Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and functional impairment. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological progression of RA with dysfunction of endothelial cells to promote synovial inflammation, sustain pannus formation, subsequently leading to joint damage. Colquhounia Root Tablets (CRT), a Chinese patent drug, has shown a satisfying clinical efficacy in treating RA, while the underlying mechanism by which CRT inhibits RA-associated angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a research approach combining transcriptomic data analysis, bio-network mapping, and in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the molecular mechanisms of CRT in suppressing angiogenesis in RA. Animal welfare and experimental procedures follow the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (ratification number: IBTCMCACMS21-2307-06). Network analysis identified that key genes such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2), SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) significantly enriched in pathways related to NOD-like receptor signaling and VEGF signaling, indicating that CRT may inhibit angiogenesis by regulating vascular endothelial cell function with modulating angiogenesis-related pathways. In vivo data showed that CRT significantly reduced the positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in the ankle joint of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. In vitro data further confirmed that CRT effectively inhibited VEGF-induced migration, invasion, and tube formation in HUVECs, while significantly reduced the expression of angiogenesis-related factors VEGF/CD31/Ang-1, as well as the positive expression of VEGF and CD31 in HUVECs. Furthermore, CRT markedly decreased the protein expression of NOD2, VEGFA, and SMAD3. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CRT may inhibit the RA-related angiogenesis by targeting the NOD2/SMAD3/VEGF signaling axis to improve endothelial cell function, enriching the scientific connotation of CRT in inhibiting pathological angiogenesis in RA and also offer new insights for clinical prevention and treatment of RA.

Aim To observe the behavioral effects of exogenous allopregnanolone(ALLO)and its inhibitor finasteride on the receptive period(R)and non-recep-tive period(NR)of PMDD liver-qi inversion model rats and the expression of GABAARα4,GABAARδ mR-NA and protein effects to explore its pathogenesis.Methods The PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome rat model was prepared.The rats were divided into the normal group R and NR(control-R,control-NR),model group R and NR(Model-R,Model-NR),nor-mal group R+ALLO and NR+ALLO(Control+A-R,Control+A-NR),and model group R+ALLO and NR+ALLO(Model+A-R,Model+A-NR),model group R+finasteride and NR+finasteride(Model+F-R,Model+F-NR).The elevated cross labyrinth ex-periment and social interaction experiment were used to detect the behaviors of rats;fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of GABAARα4 and 8 mRNA and protein in rat amygdala and hippocampus.Results In the be-havioral evaluation,in the NR period,in the elevated cross maze test and in the social interaction test,the rats in the model group had anxiety behavior and de-creased social communication ability(P＜0.05),while the rats in the Model+A group could effectively relieve anxiety symptoms and improve their social com-munication ability(P＜0.05),and the rats in the Model+F group had increased anxiety behavior and social disorder(P＜0.05).In fluorescence quantita-tive PCR and immunofluorescence experiments,the ex-pression of GABAARα4 subunit in the model group was up-regulated in the hippocampus(P＜0.01),and the expression of δ subunit was down-regulated(P＜0.01);the expression of GABAARα4 subunit in the a-mygdala and hippocampus of the Model+A group de-creased(P＜0.01),and the expression of δ subunit increased in the hippocampus(P＜0.01).Conclu-sions The abnormal expression of GABAARα4 and 8 subunits mediated by ALLO improves the anxiety symptoms and social interaction ability of PMDD,which is the pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome,and provides basis and support for subse-quent exploration of the pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome.

Objective:To analyze the biological characteristics, phylogeny and the taxonomic status of strain 7712 (=CGMCC 1.17031=NBRC 113783=KCTC 15766) isolated from a clinical blood sample.Methods:Strain 7712 was identified by the cultural properties, cellular and colonial morphology, physiological and biochemical reactions, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry system, and genome correlation index analysis. The genomic phylogenetic tree was construct to analyze the taxonomic position. The virulence factors and resistance genes of strain 7712 and related strains were then compared by the online virulence factor database and online comprehensive antibiotic research database respectively.Results:Strain 7712 was urease negative, gram-negative nonfermenters, which was identified as Ochrobactrum anthropi by VITEK GN card. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that the strain was closely related to the members of genera Ochrobactrum and Brucella. The phylogenetic tree showed that strain 7712 was clustered together with Ochrobactrum teleogrylli LCB8 T and Ochrobactrum haematophilum CCUG 38531 T, along with genus Brucella and other Ochrobactrum species. The genome relatedness indexes analysis showed that the average nucleotide identity between strain 7712 and Ochrobactrum teleogrylli LCB8 T was 98.16%, which was higher than the threshold for prokaryotic species. Genetic prediction showed that strain 7712 carried several virulence-related genes and resistance-related genes, of which the existence of OCH gene might be responsible to the resistance to cephalosporin. Conclusions:A case of human infection caused by Ochrobactrum teleogrylli is identified, which would help promote the understanding of biodiversity of genus Ochrobactrum.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of Ureaplasma urealyticum(UU)infection and colonization in extremely preterm infants and its impact on the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 258 extremely preterm infants who were admitted to the Department of Neonatology,Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital,from September 2018 to September 2022.According to the results of UU nucleic acid testing and the evaluation criteria for UU infection and colonization,the subjects were divided into three groups:UU-negative group(155 infants),UU infection group(70 infants),and UU colonization group(33 infants).The three groups were compared in terms of general information and primary and secondary clinical outcomes.Results Compared with the UU-negative group,the UU infection group had significant increases in the incidence rate of BPD,total oxygen supply time,and the length of hospital stay(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in the incidence rates of BPD and moderate/severe BPD between the UU colonization group and the UU-negative group(P>0.05).Conclusions The impact of UU on the incidence of BPD in extremely preterm infants is associated with the pathogenic state of UU(i.e.,infection or colonization),and there are significant increases in the incidence rate of BPD,total oxygen supply time,and the length of hospital stay in extremely preterm infants with UU infection.UU colonization is not associated with the incidence of BPD and moderate/severe BPD in extremely preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective. METHODS: Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ₊TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45⁺ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male ; Animals ; Mice ; Tripterygium ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Keratinocytes ; Skin Diseases/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Imiquimod/metabolism* ; Dermatitis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism*

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at"Ciliao","Zhongji","Sanyinjiao"and"Dazhui"on urodynamics and expression of ERK/CREB/Bcl-2 pathway in spinal cord tissue of neurogenic bladder rats after suprasacral spinal cord injury.Methods Sixty female SD rats randomly selected 24 and divided into blank group and sham-operation group(12 rats in each group),the remaining 36 rats were subjected to surgical modeling.After modeling,rats were randomly divided into the model group and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.The electroacupuncture group received unilateral electroacupuncture stimulation at acupoints"Ciliao","Zhongji","Sanyinjiao",and"Dazhui"for 30 minutes each time,once a day,for 7 consecutive days.After administration,urodynamic testing was performed,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of bladder detrusor tissue,TUNEL method was used to detected apoptosis in spinal cord tissue,Western blot was used to detected expressions of p-ERK1/2,p-CREB,p-p90Rsk,CRE,Bcl-2,and Bax proteins in spinal cord tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the basal pressure,maximum pressure,and leakage point pressure of the bladder in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01),while the maximum capacity and compliance of the bladder decreased significantly(P<0.01);the structure of bladder smooth muscle cells was severely damaged and disorderly arranged,accompanied by a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration;the apoptosis rate of spinal cord tissue cells significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expressions of p-ERK1/2,p-p90Rsk,p-CREB,CRE,and Bcl-2 proteins in spinal cord tissue were significantly decreased,while the expression of Bax protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the basal pressure,maximum pressure,and leakage point pressure of the bladder in the electroacupuncture group decreased significantly(P<0.05),while the maximum capacity and compliance of the bladder increased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01);the integrity of bladder smooth muscle cells was enhanced,the degree of cell edema was reduced,and inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced;the apoptosis rate of spinal cord tissue cells was significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the expressions of p-ERK1/2,p-p90Rsk,p-CREB,CRE,and Bcl-2 proteins in spinal cord tissue significantly increased,while the expression of Bax protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can promote the repair of bladder detrusor tissue in rats with neurogenic bladder model after suprasacral spinal cord injury,increase the maximum capacity and compliance of the bladder,alleviate the high pressure state in the bladder,and its mechanism is related to activating the ERK/CREB/Bcl-2 pathway,reducing secondary apoptosis of damaged neurons,effectively improving bladder innervation,and protecting bladder function.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of alteplase combined with rivaroxaban in the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in elderly obese patients.Methods Elderly obese patients with DVT were divided into control group and treatment group according to random number table method.The control group was treated with 10 mg·d-1 rivaroxaban tablets orally.The treatment group was treated with 0.9 mg·kg-1·d-1 alteplase on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for 1 week.Clinical efficacy,coagulation function indexes,lower limb venous blood flow mechanics indexes,inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function related indexes,relative expression level of miR-374b-5p,occurrence of adverse drug reactions and recurrence within 3 months were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the treatment group and the control group,respectively.After treatment,the total effective rate of treatment group and control group were 92.50％(74 cases/80 cases)and 81.25％(65 cases/80 cases),respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).After treatment,the fibrinogen levels of treatment group and control group were(3.58±0.83)and(3.91±1.04)g·L-1,respectively;D-dimer levels were(2.18±0.74)and(2.49±0.93)μg·mL-1,respectively;platelet activating factor were(115.42±10.43)and(119.74±11.37)μg·L-1,respectively;prothrombin time were(12.95±1.16)and(13.41±1.27)s,respectively;the maximum blood flow velocity were(29.19±6.74)and(26.93±4.58)cm·s-1,respectively;the blood flow were(92.17±9.61)and(88.63±8.75)mL·min-1,respectively;endothelial vasoconstricting peptide-1 were(51.97±4.86)and(54.02±4.92)pg·mL-1;the relative expression levels of miR-374b-5p were 2.18±0.73 and 2.49±0.85,respectively.The above indexes of the treatment group were statistically significant compared with the control group(all P＜0.05).Bleeding symptoms were the main adverse drug reactions in both groups.The total incidence of adverse drug reactions in treatment group and control group was 10.00％and 13.75％,respectively,with no statistical significance(P＞0.05).The 3-month recurrence rates of treatment group and control group was 6.25％and 16.25％,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Alteplase combined with rivaroxaban has good clinical efficacy in the treatment of elderly obese patients with DVT,which can improve the blood flow of patients,reduce inflammatory response,and has high safety.

Objective To explore the imaging features of primary cardiac tumors detected by echocardiography,CT and MR in children,and to analyze the value of each examination and the clinical examination strategies.Methods The clinical,pathological and imaging data of the children with primary cardiac tumors confirmed by surgery and pathology from Jun 2008 to Feb 2022 in Children's Hospital,Fudan University were analyzed retrospectively.Tumor size,location,motion,signal characteristics on different sequences,and pericardial involvement were evaluated on MR images.Results A total of 23 children(16 males and 7 females)were included.The age of onset ranged from 1 month to 13 years old,average on(54.45±58.57)months.While the onset age of rhabdomyomas was only(7.23±6.30)months.The clinical manifestations mainly included 6 cases of cardiac murmur,3 cases of cardiac insufficiency,3 cases of epilepsy,2 cases of cerebral infarction,and 1 case of arrhythmia.Pathological results showed that there were 22 cases of benign tumors(9 cases of fibromas,8 cases of myxomas,4 cases of rhabdomyomas and 1 case of lipoma)and 1 case of malignant tumor(rhabdomyosarcoma).Echocardiography has a high diagnostic accuracy for myxoma.CT showed a case of malignant rhabdomyosarcoma with invasion of the pericardium and compression of the pulmonary artery and bronchus.MR showed that the fibroma had significantly late gadolinium enhancement.The signal of rhabdomyoma was equal on T1WI,and slightly increased on T2WI,perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement sequences.Myxoma had high signal on T2WI and late gadolinium enhancement.It had obvious motions in Cine sequence.The signal of lipoma on each sequence was consistent with that of fat tissue,and there was no high signal of perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement.Conclusion All types of primary cardiac tumors in children have imaging characteristics.MR has great advantages in diagnosing cardiac tumors.The clinical team needs to select the appropriate examination method according to the actual medical situation.

Objective: To characterize the prevalence and genomic epidemiology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from acute diarrheal patients in Shenzhen City from 2013 to 2021. Methods: Based on the Shenzhen Infectious Diarrhea Surveillance System, acute diarrheal patients were actively monitored in sentinel hospitals from 2013 to 2021. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates was performed, and the genomic population structure, serotypes, virulence genes and multilocus sequence typing were analyzed. Outbreak clusters from 2019 to 2021 were explored based on single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Results: A total of 48 623 acute diarrhea cases were monitored in 15 sentinel hospitals from 2013 to 2021, and 1 135 Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains were isolated, with a positive isolation rate of 2.3%. Qualified whole-genome sequencing data of 852 isolates were obtained. Eighty-nine serotypes, 21 known ST types and 5 new ST types were identified by sequence analysis, and 93.2% of strains were detected with toxin profile of tdh+trh-. 8 clonal groups (CGs) were captured, with CG3 as the absolute predominance, followed by CG189. The CG3 group was dominated by O3:K6 serotype and ST3 sequence type, while CG189 group was mainly O4:KUT, O4:K8 serotypes and ST189a and ST189 type. A total of 13 clusters were identified, containing 154 cases. About 30 outbreak clusters with 29 outbreak clusters caused by CG3 strains from 2019 to 2021. Conclusion: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major pathogen of acute infectious diarrhea in Shenzhen City, with diverse population structures. CG3 and CG189 have been prevalent and predominant in Shenzhen City for a long time. Scattered outbreaks and persistent sources of contamination ignored by traditional methods could be captured by WGS analysis. Tracing the source of epidemic clone groups and taking precise prevention and control measures are expected to significantly reduce the burden of diarrhea diseases caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection in Shenzhen City.
Humans ; Vibrio parahaemolyticus/genetics* ; Diarrhea/epidemiology* ; Foodborne Diseases/epidemiology* ; Serogroup ; Genomics ; Dysentery ; Vibrio Infections/epidemiology* ; Serotyping

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing