of polycystic ovary syndrome by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS:Polycystic ovary syndrome mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone for 20 days into C57BL/6J mice.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(2×106)were injected through the caudal vein.After treatment,vaginal secretions were collected for 10 consecutive days to detect the estrus cycle of mice.At 2 weeks after treatment,the levels of sex hormones in the peripheral blood of mice,including luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone,were detected by ELISA.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate ovarian histopathology.Finally,mitochondrial autophagy in ovaries was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy,follicles at different stages(primitive follicles,primary follicles,and secondary follicles)appeared in the ovary of polycystic ovary syndrome mice,and luteal tissue could be seen,indicating that ovulation function of mice was effectively improved.(2)Polycystic ovary syndrome mice treated with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells had sex hormone levels.(3)Untreated polycystic ovary syndrome mice were found to be in the estrous stage for a long time,lacking estrous interphase and estrous phase,but after human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy,the estrous cycle returned to a normal level.(4)After treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,the mitochondrial autophagy of polycystic ovary syndrome mice was significantly reduced.(5)The results show that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can effectively improve the symptoms of endocrine disorders and promote ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome mice,which may be related to the inhibition of mitochondrial autophagy.

Objective To investigate the changes of mitochondrial respiratory function during myocardial fibrosis in mice with myocardial infarction (MI) and its correlation with the increase of glycolytic flux. Methods Forty C57BL/6N mice were randomized into two equal groups to receive sham operation or ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce acute MI. At 28 days after the operation, 5 mice from each group were euthanized and left ventricular tissue samples were collected for transcriptomic sequencing. FPKM method was used to calculate gene expression levels to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MI mice, which were analyzed using GO and KEGG databases to determine the pathways affecting the disease process. Heat maps were drawn to show the differential expressions of the pathways and the related genes in the enrichment analysis. In primary cultures of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), the changes in mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis levels in response to treatment with the pro-fibrotic agonist TGF-β1 were analyzed using Seahorse experiment. Results The mouse models of MI showed significantly increased diastolic and systolic left ventricular diameter (P<0.05) and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.0001). A total of 124 up-regulated and 106 down-regulated DEGs were identified in the myocardial tissues of MI mice, and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, organelles and other metabolic pathways and in the mitochondria. Heat maps revealed fatty acid beta oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased glycolysis levels in MI mice. In the primary culture of CFs, treatment with TGF-β1 significantly reduced the basal and maximum respiratory levels and increased the basal and maximum glycolysis levels (P<0.0001). Conclusion During myocardial fibrosis, energy metabolism remodeling occurs in the CFs, manifested by lowered mitochondrial function and increased energy generation through glycolysis.

[Objective] To investigate the status and epidemiological characteristics of suspected acute respiratory tract infection (ARIS) in children at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from July 2023 to June 2024, so as to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of children in this area. [Methods] A total of 12 169 throat swab samples were collected from children with ARIS during this period, including 6 535 male children and 5 634 female children, with an age of M(Q1, Q3) of 6(3, 9) years old. Six types of respiratory pathogens were detected by multiple real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The children were grouped according to sex and age. Differences among groups were analyzed by χ² test, and epidemic characteristics of respiratory pathogens were explored from the perspectives of time dimension and infection type. [Results] Among the 12 169 samples, 8 241 were positive for six respiratory pathogens with a positive rate of 67.72% of which 6 823 (56.07%) were detected with single infection and 1 418 (11.65%) were detected with multiple infection. The detection rate of mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) ranked first (21.81%). Among the six pathogens, only human rhinovirus (HRV) showed statistically significant differences in gender (P=0.003). There were significant differences in the pathogens detection rate between the age groups (P<0.001), with the highest pathogens detection rate in the 6-14 years of age group (72.49%). In terms of monthly pathogen detection rate, there showed statistical differences between different months (P<0.001); except HRV, which had two peak detection rates throughout the year, the other five pathogens had only one peak detection rate and the peak months were not completely overlapping. The monthly pathogen detection rate in each age group showed a trend consistent with the overall trend, but in all months of the year, adenovirus (ADV) and MP showed higher detection rates in the age group of 3-14 years, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) showed higher detection rates in the age group of <3 years. Among 8 241 children infected with respiratory pathogens, the proportion of fifteen types of dual infections showed significant statistical differences (P<0.001) and ADV+ MP co-infection accounted for the highest proportion (4.02%). There were significant differences in the proportion of dual infection types among different age groups. HRV+ RSV co-infection was the highest pattern in the <1 year group (1.55%) and the 1-<3 years group (1.77%). while ADV+ MP was the most common type of co-infection in 3-<6 years group (2.94%) and 6-14 years group (5.26%). [Conclusion] Between 2023 and 2024, the pathogen patterns of respiratory tract infection of children in Xi’an were mainly single infection type and the detection rate of MP was the highest. With the increase of age, the detection rates of ADV, influenza virus B and MP increased, but RSV decreased. Except HRV, which had two peak detection rates in spring and autumn, the other five pathogens showed a trend of "staggered outbreaks" in winter and spring. While the multiple infection types were mostly dual infection, HRV+ RSV co-infection was the dominant infection type in infants (<3 years), while ADV+ MP co-infection was the dominant infection type in school-age children (3-14 years).