Gouty arthritis （GA） is an inflammatory disorder caused by monosodium urate （MSU） crystal deposition， accompanied by elevated oxidative stress and aberrant release of inflammatory cytokines， resulting in joint tissue damage and intense pain. Nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， a key transcription factor regulating the antioxidant defence system， exerts cytoprotective effects through dissociation from Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1） and activates downstream antioxidant response element （ARE）-mediated pathways. It can upregulate the expression of heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）， NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and glutathione transferase （GST） to preserve redox homeostasis. Moreover， Nrf2 can suppress activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasomes， reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production and release， modulate nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） transcriptional activity， regulate gut microbiota balance， enhance mitophagy， and inhibit apoptosis， so as to reduce joint inflammation and pain and promote body recovery. This review systematically examined recent advancements in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） for GA prevention and treatment via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It delineated Nrf2's molecular mechanisms and its role in GA pathogenesis and elucidated how TCM intervenes in multiple pathways including Keap1/Nrf2/ARE， Nrf2/HO-1（NQO1）， and Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 to exert therapeutic effects. The study demonstrated that TCM monomers and compounds effectively counteract oxidative damage， attenuate inflammatory responses， promote autophagy， and inhibit apoptosis via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. These findings not only clarify the scientific basis of TCM in GA treatment but also offer strategic insights for developing novel Nrf2-targeted anti-gout drugs.

Diabetic kidney disease （DKD） stands as one of the most prevalent microvascular complications of diabetes，noted for its concealed onset and tendency to evolve into end-stage renal disease，profoundly impacting patients' life expectancy and quality of life. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT） is a central pathological process in the initiation and progression of DKD，facilitating disease advancement and renal fibrosis，thus representing a crucial focus of research into the pathological mechanisms of DKD. EMT is driven by the abnormal activation of signaling pathways，including transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）/Smad，secreted glycoprotein/β-catenin，Notch，tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB），and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR），leading to renal cellular injury and subsequently accelerating renal fibrosis and the progression of DKD. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM），characterized by its multi-target and multi-pathway therapeutic approach，demonstrates unique advantages in addressing DKD and EMT. Recent research has shown that active ingredients in TCM，including glycosides，flavonoids，and polyphenols，as well as TCM formulas，can precisely target these relevant signaling pathways，effectively inhibiting cellular injury in DKD and intervening in the EMT process. These findings not only underscore the potential of TCM monomers and formulas in treating DKD and EMT but also pave new directions for research in this field within TCM. This paper systematically reviewed the signaling pathways associated with EMT and provided an in-depth analysis of the research achievements and underlying mechanisms of TCM monomers and formulas in treating DKD and intervening in EMT，aiming to offer new insights and directions for TCM in the treatment of DKD and research on EMT，thereby further promoting the modernization and development of TCM.

Purpose: This study evaluated the elastic characteristics of the pulmonary trunk and distal branches in fetuses diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) using Doppler echocardiography. Methods: Data on 42 fetuses diagnosed with TOF and 84 gestational age–matched normal fetuses were prospectively collected from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between August 2022 and January 2023. The severity of TOF was classified into three categories based on the z-score of the pulmonary annulus diameter: mild (z-score ≥-2), moderate (-4Results: Compared with the normal group, the MPA-PAS in fetuses with TOF was significantly higher, while the DLPA-PAS and DRPA-PAS were notably lower (all P<0.05). The MPA-PAS of fetuses with severe TOF was higher than that of those with mild and moderate TOF (all P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the DLPA-PAS or DRPA-PAS among fetuses with mild, moderate, and severe TOF (all P>0.05). Conclusion Fetuses diagnosed with TOF exhibited increased vascular stiffness in the MPA and reduced stiffness in the distal pulmonary artery (PA). Larger-scale follow-up studies are required to elucidate the relationships between these changes in vascular stiffness and PA development in patients with TOF.

To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Yunnan Province, explore its risk factors, and provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This is a large cross-sectional study, in all, 1 524 DM patients in 16 communities and villages of Yunnan Province who were registered in health service centers were included in this study from August to November 2019. All patients completed a uniform questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, biochemical measurements, and auxiliary examinations. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of DR. The prevalence rates of DR, mild non-proliferative DR (mild-NPDR), and referable DR (RDR) were 16.0% (244/1 524), 4.5% (69/1 524), and 11.5% (175/1 524), respectively. Glycated hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c)≥7.0% was the risk factor of mild-NPDR ( OR=1.872, 95% CI 1.055-3.323) and RDR ( OR=4.821, 95% CI 2.917-7.969). Blood pressure≥130/80 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) was the risk factor of mild-NPDR ( OR=1.933, 95% CI 1.112-3.358) and RDR ( OR=1.505, 95% CI 1.063-2.130). In Yunnan Province, 16.0% DM patients had accompanying DR, wherein about 71.7% of them required an ophthalmology referral, and the high incidence of RDR in DM patients was associated with poor control of blood glucose and blood pressure.

Purpose: This study evaluated the elastic characteristics of the pulmonary trunk and distal branches in fetuses diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) using Doppler echocardiography. Methods: Data on 42 fetuses diagnosed with TOF and 84 gestational age–matched normal fetuses were prospectively collected from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between August 2022 and January 2023. The severity of TOF was classified into three categories based on the z-score of the pulmonary annulus diameter: mild (z-score ≥-2), moderate (-4Results: Compared with the normal group, the MPA-PAS in fetuses with TOF was significantly higher, while the DLPA-PAS and DRPA-PAS were notably lower (all P<0.05). The MPA-PAS of fetuses with severe TOF was higher than that of those with mild and moderate TOF (all P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the DLPA-PAS or DRPA-PAS among fetuses with mild, moderate, and severe TOF (all P>0.05). Conclusion Fetuses diagnosed with TOF exhibited increased vascular stiffness in the MPA and reduced stiffness in the distal pulmonary artery (PA). Larger-scale follow-up studies are required to elucidate the relationships between these changes in vascular stiffness and PA development in patients with TOF.

Purpose: This study evaluated the elastic characteristics of the pulmonary trunk and distal branches in fetuses diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) using Doppler echocardiography. Methods: Data on 42 fetuses diagnosed with TOF and 84 gestational age–matched normal fetuses were prospectively collected from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between August 2022 and January 2023. The severity of TOF was classified into three categories based on the z-score of the pulmonary annulus diameter: mild (z-score ≥-2), moderate (-4Results: Compared with the normal group, the MPA-PAS in fetuses with TOF was significantly higher, while the DLPA-PAS and DRPA-PAS were notably lower (all P<0.05). The MPA-PAS of fetuses with severe TOF was higher than that of those with mild and moderate TOF (all P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the DLPA-PAS or DRPA-PAS among fetuses with mild, moderate, and severe TOF (all P>0.05). Conclusion Fetuses diagnosed with TOF exhibited increased vascular stiffness in the MPA and reduced stiffness in the distal pulmonary artery (PA). Larger-scale follow-up studies are required to elucidate the relationships between these changes in vascular stiffness and PA development in patients with TOF.

Objective:To study the effects of the combined application of NaF and Nisin on Streptococcus mutans(S.mutans).Meth-ods:The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of Nisin and NaF against S.mutans was determined by microdilution method respec-tively.The fractional inhibitory concentration(FIC)was calculated by checkerboard method.The inhibition effect of the combination of NaF and Nisin at(NF)the same MIC concentration on acid production and acid resistance of S.mutans was detected.Crystal violet staining was used to detect the effects of NF in the inhibition of the biofilm formation,and the damage and dispersion of the established biofilms.The changes of the biofilms were observed by CLSM.Results:The MIC of NaF and Nisin was 0.6 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL re-spectively.The FIC was 0.75.The 1/8×MIC NF showed significantly higher inhibition on acid production and biofilm formation than 1/4×MIC NaF or Nisin(P＜0.05),but it has no obvious dispersion effect on established biofilms.The 1/2×MIC NF showed stronger in-hibition effect on the acid resistance of S.mutans in the membrane than 1×MIC NaF or Nisin(P＜0.05).At the concentration of 2x MIC,any component didn't cause obvious damage on the established biofilm structure.Conclusion:Nisin and NaF have synergistic in-hibitory effects on the proliferation,acid production,acid resistance and biofilm formation of S.mutans.

Objective:To establish the reference value of the angle between the left ventricular inflow and outflow tract (LIOA) in normal fetuses in the second and third trimesters, and observe the correlation between fetal LIOA and gestational age, cardiac axis, cardiac size, and estimated fetal weigh (EFW).Methods:Fetal LIOA in normal fetuses with gestational age from 16 weeks to 39 + 6 weeks were obtained prospectively by two-dimensional ultrasound in the Second Xiangya Hospital from November 2022 to April 2023. Pearson′s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between fetal LIOA and gestational age, cardiac axis, cardiovascural size and EFW. Results:The LIOA range of 651 normal fetuses was (44.39±7.67)°, and it was found that LIOA was not related to gestational age. LIOA mildly positively correlated with the cardiac axis ( r=0.22, P<0.05) while not correlated with gestational age, cardiovascural size or EFW (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The range of LIOA in normal fetuses were established. Fetal LIOA is constant in the second and third trimesters and it is mildly positively correlated with the cardiac axis. Evaluating fetal LIOA may also provide information for future research on the fetal aortic hemodynamic development.

Objective:To evluate the vascular impedance of the pulmonary arteries in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) by Doppler echocardiography.Methods:A total of 42 fetuses with TOF (TOF group) and 84 gestational age-matched normal fetuses(control group)were prospectively collected from August 2022 to January 2023 in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The severity of TOF was classified into mild TOF (Z score≥-2), moderate TOF (-40.05). However, DLPA-PI decreased significantly in severe TOF compared with mild TOF ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Fetuses with TOF present increas vascular impedance in pulmonary trunk and decreased impedance in distal pulmonary artery branches. Further large and follow-up studies are needed to demonstrate the associations between the changes in vascular impedance and the development of pulmonary artery in patients with TOF.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of heart rate variability(HRV)in obese patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS).Methods We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients with severe OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography(PSG)in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from April 2018 to May 2022.According to body mass index(BMI),the patients were divided into obese with severe OSAHS group(43 cases)and non-obese with severe OSAHS group(35 cases).All patients received 24-hour Holter monitoring while on polysomnography monitoring.The differences in HRV indexes between the groups and the correlation between HRV and clinical indicators were analyzed.Results In terms of basic data and PSG indexes,the analysis results showed that compared with those in the non-obese OSAHS group,weight,BMI,neck circumference,waist circumference,and AHI in obese with severe OSAHS group were significantly higher,while the standard deviation of the 24-hour normal R-R interval(SDNN),the standard deviation of the 5-minute mean(SDANN),the triangle index(TI),the heart rate deceleration force(DC),the standard deviation of the normal R-R interval(awake SDNN),and high frequency during sleep in the obese with severe OSAHS group were significantly lower(P＜0.05).The correlation results showed that among obese with severe OSAHS patients,root mean square of the difference of adjacent R-R interval(rMSSD)was negatively correlated with the course of hypertension;TI and DC were negatively correlated with AHI.After adjusting for neck circumference and waist circumference,the linear regression analysis showed that SDNN,SDANN,and rMSSD were correlated with systolic blood pressure(P＜0.05).Conclusion There is significant decrease in HRV index in obese patients with severe OSAHS,suggesting that deterioration of cardiac autonomic nervous regulation function may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.