The most common medications for the treatment of zoonotic toxoplasmosis are pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which may cause serious undesirable side effects. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutics. Baicalein (BAI, C₁₅H₁₀O₅) has been shown to perform well against protozoan parasites including Leishmania and Cryptosporidium. In this study, the inhibition efficacy of BAI on Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated using plaque, invasion, and intracellular proliferation assays. BAI effectively inhibited T. gondii (half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀)=6.457×10^-5 mol/L), with a reduced invasion rate (33.56%) and intracellular proliferation, and exhibited low cytotoxicity (half-maximum toxicity concentration (TC₅₀)=5.929×10^-4 mol/L). Further investigation using a mouse model shed light on the inhibitory efficacy of BAI against T. gondii, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying its anti-parasitic effects. The survival time of T. gondii-infected ICR mice treated with BAI was remarkably extended, and their parasite burdens in the liver and spleen were greatly reduced compared with those of the negative control group. Histopathological examination of live sections revealed effective therapeutic outcomes in the treatment groups, with no notable pathological alterations observed. Furthermore, alterations in cytokine levels indicated that BAI not only effectively suppressed the growth of T. gondii but also prevented excessive inflammation in mice. Collectively, these findings underscore the significant inhibitory efficacy of BAI against T. gondii, positioning it as a promising alternative therapeutic agent for toxoplasmosis.
Animals ; Toxoplasma/drug effects* ; Flavanones/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Antiparasitic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Toxoplasmosis/drug therapy* ; Female

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula on airway inflammation in mice with acute asthma and explore its possible mechanism.METHODS A total of 36 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group,low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula,with 6 mice in each group.Except for the normal group,the other groups were given ovalbumin to establish the acute asthma attack mouse model.The normal group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage,and the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups were given Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula by gavage at the corresponding dose,once a day,for 5 consecutive days.Whole Body Plethysmography was used to measure the changes of enhanced respiratory interval(Pehn)of bronchial contraction parameters in mice.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in mice.ELISA method was adopted to detect the expression levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 18(IL-18)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in lung tissue homogenate of mice.Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expression level of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3)in lung tissue of mice.Western blot method was employed to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation-associated protein κ gene binding nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3),NIMA-associated kinase 7(NEK7),Caspase 1(Cleaved-Caspase 1)and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC)in lung tissue of mice.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the Penh level of mice in the model group was increased(P<0.001),and the pathological results of lung tissue showed that the number of inflammatory cells around the airway increased,the inflammatory score increased(P<0.001),the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate increased(P<0.001),and the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC proteins in lung tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the Penh level of mice in the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups and the dexamethasone group was reduced(P<0.05,P<0.001),the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue decreased,and the inflammatory score decreased(P<0.001);the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001);the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC pro-teins in lung tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula can improve lung function and airway inflammation in asthma model mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion.

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features,diagnostic approaches,and differential diag-nosis of chordoid glioma(CG)and chordoid meningioma(CM)of the central nervous system(CNS).Methods Clinical data from 4 cases of CG and 10 cases of CM were collected.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the ex-pression of GFAP,EMA,TTF-1,and other markers.Molecular genetic alerations were identified using sequencing techniques and relevant literature was reviewed.Results CG predominantly occurred in the third ventricle but could also arise outside of it.Tumors showed well-defined borders with surrounding tissues.Microscopically,tumor cells were arranged in cords or clusters within a myxoid stroma and expressed GFAP,TTF-1,and other markers.No PRKCA(D463H)mutations were detected in 3 CG cases,however,one case harbored an FLCN ∷ PRKD2 fusion.CM predom-inantly occurred in the supratentorial region but also appeared in the subtentorial area.Histologically,chordoid compo-nents were mixed with classic meningioma features.Chronic inflammatory cell infiltration was noted in the stroma.Tumor cells expressed EMA,PR and SSTR2.One case harbored NF2 mutation and homozygous CDKN2A deletion.Conclusion CG and CM of the CNS shared overlapping morphological characteristics,making histological distinction difficult.Accurate diagnosis required integration of clinical,imaging,immunohistochemical,and molecular pathologi-cal findings.

Purpose To investigate the clinicopathological features,diagnostic approaches,and differential diag-nosis of chordoid glioma(CG)and chordoid meningioma(CM)of the central nervous system(CNS).Methods Clinical data from 4 cases of CG and 10 cases of CM were collected.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the ex-pression of GFAP,EMA,TTF-1,and other markers.Molecular genetic alerations were identified using sequencing techniques and relevant literature was reviewed.Results CG predominantly occurred in the third ventricle but could also arise outside of it.Tumors showed well-defined borders with surrounding tissues.Microscopically,tumor cells were arranged in cords or clusters within a myxoid stroma and expressed GFAP,TTF-1,and other markers.No PRKCA(D463H)mutations were detected in 3 CG cases,however,one case harbored an FLCN ∷ PRKD2 fusion.CM predom-inantly occurred in the supratentorial region but also appeared in the subtentorial area.Histologically,chordoid compo-nents were mixed with classic meningioma features.Chronic inflammatory cell infiltration was noted in the stroma.Tumor cells expressed EMA,PR and SSTR2.One case harbored NF2 mutation and homozygous CDKN2A deletion.Conclusion CG and CM of the CNS shared overlapping morphological characteristics,making histological distinction difficult.Accurate diagnosis required integration of clinical,imaging,immunohistochemical,and molecular pathologi-cal findings.

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula on airway inflammation in mice with acute asthma and explore its possible mechanism.METHODS A total of 36 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group,low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups of Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula,with 6 mice in each group.Except for the normal group,the other groups were given ovalbumin to establish the acute asthma attack mouse model.The normal group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage,and the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups were given Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula by gavage at the corresponding dose,once a day,for 5 consecutive days.Whole Body Plethysmography was used to measure the changes of enhanced respiratory interval(Pehn)of bronchial contraction parameters in mice.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in mice.ELISA method was adopted to detect the expression levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β),interleukin 18(IL-18)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in lung tissue homogenate of mice.Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expression level of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3)in lung tissue of mice.Western blot method was employed to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation-associated protein κ gene binding nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3(NLRP3),NIMA-associated kinase 7(NEK7),Caspase 1(Cleaved-Caspase 1)and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC)in lung tissue of mice.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the Penh level of mice in the model group was increased(P<0.001),and the pathological results of lung tissue showed that the number of inflammatory cells around the airway increased,the inflammatory score increased(P<0.001),the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate increased(P<0.001),and the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC proteins in lung tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the Penh level of mice in the Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula groups and the dexamethasone group was reduced(P<0.05,P<0.001),the number of inflammatory cells in lung tissue decreased,and the inflammatory score decreased(P<0.001);the expression of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-α in lung tissue homogenate decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001);the expression of NF-κB,NLRP3,NEK7,Cleaved-Caspase 1,and ASC pro-teins in lung tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula can improve lung function and airway inflammation in asthma model mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

Objective To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided selective brachial plexus block on postoperative muscle strength in the block area of patients after wrist surgery.Methods Sixty patients who underwent wrist surgery,33 males and 27 females,aged 18-64 years,BMI 21-28 kg/m2,ASA physi-cal status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,were randomly divided into two groups by random number table method:ultrasound guided selective brachial plexus block in the middle of the forearm group(group A)and ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block group(group B),30 patients in each group.In group A,the ulnar nerve,and/or median nerve,and/or radial nerve were selectively blocked in the middle of the forearm according to the location of the surgical incision,and 0.4％ropivacaine was injected into each nerve with 5 ml.Patients in group B received conventional axillary brachial plexus block under ultrasound guidance and injected 30 ml of 0.4％ropivacaine.In the both two groups,dexmedetomidine 0.8 μg/kg was injected for 10 minutes be-fore nerve block,and was changed to 0.4 μg·kg-1·h-1 until the end of operation,and then patients were transferred to the recovery room for observation 30 minutes and then returned to the ward.Muscle strength 2,4,8,12,24,48 hours after operation and recovery time to grade 5 were recorded.VAS pain scores at rest and exercise 2,4,8,12,24,and 48 hours after surgery and tourniquet tolerance scores were recorded.Satisfaction score,nerve block operation time,anesthesia onset time,duration of analgesia,number of addi-tional postoperative analgesics,occurrence of postoperative remedial analgesia,and length of hospital stay were recorded.Complications such as hematoma,nerve injury and infection were recorded.Results Com-pared with group B,the muscle strength score of patients in group A 2,4,8 and 12 hours after surgery was significantly higher(P＜0.05),the time of muscle strength recovery to level 5 in group A was significantly shorter(P＜0.05).Compared with group B,the satisfaction score in group A was better(P＜0.05),the duration of nerve block operation and hospitalization in group A was shorter(P＜0.05),the intraoperative tourniquet tolerance score of in group A was worse(P＜0.05),and both groups were tolerated.There were no significant differences in VAS pain scores at rest and exercise,the onset time of anesthesia,duration of analgesia,number of postoperative analgesia remedies between the two groups.There were no complications such as hematoma,nerve injury and infection in the two groups.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided selective brachial plexus block has little effect on the motor function of upper arm and forearm,and muscle strength recovers quickly after operation,can be safely and effectively adopted in short wrist surgery.

Objective:To explore the current status of surgery for portal hypertension to grasp current status and future development of surgery in China.Methods:This study is jointly sponsored by China Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Specialist Alliance & Portal Hypertension Alliance in China (CHESS).Comprehensive surveying is conducted for basic domestic situations of surgery for portal hypertension, including case load, surgical approaches, management of postoperative complications, primary effects, existing confusion and obstacles, liver transplantation(LT), laparoscopic procedures and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS), etc.Results:A total of 8 512 cases of portal hypertension surgery are performed at 378 hospitals nationwide in 2021.Splenectomy plus devascularization predominated(53.0%)and laparoscopy accounted for 76.1%.Primary goal is preventing rebleeding(67.0%) and 72.8% of hospitals used preventive anticoagulants after conventional surgery.And 80.7% of teams believe that the formation of postoperative portal vein thrombosis is a surgical dilemma and 65.3% of hospitals practiced both laparoscopy and TIPS.The major reasons for patients with portal hypertension not receiving LT are due to a lack of qualifications for LT(69.3%)and economic factors(69.0%).Conclusions:Surgery is an integral part of management of portal hypertension in China.However, it is imperative to further standardize the grasp of surgical indications, the handling of surgical operation and the management of postoperative complications.Moreover, prospective, multi-center randomized controlled clinical studies should be performed.

Purpose To investigate and summarize the clinicopathological features,immunophenotype,diagnosis and differential diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma(ATC).Methods The clinicopathological features and follow-up data of 15 patients with ATC were reviewed and retrospectively ana-lyzed,and the histological features,immunophenotypic,and molecular features were observed.Results There were 8 males and 7 females with a mean age of 63.5 years.The largest tumor diameter was 45.9 mm(range,20-73 mm).Macroscopically,the tumors appeared nodular or lobulated,mostly firm to hard,with a cut surface of gray-white or gray-yellow in color,and were accompanied by hemorrhage,necrosis,and cystic changes.Mi-croscopically,the tumor exhibited diverse structures and cellular morphology mainly composed of epithelioid,spindle,multinu-cleated giant cells,rarely rhabdoid morphology(2 cases)and heterologous osteosarcomtoid differentiation(1 case).Two cases showed squamous cell carcinoma morphology as well.Among them,there were pure ATC in 11 cases while three cases had mixed papillary thyroid carcinoma components and one case had coexisting high-grade differentiated thyroid carcinoma compo-nent.Cervical lymph node metastasis was present in 6 cases.CK(AE1/AE3)expression was observed in 80%of the cases while PAX8 expression was seen in53.3%.Varying degrees of BRAF(VE1)expression were found in 42.9%whereas weak focal TTF-1 expression occurred only in two cases;and all cases did not express TG.Overall,genetic testing was performed in 8 cases(53.3%).The TP53 gene was the most frequently muta-ted gene(5/8,62.5%),followed by the RAS(3/8,37.5%)and BRAF(3/8,37.5%)genes,while the TERT combined with PIK3CA gene was mutated in only one case.Moreover,multiple gene mutations occurred simultaneously in five cases.Of the total fourteen patients who underwent follow-up,the mean and median survival times were 13.9 and 5.0 months,respec-tively.The disease-specific mortality rate reached 78.6%.Conclusion ATC is extremely rare,displaying unique histolog-ical characteristics,often accompanied by various gene muta-tions.It has a poor prognosis;therefore,establishing a defini-tive pathological diagnosis provides valuable evidence for predic-ting patient outcomes and guiding clinical management.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts and types of comorbidities associated with cardiovascular diseases in the aged, summarizing their impacts on patients and potential intervention measures. The aim is to offer a reference for future research related to comorbidity management in aged cardiovascular disease patients in China.