ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the Shenfu Xiongze prescription regulates autophagy in rats with myocardial remodeling through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodsA rat model of myocardial remodeling induced by isoprenaline （ISO） was established. Rats were divided into the blank group，the model group，the low-，medium-， and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription，and the captopril group， 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group，the rat model of myocardial remodeling was established in the other groups by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 mg·kg^-1 ISO for 3 consecutive weeks. At the same time of modeling， the low-，medium-， and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription were administered the corresponding doses of Shenfu Xiongze prescription solution （8.4，16.8，and 33.6 g·kg^-1），and the captopril group was administered captopril solution （25 mg·kg^-1）. As for the blank group and the model group， the same volume of normal saline was given. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks. Echocardiography was used to observe the cardiac structure and function，and the heart weight index was detected. Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining were used to observe the pathological morphology changes of myocardial tissue. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The expression of type Ⅰ collagen （Collagen Ⅰ），type Ⅲ collagen （Collagen Ⅲ），and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） proteins in myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ，Collagen Ⅲ，α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA），LC3，yeast Atg6 homolog protein （Beclin-1），AMPK，and mTOR in myocardial tissue was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （real-time PCR）. The protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ，α-SMA，transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），LC3，Beclin-1，p62， phosphorylation（p）-AMPK，p-mTOR，AMPK，and mTOR was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group，rats in the model group exhibited significantly decreased values of ejection fraction （EF） and left ventricular fractional shortening （FS） （P<0.01）， significantly increased values of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVIDd） and left ventricular end-systolic diameter （LVIDs） （P<0.01）. Additionally， the model group also showed increased degrees of inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis of myocardial tissue， significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6 and BNP （P<0.01）， significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ，Collagen Ⅲ，α-SMA，and mTOR （P<0.01），and markedly decreased mRNA and protein levels of LC3，Beclin-1，and AMPK （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the low-，medium-， and high-dose groups of Shenfu Xiongze prescription presented significantly elevated EF and FS values （P<0.01） and lowered LVIDd and LVIDs （P<0.05）. In these groups， the inflammation and fibrosis were alleviated significantly. They also exhibited decreased serum levels of IL-6 and BNP （P<0.01）， significantly reduced protein expression of Collagen Ⅰ， α-SMA， TGF-β₁， p62， and p-mTOR （P<0.01）， significantly decreased mRNA expression of Collagen Ⅰ， Collagen Ⅲ， α-SMA， and mTOR （P<0.01）， and significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of LC3， Beclin-1， and AMPK （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionThe Shenfu Xiongze prescription can improve the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO in rats by regulating the autophagy level，enhance cardiac function，and reduce inflammatory and fibrotic levels. This effect may be achieved through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

To explore the effects of different exercise prescriptions on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the differences in the impact of population characteristics and exercise components on glycemic metabolism.

Objective To investigate the expression of YWHAQ protein in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and its correlation with clinical pathological features and prognosis. Methods A total of 127 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical surgery were enrolled. Clinical data and postoperative cancer tissue samples were collected from the patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of YWHAQ in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. The relationship between YWHAQ expression and clinical pathological features and prognosis was analyzed. Bioinformatics prediction was performed to identify potential pathways regulated by YWHAQ in gastric adenocarcinoma. A protein-protein interaction network for YWHAQ was constructed using the STRING database. Results YWHAQ gene expression was significantly higher in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). The expression level of the YWHAQ protein was significantly correlated with age, tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and tumor stage (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with high YWHAQ expression had significantly poorer long-term survival than those with low expression (P<0.0001). Cox regression analysis revealed that high YWHAQ expression and distant metastasis were independent risk factors for gastric cancer (HR>1, P<0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that YWHAQ positively regulated processes such as cell cycle, angiogenesis, and DNA damage repair. Conclusion YWHAQ is highly expressed in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and may be associated with the occurrence, invasion, and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma. High YWHAQ expression and distant metastasis are independent risk factors for the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale lipid bilayer vesicles actively secreted by organisms into the extracellular environment, are rich in specific bioactive substances, such as proteins, genetic materials and lipids. These vesicles are involved in intercellular interactions and can pass through the blood-brain barrier, and may thus potentially serve as important biological substances for treatment of neurological diseases. In this review, we summarize the biological origin of EVs and their therapeutic potential in neurological diseases, expound the possibility of EV-based treatment of neurological diseases using traditional Chinese medicine, and discuss the challenges and prospects of researches of EVs for the treating neurological diseases.
Extracellular Vesicles ; Humans ; Nervous System Diseases/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Skeletal maturity can reflect an individual's developmental status and predict their future growth potential, provide clinicians with valuable diagnostic information. In recent years, significant progress has been made in imaging techniques for assessing skeletal maturity. This article aims to review the application status and research progress of X-ray, MRI and ultrasound in assessing skeletal maturity in adolescents and children, with a view of providing clinical reference.

Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) of different sizes and supply valid information for separating MTCs from papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).Methods:There were 87 patients with MTC and 220 patients with PTC detected by ultrasonography and confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2018 to March 2022. Nodules were divided into the large nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was＞1 cm) and the small nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was ≤1 cm). There were 97 cases in the small nodule group, including 28 cases of MTC and 69 cases of PTC. There were 210 cases in the large nodule group, including 59 cases of MTC and 151 cases of PTC. After stratification by thyroid nodules, ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules and metastatic lymph nodes, preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were compared between MTC and PTC patients.Results:In the small nodule group, the proportion of MTCs exhibiting hypoecho, smooth margins, and having blood flow signals was higher than that of PTCs, with statistically significant differences (all P＜0.05). In the large nodule group, the proportion of MTCs showing cystic solidity, hypoecho, smooth margins, blood flow, and the type Ⅳvascular distribution was higher than PTCs, and the difference of calcification type between them was also statistically significant (all P＜0.05). In contrast, the differences in the number of lesions and aspect ratio between MTCs and PTCs were not statistically significant regardless of nodule size (all P＞0.05). In the small nodule group,6 metastatic lymph nodes of medullary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-MTC) and 11 metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-PTC) were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance rate of ultrasound was 78.6% (22/28) and 78.3% (54/69), respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.973). In the large nodule group, 28 LNM-MTC and 11 LNM-PTC were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance of ultrasound was 88.1% (52/59) and 73.5% (111/151), respectively, which was statistically significant ( P=0.022). Among them, 82.1% of LNM-MTC and 56.6% of LNM-PTC showed abnormal blood flow signals, with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.016). There were significant differences in preoperative serum CT and CEA levels of different sizes of MTCs (all P＜0.05). Conclusions:Different sizes of MTCs require diverse demonstrative criteria. Abnormal blood flow signal is of great significance in the diagnosis of LNM-MTC. Within the absence of ultrasonic characteristics, preoperative serum CT test can provide confidence for the diagnosis of MTC.

To research and design a new type of distal radial artery puncture compression hemostatic device,to solve the problem of distal radial artery puncture and compression hemostat that has not been clinically applied in China.The hemostatic device was mainly composed of hemostatic part,pressure regulating part,fixing part and visual window.The hemostatic device can accurately compress the puncture point,and it was convenient for medical staff to observe the wound through the visual window,find out abnormal conditions such as bleeding or hematoma in time,and take measures to deal with them,which greatly improved the hemostatic effect and comfort of the postoperative puncture point.The new hemostatic device has the advantages of reasonable design and simple clinical operation,which is worthy of clinical promotion.

The first working meeting of the 8th Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Nephrology was held in Guangzhou, China on November 30, 2023. At the meeting, the list of the 8th Editorial Committee was announced, the work of the journal in the past 5 years was summarized, and the future work of the Editorial Committee was planned and discussed. Jiang Yongmao, former deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Medical Association, Jin Dong, deputy general manager of the Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd, Lu Quan, editor of the Journal Management Department of Chinese Medical Association, Yu Xueqing, editor-in-chief of the 8th Editorial Committee, Cai Guangyan, Chen Jianghua, Zhao Minghui and Mao Haiping, deputy editor-in-chief of the 8th Editorial Committee, and 69 members of the 8th Editorial Committee, attended the meeting. The meeting came to a successful conclusion, and provided guidance for how to break through the difficulties, publish high-quality content and achieve high-quality development under the new situation.

Objective:To analyze and summarize the clinical, genotypic and pathological characteristics of children with PAX2 gene mutation in China, and to provide information for the monitoring, treatment and prognosis of the disease. Methods:It was a case series analysis study. The clinical data of children with PAX2 gene mutation in Pediatric Nephrology Department, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2014 to December 2022 were collected, and peripheral blood gene DNA was extracted and sequenced for whole exome sequencing. The clinical, pathological and genotypic characteristics of PAX2 gene variation of children in China were summarized by searching PubMed, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang database and compared with the cases in this single center. Results:Among the 13 children with PAX2 gene mutation, there were 9 males and 4 females, 12 patients with abnormal urine tests, 7 patients with small kidney volume by imaging examination, and 5 patients with renal cysts. The clinical phenotypes were congenital renal and urinary tract malformations in 8 cases, renal coloboma syndrome in 1 case, and hematuria or proteinuria in 3 cases. Five patients underwent renal biopsies, showing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and C3 glomerulopathy in 1 case, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 1 case, thin basement membrane lesion in 1 case, and IgA nephropathy in 2 cases. The genetic testing in 13 children showed 9 de novo mutations and 4 new mutations of c.321G>A, c.213-8C>G, c.63C>A and c.449C>T. There were 2 cases of 76dupG (p.V26Gfs*28) mutant. A total of 51 Chinese children with PAX2 gene mutation were found in the literature search. There were 32 males and 19 females, 8 cases with small kidney volume and 12 cases with renal cysts. The clinical phenotypes were congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract in 28 cases, renal coloboma syndrome in 17 cases, and hematuria or proteinuria in 6 cases. Seven patients underwent renal biopsies, including 2 cases with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 1 case with minimal lesion, 1 case with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, 1 case with IgA nephropathy, 1 case with membranous nephropathy and a case with focal proliferative sclerosing purpura nephritis combined with glomerular hypertrophy. Thirty-four cases were de novo mutations, and 12 mutations were from the father or mother. The father or mother of 5 children had no clinical manifestations, with normal renal function. There were 11 cases of 76dupG (p.V26Gfs*28) mutant. Conclusions:The clinical phenotypes and genotypes of PAX2 gene variation in Chinese children are diverse. The most common clinical phenotype of PAX2 gene variation is congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract. c.76dupG (p.V26Gfs*28) is the most common of PAX2 gene variant.

Background The benchmark dose (BMD) method calculates the dose associated with a specific change in response based on a specific dose-response relationship. Compared with the traditional no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) method, the BMD method has many advantages, and the 95% lower confidence limit of benchmark dose lower limit (BMDL) is recommended to replace NOAEL in deriving biological exposure limits. No authority has yet published any health-based guideline for rare earth elements. Objective To evaluate genotoxicity threshold induced by acute exposure to neodymium nitrate in mice using BMD modeling through micronucleus test and comet assay. Methods SPF grade mice (n=90) were randomly divided into nine groups, including seven neodymium nitrate exposure groups, one control group (distilled water), and one positive control group (200 mg·kg⁻¹ ethyl methanesulfonate), 10 mice in each group, half male and half female. The seven dose groups were fed by gavage with different concentrations of neodymium nitrate solution (male: 14, 27, 39, 55, 77, 109, and 219 mg·kg⁻¹; female: 24, 49, 69, 97, 138, 195, and 389 mg·kg⁻¹) twice at an interval of 21 h. Three hours after the last exposure, the animals were neutralized by cervical dislocation. The bone marrow of mice femur was taken to calculate the micronucleus rate of bone marrow cells, and the liver and stomach were taken for comet test. Results The best fitting models for the increase of polychromatophil micronucleus rate in bone marrow of female and male mice induced by neodymium nitrate were the exponential 4 model and the hill model, respectively. The BMD and the BMDL of female mice were calculated to be 31.37 mg·kg⁻¹ and 21.90 mg·kg⁻¹, and those of male mice were calculated to be 58.62 mg·kg⁻¹ and 54.31 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively. The best fitting models for DNA damage induced by neodymium nitrate in female and male mouse hepatocytes were the exponential 5 model and the exponential 4 model, respectively, and the calculated BMD and BMDL were 27.15 mg·kg⁻¹ and 11.99 mg·kg⁻¹ for female mice, and 16.28 mg·kg⁻¹ and 10.47 mg·kg⁻¹ for male mice, respectively. The hill model was the best fitting model for DNA damage of gastric adenocytes in both female and male mice, and the calculated BMD and BMDL were 36.73 mg·kg⁻¹ and 19.92 mg·kg⁻¹ for female mice, and 24.74 mg·kg⁻¹ and 14.08 mg·kg⁻¹ for male mice, respectively. Conclusion Taken the micronucleus rate of bone marrow cells, DNA damage of liver cells and gastric gland cells as the end points of genotoxicity, the BMDL of neodymium nitrate is 10.47 mg·kg⁻¹, which can be used as the threshold of genotoxic effects induced by acute exposure to neodymium nitrate in mice.