OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and its potential mechanism of Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula by inhibiting mitochondrial fission in a vascular dementia （VaD） model rats. METHODS VaD rat model was established by bilateral common carotid artery ligation. The experimental animals were randomly divided into sham operation group （SHAM）， model group （MOD），Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula low-dose group （YFXF-L）， Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula high-dose group （YFXF-H）， and Donepezil hydrochloride group （positive control）， with 9 animals in each group. After 30 days of intervention， the spatial learning memory ability was assessed by Morris water maze experiment； HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes in CA1 area of hippocampus； ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-4]； Western blot was used to detect the expressions of heat shock protein 90 （HSP90）/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein （MLKL）/dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1） pathway-related proteins， mitochondrial fusion proteins （MFN1， MFN2）， and adenosine triphosphate synthase 5A （ATP5A） in hippocampal tissues. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect the level of phosphorylated MLKL （p-MLKL）； real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was adopted to detect mRNA expressions ofHSP90， MFN1， MFN2 and ATP5A. RESULTS Compared with SHAM group， the escape latency of rats in the MOD group was significantly prolonged， the number of crossing the platform was significantly reduced， and the hippocampal tissues showed typical neuronal damage characteristics， the positive expression level of p-MLKL and the serum level of IL-1β significantly increased， while the serum level of IL-4 significantly decreased， the protein and mRNA expression of HSP90， as well as the protein expressions of p-MLKL/MLKL and p-Drp1（Ser616）/Drp1 were all significantly increased in hippocampal tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of MFN1， MFN2 and ATP5A， and protein expression of p-Drp1（Ser637）/Drp1 were all significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. After the intervention of Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula， above indicators in each treatment group were all significantly reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula may alleviate neuronal damage and neuroinflammatory responses in VaD rats by regulating the HSP90/MLKL/Drp1 signaling pathway， inhibiting mitochondrial fission， thereby maintaining mitochondrial dynamic balance and improving mitochondrial function.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have provided compelling evidence that exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) can adversely affect human health. We aim to explore the potential impact of BFRs on adiposity and central obesity. METHODS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) cycles conducted between 2009 and 2014 was used to study the connections between variables. After filtering, we analyzed a sample of 4,110 adults aged 20 years and above. Our goal was to examine the potential association between BFRs and consequences and investigate the part played by oxidative stress and inflammatory markers as intermediaries. To achieve this, we used advanced statistical methods such as weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g-computation (QGC), and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS: The findings showed that among the examined chemicals, exposure to PBDE85 (weight: 41%), PBDE100 (24%), and PBB153 (23%) may be the dominant contributors to general obesity risk. Upon controlling for all variables that could impact the results, it was found that the QGC outcomes indicated a positive correlation between exposure to mixtures of brominated flame retardants and the occurrence of abdominal obesity (OR = 1.187, 95% CI: 1.056-1.334, p = 0.004). Significant contributions were made by PBDE85 (52%), PBB153 (27%), and PBDE100 (21%). Mediation analysis shows that lymphatic cells (LC) and albumin (ALB) partially mediate the link between brominated flame retardants and obesity. The results of BKMR are generally consistent with those of WQS and QGC. CONCLUSION At a population level, our research has revealed a noteworthy correlation between BFRs and obesity. However, further investigation is required through prospective cohort studies and in-depth mechanistic exploratory studies.
Humans ; Flame Retardants/adverse effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Inflammation/epidemiology* ; Obesity/chemically induced* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Nutrition Surveys ; Mediation Analysis ; Young Adult ; United States/epidemiology* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects* ; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/adverse effects*

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of CDC20 knockdown on proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: CDC20 expression in cervical cancer tissues was analyzed using the TCGA database, and the protein expressions of CDC20 and β-Catenin in clinical specimens of cervical cancer and adjacent tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry. A dual target sgRNA2&7 sequence for CDC20 gene was designed for CDC20 gene knockdown in cervical cancer C33A cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and CDC20 mRNA and protein expression levels in the transfected cells were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The changes in proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasiveness of the transfected cells were evaluated using colony-forming assay, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and Transwell assay. In the animal experiment, naïve C33A cells and the cells with CDC20 knockdown were injected subcutaneously into the left and right axillae of nude mice (n=5) to observe tumor growth. The expressions of CDC20 and β-Catenin proteins in transfected cells and the xenograft were analyzed using Western blotting, and their interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and immunofluorescence co-localization assays. RESULTS: Cervical cancer tissues expressed significantly higher CDC20 and β‑Catenin levels than the adjacent tissues. C33A cells with CDC20 knockdown showed reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and lowered migration and invasion abilities. CDC20 knockdown significantly suppressed the growth of C33A cell xenograft in nude mice, and the tumor-bearing mice did not exhibit obvious body mass changes. CDC20 and β-Catenin levels were both significantly lowered in C33A cells with CDC20 knockdown. Co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization assays confirmed the interaction between CDC20 and β‑Catenin. CONCLUSIONS CDC20 is highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues, and CDC20 knockdown can suppress proliferation, invasion, and metastasis while enhancing apoptosis of C33A cells, which is closely related with the regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.
Humans ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Female ; Cdc20 Proteins/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Animals ; Cell Movement ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Nude ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Neoplasm Metastasis

Background and aims:Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by complex pathogenesis and limited available therapeutic options.The mechanisms underlying the development and progression of PSCs remain unclear.Liver X receptor beta(LXR-β)is recognized to modulate lipid metabolism and immune response,but its specific involvement in the PSC has not been elucidated.Here,we explored the role and mechanism of LXR-β in PSC induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-collidine(DDC).Methods:CRISPR-Cas9 technology was applied to generate Abcb4(coding MDR2,next named as Mdr2),Nr1h2(coding LXR-β,next named as Lxrβ),and Rag2(coding RAG2)knockout mice.DDC was used to induce PSC.Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were used to assess the extent of hepatic injury and fibrosis.Flow cytometry was used to observe immune cell subsets.Results:We observed a declining trend in hepatic Lxrβ in the PSC model.Unexpectedly,Lxrβ knockout failed to modulate DDC-induced PSC pathogenesis.Concomitantly,assessment of the influence of Rag2 deficiency on PSC progression revealed the absence of aggravated or alleviated hepatic injury or fibrosis in the Rag2-/-DDC mice.However,Lxrβ depletion intensified DDC-induced PSC in the Rag2-/-mice,with more abundant infiltrative inflammatory cells and more severe liver fibrosis.Compared with Rag2-/-DDC mice,Lxrβ-/-Rag2-/-DDC mice had higher serum ALT and AST levels and mRNA expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic genes.Flow cytometry showed that LXR-β deficiency resulted in a diminished population of hepatic innate immune cells.Conclusion:This study indicated innate immune cell LXR-β deficiency can exacerbate hepatic injury and fibrosis in murine models of PSC suggesting that LXR-β may regulate the function of innate immunity in the fibrotic advancement of PSC.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Huangqi Danggui Compound Decoction(mainly composed of Astragali Radix,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,etc.)combined with Shi's Acupuncture Therapy in the treatment of postpartum low back pain due of qi and blood depletion type.Methods A total of 138 patients diagnosed with postpartum low back pain from March 2021 to February 2024 in the outpatient and inpatient departments of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine were selected as the study subjects.The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 69 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules combined with Shi's Acupuncture Therapy,while the observation group was additionally treated with Astragalus and Angelica Compound Decoction on the basis of the control group's treatment.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores before and after treatment,as well as the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale scores,were observed.The changes in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),and estradiol(E2)levels were compared before and after treatment,and the safety and incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate in the observation group was 92.75%(64/69),while it was 79.71%(55/69)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the ODI and VAS scores of both groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group showed significantly better improvement in ODI and VAS scores compared to the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale scores of both groups improved significantly(P＜0.05),and the observation group showed significantly better improvement in SF-36 scores compared to the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the FSH,LH,and E2 levels in the observation group were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group showed significantly better improvement in FSH,LH,and E2 levels compared to the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).In the control group,the FSH,LH,and E2 levels improved slightly,but there was no statistically significant difference compared to before treatment(P＞0.05).(5)There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusion Huangqi Danggui Compound Decoction combined with Shi's Acupuncture Therapy in the treatment of postpartum low back pain due to qi and blood depletion can significantly alleviate pain symptoms,improve lumbar function,regulate sex hormone levels,and enhance the quality of life of patients,with significant efficacy and good safety.

AIM: To evaluate the changes in corneal epithelial thickness(CET)and corneal optical density(CD)after smart pulse technology(SPT)-assisted transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(TPRK)and analyze their correlation.METHODS: The prospective study included 60 patients(120 eyes)with myopia and myopic astigmatism who underwent SPT-TPRK in the ophthalmology department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between February and August 2023. Changes in CET and CD were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo postoperatively.RESULTS: A total of 14 cases(28 eyes)were lost to follow-up, and 3 patients(6 eyes)with postoperative haze were excluded from this study, resulting in a final inclusion of 43 patients(86 eyes). At 1 wk after SPT-TPRK, CET had statistically significantly thickened compared to preoperative levels(P<0.05), particularly in the CET at 0-2 mm central corneal area(P<0.05). At 1 mo after SPT-TPRK, the CET at 0-2 mm area had statistically significantly decreased(P<0.05). At 3 mo after SPT-TPRK, the CET at 0-2 mm had essentially reached preoperative levels. Postoperative CD values increased, with a positive correlation between CET in the 0-2 mm area and CD in the whole 0-2 mm area(r=0.256, P<0.05), and a positive correlation between CET in the 2-5 mm area and CD in the anterior 2-6 mm area(r=0.319, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Corneal epithelial remodeling takes 3 mo in areas within 2 mm of the central cornea; areas with thinner CET have faster postoperative corneal epithelial remodeling and greater thickening in the early postoperative period; CD increases in the early postoperative period compared to the preoperative value, and in some areas, there is a positive correlation between CET and CD value.

Objective To design a medical order pre-evaluation tool for perioperative prophylactic application of antibiotics,and to improve the efficiency of antibiotics management in hospitals during the perioperative period.Methods Using the open-source software R as the platform,a web application was built with tidy verse and shiny package based on related documents and guidelines.The discharge records of Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from April 1,2021,to December 31,2022,were retrospectively reviewed using the constructed pre-evaluation tool and compared with previous manual evaluation results using McNemar's Chi-squared test.Results This medical order pre-evaluation tool can quickly complete perioperative antibiotics order sampling,batch pre-evaluation,result statistics,visualization,and result output,and flexibly adjust the evaluation rules according to actual needs.The pre-evaluation tool is more efficient,with a review speed of 13.46 ms per medical record.Among the 2 642 discharge medical records of manual review,there was no significant difference between systematic pre-evaluation and manual evaluation results(ratio of prophylactic use:76.85%vs.78.21%)in terms of the type of use(preventive or curative)(P= 0.078).Among the 1 857 discharge records judged to be prophylactic for both manual and systematic reviews,the difference in unreasonable detection rate(39.90%vs.30.32%)was statistically significant(P＜0.001).Among the 63 typical ludicrous medical records confirmed by the review of clinical pharmacists with senior professional titles,60 were judged and limited by the pre-evaluation tool,and the detection rate of typical unreasonable was 95.24%.Conclusions The pre-evaluation tool based on R in this study can improve the efficiency of perioperative antibacterial drug evaluation.The evaluation conclusions and statistical results are reliable and are worthy of further development and application.

Objective:To determine the diagnostic accuracy and prognosis of fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) detected by ultrasound at 11-13 weeks gestation.Methods:Fetuses at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks gestation in the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between January 2015 and December 2022 were prospectively collected. Standrardized ultrasound was used to examine the fetuses. For the suspected fetal CHD, the section of cardiac ultrasound was improved as far as possible, and ultrasonic results, prenatal diagnosis, pathological anatomy and pregnancy outcome were followed up. Results:A total of 539 cases of CHD were detected in 72 242 fetuses with mixed risk in the first trimester, the incidence was 0.75% (539/72 242). The incidence of CHD in the fetuses with positive soft markers was 9.20% (287/3 118), and the incidence of multiple fetal malformations was 16.22% (235/1 449). The diagnostic accordance rate of complex CHD was 97.42%. For complex CHD, the sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate and false negative rate of first-trimester ultrasound were 90.41%, 99.98%, 0.02%, 9.59%. Combined with the results of this study, the abnormal section model of complex CHD was recommended. A total of 252 cases underwent staining chromosomal microarray or gene sequencing, of which 42.46% (107/252) were positive.Conclusions:Standardized ultrasound examination has a very high detection rate for fetal CHD in the first trimester. Transverse scanning of the heart can significantly improve the display of gray scale cardiac section, and reference to the cardiac section pattern map is beneficial to the early diagnosis of fetal CHD.

Objective:To observe the effect of Tongguan Liqiao(opening orifices)needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted.A total of 120 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with routine treatments.The control group was treated with additional tongue pressure resistance feedback training,and the observation group was treated with additional Tongguan Liqiao needling based on the same intervention in the control group.After 4 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy was evaluated,and the complications that occurred during treatment were summarized.The FUJISHIMA Ichiro food intake level scale(FILS)and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire(SWAL-QOL)were scored before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the FILS and SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment,and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the complication occurrence between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatments,Tongguan Liqiao needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training has a better effect in the treatment of post-stroke deglutition disorders.This method can effectively improve the swallowing function of patients,improve the quality of life,and is safe.

Objective:To investigate the influence of varied oxygen (O 2) concentration environments on the phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and the mechanism of pulmonary hypertension. Methods:Primary rat PASMC were isolated and cultured through the process of enzymatic digestion. Following identification, the stable passaged PASMC were subjected to a 6-hour incubation in sealed containers with normal O 2 content (group C) and relative O 2 content comprising 55% (group H55), 75% (group H75), and 95% (group H95). mRNA and protein expression of α-Actin (α-SMA), smooth muscle 22α (SM22α), osteopontin (OPN), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were measured using real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. Results:The H55 group displayed no significant difference from the C group in terms of mRNA and relative protein expression levels for α-SMA, SM22α, OPN, and MMP-2 (all P>0.05). On the other hand, groups H75 and H95 exhibited a reduction in mRNA and relative protein expression of α-SMA and SM22α, along with an increase in mRNA and relative protein expression of OPN and MMP-2 when compared with both the C and H55 groups (all P<0.05). The H95 group showed a higher relative mRNA expression of MMP-2 as compared to the H75 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Oxygen concentration environments of 75% or higher can serve as the foundation for the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, essentially by inducing a phenotypic transformation in PASMC towards adopting a robust secretory function. This induction is contingent upon the concentration of oxygen present.