This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the effective-compounds of Jinshui Huanxian formula (ECC-JHF) in improving pulmonary fibrosis. Animal experiments were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Animal Experiment Center of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: IACUC-202306012). The mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced using bleomycin (BLM). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect the histopathological changes of lung tissues. Masson staining was used to assess the degree of fibrosis in lung tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to measure the expression of collagen type I (COL I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lung tissues. Flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to detect the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. IF and qPCR were also used to detect the expression of lipase family member N (LIPN) in lung tissues. Free fatty acid assay kit was used to detect the level of free fatty acids in lung tissue. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with interleukin-4 (IL-4) to induce M2 polarization. FCM was used to measure the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages. IF was utilized to detect LIPN expression and lipid droplet decomposition. The results showed that in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice, ECC-JHF significantly attenuated BLM-induced alveolar inflammation and collagen deposition, inhibited fibroblast activation in lung tissues, and decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages in BALF. It also significantly suppressed LIPN expression and free fatty acid level in lung tissues. In the IL-4 induced BMDMs M2 polarization model, ECC-JHF significantly inhibited the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages, down-regulated the expression of LIPN, and blocked lipid droplet catabolism. These results suggest that ECC-JHF may alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting lipid droplet decomposition and M2 macrophage polarization.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins in several Chinese minority populations from southern regions of China (Guangdong & Guizhou). Methods: Whole blood samples were collected from 536 blood donors representing 15 different Chinese ethnic minority groups, including She, Bouyei, Yi and Miao, as well as Chuanqing populations. Genomic DNA was extracted and GYP (B-A-B) genotyping was conducted by high resolution melting (HRM) minority method using the GYPB pseudoexon 3-specific primers. Direct sequencing of GYPB pseudoexon 3 was performed in the samples with variant curves. Results: Only one genotype of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins (GYP Mur/GYPB) was identified among these 536 samples. In total, 15 She (15/162, 9.26%), 18 Bouyei (18/113, 15.93%), 3 Yi (3/79, 3.80%), 3 Chuanqing (3/45, 6.67%), 2 Bai (2/42, 4.76%), 3 Miao (3/40, 7.50%), 1 Shui (1/12, 8.33%), 2 Gelao (2/12, 16.67%), 1 Tujia (1/8, 12.50%) and 1 Dong (1/6, 16.67%) blood donors with heterozygous GYP Mur allele were identified. Among 8 Hui, 5 Manchu, 2 Mongolian, 1 Yao and 1 Li donors, no GYP (B-A-B) hybrid gene carrier was found. In addition, four nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in 6 samples with a variant melting curve detected by HRM. Conclusion: GP. Mur is the most common type of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins among Chinese minority populations, with frequency varying across different populations. It is recommended to involve GP. Mur reagent cells in the antibody screening cells for populations with a high frequency of GYP Mur allele.

The present study aimed to explore whether hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) improved hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) in rats by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis-pyroptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group, normal+NaHS group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia+NaHS group, with 6 rats in each group. The control group rats were placed in a normoxic (21% O₂) environment and received daily intraperitoneal injections of an equal volume of normal saline. The normal+NaHS group rats were placed in a normoxic environment and intraperitoneally injected with 14 μmol/kg NaHS daily. The hypoxia group rats were placed in a hypoxia chamber, and the oxygen controller inside the chamber maintained the oxygen concentration at 9% to 10% by controlling the N₂ flow rate. An equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally every day. The hypoxia+NaHS group rats were also placed in an hypoxia chamber and intraperitoneally injected with 14 μmol/kg NaHS daily. After the completion of the four-week modeling, the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of each group was measured using right heart catheterization technique, and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) was weighed and calculated. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue, Masson staining was used to observe fibrosis of lung tissue, and Western blot was used to detect protein expression levels of hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), GSDMD-N-terminal domain (GSDMD-N), Caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue. The results showed that, compared with the normal control group, there were no significant changes in all indexes in the normal+NaHS group, while the hypoxia group exhibited significantly increased mPAP and RVHI, thickened pulmonary vascular wall, narrowed lumen, increased collagen fibers, up-regulated expression levels of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins (HK2 and PKM2), up-regulated expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, GSDMD-N, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18), and increased contents of IL-1β and IL-18. These changes of the above indexes in the hypoxia group were significantly reversed by NaHS. These results suggest that H₂S can improve rat HPH by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis-pyroptosis.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Hydrogen Sulfide/therapeutic use* ; Hypoxia/complications* ; Rats ; Pyroptosis/drug effects*

To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the baicalin-berberine complex(BA-BBR) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC), BA-BBR nanocrystal microspheres(BA-BBR NC MS) were prepared using the dropping method. The microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction(XRD). The release profiles of BA and BBR from the microspheres were measured, and the drug release mechanism was investigated. A rat model of UC was induced by 5% dextran sodium sulfate(DSS) and treated continuously for 7 days to evaluate the therapeutic effects of different formulations. The results showed that the prepared BA-BBR MS and BA-BBR NC MS were uniform gel spheres with particle sizes of(1.77±0.16) mm and(1.67±0.08) mm, respectively. After drying, the gels collapsed inward and exhibited a rough surface. During the preparation process, the BA-BBR nanocrystals(BA-BBR NC) were uniformly encapsulated within the microspheres. The release profiles of the microspheres followed a first-order kinetic model, and the 12-hour cumulative release of BA and BBR from BA-BBR NC MS was higher than that from BA-BBR MS. Compared with BA-BBR, BA-BBR NC, and BA-BBR MS, BA-BBR NC MS further alleviated UC symptoms in rats, most significantly reducing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MPO, while increasing the level of IL-4 in colon tissues. These results indicate that BA-BBR NC MS, based on a "nano-in-micro" design, can deliver BA-BBR to the intestine and exert significant therapeutic effects in a UC rat model, suggesting it as a promising new strategy for the treatment of UC.
Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Rats ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Microspheres ; Male ; Berberine/administration & dosage* ; Flavonoids/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Particle Size ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Drug Liberation ; Drug Compounding

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on ischemic hypoxic injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss. METHODS: This article performed a random controlled trial. Brain tissue of 7 yorkshire was selected and divided into the sub-low temperature anterograde machine perfusion group (n = 4) and the blank control group (n = 3) using the random number table method. A yorkshire model of brain tissue injury induced by traumatic blood loss was established. Firstly, the perfusion temperature and blood oxygen saturation were monitored in real-time during the perfusion process. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, NA⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions concentrations and pH of the perfusate were detected. Following perfusion, we specifically examined the parietal lobe to assess its water content. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were then dissected for histological evaluation, allowing us to investigate potential regional differences in tissue injury. The blank control group was sampled directly before perfusion. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 Student t-test. All tests were two-sided, and p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The contents of red blood cells and hemoglobin during perfusion were maintained at normal levels but more red blood cells were destroyed 3 h after the perfusion. The blood oxygen saturation of the perfusion group was maintained at 95% - 98%. NA⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were normal most of the time during perfusion but increased significantly at about 4 h. The Ca²⁺ concentration remained within the normal range at each period. Glucose levels were slightly higher than the baseline level. The pH of the perfusion solution was slightly lower at the beginning of perfusion, and then gradually increased to the normal level. The water content of brain tissue in the sub-low and docile perfusion group was 78.95% ± 0.39%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.27% ± 0.55%, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with the blank control group, the structure and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampal gyrus were similar, and their integrity was better. The structural integrity of granulosa neurons was destroyed and cell edema increased in the perfusion group compared with the blank control group. Immunofluorescence staining for glail fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1, markers of glial cells, revealed well-preserved cell structures in the perfusion group. While there were indications of abnormal cellular activity, the analysis showed no significant difference in axon thickness or integrity compared to the 1-h blank control group. CONCLUSIONS Mild hypothermic machine perfusion can improve ischemia and hypoxia injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss and delay the necrosis and apoptosis of yorkshire brain tissue by continuous oxygen supply, maintaining ion homeostasis and reducing tissue metabolism level.
Animals ; Perfusion/methods* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain Injuries/etiology* ; Swine ; Male ; Hypothermia, Induced/methods*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mediating role of sleep duration in the relationship between depression symptoms and myopia among middle school students. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional research conducted using a stratified cluster random sampling method. A total of 1 728 middle school students were selected from two junior high schools and two senior high schools in certain urban areas and farms of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Questionnaire surveys and vision tests were conducted among the students. Spearman analysis was used to analyze the correlation between depression symptoms, sleep duration, and myopia. The Bootstrap method was employed to investigate the mediating effect of sleep duration between depression symptoms and myopia. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia in the overall population was 74.02% (1 279/1 728), with an average sleep duration of (7.6±1.0) hours. The rate of insufficient sleep was 83.62% (1 445/1 728), and the proportion of students exhibiting depression symptoms was 25.29% (437/1 728). Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between visual acuity in both eyes and sleep duration with depressive emotions as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (with correlation coefficients of -0.064, -0.084, and -0.199 respectively; P<0.01), as well as with somatic symptoms and activities (with correlation coefficients of -0.104, -0.124, and -0.233 respectively; P<0.01) and interpersonal relationships (with correlation coefficients of -0.052, -0.059, and -0.071 respectively; P<0.05). The correlation coefficients for left and right eye visual acuity and sleep duration were 0.206 and 0.211 respectively (P<0.001). Sleep duration exhibited a mediating effect between depression symptoms and myopia (indirect effect=0.056, 95%CI: 0.029-0.088), with the mediating effect value for females (indirect effect=0.066, 95%CI: 0.024-0.119) being higher than that for males (indirect effect=0.042, 95%CI: 0.011-0.081). CONCLUSIONS Sleep duration serves as a partial mediator between depression symptoms and myopia in middle school students.
Humans ; Myopia/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Depression/physiopathology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Sleep ; Adolescent ; Students ; Child ; Time Factors ; Sleep Duration

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the chain mediating role of family care and emotional management in the relationship between social support and anxiety among rural primary school students. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among students in grades 4 to 6 from four counties in Hunan Province. Data were collected using the Social Support Rating Scale, Family Care Index Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of anxiety symptoms. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess the chain mediating effects of family care and emotional management between social support and anxiety. RESULTS: A total of 4 141 questionnaires were distributed, with 3 874 valid responses (effective response rate: 93.55%). The prevalence rate of anxiety symptoms among these students was 9.32% (95%CI: 8.40%-10.23%). Significant differences were observed in the prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms among groups with different levels of social support, family functioning, and emotional management ability (P<0.05). The total indirect effect of social support on anxiety symptoms via family care and emotional management was significant (β=-0.137, 95%CI: -0.167 to -0.109), and the direct effect of social support on anxiety symptoms remained significant (P<0.05). Family care and emotional management served as significant chain mediators in the relationship between social support and anxiety symptoms (β=-0.025,95%CI:-0.032 to -0.018), accounting for 14.5% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS Social support can directly affect anxiety symptoms among rural primary school students and can also indirectly influence anxiety symptoms through the chain mediating effects of family care and emotional management. These findings provide scientific evidence for the prevention of anxiety in primary school students from multiple perspectives.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Social Support ; Anxiety/etiology* ; Child ; Students/psychology* ; Emotions ; Logistic Models

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression levels of EZH2 and KMT2D in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and their relationship with pathological features. METHODS: 84 patients with DLBCL treated in our hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and clinical characteristics such as sex, age and pathological classification of the patients were collected. Immunohistochemistry was used to detecet the expression of KMT2D and EZH2 proteins in tumor tissue cells of the DLBCL patients. The differential expression of KMT2D and EZH2 in subgroups of different sexes, ages, primary sites, clinical stages, Hans subtypes, etc. were compared. The correlation between the expression of KMT2D and EZH2 protein and BCL-6, CD79A was analyzed and validated through the interaction of protein molecular structures. We followed up and recorded the survival status of the patients for 12 months, and analyzed the factors that affect the mortality of DLBCL patients. RESULTS: The positive rate of KMT2D and EZH2 was high (over 95%) in DLBCL patients. There was no significant difference in the expression of EZH2 and KMT2D among subgroups of different sexes, ages and stages (P >0.05). However, patients with different levels of BCL-6 and CD79A expression showed differences in EZH2 and KMT2D expression (P < 0.05). EZH2 and KMT2D were positively correlated with BCL-6 (r =0.391, r =0.332) and CD79A (r =0.309, r =0.258), respectively, and there were interactions in the protein molecular structures. The risk factors for mortality in DLBCL patients include male sex (OR =1.106, 95%CI : 1.082-1.130, P < 0.001), stage II (OR =1.778, 95%CI : 1.567-2.016, P < 0.001), stage IV (OR =2.233, 95%CI : 2.021-2.467, P < 0.001), EZH2 positive (OR =2.762, 95%CI : 1.304-5.850, P =0.008), BCL-6 positive (OR =7.309, 95%CI : 1.340-39.859, P =0.022), age≥74 years (OR =3.080, 95%CI : 1.658-5.723, P < 0.001), and 63-73 years old (OR =2.400, 95%CI : 1.564-3.682, P < 0.001), while KMT2D positive (OR =0.180, 95%CI : 0.054-0.608, P =0.006) and 41-51 years old (OR =0.406, 95%CI : 0.274-0.603, P < 0.001) were factors which could reduce the risk of mortality. CONCLUSION EZH2 and KMT2D are highly expressed in patients with DLBCL, and they are positively correlated with BCL-6 and CD79A, and affect the prognosis of DLBCL patients.
Humans ; Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/metabolism* ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism* ; Aged ; Immunohistochemistry ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6/metabolism* ; Prognosis