OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/Caspase-1/gasdermin D （GSDMD） pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula （HQHF） inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis （MASH）. METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups： Control group （10% blank serum）， Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide （LPS）]， HQHF-L group （2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， HQHF-M group （5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， and HQHF-H group （10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS）. After 24 h of routine culture post-administration， cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy； localization and expression of gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA； mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group， the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology （cell membrane bulging and pore formation）， increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane （ P ＜0.05）， significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the Model group， the HQHF-L， HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology， reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N （ P ＜0.05）， significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis， and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

Perineural invasion (PNI) by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Since Schwann cells (SCs) and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous system, and we have focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for decades, it's imperative to elucidate the impact of CAFs on SCs in PNI⁺ OSCCs. We describe a disease progression-driven shift of PNI^- towards PNI⁺ during the progression of early-stage OSCC (31%, n = 125) to late-stage OSCC (53%, n = 97), characterized by abundant CAFs and nerve demyelination. CAFs inhibited SC proliferation/migration and reduced neurotrophic factors and myelin in vitro, and this involved up-regulated ER stress and decreased MAPK signals. Moreover, CAFs also aggravated the paralysis of the hind limb and PNI in vivo. Unexpectedly, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was exclusively expressed on CAFs and up-regulated in metastatic OSCC. The LIF inhibitor EC330 restored CAF-induced SC inactivation. Thus, OSCC-derived CAFs inactivate SCs to aggravate nerve injury and PNI development.
Schwann Cells/metabolism* ; Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Humans ; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Mice ; Cell Movement/physiology* ; Cell Proliferation/physiology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Leukemia Inhibitory Factor/metabolism* ; Middle Aged

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective To explore the relationship between serum phospholipase A2(PLA2),S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100B) and carotid plaque in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022,120 elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction were enrolled in the study group,while 115 patients with non-progressive cerebral infarction were classified as non-progressive group and 100 healthy people as healthy group. The study group was divided into three groups:no plaque group (34 cases),stable plaque group (45 cases) and unstable plaque group (41 cases). To analyze the relationship between serum PLA2 and S100B levels and carotid plaque. ROC analysis of their predictive value for carotid plaque. Follow-up for 1 year,the survival rate was analyzed with recurrence and death as the end points. Results The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B in stable and unstable plaque groups were higher than those in non-plaque group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum PLA2 and S100B were positively correlated with carotid plaque. ROC showed that the value of joint prediction was higher (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B are increased in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction,which is closely related to carotid plaque.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum phospholipase A2(PLA2),S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100B) and carotid plaque in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022,120 elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction were enrolled in the study group,while 115 patients with non-progressive cerebral infarction were classified as non-progressive group and 100 healthy people as healthy group. The study group was divided into three groups:no plaque group (34 cases),stable plaque group (45 cases) and unstable plaque group (41 cases). To analyze the relationship between serum PLA2 and S100B levels and carotid plaque. ROC analysis of their predictive value for carotid plaque. Follow-up for 1 year,the survival rate was analyzed with recurrence and death as the end points. Results The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B in stable and unstable plaque groups were higher than those in non-plaque group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum PLA2 and S100B were positively correlated with carotid plaque. ROC showed that the value of joint prediction was higher (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B are increased in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction,which is closely related to carotid plaque.

Environmental pollution is closely linked to the occurrence and development of cancer. Chemical carcinogens are the most important environmental factors causing cancer in humans. Among them, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are characterized by their widespread distribution, persistence, and bioaccumulation. Research on the carcinogenic effects of POPs has received considerable attention in recent years. This article reviewed the internal exposure, association with cancer risk, and potential carcinogenic mechanisms of five typical classes of POPs in the environment, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs). These five types of POPs have distinct carcinogenic mechanisms, including interfering with cell proliferation cycle, altering epigenetic inheritance, promoting oxidative stress, altering energy metabolism, and affecting immune function. The development of cancer is the result of interaction between intrinsic genetic factors and external environmental factors. In addition to focusing on how environmental POPs affect the genetic material of organisms, it is also important to consider their effects on the tumor microenvironment, including tumor immunity and angiogenesis. Understanding these effects is crucial for guiding future efforts in pollution control and precision medicine in cancer treatment.

Objective To analyze the medication rule of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)in treating diabetes nephropathy(DN)and to explore the interaction between core components and key targets.Methods Based on the ancient and modern medical case cloud platform,the medication rules of TCMs and the drug pairs with the highest frequency in treating DN were summarized.Then the network pharmacology approach was utilized to analyze the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanisms of the highest frequency-drug pairs.The potential targets were predicted by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)databases.TTD,DISGENET,and GENECARD databases were used to obtain the related targets of DN and screen out the potential targets for DN.In order to clarify the relationships between the active ingredients,the core targets,and pathways,STRING and Cytoscape 3.7.1 software were used to construct the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and core drugs-ingredients-targets-disease interaction network,DAVID database was screened for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Gnomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis of core targets.Sybyl 2.1 software and biofilm interference verify the combined capacity between the core ingredients and key targets.Results Among 183 prescriptions,Astragali Radix had the highest use frequency and average dose,43 times and 37 g,respectively,followed by Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix and Poria cocos.To find the core combined with the highest confidence in association analysis was astragalus,salvia miltiorrhiza,and tuckahoe.Correlation analysis indicates that the core combination with the highest confidence was Astragali Radix-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix-Poria cocos.Network pharmacologic showed 89 potential targets and 15 key signaling pathways for the treatment of DN by the drug pair.TNF signaling pathway,Nod-like receptor signaling pathway,and MAPK signaling pathway were disease-related pathways,and IL-6,TNF,and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)were core targets.Isorhamnetin and quercetin of the drug pair had high binding ability with IL6,the scores were 8.2 and 7.4,respectively,and the dissociation constants(KD)were 5.6×10-5 mol·L-1 and 6.8×10-5 mol·L-1,respectively.Conclusion This study preliminarily finds the prescription rule of treating DN with Astragali Radix-Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix-Poria cocos as the core drug pair,isorhamnetin,and quercetin are probably the main active compounds of this drug pair in DN treatment,which provides a basis for clinical treatment and drug discovery of DN.

Non-conventional yeasts such as Yarrowia lipolytica, Pichia pastoris, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Rhodosporidium toruloides and Hansenula polymorpha have proven to be efficient cell factories in producing a variety of natural products due to their wide substrate utilization spectrum, strong tolerance to environmental stresses and other merits. With the development of synthetic biology and gene editing technology, metabolic engineering tools and strategies for non-conventional yeasts are expanding. This review introduces the physiological characteristics, tool development and current application of several representative non-conventional yeasts, and summarizes the metabolic engineering strategies commonly used in the improvement of natural products biosynthesis. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of non-conventional yeasts as natural products cell factories at current stage, and prospects future research and development trends.
Yeasts/genetics* ; Yarrowia/metabolism* ; Gene Editing ; Metabolic Engineering

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is the second most common pathological subtype of malignant tumors of salivary glands. The incidence of recurrence and metastasis is high after initial treatment. The optimal treatment for these patients is still controversial. In recent years, multiple attempts have been made to treat recurrent and / or metastatic ACC, such as radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In this article, the treatment options for recurrent and / or metastatic ACC was reviewed and the effect and prospect of each treatment were summarized.

Objective:To meet the individualized needs of residents in standardized residency training of cardiac intervention specialty for cardiac ultrasound teaching, to construct a bionic 3D printing model of ultrasound source, and to discuss its application value in ultrasound teaching and simulation exercises.Methods:Sixty residents majored in cardiovascular medicine receiving standardized residency training of ultrasound in ultrasound imaging department of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were randomized into experimental group and control group in average. The experimental group adopted ultrasound bionic 3D printing heart model combined with problem-based learning (PBL) teaching method, and the control group adopted traditional multimedia PPT combined with PBL teaching method. At the end of teaching activities, theoretical examination, operation assessment and questionnaire survey were conducted to evaluate and compare the teaching effect between the two groups. SPSS 21.0 software was performed for t test. Results:The theoretical examination scores of the experimental group and the control group were (81.4±8.2) points and (74.8±9.4) points, respectively, P=0.002, and the operation assessment scores were (89.1±5.6) points and (71.5±8.8) points, respectively, P<0.001. The questionnaire survey showed that the experimental group had better feedbacks than the control group in the aspects of mastery of heart anatomy knowledge, learning experience, learning interest, learning efficiency, understanding of interventional heart disease, clinical skills of interventional operation and overall satisfaction (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasound bionic 3D printing combined with PBL teaching method can help strengthen the mastery of cardiac anatomy knowledge, promote the learning experience of cardiac ultrasound and improve the skills of interventional operation. The teaching effect is significant and the students' satisfaction is high.