ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills （BJJW） on the growth of liver cancer， as well as its potential mechanism in mediating the AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway through mitochondrial energy metabolism. MethodsHuman hepatoma Huh7 cells were used to establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor. A total of 18 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group， BJJW group （2.2 g/kg）， and metformin group （250 mg/kg）， and the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Tumor volume and weight were monitored during the experiment； HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes； the levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） in tumor tissue were measured； immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups， and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups； the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups， and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group， the BJJW group had a tumor inhibition rate of 45.73%， with significant reductions in both tumor volume and weight （P<0.01）. Pathological examination showed that compared with the model group， the BJJW group had a significant reduction in the number of tumor cells and the presence of extensive necrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that compared with the model group， the BJJW group had a significant increase in ROS level （P<0.001） and a significant reduction in ATP level （P<0.001）， as well as significant increases in p-AMPK/AMPK ratio （0.81±0.20 vs 0.13±0.04， P<0.01） and p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio （0.69±0.17 vs 0.18±0.13， P<0.01） and a significant reduction in p-mTOR/mTOR ratio （1.34±0.16 vs 3.20±0.62， P<0.01）. ConclusionBJJW may inhibit the growth of liver cancer by inducing mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction， increasing the level of ROS， reducing the level of ATP， and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the association between meat consumption and anxiety symptoms in first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province, and to provide theoretical support for preventing and relieving anxiety symptoms in junior high school students. Methods: From October to December 2022, a random cluster sampling method was used to select 8 500 first year junior high school students from 11 counties in Yunnan Province as the survey subjects for a questionnaire survey. The study used Food Frequency Questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to assess the meat consumption and anxiety symptoms of junior high school students.The distribution differences in anxiety symptoms among first year junior high school students with different demographic characteristics were analyzed statistically by using the Chi-square test,and the association between meat consumption and anxiety symptoms in students was analyzed by using a generalized linear model. Results: The detection rate of anxiety symptoms was 48.47%. After controlling for demographic variables and confounding factors, the consumption of livestock meat, poultry meat, processed meat, cured meat, barbecued meat and raw skin meat was statistically significant with anxiety symptoms ( β =-0.05, 0.04, 0.04, 0.08, 0.14, 0.17, all P <0.05). Stratified by ethnicity, The consumption of livestock meat, cured meat and barbecue was statistically correlated with anxiety symptoms in Han adolescents ( β =-0.07, 0.14, 0.22 ); the consumption of processed meat and raw skin meat was statistically correlated with anxiety symptoms in ethnic minority adolescents ( β =0.08, 0.18) (all P <0.05). Conclusions There is a statistical association between meat comsumption and the risk of anxiety symptoms in first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province. Guidance on meat consumption should be strengthened to prevent the occurrence of anxiety symptoms.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunotoxicity and potential mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius extract on RBL-2H3 cells via direct induction and induction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of the extract. METHODS For direct induction by C. tinctorius extract， RBL-2H3 cells were divided into normal control group （no treatment） and C. tinctorius extract group （10 mg/mL）. For induction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of C. tinctorius extract， rats were divided into normal control group （no treatment）， adjuvant-treated group （1 mL adjuvant）， C. tinctorius extract-induced sensitization group （2.04 g/mL）， and ovalbumin （OVA）-induced sensitization group （50 mg/mL）. Sensitization was performed once every other day for a total of 3 times. Morphological changes of RBL-2H3 cells were observed， the degranulated rate of cells was counted， and histamine content was determined； the release rate of β -hexosaminidase （ β -Hex） was calculated， the levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were detected. RESULTS Under direct induction by C. tinctorius extract， compared with the normal control group， the volume of cells in the C. tinctorius extract group was significantly reduced and cell density decreased； the degranulation rate of cells， histamine content， β -Hex release rate， IL-6 and TNF-α levels， as well as intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were all significantly increased （ P ＜0.01）. Under i nduction by sensitized serum prepared with an overdose of C. tinctorius extract， compared with the adjuvant-treated group， the above indicators in the C. tinctorius extract-induced sensitization group and the OVA-induced sensitization group showed consistent changes with those in the C. tinctorius extract group under direct induction， all being significantly elevated （ P ＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS C. tinctorius extract may affect degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and promote Ca²⁺ influx accompanied by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines through two approaches： direct induction and induction by sensitized serum prepared under overdose administration. Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the calcium signaling pathway and the regulation of inflammatory pathways under the synergistic effect of multiple components.

[Objective] To explore the strategy of blood management in patients with massive transfusion in the frigid plateau region. [Methods] The treatment process of a patient with liver rupture in the frigid plateau region was analyzed, and the blood management strategy of the frigid plateau region was discussed in combination with the difficulties of blood transfusion and literature review. [Results] The preoperative complete blood count (CBC) test results of the patient were as follows: RBC 3.14×10¹²/L, Hb 10⁶ g/L, HCT 30.40%, PLT 115.00×10⁹/L; coagulation function: PT 18.9 s, FiB 1.31 g/L, DD > 6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL; ultrasound examination and imaging manifestations suggested liver contusion and laceration / intraparenchymal hematoma, splenic contusion and laceration, and massive blood accumulation in the abdominal cavity; it was estimated that the patient's blood loss was ≥ 2 000 mL, and massive blood transfusion was required during the operation; red blood cell components were timely transfused during the operation, and the blood component transfusion was guided according to the patient's CBC and coagulation function test results, providing strong support and guarantee for the successful treatment of the patient. The patient recovered well after the operation, and the CBC test results were as follows: RBC 4.32×10¹²/L, Hb 144 g/L, HCT 39.50%, PLT 329.00×10⁹/L; coagulation function: APTT 29.3 s, PT 12.1 s, FiB 2.728 g/L, DD>6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL. The patient was discharged after 20 days, and regular follow-up reexamination showed no abnormal results. [Conclusion] Individualized blood management strategy should comprehensively consider the patient’s clinical symptoms, the degree of hemoglobin decline, dynamic coagulation test results and existing treatment conditions. Efficient and reasonable patient blood management strategies can effectively improve the clinical outcomes of massive transfusion patients in the frigid plateau region.

BACKGROUND:Macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)is a pleiotropic cytokine,which is secreted in different types of stem cells and can regulate the proliferation,differentiation and migration of various types of stem cells.Our previous research has confirmed that human embryonic stem cells secrete MIF and that its concentration in the culture medium is relatively stable.However,whether MIF is involved in the survival,proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of MIF on survival,proliferation,and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. METHODS:(1)Human embryonic stem cells H9 were cultured.The growth curve of cells was detected and plotted by CCK-8 assay.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the level of MIF in the medium.(2)To determine the effects of exogenous MIF on the survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,different groups were established:the control group,which was cultured in stem cell medium without any modifications;the exogenous MIF group,which was treated with different concentrations(30,100,300 ng/mL)of MIF in the stem cell medium;the MIF inhibitor ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations(2,7,21 μmol/L)of ISO-1 in the stem cell medium;and the MIF+ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations of ISO-1 along with 100 ng/mL of MIF.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.(3)To further elucidate the effect of MIF gene on survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cell,the MIF knockout H9 cell line was constructed by CRISPR-Cas 9 technology to observe the lineage establishment.(4)To determine the effect of high concentrations of MIF on human embryonic stem cell differentiation,100 ng/mL MIF and 100 ng/mL of CXCR4 neutralizing antibody were separately added to the normal stem cell culture medium.The expression levels of self-renewal factors(KLF4,c-MYC,NANOG,OCT4,and SOX2)and differentiation transcription factors(FOXA2,OTX2)were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunofluorescence staining,and western blot analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The logarithmic growth phase of H9 cells was between 3-6 days.Under normal growth conditions,human embryonic stem cells secreted MIF at a concentration of approximately 20 ng/mL,independent of cell quantity.(2)Compared to the control group,the addition of different concentrations of MIF had no effect on the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells(P>0.05).ISO-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,with a stronger inhibition observed at higher concentrations of ISO-1(P<0.05).The addition of MIF in the presence of ISO-1 reduced the inhibitory effect of ISO-1(P<0.05).(3)Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that knocking out 50%of the MIF gene resulted in a significant decrease in the growth vitality of human embryonic stem cells and failure to establish cell lines.(4)Adding 100 ng/mL exogenous MIF to the culture medium resulted in a decrease in the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the self-renewal transcription factor KLF4,while the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the differentiation factor FOXA2 increased.(5)When 100 ng/mL CXCR4 neutralizing antibody was added to the culture medium,the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF4 increased,while the mRNA and protein expression levels of FOXA2 decreased,contrary to the expression trend observed in the MIF group.In conclusion,the endogenous secretion of MIF by human embryonic stem cells is essential for their survival.The addition of MIF to the culture medium does not promote the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells.However,it can lead to a decrease in the expression of the self-renewal factor KLF4 and an increase in the expression of the transcription factor FOXA2.This provides a clue for further investigation into the effects and mechanisms of MIF on the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.The MIF-CXCR4 axis plays a regulatory role in this process.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether hydrocortisone can improve the prognosis of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) by Meta-analysis. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) on hydrocortisone in the treatment of sCAP were extracted from the database including PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Embase, and the search time was up to April 29, 2023. The patients in the standard treatment group received standard treatment such as antibiotics and supportive care, while those in the hydrocortisone group received hydrocortisone treatment on the basis of standard treatment. Meta-analysis was used to compare the mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, mechanical ventilation rate and incidence of adverse reactions (hyperglycemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, secondary infection) between the two groups. The risk of literature bias was assessed. The studies that might have publication bias were corrected by the subtraction and complementation method. At the same time, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 5 RCTs involving 1 031 patients were finally enrolled, including 494 patients in the standard treatment group and 537 patients in the hydrocortisone group. Among the 5 studies, the research site of 2 studies was in the mixed ward. Considering the inclusion characteristics of the study population, there was doubt whether its research object was sCAP patients, which might have a certain impact on the results and introduce potential bias. Meta-analysis showed that the mortality in the hydrocortisone group was significantly lower than that in the standard treatment group [6.0% vs. 14.0%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.25-0.59, P < 0.01; I² = 9%]. The studies that were asymmetric were corrected by the reduction and supplementation method. Even after filling the missing studies, hydrocortisone could still reduce the death risk of the patient (OR = 0.49, 95%CI was 0.32-0.73, P < 0.01; I² = 31%). TSA showed that the average mortality of the standard treatment group was about 14.0%, and that of the hydrocortisone group was about 6.0%, with a relative risk reduction (RRR) = 57%. The calculated sample size was 699 cases, and the actual sample size was 1 031 cases. The actual sample size exceeded the required sample size, and the Z-curve crossed the O'Brien-Fleming boundary and the curve corresponding to P = 0.05, it meant that hydrocortisone could effectively reduce the mortality of sCAP. Compared with the standard treatment group, no statistical difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation was found in the hydrocortisone group [mean difference (MD) = -3.26, 95%CI was -6.72-0.21, P = 0.07; I² = 0%], but the 8-day mechanical ventilation rate was significantly lowered (19.5% vs. 55.4%; OR = 0.24, 95%CI was 0.12-0.45, P < 0.01; I² = 0%), and also no significantly difference was found in the incidence of hyperglycemia (54.3% vs. 44.6%, OR = 1.26, 95%CI was 0.56-2.84, P = 0.58; I² = 61%), gastrointestinal bleeding (2.5% vs. 3.6%; OR = 0.70, 95%CI was 0.34-1.46, P = 0.34; I² = 0%) and secondary infection (9.2% vs. 11.5%; OR = 0.46, 95%CI was 0.06-3.35, P = 0.45; I² = 53%). CONCLUSION Hydrocortisone can reduce the mortality rate of sCAP patients, decrease their need for mechanical ventilation, and does not increase the risk of hyperglycemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, or secondary infections.
Humans ; Hydrocortisone/therapeutic use* ; Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy* ; Pneumonia/drug therapy* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Respiration, Artificial ; Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by progressive memory decline and cognitive dysfunction. Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that store neutral lipids and play a crucial role in maintaining intracellular lipid homeostasis. Dysregulated lipid metabolism in microglia and its role in mediating abnormal LDs accumulation have been shown to significantly contribute to AD pathogenesis. This review summarizes the regulatory pathways of LDs metabolism in microglia in AD and discusses how lipid metabolic dysfunction exacerbates AD pathology. Furthermore, this review highlights key molecular mechanisms governing microglial lipid metabolism in AD and explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism for AD intervention.

Objective To compare the value of ultrashort echo time(UTE)and T1W sequences for detecting bone erosions of gouty arthritis.Methods Forty-four gouty patients were prospectively enrolled,including 32 cases with affected feet and 12 cases with affected knee.MR UTE and T1W sequence scanning of the affected area were performed,and subjectively scoring of imaging quality of 2 kinds of MRI were evaluated,respectively.Then total number and total score of bone erosions of each case were calculated according to all affected bones.Taken DECT as reference standard,the efficacy of UTE and T1WI for detecting bone erosions was assessed through comparing with DECT using Kappa coefficient.Results The imaging quality score of T1WI was lower than that of DECT(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference was found between UTE and DECT(all P＞0.05).There was high agreement between UTE and DECT for detecting bone erosions(κ=0.949),while the agreement between T1WI and DECT ranged from good to high(κ=0.718 to 0.805).The total number and total score of bone erosions based on T1WI were significantly lower than those based on DECT(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference was found between UTE and DECT(all P＞0.05).Conclusion UTE was better than T1WI for detecting bone erosions of gouty arthritis.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD)-assisted non-gas dependent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with an inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap for the treatment of idiopathic macular hole (IMH).Methods:A retrospective cohort study. From June 2023 to February 2024, 33 patients (33 eyes) diagnosed with IMH in Department of Ophthalmology of Changshu Second People’s Hospital were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations were performed on all affected eyes before surgery. BCVA examination was conducted using the international standard visual acuity chart, and the results were converted into the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity. The minimum diameter of the hole was measured using OCT. All affected eyes received standard 25G PPV treatment through the three channels of the flat part of the ciliary body. According to the surgical methods, they were divided into two groups: the OVD-assisted non-gas-dependent PPV combined with internal limiting membrane inversion and coverage treatment group (OVD group, 17 cases and 17 eyes) and the heavy water-assisted gas-dependent PPV combined with internal limiting membrane inversion and coverage treatment group (heavy water group, 16 cases and 16 eyes). Postoperatively, patients in the OVD group were not required to maintain a strict specific position, whereas those in the heavy water group needed to remain in a prone position for one week. The follow-up time points after the operation were 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. The main observation indicators included BCVA, intraocular pressure, hole closure rate and closure morphology of the two groups, as well as the occurrence of complications. The independent sample t test was used for comparison between groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used for the correlation between BCVA at 3 months after surgery and the minimum diameter of the surgical hole and BCVA before surgery. Results:Three months after the operation, the rate of hole closure in the OVD group and the heavy water group was 17 (100.0%, 17/17) and 15 (93.8%, 15/16) eyes, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the hole closure rate ( χ2=1.090) and closure type ( Z=?0.780) between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with before the operation, the logMAR BCVA at each time point after the operation in the OVD group and the heavy water group was significantly improved ( F=2.353, 1.375; P<0.05). One week after the operation, the BCVA in the OVD group was significantly better than that in the heavy water group ( t=-3.760, P<0.01). In terms of intraocular pressure, compared with the baseline value before the surgery, there was a statistically significant difference in the OVD group one week after the surgery ( Z=?3.454, P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the heavy water group at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the operation ( Z=?5.066, ?3.423, ?2.739; P<0.05). After the operation, one eye in the heavy water group had high intraocular pressure, which returned to normal after combined treatment with intraocular pressure-lowering drugs. No ocular or systemic complications occurred in the OVD group. The results of the correlation analysis showed that postoperative BCVA was correlated with the minimum diameter of the surgical hole and BCVA before the surgery ( r=0.543, 0.658; P<0.05). Conclusions:The treatment of IMH with OVD-assisted non-gas-dependent PPV combined with internal limiting membrane flip coverage has a good effect. It helps promote the early recovery of macular morphology and visual function after surgery, and at the same time can avoid the maintenance of forced position and reduce perioperative risks.

Objective:To develop a laser-induced graphene (LIG)-based multimodal electrochemical sensor for monitoring the burn wound microenvironment and to evaluate its performance.Methods:This study was an experimental study. LIG three-electrode substrates were functionalized with L-lactate oxidase, polyaniline, and sortase A to fabricate lactate sensor, pH sensor, and bacterial sensor, respectively, thereby constituting the LIG-based multimodal electrochemical sensor. An electrochemical workstation was used to assess the electrochemical performance of the lactate sensor and bacterial sensor by cyclic voltammetry, with voltammetric response curves being plotted. An electrochemical workstation was used to assess the lactate sensor's response to lactate by chronoamperometry (with current-time curve being recorded and calibration curve being plotted during the test in the L-lactic acid solution with a molar concentration of 10-60 mmol/L), the pH sensor's response to pH by open-circuit potential measurement (with open-circuit potential-time curve being recorded and calibration curve being plotted during the test in the standard buffer solutions with pH values ranging from 3 to 8), and the bacterial sensor's response to bacteria by differential pulse voltammetry (with current-voltage curve being recorded and calibration curve being plotted during the test in gradient suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus ranging from 1×103-1×10? colony forming unit (CFU)/mL). The sample size for all the above experiments was 3. The correlation analysis was performed on the current value of the lactate sensor and the lactate concentration, the average value of steady-state open circuit potential of the pH sensor and the pH value, and the peak current value of the bacterial sensor and the bacterial concentration value. Each of the prepared standard test system solutions for lactate, pH value, and bacteria were all aliquoted into 30 samples. The lactate concentration, pH value, and bacterial concentration were determined by the lactate sensor and a L-lactate assay kit, the pH sensor and a precision pH meter, and the bacterial sensor and a microvolume spectrophotometer, respectively. Fifteen pairs of matched data were selected according to the random number table method for comparison, and the correlation analysis was performed on the measured values of each sensor and the reference values of the corresponding standard methods. Results:The voltammetric response curves showed that the lactate sensor and the bacterial sensor exhibited distinct oxidation peak currents at oxidation peak potentials of approximately 0.74 and 0.65 V, respectively. In the lactate sensor, the change in current after addition of phosphate buffered solution was (0.025±0.041) μA, which was significantly lower than that after addition of L-lactate solution (0.228±0.117) μA ( t=2.85, P<0.05). In the L-lactic acid solution with a molar concentration of 10-60 mmol/L, the current value of the lactate sensor was significantly linearly correlated with the lactate concentration ( r=0.98, P<0.05). In the standard buffer solutions with pH values ranging from 3 to 8, the average value of steady-state open circuit potential of the pH sensor was significantly linearly correlated with the corresponding pH values ( r=0.96, P<0.05). In gradient suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus ranging from 1×103 to 1×10? CFU/mL, the peak current value of the bacterial sensor was significantly linearly correlated with the logarithm of bacterial concentration ( r=0.95, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the lactate concentrations measured by the lactate sensor and by the L-lactate assay kit, pH values measured by the pH sensor and by the precision pH meter, and logarithmic bacterial concentrations measured by the bacterial sensor and by the microvolume spectrophotometer ( P>0.05), but there were significant positive correlations between the two (with r values of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.95, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions:After functional modification, the developed LIG-based multimodal electrochemical sensor enables accurate monitoring of lactate concentration, pH value, and bacterial load in the burn wound microenvironment with the results being of high sensitivity and stability. This platform provides a reliable new approach for non-invasive monitoring of the critical indicators of burn wound microenvironment, which shows great prospects for clinical application.