Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a chalcone compound isolated from licorice, known for its anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Our previous study has demonstrated that ISL effectively lowers blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and improves disturbances in glucolipid and energy metabolism induced by T2DM. This study aims to further investigate the effects of ISL on alleviating abnormal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) caused by T2DM and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. In vivo experiments were conducted using 8-week-old SPF male C57BL/6J mice. The T2DM animal model was established by high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ), in compliance with the ethical guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: BUCM-2022021503-1134). In vitro experiments employed human liver cancer HepG2 cells, which were induced with tunicamycin (TM) to establish the ERS cell model. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to analyze changes in gene expression in the liver samples of T2DM mice following ISL treatment. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the regulatory effects of ISL on key ERS genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence techniques were used to evaluate ISL's effects on ERS-related proteins. Results indicate that ISL significantly downregulates the expression of ERS-related genes, reduces the level of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and inhibits the phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), thereby alleviating abnormal ERS induced by T2DM. Additionally, ISL increases the protein levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 and IRS2 and enhances the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), thereby improving insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, ISL is able to alleviate T2DM associated symptoms by improving abnormal ERS and enhancing insulin sensitivity.

ObjectiveTo monitor the real-time changes in ammonia concentration in the laboratory animal facility environment before, during, and after the air conditioning system stops supplying air, so as to provide a basis and reference for developing emergency plans for the shutdown of the air conditioning system. MethodsThe laboratory animal facilities of the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products were used as the research object. Ammonia concentration detectors were used to monitor ammonia concentration continuously in the environment of conventional rabbit production facility, SPF hamster production facility, and SPF guinea pig experimental facility before and after the passive shutdown due to repairs and active maintenance shutdown of the air conditioning system, as well as the time for the ammonia concentration to return to daily levels after resuming air supply. ResultsUnder both shutdown modes of the air conditioning system, the trend of ammonia concentration changes in different laboratory animal facilities was consistent, showing a rapid increase after shutdown and a rapid decrease after resuming air supply. Under active maintenance shutdown, the maximum ammonia concentrations in the conventional rabbit production facilities, SPF hamster production facilities, and SPF guinea pig experimental facilities were 9.81 mg/m³, 14.27 mg/m³, and 6.98 mg/m³, respectively. Within 12 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. Under passive long-term shutdown, ammonia concentration value was positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. As the shutdown duration increased, ammonia concentration continued to increase. The maximum ammonia concentration values in the three facilities occurred at 88 minutes (38.06 mg/m³), 40 minutes (18.43 mg/m³), and 34 minutes (15.61 mg/m³) after air supply suspension, respectively.Within 11 minutes after resuming air supply, ammonia concentration could return to normal daily levels. ConclusionShutdown of the air conditioning system causes a rapid increase in ammonia concentration in laboratory animal facilities, and the rise in ammonia concentration is positively correlated with the duration of air supply suspension. Therefore, when an emergency shutdown of the air-conditioning system is required due to maintenance or other reasons, backup fans should be provided in accordance with the requirements of GB 50447-2008 "Architectural and Technical Code for Laboratory Animal Facilities". Older facilities should make adequate preparations and develop a scientifically sound emergency plan.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) does great harm to human health, and the incidence is increasing year by year. The liver serves an important role in lipid metabolism. Hepatic steatosis develops as a consequence of lipid metabolic dysregulation, namely the imbalance among fatty acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and very low density lipoprotein-mediated lipid export. With diverse health-promoting effects, exercise is a cheap and effective intervention for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Amelioration of impaired lipid metabolism acts as an important mechanism by which exercise protects against NAFLD. However, how exercise ameliorates lipid metabolic dysregulation is still unclear. Skeletal muscle is not only a vital organ of motion, but also has an endocrine function, it secretes numerous myokines which mediates exercise-induced benefits on our body. Irisin is a small peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of fibronectin type III domain containing protein 5 (FNDC5). As a myokine, its production is regulated by exercise and it play an important role in exercise-induced protection against obesity-related chronic diseases, such as NAFLD. A growing body of research has demonstrated that Irisin ameliorates lipid metabolic dysregulation in NAFLD. Irisin mediated inhibition of hepatic DNL and FAO has been reported. However, the effect of Irisin on fatty acid uptake and lipid export is still unknown. In the present review, we summarized the researches focusing on how exercise regulated Irisin production and the effect of Irisin on lipid metabolism on NAFLD. To clarify the above problems will help us to better understand the role of Irisin on exercise-mediated protection against NAFLD.

Objective To investigate the effect of rats'injuries and its mechanism caused by specific dose of radiation combined with decompression exposure.Methods 81 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n=9),radiation group(n=18),radiation+low-load decompression group(n=18),radiation+medium-load decompression group(n=18),and radiation+high-load decompression group(n=18).In addition to control group,the rats were irradiated with 60Co γ rays at 4 Gy and then underwent rapid escape experiments.The high-pressure exposure schemes were to stay underwater 57 m for 30 min,45 min or 60 min and reduce to normal pressure within(30±5)s,respectively.The high-pressure exposure was not carried out in radiation group.The behavior and death of rats in each group were observed 0.5 h after leaving the cabin.Blood(abdominal aorta)and lung tissues were collected at 3 h and 72 h,respectively.The changes of lung wet-dry weight ratio(W/D),lung pathology and serum levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),nitric oxide(NO),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)and thromboxane B2(TXB2)were analyzed.Results Compared with control group and radiation group,radiation+low-load decompression group showed no significant difference in the injury and death rate of rats(P＞0.05),while radiation+medium-load decompression group and radiation+high-load decompression group showed significantly increase of the injury and death rate of rats(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,other groups showed no significant change in pulmonary W/D at 3 h(P＞0.05),and increased at 72 h(P＜0.05).HE staining showed that compared with control group,radiation group showed mild lung interstitial edema,while radiation+low-load decompression group showed obvious pulmonary tissue edema and a small number of red blood cells exudated in the alveolar cavity.The edema,congestion and inflammatory cell infiltration of lung tissue were more serious in radiation+medium-load decompression group and radiation+high-load decompression group.Compared with control group and radiation group,all radiation+decompression groups showed an increase in serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MDA,NO,ICAM-1 and TXB2(P＜0.05),and a decrease in SOD activity(P＜0.05).Compared with radiation+low-load decompression group,radiation+medium-load decompression group and radiation+high-load decompression group showed increase in serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,MDA,ICAM-1 and TXB2(P＜0.05),and decrease in activity of SOD(P＜0.05).Except for control group,serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,MDA,NO,ICAM-1 and TXB2 were decreased at 72 h compared with 3 h(P＜0.05),and SOD activity was increased at 72 h in all groups(P＜0.05).Conclusions High-load decompression can increase the injury and death rate of rats exposed to radiation and high pressure.The potential mechanism of the combined injury effect of radiation and decompression was related to inflammation,immune stress,oxidative damage,vasomotor activity and coagulation mechanism.

The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in pediatric care has a long history，proven efficacy，and distinctive characteristics.The China Association of Chinese Medicine has organized a series of youth salons to discuss the clinical advantages of treating diseases.Experts at this seminar proposed that the superior disease categories in pediatric TCM are significant for showcasing the unique strengths and advantages of TCM in the treatment of pediatric diseases，enhancing diagnostic and treatment levels，inheriting TCM knowledge，promoting the integration of TCM and Western medicine，and meeting patients' needs.The strengths of pediatric TCM are summed up as "having what others do not，excelling at what others have，being special in what others excel at，and ensuring safety in what others specialize in." The scope of superiority in pediatric TCM covers multiple systems，including respiratory，digestive，endocrine，psychological，and dermatological systems.This article summarized the advantages of TCM in treating 13 diseases discussed in the salon，such as upper respiratory tract infections，coughs，pneumonia，allergic rhinitis，bronchial asthma，atopic dermatitis，functional dyspepsia，functional constipation，enuresis，marginal short stature，simple obesity，attention deficit hyperactivity disorder，and tic disorders.The overall advantages were reflected in three aspects：First，the holistic concept and treatment based on syndrome differentiation in TCM highlight the advantage of treating the root causes of diseases，making the treatment methodical and precise.Second，most traditional Chinese herbs are natural and have strong safety profiles.Third，TCM treatment methods are abundant，especially the external treatment methods，which are widely used in pediatrics，highly accepted by parents，and have definite efficacy，as well as good safety and compliance.

ObjectiveIn recent years, with the intensification of environmental issues and the depletion of ozone layer, incidence of skin tumors has also significantly increased, becoming one of the major threats to people’s lives and health. However, due to factors such as high concealment in the early stage of skin tumors, unclear symptoms, and large human skin area, most cases are detected in the middle to late stage. Early detection plays a crucial role in postoperative survival of skin tumors, which can significantly improve the treatment and survival rates of patients. We proposed a rapid non-invasive electrical impedance detection method for early screening of skin tumors based on bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) technology. MethodsFirstly, we have established a complete skin stratification model, including stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. And the numerical analysis method was used to investigate the effect of dehydrated and dry skin stratum corneum on contact impedance in BIS measurement. Secondly, differentiation effect of different diameter skin tumor tissues was studied using a skin model after removing the stratum corneum. Then, in order to demonstrate that BIS technology can be used for detecting the microinvasion stage of skin tumors, we conducted a simulation study on the differentiation effect of skin tumors under different infiltration depths. Finally, in order to verify that the designed BIS detection system can distinguish between tumor microinvasion periods, we conducted tumor invasion experiments using hydrogel treated pig skin tissue. ResultsThe simulation results show that a dry and high impedance stratum corneum will bring about huge contact impedance, which will lead to larger measurement errors and affect the accuracy of measurement results. We extracted the core evaluation parameter of relaxed imaginary impedance (Z_imag-relax) from the simulation results of the skin tumor model. When the tumor radius (R_tumor) and invasion depth (h)>1.5 mm, the designed BIS detection system can distinguish between tumor tissue and normal tissue. At the same time, in order to evaluate the degree of canceration in skin tissue, the degree of tissue lesion (ε_worse) is defined by the relaxed imaginary impedance (Z_imag-relax) of normal and tumor tissue (ε_worse is the percentage change in virtual impedance of tumor tissue relative to that of normal tissue), and we fitted a Depth-Z_imag-relax curve using relaxation imaginary impedance data at different infiltration depths, which can be applied to quickly determine the infiltration depth of skin tumors after being supplemented with a large amount of clinical data in the future. The experimental results proved that when ε_worse=0.492 0, BIS could identify microinvasive tumor tissue, and the fitting curve correction coefficient of determination was 0.946 8, with good fitting effect. The simulation using pig skin tissue correlated the results of real human skin simulation with the experimental results of pig skin tissue, proving the reliability of this study, and laying the foundation for further clinical research in the future. ConclusionOur proposed BIS method has the advantages of fast, real-time, and non-invasive detection, as well as high sensitivity to skin tumors, which can be identified during the stage of tumor microinvasion.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum ferritin levels and body fat distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 151 patients with T2DM who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from June to November 2020,and all the patients were divided into high serum ferritin(n=50)and normal serum ferritin(n=101)groups according to their serum ferritin levels.The visceral fat area(VFA),subcutaneous fat area(SFA),liver fat,height,weight and waist circumference(WC)were measured,as well as blood glucose,lipid indexes,body mass index(BMI)and visceral adiposity index(VAI)were also calculated.t-test or nonparametric test was used to compare the differences between the two groups,and the relationship between serum ferritin levels and body fat distribution was analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis,multiple linear regression and logistic regression.Results The VAI and WC were significantly higher in high serum ferritin group[3.13(2.16,4.58)and(96.66±7.78)cm]than in normal serum ferritin group[2.66(1.66,3.81)and(91.96±9.75)cm,P<0.05].The prevalence of central obesity and dyslipidemia was higher in high serum ferritin group(88.0%and 90.0%)than in normal serum ferritin group(68.3%and 75.2%);and the composition ratios of poor glycemic control and insulin resistance(96.0%and 62.0%)were also higher than in normal serum ferritin group(78.2%and 40.6%)(P<0.05),there were no statistically significant differences in BMI,VFA,and SFA levels,as well as antidiabetic drug use and chronic complications of diabetes mellitus between the two groups(P>0.05).Serum ferritin levels in T2DM patients were positively correlated with VAI,WC,triglyceride(TG),fasting blood glucose(FPG),HbA1c,dyslipidemia and serum creatinine(r=0.171,0.207,0.187,0.243,0.270,0.162,0.162;P<0.05),and negatively correlated with age,sex and diabetes course(r=-0.191,-0.434,-0.352;P<0.05).Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that in male T2DM patients,duration of diabetes and FPG were risk factors for increased levels of serum ferritin.However,WC and VAI did not significantly affect serum ferritin levels.In female patients with T2DM,the course of diabetes,TG and VAI were the factors influencing serum ferritin(P<0.05).Conclusion Dyslipidemia and visceral fat accumulation are risk factors for elevated serum ferritin levels in female T 2DM patients.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

Objective To investigate the effect of varying blood pressure stratification on renal function in the diabetic population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,enrolling 9 489 diabetic patients from a total of 101 510 Kailuan Group employees who underwent health examinations between July 2006 and October 2007.The follow-up period was(8.6±4.0)years.Participants were categorized into four groups based on their baseline blood pressure levels:normal blood pressure(systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg),elevated blood pressure(systolic blood pressure 120-130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg),stage 1 hypertension(systolic blood pressure 130-140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 80-90 mmHg),and stage 2 hypertension(systolic blood pressure≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure≥90 mmHg).The incidence density of chronic kidney disease(CKD)was compared among these groups.A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to assess the effects of different blood pressure levels on renal function in diabetic patients,with the stability of the results confirmed using a multivariate time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model.Sensitivity analysis was conducted after excluding cases of cardiovascular disease(CVD)during follow-up,and cases using antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications at baseline.Results(1)At baseline,stage 1 hypertension patients demonstrated statistically significant higher differences with age and body mass index(BMI)compared to normal blood pressure group(P<0.05).(2)By the end of the follow-up,2 294 cases of CKD were identified,including 1 117 cases of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)decline and 1 575 cases of urinary protein.The incidences density of CKD,eGFR decline and urinary protein for stage 1 hypertension group were 39.4,16.3 and 25.5 per thousand person-years,respectively,all of which were statistically significant different from normal blood pressure group(log-rank test,P<0.01).(3)Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that,compared to the normal blood pressure group,stage 1 hypertension was associated with a 29%increased risk of CKD(HR=1.29,95%CI 1.09-1.52)and a 40%increased risk of eGFR decline(HR=1.40,95%CI 1.08-1.80)in diabetic individuals.Conclusion Stage 1 hypertension significantly increases the risk of CKD and eGFR decline in diabetic individuals,with a particularly notable effect on the risk of eGFR decline.

Purpose::The removal of small foreign bodies embedded within the deep soft tissues of the maxillofacial region is a complex and challenging task for maxillofacial surgeons. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of the combination of intraoperative CT and surgical navigation for the removal of small foreign objects in the maxillofacial region.Methods::A serial case study was conducted involving all consecutive patients who underwent surgical removal of small foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region. The combination of intraoperative CT and a surgical navigation system was used at a single medical institution from January 2018 to December 2022. Comprehensive data, including patient demographics, characteristics of the foreign bodies, previous surgical interventions, duration of the surgical procedure, and removal success rate were collected for this study. Relevant data were recorded into Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.Results::Nine patients (6 males and 3 females) were included in this study, with an average age of 37 years. Each patient had previously undergone an unsuccessful removal attempt utilizing conventional surgical methods based on preoperative CT imaging or C-arm guidance at a local healthcare facility. Four patients also experienced unsuccessful attempts with preoperative CT image-based navigation systems. However, by employing the combined approach of intraoperative CT and surgical navigation, the foreign bodies were successfully removed in all 9 patients. The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 59 min, and the average size of the foreign bodies was approximately 26 mm 3. Postoperative follow-up exceeding 6 months revealed no complications. Conclusion::The combined use of a surgical navigation system and intraoperative CT represents a potent and effective strategy for the precise localization and subsequent removal of small foreign bodies from the soft tissue structures of the maxillofacial region. This integrative approach appears to increase the success rate of surgical interventions in such cases.