ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Huayu Tongluo Formula （化瘀通络方， HTF） in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome and explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA multi-center， randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients of mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome were divided into a control group of 46 cases and a treatment group of 44 cases. Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment， the treatment group additionally taking HTF， while the control group taking a placebo of the formula. The treatment was administered once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes included 24-hour urine total protein （24 h-UTP）， serum albumin （Alb）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， and serum creatinine （Scr）.The secondary outcomes included changes in levels of endothelin-1 （ET-1）， nitric oxide （NO）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on TCM syndrome scores and overall disease outcomes. Adverse reactions and endpoint events were recorded. ResultsIn the treatment group after treatment， 24 h-UTP， ET-1， and VEGF levels significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， Alb and NO levels significantly increased （P＜0.05）； while the TCM syndrome scores for edema， lumbar pain， numbness of limbs， dark purple lips， dark purple tongue or purpura， and thin， rough pulse all significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. In the control group， no significant changes were observed in any of the indicators after treatment （P＞0.05）.Compared with the control group， the treatment group showed significant reductions in 24 h-UTP， ET-1， and VEGF levels， and increases in Alb and NO levels （P＜0.05）. The TCM syndrome scores for edema， lumbar pain， dark purple tongue or purpura， and thin， rough pulse were all lower in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the treatment group was 59.09% （26/44）， and the overall clinical effective rate was 45.45% （20/44）. In the control group， these rates were 15.22% （7/46） and 8.7% （4/46）， respectively， with the treatment group showing significantly better outcomes （P＜0.05）. A total of 7 adverse events occurred across both groups， with no significant difference （P＞0.05）. No endpoint events occurred during the study. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional treatment of Western medicine， HTF can further reduce urinary protein levels and improve clinical symptoms in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome. The mechanism may be related to its effects on endothelial function.

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between self-assessed health and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index （AICC） in older adults， and to further analyze the differences in this relationship across gender groups. MethodsBased on the China health and retirement longitudinal study （CHARLS） database， this study selected data on basic characteristics， chronic disease status， depressive symptoms， and self-assessed health of older adults aged ≥60 years. Chi-square tests were used to perform a preliminary analysis of the association between these factors and AICC scores. A multifactorial ordered logistic regression model was constructed to assess the effects of each influencing factor on AICC， while multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the linear relationship between self-rated health and AICC scores. Additionally. Stratified analysis by gender was performed to evaluate gender differences. ResultsA total of 10 911 participants were included， with a mean age of 67.40±5.94 years； 6 249 （57.3%） were male and 4 662（42.7%） were female. The distribution of AICC scores was categorized into low-risk， moderate-risk， higher-risk， and high-risk groups， accounting for 23.5%， 50.2%， 20.6%， and 5.7%， respectively. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that self-rated health was negatively associated with AICC in the total population and in the male geriatric group （OR=0.843， 95% CI： 0.776， 0.917， P=0.001）， （OR=0.886， 95% CI： 0.796 ， 0.987， P=0.028）， but did not reach statistical significance in the female geriatric group . Linear regression analysis further indicated a significant negative linear relationship between self-rated health and AICC （b=-0.485， 95% CI： -0.516，-0.455， P＜0.001）.This relationship was consistent in both male （b=-0.356， 95% CI： -0.406，-0.305， P＜0.001） and female （b=-0.373， 95% CI： -0.435，-0.310， P＜0.001） subgroups， with a stronger negative association in females. ConclusionSelf-rated health is significantly negatively associated with AICC， and attention should be given to self-rated health in the female geriatric population. Self-rated health can serve as an important tool for identifying elderly group at high risk of comorbidities providing a valuable basis for precise intervention.

Objective:To investigate the imaging quality of CBCT under different exposure parameters and the relationship between subjective and objective evaluation.Methods:CBCT scanners of 6 different suppliers[3D Accuitomo(Morita),i-mCAT(Kavo),5G(NewTom),Smart3D(Beijing Langshi),DCT Pro(Vatech),Vgi(NewTom)]were used to scan the spatial resolution models and head simulators under typical exposure conditions(different device with different tube voltage and current for exposure).The visibility of SedentexCT IQ phantom and anatomical structures generated by different CBCT scanners were compared.For objective evaluation,7 professional evaluators scored CBCT imaging qualities.For subjective evaluation,the resolution(LP/mm)of the images were com-pared among the devices.Results:No significant difference was found by 7 evaluators either intra or inter of the teams.By objective e-valuation,the score of NewTom 5G was 2,that of i-CAT was 5 and that of the others was 4.By subjective evaluation,the LP/mm of i-CAT was 1.8,that of Smart3D was 2.0 and that of the others was 1.0-1.7.The subjective evaluation of image quality obtained un-der different tube voltages and tube currents were significantly different.Conclusion:The subjective and objective evaluations of image quality are approximately consistent.The difference of the subjective image quality may be produced by the different tube voltage and current for exposure.

Objective:To explore the hematological phenotype and genotypic characteristics of five Chinese individuals with a rare thalassemia mutation HBB: c. 93-21G>A. Methods:A retrospective study was carried out on five individuals identified by the People′s Hospital of Yangjiang and Guangzhou Hybribio Co., Ltd. from May 2018 to September 2022. Routine blood test and hemoglobin electrophoresis were performed, and the genotypes of five subjects were determined by using PCR combined with reverse dot blotting (RDB), nested PCR, Gap-PCR and Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Cornmittee of the People′s Hospital of Yangjiang (Ethics No. 20240001).Results:Among the five individuals, hematological data of one was unavailable, and the remaining four had presented with microcytosis and hypochromia. The results of hemoglobin electrophoresis indicated that all of them had a HbA 2 level of ≥4.7%. Genetic analysis showed that one case had harbored compound heterozygous mutations of ααα anti3.7 triplet and HBB: c. 93-21G>A, one had compound heterozygous mutations of -α 3.7 and HBB: c. 93-21G>A, whilst the remaining three were heterozygous for the HBB: c. 93-21G>A mutation. Conclusion:The hematological phenotype of β-thalassemia carriers ( HBB: c. 93-21G>A) is similar to that of other β + thalassemia heterozygotes with mild β-thalassemia characteristics.

Objective To investigate the binding and carrying effects of human serum albumin(HSA)from various sources on sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P).Methods Utilizing human plasma-derived HSA(pHSA)and recombinant HSA(rHSA)samples as the focal points of our investigation,LC-MS/MS technology was employed to meticulously compare and an-alyze the disparities in S1P content among the aforementioned samples.Subsequently,under physiological concentration condi-tions,S1P was directly introduced to HSA samples for loading processing,facilitating a comprehensive comparison of the bind-ing efficacy of HSA from different sources to S1P.Within a serum-free culture setting,HSA samples from various sources were co-cultured with HUVEC cells.The alterations in S1P content within the cell culture supernatant across different treatment groups were meticulously analyzed,allowing for a nuanced comparison of the S1P carry effects exerted by HSA from different sources on cells.The interaction between HSA and S1P molecules from different sources was analyzed and their affinity was cal-culated using surface plasmon resonance(SPR)technology.Furthermore,leveraging AutoDock Vina software and the Mol-prophet platform,the molecular docking analysis of HSA and S1P was conducted,aiming to predict the key binding pocket do-main of S1P within HSA.Results All pHSA samples exhibited detectable levels of S1P(ranging from 3.31±0.03 to 30.35±0.07 μg/L),with significant variations observed among pHSA samples from different manufacturers(P＜0.001).Conversely,S1P was undetectable in all rHSA samples.Upon load treatment,the binding affinity of HSA from diverse sources to S1P dem-onstrated significant discrepancies(P＜0.001),with rHSA exhibiting approximately double the average S1P loading compared to pHSA(ΔCrHSA=801.75±142.45 μg/L vs ΔCpHSA=461.94±85.73 μg/L;P＜0.001,t=5.006).Co-culture treatment out-comes revealed a significant elevation in S1P concentration within the supernatant after 6 hours of co-culture across all HSA sample processing groups with HUVEC cells,while no changes were observed in the supernatant of the blank control group.Notably,significant differences in supernatant S1P concentration were observed among treatment groups at 6 h,12 h,and 24 h(P＜0.001).SPR analysis unveiled a stronger affinity of pHSA for S1P compared to rHSA(KDpHSA-S1P:2.38E-06,KDrHSA-S1P:3.72E-06).Molecular docking analysis and binding pocket prediction suggested that the key binding pocket of HSA and S1P may reside in the IB subdomain of the HSA molecule.Conclusion HSA from various sources exhibits distinct binding and carrying effects on S1P,which appear to be closely associated with the IB subdomain of the HSA molecule.

The endoplasmic reticulum is a key site for protein production and quality control.More than one-third of proteins are synthesized and folded into the correct three-dimensional conformation in the endoplasmic reticulum.However,during protein folding,unfolded and/or misfolded proteins are prone to occur,which may lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress.Organisms can monitor the quality of the proteins produced by endoplasmic reticulum quality control(ERQC)and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation(ERAD),which maintain endoplasmic reticulum protein homeostasis by degrading abnormally folded proteins.The underlying mechanisms of protein folding and ERAD in mammals have not yet been fully explored.Therefore,this paper reviews the process and function of protein folding and ERAD in mammalian cells,in order to help clinicians better understand the mechanism of ERAD and to provide a scientific reference for the treatment of diseases caused by abnormal ERAD.

Objective:To analyze the levels of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1),soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(sVCAM-1),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in the patients with maintenance hemodialysis(MHD),and to discuss their relationships with coronary artery calcification(CAC).Methods:The clinical materials from 102 MHD patients(MHD group)were retrospectively analyzed.Additionally,74 volunteers underwent routine health examination at the same time(health examination group)were selected.The CAC scores(CACs)of the patients in MHD group were detected by multi-slice computed tomography(MSCT),and the patients were categorized into non-calcification group,mild calcification group,moderate calcification group,and severe calcification group.The general data and serum levels of sICAM-1,sVCAM-1,and SOD activities of the subjects in two groups were compared.The levels of calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P),parathyroid hormone(PTH),sICAM-1,sVCAM-1,and SOD activities in serum of the patients with different degrees of calcification were analyzed.Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the levels of sICAM-1,sVCAM-1,and SOD activity in serum of the MHD patients and CACs.Results:Compared with health examination group,the levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in serum of the patients in MHD group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the SOD activity was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with non-calcification group,the levels of PTH,sICAM-1,and sVCAM-1 in serum of the MHD patients in mild,moderate,and severe calcification groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the SOD activities were significantly decreased(P<0.05);the levels of P in serum of the MHD patients in moderate and severe calcification groups were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with mild calcification group,the levels of P,PTH,sICAM-1,and sVCAM-1 in serum of the MHD patients in moderate and severe calcification groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the SOD activities significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with moderate calcification group,the levels of sICAM-1,sVCAM-1,and P in serum of the MHD patients in severe calcification group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the SOD activity was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The SOD activity in serum of the MHD patients was negatively correlated with CACs(r=-0.484,P<0.01),while the levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were positively correlated with CACs(r=0.441,P<0.01;r=0.561,P<0.01).Conclusion:The levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 and activity of SOD in serum of the MHD patients are abnormal.With the decreasing of the SOD activity and increasing of the levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1,the degree of CAC in the MHD patients is aggravated.

Parathyroid disease is an endocrine disease caused by abnormal secretion of parathyroid hormone, which causes systemic multi-system reactions. Ultrasonography is currently the first-line method for the evaluation of parathyroid diseases and one of the important tools for preoperative localization of parathyroid lesions. In order to improve the ultrasonic diagnosis rate of parathyroid diseases, this article reviews the conventional ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and ultrasound elastography characteristics of normal parathyroid glands and parathyroid diseases.

Objective:To investigate the activation of ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy in brain tissues of rats after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and the role of autophagy in secondary traumatic brain injury.Methods:(1) Twenty-five SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, group of 3 h after sTBI, group of 1 d after sTBI, group of 3 d after sTBI and group of 7 d after sTBI ( n=5). Only bone window was opened in sham-operated group, and controlled cortical impact (CCI)-induced sTBI models were established in the other 4 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of free ubiquitin, ubiquitinated protein, vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34), P62, microtubule-associated protein-light chain 3-II, and Mature-cathepsin D (CTSD). (2) One hundred SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, sTBI group, lactacystin group and SAR405 group ( n=25). Ten μL lactacystin or SAR405 were stereotactically injected into the lateral ventricle of lactacystin group and SAR405 group, respectively; 30 min after that, CCI-induced sTBI models were established in the sTBI group, lactacystin group and SAR405 group. Three d after modeling, the expressions of ubiquitinated protein, LC3-II, P62, and Caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting; percentage of brain water content was determined by dry/wet weight ratio; neurological functions were assessed by modified neurological deficit scale (mNSS); degrees of brain tissue damage were detected by HE staining; and cerebral blood perfusion was detected by laser scattering hemodynamic imaging system. Results:(1) Compared with sham-operated group, group of 3 h after sTBI, group of 1 d after sTBI, group of 3 d after sTBI and group of 7 d after sTBI had significantly decreased free ubiquitin, and group of 1 d after sTBI, group of 3 d after sTBI and group of 7 d after sTBI had significantly increased ubiquitinated protein in the brain tissues surrounding the injury lesions ( P<0.05). Compared with sham-operated group, group of 3 d after sTBI and group of 7 d after sTBI had statistically increased VPS34 and Mature-CTSD and significantly decreased P62 and group of 1 d after sTBI, group of 3 d after sTBI and group of 7 d after sTBI had significantly increased LC3-II in the brain tissues surrounding the injury lesions ( P<0.05). (2) The ubiquitinated protein relative expressions in the brain tissues surrounding the injury lesions of normal control group, sTBI group, lactacystin group and SAR405 group were 4.78±2.63, 10.62±0.73, 13.45±1.22 and 8.50±0.83, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the sTBI group, lactacystin group and SAR405 group had significantly higher LC3-II, ubiquitinated protein and cleaved caspase-3/pro-caspase-3, and significantly lower P62 in the brain tissues surrounding the injury lesions ( P<0.05); compared with the the sTBI group, the lactacystin group had significantly higher LC3-II, ubiquitinated protein, and cleaved caspase-3/pro-caspase-3, and significantly lower P62 in the brain tissues surrounding the injury lesions ( P<0.05); compared with the the sTBI group, the SAR405 group had significantly lower LC3-II, ubiquitinated protein and cleaved caspase-3/pro-caspase-3, and significantly higher P62 in the brain tissues surrounding the injury lesions ( P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group([67.60±2.51]%、[0±0] scores、[333.41±46.86] PU), the sTBI group, lactacystin group and SAR405 group had statistically higher percentage of brain water content and mNSS scores ([80.2±1.30]%, [87.0±1.58]% and [71.60±1.81]%; 13.8±1.10, 16.4±0.55 and 10.40±1.14) and signficantly lower cerebral blood perfusion volume ([53.98±5.99] PU, [21.71±2.62] PU and [87.97±6.75] PU, P<0.05); compared with the sTBI group, the lactacystin group had significantly higher brain water content and mNSS scores, and significantly lower cerebral blood perfusion volume ( P<0.05); compared with the sTBI group, the SAR405 group had significantly lower brain water content and mNSS scores, and significantly higher cerebral blood perfusion volume ( P<0.05). HE staining showed that the cortical tissues were most severely damaged in the lactacystin group, followed by the sTBI group; the least damage was noted in the SAR405 group, and no significant damage in the normal control group was noted. Conclusion:After sTBI, UPS activation is earlier than autophagy; autophagy inhibition helps to alleviate UPS dysfunction, reduce Caspase-3-induced apoptosis, and is beneficial to the recovery of neurological function.

Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/pathology* ; Multiomics ; Trastuzumab ; Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics* ; Machine Learning