Aim To establish the pyroptosis model of rat chondrocytes induced by tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in order to study the effect of lysine acetyl-transferase 7(KAT7)on pyroptosis of chondrocytes.Methods Chondrocytes of rat knee joint were isolated by type Ⅱ collagenase digestion,and were identified by toluidine blue staining and Col Ⅱ immunofluorescence.CCK-8 was used to evaluate cell viability.Western blot was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3,GSDMD,caspase-8 and KAT7 in cells intervened with TNF-α,adenovirus overexpression of KAT7(KAT7-oe)and KAT7 inhibitor WM-3835.The microstructure of the cells was observed by scanning e-lectron microscopy.Pyroptosis was detected by TUNEL staining,and the expression of pyroptosis-related pro-tein and KAT7 was detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the empty virus group,KAT7-oe inhibited cell viability,promoted the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins,and TNF-α enhanced this effect.At the same time,the expression of KAT7 and pyroptosis-related proteins in the TNF-α stimulation group increased,and WM-3835 reduced the related proteins expression.Electron microscopy showed that KAT7-oe caused cell swelling,deformation,membrane perforation and rupture,while WM-3835 could restore cell morphology.TUNEL staining and immunofluores-cence results also confirmed that KAT7-oe induced chondrocyte pyroptosis,and WM-3835 could down-reg-ulate the fluorescence of pyroptosis-related proteins.Conclusions The expression of KAT7 increases in rat chondrocyte pyroptosis model,and the intervention of KAT7 expression affects signal molecules related to py-roptosis pathway,suggesting that KAT7 may be related to chondrocyte pyroptosis.

Objective:To explore the potential mechanism of action of Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin modified formula(XFHMY)in the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw(MRONJ)through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods:Firstly,the efficacy of XFHMY was evaluated by establishing a mice model of MRONJ induced by zoledronic acid(ZOL);Subsequently,the potential molecular mechanism of XFHMY in the treatment of MRONJ was predicted by using network pharmacology;Lastly,the network pharmacology prediction results were collectively validated through MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation experiments,Western blot analysis,and immunohistochemical staining of mouse maxillary bone tissue.Results:Animal experiments showed that,compared to the model group,the XFHMY group exhibited significantly improved wound healing in the tooth extraction socket(P＜0.001),a significant reduction in bone volume fraction and empty lacunae rate in the maxilla(P＜0.0001,P＜0.001),and a significant increase in trabecular separation and osteoclast number(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Network pharmacology analysis identified 59 common targets,with both GO and KEGG analyses indicating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as a crucial mechanism for XFHMY in treating MRONJ.Ten key active components,including quercetin,luteolin,and fisetin,were screened,and these compounds demonstrated strong binding affinity with CTNNB1,a core target of this pathway.In vitro experiments revealed that XFHMY(0.25,0.5,1,2,4 mg/mL)promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation(P＜0.0001)and activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by upregulating β-catenin and Runx2 protein expression,thereby reversing ZOL-induced inhibition of MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation while enhancing both processes.Immunohistochemical analysis of mouse maxillae showed that,compared to the model group,the XFHMY group had significantly increased β-catenin and Runx2 protein expression(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),consistent with the in vitro findings.Conclusion:XFHMY promotes the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,which in turn attenuates MRONJ.The novel pharmacological mechanism proposed in this study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of XFHMY.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei(PMP)is a rare malignant peritoneal syndrome characterized by progressive intra-abdominal accumu-lation and redistribution of gelatinous tumor-derived mucins.This disease primarily originates in the appendix or ovaries and exhibits distinct biological behavior and clinicopathological features.Carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),a critical tumor biomarker,is significantly correl-ated with the development and progression of PMP.This association renders CA19-9 increasingly valuable in clinical diagnosis and treat-ment.Furthermore,molecular biological characteristics of CA19-9,including structural properties,biosynthetic pathways,and mechanisms in mediating tumor metastasis,are systematically elaborated.These findings highlight the association between CA19-9 expression and PMP pathological grading,clinical prognosis,and therapeutic response monitoring.Additionally,the study thoroughly analyzed the synergistic role of CA19-9,alongside other tumor biomarkers,in PMP management.Based on current evidence,future research directions are proposed.These include the potential application of CA19-9 in early PMP diagnosis,its therapeutic utility as a molecular target,and the exploration of CA19-9-associated signaling pathways in PMP pathogenesis.The insights provide novel perspectives and a theoretical foundation for PMP-based precision medicine.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei(PMP)is a rare malignant peritoneal syndrome characterized by progressive intra-abdominal accumu-lation and redistribution of gelatinous tumor-derived mucins.This disease primarily originates in the appendix or ovaries and exhibits distinct biological behavior and clinicopathological features.Carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),a critical tumor biomarker,is significantly correl-ated with the development and progression of PMP.This association renders CA19-9 increasingly valuable in clinical diagnosis and treat-ment.Furthermore,molecular biological characteristics of CA19-9,including structural properties,biosynthetic pathways,and mechanisms in mediating tumor metastasis,are systematically elaborated.These findings highlight the association between CA19-9 expression and PMP pathological grading,clinical prognosis,and therapeutic response monitoring.Additionally,the study thoroughly analyzed the synergistic role of CA19-9,alongside other tumor biomarkers,in PMP management.Based on current evidence,future research directions are proposed.These include the potential application of CA19-9 in early PMP diagnosis,its therapeutic utility as a molecular target,and the exploration of CA19-9-associated signaling pathways in PMP pathogenesis.The insights provide novel perspectives and a theoretical foundation for PMP-based precision medicine.

Objective To analyze the risk factors for meconium-stained amniotic fluid(MSAF)in preterm infants and the clinical outcome and prognosis of preterm infants.Methods Preterm infants with gestational age＜37 weeks delivered in Zhangjiajie People's Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were used as the study subjects,31 cases with MSAF were in MSAF group,and 31 cases of preterm infants hospitalized during the same period without MSAF were randomly paired in the ratio of 1∶1 to select with gestational age-body mass matching as non-MSAF group.Retrospective collection and analysis of pregnancy and perinatal conditions of mothers of preterm infants in two groups,comparing the differences of related factors between two groups of children;Logistic regression analysis of risk factors related to MSAF in preterm infants;comparing the complications and clinical outcomes of preterm infants in two groups.Results A total of 387 preterm infants with gestational age＜37 weeks were collected during the study period,including 31 preterm infants with comorbid MSAF,and the prevalence of MSAF in preterm infants was 8.0％.MSAF group had a higher incidence of advanced maternal age,premature rupture of membranes＞18 hours,antepartum fever,and cholestasis during pregnancy than non-MSAF group.Logistic regression analysis suggested that combined cholestasis during pregnancy and white blood cell count ≥ 30× 109/L within 6 hours after birth increased the incidence of MSAF in preterm infants.There was no statistically significant difference in the results of postnatal umbilical artery blood gas analysis between two groups of preterm infants.The proportion of leukocyte count ≥30×109/L,ultrasensitive C-reactive protein＞0.8 mg/L,and interleukin 6＞6 pg/L in MSAF group was higher than that of non-MSAF group in the 6 hours after birth.MSAF group had a higher incidence of intrauterine infectious pneumonia,feeding intolerance,and necrotizing small bowel colitis in neonates than non-MSAF group.Conclusion Advanced maternal age,intrauterine infections,and combined intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy may be the major risk factors for MSAF in preterm infants.MSAF preterm infants have a higher prevalence of intrauterine infectious pneumonitis,feeding intolerance,and necrotizing small bowel colitis in newborns,as well as longer hospital stays.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Huatan Quyu Decoction on learning and memory abilities in rats with vascular dementia(VD).Methods Totally 112 male SD rats were randomly selected with 16 rats as the sham-operation group,the remaining rats were used to prepare VD models by segmental ligation of the common carotid artery.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,Huatan Quyu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(6.1,12.1,24.2 g/kg),donepezil hydrochloride group(0.5 mg/kg)and combination group(Huatan Quyu Decoction 12.1 g/kg+donepezil hydrochloride 0.5 mg/kg),with 16 rats in each group.Each group was given the corresponding treatment measures for 4 weeks.The Morris water maze test was used to assess learning and memory abilities,neurological function was evaluated using Garcia score,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the hippocampal tissue,ELISA was employed to detect the serum content of Aβ,immunohistochemistry was utilized to observe the β-catenin,LRP6 and GSK-3β protein expression in brain tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the escape latency of the model group rats was prolonged(P<0.01),the number of crossing platforms was reduced(P<0.01),and the neurological deficit score was decreased(P<0.01),the arrangement of hippocampal tissue cells was disorderly,and the tissue was severely damaged,the serum Aβ content increased(P<0.01),the expressions of β-catenin and LRP6 protein in brain tissue decreased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the escape latency of rats in each administration group was shortened,the number of crossing platforms increased,the neurological deficit score increased,the number of hippocampal cells was relatively more,the arrangement was more orderly,and the structure was relatively complete,the serum Aβ content decreased,the expressions of β-catenin and LRP6 proteins increased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein decreased.Among them,Huatan Quyu Decoction high-dosage group had a significantly better effect than Huatan Quyu Decoction low-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01),and there was no statistical significance in various indicators compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group(P>0.05).Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group,the combination group showed significant improvements in learning and memory abilities(P<0.01),the neurological deficit score significantly increased(P<0.01),the number of hippocampal cells significantly increased,arranged neatly,and structurally intact,the serum Aβ content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of β-catenin and LRP6 proteins significantly increased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Huatan Quyu Decoction can repair cognitive function in VD rats,improve learning and memory abilities,and alleviate VD symptoms by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to reduce serum Aβ content,decrease the apoptosis of nerve cells and alleviate the degree of pathological damage in hippocampal tissue.

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture on patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinal Dampness-heat Pattern.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were randomly assigned into control group(60 cases)for 1-month administration of Pefikang Capsules and Mesalazine Sustained Release Granules,and observation group(60 cases)for 1-month administration of Supplemented Gegen Qinlian Decoction,acupuncture,Pefikang Capsules and Mesalazine Sustained Release Granules.The changes in clinical effects,symptom remission time,TCM syndrome scores,Geboes index,lesion activity index,Baron score,inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α),immune function indices(IgA,IgG,IgM),IBDQ score and recurrence rate were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05),along with shorter symptom remission time(P＜0.05)and lower recurrence rate(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,Geboes index,lesion activity index,Baron score,inflammatory factors,IgG,IgM(P＜0.05),and increased IBDQ score(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with ulcerative colitis of Large Intestinal Dampness-heat Pattern,Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with acupuncture can improve clinical symptoms,promote disease recovery,enhance immune functions and life quality,and reduce recurrence rate.

AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P＜0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P＜0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P＜0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P＜0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.

Objective To investigate the relationship between cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods A case-control trial was conducted on 151 patients admitted to our department from May 2024 to December 2024.The patients with mild-to-moderate AD were assigned into the AD group(59 cases),and the cognitively normal patients in-to the control group(92 cases).All patients received neuropsychological assessment and sleep quality evaluation,including mini-mental state examination(MMSE),Montreal cognitive assess-ment(MoCA)and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI).The general clinical data and sleep qual-ity were compared between the two groups.Spearman correlation analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between cognitive function and sleep quality in the AD patients.Results The education level,MMSE score,MoCA score,instant story recall(ISR)score,delayed story recall(DSR)score,clock dawning test(CDT)score and Boston naming test score were significantly lower,while the activity of daily living(ADL)score was obviously higher in the AD group than the cognitively normal group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The AD patients had notably higher total score of PSQI and scores of sleep efficiency,nocturnal sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction than the cognitively normal patients(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).In the AD patients,the total sleep time was positively correlated with the DSR score and the CDT score(r=0.300,P=0.021;r=0.308,P=0.018);hypnotic medication was negatively correlated with MMSE score,ISR score,and DSR score,and positively with ADL score(r=-0.320,P=0.013;r=-0.400,P=0.002;r=-0.331,P=0.010;r=0.355,P=0.006).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that benzodiazepines use and education level were independent influencing factors for cognitive function in the AD patients(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion In AD patients,sleep quality is closely associated with cognitive function,as manifested by decreased sleep quality,reduced sleep efficiency,and worsened nocturnal sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction.Administration of benzodiazepines may exacerbate cognitive impairment in AD patients.So,it is recommended that AD patients should be cautious about taking such drugs.

Different animals in Xinjiang carry Escherichia coli O157:H7(E.coli O157:H7),but the connection between these strains is not clear.This study aims to understand the evolutionary sub-group of E.coli O157:H7,the distribution of the dominant genetic lineage,the biofilm formation ability,the carriage of mobile genetic elements and their drug resistance profile.E.coli O157:H7 was identified by PCR.Multilocus sequence typing(MLST)protocol was used for E.coli O157 to detect ST type,plasmid replicon and integron genes.Biofilm formation ability was determined by crystal violet microplate,and Kirby-Bauer was used to detect drug resistance.The results showed that 46.7％(7/15)of E.coli O157:H7 belongs to Group A,53.3％(8/15)of E.coli O157:H7 be-longs to Group E.Sheep source were mainly prevalent in Group A(4/6).Cattle sources are mainly Group E(6/7).A total of six ST types were detected:ST11(8/15),ST-206(1/15),ST-6126(3/15),ST-1640(1/15),ST-178(1/15),ST-4550(1/15).Two strains had a moderate biofilm-form-ing capacity,two strains had a weak biofilm-forming capacity,10 strains have no biofilm-forming capacity.All were multidrug-resistant strains,with complete resistance to lincomycin,oxacillin,clindamycin,vancomycin,midemycin and cefthiophene,and 88％-94％resistance to poly-myxin B,ampicillin,penicillin G and erythromycin,they are highly drug resistant.The five resist-ance genes detected were acrA(66.66％,10/15),tolC(73.33％,11/15),qurS(13.33％,2/15),floR and qurA(6.67％,1/15).Four plasm id replicons were detected,they were IncP(66.66％,10/15),IncFrepB(86.67％,13/15),IncFIA(6.67％,1/15),IncFIB(66.66％,10/15).Two class Ⅰ integrons were detected and they were ISCR1(33.33％,5/15),ISECP1(20％,3/15).The re-sults showed that E.coli O157:H7 in Xinjiang was predominantly prevalent in Group A and Group E.Sheep sources were predominantly prevalent in Group A,and cattle sources were predominantly prevalent in Group E.The ST types were widely distributed,with ST11 types being the predomi-nant type,the biofilm-forming ability was weak,and the resistance was strong,all of them were multi-drug-resistant strains,and the resistance genes were mainly externally excreted from the pumps,and the resistance genes had more spreading elements.