ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan （ZGW） treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 （DRD4）/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase 4 （NOX4） signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone （0.35 mg·kg^-1）. After successful modeling， the rats were randomized into model， methimazole （positive control， 5 mg·kg^-1）， low-， medium-， and high-dose （1.85， 3.70， 7.40 g·kg^-1， respectively） ZGW， and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage， the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones ［triiodothyronine （T₃）， thyroxine （T₄）， thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH）］， renal function indexes ［serum creatine （Scr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］， energy metabolism markers ［cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） and cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）］， and oxidative stress-related factors ［superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and NADPH）］ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4， NOX4， mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins ［NADH：ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 （NDUFS4） and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 （COX4）］， and inflammation-related protein ［tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）］ pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed mental malaise， body weight decreases （P<0.01）， inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue， a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid， elevations in serum levels of T₃， T₄， Scr， BUN， cAMP， cAMP/cGMP， MDA， and NADPH （P<0.01）， down-regulation in protein levels of TSH， SOD， and DRD4 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulation in expression of NOX4， p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK， and inflammatory factors （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， ZGW increased the body weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells， restored the thyroid structure and follicle size， lowered the serum levels of T₃， T₄， Scr， BUN， cAMP， cAMP/cGMP， MDA and NADPH （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the expression of TSH， SOD and DRD4 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the expression of NOX4， p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK， and inflammatory factors （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole （P<0.05）. ConclusionBy activating DRD4， ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway， reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response， thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.

ObjectiveTo review the interoceptive assessment tools in terms of structure, content and psychometric properties, based on the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsThe literature on interoceptive evaluation tools was retrieved from databases of CNKI, PubMed, Medline and EBSCO. The principal structures and contents of the assessment tools were analyzed based on the ICF framework, and the quality of the psychometric properties were appraised using COSMIN. ResultsA total of 13 interoceptive assessment tools were ultimately included, involving 16 literature references. There were five interoceptive sensitivity tools, four accuracy tools and four awareness tools. In terms of content, interoceptive sensitivity tools involved 33 categories of body functions, six categories of activities and participation, and one of environmental factors; while interoceptive accuracy tools only involved seven categories of body function, and two of activities and participation items; interoceptive awareness tools involved 30 categories of body function, four categories of activities and participation, and three of environmental factors. In terms of psychometric properties, Body Perception Questionnaire-Short Form (BPQ-SF) was the sensitivity tool with the best reliability and validity (qualified rate of 7/8), followed by Interoceptive Sensitivity Questionnaire (ISQ) (qualified rate of 6/8). Most of the accuracy tools adopted standardized measurement methods, but lacked sufficient reliability and validity verification. The awareness tools were good in reliability and validity (qualified rate above 5/8), especially Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-1) and Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) (qualified rate of 8/8). ConclusionBPQ-SF and ISQ are recommended for interoceptive sensitivity assessment, Water-loading Test and Heart-beat Tracking Task for interoceptive accuracy assessment, and MAIA-1 and BAQ for interoceptive awareness assessment.

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of alcohol poisoning cases among minors receiving pre hospital 120 emergency services in Zhengzhou, providing evidence for regional management strategies of alcohol poisoning among minors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 1 630 alcohol poisoning cases (aged 0-18 years) from Zhengzhou s 120 emergency system during 2017-2019 and 2023. Data on gender, age, occurrence timeframes were analyzed using t-test and χ 2 test for intergroup comparisons. Results: Annual cases were 291 (2017), 353 (2018), 483 (2019), and 503 (2023). Compared with 2017, male alcohol poisoning cases increased by 66.94% while female cases surged 104.35% by 2023. The peak incidence of alcohol poisoning among minors occurred among 16-18 year olds (85.40%), followed by 13-15 year olds (13.74%). Most cases clustered between 21:01-03:00 (60.43%), with male cases peaking at 22:01-23:00 (12.73%) and female cases peaking at 02:01-03:00 ( 11.25 %). Between 00:01-03:00, male cases progressively decreased while female cases increased. Severity distribution showed 355 mild cases (21.78%), 1 035 moderate cases (63.50%), and 240 severe cases (14.72%). Conclusions Zhengzhou region has experienced sustained growth in underage alcohol poisoning cases, predominantly occurring from evening to early morning with moderate severity, female cases demonstrate faster growth rates. Multifaceted regulatory measures should be implemented to strengthen supervision of underage drinking behaviors.

Stathmin 1 (STMN1) is a microtubule-binding cytoplasmic phosphoprotein that promotes microtubule depolymerization or inhibits microtubule assembly, thereby regulating cytoskeletal organization and cell cycle progression. STMN1 is upregulated in a variety of malignant tumors, where it drives proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis through classic pathways such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and ferroptosis. STMN1 can also modulate the function of immune cells, thereby influencing antitumor immunity. Clinical data show that its high expression correlates positively with tumor drug resistance and poor prognosis, suggesting that STMN1 has potential as a tumor biomarker and therapeutic molecular target with important clinical significance.
Humans ; Stathmin/metabolism* ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm

The culture of suspended Vero cells is facing difficulties such as low cell viability and long doubling time. To investigate the main reasons for the slow growth and low viability of suspended Vero cells, this study conducted transcriptomic analysis of suspended Vero cells (Vero-XF) and adherent Vero cells (Vero-AD) to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) affecting the growth of suspended cells. In addition, epidermal growth factor (EGF) was supplemented to the culture system to improve the growth of Vero-XF. The results showed that compared with the Vero-AD group, the Vero-XF group had 7 376 significant DEGs. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the autophagy and mitophagy pathways. Eleven DEGs were selected and verified by quantitative real-time PCR, which showed up-regulated expression of ATG9B, WIPI2, LAMP2, OPTN, Rab7a, and DEPTOR and down-regulated expression of ATG4D, being consistent with the results of transcriptomic analysis. In addition, the Vero-XF group showed significantly up-regulated expression of ATG101, ATG2A, and STX17 and insignificant change in the expression of NBR1, compared with the Vero-AD group. The protein levels of LC3 and P62 in Vero-XF and Vero-AD were determined by Western blotting, which showed up-regulated expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and down-regulated expression of P62 in Vero-XF, indicating a higher level of autophagy. Finally, the exogenous supplementation of EGF at 10, 20, and 30 μg/L in the culture system reduced the autophagy level of Vero-XF by 22.35%, 48.15%, and 71.29%, increased the specific growth rate by 15.48%, 33.33%, and 57.14%, and decreased the apoptosis rate by 2.84%, 15.46%, and 16.23%, respectively. The results of this study preliminarily reveal that the activation of autophagy is one of the reasons for the slow growth of Vero-XF, which provides reference for the subsequent culture of suspended Vero cells.
Animals ; Vero Cells ; Autophagy/genetics* ; Chlorocebus aethiops ; Epidermal Growth Factor/pharmacology* ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Cell Survival

Objectives:To explore the imaging features of patients with isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia(ILVAH). Methods:Twelve patients diagnosed with ILVAH(ILVAH group)in our hospital from April 2018 to August 2023 were enrolled,and all of them received transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)examination;9 patients underwent CMR examination;and 1 patient underwent CT examination.Clinical data and imaging characteristics of the patients were analyzed.At the same time,twelve healthy age and sex matched participants who underwent physical examination in the same period were selected as the control group. Results:TTE showed that:compared with the control group,the left ventricular transverse diameter([46.3±5.7]mm vs.[57.8±12.6]mm)and right ventricular long diameter([62.0±4.2]mm vs.[73.6±6.4]mm)were larger in the ILVAH group(P＜0.05),the left ventricular long diameter([63.0±3.5]mm vs.[53.4±8.2]mm)was smaller(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in right ventricular transverse diameter between the two groups(P＞0.05).The interventricular septum was convex to the right ventricle,and the thickness at the apex was(5.2±2.0)mm in the ILVAH group.The papillary muscles were all attached to the flat left ventricular apex.Among the 9 patients who underwent CMR examination,adipose tissue replacement was found in the left ventricular apex in 7 out of the 9 patients,and endocardial fibrosis was found in 2 out of the 9 patients. Conclusions:The clinical presentation of ILVAH is non-specific,but there are specific imaging manifestations that may help improve the understanding of the disease.

Objectives:To evaluate the diagnostic value of echocardiography in unroofed coronary sinus syndrome(UCSS)with endocardial cushion defect(ECD). Methods:The echocardiographic data of 43 patients of UCSS with ECD who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from July 2017 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing the echocardiographic findings with the intraoperative exploration results. Results:According to Kirklin and Barratt-Boyes classification,there were 26 cases of type Ⅰ(60.5%),9 cases of type Ⅱ(20.9%),2 cases of type Ⅲ(4.7%),4 cases of type Ⅳ(9.3%),and 2 cases of type Ⅲ combined with type Ⅳ(4.7%).There were 26 cases(60.5%)of partial ECD,7 cases(16.3%)of intermediate ECD,10 cases(23.3%)of total ECD.Twenty two cases(51.2%)were associated with single atrium.Twenty seven cases(62.8%)were associated with persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC).Other coexisting complicated malformations were as follows:2 cases of double outlet of right ventricle,1 case of pulmonary atresia,1 case of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection,and 1 case of aplenia syndrome.The coexisting simple malformations included 4 cases of ostium secundum atrial septal defect,2 cases of ventricular septal defect,3 cases of patent ductus arterial,and 6 cases of patent foramen ovale.Other abnormalities included 5 cases of absence of hepatic segment of inferior vena cava,1 case of hypoplasia of right superior vena cava,1 case of absence of right superior vena cava,3 cases of cor triatriatum,1 case of isolated levocardia,1 case of mirror image dextrocardia,4 cases of right aortic arch.Of the 43 patients,30(69.8%)were correctly diagnosed by preoperative echocardiography and 13(30.2%)by intraoperative exploration.UCSS was misdiagnosed as inferior vena cava type sinus septal defect and PLSVC was missed in 1 case.UCSS was missed in 12 cases,and PLSVC was missed in 3 cases of them. Conclusions:Diagnosis UCSS with ECD by echocardiography is valuable and challenging.It is necessary to strengthen the understanding of the embryonic development and pathological anatomy characteristics of these malformations to improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) B4 (also known as ILT3/CD85k) is an immune checkpoint protein that is highly expressed in solid tumors and hematological malignancies and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of cancer. LILRB4 is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and this phenotype is associated with adverse patient outcomes. Its differential expression in tumors compared to normal tissues, its presence in tumor stem cells, and its multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis position it as a promising therapeutic target in AML. Currently, several immunotherapies targeting LILRB4 are undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes advancements made in the study of LILRB4 in AML, focusing on its structure, ligands, expression, and significance in normal tissues and AML; its protumorigenic effects and mechanisms in AML; and the application of LILRB4-targeted therapies in AML. These insights highlight the potential advantages of LILRB4 as an immunotherapeutic target in the context of AML.

Objective:To analyze the echocardiographic features of operation-related aorto-cardiac fistula(ACF) after surgery or transcatheter procedure, to explore the value of echocardiography on diagnosis of operation-related ACF, and summarize the key points of its diagnosis.Methods:Eight patients with operation-related ACF who were admitted to Fuwai Hospital were collected from July 2002 to December 2020. Echocardiographic features of the 8 patients with operation-related ACF were reviewed and analyzed. The diagnosis methodology was summarized.Results:Of the 8 patients with operation-related ACF, 3 had aortic right atrial fistula and 5 had aortic right ventricular fistula. The fistula was single, which can be located but not limited to the aortic sinus. The median size of the fistula was 4 mm (range: 3-5 mm). There was no aneurysmal dilation of the aortic sinus where the fistula was located. The fractured end of the fistula did not thin, and the fistula had a regular shape. Six of the 8 patients undertook cardiac catheterization and occlusion. One patient received surgical repairment. One patient was treated conservatively.Conclusions:Echocardiography can help diagnose operation-related ACF and provide valuable information for further clinical diagnosis and treatment. Sonographers should avoid missed diagnosis and pay attention to distinguishing from other causes of aortic-cardiac shunt disease.

Resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) was first identified from white hellebore (Veratrum grandiflorum) root and began to attract interest when its presence in red wine and cardiovascular activities were reported, leading to speculation of its contribution to the 'French paradox'. Besides the cardiovascular protection, potential health benefits of resveratrol include calorie restriction-like effects, cancer prevention and adjunctive therapy, and neuroprotection. In order to achieve translational applications of these potential benefits, pharmacokinetic research was performed for plasma pharmacokinetics and related disposition of orally dosed resveratrol. This paper summarizes the known human pharmacokinetic characteristics of resveratrol after oral administration and various attempts to improve its systemic exposure level from the perspectives of systemic exposure and in vivo process. However, available pharmacokinetic data of resveratrol has raised conundrums that limit translating potential benefits to clinics: (1) differences between the unchanged resveratrol used in bioactivity studies and its major circulating forms (i.e., metabolites) after dosing; (2) resveratrol's test concentrations used to exert in vitro bioactivities related to the benefits significantly higher than the compound's clinically achievable concentrations; (3) resveratrol's concentrations achievable (estimated from the pharmacokinetics) from doses used to produce in vivo efficacy significantly lower than the effective concentrations found in studies of related action mechanism (suggesting unreliability of test mechanism). In the last part of this review, we provide recommendations for future pharmacokinetic investigations of resveratrol, including a more systematic investigation of systemic exposure to resveratrol metabolites, their access to in vivo loci responsible for the benefits, and their disposition in target cells; an investigation of colon-luminal exposure to resveratrol and its metabolites for accessing colonic microbiota; and a multi-compound pharmacokinetic investigation of red wine.