ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury with blood stasis and toxin syndrome and to explore the protective effects of Huayu Jiedu prescription （HYJDP） on neutrophil extracellular trap-related cell death （NETosis） in cerebral ischemic injury following acute cerebral infarction. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into six groups （n=12 per group）： sham operation （Sham） group， blood stasis and toxin model （Model） group， low-， medium-， and high-dose HYJDP groups （HYJDP-L， HYJDP-M， and HYJDP-H； 9， 18， and 36 g·kg^-1， respectively）， and butylphthalide （NBP） group （0.06 g·kg^-1）. Except for the Sham group， rats in all other groups were subjected to carrageenan/dry yeast combined with a modified intraluminal filament method to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model of the middle cerebral artery with blood stasis and toxin syndrome. Neurological function was evaluated at 24 h after modeling using the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. Cerebral infarction rate was assessed by 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining. Pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-8 （IL-8）， myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes （MPO-DNA）， and citrullinated histone H3 （CitH3）. Protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （p-PI3K）， protein kinase B （p-Akt）， mammalian target of rapamycin （p-mTOR）， sequestosome 1 （p62）， and CitH3 in brain tissue was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence （IF） was used to detect the expression of neutrophil-specific marker Ly6G， CitH3， and neuron-specific nuclear protein （NeuN） in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group， neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction rates in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01 for both）. HE staining showed varying degrees of neuronal degeneration and necrosis， characterized by blurred neuronal structures， nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation， cytoplasmic dissolution into a vacuolated reticular pattern， and mild glial cell proliferation. ELISA results showed that serum levels of IL-8， MPO-DNA， and CitH3 were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， and p62， while CitH3 expression was significantly increased （P<0.01）. IF results showed an increased number of NETs⁺ cells and a significant decrease in NeuN⁺ cells （P<0.01）. Compared with the Model group， neurological deficit scores in the HYJDP-H group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and cerebral infarction rates in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. HE staining showed that brain tissue damage was markedly alleviated in the HYJDP-H group. ELISA results showed that levels of IL-8， MPO-DNA， and CitH3 were significantly decreased in the HYJDP-M， HYJDP-H， and NBP groups （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed that expression of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-mTOR， and p62 was significantly increased in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups， while CitH3 expression was significantly reduced in all drug intervention groups （P<0.01）. IF results showed that the number of NETs⁺ cells was significantly decreased and the number of NeuN⁺ cells was significantly increased in all drug intervention groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionNETs may be the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury characterized by blood stasis and toxin. HYJDP can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway， reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and NETosis-related products， alleviate cerebral ischemic injury caused by autophagy-dependent NETosis， and thereby exert a neuroprotective effect.

ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal （HPG） axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome （PMS） and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/hypothalamic kisspeptin （Kisspeptin）/gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region （ARC） of the hypothalamus， so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method， with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling， including a sham operation group， a model group， an estradiol valerate group （0.09 mg∙kg^-1∙d^-1）， high-， medium-， and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups （7.614， 3.807，1.903 5 g∙kg^-1∙d^-1）， with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-， medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days， and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to measure the levels of estradiol （E₂）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH）. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1， Kisspeptin， kisspeptin receptor （GPR54）， and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor （GnRH-R） in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group， rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight （P0.01）， reduced wet weight and index of uterus （P0.01）， endometrial thinning or atrophy， glandular atrophy， and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally， serum levels of E₂ and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased （P0.01）. Serum levels of FSH， LH， and GnRH， the expression of Kisspeptin， GPR54， and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus， and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased （P0.01）. Compared with the model group， the estradiol valerate group and the high-， medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight， serum levels of FSH， LH， and GnRH， and expression of Kisspeptin， GPR54， and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary （P0.05， P0.01） and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus， serum level of E₂， and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus （P0.05， P0.01）. In addition， they showed thickened endometrium， increased number of endometrial glands， and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets， and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus， the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway， the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary， the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins， and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.

Objective To analyze the effects of postoperative radiotherapy and other factors on the prognosis of metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma(sRCC)so as to provide reference for the clinical decision-making.Methods Data of all sRCC patients during 2004-2018 were extracted from the American Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database,and 337 patients were ultimately enrolled.Patients were divided into the postoperative non-radiotheropy group(n=255)and postoperative radiotherapy group(n=82)based on different treatment modalities.Baseline data were compared between the two groups.The 1-year overall survival(OS)and cancer-specific survival(CSS)rates were calculated.Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival curves were plotted.The prognostic factors were identified with univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.Results No significant differences were observed in baseline data between the two groups(P＞0.05).The 1-year OS(25.6％vs.30.1％)and CSS(26.2％vs.30.8％)in the postoperative radiotherapy group were lower than those in the postoperative no-radiotheropy group,but the differences were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that year of diagnosis,patients' age,tumor size,T stage,N stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors of sRCC(P＜0.05).Patients diagnosed in 2015-2018 and treated with chemotherapy had a good prognosis,while patients＞61 years,with tumor size＞147 mm,tumor stage T3-T4,and stage N1 had a poor prognosis.Conclusion The year of diagnosis,patients'age,tumor size,tumor stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors,and postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly improve the prognosis of metastatic sRCC patients.

Objective To analyze the effects of postoperative radiotherapy and other factors on the prognosis of metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma(sRCC)so as to provide reference for the clinical decision-making.Methods Data of all sRCC patients during 2004-2018 were extracted from the American Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database,and 337 patients were ultimately enrolled.Patients were divided into the postoperative non-radiotheropy group(n=255)and postoperative radiotherapy group(n=82)based on different treatment modalities.Baseline data were compared between the two groups.The 1-year overall survival(OS)and cancer-specific survival(CSS)rates were calculated.Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival curves were plotted.The prognostic factors were identified with univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.Results No significant differences were observed in baseline data between the two groups(P＞0.05).The 1-year OS(25.6％vs.30.1％)and CSS(26.2％vs.30.8％)in the postoperative radiotherapy group were lower than those in the postoperative no-radiotheropy group,but the differences were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that year of diagnosis,patients' age,tumor size,T stage,N stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors of sRCC(P＜0.05).Patients diagnosed in 2015-2018 and treated with chemotherapy had a good prognosis,while patients＞61 years,with tumor size＞147 mm,tumor stage T3-T4,and stage N1 had a poor prognosis.Conclusion The year of diagnosis,patients'age,tumor size,tumor stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors,and postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly improve the prognosis of metastatic sRCC patients.

Objective:A mouse silicosis model was constructed by injecting silicon dioxide (SiO 2) particles into the trachea to explore the effect and mechanism of Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides (CCP) on ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis mice. Methods:In May 2023, CCP were extracted and isolated, the monosaccharide composition and functional group composition were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. C57BL/6J mice were injected with 50 μl 50 mg/ml SiO 2 suspension to construct silicosis mouse model, which were then randomly divided into model group, CCP intervention groups [low dose group (LCCP group), medium dose group (MCCP group) and high dose group (HCCP group) ], the control group was administered by physiological saline, 8 mice in each group. Mice in the CCP intervention groups received oral gavage administration once daily with CCP solution (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), while control group and model group received physiological saline, lasted for 30 days. The body weight of mice was recorded and the lung coefficient was calculated. The pathomorphological changes of mouse lung tissue were determined by HE and Masson staining. The contents of fibrosis indexes [hydroxyproline acid (HYP), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2) ] of lung tissue and the pro-inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) ] of lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were determined by ELISA. The expression level of Collagen Ⅰ was determined by immunohistochemistry. The relative protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), P-Smad2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κBp65) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in lung tissue were determined by Western blot. Results:The total sugar content of the CCP was 86.78%, composed of D-mannose, D-rhamnose, D-glucose and D-galactose, with a molar ratio of 12.71∶1.53∶1.00∶12.64. The infrared spectrum indicated the characteristic groups of its polysaccharides. Compared with the control group, the body weight of mice in the model group was decreased, lung coefficient was increased, the contents of HYP, CTGF and MMP-2 in lung tissue were increased, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were increased ( P<0.05). The mice lung showed massive inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, and the silicosis fibrosis was severe. The expression of CollagenⅠin lung tissue of model group was increased, and the proteins expression levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2/Smad2, α-SMA, TLR4, NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were increased in mouse lung tissue ( P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the body weights of mice in the MCCP and HCCP groups were increased, the lung coefficients were decreased, the contents of HYP, CTGF and MMP-2 in lung tissue were decreased, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were decreased ( P<0.05). The inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung was reduced, and the degree of fibrosis was improved to varying degrees. The expression level of CollagenⅠwas down-regulated in the lung tissue of MCCP and HCCP groups, and the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2/Smad2, α-SMA, TLR4, NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were decreased in lung tissue ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The CCP could reduce the levels of fibrosis-related indicators and pro-inflammatory factors in lung tissue, ameliorating mouse lung inflammation and silicosis fibrosis caused by SiO 2 particles by inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad pathway and TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway.

Objective:A mouse silicosis model was constructed by injecting silicon dioxide (SiO 2) particles into the trachea to explore the effect and mechanism of Cordyceps cicadae polysaccharides (CCP) on ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis mice. Methods:In May 2023, CCP were extracted and isolated, the monosaccharide composition and functional group composition were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. C57BL/6J mice were injected with 50 μl 50 mg/ml SiO 2 suspension to construct silicosis mouse model, which were then randomly divided into model group, CCP intervention groups [low dose group (LCCP group), medium dose group (MCCP group) and high dose group (HCCP group) ], the control group was administered by physiological saline, 8 mice in each group. Mice in the CCP intervention groups received oral gavage administration once daily with CCP solution (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), while control group and model group received physiological saline, lasted for 30 days. The body weight of mice was recorded and the lung coefficient was calculated. The pathomorphological changes of mouse lung tissue were determined by HE and Masson staining. The contents of fibrosis indexes [hydroxyproline acid (HYP), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2) ] of lung tissue and the pro-inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) ] of lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were determined by ELISA. The expression level of Collagen Ⅰ was determined by immunohistochemistry. The relative protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), P-Smad2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κBp65) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in lung tissue were determined by Western blot. Results:The total sugar content of the CCP was 86.78%, composed of D-mannose, D-rhamnose, D-glucose and D-galactose, with a molar ratio of 12.71∶1.53∶1.00∶12.64. The infrared spectrum indicated the characteristic groups of its polysaccharides. Compared with the control group, the body weight of mice in the model group was decreased, lung coefficient was increased, the contents of HYP, CTGF and MMP-2 in lung tissue were increased, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were increased ( P<0.05). The mice lung showed massive inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, and the silicosis fibrosis was severe. The expression of CollagenⅠin lung tissue of model group was increased, and the proteins expression levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2/Smad2, α-SMA, TLR4, NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were increased in mouse lung tissue ( P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the body weights of mice in the MCCP and HCCP groups were increased, the lung coefficients were decreased, the contents of HYP, CTGF and MMP-2 in lung tissue were decreased, and the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lung tissue and alveolar lavage fluid were decreased ( P<0.05). The inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung was reduced, and the degree of fibrosis was improved to varying degrees. The expression level of CollagenⅠwas down-regulated in the lung tissue of MCCP and HCCP groups, and the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, P-Smad2/Smad2, α-SMA, TLR4, NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were decreased in lung tissue ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:The CCP could reduce the levels of fibrosis-related indicators and pro-inflammatory factors in lung tissue, ameliorating mouse lung inflammation and silicosis fibrosis caused by SiO 2 particles by inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/Smad pathway and TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway.

Objectives: To propose a novel clinical classification system of gallbladder cancer, and to investigate the differences of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis based on patients who underwent radical resection with different types of gallbladder cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 1 059 patients with gallbladder cancer underwent radical resection in 12 institutions in China from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively collected and analyzed.There were 389 males and 670 females, aged (62.0±10.5)years(range:22-88 years).According to the location of tumor and the mode of invasion,the tumors were divided into peritoneal type, hepatic type, hepatic hilum type and mixed type, the surgical procedures were divided into regional radical resection and extended radical resection.The correlation between different types and T stage, N stage, vascular invasion, neural invasion, median survival time and surgical procedures were analyzed.Rates were compared by χ² test, survival analysis was carried by Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank test. Results: Regional radical resection was performed in 940 cases,including 81 cases in T1 stage,859 cases in T2-T4 stage,119 cases underwent extended radical resection;R0 resection was achieved in 990 cases(93.5%).The overall median survival time was 28 months.There were 81 patients in Tis-T1 stage and 978 patients in T2-T4 stage.The classification of gallbladder cancer in patients with T2-T4 stage: 345 cases(35.3%)of peritoneal type, 331 cases(33.8%) of hepatic type, 122 cases(12.5%) of hepatic hilum type and 180 cases(18.4%) of mixed type.T stage(χ²=288.60,P<0.01),N stage(χ²=68.10, P<0.01), vascular invasion(χ²=128.70, P<0.01)and neural invasion(χ²=54.30, P<0.01)were significantly correlated with the classification.The median survival time of peritoneal type,hepatic type,hepatic hilum type and mixed type was 48 months,21 months,16 months and 11 months,respectively(χ²=80.60,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in median survival time between regional radical resection and extended radical resection in the peritoneal type,hepatic type,hepatic hilum type and mixed type(all P>0.05). Conclusion With application of new clinical classification, different types of gallbladder cancer are proved to be correlated with TNM stage, malignant biological behavior and prognosis, which will facilitate us in preoperative evaluation,surgical planning and prognosis evaluation.

Aim To assess the regulatory effects of Po-lygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides(PSP)on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4 )-myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)signaling path-way in anoxia /reoxygenation-H9c2 myocardial cells. Methods The H9c2 myocardial cells cultured in vitro were randomly divided into groups:control group (C group),hypoxia /reoxygenation group (H/R group), PSP group,TLR4 inhibitor group(TAK-242 group)and PSP +TLR4 inhibitor group(PSP +TAK-242 group). The cells were cultured in normal condition for 27 h in C group.The cells were subjected to 21 h hypoxia fol-lowed by 6 h reoxygenation in H/R.Definitely,the cells in TAK-242,PSP and PSP +TAK-242 groups were treated with PSP and TAK-242 with the final con-centration of 1 .5 g·L -1 and 1 μmol·L -1 for 1 2 h before 21 h hypoxia,then the cells were exposed to the normal culture condition for another 6 h.After the treatment,cell survival rate was tested by MTT method. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The protein ex-pression levels of NF-κB and inhibitor κBα(IκBα) were detected by Western blot,and the expression lev-els of TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA were detected by fluo-rescence quantitative PCR method.Results Compared with H/R group,the cell survival rates were significant-ly increased,while the inflammatory cytokines contents and NF-κB protein expression were dramatically de-creased in groups PSP,TAK-242 and PSP +TAK-242, whereas the NF-κB expression was significantly down-regulated,and the IκBα protein expression was in-creased.The mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and MyD88 were markedly decreased.Conclusion PSP might protect H9c2 myocardial cells against H/R inju-ry,which may be associated with the inhibition of TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway.

Background and purpose:As one of the most fatal malignant tumors in China, the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer remain high. Early diagnosis and normative treatment is the key to improve the prognosis of lung cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the practice of early lung cancer screening with low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) based on the current situation in community health service, with integration of superior resources of med-ical institutions at all levels in Shanghai.Methods:From Aug. 2013 to Aug. 2014, we screened high-risk population in selected communities of Minhang District, Shanghai, for early diagnosis of lung cancer with low-dose spiral CT combined with multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment models including minimally invasive surgery, exploring the medical service network covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up.Results:Screening population is 11 332 (male 7 144, female 4 188); Twenty-nine cases with pathological diagnosis of malignant tumor, including 27 cases of pri-mary lung cancer, 1 case of lung metastasis, 1 case of breast cancer. The morbidity of primary lung cancer is 238.26×10-5. There were 22 cases of Stage 0-Ⅰ lung cancer accounting for 81.48% of all diagnosed primary lung cancer.Conclusion:Based on community health service, screening with low-dose spiral CT could improve the early diagnosis rate of lung can-cer with feasibility and validity, which could be applicable in qualified eligible medical center and community in China.

Objective To investigate the application and clinical significance of the medial plantar flap on repairing the medial ankle and foot soft tissue defects. Methods A total of 13 patients with the medial ankle and foot soft tissue defects were repaired by the local transferred medial plantar flap alone or in combination with sural neurovascular flap transplantation in the Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to the Medical College of the Shantou University from Jun. 2006 to Dec. 2012. Results All patients were followed-up of 4-21 weeks,and the average follow-up periods were 6. 3 weeks. All of the skin and soft tissue defects of the medial ankle and foot were repaired,and there were 2 cases of partial necrosis of flap were repaired after tow times skin grafting operation,and all cases without complications of wound infection or iatrogenic nerve injury. Conclusion The medial plantar flap on treating ipsilateral medial malleolus and foot skin and soft tissue defects is useful and effective with less complications,satisfactory effects,intact the ankle flexor and extensor device,allowing early functional exercise,good functional recovery.