Myasthenia gravis(MG)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by skeletal muscle weakness and,in severe cases,respiratory involvement.Western medical treatment predominantly relies on immunosuppressants,but long-term administration often leads to notable side effects.In contrast,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)offers the advantage of multi-target interventions.However,the pathogenesis of MG has not been fully elucidated,and the establishment of animal models that accurately reflect the clinical characteristics of both Chinese and Western medicine is essential for mechanism research and new drug development.This paper systematically reviews the etiology and pathogenesis,diagnostic criteria,and progress of animal model research for MG from both Chinese and Western medicine perspectives.In Western medicine,the pathogenesis of MG is closely related to genetic susceptibility,environmental factors,and autoantibody-mediated postsynaptic membrane damage.In TCM,MG is classified under the category of"flaccidity syndrome",attributed to congenital deficiencies and acquired malnourishment.Western diagnostic criteria involve a combination of clinical symptoms,fatigue testing,serum antibody assays,and electrophysiological evaluation.In contrast,TCM diagnosis emphasizes the integration of primary and secondary symptoms with tongue and pulse pattern differentiation.Currently available animal models mainly include experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG)and passive transfer myasthenia gravis(PTMG).The Toredo acetylcholine receptor(AChR)induced EAMG model aligns well with Western diagnostic criteria,but poorly matches secondary symptoms in TCM.The synthetic AChR peptide model is widely used,but shows low conformity with TCM syndromes.Models induced by muscle-specific tyrosine kinase(MuSK),low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4(LRP4),and transgenic models demonstrate high innovation but exhibit low clinical conformity.Evaluation of these models requires integration of behavioral,electrophysiological,and immunological indicators.However,a systematic framework for modelling TCM syndromes is still lacking.Future research should integrate TCM-based etiological modelling methods with the Western pathological mechanisms to construct disease-syndrome combination models.Additionally,it is crucial to establish a TCM syndrome evaluation system based on"validation by prescription",as well as to improve the scientific rigor and practicality of animal models by the incorporation of emerging technologies.This review provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing MG animal model design,advancing the research on the combination of Chinese and Western medicine,and supporting efficacy assessment and mechanism exploration of Chinese herbal prescriptions.

Background and Aims:Postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)is one of the most severe and common complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)and is a major cause of mortality after PD.Given the multiple risk factors associated with PD-POPF,developing an effective predictive model is of significant clinical importance.This study was conducted to explore the predictive performance of the triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index combined with serological indicators for POPF following PD.Methods:The preoperative general data,laboratory indicators within one week before surgery,and postoperative complication data of 291 patients who underwent PD at the Department of General Surgery,Second Hospital of Lanzhou University,from January 2019 to June 2024,were retrospectively collected.Patients were randomly divided into a modeling group(203 cases)and a validation group(88 cases)using a computer-generated random number method at a 7∶3 ratio.Univariate Logistic regression and multivariate binary Logistic regression(Back-Wald method)were performed on the modeling group data.Based on regression analysis results,a predictive model was constructed and visualized using a nomogram.The discriminative ability of the nomogram model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC).A calibration curve was used to assess the agreement between predicted and actual probabilities,and a decision curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical application value of the model.Subgroup analysis was performed on potential factors influencing the outcome variables.Results:Among the 291 patients,70 developed POPF,with 49 cases in the modeling group and 21 in the validation group.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(all P>0.05).Univariate analysis in the modeling group identified body mass index(BMI),triglycerides,TyG index,albumin(ALB),platelet count(PLT),absolute lymphocyte count(LYM),and absolute neutrophil count(NEUT)as significant factors associated with POPF(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI,TyG index,ALB,PLT,LYM,and NEUT were independent influencing factors for POPF(all P<0.05).A PD-POPF risk prediction model and nomogram were constructed based on these results.The model achieved an AUC of 0.80(0.73-0.86),and when applied to the validation group,the ROC analysis yielded an AUC of 0.80(0.70-0.90).The calibration curves of both the modeling and validation groups closely aligned with the standard curve.Subgroup analysis indicated that tumor nature and tumor stage had minimal impact on PD-POPF risk factors,demonstrating good model stability.Conclusion:The TyG index,along with BMI,PLT,NEUT,ALB,and LYM,is closely associated with PD-POPF occurrence.The risk prediction model based on the TyG index and these influencing factors exhibits good predictive performance and holds significant clinical value for guiding early intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of stir-fried Semen Armeniacae Amarum (SAA) against aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA adducts and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved for ensuring the safe use of Asari Radix et Rhizoma. METHODS: In vitro, HEK293T cells overexpressing Flag-tagged multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3) were constructed by Lentiviral transduction, and inhibitory effect of top 10 common pairs of medicinal herbs with Asari Radix et Rhizoma in clinic on MRP3 activity was verified using a self-constructed fluorescence screening system. The mRNA, protein expressions, and enzyme activity levels of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) were measured in differentiated HepaRG cells. Hepatocyte toxicity after inhibition of AAI metabolite transport was detected using cell counting kit-8 assay. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups according to a random number table, including: control (1% sodium bicarbonate), AAI (10 mg/kg), stir-fried SAA (1.75 g/kg) and AAI + stir-fried SAA (1.75 and 8.75 g/kg) groups, 6 mice in each group. After 7 days of continuous gavage administration, liver and kidney damages were assessed, and the protein expressions and enzyme activity of liver metabolic enzymes NQO1 and CYP1A2 were determined simultaneously. RESULTS: In vivo, combination of 1.75 g/kg SAA and 10 mg/kg AAI suppressed AAI-induced nephrotoxicity and reduced dA-ALI formation by 26.7%, and these detoxification effects in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Mechanistically, SAA inhibited MRP3 transport in vitro, downregulated NQO1 expression in vivo, increased CYP1A2 expression and enzymatic activity in vitro and in vivo, respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Notably, SAA also reduced AAI-induced hepatotoxicity throughout the detoxification process, as indicated by a 41.3% reduction in the number of liver adducts (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Stir-fried SAA is a novel drug candidate for the suppression of AAI-induced liver and kidney damages. The protective mechanism may be closely related to the regulation of transporters and metabolic enzymes.
Aristolochic Acids/toxicity* ; Animals ; Humans ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)/genetics* ; HEK293 Cells ; Kidney/pathology* ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; DNA Adducts/drug effects* ; Male ; Kidney Diseases/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Prunus armeniaca ; Plant Extracts

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism by which Guijianyu ameliorates podocyte injury in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) induced by advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). METHODS: Sixty db/db mouse models of DKD were randomized equally into 5 groups for treatment with saline, Guijianyu extract at 3 doses or irbesartan for 12 weeks, and the changes in renal pathology and structure were observed using transmission electron microscopy, and the expressions of related genes and key proteins were detected using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In cultured MPC-5 cells incubated with 50 mg/L AGEs-BSA for 24 h, the effect of different concentrations of Guijianyu extract on cell viability was examined with CCK-8 assay; Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expressions of RAGE, VEGFA, TNF-α, NF-κB(p65), IL-6 and caspase-3, and the mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB (p65), VEGFA and IL-6 were detected with RT-qPCR. RESULTS: In mouse models of DKD, treatment with high-dose Guijianyu extract significantly reduced renal expressions of RAGE, VEGFA, NF-κB(p65), and IL-6 proteins and the mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB, and IL-6. In MPC-5 cells, exposure to AGEs significantly reduced cell viability and increased the protein expressions of RAGE, NF‑κB (p65), VEGFA, TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase-3 (P<0.05) and mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB (p65), VEGFA, and IL-6. Treatment with Guijianyu extract obviously improved cell viability and reduced the expressions of RAGE, NF-κB(p65), VEGFA, TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase-3. Furthermore, Guijianyu extract effectively reversed RAGE agonist-induced elevation of protein expressions of RAGE, VEGFA, TNF-α, IL-6, and caspase-3 and mRNA expressions of RAGE, NF-κB (p65), IL-6, and VEGFA in MPC-5 cells. CONCLUSIONS Guijianyu extract ameliorates AGEs-induced mouse renal podocyte injury in DKD by inhibiting the activation of AGEs-RAGE signaling pathway and reducing the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors.
Animals ; Glycation End Products, Advanced ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Podocytes/pathology* ; Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy* ; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Male

Apical microsurgery is accurate and minimally invasive, produces few complications, and has a success rate of more than 90%. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of apical microsurgery by dental general practitioners and even endodontists, many clinical problems remain to be overcome. The consensus has gathered well-known domestic experts to hold a series of special discussions and reached the consensus. This document specifies the indications, contraindications, preoperative preparations, operational procedures, complication prevention measures, and efficacy evaluation of apical microsurgery and is applicable to dentists who perform apical microsurgery after systematic training.
Microsurgery/standards* ; Humans ; Apicoectomy ; Contraindications, Procedure ; Tooth Apex/diagnostic imaging* ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control* ; Consensus ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites with diverse subtypes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. METHODS: A novel predicting risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs PREVENT equation was used to estimate the 10-year diverse subtypes of CVD risk, and their associations with PAH metabolites were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models, the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model, the quantile g-computation (qgcomp) model, and a stratified analysis of subgroups. RESULTS: For this study, six thousand seven hundred and forty-five participants were selected, and significant positive associations were observed between PAHs, naphthalene (NAP), and fluorene (FLU), and the risks of total CVD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and heart failure (HF). NAP and FLU were the primary contributors to the effects of PAH mixtures, and their associations with total CVD, ASCVD, and HF risk were significant in younger participants (30 ≤ age < 50 years); however, the associations of phenanthrene (PHEN) with ASCVD, HF, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke were dominant in aging participants (age ≥ 50 years). Notably, pyrene (PYR) was negatively associated with the risk of ASCVD, HF, CHD, and stroke. Similarly, negative associations of PYR with the four CVD subtypes were noticeable in aging participants. CONCLUSION Different PAHs metabolites had different impacts on each CVD subtype among different age groups. Notably, the protective effects of PYR on ASCVD, HF, CHD, and stroke were noticeable in aging individuals.
Humans ; Cardiovascular Diseases/chemically induced* ; Middle Aged ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Aged ; Risk Factors ; China/epidemiology*

Objective:To explore the application effect of phased target teaching combined with case teaching method in neurosurgery intern nurses.Methods:A convenient sampling method was used to select 96 intern nurses in the neurosurgery department of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2022 to December 2023. The participants were divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group received conventional teaching, while the observation group was given phased target teaching combined with case teaching method based on the control group's curriculum. The clinical work ability, critical thinking ability, teaching performance, teaching satisfaction and cooperation of the intern nurses in both groups were compared.Results:After the intervention, the observation group scored higher in clinical work ability, critical thinking ability, teaching satisfaction and cooperation, teaching performance compared to the control group ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The application of phased target teaching combined with case teaching method for neurosurgery intern nurses can improve their clinical work ability, critical thinking ability, academic performance, teaching satisfaction and cooperation. This method is worth recommending.

Recent research progress into the use of Chinese medicine has demonstrated good therapeutic effects for increasing numbers of Chinese medicines for immune system diseases.Atopic dermatitis(AD)is an inflammatory disease characterized by type 2 immunity,and research into its pathogenesis and therapeutic immunopharmaceuticals has result ed in various different types of animal models.This review summarizes the existing animal models of AD and their immune-related characteristics,with the aim of providing appropriate references for the selection of future research models related to AD.

Objective The differences in biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs between individuals with chronic ankle instability(CAI)and healthy individuals during unanticipated and anticipated jumping were compared,in order to provide practical references and ideas for the prevention and treatment of recurrent ankle sprains.Methods Thirty subjects were recruited,including 15 patients with CAI and 15 healthy volunteers.All subjects completed unanticipated and anticipated jumping tests in a random order,with a 1-week interval between the two tests.Kinematic and kinetic data of lower limbs were collected synchronously using Vicon infrared high-speed motion capture system and Kistler three-dimensional force platform.Results At the moment of touchdown,knee flexion angle was significantly greater during unanticipated jumping than that during anticipated jumping(P=0.009),while ankle eversion angle was notably lower(P=0.043).During the early landing phase,unanticipated jumping showed significantly greater peak hip flexion and abduction angles,as well as knee flexion(P=0.038,P=0.036,P=0.04),while peak ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles were significantly lower(P=0.001,P=0.01)compared to anticipated jumping.Additionally,peak hip abduction moment during unanticipated jumping was significantly higher in patients with CAI than that during anticipated jumping(P=0.028).Conclusions Unanticipated jumping reduced ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles in individuals with CAI,putting the ankle in an open,sprain-prone position.Individuals with CAI compensated proximally by increasing hip flexion,abduction,knee flexion angles,and hip extension moment to stabilize the ankle.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement(ViV-TMVR)in the treatment of bioprosthetic mitral valve failure.Methods Seventeen patients with bioprosthetic mitral valve failure who required ViV-TMVR were selected.Preoperative data including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),usage time of bioprosthetic mitral valve,comorbidities(hypertension,coronary heart disease,old cerebral infarction,atrial fibrillation and diabetes)and New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional class were recorded,and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),right atrial diameter(RA),pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),type of bioprosthetic mitral valve failure,degree of bioprosthetic mitral valve regurgitation and stenosis,peak velocity and mean transvalvular pressure gradient of the bioprosthetic mitral valve,and Society of Thoracic Surgeons(STS)score were also collected.Intraoperative data included puncture route,valve type,intraoperative complications,operation time and immediate postoperative transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)assessment(peak velocity and mean transvalvular pressure gradient of the valve-in-valve,valve-in-valve regurgitation or paravalvular regurgitation)were collected.Postoperative data included time in the intensive care unit(ICU)/cardiovascular intensive care unit(CCU),total postoperative hospital stay and 30-day postoperative echocardiographic results and NYHA functional class were recorded.Patients were divided into the domestic NewMed valve group(10 cases)and the imported Edwards valve group(7 cases)based on the type of valve used.The safety and efficacy of ViV-TMVR were analyzed,and the efficacy of domestic valves and imported valves was compared.Results All 17 patients successfully underwent ViV-TMVR via the transseptal approach without serious complications,and the 30-day readmission rate was 0%.There were no significant differences in operation time of domestic valves and imported valves,mild paravalvular regurgitation of the valve-in-valve,peak velocity and mean transvalvular pressure gradient of the valve-in-valve immediately after surgery and at 30-day postoperatively,time in ICU/CCU,total postoperative hospital stay and the proportion of patients with NYHA functional class Ⅲ-Ⅳ at 30-day postoperatively between the domestic valve group and the imported valve group.During the 30-day follow-up,one patient died of cerebral hemorrhage,and one patient had major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE,cerebral hemorrhage).Compared with before the operation,the peak velocity and mean transvalvular pressure gradient of the valve-in-valve,LVEF,and PASP decreased immediately after surgery and at 30 days after surgery.Compared with immediately after surgery,the peak velocity and mean transvalvular pressure gradient of the valve-in-valve increased at 30 days postoperatively(P＜0.01),while there were no significant differences in LVEF and PASP.Conclusion Transseptal ViV-TMVR is safe and effective in the short term for patients with bioprosthetic mitral valve failure who are at high risk of re-thoracotomy,and the efficacy of domestic valves is comparable to that of imported valves.