Objective:To study the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) for thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) 4 type thyroid micro-nodules (TN).Methods:A total of 121 TI-RADS 4 TN patients admitted to Zhanjiang Central People's Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All patients underwent examinations such as CEUS, FNA, and pathology (as the gold standard). The CEUS manifestations of TI-RADS 4 benign and malignant nodules were observed. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CEUS and FNA alone and in combination for TI-RADS 4 type TN benign and malignant nodules were calculated and compared.Results:Among the 121 patients, there were 109 females and 12 males, with an age of (48.27 ± 7.76) years. Pathological diagnosis showed 74 cases of malignancy and 47 cases of benign. CEUS diagnosed 64 cases of malignancy and 57 cases of benign, with a diagnostic accuracy of 86.49% (64/74); the CEUS manifestations of benign and malignant nodules were compared in terms of enhancement mode, enhancement level, uniformity, peripheral ring shape, and post enhancement boundary, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). FNA diagnosed 62 cases of malignancy and 59 cases of benign, with a diagnostic accuracy of 83.78% (62/74). CEUS combined with FNA diagnosed 72 cases of malignancy and 49 cases of benign, with a diagnostic accuracy rate of 97.30% (72/74). The accuracy of CEUS combined with FNA in diagnosing malignant nodules was higher than that of CEUS and FNA alone ( P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS combined with FNA in diagnosing malignant nodules were higher than those of CEUS and FNA alone ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of CEUS and FNA has good diagnostic value for TI-RADS 4 type TN, which can improve the accuracy and diagnostic efficiency of malignant nodule diagnosis.

Objective To observe the differences in gut microbiota in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression model rats of both sexes,and to provide experimental evidence for exploring sex differences in depression onset.Methods Thirty-two healthy SD rats were divided randomly into four groups based on sex:Male control group(Control-M),Female control group(Control-F),Male model group(Model-M),and Female model group(Model-F)(n=8 rats per group).Rats in the control groups were fed without stimulation,while rats in the model groups were stimulated using the 28 d CUMS-induced depression method.After successful modeling,fresh feces were collected from all rats for high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.Behavioral observations were also conducted before and after preparing the model.Results The result of sucrose-preference,open-field,and forced-swimming tests differed significantly between the control and model groups.The result of the sucrose-preference test also differed between the sexes,while there was no difference in the open-field or forced-swimming test between the sexes.The α and β diversity of the gut microbiota genera showed an upward trend in the CUMS group compared with the control group.The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the richness of the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were decreased in male rats but showed an increasing trend in female rats.Conclusions The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota may be a key factor affecting the difference in the onset of depression between males and females,while the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group be potential factors in correcting the gut microbiota and improving the symptoms of depression.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

Objective To observe the differences in gut microbiota in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression model rats of both sexes,and to provide experimental evidence for exploring sex differences in depression onset.Methods Thirty-two healthy SD rats were divided randomly into four groups based on sex:Male control group(Control-M),Female control group(Control-F),Male model group(Model-M),and Female model group(Model-F)(n=8 rats per group).Rats in the control groups were fed without stimulation,while rats in the model groups were stimulated using the 28 d CUMS-induced depression method.After successful modeling,fresh feces were collected from all rats for high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.Behavioral observations were also conducted before and after preparing the model.Results The result of sucrose-preference,open-field,and forced-swimming tests differed significantly between the control and model groups.The result of the sucrose-preference test also differed between the sexes,while there was no difference in the open-field or forced-swimming test between the sexes.The α and β diversity of the gut microbiota genera showed an upward trend in the CUMS group compared with the control group.The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the richness of the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were decreased in male rats but showed an increasing trend in female rats.Conclusions The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota may be a key factor affecting the difference in the onset of depression between males and females,while the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group be potential factors in correcting the gut microbiota and improving the symptoms of depression.

Objective:To study the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) for thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) 4 type thyroid micro-nodules (TN).Methods:A total of 121 TI-RADS 4 TN patients admitted to Zhanjiang Central People's Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All patients underwent examinations such as CEUS, FNA, and pathology (as the gold standard). The CEUS manifestations of TI-RADS 4 benign and malignant nodules were observed. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CEUS and FNA alone and in combination for TI-RADS 4 type TN benign and malignant nodules were calculated and compared.Results:Among the 121 patients, there were 109 females and 12 males, with an age of (48.27 ± 7.76) years. Pathological diagnosis showed 74 cases of malignancy and 47 cases of benign. CEUS diagnosed 64 cases of malignancy and 57 cases of benign, with a diagnostic accuracy of 86.49% (64/74); the CEUS manifestations of benign and malignant nodules were compared in terms of enhancement mode, enhancement level, uniformity, peripheral ring shape, and post enhancement boundary, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). FNA diagnosed 62 cases of malignancy and 59 cases of benign, with a diagnostic accuracy of 83.78% (62/74). CEUS combined with FNA diagnosed 72 cases of malignancy and 49 cases of benign, with a diagnostic accuracy rate of 97.30% (72/74). The accuracy of CEUS combined with FNA in diagnosing malignant nodules was higher than that of CEUS and FNA alone ( P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS combined with FNA in diagnosing malignant nodules were higher than those of CEUS and FNA alone ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of CEUS and FNA has good diagnostic value for TI-RADS 4 type TN, which can improve the accuracy and diagnostic efficiency of malignant nodule diagnosis.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the preventive effects of Keluoxin Capsules(KLX) on diabetic retinopathy in db/db mice. One hundred male db/db diabetic mice(45-55 g, 8 weeks) were randomly divided into 5 groups(model, KLX low dose, KLX middle dose, KLX high dose, Dobesilate) and 20 male C57 BL/KsJdb~(+/+) were taken as control group. Body weight and fasting blood-glucose were detected every week. Mice were administrated with saline(control and model group), KLX(780, 1 560, 3 120 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1), ig), Dobesilate(195 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1), ig) for 20 weeks, respectively. At the end of the administration, optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography and electroretinogram of the retina were measured. The eyeball was extirpated and retina was isolated to make paraffin section, followed by HE staining and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that KLX has no obvious effect on body weight and fasting blood level in db/db mice. However, KLX could significantly regulate the thickness of retinal ganglion layer and inner plexiform layer. KLX was able to remarkably reduce the quantity of diabetic microvessel. Meanwhile, KLX could notably improve retinal function. Moreover, KLX could observably modulate the cell arrangement and edema in each layer. There was no markable difference in retina according to the immunochemistry assay. In the present study, KLX exert marked preventive effects on diabetic retinopathy in db/db mice, which provided an experimental evidence for clinical use.
Animals ; Capsules ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; Diabetic Retinopathy ; drug therapy ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Random Allocation ; Retina ; drug effects

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics can achieve rapid detection in process analysis. After variable selection, the redundant information is effectively removed and the characteristic variables related to the response values are selected. Compared with global model, the complexity is significantly reduced and the prediction accuracy is also improved. In this study, near-infrared spectroscopy analysis combined with different variable selection methods was applied to achieve the rapid detection of baicalin in the extraction process of Scutellaria baicalensis. Data sets were divided based on sample set portioning based on joint x-y distance (SPXY) method. Competitive adaptive weighted resampling method (CARS), random frog (RF) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) were applied to variable selection. Partial least squares (PLS) models were constructed based on above three methods, and the prediction results were compared. After CARS, RF and SPA method, 92, 10 and 17 variables were screened out respectively. According to the performance of the models, CARS method is found to be more effective and suitable than RF and SPA. Furthermore, the characteristic variables selected by CARS method have a better correspondence with the chemical structure of baicalin. The root mean square error (RMSEC) of the calibration set and the root mean square error (RMSEP) of the prediction set are 0.528 2 and 0.720 2 respectively. Compared with the global PLS model, the correlation coefficient of the calibration set (Rc) is increased to 0.979 9 from 0.917 0, and the relative standard errors of prediction (RSEP) is reduced to 5.59% from 10.58%.