ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus（WAOF） and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus（CAOF） through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF， followed by microscopic identification， thin-layer chromatography（TLC） identification， moisture content（toluene method）， total ash， acid-insoluble ash， water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts（hot dipping method）， water-soluble protein， total polysaccharides and total flavonoids（ultraviolet spectrophotometry）， and volatile oil content（method A under general rule 2204）. The contents of five active components（protocatechuic acid， chrysin， kaempferol， tectochrysin and nootkatone） were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography（UPLC）， and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF， quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter， length， plumpness（diameter/length ratio）， and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation， TLC identification， moisture content， protocatechuic acid content， kaempferol content， odor， or antioxidant activity measured by 2，2ʹ-azino-bis（3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid）（ABTS） method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts， alcohol-soluble extracts， total polysaccharide content， water-soluble protein content， 100-grain weight， length， and total color difference（ΔE^*ab） compared to CAOF（P<0.01）. In contrast， CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash， acid-insoluble ash， content of total flavonoids， volatile oil content， chrysin content， tectochrysin content， nootkatone content， diameter， plumpness， lightness（L^*）， red-green chromaticity（a^*）， yellow-blue chromaticity（b^*）， and antioxidant activity measured by 1，1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl（DPPH） method compared to WAOF（P<0.01）. Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits， plumpness， L^*， a^*， and b^* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits， total flavonoids， volatile oils， nootkatone， chrysin， and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness， L^*， a^*， and b^* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality， and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.

Objective To compare the midterm outcomes of the Bentall procedure versus isolated aortic valve replacement(AVR)in patients with bicuspid aortic valve(BAV)complicated with severe stenosis and ascending aortic dilation in order to assess the therapeutic value of these surgical approaches for this complex cardiac condition.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 96 eligible patients who underwent surgical treatment in our institute between January 2018 and December 2022.According to surgical approaches,they were divided into an AVR group(65 cases)and a Bentall group(31 cases).Demographic features,comorbidities,preoperative status,and echocardiographic parameters were collected in all patients.Propensity score matching(PSM)was applied in a 1:1 ratio to balance baseline characteristics.Perioperative indicators and follow-up data were compared and analyzed between matched cohorts after control of cofounding factors.Results After PSM,25 matched pairs were screened out and analyzed with comparable baseline data(all P>0.05).The Bentall group demonstrated significantly more superior intraoperative effective orifice area(EOA,2.69±0.47 vs 2.35±0.47 cm2,P=0.013)and EOA index(EOAI,1.69±0.30 vs 1.47±0.29 cm2/m2,P=0.010),and obviously longer cardiopulmonary bypass time[190.00(147.00,257.00)vs 101.00(88.50,124.50)min,P<0.01]and aortic cross-clamp time[141.00(120.00,166.00)vs 66.00(55.00,81.50)min,P<0.01]when compared with the AVR group.During a median follow-up of 28 months,the AVR group had notably larger aortic sinus diameter[32.00(30.00,34.00)vs 26.80(26.00,28.00)mm,P<0.01]and ascending aortic diameter[38.00(34.50,42.00)mm vs 26.00(26.00,28.00)mm,P<0.01],with ongoing dilation in the ascending aorta,while the Bentall group maintained stable dimensions.The Bentall group also showed statistically lower peak aortic valve pressure gradients[21.00(15.50,27.00)vs 25.00(19.50,31.00)mmHg,P=0.049].Conclusion Both Bentall procedure and AVR are effective in treatment of BAV complicated with severe stenosis and ascending aortic dilation.But,Bentall procedure offers advantages in hemodynamic optimization and aortic stability.

Local anesthetics (LAs), such as articaine (AT), exhibit limited efficacy in inflammatory environments, which constitutes a significant limitation in their clinical application within oral medicine. In our prior research, we developed AT-17, which demonstrated effective properties in chronic inflammatory conditions and appears to function as a novel oral LA that could address this challenge. In the present study, we further elucidated the beneficial effects of AT-17 in acute inflammation, particularly in oral acute inflammation, where mitochondrial-related apoptosis played a crucial role. Our findings indicated that AT-17 effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nerve cell apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. This process involved the inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production and the subsequent activation of the NRF2 pathway. Most notably, improvements in mitochondria-related apoptosis were key contributors to AT-17's inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels. Additionally, AT-17 was shown to reduce mtROS production in nerve cells through the Na⁺/NCLX/ETC signaling axis. In conclusion, we have developed a novel local anesthetic that exhibits pronounced anesthetic functionality under inflammatory conditions by enhancing mitochondria-related apoptosis. This advancement holds considerable promise for future drug development and deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action.

Due to advances in treatment methods, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been improved. Radiation-induced vascular injury (RIVI) is a common adverse reaction following radiotherapy, mainly manifested as capillary injury and atherosclerosis in the irradiated area. Radiotherapy induces RIVI in the cerebral vessels, carotid arteries, coronary arteries, and large arteries through mechanisms such as endothelial cell injury and senescence, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. In this review research progress in the pathological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment strategies of RIVI was summarized, aiming to provide insights for future research on RIVI.

Objective:To investigate the regulatory effect of zinc finger transcription factor 580 (ZNF580) gene on autophagy and extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion in human pancreatic cancer cells PANC1.Methods:PANC1 cells were transfected with 500 ng/ml short hairpin RNA-ZNF580 (shRNA-ZNF580) and a ZNF580 expression vector with a green fluorescent protein reporter gene (GFP-ZNF580) using lentiviral transfection to establish the ZNF580-silenced group and ZNF580-overexpression group, respectively. PANC1 cells were treated with 10 mmol/L rapamycin (RA), a cell autophagy inducer, and the autophagy inhibitor LY294002 for 2 hours to construct the autophagy-induced group and autophagy-inhibited group, respectively. The autophagy inhibition+ZNF580 silencing group was established by transfecting PANC1 cells with 500 ng/ml sh-ZNF580 using lentiviral transfection while simultaneously adding 10 mmol/L LY294002. PANC1 cells cultured in conventional medium served as control group. The expression levels of ZNF580 protein and autophagy-related proteins ATG7 and LC3 in PANC1 cells from each group were detected by Western blot. The expression changes of ECM secretion-related markers type I collagen (Col-Ⅰ), Col-Ⅲ, fibronectin (FN), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in PANC1 cells were measured by ELISA.Results:Compared with control group, the protein expression levels of ATG7, LC3-Ⅰ, and LC3-Ⅱ in PANC1 cells of the ZNF580-silenced group were significantly decreased (0.40±0.04 vs 0.81±0.13, 0.66±0.08 vs 2.0±0.45, 0.78±0.10 vs 1.89±0.23), while they were significantly increased in the ZNF580-overexpression group (2.07±0.17 vs 0.83±0.09, 1.21±0.37 vs 0.88±0.09, 0.77±0.16 vs 0.37±0.06). The protein expression level of ZNF580 in PANC1 cells of the autophagy inhibition group was significantly down-regulated compared with the control group (0.40±0.15 vs 1.07±0.18), while it was significantly up-regulated in the autophagy induction group (1.59±0.25 vs 0.67±0.09). Compared with the control group, the levels of extracellularly secreted Col-Ⅰ, Col-Ⅲ, FN, and TNF-α in PANC1 cells were significantly decreased in the ZNF580-silenced group (5.02±0.81 vs 8.38±0.83, 6.17±0.83 vs 10.73±1.69, 28.66±2.47 vs 45.20±4.31, 10.09±1.32 vs 19.48±2.77), which were significantly increased in the ZNF580-overexpression group (19.28±2.05 vs 8.38±0.83, 28.29±5.96 vs 10.73±1.69, 103.22±6.37 vs 45.20±4.31, 46.78±6.96 vs 19.48±2.77), significantly decreased in the autophagy inhibition group (5.10±0.66 vs 9.01±1.24, 7.22±0.67 vs 11.83±1.71, 28.45±2.82 vs 43.51±4.38, 12.16±2.13 vs 20.53±3.65, respectively), and significantly increased in the autophagy induction group (20.49±3.68 vs 9.01±1.24, 26.58±3.96 vs 11.83±1.71, 73.18±7.15 vs 43.51±4.38, 41.11±8.87 vs 20.53±3.65). Compared with the autophagy inhibition group and the ZNF580-silenced group, the levels of extracellularly secreted Col-Ⅰ, Col-Ⅲ, FN, and TNF-α in PANC1 cells of the autophagy inhibition+ZNF580 silencing group were significantly decreased (Col-Ⅰ: 3.36±1.25 vs 5.73±0.62 and 5.57±0.35; Col-Ⅲ: 4.15±0.16 vs 6.24±0.90 and 6.71±0.34; FN: 18.31±2.00 vs 26.46±1.18 and 27.09±2.01; TNF-α: 6.81±0.46 vs 9.96±1.87 and 10.62±0.65). All the above differences were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). Conclusions:The transcription factor ZNF580 could positively regulate the levels of autophagy and ECM secretion in PANC1 cells. The combined application of ZNF580 gene silencing and autophagy inhibitors can significantly inhibit ECM secretion in PANC1 cells.

Objective:To investigate the regulatory effect of zinc finger transcription factor 580 (ZNF580) gene on autophagy and extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion in human pancreatic cancer cells PANC1.Methods:PANC1 cells were transfected with 500 ng/ml short hairpin RNA-ZNF580 (shRNA-ZNF580) and a ZNF580 expression vector with a green fluorescent protein reporter gene (GFP-ZNF580) using lentiviral transfection to establish the ZNF580-silenced group and ZNF580-overexpression group, respectively. PANC1 cells were treated with 10 mmol/L rapamycin (RA), a cell autophagy inducer, and the autophagy inhibitor LY294002 for 2 hours to construct the autophagy-induced group and autophagy-inhibited group, respectively. The autophagy inhibition+ZNF580 silencing group was established by transfecting PANC1 cells with 500 ng/ml sh-ZNF580 using lentiviral transfection while simultaneously adding 10 mmol/L LY294002. PANC1 cells cultured in conventional medium served as control group. The expression levels of ZNF580 protein and autophagy-related proteins ATG7 and LC3 in PANC1 cells from each group were detected by Western blot. The expression changes of ECM secretion-related markers type I collagen (Col-Ⅰ), Col-Ⅲ, fibronectin (FN), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in PANC1 cells were measured by ELISA.Results:Compared with control group, the protein expression levels of ATG7, LC3-Ⅰ, and LC3-Ⅱ in PANC1 cells of the ZNF580-silenced group were significantly decreased (0.40±0.04 vs 0.81±0.13, 0.66±0.08 vs 2.0±0.45, 0.78±0.10 vs 1.89±0.23), while they were significantly increased in the ZNF580-overexpression group (2.07±0.17 vs 0.83±0.09, 1.21±0.37 vs 0.88±0.09, 0.77±0.16 vs 0.37±0.06). The protein expression level of ZNF580 in PANC1 cells of the autophagy inhibition group was significantly down-regulated compared with the control group (0.40±0.15 vs 1.07±0.18), while it was significantly up-regulated in the autophagy induction group (1.59±0.25 vs 0.67±0.09). Compared with the control group, the levels of extracellularly secreted Col-Ⅰ, Col-Ⅲ, FN, and TNF-α in PANC1 cells were significantly decreased in the ZNF580-silenced group (5.02±0.81 vs 8.38±0.83, 6.17±0.83 vs 10.73±1.69, 28.66±2.47 vs 45.20±4.31, 10.09±1.32 vs 19.48±2.77), which were significantly increased in the ZNF580-overexpression group (19.28±2.05 vs 8.38±0.83, 28.29±5.96 vs 10.73±1.69, 103.22±6.37 vs 45.20±4.31, 46.78±6.96 vs 19.48±2.77), significantly decreased in the autophagy inhibition group (5.10±0.66 vs 9.01±1.24, 7.22±0.67 vs 11.83±1.71, 28.45±2.82 vs 43.51±4.38, 12.16±2.13 vs 20.53±3.65, respectively), and significantly increased in the autophagy induction group (20.49±3.68 vs 9.01±1.24, 26.58±3.96 vs 11.83±1.71, 73.18±7.15 vs 43.51±4.38, 41.11±8.87 vs 20.53±3.65). Compared with the autophagy inhibition group and the ZNF580-silenced group, the levels of extracellularly secreted Col-Ⅰ, Col-Ⅲ, FN, and TNF-α in PANC1 cells of the autophagy inhibition+ZNF580 silencing group were significantly decreased (Col-Ⅰ: 3.36±1.25 vs 5.73±0.62 and 5.57±0.35; Col-Ⅲ: 4.15±0.16 vs 6.24±0.90 and 6.71±0.34; FN: 18.31±2.00 vs 26.46±1.18 and 27.09±2.01; TNF-α: 6.81±0.46 vs 9.96±1.87 and 10.62±0.65). All the above differences were statistically significant (all P value <0.05). Conclusions:The transcription factor ZNF580 could positively regulate the levels of autophagy and ECM secretion in PANC1 cells. The combined application of ZNF580 gene silencing and autophagy inhibitors can significantly inhibit ECM secretion in PANC1 cells.

Due to advances in treatment methods, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been improved. Radiation-induced vascular injury (RIVI) is a common adverse reaction following radiotherapy, mainly manifested as capillary injury and atherosclerosis in the irradiated area. Radiotherapy induces RIVI in the cerebral vessels, carotid arteries, coronary arteries, and large arteries through mechanisms such as endothelial cell injury and senescence, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. In this review research progress in the pathological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment strategies of RIVI was summarized, aiming to provide insights for future research on RIVI.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound (HFCDU) in detecting perforators in the deep adipose layers for harvesting super-thin anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF). METHODS: Between August 2019 and January 2023, 45 patients (46 sides) with skin and soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle were treated, including 29 males and 16 females, aged from 22 to 62 years, with an average of 46.7 years. The body mass index ranged from 19.6 to 36.2 kg/m ², with an average of 23.62 kg/m ². The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, heavy object crush injury in 20 cases, mechanical injury in 8 cases, heat crush injury in 1 case, and chronic infection in 1 case. There were 20 cases on the left side, 24 cases on the right side, and 1 case on both sides. After thorough debridement, the wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 17 cm×11 cm. All patients underwent free super-thin ALTF transplantation repair. HFCDU was used to detect the location of the perforators piercing the deep and superficial fascia, as well as the direction and branches of the perforators within the deep adipose layers before operation. According to the preoperative HFCDU findings, the dimensions of the super-thin ALTF ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. The donor sites of the flaps were directly sutured. RESULTS: A total of 55 perforators were detected by HFCDU before operation, but 1 was not found during operation. During operation, a total of 56 perforators were found, and 2 perforators were not detected by HFCDU. The positive predictive value of HFCDU for identifying perforator vessels was 98.2%, and the sensitivity was 96.4%. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, the orientation of the perforators in the deep adipose layers was confirmed during operation. There were 21 perforators (38.9%) traveled laterally and inferiorly, 12 (22.2%) traveled medially and inferiorly, 14 (25.9%) traveled laterally and superiorly, 5 (9.3%) traveled medially and superiorly, and 2 (3.7%) ran almost vertically to the body surface. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, 35 were identified as type 1 perforators and 12 as type 2 perforators (HFCDU misidentified 7 type 2 perforators as type 1 perforators). The sensitivity of HFCDU in identifying type 1 perforators was 100%, with a positive predictive value of 83.3%. For type 2 perforators, the sensitivity was 63.2%, and the positive predictive value was 100%. The surgeries were successfully completed. The super-thin ALTF had a thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm, with an average of 3.56 mm. All super-thin ALTF survived, however, 1 flap experienced a venous crisis at 1 day after operation, but it survived after emergency exploration and re-anastomosis of the veins; 1 flap developed venous crisis at 3 days after operation but survived after bleeding with several small incisions; 3 flaps had necrosis at the distal edge of the epidermis, which healed after undergoing dressing changes. All 45 patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.6 months). Three flaps required secondary defatting procedures, while the rest had the appropriate thickness, and the overall appearance was satisfactory. CONCLUSION Preoperative application of HFCDU to detect the perforator in the deep adipose layers can improve the success and safety of the procedure by facilitating the harvest of super-thin ALTF.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Thigh/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Prospective Studies ; Skin Transplantation ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Burns ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; Crush Injuries/surgery* ; Perforator Flap ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution characteristics of Clonorchis sinensis human infections in Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of the clonorchiasis control measures in the province. Methods Xinhui District of Jiangmen City, Longmen County of Huizhou City and Wengyuan County of Shaoguan City in Guangdong Province were selected as fixed surveillance sites for human clonorchiasis from 2016 to 2022, and additional 10% to 15% counties (districts) endemic for clonorchiasis were sampled from Guangdong Province as mobile surveillance sites each year from 2016 to 2022. A village (community) was randomly selected from each surveillance site according to the geographical orientations of east, west, south, north and middle, and subjects were randomly sampled from each village (community). C. sinensis eggs were detected in subjects’ stool samples using the Kato-Katz technique, and the prevalence and intensity of C. sinensis infections were calculated. In addition, subjects’ gender, age, ethnicity, educational level and occupation were collected. The Guangdong Provincial 1:1 million electronic map in vector format was downloaded from the National Geomatics Center of China, and kernel density analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis of C. sinensis human infections in Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2022 were performed using the software ArcGIS 10.7. Results A total of 153 188 residents were tested for C. sinensis infections in Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2022, including 75 596 men (49.35%) and 77 592 women (50.65%), and there were 5 369 residents infected with C. sinensis, with 3.50% overall prevalence of infections. The prevalence rates of severe, moderate and mild C. sinensis infections were 0.76%, 7.26% and 91.97% among C. sinensis-infected residents in Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2022, and there were age-, gender-, ethnicity-, occupation- and educational level-specific prevalence of C. sinensis human infections (χ² = 2 578.31, 637.33, 52.22, 2 893.28 and 1 139.33, all P values < 0.05). Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed a cluster in the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections in Guangdong Province (Moran’s I = 0.63, Z = 27.31, P < 0.05). Kernel density analysis showed that the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections with a high kernel density in Guangdong Province was mainly distributed along the Zhujiang River basin in Pearl River Delta areas, followed by in eastern and northern Guangdong Province. In addition, local spatial autocorrelation analysis identified 73 high-high clusters of the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections in Guangdong Province. Conclusions The prevalence of C. sinensis human infections was high in Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2022, and mild infection was predominant among all clonorchiasis cases, with spatial clusters identified in the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections. Targeted clonorchiasis control measures are required among high-risk populations and areas.

ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Huaiqihuang granules （HQH） on immunoglobulin A vasculitis nephritis （IgAVN） mice and explore the underlying therapeutic mechanism. MethodFifty SPF-grade male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a normal group， an IgAVN model group， a dexamethasone group （2.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， a low-dose HQH group （4 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and a high-dose HQH group （8 g·kg^-1·d^-1）. The mouse model was established using oral administration of gliadin combined with intravenous injection of India ink. After successful modeling， the mice were euthanized after 4 weeks of gastric gavage according to groups. The 24 h urinary total protein （24 h UTP）， urine β₂-microglobulin （β₂-MG）， serum total protein， albumin， IgA， etc. were detected in each group. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of T helper 17 （Th17） cells in spleen cell suspension. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase α （AMPKα）， phosphorylated AMPKα （p-AMPKα）， acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 （ACC1）， and phosphorylated ACC1 （p-ACC1） in Th17 cells. Pathological changes in the spleen and kidneys were observed. ResultCompared with the normal group， the IgAVN model group showed significant increases in 24 h UTP， urine β₂-MG， total cholesterol （P<0.05）， serum interleukin-17 （IL-17）， IgA， Th17 proportion in the spleen cell suspension， and IL-17 expression in the spleen tissue （P<0.01）， and significantly decreased serum total protein， albumin， p-AMPKα/AMPKα， and p-ACC1/ACC1 expression of Th17 cells （P<0.01）. Compared with the IgAVN model group， in the 4th week， the 24 h UTP， urine β₂-MG， serum IL-17， IgA levels， and renal IgA deposition were significantly reduced in each treatment group （P<0.01）， and the Th17 proportion and IL-17 expression in spleen tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum albumin levels significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the IgAVN model group， the dexamethasone group and the high-dose HQH group showed increases in serum total protein （P<0.01）， p-AMPKα/AMPKα， and p-ACC1/ACC1 expression of Th17 cells （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The high-dose HQH group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol level （P<0.05）. Various treatment groups showed different degrees of improvement in spleen and kidney pathological changes. ConclusionHQH may affect Th17 cell differentiation by regulating the AMPK/ACC pathway， correcting immune inflammatory disorders， and exerting therapeutic effects on IgAVN.