Objective: To investigate the status of latent tuberculosis infection（LTBI）among freshmen in middle schools and their willingness of preventive treatment in Yunyan District of Guiyang, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in schools. Methods: The tuberculin skin test (TST) and X-ray scans were used to screen the TB infection of 13 915 freshmen in middle schools in Yunyan District of Guiyang in 2023, and a questionnaire survey on the willingness of accepting tuberculosis preventive treatment was conducted to LTBI patients. The χ 2 test and Fisher exact probability was conducted for the comparison of the rates among the groups. Results: Among the freshmen screened, the detection rate of LTBI was 3.29%. There were statistically significant difference in LTBI rates among freshmen of different genders (boys:2.87%, girls:3.81%), age groups (12-15 years old:3.31%, 16-17 years old:3.92%, 18-20 years old:1.91%), and school stages (junior high school:3.52%, ordinary high school:5.96%, vocational high school:2.29%)（ χ 2=9.59, 13.08, 54.30, P ＜0.01). A total of 356 LTBI freshmen completed questionnaire survey,and 299(83.99%) were willing to accept tuberculosis preventive treatment, but the actual number of LIBI freshman who underwent preventive treatment was zero. Those LTBI who had received Bacille Calmette Guérin(BCG) vaccine(86.97%) was higher in the reporting rates of being willing to accept preventive treatment than that of LTBI who had not received BCG vaccine( 75.79 %),the differences were statistically significant( χ 2=6.48， P <0.05). The main reasons for refusing preventive treatment was worry about adverse drug reactions(80.70%), social acceptance and the support of social institutions were needed most(85.96%). Conclusions The LTBI rate among freshmen in Yunyan District of GuiYang is higher. Although the freshmen with LTBI have a higher willingness to accept preventive treatment, however, no one has undergone preventive treatment. Corresponding measures need to be taken for improving the preventive treatment rate of LIBI freshmen.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yishen Tongluo prescription （YSTLP） on apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and explore the mechanism based on endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK）/activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4）/transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）. MethodThe db/db mice were randomly divided into model group， valsartan group （10 mg·kg^-1）， and low， middle， high-dose YSTLP groups （1， 2.5， 5 g·kg^-1）. Samples were collected after eight weeks of drug intervention. In addition， db/m mice in the same litter served as the control group. Human renal tubular epithelial cells （HK-2） were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group， advanced glycated end-product （AGE） group， and AGE + low， middle， and high-dose YSTLP groups （100， 200， 400 mg·L^-1）. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining was used to detect the apoptosis rate of HK-2 cells. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay was conducted to detect the viability of HK-2 cells. Calcium fluorescence probe staining and luciferase reporter gene method were adopted to detect the luciferase activity of folded protein response element （UPRE） and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Immunohistochemical （IHC） analysis was carried out to measure the protein expressions of phosphorylated PKR （p-PERK）， CHOP， and ATF4. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and X-box binding protein 1 （XBP1） in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of p-PERK， PERK， CHOP， ATF4， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）， and cleaved Caspase-3 in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. ResultIn the cellular assay， HK-2 cell viability was significantly reduced， and the apoptosis rate was elevated in the AGE group compared with the control group （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related factor Bcl-2 were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and those of Bax were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The protein expression level of cleaved Caspase-3 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the AGE group， YSTLP administration treatment resulted in elevated cell viability and reduced apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 were significantly elevated in a time- and dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）， and those of Bax were significantly reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The protein expression level of cleaved Caspase-3 was significantly reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）. The intracellular Ca²⁺ imbalance and UPRE luciferase fluorescence intensity were increased in the AGE group compared with the control group （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors CHOP and XBP1 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the AGE group， YSTLP effectively improved intracellular Ca²⁺ imbalance in HK-2 cells and decreased UPRE luciferase fluorescence intensity in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）. It reduced the mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors CHOP and XBP1 （P<0.01） and the protein expression levels of intracellular p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 in a dose- and time-dependent manner （P<0.01）. In animal experiments， the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced（P<0.01）， and that of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax was significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group （P<0.05）. The protein expression level of Bcl-2 was dose-dependently elevated， and that of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax was dose-dependently decreased in the YSTLP groups compared with the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and XBP1 were significantly elevated in the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， YSTLP significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and XBP1 （P<0.01） and the protein expression levels of p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 （P<0.01）. ConclusionYSTLP can effectively inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress and improve apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells， and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PERK/AFT4/CHOP pathway.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of astragaloside Ⅰ,the active constituent of milkvetch root,in inhibiting podocyte injury and improving diabetic kidney disease.Methods According to the body weight,60 male db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group,astragaloside Ⅰ low-dose group(10 mg/kg),astragaloside Ⅰ medium-dose group(20 mg/kg),astragaloside Ⅰ high-dose group(40 mg/kg),and valsartan group(10mg/kg),with 12 mice per group.Twelve db/db littermate control db/m mice were used as the control group.The drug was administered by gavage for 8 weeks.Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of the kidney;immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of nephrotic protein(nephrin),a marker of renal podocytes;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-18(IL-18)in the serum of mice;Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3(NLRP3),cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1(Caspase-1),and Gasdermin D(GSDMD)in kidney tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the glomeruli of the model group showed obvious podocyte loss and foot process fusion;the protein expression of nephrin was decreased(P＜0.05);the contents of IL-1 β and IL-18 in serum were increased(P＜0.05);the protein expressions of NLRP3,Cleaved-Caspase-1,and GSDMD-N were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the renal pathological damage in the astragaloside Ⅰ administration groups were alleviated;the protein expression of nephrin was increased(P＜0.05);the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum were decreased(P＜0.05);the protein expressions of NLRP3,Cleaved-Caspase-1,and GSDMD-N were decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Astragaloside Ⅰ may play a role in intervening diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting pyroptosis and improving podocyte injury.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a flavin protease highly expressed in various cancer cells. NQO1 catalyzes a futile redox cycle in substrates, leading to substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This ROS generation results in extensive DNA damage and elevated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated consumption of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), ultimately causing cell death. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD⁺ salvage synthesis pathway, emerges as a critical target in cancer therapy. The concurrent inhibition of NQO1 and NAMPT triggers hyperactivation of PARP1 and intensive NAD⁺ depletion. In this study, we designed, synthesized, and assessed a novel series of proqodine A derivatives targeting both NQO1 and NAMPT. Among these, compound T8 demonstrated potent antitumor properties. Specifically, T8 selectively inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and induced apoptosis through mechanisms dependent on both NQO1 and NAMPT. This discovery offers a promising new molecular entity for advancing anticancer research.
Humans ; NAD/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Quinones ; Oxidoreductases

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.016.].

As the foremost among the four examinations in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， inspection and related equipment research face challenges in landing and transformation due to variations in evidence quality， lack of standardization， insufficient algorithm transparency， and poor reliability and stability of decision-making. Against the backdrop of rapid development of emerging technologies such as big data， the internet of things， and artificial intelligence， coupled with macro policy support from the government， digital and intelligent generalized inspection in TCM has emerged， with the aim of utilizing digital technologies to overcome the limitations of naked-eye inspection and comprehensively perceive and analyze facial and bodily expressions. The research in this field intelligently correlates Zang-fu organ functions with health conditions and disease progression and establishes a technical system for digital and intelligent inspection， multi-dimensional and multimodal perception， fusion analysis， and decision-making. This system aims to enhance the accuracy of disease risk warning and diagnosis， bridging the gap between inspection equipment and assistance in clinical decision-making. From an evidence-based perspective， this paper systematically examines the research ideas of digital and intelligent inspection and the development of related equipment， deeply explores how to propose clinical practice-oriented key scientific issues， comprehensively acquire and co-apply multi-dimensional data， establish precise inspection models driven by digital intelligence， optimize standards to enhance equipment interoperability and reliability， construct post-effect evaluation mechanisms to promote improvement， and actively address potential risks such as the black box nature and information security in the application of intelligent technology. This paper not only demonstrates the tremendous potential of digital technologies in improving the accuracy and clinical application efficiency of inspection but also provides new perspectives and ideas for the modernization of inspection in TCM， paving the way for the application of inspection in the global medical and health field.

Objective:To discuss the inhibitory effect of chelerythrine(CHE)on the migration,invasion,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of the human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells,and to clarify the associated mechanism.Methods:The SKOV3 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group and 2.5,5.0,10.0,20.0,and 40.0 μmol·L-1 CHE groups.Methylthiazolydiphenyl-tetrazolium(MTT)assay was used to detect the inhibitory rates of proliferation of the cells in various groups.The SKOV3 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group,transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)group,TGF-β1+5 μmol·L-1 CHE group,and TGF-β1+10 μmol·L-1 CHE group.Cell scratch assay was used to detect the migration rates of the cells in various groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the numbers of migration and invasion cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,and Vimentin proteins in the cells in various groups;immunofluorescence staining method was used to detect the fluorescence intensities of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in the cells in various groups.Results:The MTT assay results showed that compared with control group,the inhibitory rates of proliferation of the cells in 5.0,10.0,20.0,and 40.0 μmol·L-1 CHE groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The cell scratch assay results showed that compared with control group,the migration rate of the cells in TGF-β1 group was increased(P<0.01);compared with TGF-β1 group,the migration rates of the cells in TGF-β1+5 μmol·L-1 CHE group and TGF-β1+10 μmol·L-1 CHE group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The Transwell chamber assay results showed that compared with control group,the numbers of migration and invasion cells in TGF-β1 group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with TGF-β1 group,the numbers of migration and invasion cells in TGF-β1+5 μmo·l L-1 CHE group and TGF-β1+10 μmo·l L-1 CHE group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression level of E-cadherin protein in the cells in TGF-β1 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);compared with TGF-β1 group,the expression levels of E-cadherin protein in the cells in TGF-β1+5 μmol·L-1 CHE group and TGF-β1+10 μmol·L-1 CHE group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with control group,the fluorescence intensity of E-cadherin in the cells in TGF-β1 group was decreased,and the fluorescence intensity of N-cadherin was increased;compared with TGF-β1 group,the fluorescence intensities of E-cadherin in the cells in TGF-β 1+5 μmol·L-1 CHE group and TGF-β1+10 μmol·L-1 CHE group were significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensities of N-cadherin were decreased.Conclusion:CHE can inhibit the proliferation,migration,invasion,and EMT of the human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells.

Objective:To evaluate the guiding value of ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block in the surgical treatment of multilevel lumbar degeneration.Methods:Retrospective case-control study was used. Clinical data of 47 patients with multi-level lumbar degeneration who underwent decompression surgery in Honghui Hospital, Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into nerve root block group ( n=22)and non-nerve root block group( n=25) according to whether ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block was performed before decompression surgery. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of decompression laminae, postoperative drainage volume and length of stay of the two groups were recorded and compared. The visual analogue scale of low back pain, the visual analogue scale (VAS) of leg pain, the Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were all compared before surgery and during follow-up between the two groups. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as mean±standard deviation( ± s), and the comparison between groups was conducted using the paired t-test. Chi-square test was used for counting data. Results:All 47 patients successfully completed the operation without any serious complications such as neurovascular injury. All patients were followed up for (27.6±7.5)months. In the nerve root block group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of decompression laminae, postoperative drainage volume and hospital stay were (90.5±12.6) min, (110.5±15.8) mL, 1.2±0.8, (85.6±15.8) mL, (6.2±2.8) d, respectively. In the non-root block group, they were (190.6±25.5) min, (450.5±24.8) mL, 3.8±1.6, (210.5±16.8) mL, (9.5±2.2) d, respectively. The above indexes in the nerve root closure group were less than those in the non-root closure group, and the difference was significant between the two groups ( P< 0.05). The scores of VAS of low back pain and leg pain, JOA and ODI in both groups were significantly improved after surgery and during the follow-up period when compared with those of pre-operation ( P< 0.05). The VAS scores of low back pain on the 3rd day, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up in the nerve block group were 3.2±1.4, 1.4±0.8, 0.5±0.2, the JOA scores were 15.8±4.3, 21.3±5.6, 25.6±1.4, and the ODI scores were 50.6±10.3, 22.8±7.8, 16.8±4.2, respectively. The VAS scores of low back pain on the 3rd day, 6 months after operation and at the last follow-up in the non-nerve block group were 5.1±1.8, 3.4±1.2, 1.8±0.5, the JOA scores were 14.1±4.8, 20.5±3.2, 24.2±1.8, and the ODI scores were 60.5±9.8, 31.6±8.2 and 21.3±5.5, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the VAS scores of leg pain between the two groups after surgery and during follow-up ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the internal fixation position of the two groups was good, no loosening and displacement, and bone graft fusion was good. Conclusion:For patients with multi-level lumbar degeneration, ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block before surgery can identify the responsible segment, and selective decompression and fusion based on this can effectively reduce surgical trauma, while improving patients′ back and leg pain and physical function, which has important surgical guidance value.