ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.

Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.

ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness and safety of modified Taohong Siwu Decoction （桃红四物汤） for patients of chronic heart failure with lower limb deep vein thrombosis in the chronic stage of blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA total of 120 patients of chronic heart failure with lower limb deep vein thrombosis in chronic stage of blood stasis syndrome were randomly divided into 60 cases each in control group and observation group. Both groups were given basic treatment of western medicine， and the observation group was additionally given modified Taohong Siwu Decoction （桃红四物汤） for oral administration， one dose per day. The treatment course for both groups lasted for 4 weeks. The total effective rate and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups after treatment. Cardiac function indexes including left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， and left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter （LVESd）， left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter （LVEDd）， serological indexes including N-terminal natriuretic natriuretic peptide precursor （NT-proBNP）， high sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， score of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom including chest pain， swelling of the affected limb， fixed tenderness， and bruising， haemodynamics indicators including high cut whole blood viscosity， low cut whole blood viscosity， and erythrocyte pressure， and coagulation indices including activated partial thromboplastin time （APTT）， plasminogen time （PT）， and fibrinogen （FIB） levels were compared before and after treatment. ResultsDuring the study， 3 cases were excluded and 2 cases lost follow-up in the observation group， while 2 cases were excluded and 3 cases lost follow-up in the control group. A total of 110 patients completed the trial， 55 cases in each of the two groups. The total effective rate in the observation group was 92.73% （51/55）， which was significantly higher than that of the control group， 78.18% （43/55， P＜0.05）. Compared within group before treatment， LVEF， APTT and PT levels increased， LVESd， LVEDd， NT-proBNP， hs-CRP， VEGF， high cut whole blood viscosity， low cut whole blood viscosity， erythrocyte pressure volume and FIB levels decreased， chest pain， swelling of the affected limbs， stationary pressure pain and bruising score decreased in both groups after treatment， and the improvement of all above indexes was better in the observation group than that in control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The incidence of adverse reactions was 7.27% （4/55） in the observation group and 21.82% （12/55） in the control group， and the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionModified Taohong Siwu Decoction （桃红四物汤） as adjuvant treatment for patients of chronic heart failure with lower limb deep vein thrombosis in the chronic stage of blood stasis syndrome showed better clinical effectiveness when compared with western basic treatment， which can improve the clinical symptoms， cardiac function， haemodynamics， and coagulation， with good safety.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of ligustilide(LIG)-mediated phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway on mitophagy in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods 161 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into sham operation(Sham)group,model group,LIG low-dose group,LIG high-dose group,mitophagy inhibitor(Mdivi-1)group,LIG high-dose+Mdivi-1 group,and the positive drug Nimodipine(NMDP)group,each with 23 rats.A modified middle cerebral artery wire thrombus method was used to construct a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats,and the neurobehavioral scores of rats in each group were compared by Longa's five-point scale;the volume of cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TCC)staining,the histopathology and ultrastructure of the hippocampus were examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM).And the Na+-K+-Adenosine Triphosphate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);double immunofluorescence staining for translocase of the outer membrane of mitochondrion 20(TOMM20)and Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)co-localized area percentage.Flow cytometry assay(FCM)to test the level of reactive oxygen(ROS);real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to measure the relative content of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons;and Western blot was performed to test the level of autophagy and the PINK1/Parkin pathway related protein expression.Results Compared with the Sham group,the neurological function score and cerebral infarction volume of the model group were increased,the hippocampal neurons showed pathological damage such as disordered arrangement,nucleolus disappearance and partial shrinkage of the nucleus and plasma,nuclear membrane rupture,swelling,membrane rupture and crista reduction of some mitochondria,a large number of autophagosomes were observed,and the colocalization area percentage of TOMM20 and LC3 was increased.TOMM20 and cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV isoform 1(COX4I1)in hippocampus and selective autophagy adaptor protein 62(p62)protein expression,mitochondrial encoded ATP synthase 6(mt-ATP6)/Ribosomal protein L13(Rpl13)ratio and Na+-K+-ATPase content decreased,while PINK1 and Parkin protein expression,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.602～52.012,all P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the neurological function score,cerebral infarction volume,pathological and ultrastructural damage of hippocampal neurons were significantly improved in the LIG low,high dose and NMDP groups,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.851～12.525,all P<0.01).The colocalization of TOMM20 and LC3 and the content of Na+-K+-ATPase were increased,while the expression of TOMM20,COX4I1 and p62 proteins and the mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio were decreased in the high-dose LIG group.The protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.087～33.211,all P<0.01).Compared with the LIG high-dose group,the Mdivi-1 and LIG+Mdivi-1 groups had significantly decreased colocalization of TOMM20 and LC3 and Na+-K+-ATPase content,and significantly increased expression of TOMM20,COX4I1 and p62 proteins and mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio.The protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.008～43.415,all P<0.01).However,the percentage of TOMM20 and LC3 co-localization area,PINK1 and Parkin protein expression,LC3-II/I ratio and Na+-K+-ATPase content in the hippocampus of the LIG+Mdivi-1 group were higher than those of the Mdivi-1 group.The protein expression of COX4I1 and p62,mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio and ROS level were lower than those in MDIV-1 group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.721～21.513,all P<0.01).Conclusion LIG may activate mitophagy by regulating PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to protect neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Purpose To explore the value of contrast-enhanced CT habitat imaging(HI)in preoperative non-invasive visualization for predicting pathological grading of clear cell renal carcinoma(ccRCC).Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on enhanced CT images and clinical data from 240 patients with pathologically confirmed ccRCC at Xijing Hospital,the Fourth Military Medical University from January 2020 to December 2023.All patients were randomly divided into training and test sets at a 7:3 ratio and classified into low-grade group(International Society of Urological Pathology Ⅰ-Ⅱ)and high-grade group(International Society of Urological Pathology Ⅲ-Ⅳ)based on postoperative pathology.Using wash-in and wash-out parametric maps,the tumors were segmented into three perfusion-based habitat subregions(low,medium and high)via K-means clustering,and the volume fraction of each subregion was calculated.Predictive factors were selected from habitat features and clinical variables(including sex,age,tumor size,etc.)using Logistic regression.Three models were constructed:a clinical model,a habitat imaging model and a combined clinical-habitat model.Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve and decision curve analysis.Results Habitat 3 exhibited higher wash-in and wash-out gradients compared to Habitats 1 and 2,indicating hyper perfusion.Its proportion was significantly higher in the low-grade group than in the high-grade group(Z=-7.71,-5.11,both P<0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression identified hypertension,maximum tumor diameter and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as independent risk factors for high-grade ccRCC,while the proportion of Habitat 3 was a protective factor(OR=0.297,95％CI 0.184-0.479).The combined clinical-habitat model demonstrated the highest predictive performance[area under the curve(AUC)=0.938],significantly outperforming the clinical model(AUC=0.801,Z=-3.832,P<0.01)and the habitat imaging model(AUC=0.895,Z=-2.157,P=0.031).Conclusion The clinical-habitat imaging model achieves the highest predictive performance for ccRCC pathological grading.Contrast-enhanced CT habitat imaging provides significant incremental value in predicting ccRCC pathological grading,showing potential to guide precision medicine in clinical practice.

Objective To verify the applicability of a pig STR multiplex amplification system for detecting processed foods containing pork and their digestive samples,and to evaluate its potential in food safety and forensic biological evidence analysis.Methods DNA profiles were obtained using the pig STR amplification system from food samples with different levels of processing(raw pork,boiled pork,fried pork,and sausage)and from digestive samples(rat gastric contents).The influence of processing methods on DNA integrity was assessed.The uniformity of large-scale processed ham products,the consistency of DNA profiles from different parts of the same sample,and the DNA degradation patterns after rat digestion were examined.Results STR profiling of pig DNA was successful in all tested samples.Short fragments showed high amplification stability,while long fragment signals weakened with increasing processing complexity.In processed ham products,DNA profiles were consistent across all sampled parts,with fragment drift within±0.5 bp.Analysis of rat gastric contents showed slight DNA degradation within 2 hours;after 3 hours,long fragment signals weakened,and after 4 hours,some loci signals were lost.Conclusion The pig STR multiplex amplification system exhibits excellent performance in detecting processed pork products and their digestive samples.It can meet the requirements of food traceability and forensic biological evidence analysis for processed pork,providing new insights for the advancement of forensic testing techniques in this field.

Avian infectious bronchitis(IB),a rapidly spreading and acute disease in chickens,is caused by the infectious bronchitis virus(IBV).IB is characterized by its remarkable genetic varia-bility.IBV has a high degree of mutation,and the existing means of immunization often fail to a-chieve good results,seriously affecting the development of the domestic poultry industry.This ar-ticle offers a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the immune response to IBV,focusing on three key areas:non-specific immunity,mucosal immunity,and specific immunity.By dissecting these aspects,the aim is to provide a theoretical reference for the study of the immune mechanism of IBV.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of ligustilide(LIG)-mediated phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway on mitophagy in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods 161 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into sham operation(Sham)group,model group,LIG low-dose group,LIG high-dose group,mitophagy inhibitor(Mdivi-1)group,LIG high-dose+Mdivi-1 group,and the positive drug Nimodipine(NMDP)group,each with 23 rats.A modified middle cerebral artery wire thrombus method was used to construct a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats,and the neurobehavioral scores of rats in each group were compared by Longa's five-point scale;the volume of cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TCC)staining,the histopathology and ultrastructure of the hippocampus were examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and transmission electron microscope(TEM).And the Na+-K+-Adenosine Triphosphate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);double immunofluorescence staining for translocase of the outer membrane of mitochondrion 20(TOMM20)and Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)co-localized area percentage.Flow cytometry assay(FCM)to test the level of reactive oxygen(ROS);real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to measure the relative content of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons;and Western blot was performed to test the level of autophagy and the PINK1/Parkin pathway related protein expression.Results Compared with the Sham group,the neurological function score and cerebral infarction volume of the model group were increased,the hippocampal neurons showed pathological damage such as disordered arrangement,nucleolus disappearance and partial shrinkage of the nucleus and plasma,nuclear membrane rupture,swelling,membrane rupture and crista reduction of some mitochondria,a large number of autophagosomes were observed,and the colocalization area percentage of TOMM20 and LC3 was increased.TOMM20 and cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV isoform 1(COX4I1)in hippocampus and selective autophagy adaptor protein 62(p62)protein expression,mitochondrial encoded ATP synthase 6(mt-ATP6)/Ribosomal protein L13(Rpl13)ratio and Na+-K+-ATPase content decreased,while PINK1 and Parkin protein expression,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.602～52.012,all P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the neurological function score,cerebral infarction volume,pathological and ultrastructural damage of hippocampal neurons were significantly improved in the LIG low,high dose and NMDP groups,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.851～12.525,all P<0.01).The colocalization of TOMM20 and LC3 and the content of Na+-K+-ATPase were increased,while the expression of TOMM20,COX4I1 and p62 proteins and the mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio were decreased in the high-dose LIG group.The protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.087～33.211,all P<0.01).Compared with the LIG high-dose group,the Mdivi-1 and LIG+Mdivi-1 groups had significantly decreased colocalization of TOMM20 and LC3 and Na+-K+-ATPase content,and significantly increased expression of TOMM20,COX4I1 and p62 proteins and mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio.The protein expression of PINK1 and Parkin,LC3-II/I ratio and ROS relative content were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.008～43.415,all P<0.01).However,the percentage of TOMM20 and LC3 co-localization area,PINK1 and Parkin protein expression,LC3-II/I ratio and Na+-K+-ATPase content in the hippocampus of the LIG+Mdivi-1 group were higher than those of the Mdivi-1 group.The protein expression of COX4I1 and p62,mt-ATP6/Rpl13 ratio and ROS level were lower than those in MDIV-1 group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.721～21.513,all P<0.01).Conclusion LIG may activate mitophagy by regulating PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to protect neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Objective:To explore the interaction of IL-2,IL-6 factors and intestinal flora disorder in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).Methods:A total of 100 RA patients diagnosed at Shijiazhuang People's Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled and divided into the RA-ILD group(with ILD,n=27)and RA-noILD group(with-out ILD,n=73)according to the results of pulmonary CT and clinical manifestations.Fecal samples were collected from all partici-pants,and intestinal flora levels were cultured and analyzed.Bacterial DNA was extracted from fecal samples,and the 16S rDNA gene was amplified by PCR to generate DGGE profiles of gut microbiota.The Shannon-Wiener index,evenness,and richness of intestinal bacteria were calculated.Cluster analysis was performed to compare structural differences in gut microbiota between the groups.Demo-graphic characteristics,clinical symptoms,laboratory parameters,and intestinal flora-related indicators were compared between the groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for ILD development in RA pa-tients.Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate relationships between serum IL-2,IL-6 levels and gut microbiota parame-ters.Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine independent factors influencing disease progression in RA-ILD patients.Results:Smoking,age≥53.77 years old,anti-CCP antibody≥334.60 RU/ml,IL-6≥199.47 ng/ml,IL-2<3.10 ng/ml,richness<18.39,Shannon-Wiener index<2.88,Bifidobacterium<7.27 CFU/g,Bacteroides fragilis<7.75 CFU/g,Hmax<3.14 and flora uniformity<0.92 were independent factors affecting the occurrence of ILD in patients with RA.In patients with RA-ILD,serum IL-6 level was negatively correlated with richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Hmax and flora evenness,while serum IL-2 level was positively correlated with richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Hmax and flora evenness.Smoking,age,anti-CCP antibody,IL-6,IL-2,richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Bifidobacterium,Bacteroides fragilis,Hmax and flora uniformity were independent factors affecting the outcome of RA-ILD patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:Smoking,age,anti-CCP antibody,IL-6,IL-2,richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Bifido-bacterium,Bacteroides fragilis,Hmax and flora uniformity have significant diagnostic and prognostic value for RA-ILD.The changes of intestinal microbial community in patients with RA-ILD and the changes in the number and structure of intestinal bacteria may be one of the important factors of RA patients complicated with ILD.

Objective To explore the predictive value of quantitative parameters of dual-layer detector spectral CT(DLCT)for Ki-67 expression in solid lung adenocarcinoma.Methods The data of 103 patients were retrospectively collected,and the patients were divided into Ki-67 high expression and Ki-67 low expression groups according to Ki-67 proliferation index.The quantitative parame-ters of DLCT were measured and calculated,and the differences in these parameters between the two groups were compared.The parameters with statistically significant differences were assessed for correlation with Ki-67 expression.The efficacy of DLCT param-eters and combined parameters in predicting Ki-67 expression in solid lung adenocarcinoma were evaluated by receiver operating character-istic(ROC)curve and compared by DeLong test.Results Long diameter,short diameter and smoking history were positively corre-lated with the Ki-67 expression in solid lung adenocarcinoma(r>0,P<0.05).Gender and quantitative parameters of DLCT were nega-tively correlated with the Ki-67 expression in solid lung adenocarcinoma(r<0,P<0.05).The combined parameters of convention and spectral CT had the highest prediction efficiency.Conclusion The quantitative parameters of DLCT can be used to evaluate the Ki-67 expres-sion in solid lung adenocarcinoma.