Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue. Results: Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated. Conclusion Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

The quality evaluation of the blind method is to evaluate the clinical blind data obtained from clinical trials adopting the blind method and judge the effectiveness of the blind method by investigating the blind effect of different blind objects. A successful blind method can avoid the influence of subjective factors on the test results of subjects and researchers to a certain extent. The quality evaluation of the blind method can reflect not only the effectiveness of the blind method but also the accuracy and credibility of clinical trial results. In recent years， randomized controlled trials have been widely used in the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， but the quality of the implementation of blind methods is uneven， and the evaluation criteria have not yet been formed. In this paper， the data collection methods， calculation principles， advantages， and disadvantages of two quantitative quality evaluation methods of blind methods， namely James Blinding Index （JBI） and Bang Blinding Index （BBI）， were introduced. The two indexes were analyzed in a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture and moxibustion to relieve postoperative oral pain. The calculation process of the results was demonstrated by R software and visualized by forest map. At the same time， a tool table was designed to facilitate the collection of evaluation data of blind methods in TCM clinical trials at different stages. Finally， the necessity and feasibility of quality evaluation of blind method in TCM research were discussed to provide a basis for evaluating and improving the quality of blind method implementation in TCM clinical trials.

Objective　To timely understand the current status and distribution of nail snails (Oncomelania hupensis) in Tongjiang River channels in Zhenjiang City, providing a scientific basis for achieving the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis. Methods　From 2019 to 2023, nine Tongjiang River channels on the south bank of the Yangtze River under the jurisdiction of Zhenjiang City were selected as the monitoring area. Snail monitoring was carried out onshore and beach nail snails floats in the Tongjiang River channels, nail snails on attachments in hardened areas, snails induced by straw curtains, and snails carried by boats and domestic animals. Results　The monitoring results of shoreline snail from 2019 to 2023 showed that the snail situation in the Tongjiang River channel and its outer river bank remained relatively stable from 2019 to 2020; however, in 2021, under the influence of the Yangtze River flooding disaster in 2020, the area of snails increased significantly. In 2021, the area with snails in the Tongjiang River channel and the outer river bank increased by 45.70% (11.95/26.15) and 100.00% (20.00/20.00) compared to 2020; the average density of nails snails in the Tongjiang River channel and the outer river bank and the emergence rate of snail frames both showed a significant increase, rising by 94.73% (0.18/0.19) and 68.08% (8.68/12.75) compared to 2020, and by 122.73% (0.81/0.66) and 102.78% (43.26/42.09), respectively. The differences in the increase in the occurrence rate of spiked frames in the Tongjiang River channel Chili River and Renmin River were not statistically significant (χ2=0.329, P>0.05; χ2=0.646, P>0.05). From 2022 to 2023, the density of nail snails and the occurrence rate of framed snails in the Tongjiang River channel showed a decreasing trend (F=4.72, P=0.04 and χ2=372.58, P<0.01). The area of nail snails, density of live snails, and occurrence rate of framed snails in the outer river bank showed a decreasing trend (F=13.96, P=0.02; F=23.43, P<0.01; χ2=1 029.69, P<0.01). During the five years, no nail snails were detected in the ancient canal and 11 tributaries. From 2019 to 2023, 180 times of 3 003 kg of floating objects were salvaged, with a total of 148 live snails detected. A total of 17 live snails were captured on attachments in the hardened berm area; a total of 11 live snails were captured by straw curtain snail baiting;112 boats were inspected, and no snails were found; there were 112 boats surveyed, and no snails were found; 97 cattle were observed, and 2 cattle were found to carry 1 live snail on their hooves; 321 sheep were observed, and no snails were found on their hooves; and no infectious snails were found in the monitoring area in 5 years. Conclusions　Nail snails continue to exist in the Tongjiang River channel, and the risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission have not been completely eliminated. It is still necessary to carry out accurate monitoring of the snail situation in the Tongjiang River and the river bank, so as to grasp the risk of transmission in time and take emergency measures.

Objective To investigate the effects of pterostilbene on human colon cancer LoVo cells and study the regulatory mechanism of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)in the process of pterostilbene acting on LoVo cells.Methods LoVo cells were treated with different concentrations(5,10,20,40,60,80,100 panol/L)of pterostilbene.Cell viability,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were examined by CCK-8,scratch,Tran-swell,and TUNEL assays,respectively.The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by the mitochon-drial membrane potential assay kit with JC-1.The reactive oxygen species level was measured by 2',7'-dichlo-rofluorescein diacetate.The protein levels of Nrf2,phosphorylated Nrf2,heme oxygenase 1,and apoptotic pro-teins(Bcl2 and Bax)were determined by Western blotting.In addition,cell viability,Nrf2 expression,and ap-optosis rate were determined after co-application of the Nrf2-specific agonist sulforaphane.Results Compared with the control group,40,60,80,100 μmol/L pterostilbene reduced the viability of LoVo cells(P=0.014,P＜0.001,P＜0.001,P＜0.001).Pterostilbene at 5,10,20 μmol/L did not show effects on cell viability but inhibited cell migration(P=0.008,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)and invasion(all P＜0.001).Pterostilbene at 40,60,80 μmol/L increased apoptosis(P=0.014,P＜0.001,P＜0.001),promoted mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization(P=0.026,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)and reactive oxygen species accumula-tion(all P＜0.001),and down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Nrf2(P=0.030,P＜0.001,P＜0.001),heme oxygenase 1(P=0.015,P＜0.001,P＜0.001),and Bc12(P=0.039,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)in LoVo cells.Pterostilbene at 60,80 μmol/L down-regulated Nrf2 expression(P=0.001,P＜0.001)and up-regulated Bax expression(both P＜0.001).The application of sulforaphane reversed the effects of pterostilbene on cell viability(P＜0.001),apoptosis(P＜0.001),and Nrf2 expression(P=0.022).Conclusion Pterostilbene is a compound that can effectively inhibit colon cancer cells by inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway.

Cirrhotic portal hypertension (CPH) is a manifestation of decompensated liver cirrhosis, with ascites, portal collateral circulation formation, hypersplenism and splenomegaly as the typical clinical symptoms. In recent years, the incidence of CPH has been increasing year by year, and the treatment of CPH has gradually become a hot issue in medical research. In order to further explore the diagnosis and treatment scheme of CPH. We briefly describe the pathophysiological mechanism and diagnosis of CPH, and the current situation of CPH treatment and the new progress of internal and external treatment were reviewed.

Adipose progenitor cells(APCs) represent a prominent stromal cellular component of adipose tissue and are now identified as highly heterogenous populations. However, the role of APCs in regulating systemic metabolism remains unknown. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we investigated the role of the APC subpopulations in regulating development of type 2 diabetes. CD9 + CD55 low APCs are the novel subset identified in this study, which is significantly increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Transplantation of these cells from type 2 diabetic patients into adipose tissue caused glycemic disturbance in mice. Depletion of pathogenic APCs improved obesity-related glycemic disturbance. Collectively, our data provide deeper insights into human APC functionality and highlights APCs as a potential therapeutic target to combat type 2 diabetes. This study has been published in Nature Communications, 2024, 15(1): 4827.

Objective To compare the early effect of arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen(mMA)and suture-bridge technique for small and medium-size rotator cuff tear.Methods 60 patients with small and medium-size rotator cuff tear were divided into mMA group and suture bridge group,30 cases each.The mMA group was treated with mMA technique,and the suture bridge group was treated with suture-bridge technique.The operative time,the number of anchors used,blood loss,shoulder mobility,pain visual analogue scale(VAS),American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons(ASES)scale,the Constant-Murley score and the rate of re-tear were compared between the two groups.Results The operative time and the number of anchors used in mMA group were less than those in suture bridge group(P<0.05),and there was no difference of blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).After operation,the shoulder joint motion of two groups was increased compared with before operation(P<0.05),and there was no statistical difference between the two groups(P>0.05).After surgery,VAS of the two groups was lower than that before surgery,ASES scale and Constant-Murley scores were higher than those before surgery(P<0.05),there was no difference in VAS,ASES and Constant-Murley scores between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no difference in re-tear rate between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Arthroscopic mMA is similar to suture-bridge technique in the treatment of small and medium-size rotator cuff tear,but operative time of mMA is shorter and it requires less anchors.

In order to establish a rapid,specific and sensitive detection method for Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus(SEZ)and to understand the infection status of SEZ in horses ente-ring China,specific primers were designed and synthesized based on the conserved gene comB of standard strain SEZ(ATCC 43079)in this work.Then,the pMD19-T-comB recombinant plasmid was constructed and used as a standard positive template.After that,the fluorescence-based quantitative PCR(qPCR)detection method based on SYBR Green Ⅰ dye was established.Totally,477 equine entry serum samples from 6 countries,including Netherlands,Belgium,Japan,Germa-ny,Argentina and New Zealand,during 2018 to 2023,were randomly selected and detected for SEZ by the qPCR method.Results showed that the established qPCR method had specific amplification for only SEZ,which illustrated a good specificity.Sensitivity test of the method showed that the limited detection amount was 4.58 X101 copies/μL.And the repeatability test showed that the coef-ficient of variation of intra-batch repeatability was less than 0.5％,while the inter-batch repeat-ability was less than 3.0％,which indicated good repeatability and high stability.Retrospective a-nalysis showed that totally 11 of 477 positive samples were detected,with a relatively low positive rate of 2.31％(11/477).Among them,all the 40 samples from Netherlands in 2018 were negative(0/40).In the samples of 2019,one positive was detected from Belgium(1/20),while all other 36 samples which form Japan and Germany were negative.In the samples of 2021,three samples(3/34)from Japan and one sample(1/20)from Argentina were positive,and all the other 40 samples from the Netherlands were negative.In the samples of 2022,76 samples from Netherlands were all negative.While in the 2023,5(5/126)of 126 samples from Netherlands and one(1/88)of 88 from New Zealand were found positive with SEZ.To summarize,The SYBR Green Ⅰ qPCR method for the diagnosis of SEZ was successfully established,and it could provide necessary technical support for the rapid quarantine of China's entry-exit and port departments,as well as the epidemiological investigation of the disease.

This study aims to investigate the function of lmo2363 gene in stress resistance of Liste-ria monocytogenes strain LM83-1.In this study,the lmo2363 gene deletion strain and complement-ation strain of Listeria monocytogenes were constructed using overlapping extended PCR and ho-mologous recombination techniques,and the growth ability,stress survival rate and biofilm forma-tion ability of wild,deletion strain and complementation strain were compared under different stress environments.lmo2363 gene deletion strain and complementation strain of Listeria monocy-togenes were successfully constructed in this experiment.The growth curves showed that the growth capacity of the deletion strain was weaker than the wild strain LM83-1 under 4 ℃,7％NaCl,10％NaCl,3.5％ethanol,4.0％ethanol and pH5 stress(P＜0.001).The results of stress survival test showed that the survival rate of the deletion strain was significantly lower than the wild strain after 1 h treatment with pH3 and 10 mmol/L H2 O2 stress(P＜0.010).The biofilm forming ability of the deletion strain was decreased compared with that of the wild strain(P＜0.050).This study confirmed that lmo2363 gene mediated the adaptation of LM to low temperature,high osmotic pressure,ethanol and acid stress environment and affected the formation of LM bio-film.This study laid a foundation for further exploring the function of lmo2363 gene in the stress resistance process of Listeria monocytogenes.

Objective To develope a clinical decision support system(CDSS)on insulin titration and validate its effectiveness and safety.Methods Eighty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated at the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from January 2021 to July 2023,who had difficulty in achieving glycemic control on the basis of lifestyle interventions and oral hypoglycemic drug treatments,were selected for the study.The patients were divided into the observation group and the control group using a random number table,with 40 cases in each group.Patients in both groups received oral metformin extended-release tablets,subcutaneous insulin degludec before bedtime,and subcutaneous aspartate insulin injection before three meals for glycemic control.Patients in the observation group were given insulin titration using the CDSS,and patients in the control group were given insulin titration using the conventional method.The retrospective continuous glucose monitoring system was used to monitor time in range(TIR)for glucose,mean amplitude of glycemic excursion(MAGE),mean blood glucose(MBG),standard deviation of blood glucose(SDBG),and the coefficient of variation(CV)of blood glucose.Fasting blood glucose(FBG),2-hour postprandial glucose(2hPG),length of hospitalization,time to achieve standard blood glucose control,and incidence of hypoglycemia of patients were recorded before and after treatment in the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in FBG and 2hPG of patients between the two groups before treat-ment(P＞0.05).The FBG and 2hPG levels of patients in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The FBG and 2hPG levels of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment(P＜0.05).TIR of patients in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,while MAGE,MBG,SDBG,and CV were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment(P＜0.05).The length of hospitalization was 9.0(7.3,10.0)days and 11.0(8.3,12.0)days of patients in the observation group and control group,respectively;and the length of hospitalization of patients in the control group was significantly longer than that in the observation group(Z=-2.408,P＜0.05).The time required to achieve glycemic control was 6.5(5.0,8.8)days and 7.5(6.0,10.0)days of patients in the observation group and control group,respectively;and the time required to achieve glycemic control of patients in the control group was significantly longer than that in the observation group(Z=-2.019,P＜0.05).The incidence of hypoglycemia of patients in the observation group and control group was 20.0％(8/40),12.5％(5/40),respectively;there was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycemia between the observation group and the control group(x2=0.827,P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with the conventional titration of insulin,the application of CDSS can provide decision support during the implementation of a basal-meal insulin regimen,which can lead to more effective glycemic control,improved glucose TIR,reduced glycemic fluctuations,shorter time required for patients to achieve glycemic control,and shorter hospital stays without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.