ObjectiveTo elucidate the mechanism by which total flavonoids of Abelmoschi Corolla （TFA） treat immunoglobulin A （IgA） nephropathy （IgAN） through serum metabolomics analysis. MethodsSPF-grade male SD rats were randomly assigned into six groups （n=10）： blank， model， low-dose TFA （TFA-L， 27 mg·kg^-1）， medium-dose TFA （TFA-M， 54 mg·kg^-1）， high-dose TFA （TFA-H， 108 mg·kg^-1）， and losartan potassium （LST， 4.5 mg·kg^-1） groups. The remaining five groups， excluding the blank group， were modeled with bovine serum albumin （BSA）， lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， and carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）. Specifically， from weeks 1 to 10， BSA was administered via gavage every other day， and a mixture of castor oil and CCl₄ was injected subcutaneously once a week， with LPS injected into the tail vein at weeks 6 and 8. After successful modeling， each intervention group was administrated with the medication prepared with distilled water once daily by gavage for a continuous period of 4 weeks. The levels of 24-hour urinary total protein （24 h UP） and serum creatinine （SCr） were quantified by kits， and the serum IgA level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Renal pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining. Renal IgA deposition was assessed by immunofluorescence （IF）. Endoplasmic reticulum （ER） stress was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot and immunohistochemistry （IHC） were employed to detect the expression of ER stress-related factors. Non-targeted metabolomics was used to screen differential metabolites for analysis， and key metabolites arachidonic acid （AA）， prostaglandin E₂ （PGE₂）， and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） were validated. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased 24-hour urine protein （24 h UP） and serum creatinine （SCr） levels （P<0.01）， obvious renal pathological damage， elevated serum IgA level （P<0.01）， increased renal AA and PGE₂ levels （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein levels of COX-2， glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）， phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α （P-EIF2α）， activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4）， inositol-requiring enzyme 1α （IRE1α）， and spliced X-box binding protein 1 （XBP1s） in the renal tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the intervention groups showed reductions in 24 h UP and SCr levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated renal pathological injury， decreased serum IgA level （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced renal AA and PGE₂ levels （P<0.01）. Western blot and IHC results showed that TFA reduced the levels of COX-2， GRP78， P-EIF2α， ATF4， IRE1α， and XBP1s in the renal tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Metabolomics results indicated that 51 commonly differential metabolites were found among the normal， model， and TFA-M groups. TFA ameliorated IgAN by affecting metabolic pathways related to the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid and arginine through L-aspartic acid， prostaglandin 2α， leukotriene B₄， leukotriene D₄， among others. ConclusionTFA can regulate the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway， thereby modulating ER stress， reducing renal damage， and ameliorating IgA nephropathy.

Objective To understand and grasp the status quo of resistance of Culex pipiens pallens to four commonly used insecticides in Hefei City, and to provide a scientific basis for the chemical control of mosquito larvae. Methods From June to July 2023, Cx. pipiens pallens larvae were collected from 9 counties (cities and districts) in Hefei City. The LC50 of late third-instar to early fourth-instar larvae of Cx. pipiens pallens to commonly used insecticides was determined by larval immersion method (sensitive baseline method). Results Cx.pipiens pallens larvae in Hefei City exhibited different degrees of resistance to four insecticides: permethrin, beta-cypermethrin, temephos, and propoxur. The relative resistance coefficients to permethrin and beta-cypermethrin were 26.96 and 21.17, respectively, indicating the moderate resistance level. The relative resistance coefficients to propoxur were 6.70, indicating a low resistance level. The relative resistance coefficient to temephos was 2.43, indicating a sensitivity level. Culex pipiens pallens against pyrethroids such as 0.25% permethrin, 0.025% deltamethrin and 0.025% cypermethrin in 1 h knockout rate and 24 h mortality rates were 3.25% (4/123) and 46.34% (57/123), 3.60% (5/139) and 35.97% (50/139), 3.85% (6/156) and 40.38% (63/156), respectively. For 5% malathion and 0.1% propoxur, the 1 h knockdown rate and 24 h mortality rate were 97.69% (127/130) and 99.23% (129/130), 94.48% (137/145) and 100.00% (145/145), respectively. It showed resistance to 0.25% permethrin, 0.025% deltamethrin and 0.025% cypermethrin, and sensitivity to 5% malathion and 0.1% propoxur. Conclusions Culex pipiens pallens in Hefei City have developed varying degrees of resistance to parathyroid and carbamate insecticides. In the control of mosquito vectors, it is essential to strengthen the scientific and rational use of chemical control in combination with environmental and physical control measures to form an integrated control strategy. This approach will improve the control efficiency while delaying the occurrence and development of insecticide resistance.

Objective:Invasive pulmonary mucormycosis(PM)is a rare but highly lethal opportunistic infection.COVID-19 associated mucormycosis(CAM)is difficult to diagnose,often leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis,and has poor treatment outcomes.This study reports a case of successfully treated CAM and explores optimized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process in a 50-year-old female patient with COVID-19 associated with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)and invasive pulmonary mucormycosis was conducted.Combined with a literature review,the therapeutic efficacy of local bronchoscopic instillation in conjunction with systemic treatment using liposomal Amphotericin B(L-AmB)was specifically evaluated.Results:The patient was rapidly diagnosed with Rhizopus microsporus infection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).She subsequently received antifungal treatment with intravenous L-AmB combined with local bronchoscopic instillation.After treatment,the patient was significantly improved,with imaging studies showing gradual absorption of the lesions.Follow-up at six months revealed no recurrence.A literature review suggests that early diagnosis and multimodal therapy are key to improving survival rates in patients with CAM.Conclusion:mNGS can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of CAM.The combination of local and systemic treatment with L-AmB is valuable in improving prognosis.Early diagnosis,multimodal antifungal therapy,and individualized management are key to increasing the survival rate of patients with CAM.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the activity and mechanism of tetrandrine(TET)against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo.METHODS(1)Cell experiments.① Human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549)were divided into TET 0(cell control),1.25,2.5,5,10,20 and 25 μmol·L-1 groups,and H1N1+TET 0,1.25,2.5,5,10,20 and 25 μmol·L-1 groups.The TET groups were treated with the corresponding concentrations of TET while the H1N1+TET groups were infected with H1N1 for 1 h before the corresponding concentrations of TET were added.After 48 h,cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method.② The cells were divided into cell control,H1N1+TET 0,2.5,5,and 10 μmol·L-1 groups and treated as in ①.After 24 h of incubation,the mRNA expressions of matrix protein 1(M1),hemagglutinin(HA),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-β(IFN-β)were tested by the real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).The expression levels of M1,HA,neuraminidase(NA),nucleoprotein(NP),and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)protein were detected by Western blotting.(2)Animal experiments.① Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the solvent control group,H1N1 group,H1N1+oseltamivir phosphate(Ose)20 mg·kg-1 group,and H1N1+TET 25,50 and 100 mg·kg-1 groups.The solvent control group and the H1N1 group were ig administered with 0.5％carboxymethyl cellulose sodium(CMC-Na),while the H1N1+Ose group and the H1N1+TET 25,50 and 100 mg·kg-1 groups were ig given suspensions of the respective concentrations of drugs in 0.5％CMC-Na.After three consecutive days of pretreatment,all these groups except the solvent control group were intranasally inoculated with H1N1 to establish an influenza-infected mouse model.The survival rate and body mass of mice were monitored and recorded for 15 consecutive days post-H1N1 infection.② The grouping and treatment were the same as ①.After infection,mice were sacrificed on day 3 and 5.The expression levels of M1,HA,TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6in lung tissues were detected by RT-qPCR,and those of M1,HA,NA,NP,and phosphoryla-tion of STAT3 protein in mice lung tissues by Western blotting.Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues in mice.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α and IFN-β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA).RESULTS(1)① The half maximal inhibitory concentration study showed a value of 18.06 μmol·L-1 for A549 effected by TET.Compared with the H1N1 group,TET 2.5,5 and 10 μmol·L-1 significantly increased cell viability.② The expression levels of M1,HA mRNA and M1,HA,NA protein in the TET 2.5,5 and 10 μmol·L-1 groups were significantly lowered compared with the H1N1 group.TET 5 μmol·L-1 significantly decreased H1N1-induced IL-6,TNF-α and IFN-β mRNA expression levels in A549 cells.TET 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 could significantly mitigate the phosphorylation of STAT3.(2)① Com-pared with the H1N1 group,TET 50 mg·kg-1 significantly improved the survival rate of H1N1-infected mice while TET 25 mg·kg-1 significantly elevated the body-weight of H1N1-infected mice.In the TET 50 mg·kg-1 group,expressions of HA and M1 mRNA,and HA,M1,NA and NP protein in the lung tissues of H1 N1-infected mice were significantly reduced compared with the H1N1 group.Compared with the H1N1 group,TET 50 mg·kg-1 significantly decreased the lung index,improved inflammatory lesions in lung tissues,inhibited the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-β in lung tissues,and down regu-lated the expressions of TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-β proinflammatory cytokines in the BALF of the H1N1-infected mice.In addition,TET 50 mg·kg-1 also significantly inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation in lung tissues of mice infected with H1N1.CONCLUSION TET can inhibit H1N1 infection both in vivo and in vitro.The potential mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway,which subse-quently suppresses the inflammatory response induced by H1N1.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of liraglutide(LIRA)on acetaminophen(APAP)-in-duced hepatotoxicity at the in vivo level and to reveal the underlying mechanism.Methods Forty SPF grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the Control,LIRA(200 μg·kg-1),APAP(500 mg·kg-1),LIRA+APAP,LIRA+APAP+3-methylade-nine(3-MA,30 mg·kg-1)groups,with eight mice in each group.The mice were administered for three con-secutive days,and the materials were taken after 24 h.The general condition and body weight of mice in each group were recorded,and liver morphology was ob-served.Serum ALT and AST levels,as well as SOD ac-tivity,MDA,and GSH content in liver homogenates,were measured using biochemical assay kits.The levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β in serum were detected by ELISA.Liver pathological changes were assessed by HE staining,while mitochon-drial and autophagosome structures in liver tissues were observed using transmission electron microscopy.The number of PCNA-positive cells in liver tissues was e-valuated using immunohistochemical staining.The pro-tein expression levels of LC3Ⅱ,p62,Bax,Bcl-2,PC-NA,and CyclinD1 in liver tissues were determined by Western blot.Results LIRA pretreatment can im-prove the general condition of mice with acetamino-phen-induced liver injury(AILI),reduce serum ALT and AST levels,and effectively ameliorate the appear-ance and morphology of the liver as well as the patho-logical damage to liver tissue.Simultaneously,the lev-els of inflammatory cytokines IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1βare significantly decreased;SOD activity and GSH con-tent are significantly increased,while MDA content is significantly reduced.Transmission electron microsco-py observations reveal the presence of numerous auto-phagosomes in the cytoplasm of liver tissue.Immuno-histochemical staining results indicate a significant in-crease in the number of PCNA-positive cells.Further-more,the expression of LC3Ⅱ,Bcl-2,PCNA,and Cy-clinD1 proteins in liver tissue is significantly upregulat-ed,while the expression of p62 and Bax proteins is significantly downregulated.However,after interven-tion with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA,the aforemen-tioned protective effects of LIRA are significantly.Conclusions LIRA pretreatment can significantly im-prove liver injury in AILI mice.Its protective mecha-nism may be related to enhancing autophagy in hepato-cytes,thereby reducing oxidative stress,inflammatory response and apoptosis in liver of AILI mice.

Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.

Kv1.3,a voltage-gated potassium channel,is highly expressed in T lymphocytes,the nervous system,and vascular smooth muscle cells.It plays a critical role in membrane excitability and electrical signal transduction,serving as an important target for studying T-cell function and providing a promising direction for developing therapeutics against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.Therefore,the de-velopment of specific inhibitors of Kv1.3 channel has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy for these disorders.In this study,we isolated and purified a novel Kv1.3-inhibitory peptide toxin,LmKTx13,from the venom of the scorpion Lychas mucronatus using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chroma-tography(RP-HPLC).LmKTx13 consists of 38 amino acid residues,including six cysteines that form three disulfide bonds.Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that LmKTx13 potently inhibited Kv1.3 with an IC50 of 7.92±3.0 nmol/L.Selectivity analysis showed that 2 μmol/L LmKTx13 also in-hibited Kv1.2 and Kv1.7,but exhibited no significant effects on other potassium channel subtypes or voltage-gated sodium channels.Further investigation into the mechanism demonstrated that LmKTx13 acts as a pore-blocking inhibitor of Kv1.3.By analyzing the effects of LmKTx13 on Kv1.3 channel gating ki-netics and performing sequence alignment of the pore regions of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5,we constructed site-directed mutants and identified the pore region of Kv1.3 as the critical binding site for LmKTx13.Key residues involved in the interaction included T425,G427,and H451.In summary,we discovered a no-vel pore-blocking Kv1.3 inhibitor,LmKTx13,from L.mucronatus venom,which exhibits high affinity and selectivity for Kv1.3.These findings highlight its potential as a potential lead molecule for developing Kv1.3-targeted therapeutics.

Objective To identify risk factors associated with lymphatic leakage after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(LRP)and to develop a machine learning-based nomogram for predicting such outcomes to support clinical prevention strategies.Methods We retrospectively analyzed perioperative data from 248 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer between January 2020 and January 2024.Independent risk factors were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.A predictive model was developed,and its diagnostic performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC).Five-fold cross-validation was performed to evaluate the model's generalizability.A nomogram was subsequently constructed to facilitate individualized risk quantification.Results Among the 248 patients,89(35.9%)developed lymphatic leakage,while 159(64.1%)did not.Independent risk factors for lymphatic leakage included intraopera-tive lymph node dissection(OR=5.415,95%CI:2.167～13.532,P<0.001),intraoperative plasma transfusion(OR=2.952,95%CI:1.524～5.718,P=0.001),and postoperative fasting duration of≥2 days(OR=1.412,95%CI:1.089～1.829,P=0.009).The predictive model showed good discrimination and calibration(AUC=0.711,95%CI:0.647～0.776,P<0.001;sensitivity:0.764;specificity:0.597).Model robustness was confirmed through five-fold cross-validation(training set AUC=0.822;test set AUC=0.829).The nomogram provided a clinically useful tool for quantifying individual risk of lymphatic leakage.Conclusions Intraoperative lymph node dissection,plasma transfusion,and postoperative fasting lasting≥2 days are independent risk factors for lymphatic leakage following radical prostatectomy.The validated predictive model demonstrates favorable clinical utility.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effectiveness of Du Meridian moxibustion combined with brisk walking on negative symptoms, cognitive function, and social function in patients with stable schizophrenia, aiming to provide a feasible adjunctive treatment for clinical practice.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit 140 patients with stable schizophrenia hospitalized at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group, Du Meridian moxibustion group, brisk walking group, or combined group, with 35 patients in each group. The control group received standard care. On this basis, the Du Meridian moxibustion group received moxibustion on the Du Meridian, the brisk walking group participated in slow walking exercises, and the combined group received both interventions for 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks during the intervention, and at 12 weeks post-intervention using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Social Functioning Scale for Inpatient Psychiatric Patients.Results:A total of 134 patients completed the study: control group ( n = 34), Du Meridian moxibustion group ( n = 34), brisk walking group ( n = 35), and combined group ( n = 31). The combined group demonstrated significantly lower SANS scores at the 12th week of intervention (49.71 ± 4.66) and at 12 weeks post-intervention (53.45 ± 5.34) compared to the Du Meridian moxibustion group (54.91 ± 4.79) and (59.56 ± 5.84), the brisk walking group (56.69 ± 5.59) and (58.51 ± 5.42), control group (65.71 ± 4.95) and (66.21 ± 4.33), with statistically significant differences ( t values were 3.81-13.37, all P<0.05). Regarding cognitive function, the MMSE scores in the combined group at the 12th week of intervention (28.23 ± 1.28) and at 12 weeks post-intervention (27.35 ± 1.76) were higher than those in the Du Meridian moxibustion group (26.79 ± 1.85) and (25.59 ± 2.27) and the brisk walking group (25.88 ± 2.23) and (25.43 ± 1.84), control group (23.65 ± 2.17) and (22.32 ± 2.14), with statistically significant differences ( t values were - 10.28 to - 3.48, all P<0.001). For social function, the SSPI scores in the combined group at the 12th week of intervention (35.71 ± 3.63) and at 12 weeks post-intervention (32.58 ± 3.71) were also significantly higher than those in the Du Meridian moxibustion group (32.21 ± 3.91) and (28.47 ± 3.70) and the brisk walking group (31.83 ± 3.54) and (30.31 ± 3.59), control group (24.53 ± 4.12) and (24.15 ± 3.50) with statistically significant differences ( t values were - 11.56 to - 2.52, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The combination of Du Meridian moxibustion and brisk walking is an effective adjunctive intervention for patients with stable schizophrenia, as it significantly reduces negative symptoms, enhances cognitive function, and improves social functioning.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of autophagy induced by House dust mites(HDM)on airway epithelial tight junction through β-catenin-Snail signaling pathway.Methods Human bronchial epithelial cells(16HBE)were stimulated with HDM at different time points(0,3,6,12,24,48 h)and different concen-trations(0,40,100,200 μg/mL)to screen the appropriate stimulation concentration and stimulation time.16HBE cells were treated with oxidative stress inhibitor N-acetylcysteine(NAC),autophagy inhibitor 3-methylad-enine(3-MA),HDM,and their combinations.Cells were transfected with mCherry-EGFP-LC3B,Beclin-1-siRNA,and ATG14-siRNA lentivirus and then stimulated with NAC and HDM.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related protein LC3B,tight junction-related proteins Occludin,and ZO-1 in airway epithelial cells.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected by using DCFH-DA in each group.The protein expression levels of Occludin,ZO-1,LC3B,Beclin-1,ATG5,ATG14,P62,Snail,β-catenin and p-β-catenin were detected by Western blot method.Results Immunofluorescence results showed that compared with the control group,200 μg/mL HDM stimulation induced cellular autophagy,increased the expression level of LC3B protein,and promoted the level of ROS,all with statistical significances(all P<0.05).Compared with the HDM group,the HDM+3-MA,HDM+ATG14-si,and HDM+Beclin-1-si groupsall showed significantincreases in the expression levels of tight junction-related proteins Occludin and ZO-1(P<0.05).The HDM+NAC group demonstrated significant decreases both in the level of ROS andin the expression level of LC3B protein.Western blot results revealed that compared with HDM,3-MA and autophagy protein low-expression beads(Beclin-1-si,ATG14-si)attenuated HDM-induced cellular autophagy(P<0.05),inhibited HDM-induced upregulation of Snail and p-β-catenin expression,and improved HDM-induced decreases in Occludin and ZO-1(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the HDM group,the NAC+HDM group exhibited significant decreases both in the conversion of LC3BⅠ to LC3BⅡ(P<0.001)in the protein levels of Snail,p-β-catenin,Beclin-1 and ATG14(P<0.01),but significant increases in the protein levels of Occludin and ZO-1(P<0.05).Conclusion HDM affects the tight connections between airway epithelial cells by inducing autophagy,which may be attributed to the β-catenin-Snail signaling pathway.