The phase changes and quantity-quality transfer of 17 batches of Ostreae Concha(Ostrea rivularis) during the raw material-calcined decoction pieces-standard decoction process were analyzed. The content of calcium carbonate(CaCO_3), the main component, was determined by chemical titration, and the extract yield and transfer rate were calculated. The CaCO_3 content in the raw material, calcined decoction pieces, and standard decoction was 94.39%-98.80%, 95.03%-99.22%, and 84.58%-90.47%, respectively. The process of raw material to calcined decoction pieces showed the yield range of 96.85% to 98.55% and the CaCO_3 transfer rate range of 96.92% to 99.27%. The process of calcined decoction pieces to standard decoction showed the extract yield range of 2.86% to 5.48% and the CaCO_3 transfer rate range of 2.59% to 5.13%. The results of X-ray fluorescence(XRF) assay showed that the raw material, calcined decoction pieces, and standard decoction mainly contained Ca, Na, Mg, Si, Br, Cl, Al, Fe, Cr, Mn, and K. The chemometric results showed an increase in the relative content of Cr, Fe, and Si from raw material to calcined decoction pieces and an increase in the relative content of Mg, Al, Br, K, Cl, and Na from calcined decoction pieces to standard decoction. X-ray diffraction(XRD) was employed to establish XRD characteristic patterns of the raw material, calcined decoction pieces, and standard decoction. The XRD results showed that the main phase of all three was calcite, and no transformation of crystalline form or generation of new phase was observed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) was employed to establish the FTIR characteristic spectra of the raw material, calcined decoction pieces, and standard decoction. The FTIR results showed that the raw material had internal vibrations of O-H, C-H, C=O, C-O, and CO■ groups. Due to the loss of organic matter components after calcination, no information about the vibrations of C-H, C=O, and C-O groups was observed in the spectra of calcined decoction pieces and standard decoction. In summary, this study elucidated the quantity-quality transfer and phase changes in the raw material-calcined decoction pieces-standard decoction process by determining the CaCO_3 content, calculating the extract yield and transfer rate, and comparing the element changes, FTIR characteristic spectra, and XRD characteristic pattern. The results were reasonable and reliable, laying a foundation for the subsequent process research and quality control of the formula granules of calcined Ostreae Concha(O. rivularis Gould), and providing ideas and methods for the quality control of the whole process of raw material-decoction pieces-standard decoction-formula granules of Ostreae Concha and other testacean traditional Chinese medicine.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Calcium Carbonate/analysis* ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between microscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic varicocelectomy in the treatment of varicocele（VC）with male infertility. METHODS: A total of 307 patients who were diagnosed with VC complicated with male infertility and admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from October 2018 to October 2022 were recruited for retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into the microscopic group (180 cases) and laparoscopic group (127 cases) according to the surgery method. The pre- and postoperative clinical data of these two groups were analyzed, including the degree of dilatation and reflux time of internal spermatic vein，hemodynamic parameters of testicular capsular artery，proportion of progressive motility spermatozoa (PR), concentration of spermatozoa, proportion of normal morphology sperm，the pregnancy outcome of spouses and the incidence of complications related with surgery within 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: All the surgeries for the 307 patients in this study were successful. There was no significant difference in operation time, hospitalization time and management expenses between the microscopic group and the laparoscopic group (P>0.05). Compared to the patients in laparoscopic group, the patients in the microscopic group received a better improvement in venous diameter, reflux time of spermatic veins and hemodynamic parameters of testicular capsular artery (P<0.05). Moreover, the semen analysis showed that the PR, spermatozoa concentration and proportion of normal morphology sperm in the microscopic group were also obviously increased than those in the laparoscopic group (P<0.05). During the 2-year follow-up period, the conception rate of spouses in the microscopic group was 67.2%, while only 47.2% in the laparoscopic group, in which the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Besides, the time-to-pregnancy ( TTP ) within 2 years postoperatively in the microscopic group was significantly shorter than that in the laparoscopic group（P<0.05). Meanwhile, the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the microscopic group was also significantly lower than that in the laparoscopic group (P<0.05). It is worth mentioned that the spontaneous conception rate of spouses with successful pregnancy in the microscopic group was also significantly higher than that in the laparoscopic group (P<0.05). Severe complication such as testicular atrophy, bleeding and infection did not appear in both of two groups. However, the incidences of testicular hydrocele and recurrence of VC postoperatively in the laparoscopic group were significantly higher than those in the microscopic group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both microscopic varicocelectomy and laparoscopic varicocelectomy can be applied to the management of VC combined with male infertility. But microscopic varicocelectomy showed better clinical efficacy in improving the testicular hemodynamic parameters, semen quality, pregnancy outcome and postoperative complications, which is worthy of further clinical applications.
Humans ; Male ; Varicocele/complications* ; Laparoscopy ; Infertility, Male/etiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Microsurgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Pregnancy ; Female

BACKGROUND: Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) holds significant value in guiding drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment and enhancing outcomes. However, the predictive capability of post-angioplasty QFR for long-term clinical events in patients with de novo lesions who receive DCB treatment remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the potential significance of post-angioplasty QFR measurements in predicting clinical outcomes in patients underwent DCB treatment for de novo lesions. METHODS: Patients who underwent DCB-only intervention for de novo lesions were enrolled. QFR was conducted after DCB treatment. The patients were then categorized based on post-angioplasty QFR. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), encompassing all-cause death, cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS: A total of 553 patients with 561 lesions were included. The median follow-up period was 505 days, during which 66 (11.8%) MACEs occurred. Based on post-procedural QFR grouping, there were 259 cases in the high QFR group (QFR > 0.93) and 302 cases in the low QFR group (QFR ≤ 0.93). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher cumulative incidence of MACE in the low QFR group (log-rank P = 0.004). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between QFR and the occurrence of MACEs (HR = 0.522, 95%CI: 0.289-0.942, P = 0.031). Landmark analysis indicated that high QFR had a significant reducing effect on the cumulative incidence of MACEs within 1 year (log-rank P = 0.016) and 1-5 years (log-rank P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS In patients who underwent DCB-only treatment for de novo lesions, higher post-procedural QFR values (> 0.93) were identified as an independent protective factor against adverse prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying molecular mechanism of Modified Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan (MHW) in alleviating renal lesions in mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). METHODS: The db/db mice were divided into model group and MHW group according to a random number table, while db/m mice were settled as the control group (n=8 per group). The control and model groups were gavaged daily with distilled water [10 mL/(kg·d)], and the MHW group was treated with MHW [17.8 g/(kg·d)] for 6 weeks. After MHW administration for 6 weeks, indicators associated with glucolipid metabolism and urinary albumin were tested. Podocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Kidney transcriptomics was performed after confirming therapeutic effects of MHW on DKD mice. The relevant target of MHW' effect in DKD was further determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, MHW improved glucose and lipid metabolism (P<0.05), and reduced lipid deposition in the kidney. Meanwhile, MHW reduced the excretion of urinary albumin (P<0.05) and ameliorated renal damage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the inflammation response, particularly the interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, may be responsible for the effect of MHW on DKD. Furtherly, our results found that MHW inhibited IL-17A and alleviated early fibrosis in the diabetic kidney. CONCLUSION MHW ameliorated renal damage in DKD via inhibiting IL-17A, suggesting a potential strategy for DKD therapy.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics* ; Interleukin-17/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Kidney/ultrastructure* ; Podocytes/metabolism* ; Mice ; Albuminuria ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role and mechanism of Brahma-related gene 1 (Brg1) in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) model. METHODS: Wild-type C57BL/6 and Brg1^f1/f1 mice were randomly divided into four groups: wild-type control, wild-type BPD, Brg1^f1/f1 control, and Brg1^f1/f1 BPD (n=5 each). Immortalized mouse pulmonary alveolar type 2 cells (imPAC2) were cultured, and Brg1 gene was knocked down using lentivirus transfection technology. Cells were divided into three groups: control, empty vector, and Brg1 knockdown. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence were used to detect pathological changes in mouse lung tissue. Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were used to measure Brg1 protein and mRNA expression levels in mouse lung tissue. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of homeodomain-containing protein homeobox (HOPX), surfactant protein C (SPC), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway proteins in mouse lung tissue and imPAC2 cells. The CCK8 assay was used to assess the proliferation of imPAC2 cells, and co-immunoprecipitation was performed to verify the interaction between Brg1 and β-catenin proteins in imPAC2 cells. RESULTS: Compared to the Brg1^f1/f1 control group and wild-type BPD group, the Brg1^f1/f1 BPD group showed increased alveolar diameter and SPC protein expression, and decreased relative density of pulmonary vasculature and HOPX protein expression (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the Brg1 knockdown group showed increased cell proliferation ability, protein expression levels of SPC, Wnt5a and β-catenin, and β-catenin protein fluorescence intensity, along with decreased HOPX protein expression (P<0.05). An interaction between Brg1 and β-catenin proteins was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS The Brg1 gene may promote the proliferation of alveolar type 2 epithelial cells by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus influencing the occurrence and development of BPD.
Animals ; DNA Helicases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway/physiology* ; Nuclear Proteins/genetics* ; Mice ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/etiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; beta Catenin/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cell Proliferation ; Lung/pathology* ; Male

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of ionizing radiation on the adipogenic of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). METHODS: Mouse MSCs were cultured in vitro and treated with 2 Gy and 6 Gy radiation with ⁶⁰Co, and the radiation dose rate was 0.98 Gy/min. Bulk RNA-seq was performed on control and irradiated MSCs. The changes of adipogenic differentiation and oxidative stress pathways of MSC were revealed by bioinformatics analysis. Oil Red O staining was used to detect the adipogenic differentiation ability of MSCs in vitro, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression differences of key regulatory factors Cebpa, Lpl and Pparg after radiation treatment. At the same time, qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the effect of inhibition of Nrf2, a key factor of antioxidant stress pathway, on the expression of key regulatory factors of adipogenesis. Moreover, the species conservation of the irradiation response of human bone marrow MSCs and mouse MSC was determined by qPCR. RESULTS: Bulk RNA-seq suggested that ionizing radiation promotes adipogenic differentiation of MSCs and up-regulation of oxidative stress-related genes and pathways. The results of Oil Red O staining and qPCR showed that ionizing radiation promoted the adipogenesis of MSCs, with high expression of Cebpa, Lpl and Pparg, as well as oxidative stress-related gene Nrf2. Nrf2 pathway inhibitors could further enhance the adipogenesis of MSCs in bone marrow after radiation. Notably, the similar regulation of oxidative pathways and enhanced adipogenesis post irradiation were observed in human bone marrow MSCs. In addition, irradiation exposure led to up-regulated mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and down-regulated mRNA expression of colony stimulating factor 2 in human bone marrow MSCs. CONCLUSION Ionizing radiation promotes adipogenesis of MSCs in mice, and oxidative stress pathway participates in this effect, blocking Nrf2 further promotes the adipogenesis of MSCs. Additionally, irradiation activates oxidative pathways and promotes adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology* ; Oxidative Stress/radiation effects* ; Animals ; Adipogenesis/radiation effects* ; Mice ; Radiation, Ionizing ; Cell Differentiation/radiation effects* ; Humans ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; PPAR gamma ; Cells, Cultured

Objective To investigate the status of population dynamics and distribution changes of Aedes aegypti in Guangdong Province.Methods Continuous monitoring was conducted from May 2018 to July 2024 in Wushi Town and Qishui Town,Leizhou City,Zhanjiang City,Guangdong Province.Additionally,a survey of the distribution of Ae.aegypti along the Leizhou Peninsula coast was carried out.Results The density of Ae.aegypti in Zhanjiang showed a gradual decline from 2018 to 2024.The last detection of adult Ae.aegypti in Wushi Town was in September 2021,and the last larva was found in October 2023.No Ae.aegypti was detected in Qishui Town during surveys from 2021 to 2024.A survey of 18 coastal villages in the Leizhou Peninsula revealed no detections of Ae.aegypti.Conclusions This study provides a basis for understanding the distribution and population density fluctuations of Ae.aegypti,assessing its invasion risk,and scientifically conducting relevant prevention and control efforts.

Objective To systematically search,evaluate,and summarize the evidence for risk management of breast and ovarian cancers in carriers of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2(BRCA1/2)mutations.Methods A systematic search was conducted in BMJ Best Practice,UpTo-Date,the National Guideline Clearinghouse(NGC),the National Institute for Health and Care Ex-cellence(NICE),the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network(SIGN),the Guidelines Interna-tional Network(GIN),the New Zealand Guidelines Group(NZGG),the Canadian Medical Associa-tion Infobase(CMA InfoBase),the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario(RNAO),the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN),Cancer Care Ontario(CCO),the Medlive website,the American Society of Clinical Oncology(ASCO),the European Society for Medical Oncology(ESMO),the American Cancer Society(ACS),the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists(ACOG),the Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI),the Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Em-base,CINAHL,ProQuest,ClinicalTrials.gov,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data,VIP Database,and SinoMed for evidence related to risk management of breast and ovarian canc-ers in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers,including clinical decisions,guidelines,systematic reviews,expert consensus,and evidence summaries.The search period was from the inception of each database to September 20,2024.Results A total of 14 articles were included,comprising 1 clinical decision,8 guidelines,and 5 expert consensus documents.Based on five themes-risk assessment,risk moni-toring,risk-reducing surgery,pharmacologic prevention,and health guidance,a total of 24 pieces of evidence were summarized.Conclusion The evidence summarization process in this study is standardized,and the summarized evidence is relatively comprehensive.Healthcare professionals should comprehensively consider patients' individual characteristics,family history,personal prefer-ences,and the accessibility of healthcare resources to achieve effective prevention and control of he-reditary tumor risks.

Objective To evaluate the characteristics of different antigen-specific T cell immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)after inoculation with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine for 12 months.Methods Fifteen healthy adults were enrolled in this study and blood samples collected at 12 months after receiving two doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine.The level and phenotypic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific T lymphocytes were detected by activation-induced markers(AIM)based on polychromatic flow cytometry.Results After 12 months of inoculation with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine,more than 90%of adults had detectable Spike and Non-spike antigen-specific CD4+ T cells immune responses(Spike:14/15,P=0.0001;Non-spike:15/15,P<0.0001).80%of adults had detectable Spike and Non-spike antigen-specific CD8+ T cells immune responses(Spike:12/15,P=0.0463;Non-spike:12/15,P=0.0806).Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination after 12 months were composed of predominantly central memory(CM)and effector memory 1(EM1)cells.On the other hand,in terms of helper subsets,antigen-specific CD4+ T cells mainly showed T helper 1/17(Th1/17)and T helper 2(Th2)phenotypes.Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination generates durable and extensive antigen-specific CD4+ T cell memory responses,which may be the key factor for the low proportion of severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection in China.

The presence of 4-aminophenol(4-AP)in wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry is a common occurrence due to its role as a byproduct or intermediate during the hydrolysis process of paracetamol metabolism,resulting in significant water pollution.Therefore,it is crucial to employ a straightforward and reliable analytical approach for detecting 4-AP in the environment.In this study,a specific type of metal-organic framework(MOF)material called[Cd4(ABTC)2(H2O)12]n(SXNU-4-Cd,H4ABTC=3,3′,5,5′-azobenzene tetracarboxylic acid)was successfully synthesized,which exhibited a unique two-dimensional layered structure consisting of three intertwined spiral chains forming a distinctive″twist braid″.These layers underwent π-π stacking,creating three-dimensional channels with azo bonds decorating the channel walls.This p-π interaction significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of SXNU-4-Cd towards 4-AP,thereby improving its recognition sensitivity.The fabricated SXNU-4-Cd/GCE sensor showed high sensitivity towards 4-AP in the linear concentration range of 0.1-130 μmol/L,with a detection limit of 8.6 nmol/L,and also exhibited good anti-interference capability,reproducibility and stability.The SXNU-4-Cd/GCE sensor was successfully used for detecting 4-AP in lake water sample,with spiked recoveries of 95.9%-102.8%.This study introduced a novel technique that utilized pure Cd-MOFs to develop electrochemical sensor capable of effectively detecting 4-AP in water samples.