ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription （XLHZ） in treating chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation， using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes （DEGs） related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis （WGCNA） was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction （PPI） analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform （STRING） database to search the super hub gene （hub 2.0）， and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group， XLHZ-H， XLHZ-M， and XLHZ-L groups （36， 18， 9 g·kg^-1， respectively）， and Morodan group （1.4 g·kg^-1）. Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β₁， Smad2 and Smad3 proteins， S/G₂/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue， and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified， including TGF-β₁， suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β₁ signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group， the expressions of TGF-β₁， Smad2， geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased （P<0.05）， and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the expressions of TGF-β₁ and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups （P<0.05）. The XLHZ-M group， XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 （P<0.05）. The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M， XLHZ-H， and Morodan groups （P<0.05）. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators， and positively correlated with other indicators （P<0.01）. ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β₁/Smads signaling pathway， regulate cell cycle， and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription （XLHZ） in treating chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation， using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes （DEGs） related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis （WGCNA） was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction （PPI） analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform （STRING） database to search the super hub gene （hub 2.0）， and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group， XLHZ-H， XLHZ-M， and XLHZ-L groups （36， 18， 9 g·kg^-1， respectively）， and Morodan group （1.4 g·kg^-1）. Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β₁， Smad2 and Smad3 proteins， S/G₂/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue， and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified， including TGF-β₁， suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β₁ signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group， the expressions of TGF-β₁， Smad2， geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased （P<0.05）， and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the expressions of TGF-β₁ and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups （P<0.05）. The XLHZ-M group， XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 （P<0.05）. The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M， XLHZ-H， and Morodan groups （P<0.05）. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators， and positively correlated with other indicators （P<0.01）. ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β₁/Smads signaling pathway， regulate cell cycle， and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric sexual assault (SA) victims should be assessed for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to mitigate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We describe the clinical characteristics of children and young persons (CYPs) presenting with SA at KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore, viral PEP (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and hepatitis B virus [HBV]) prescribing practices, and STI evaluation at follow-up. METHOD: Medical records of CYPs ≤16 years who presented with SA between January 2022 and August 2023 were reviewed, including assault and assailant characteristics, baseline and follow-up STI screening, PEP prescription, adherence and follow-up attendance. CYPs with SA in the preceding 72 hours by HIV-positive or HIV-status unknown assailants with high-risk characteris-tics were eligible for HIV PEP. RESULTS: We analysed 278 CYPs who made 292 SA visits. There were 40 (13.7%) CYPs eligible for HIV PEP, of whom 29 (82.9%) received it. Among those tested at baseline, 9% and 34.9% of CYPs tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis and Gardnerella vaginalis, respectively. None tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, HIV, HBV or hepatitis C. Majority of CYPs tested were HBV non-immune (n=167, 67.6%); only 77 (46.1%) received the vaccine. Out of 27 CYPs eligible for HBV PEP with immunoglobulin, only 21 (77.7%) received immunoglobulin. A total of 37 CYPs received HIV PEP, including 8 who were retrospectively deemed ineligible. Only 10 (27%) completed the course. Overall, 153 (57.7%) CYPs attended follow-up, and none seroconverted for HIV or HBV. CONCLUSION We report suboptimal rates of HBV post-exposure vaccination, and low compliance to HIV PEP and follow-up among paediatric SA victims. Factors contri-buting to poor compliance should be examined to optimise care for this vulnerable population.
Humans ; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis/methods* ; Female ; Child ; Adolescent ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; HIV Infections/prevention & control* ; Male ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Hepatitis B/prevention & control* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Sex Offenses/statistics & numerical data* ; Child Abuse, Sexual

Objective:To explore the expression of YARS1, the subform of protein-based tRNA synthase ( YARS1), and its prognostic effect on the analysis of gene set enrichment in hepatocellular carcinoma Methods:The expressional condition of the YARS1 gene in tumor tissue samples (374 cases) and adjacent tissue samples (50 cases) of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was compared and recorded by mining the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients were divided into high expression and low expression groups according to this data. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between YARS1 and the clinical pathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The effect of YARS1 expression on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic value of the YARS1 gene for hepatocellular carcinoma was analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to evaluate the gene pathways related to YARS1 in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Results:The expression of the YARS1 gene was higher in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue than in normal tissue ( P<0.001). The expression level of YARS1 was correlated with the grade of patients ( P<0.05), but not with age, gender, TNM stage, and others ( P>0.05). The results of Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test showed that the survival rate was lower in patients with high YARS1 gene expression than that of patients with low YARS1 gene expression ( P<0.001). The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that YARS1 was used as an independent prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma [hazard ratio=1.10, 95% confidence interval (1.050-1.156), P<0.001]. The results of gene set enrichment analysis showed that YARS1 was involved in pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, ppar signal transduction pathway, oocyte meiosis, amino acid and nucleotide sugar metabolism, RNA degradation, complement pathway, valine and isoleucine degradation, spliceosome, and other pathways. Conclusion:The high expression of YARS1 is associated with the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, this gene is expected to become a novel biomarker and a sort of target for biological therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:To investigate the role of mechanosensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in urothelial cells in inducing bladder dysfunction in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model.Methods:Ten female C57BL/6 mice were included in this study and randomly divided into pBOO and sham groups based on body weight using a stratified pairing method, with 5 mice in each group. The pBOO group underwent proximal urethral ligation surgery, while the sham group underwent a sham operation. Two weeks after surgery, the urinary pattern was analyzed using the urine spot test. The significant increase in urine spot numbers indicated the successful establishment of the pBOO model. The mice were then sacrificed, and bladder tissues were weighed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe morphological changes. The bladder urothelial layer was further isolated, and total cell proteins were extracted to detect the expression levels of YAP1 protein using Western blotting. Mouse immortalized bladder urothelial cells were divided into three experimental groups: the negative control (NC) group, which was treated with YAP1-NC lentivirus; the overexpression (OE) group, which was treated with YAP1-OE lentivirus to induce YAP1 protein overexpression; and the verteporfin treatment (VP) group, which was treated with verteporfin on the basis of the OE group. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the transcription and expression levels of YAP1 protein, the co-transcriptional activator TEAD4 protein, and the phosphorylated protein DRP1-616 (at serine 616) of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). An ATP detection kit was used to measure the ATP release concentration in the NC, OE, and VP groups. The interaction between YAP1 and TEAD4 was investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, and the expression of the mitochondrial marker translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20 (Tom20) was observed using immunofluorescence staining.Results:The results of the urine spot test showed that the number of urine spots on the filter paper in the pBOO group was higher than that in the sham group within 6 hours [(283.0±9.1) spots vs. (3.7±0.3) spots, P<0.01], and the urine spots were scattered. The bladder wet weight in the pBOO group was significantly higher than that in the sham group [(105.70±6.84) mg vs. (22.33±1.20) mg, P<0.01]. Histological observations revealed reduced bladder mucosal folds and increased detrusor muscle thickness in the pBOO group. The expression of YAP1 protein in the bladder urothelial cells of the pBOO group was significantly upregulated compared to the sham group [(1.26±0.08) vs. (0.50±0.04), P<0.01]. In vitro experiments showed that compared to the NC group, the OE group had significantly increased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.94±0.05) vs. (0.33±0.01), P<0.01] and higher ATP release concentration [(24.45±0.16) μmol/mg vs. (19.67±0.42) μmol/mg, P<0.01]. In contrast, the VP group had significantly decreased expression of DRP1-616 [(0.29±0.04) vs. (0.94±0.05), P<0.01] and lower ATP release concentration [(10.55±0.01) μmol/mg vs. (24.45±0.16) μmol/mg, P<0.01] compared to the OE group. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments using YAP1 and TEAD4 antibodies showed that YAP1 and TEAD4 proteins could interact and form a transcriptional complex to regulate ATP release. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased expression of Tom20 in the OE group compared to the NC group [(104.20±3.28) vs. (74.51±3.87), P<0.01]. Conclusions:In the pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction model, YAP1 is highly expressed in urothelial cells. YAP1 forms a transcriptional complex with TEAD4 to regulate ATP release by promoting mitochondrial fission via DRP1-616 expression, which is a key mechanism underlying pBOO-induced bladder dysfunction.

Objective:To establish a quality evaluation model of chemometrics and weighted TOPSIS method; To comprehensively evaluate the quality of Anemones Raddeanae Rhizoma from different origins; To provide references for further research.Methods:The simultaneous determination of the contents of leonloside D, raddeanoside R16, raddeanoside R8, hederacolchiside E, hederasaponin B, raddeanin A, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, betulin, daucosterol, coumarin and 4,7-dimethoxyl-5-methyl-coumarin in 18 batches of Anemones Raddeanae Rhizoma were determined by HPLC. The contents of alcohol-soluble extract, total ash and acid-insoluble ash were determined according to the Anemones Raddeanae Rhizoma test items in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Based on this, a quality evaluation model combining chemometrics and weighted TOPSIS model was constructed.Results:An Anemones Raddeanae Rhizoma multi-index quantitative methodology was established, and the results were good. There were differences in the quality of 18 batches of samples. Chemometrics could distinguish the quality of Anemones raddeanae rhizoma from different origins, and 18 batches of samples were clustered into three categories. raddeanoside R16, raddeanin A, hederasaponin B, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and coumarin were quality difference factors. The analysis results of weighted TOPSIS method showed that the optimal Ci of weighted TOPSIS were 0.113 6-0.732 9, and the quality of the Anemones Raddeanae Rhizoma from Liaoning provinces was better.Conclusions:Multi-index quantification provides a scientific and practical new method for the quality control of Anemones Raddeanae Rhizoma medicinal materials. Chemometrics and weighted TIPSIS methods provide a basis for the quality evaluation of Anemones raddeanae rhizoma medicinal materials from different origins.

Objective To analyze the impact of sarcopenia on the efficacy and adverse reactions of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.Methods Patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer confirmed by pathology who were not eligible for radical surgery were selected as study subjects.A body composition analyzer was used to measure the appendicular muscle mass of the patients and calculate the skeletal muscle mass index(SMI).Based on the SMI,the patients were divided into sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group.On the basis of nutritional intervention and comprehensive exercise therapy,the patients were administered immu-notherapy combined with chemotherapy.The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated.The primary endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS),and the secondary endpoints were the objec-tive response rate(ORR)and treatment-related adverse reactions.Results A total of 52 gastric cancer patients were included,with 23 in the sarcopenia group and 29 in the non-sarcopenia group.The median PFS in the non-sarcopenia group was 9.8 months(95％CI,8.9 to 12.4),and was 5.4 months in the sarcopenia group(95％CI,4.9 to 8.1).The median PFS in the non-sarcopenia group was longer than that in the sarcopenia group,and the difference was statistically significant[HR(95％CI)=0.41(0.23 to 0.73),P=0.003].The results of the multivariate Cox propor-tional hazards regression model showed that comorbidities,treatment cycles,and sarcopenia were all independent prognostic factors affecting the PFS of gastric cancer patients(P＜0.05).The ORR in the non-sarcopenia group was 48.28％(14/29),and was 17.39％(4/23)in the sarcopenia group(x2=5.276,P＜0.05).Treatment-related adverse reactions with grading ≥3 in both groups were mainly hematological toxicities.In the non-sarcopenia group,the incidence of grading ≥ 3 treat-ment-related adverse reactions was 27.59％(8/29),and the incidence of grading＜3 treatment-re-lated adverse reactions(including those with no adverse reactions)was 72.41％(21/29).In the sarcopenia group,the incidence of grading ≥3 treatment-related adverse reactions was 56.52％(13/23),and the incidence of grading＜3 treatment-related adverse reactions(including those without adverse reactions)was 43.48％(10/23).The incidence of grading ≥3 treatment-related adverse reactions in the non-sarcopenia group was lower than that in the sarcopenia group(P=0.035).Conclusion For patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer complicated with sarcopenia,the median PFS of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is shorter,the ORR is lower,and the incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions is increased.Therefore,ear-ly intervention for sarcopenia should be implemented to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Objective To explore the roles of the mechanoreceptor Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)and piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2(PIEZO2)in mechanotransduction in mouse bladder urothelial cells.Methods Mouse bladder urothelial cells were subjected to mechanical stretching using the FX-6000T cell stretching system and treated with the YAP1-specific inhibitor verteporfin(VP).The expressions of PIEZO2,YAP1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)at the mRNA and protein levels,as well as changes in cellular adenosine triphosphatase(ATP)concentration,were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).Results After stretching stimulation,under the fluorescence microscope,it was observed that the diameter length of the stretched cells were longer than that before stretching,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels were increased in the stretched group compared to those of the non-stretched group(P＜0.05).VP effectively reduced the expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels after stretching stimulation(P＜0.05).Stretching stimulation significantly increased the intracellular ATP concentration,while VP was able to inhibit the increase in ATP concentration,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.000 1).Conclusion Stretching stimulation increased the expressions of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells and promoted the release of ATP;verteporfin inhibited the increase in YAP1 activity and the overexpression of PIEZO2 caused by stretching,thereby reducing the release of ATP.It is suggested that mouse bladder urothelial cells may primarily sense mechanical signals through the YAP1-PIEZO2-ATP pathway.

Objective:To evaluate the survival benefit of surgical treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:This study is conducted based on the hepatobiliary tumor registry database. From May 2009 to December 2022,a total of 704 patients who were initially diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and underwent liver resection were consecutively enrolled at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them,there were 380 males and 324 females,aged ( M(IQR)) 61(15) years(range:27 to 88 years). Twenty-six (3.7%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) rates were estimated by life table method, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival difference among tumor-node-metastasis(TNM) staging or three periods. The OS and DFS differences among lymph node groups or adjuvant treatment groups were quantified as HR with 95% CI estimated using Cox proportional-hazards model with adjustment for prognostic factors. Results:Among the 704 patients,349 cases(49.6%) underwent major hepatectomy (≥3 segments),331(47.0%) had lymph node resection during surgery,and 524 cases(74.4%) achieved R0 resection. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ or higher complications was 16.5%(116/704),with a mortality rate of 3.0%(21/704) within 30 days post-surgery. The median OS time was 27.1 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5- and 10-year were 69.1%, 42.4%,34.1% and 24.5%,respectively. The median DFS time was 10.5 months,and the corresponding DFS rates were 46.0%,25.4%,21.9% and 16.9%,respectively. According to the 8 th edition of AJCC staging system, the 5-year survival rates for ⅠA,ⅠB,Ⅱ,ⅢA,ⅢB and Ⅳ were 68.4%, 43.2%, 30.3%,32.2%,14.0% and 0,respectively. The corresponding DFS rates were 55.8%, 28.1%,13.8%,21.2%,3.3% and 0,respectively. There were no statistically significant differences of OS or DFS between stage ⅠB and Ⅱ, stage ⅠB and ⅢA, or between stage Ⅱ and ⅢA(Log-rank test:all P>0.05),while there were significant differences of OS and DFS among other stages(Log-rank test:all P<0.05). Using Cox model with adjustment for prognostic factors, there were no statistically significant differences of OS and DFS between non-lymphadenectomy group or the biopsy-N0 group and dissection-N0 group(both P>0.05). However,the overall and disease-free survival of the biopsy-N1 group or dissection-N1 group were worse than those of dissection-N0 group(both P<0.05),with overall survival being better in dissection-N1 group than biopsy-N1 group( P=0.017). Overall survival in the period from 2019 to 2022 were significantly superior to that during the periods from 2009 to 2013 and 2014 to 2018(both P<0.01). Adjusting for prognostic factors, the disease-free and overall survival of the postoperative adjuvant therapy group were significantly better than those of the observation group in the period 2019 to 2022(both P<0.01). Conclusions:Surgery remains a milestone for achieving long-term survival for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Regional lymph node dissection is required for patients with lymph node metastasis. Adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce tumor recurrence and prolong overall survival.

Background:To compare the efficacy and safety of monthly administrations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists LY01005 and Zoladex ? in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer. Methods:From October 2020 to November 2021, 188 premenopausal breast cancer patients were enrolled in 34 hospitals and randomized 1:1 to receive either LY01005 or Zoladex ? every 28 days for a total of three injections. All patients concomitantly received oral tamoxifen (TAM). The primary efficacy endpoint was cumulative probability of maintaining menopausal level [oestradiol (E2) ≤30 pg/ml] from day 29 to day 85. The second efficacy endpoint included changes in E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) compared with the baseline. Pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety were analyzed. The study also evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of LY01005. Results:A total of 188 patients were randomised and 187 patients received either LY01005 or Zoladex ?. Cumulative probabilities of maintaining menopausal level (E2≤30 pg/ml) from day 29 to day 85 were 93.1% for LY01005 and 86.3% for Zoladex ?. The between-group difference was 6.8% (95% CI: -2.3%, 15.9%) and primary efficacy in the LY01005 group was not inferior to that in the Zoladex ? group. Changes in E2, LH, and FSH levels compared with the baseline were equivalent between the two groups (E2: 89.34% to 90.23% vs. 82.11% to 85.02%; LH: 88.89% to 95.52% vs. 89.70% to 97.02%; FSH: 75.36% to 80.85% vs.73.07% to 80.24%, respectively). After three consecutive doses of LY01005, the LH and FSH levels of the subjects showed a transient increase after the first dose, reached a peak on the second day and then started to decrease. The LH and FSH reached a lower level and remained at or below that level until the 85th day. Both treatments were well-tolerated. Conclusion:LY01005 is as effective as Zoladex ? in suppressing E2 to menopausal levels in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer, with a similar safety profile.