ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） and GC-triple quadrupole MS（GC-QqQ-MS） in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics， and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally， GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene， β-elemene， muscone， dehydroepiandrosterone， bornyl acetate， and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis， principal component analysis（PCA）， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan， including alkanes， esters， alkanes， alcohols， ketones， naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk（A1， C1， D1， E1， F1， G1， I1） and those containing natural musk（H1， H3）. A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart， revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol， borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups：one composed of natural musk（H1， H3） and the other of artificial musk， sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone， octyl acetate， and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups， statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone（P<0.05）. ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.

ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） and GC-triple quadrupole MS（GC-QqQ-MS） in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics， and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally， GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene， β-elemene， muscone， dehydroepiandrosterone， bornyl acetate， and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis， principal component analysis（PCA）， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan， including alkanes， esters， alkanes， alcohols， ketones， naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk（A1， C1， D1， E1， F1， G1， I1） and those containing natural musk（H1， H3）. A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart， revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol， borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups：one composed of natural musk（H1， H3） and the other of artificial musk， sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone， octyl acetate， and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups， statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone（P<0.05）. ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk， providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.

OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/Caspase-1/gasdermin D （GSDMD） pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula （HQHF） inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis （MASH）. METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups： Control group （10% blank serum）， Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide （LPS）]， HQHF-L group （2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， HQHF-M group （5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， and HQHF-H group （10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS）. After 24 h of routine culture post-administration， cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy； localization and expression of gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA； mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group， the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology （cell membrane bulging and pore formation）， increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane （ P ＜0.05）， significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the Model group， the HQHF-L， HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology， reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N （ P ＜0.05）， significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis， and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

Spectral computed tomography (CT) has triggered a technological revolution in radiodiagnosis while demonstrating its increasing application value in radiotherapy. Employing dual-energy techniques for material decomposition, spectral CT provides optimized solutions for several critical aspects of radiotherapy. Based on a review of the application situation of spectral CT in radiotherapy, this study delved into spectral CT′s significant advantages in image quality improvement, precise dose calculation, and comprehensive quantitative assessment. Furthermore, this study envisioned the development orientations and application prospects of spectral CT.

Spectral computed tomography (CT) has triggered a technological revolution in radiodiagnosis while demonstrating its increasing application value in radiotherapy. Employing dual-energy techniques for material decomposition, spectral CT provides optimized solutions for several critical aspects of radiotherapy. Based on a review of the application situation of spectral CT in radiotherapy, this study delved into spectral CT′s significant advantages in image quality improvement, precise dose calculation, and comprehensive quantitative assessment. Furthermore, this study envisioned the development orientations and application prospects of spectral CT.

Objective:To investigate the dosimetry effect of rotational errors of multi-channel cylinder vaginal applicator of intravaginal irradiation after surgery of endometrial cancer.Methods:A total of 18 patients who underwent surgery of endometrial cancer at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June to December 2022 were selected.The plans of patients who adopted the treatment of multi-channel cylinder applicator of vagina were retrospectively analyzed,which maintained the same retained mode with clinical plan.The applicator was rotated clockwise by 22.5? and 45.0?,respectively,simulating the rotational errors that occurred in placing the applicator among clinical inter-fractions.And then,the changes of dosimetry of target area and organs at risk(OAR)under two kinds of rotation amplitudes were further analyzed.Results:When the applicator was rotated as 22.5?,the minimum doses to 90%volumes of CTV by 2.03%than that of clinical plan,which was significantly different(t=5.86,P<0.05),and the maximal doses to 2cc of OARs of bladder and rectum respectively increased 2.35%and 2.71%,and the differences of them were statistically significant(t=-3.49,-2.40,P<0.05),respectively.When the applicator was rotated as 45?,the D90 of the target area decreased by 5.75%than that of clinical plan,which was statistically significant(t=14.07,P<0.05).The D2cc values of the bladder and rectum increased respectively by 6.50%and 9.49%than that of clinical plan,which were statistically significant(t=-7.72,-6.9,P<0.05).The differences of the exposed doses of sigmoid colon and small intestine after the applicator was rotated by 22.5? and 45.0? between the plan and original plan were respectively less,which were not statistical significance.Conclusion:The multi-channel cylinder applicator can provide individualized dose distribution in intravaginal irradiation.However,attention should be paid to the placement of the applicator when patients undergo inter-fractional treatment,in order to avoid deviations in the angular alignment from the original plan.This can impact the dosages of the target area and OARs.

Objective:To determine drug dose and usage of timolol maleate eye drops in the treatment of superficial infantile hemangioma.Methods:A total of 250 superficial hemangioma infants were recruited and assigned into 5 groups (n=50 for each group):an external application group and 4 exterior coating groups (2,4,6,8 times per day).We evaluated the therapeutic effect of different methods for drug application (external application or exterior coating) and the frequency for drug administration on superficial infantile hemangioma.Results:The external application group (twice a day and 0.5 hour per time) showed better effect than that in the exterior coating group with twice a day (P＜0.001).The difference in therapeutic effect between the exterior coating group with 6 times a day and exterior coating group with twice a day or with 3 times a day was significant (P＜0.001).The differences in drug efficacy were not found among the exterior coating group with 6 times a day,the exterior coating group with 8 times a day,or the external application group with twice a day (All P＞0.05).Conclusion:Drug dose may affect the therapeutic effect oftimolol maleate eye drops in superficial hemangioma infants,and exterior coating with 6 times a day may achieve the best curative effect.

Two 78-years old-old man and woman presented with thyroid tumor without a past history of chronic thyroiditis. Physical examinations showed touchable lumps in thyroid without other lymph nodes swelling or extra nodal lesions. Two cases both had thyroid function test, color Doppler ultrasound examination, computed tomography (CT) scan and fine needle aspiration (FNA) before surgery. The patients underwent partial thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy. Postoperative pathologic findings were consistent with malignant lymphoma. The diagnosis mainly relied on the postoperative pathologic findings.
Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Male ; Thyroid Neoplasms

The mechanisms of increased expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) during the formation of foam cells were explored. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) was prepared by density gradient ultracentrifugation and oxidized by incubation with CuCl2. The human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) was cultured in RPMI1640. The differentiation of THP-1 cells into macrophages (MPs) was induced by using myristate acetate (PMA) for 48 h. The macrophages were then incubated with oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) to generate foam cells (FCs). The mRNA and protein expression levels of human TLR-4 were detected by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that the TLR-4 mRNA and the protein expression levels were significantly increased during the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages (P＜0.05) as well as during the formation of lipid-laden foam cells (P＜0. 05). It was concluded that the upregulation of human TLR-4 gene expression during the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages and the differentiation of macrophages into foam cells could increase TLR-4 protein synthesis dramatically, which may enhance the ability of foam cells inflammation reaction in atherosclerosis.

To investigate the effects of leptin on expression of acyl-coenzymeA: cholesterol acyl-transferases-1 (ACAT-1) in monocyte-macrophage differentiation, human monocytic cells (THP-1) were cultured in RPMI 1640 and made to differentiate into macrophages under the incubation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 48 h. The cells were divided into 4 groups according to different intervention factors as follows: MCs cultured in RPM11640 medium with 10% FBS for 48 h served as MC group (control group), MCs cultured in medium with serum-free RPM11640 containing 5% BSA, 100 nmol/L PMA for 48 h as MP group, MCs cultured in RPMI1640 medium with 10% FBS, 10 micromol/ml leptin for 48 h as leptin-MC group, and MCs cultured in medium with serum-free RPMI1640 containing 5% BSA. 100 nmol/L PMA, and 10 micromol/ml leptin for 48 h as leptin-MP group. Immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were performed, respectively, to observe the effects of leptin on expression of ACAT-1 in the monocyte-macrophage differentiation. Our results showed that expression of ACAT-1 protein and mRNA in MP-group is two times that in MC-group (P<0.05), and the expression of ACAT-1 protein and mRNA increased by up to 4 folds in leptin-MP group-as compared with that of MC group (P<0.01). Thus, our results support the idea that expression of ACAT-1 increases more in cultured human macrophages than in monocytes, and leptin can significantly promote ACAT-1 expression. It was concluded that high expression of ACAT-1 may accelerate the development of human atherogenesis, and leptin might participate in atherogenesis by increasing expression of ACAT-1.
Atherosclerosis ; enzymology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Leptin ; pharmacology ; Macrophages ; cytology ; enzymology ; Monocytes ; cytology ; enzymology ; Sterol O-Acyltransferase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate