This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of liquiritin (LQ) in the improvement of ventricular remodeling (VR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Molecular docking was used to predict the binding affinity of liquiritin to thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). After 2 weeks of modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose liquiritin group (20 mg/kg LQ), and a high-dose liquiritin group (40 mg/kg LQ). Liquiritin was administered by gavage once a day, and the sham group and model group were given the same volume of 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na), with intervention of 4 consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was employed to detect the cardiac function, HE staining was used to observe cardiological changes, ELISA was used to detect the activity of serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity, and the colorimetric method was adopted to detect serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. RT-qPCR was used to detect the gene expressions of TXNIP, thioredoxin (TRX) and NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3(NLRP3). Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TXNIP, TRX and NLRP3 in rat myocardial tissue. Molecular docking results showed that liquiritin had a good binding affinity to TNXIP target. After 20 and 40 mg/kg liquiritin intervention, the levels of ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the levels of LVIDs, LVIDd, LVESV, and LVEDV were decreased (P<0.01). The myocardial structure was significantly improved, the cell arrangement tended to be regular, and the area of inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis was reduced. Liquiritin significantly reduced the level of CK-MB (P<0.01), decreased the activity of MDA, and increased the activities of CAT and T-SOD (P<0.01). Liquiritin effectively inhibited the overexpression of TXNIP and NLRP3 genes and proteins, and enhanced the expression of TRX genes and proteins in the myocardial tissues of AMI rats. In conclusion, liquiritin has a regulatory effect on the TXNIP/TRX signaling pathway, inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and thus improves ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.

Objective To investigate the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of herpes zoster in Jinshan District, Shanghai, in 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the development of prevention and control measures. Methods The visit information of herpes zoster cases in 2024 was collected through the outpatient diagnosis and treatment system of medical institutions in Jinshan District. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used for statistical analysis. Results In 2024, there were a total of 7 270 cases of herpes zoster in Jinshan District, including 3 398 male cases and 3 872 female cases. The incidence rate among females was higher than that among males (χ² =125.25, P< 0.001). Cases occurred in all age groups, with an average age of 59.58 ± 15.28 years. The highest proportion of cases was in the 50-year-old group (21.99%) and the 60-year-old group (25.45%). The incidence rate increased with age (χ² = 4 505.99, P< 0.001). The main departments for consultation were dermatology, pain clinics, and neurology. The main clinical diagnoses were herpes zoster without complications, postherpetic neuralgia, and incomplete herpes zoster. Among the cases, 3,102 patients had follow-up visits, and the number of follow-up visits increased with age. From 2020 to 2024, a total of 2,032 doses of herpes zoster vaccine were administered in the district, with the highest vaccination rate in the 50-year-old group (54.48%). Conclusion The majority of herpes zoster cases in Jinshan District are concentrated in the 50- and 60-year-old groups. The main complication is postherpetic neuralgia. The incidence rate and number of follow-up visits increase with age. The vaccination rate of herpes zoster vaccine in the entire district is relatively low. It is recommended to enhance monitoring and analysis, carry out health education for key populations (aged 50 years old and above), and promote vaccination and other preventive and control measures.

Objective To evaluate the impact of incorporating two doses of varicella vaccine into the immunization program in Shanghai on the incidence of varicella, age-specific incidence, and varicella outbreaks in kindergartens and schools in Jinshan District, and to assess its prevention and control effects. Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze and compare the population distribution characteristics and the occurrence of varicella outbreaks before (2013-2017) and after (2018-2024) the implementation of the strategy. Interrupted time series (ITS) design and its segmented regression model were used to analyze the changes in the incidence of varicella in the two stages before and after the implementation of the vaccination of two doses of varicella vaccine, and to evaluate the short-term and long-term preventive and control effects of the strategy. Results After the incorporation of two doses of varicella vaccine into the immunization program, the average annual incidence of varicella in Jinshan District decreased from 82.19/100 000 (2013-2017) to 53.51/100 000 (2018-2024). The interrupted time series analysis showed that after the implementation of the strategy, the slope change in the incidence of varicella was -10.20/100 000 (t=-2.38, P=0.04), and the overall trend was downward (slope β₁+β₃= -8.34/100 000). Except for the 30-49 years old group, the incidence rates in all other age groups decreased to varying degrees. Among them, the 5-9 years old group had a better vaccine efficacy (VE) of 52.23% (95% CI: 49.07-60.65), followed by the 10-14 years old group. The number of potential varicella outbreaks and cluster outbreaks in nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the district dropped significantly. Conclusion Incorporating two doses of varicella vaccine into the immunization program can effectively reduce the incidence of varicella and the number of varicella outbreaks in kindergartens and schools, which is of great significance for the prevention and control of varicella.

The phrase"wood element characterized by spreading harmony"from the Huangdi Neijing five-phase theory summarizes the fundamental nature and functions of the wood element,emphasizing the crucial significance of the harmonious virtue of wood in promoting the generation and transformation of all things.In human physiology,"wood element characterized by spreading harmony"corresponds to the harmonious spreading of liver-gallbladder qi,ensuring smooth liver qi regulation and proper functioning of the ascending-descending movement mechanisms.Bipolar disorder,categorized in traditional Chinese medicine as"depression"or"manic depressive psychosis,"primarily arises from hepatic wood dysfunction.Insufficient wood qi dispersion typically manifests as a depressive phase,whereas excessive dispersion leads to a manic phase,with alternating manic-depressive phase indicating qi movement disorder.By integrating wood qi characteristics,disease pathogenesis of bipolar disorder,and our team's clinical experience in treating emotional disorders,this study developed an integrated acupuncture and moxibustion diagnosis and treatment approach for bipolar disorder,focusing on soothing the liver and regulating spirit,structured as"acupuncture-moxibustion-consolidation."Based on the physiological characteristics of"wood element characterized by spreading harmony,"from liver failing to controll conveyance and dispersion:depressive phase should apply warm-nourishing growth method,manic phase should suppress hyperactive liver for tranquillizing mind method,and alternating manic-depressive phase should apply harmonized rigidity-flexibility method.These methods aim to regulate the spirit of the heart and brain,harmonize the qi movement of the spleen and stomach,and replenish the essence and blood of the liver and kidney.Clinical application through syndrome differentiation has demonstrated satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.

Objective The aim of this study was to clarify the role and mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine subunit OprI in the fusion protein vaccine rePO(PcrV-OprI).Methods The in vitro stability of rePO,PcrV and OprI at 4 ℃,25 ℃,and 37 ℃ was examined.After immunizing mice with rePO,OprI and PcrV,respectively,the specific antibody potency in serum and the proportion of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 in the spleen were examined;Additionally,detection of the levels of protein uptake by DC2.4 cells in vitro using laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry,and their ability to promote the maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDC).Results The heat stability of fusion protein rePO was significantly better than that of PcrV.The induced anti-PcrV IgG and anti-OprI IgG potency of rePO was significantly higher than that of monomeric PcrV and OprI.Additionally,the number of cells secreting IFN-γ and IL-4 induced by immunization with rePO was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.The uptake rate of fusion protein rePO by DC2.4 cells was significantly higher than that of PcrV and OprI.Furthermore,rePO promoted the maturation of mouse BMDC more effectively than PcrV and OprI.Conclusion OprI in the fusion protein rePO can significantly improve its thermal stability and immunogenicity,which lays the foundation for the successful development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine.

Depression is closely associated with a neuro-endocrine-immune(NEI)system imbalance.The"excessive vitality leading to restraint and counter-regulation(Kang Hai Cheng Zhi)"theory elucidates the self-regulating mechanism for maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body,and serves as an importance principle guiding treatment formulation and medication selection.Based on the correlation between NEI system imbalance and the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of depression,and integrating the"Kang Hai Cheng Zhi"theory,the author posits that the pathogenesis of depression lies in overactive liver invading spleen,earth dampness impeding wood′s ascendancy,and disharmony between body and mind,as well as imbalance in storage and discharge functions of liver and kidney,disharmony between Yin and Yang,and disrupted counter-regulation.This dosely aligns with two key pathological methanisms at the micro level:microglial-limbic system homeostatic imbalance and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-inflammatory circuit dysregulation.Clinically,the treatment principle for depression adheres to supporting the counter-regulation to restrain excess,with herbal interventions using strategies such as restraining wood to support earth,dredging earth to unblock wood,and harmonizing pivotal functions,as well as nourishing water to nurture wood,warming kidney to tonify liver,and relieving depression to calm the spirit.These approaches aim to regulate the liver,spleen,and kidney,embodying the core therapeutic tenet of"striving for equilibrium,"thereby restoring the body′s self-regulating capability.

Objective To investigate the effects of Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction on chondrocyte pyroptosis and ferroptosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Forty SD were divided randomly into a sham operation group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=30).A KOA model was established in the modeling group by anterior cruciate ligament transection of the right hind limb knee joint.The drawer test was used to confirm the successful establishment of the model.Post-surgery,the rats were subjected to 30 min of forced activity daily to induce KOA.Lameness and hopping movements were observed after 4 weeks,and hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed cartilage surface damage,deformation,and inflammatory cell infiltration,indicating successful modeling.The model rats were then assigned randomly to a model group(n=8),celecoxib group(n=8),and Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction group(n=8).The sham operation and model groups received 10 mL/kg of saline by gavage,the celecoxib group received 12 mg/kg of celecoxib solution,and the Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction group received 5.4 g/kg of the herbal decoction,once daily for 8 weeks.After the interventions,the rats were anesthetized,blood was collected from the abdominal aorta and serum was separated,and the knee joints were isolated.Three samples were fixed in paraformaldehyde,while the remaining cartilage tissue was reserved.Pathological changes in joint cartilage were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin O-Fast Green staining.Bone microstructure was analyzed using micro-computed tomography.Serum interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 protein levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Relative mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18,ACSL-4,FTH-1,GPX-4,and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR,and protein expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and COX-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with the sham operation group,model rats showed surface damage and deformation of cartilage tissue,disordered cell arrangement in all layers,significant loss of Safranin O-Fast Green staining,and sparse and irregular trabecular bone distribution.Serum levels of the inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 were elevated(P＜0.01).mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18,ACSL-4,and COX-2 were also significantly increased(all P＜0.01),while FTH-1 and GPX-4 mRNA expression levels were decreased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in the celecoxib and Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction groups showed smoother and more intact cartilage surfaces,significantly increased cell counts,less loss of Safranin O-Fast Green staining,denser trabecular bone,and thicker cortical bone,with improved bone microstructure.Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were reduced(P＜0.01),NLRP3(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),ASC,Capase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18,ACSL-4,and COX-2 mRNA levels were decreased(all P＜0.01),and relative expression levels of FTH-1 and GPX-4 mRNA were significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusions Yishen Zhuyu Tongluo Decoction can treat KOA by inhibiting chondroptosis and ferroptosis in chondrocytes,reducing serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels,and improving bone microstructure.

Objective:To investigate variation and correlation of type 2 intrinsic lymphocyte(ILC2)and related factors in acute and chronic brucellosis,to identify immune role of ILC2 in chronic brucellosis.Methods:Forty-three patients with acute brucel-losis and 45 patients with chronic brucellosis were compared with 49 healthy controls.ILC2 level in each group was detected by flow cytometry.mRNA level of GATA3 in PBMC was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.Serum IL-33,ST2,IL-4 and IL-13 levels were detected by ELISA.ALT and AST levels were measured by fully automatic biochemical analyzer.Results:ILC2 level,GATA3 mRNA in PBMC,serum IL-33,IL-4 and IL-13 levels in chronic brucellosis group were significantly higher than healthy control group and acute brucellosis group(P<0.01).Correlation analysis showed that ILC2 level was positively correlated with GATA3 mRNA,IL-33,IL-4 and IL-13 levels,while negatively correlated with ST2 level.ROC curve suggested that ILC2,GATA3,IL-33 and ST2 had good predictive ability for severity of brucellosis patients(AUC>0.7).Conclusion:Increase of ILC2 and its related factors are closely related to chronic brucella infection,which may play an important immune role in pathogenesis of brucella infection.

Objective To analyze ancient prescriptions for knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and explore their application patterns,for providing clinical reference value.Methods Prescriptions were collected from ancient documents,and a database was created by using Excel 2016 for frequency analysis.Association rules and hidden structures were analyzed by using SPSS Modeler 18.0 and Lantern 5.0.Results A total of 373 prescriptions and 421 herbs were collected,with 3894 times of frequency of medication.Danggui was the most frequently used herb.Herbs primarily tonified deficiencies,relieved exterior symptoms,and expelled wind-dampness,with warm properties and pungent,sweet,or bitter tastes,mainly targeting the spleen and kidney meridians.Thirteen strong association rules were identified,including Chuanxiong+Niuxi-Danggui,and Bixie-Niuxi.Hidden structure analysis revealed 10 variables,leading to 4 clusters and 4 core prescriptions.Common syndromes included wind-damp,wind-cold-damp,wind-damp-heat,and qi-blood deficiency.Conclusion The treatment of KOA in ancient literature focuses on dispelling wind and removing dampness,taking into account both positive deficiency and evil excess,flexible use of tonifying spleen and kidney,clearing dampness-heat,tonifying Qi and blood and other drugs.

The treatment process of multiple fertilization failure and salvage fertilization in a male infertile patient was retrospectively analyzed. The patient underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in another hospital for 3 cycles, all of which had fertilization abnormalities. The complex heterozygous mutation of PLCZ1 gene was detected by infertility gene paneland confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, and the gene mutation was derived from both parents. No abnormal mutations were found in the woman's genetic testing. The woman underwent progestin-primed ovarian stimulation, resulting in the retrieval of 9 oocytes. ICSI combined with 10 μmol/L ionomycin assisted oocyte activation (AOA) was applied to all mature eggs,resulting in 7 normal fertilized oocytes and 7 cleavage embryos, 2 high-quality cleavage embryos were frozen. Two months later, the woman underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer to obtain biochemical pregnancy. Simultaneously, we reviewed the literature on PLCZ1 gene mutations and AOA related literature at home and abroad. From this case we can draw the following conclusions: 1) When no fertilization or polyspermia occurs in an IVF cycle and total fertilization fails in ICSI, genetic testing of both spouses is required to find genetic factors. 2) The mutation of PLCZ1 gene mainly leads to fertilization failure. ICSI combined with AOA is an effective method to rescue fertilization failure. Ionomycin has a significant effect on oocyte activation, and has no effect on embryo formation. However, we still need to accumulate case data to verify the safety of ionomycin AOA.