ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) through intermittent hypoxia induction, and to develop a comprehensive and reliable evaluation system for the HPH model, thereby providing experimental evidence for mechanistic studies and translational applications related to this disease. MethodsTwenty-four male specific pathogen-free (SPF) BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group and a model group, with 12 mice per group. Mice in the model group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber control system to establish the HPH model, whereas mice in the control group received no intervention. After 28 days of modeling, a comprehensive evaluation of the pathophysiological characteristics of both groups was performed using a general condition scoring scale, echocardiography, hemodynamic measurements, blood gas analysis, hematological tests, organ coefficient determination, histopathological examination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, correlation analyses were conducted among echocardiographic parameters, the contents of endothelin‑1 (ET‑1) and N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT‑proBNP) in lung tissue, and other measured indices. ResultsWith prolonged modeling duration time, body weight, water intake, and activity level of mice in the model group were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Echocardiography showed that, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased right ventricular dimensions (P<0.01), right ventricular anterior wall thickening (P<0.01), and widened main pulmonary artery diameter (P<0.01), whereas the peak systolic velocity across the pulmonary valve, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus were significantly decreased (P<0.001); tricuspid regurgitation was observed in some model animals. Hemodynamic results revealed that right ventricular systolic pressure was elevated in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.001). Blood gas analysis showed that pH, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, actual bicarbonate, and total carbon dioxide were all decreased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.01). Hematological indices demonstrated that lymphocyte counts (P<0.05) and reticulocyte counts (P<0.001) were decreased in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, the organ coefficients of heart and lung in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Pathological examination revealed that the right ventricular hypertrophy index was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.001), with varying degrees of damage to the right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary vessels; both the pulmonary artery wall thickness percentage and the pulmonary wall area percentage were significantly elevated (P<0.001). ELISA results showed that the levels of ET‑1 and NT‑proBNP in lung tissues were significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis indicated that some echocardiographic parameters were highly correlated with multiple indices in the development of HPH (P<0.05). ConclusionEchocardiography can accurately assess a series of hemodynamic changes in HPH, including right ventricular structural, functional impairment, and pulmonary hypertension. Laboratory tests not only help verify whether the model has been successfully established, but also provide deeper insights into the pathogenesis of HPH, evaluate the effects of interventions, and offer scientific evidence for clinical outcomes. Pathological examination can further confirm the alterations in pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased right heart load. This multimodal analysis provides a reliable animal model and evaluation paradigm for both basic and translational research on HPH, and is of great significance for exploring disease mechanisms and developing precision therapeutic strategies.

This paper summarizes professor LIU Zhibin's clinical experience in treating Parkinson's disease with festinating gait by acupuncture combined with tuina based on the theory of the eight hollow spaces. Professor LIU holds that the disease involve the channel sinews and joints， and that the key pathogenesis lies in dysfunction of the eight hollow spaces， impairment of mechanical pivots and contraction of channel sinews. Clinically， these manifestations are characterized by impaired function of the hip and popliteal regions with dysregulation of gait initiation and termination， as well as impaired function of the axillary and elbow regions with discoordination of postural balance and movement. The therapeutic principle is regulating the spirit， unblocking the collaterals， and facilitating the eight hollow spaces. Acupuncture focuses on awakening the brain， regulating the spirit， unblocking the eight hollow spaces and dredging the sinew channels， whereas tuina focuses on releasing sinew knots around the hip and popliteal regions and restoring the movement of mechanical pivots. Particular emphasis is placed on the sequential application of acupuncture and tuina and the integration of static and dynamic approaches， with physical movement used to facilitate regulation of the spirit and gait training employed to consolidate therapeutic effects. This approach provides a new perspective for the treatment of festinating gait in Parkinson's disease with traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To evaluate the application of rabbit liver cancer model in teaching interventional medicine for graduate students.Methods A total of 10 first-year master graduate students majoring in Radiological Imaging(Interventional Medicine).who were studying at Zhengzhou University of China,were enrolled in this study.The rabbit liver cancer model was used as the experimental teaching materials.The teaching contents included the establishment of rabbit liver cancer model,the interventional operation of rabbit liver cancer,the method of scientific research and teaching,the evaluation of the teaching effect,and the survey of student satisfaction.Results Under the guidance of teaching tutor,the success rate of VX2 rabbit liver cancer modeling performed by the 10 master graduate students majoring in interventional medicine was 100％,and the mean operational quality assessment score was(11.5±2.0)points.During the operation of interventional surgery,the success rate of femoral artery puncture was also 100％,and the mean score for each interventional operation was(11.8±2.3)points.The students'experimental designs were evaluated by the expert group,the results were as follows:2 cases were rated as excellent,7 cases were rated as good,and one case was rated as moderate.The degree of students'satisfaction with experimental teaching method was high,the specific scores of each item are as follows:the understanding of the rabbit liver cancer model was(4.80±0.40)points,the command of interventional technology was(4.60±0.49)points,and the quality and practicability of teaching materials was(4.90±0.30)points.Conclusion This teaching method of using rabbit liver cancer model experiment can improve the animal experiment ability,interventional operation ability and scientific research innovation ability of graduate students.Animal model teaching method is an innovation of teaching mode for graduate students majoring in interventional medicine.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological status of knee joint tuberculous arthritis in 52 patients and to identify risk factors for recurrence after treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 52 patients with knee joint tuberculous arthritis who received treatment at Shaanxi Provincial Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Hospital from January 2018 to June 2023. Patients concurrently diagnosed with knee joint tuberculous arthritis were identified from the hospital's records, and their clinical data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors associated with recurrence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis.Results:The incidence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis is higher in males than in females, with the most affected age group being 40-60 years old. The most common form of the disease is total knee joint tuberculosis. The positive rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture is 100%, indicating high diagnostic value. Logistic regression analysis results show that the following are independent risk factors for recurrence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis: age > 45 years ( OR = 3.080, 95% CI: 1.445-6.564, P = 0.004), body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 ( OR = 6.062, 95% CI: 1.621-22.671, P = 0.007), smoking ( OR = 2.649, 95% CI: 1.032-6.799, P = 0.043), diabetes ( OR = 3.629, 95% CI: 1.799-7.321, P = 0.007), duration of tuberculosis symptoms > 6 months ( OR = 5.507, 95% CI: 1.210-25.055, P = 0.027), non-compliance with anti-tuberculosis medication ( OR = 3.152, 95% CI: 1.149-8.649, P = 0.026), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( OR = 3.297, 95% CI: 1.223-8.889, P = 0.018), and elevated C-reactive protein ( OR = 2.519, 95% CI: 1.025-6.194, P = 0.044). Conclusions:Knee joint tuberculous arthritis is more prevalent in males, with the most affected age group being 40-60 years old. Clinically, a comprehensive diagnosis that includes clinical evaluation, imaging, and bacterial culture is necessary. Lesion excision surgery can result in a good prognosis. Independent risk factors for the recurrence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis include age > 45 years, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2, smoking, diabetes, duration of tuberculosis symptoms > 6 months, non-compliance with anti-tuberculosis medication, elevated serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated C-reactive protein.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) plays an essential role in regulating the necroptosis and apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the regulation of RIPK1 kinase activity after cerebral I/R injury remains largely unknown. In this study, we found the downregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was induced by cerebral I/R injury, which negatively correlated with the activation of RIPK1. Mechanistically, we proved that PRMT1 directly interacted with RIPK1 and catalyzed its asymmetric dimethylarginine, which then blocked RIPK1 homodimerization and suppressed its kinase activity. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of PRMT1 aggravated I/R injury by promoting RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis, while PRMT1 overexpression protected against I/R injury by suppressing RIPK1 activation. Our findings revealed the molecular regulation of RIPK1 activation and demonstrated PRMT1 would be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Objective To investigate the changes of inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),lung tissue,and serum of a rat pneumonia model induced by inhalation of lipopolysaccharides(LPS).Methods Three days after modeling by LPS 4 mg/mL inhalation,15 min/d,was conducted while monitoring the particle size distribution and aerosol concentration of LPS,the degree of inflammation in lung tissues of rats in each group was observed via HE staining,and neutrophils in BALF were counted by microscope.The contents of interferon gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1 β),IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-10,IL-13,tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),and KC/GRO in lung tissue,serum,and BALF were detected by Meso Scale Discovery.Results The lung histopathology of model rats displayed focal and diffuse alveolar epithelial necrosis with shedding and the aggregation and infiltration of inflammatory cells.The particle size distribution of atomized LPS was as follows,Dv(10)=0.6974μm,Dv(50)=3.387 μm,Dv(90)=8.836 μm.The aerosol concentration of LPS was 4.08 g/m3,and the calculated inhalation dose for rats was 47.10 mg/kg.The neutrophil count(P＜0.01)and contents of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α(P＜0.05,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)in the BALF,and the contents of IL-1β,IL-6,and KC/GRO in lung tissue(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,P＜0.01),of model rats were significantly increased.No biologically significant changes were observed in inflammatory factor levels in the serum.Conclusions In the acute pneumonia model induced by inhalation of LPS,significant changes in inflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,KC/GRO,and TNF-α were observed in both lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),while no notable changes in these inflammatory factors were detected in serum.This indicates that the inflammation responses are primarily localized in the lungs.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological status of knee joint tuberculous arthritis in 52 patients and to identify risk factors for recurrence after treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 52 patients with knee joint tuberculous arthritis who received treatment at Shaanxi Provincial Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Hospital from January 2018 to June 2023. Patients concurrently diagnosed with knee joint tuberculous arthritis were identified from the hospital's records, and their clinical data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors associated with recurrence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis.Results:The incidence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis is higher in males than in females, with the most affected age group being 40-60 years old. The most common form of the disease is total knee joint tuberculosis. The positive rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture is 100%, indicating high diagnostic value. Logistic regression analysis results show that the following are independent risk factors for recurrence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis: age > 45 years ( OR = 3.080, 95% CI: 1.445-6.564, P = 0.004), body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 ( OR = 6.062, 95% CI: 1.621-22.671, P = 0.007), smoking ( OR = 2.649, 95% CI: 1.032-6.799, P = 0.043), diabetes ( OR = 3.629, 95% CI: 1.799-7.321, P = 0.007), duration of tuberculosis symptoms > 6 months ( OR = 5.507, 95% CI: 1.210-25.055, P = 0.027), non-compliance with anti-tuberculosis medication ( OR = 3.152, 95% CI: 1.149-8.649, P = 0.026), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( OR = 3.297, 95% CI: 1.223-8.889, P = 0.018), and elevated C-reactive protein ( OR = 2.519, 95% CI: 1.025-6.194, P = 0.044). Conclusions:Knee joint tuberculous arthritis is more prevalent in males, with the most affected age group being 40-60 years old. Clinically, a comprehensive diagnosis that includes clinical evaluation, imaging, and bacterial culture is necessary. Lesion excision surgery can result in a good prognosis. Independent risk factors for the recurrence of knee joint tuberculous arthritis include age > 45 years, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2, smoking, diabetes, duration of tuberculosis symptoms > 6 months, non-compliance with anti-tuberculosis medication, elevated serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and elevated C-reactive protein.

Objective To investigate the changes of inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),lung tissue,and serum of a rat pneumonia model induced by inhalation of lipopolysaccharides(LPS).Methods Three days after modeling by LPS 4 mg/mL inhalation,15 min/d,was conducted while monitoring the particle size distribution and aerosol concentration of LPS,the degree of inflammation in lung tissues of rats in each group was observed via HE staining,and neutrophils in BALF were counted by microscope.The contents of interferon gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1 β),IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-10,IL-13,tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),and KC/GRO in lung tissue,serum,and BALF were detected by Meso Scale Discovery.Results The lung histopathology of model rats displayed focal and diffuse alveolar epithelial necrosis with shedding and the aggregation and infiltration of inflammatory cells.The particle size distribution of atomized LPS was as follows,Dv(10)=0.6974μm,Dv(50)=3.387 μm,Dv(90)=8.836 μm.The aerosol concentration of LPS was 4.08 g/m3,and the calculated inhalation dose for rats was 47.10 mg/kg.The neutrophil count(P＜0.01)and contents of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α(P＜0.05,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)in the BALF,and the contents of IL-1β,IL-6,and KC/GRO in lung tissue(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,P＜0.01),of model rats were significantly increased.No biologically significant changes were observed in inflammatory factor levels in the serum.Conclusions In the acute pneumonia model induced by inhalation of LPS,significant changes in inflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,KC/GRO,and TNF-α were observed in both lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),while no notable changes in these inflammatory factors were detected in serum.This indicates that the inflammation responses are primarily localized in the lungs.

Varicocele-induced infertility(VCI)is a common andrological disease in clinical practice.Oxidative stress represents the primary mechanism through which varicocele causes male infertility.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)treatment,characterized by its multi-target,multi-component,multi-system,and multi-pathway actions,has achieved favorable outcomes in the field of VCI treatment.This paper summarizes the underlying oxidative stress mechanism of VCI and the relevant signaling pathways involved.By reviewing the current research status on how monomers,active fractions,compound formulas,and related preparations of TCM can intervene in oxidative stress through the regulation of these signaling pathways to improve VCI,it is found that the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling pathway,the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)signaling pathway are closely related to the development of VCI.TCM monomers and active fractions(flavonoids from Cuscutae Semen,polysaccharides from Astragali Radix,curcumin,ginsenoside Rg1,hyperin and echinacoside),as well as compound formulas and related preparations of TCM(modified Dahuang zhechong granules,Shengjing huoxue formula,modified Tianxiong san,Tongjingling,Bushen huoxue formula,Mailuoshutong pill,Zishen yutai pill,Danhong tongjing formula)can alleviate oxidative stress,reduce lipid peroxidation damage,improve mitochondrial dysfunction,decrease sperm DNA fragmentation,and inhibit apoptosis by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathways and inhibiting the MAPK and HIF-1α signaling pathways,thereby improving reproductive function.

ObjectiveTo predict the potential nephrotoxic components in traditional Chinese medicine health food products based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Toxicity Alert System and Basic Toxicology Database （TCMTAS-BTD）， screen and validate the predicted components by cell and animal experiments， and decipher the mechanism of nephrotoxicity by network pharmacology. MethodTCMTAS-BTD was utilized to predict the toxicity of 3 540 compounds found in the catalogue of traditional Chinese health food ingredients. In the cell experiment， the top 5 compounds with high toxicity probability were screened by measurement of cell proliferation and viability （CCK-8） and high-content screening. ICR mice were randomized into a control group， a low-dose （2.91 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） ecliptasaponin A， and a high-dose （29.1 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） ecliptasaponin A group， with 10 mice in each group， and treated continuously for 28 days. During the experiment， the general conditions of the rats were observed， and the kidney index was calculated. The levels of serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） in the serum as well as the content of malondialdehyde （MDA） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） in the renal tissue were measured. The pathological changes of the kidney were observed. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential pathways of nephrotoxicity. Finally， the pathway-associated proteins were validated by Western blot. ResultThe top 5 compounds with high probability of nephrotoxicity were ecliptasaponin A， chrysophanol， rutaecarpine， tanshinoneⅠ， and geniposidic acid. In the cell experiment， CCK-8 results showed that 10 μmol·L^-1 ecliptasaponin A， 60 μmol·L^-1 chrysophanol， 40 μmol·L^-1 rutaecarpine， and 20 μmol·L^-1 tanshinone I altered the viability of HK-2 cells. High-content analysis showed that 10 μmol·L^-1 ecliptasaponin A， chrysophanol， rutaecarpine， and tanshinone Ⅰ reduced the cell number （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The animal experiment showed that the mice in the high-dose ecliptasaponin A group presented slow movement， slow weight gain （P<0.01）， increased kidney index （P<0.01）， elevated SCr， BUN， and MDA levels （P<0.01）， and lowered SOD level （P<0.01）. Mild histopathological changes were observed in the high-dose ecliptasaponin A group. The network pharmacology results showed that the key targets of nephrotoxicity induced by ecliptasaponin A were mainly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， prostatic cancer and lipid and atherosclerosis pathways. Western blot results verified that high dose of ecliptasaponin A raised the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt （P<0.01）. ConclusionOn day 28 of administration， 29.1 mg·kg^-1 ecliptasaponin A was found to induce renal injury in rats. The mechanism may be related with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， which implied that excessive and prolonged usage of Ecliptae Herba may increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions.