Nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） is an important intracellular transcription factor widely involved in the processes such as immune response， inflammatory response， cell proliferation， and apoptosis. The abnormal activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in various liver diseases including chronic hepatitis， liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， and hepatocellular carcinoma. Extensive studies have shown that inhibiting NF-κB activity may effectively reduce inflammation and fibrosis and improve metabolic disorders. Several natural compounds， such as matrine and salvianolic acid B， have shown the potential in suppressing NF-κB activity， thereby exerting anti-inflammatory， anti-fibrotic， and anti-tumor effects. This article systematically reviews the critical role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in liver diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target， in order to highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for liver diseases and provide new directions for the treatment of liver diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of periodontitis induced by Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) combined with ligation on cognitive functions in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, ligation group, and ligation + Pn treatment (P+Pn) group. Experimental periodontitis was induced by silk ligation of the first molars followed by topical application of Pn for 6 weeks. After modeling, alveolar bone resorption was assessed using micro-CT and histological analysis. Learning and memory abilities of the mice were evaluated using open field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and Morris water maze test (MWM). Seven weeks after the start of modeling, the mice were sacrificed for examining histopathological changes in the hippocampus using HE and Nissl staining. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of molar ligation, micro-CT revealed horizontal alveolar bone resorption and furcation exposure in the mice, and histological analysis showed apical migration of the junctional epithelium, epithelial ridge hyperplasia, and lymphocyte infiltration, and these changes were obviously worsened in P+Pn group. Alveolar bone height decreased significantly in both ligation groups compared to the control group. Cognitive tests showed that the mice in both of the ligation groups traveled shorter distances in OFT, showed reduced novel object preference in NORT, and exhibited longer escape latencies in MWM, and the mice in P+Pn group had significantly poorer performances in the tests. Histologically, obvious neuronal cytoplasmic degeneration, necrosis, nuclear pyknosis, vacuolation, and reduced Nissl bodies and viable neurons were observed in the hippocampal regions of the mice in the two ligation groups. CONCLUSIONS Pn infection aggravates alveolar bone destruction, accelerates necrosis and causes morphological abnormalities of neuronal cells in the hippocampus to reduce cognitive functions of mice with periodontitis.
Animals ; Periodontitis/microbiology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cognition ; Alveolar Bone Loss ; Hippocampus/pathology* ; Male ; Inflammation ; Maze Learning

Objective:To investigate the value of coronary CTA (CCTA)-based traditional features and radiomics of plaque in the identification of culprit lesions that caused acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods:This was a retrospective multicenter study. From July 2016 to November 2023, a total of 344 patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (training cohort, n=184), Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University (validation cohort, n=88) and Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (test cohort, n=72) who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to AMI and underwent CCTA within 48 hours of AMI were enrolled. The culprit plaques and non-culprit plaques were identified using a combination of electrocardiogram, CCTA, and angiographic findings. The vessel, plaque location, plaque type, Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) score, high-risk plaque characteristics, plaque length, plaque volume, and burden were analyzed, and 1 904 radiomics features were extracted for each plaque. The traditional imaging model, the radiomics model, and the combined model were established by using multivariate Logistic regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance of each model in identifying culprit lesions. The DeLong test was used for the comparison of AUC between every two models. The net reclassification index (NRI) was used to evaluate the incremental value of the combined model to the traditional imaging model and the radiomics model. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the clinical net benefit of these models. A correlation heatmap was used to evaluate the correlation between the radiomics score and traditional CCTA factors. The interpretable analysis of the decision process of the combined model was performed by the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results:In the validation cohort and the test cohort, the AUC of the traditional imaging model developed by the vessel, plaque type, positive remodeling and CAD-RADS score was 0.898 (95% CI 0.869-0.922) and 0.881 (95% CI 0.848-0.910), respectively. The radiomics model developed by six radiomics features was 0.863 (95% CI 0.831-0.891) and 0.863 (95% CI 0.827-0.864), respectively. The AUC of the combined model was 0.930 (95% CI 0.905-0.950)and 0.919 (95% CI 0.889-0.942), respectively. In the validation cohort and the test cohort, the AUC of the combined model was higher than that of the traditional imaging model ( Z=4.013, 4.272, P<0.001) and that of the radiomics model ( Z=4.819, 3.784, P<0.001), respectively. In the validation cohort, the combined model yielded an NRI of 20.43% (95% CI 10.43%-30.44%, P<0.001) and 20.21% (95% CI 9.62%-30.80%, P<0.001) for identifying culprit lesions compared with the traditional imaging model and the radiomics model, respectively. In the test cohort, the combined model yielded an NRI of 28.05% (95% CI 16.72%-39.38%, P<0.001) and 23.57% (95% CI 13.58%-33.56%, P<0.001) for identifying culprit lesions compared with the traditional imaging model and the radiomics model, respectively. DCA showed the combined model had the highest clinical net benefit. The correlation heatmap showed the radiomics score was not correlated or only weakly correlated with traditional CCTA factors. SHAP indicated the radiomics and CAD-RADS score contributed significantly to the model. Conclusion:The CCTA-based traditional features and radiomics of plaque have favorable performance for the identification of culprit plaques in patients with AMI.

Objective:To investigate the effects of CO2 intracavitary laser combined with pelvic floor magnetic stimulation on surface electromyography(sEMG)values and pelvic floor three-dimensional ultrasound parameters in female patients with stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods:A prospective study was conducted on 92 female SUI patients treated at the outpatient department of Meizhou People's Hospital from October 2021 to July 2023.The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group(n=46 each)using a random number table.Both groups received home-based pelvic floor muscle training.The control group additionally received pelvic floor magnetic stimulation,while the observation group was treated with CO2 intracavitary laser combined with pelvic floor magnetic stimulation.The urinary leakage status,treatment efficacy,pelvic floor muscle sEMG,pelvic floor three-dimensional ultrasound parameters,quality of life,and sexual quality of life were compared between the two groups.Assessments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form(ICIQ-SF),the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form(IIQ-7),and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire(PISQ-12).Results:1-hour leakage volume:0 g(observation group)vs.3 g(control group),24-hour leakage episodes:0 times(observation group)vs.0 times(control group),the observed differences were statistically significant(Z=-2.866,-2.355,P<0.05).Total effective rate:95.65%(observation)vs.58.70%(control),the observed differences were statistically significant(x2=4.083,P<0.05).Pelvic floor muscle sEMG(after treatment):Maximal fast contraction:(40.78±3.28)μV(observation)vs.(35.17±5.10)μV(control),Mean tonic contraction:(31.56±4.20)μV(observation)vs.(25.87±3.82)μV(control),Mean endurance contraction:(29.34±2.58)μV(observation)vs.(25.37±2.67)μV(control),all differences between the two groups were statistically significant(t=2.736,19.919,3.025,15.426,P<0.05).After treatment,both groups showed reductions in bladder neck descent(BND)during Valsalva maneuver,bladder-symphysis distance(BSD),urethral rotation angle(URA),and posterior vesicourethral angle(RVA).However,the observation group demonstrated significantly greater reductions compared to the control group(post-treatment data:observation group(24.30±3.21)mm,(2.34±0.23)mm,(56.40±5.87)°,(89.54±9.21)°;control group(26.21±3.48)mm,(3.57±0.35)mm,(60.29±6.45)°,(126.71±13.50)°.These differences were statistically significant(t=2.736,19.919,3.025,15.426,P<0.05).Similarly,both groups exhibited decreased scores on the ICIQ-SF and IIQ-7 scales,along with increased scores on the PISQ-12.Again,the observation group showed superior improvement,with statistically significant differences(t=11.478,13.168,6.631,P<0.05).Conclusion:On the basis of pelvic floor muscle training,CO2 intracavitary laser therapy combined with pelvic floor magnetic stimulation can effectively alleviate urinary incontinence symptoms in patients with female stress urinary incontinence(FSUI),enhance therapeutic efficacy,improve pelvic floor muscle strength and the stability of pelvic support structures,and promote quality of life and sexual function.

Objective:To understand the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and influencing factors in adults with hypertension in China and provide evidence for the management of CKD in hypertension patients.Methods:The prevalence data of CKD in hypertension patients in China were collected from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in 2018, the data of 68 829 hypertension patients were analyzed. After complex weighting, the prevalence of CKD in the study population was compared. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of CKD in adults with hypertension.Results:The prevalence of CKD in the hypertension patients was 18.2% (95% CI: 17.4%-19.0%) and increased with age, and the prevalence was 16.4% in men and 20.6% in women ( P<0.001). In different age groups, CKD at stage G1 mainly occurred in those aged 18-44 and 45-59 years, with the prevalence of 10.8% and 7.8%, respectively, while CKD at stages G2 and G3a mainly occurred in those aged >60 years, with the prevalence of 9.4% and 9.7%. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that in the hypertension patients, being aged ≥60 years, being women, smoking (including current and ever smoking), physical inactivity, being underweight or obese, and suffering from diabetes, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia were the potential risk factors for CKD (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The prevalence of CKD was higher in people with hypertension than in general population in China, and age, gender, smoking status, physical activity level, and suffering from diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia or not were significant influencing factors. It is necessary to strengthen health education and kidney function testing in adults with hypertension and develop comprehensive CKD prevention and control measures targeting high-risk population.

Objective:To investigate the trends in insulin resistance, as represented by the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), among Chinese adult residents from 2010 to 2018 and to explore influencing factors.Methods:China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 2010, 2013, and 2018, using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method across all 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China. This study sampled 98 712 adults in 2010, 176 534 adults in 2013, and 184 876 adults in 2018, all aged ≥18 years, totaling 406 933 participants. Individuals with a TyG index > P75 were classified as having insulin resistance. The mean TyG index and the prevalence of insulin resistance were calculated for different years, sexes, age groups, provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and subgroups for 2018. Linear and logistic regression models were used to test trends in means and rates over time, and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to analyze potential factors associated with insulin resistance. All analyses were adjusted for complex sampling weights based on the study design. Results:From 2010 to 2018, the mean TyG index among Chinese adults increased from 8.44±0.63 to 8.70±0.64, with significant upward trends observed across different age groups, sexes, and urban-rural residencies (all P<0.001). The mean TyG index was higher among males, urban residents, and those aged 45-59. There were significant differences in the mean TyG indices and prevalence of insulin resistance across provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) (all P<0.05). Higher insulin resistance prevalence was independently associated with being male, aged ≥45 years, living in urban areas, excessive alcohol consumption, and insufficient physical activity (all P<0.05). Conclusions:From 2010 to 2018, the level of insulin resistance, as indicated by the TyG index, showed an increasing trend among Chinese adults. Males, individuals aged ≥45 years, urban residents, and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive alcohol consumption or insufficient physical activity should be the focus of efforts to prevent and control metabolic diseases related to insulin resistance.

The goal of the research was to evaluate the application of self-developed virtual simulation software of fiber post all-ce-ramic crown restoration in the teaching of dental undergraduates.Fifty-five undergraduates majoring in stomatology were enrolled,including 26 sophomores and 29 senior students.Theoretical lecture and virtual simulation software of fiber post all-ceramic crown restoration were used for teaching.After class,questionnaires were completed by the students.The results of the questionnaire showed that more than half of the students were very interested in the virtual simulation software of this course(56.36％),and try-ing other forms of virtual simulation courses(52.73％).The simulation stimulated their interest in in-depth learning of prosthodon-tics(52.73％)and their expectation for the future working environment(54.55％).They were very satisfied with the virtual simula-tion effect(52.73％).Compared with two different grades,there are significant differences in the statistical data of three survey questions,including whether they are interested in in-depth study of prosthodontics,whether they have expectations for the future working environment,and whether they can clearly understand basic anatomical structure of teeth and basic concepts such as post,core and root canal.There was no significant difference in other questionnaire between grades.The virtual simulation software of fi-ber post all-ceramic crown restoration has a good effect on the teaching of dental undergraduates,which worth carrying out and pro-moting in the future teaching work.

Objective To study the related molecular mechanism of andrographolide(AGP)in inhibi-ting the proliferation of human colon cancer LoVo cells and promoting their apoptosis.Methods The LoVo cells were set up as the control group and experimental group.The cells were treated with different concentra-tions of AGP(0,20,40,80 μmol/L).The cell viability was detected by CCK-8,the cellular cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometery,and Western blot was used to detect protein level of PCNA,Bad and Bcl-2,and the effect of AGP of BMP9 overexpression or silencing AGP on PCNA,Bad and Bcl-2 protein levels;West-ern blot was used to analyze the effect of AGP on PTEN,Akt1/2/3 and p-Akt1/2/3 levels.Results AGP could inhibit the proliferation of LoVo cells,promoted their apoptosis and increased the BMP9 expression lev-el.The BMP9 overexpression could enhance the effect of AGP for inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis,silencing BMP9 could weaken the above effects of AGP(P＜0.05).AGP decreased the expres-sion level of p-Akt1/2/3 in the LoVo cells and increased the PTEN expression level(P＜0.05).BMP9 over-expression enhanced AGP and decreased the p-Akt 1/2/3 expression level in the LoVo cells,and silencing BMP9 could weaken the above effects of AGP(P＜0.05).Conclusion AGP could inhibit the proliferation of human colon cancer LoVo cells,its mechanism may be related with up-regulating BMP9 expression,thus in-crease PTEN protein level and inhibit P13K/Akt signal.

Objective To analyze risk factors for sleep disorders in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)and construct a nomogram prediction model.Methods Using simple random sampling,306 hospital-ized CHF patients meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled from four Grade A tertiary hospitals in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region(two in Nanning,one each in Yulin and Guilin)between March 2023 and March 2024.LASSO regression analysis was initially employed for variable screening,followed by logistic regression to identify predictive variables for constructing the nomogram model.Model validation and performance evalua-tion were conducted using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration curves,and clinical decision curves,with internal validation performed through Bootstrap resampling(1 000 iterations).Results The incidence of sleep disorders among the 306 patients was 57.5%(176/306).Logistic regression analysis identified eight independent risk factors for sleep disorders in CHF patients(P＜0.05):age,education level,monthly house-hold income per capita,NYHA cardiac function classification,number of comorbidities,triglyceride levels,ano-rexia,and anxiety.The model demonstrated good discrimination for the AUC of 0.91(95%CI:0.77-0.88)and calibration consistency.Conclusion The prediction model established in this study shows good predictive performance,serving as a valuable reference for healthcare providers to early identify sleep disorders and im-plement preventive care strategies in patients with CHF.

Objective To investigate the effects of periodontitis induced by Prevotella nigrescens(Pn)combined with ligation on cognitive functions in mice.Methods Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group,ligation group,and ligation+Pn treatment(P+Pn)group.Experimental periodontitis was induced by silk ligation of the first molars followed by topical application of Pn for 6 weeks.After modeling,alveolar bone resorption was assessed using micro-CT and histological analysis.Learning and memory abilities of the mice were evaluated using open field test(OFT),novel object recognition test(NORT),and Morris water maze test(MWM).Seven weeks after the start of modeling,the mice were sacrificed for examining histopathological changes in the hippocampus using HE and Nissl staining.Results After 6 weeks of molar ligation,micro-CT revealed horizontal alveolar bone resorption and furcation exposure in the mice,and histological analysis showed apical migration of the junctional epithelium,epithelial ridge hyperplasia,and lymphocyte infiltration,and these changes were obviously worsened in P+Pn group.Alveolar bone height decreased significantly in both ligation groups compared to the control group.Cognitive tests showed that the mice in both of the ligation groups traveled shorter distances in OFT,showed reduced novel object preference in NORT,and exhibited longer escape latencies in MWM,and the mice in P+Pn group had significantly poorer performances in the tests.Histologically,obvious neuronal cytoplasmic degeneration,necrosis,nuclear pyknosis,vacuolation,and reduced Nissl bodies and viable neurons were observed in the hippocampal regions of the mice in the two ligation groups.Conclusion Pn infection aggravates alveolar bone destruction,accelerates necrosis and causes morphological abnormalities of neuronal cells in the hippocampus to reduce cognitive functions of mice with periodontitis.