Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient for bacterial growth, metabolism and signal regulation. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, encounters restricted Pi availability inside host cells. The uptake and utilization of Pi are mainly accomplished by the phosphate-specific transport (Pst) system. The survival and pathogenicity of Mtb rely on its precise sensing and adaptation to the hostile intracellular environment. The Pst system not only mediates bacterial drug resistance, toxin production and invasion, but also regulates virulence expression, membrane vesicle biogenesis and the synthesis of the nucleotide signaling molecule (p)ppGpp via the Pst-SenX3-RegX3 signaling axis, exhibiting typical multifunctional characteristics. As a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family, the Pst system in Mtb consists of PstS, PstC, PstA, PstB and PhoU-like proteins, with distinct physiological functions for different proteins and their isoforms.This review focuses on the molecular structure and function of key proteins in the Pst system, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying Pi transport regulation and bacterial drug resistance, providing a reference for further exploring the relationship between this system and drug resistance, as well as the development of novel drugs targeting the Pst system.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Zhiqiao gancao decoction （ZQGCD） on pathological angiogenesis of degenerative intervertebral disc. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into sham operation group （normal saline）， model group （normal saline）， hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） inhibitor （YC-1） group [2 mg/（kg·d）， tail vein injection]， and ZQGCD low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups [3.06， 6.12， 12.24 g/（kg·d）]， with 8 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group， lumbar disc degeneration model of rat was constructed in all other groups. After modeling， they were given relevant medicine once a day， for consecutive 3 weeks. After the last medication， pathological changes and angiogenesis of the intervertebral disc tissue in rats were observed； the levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）] and the expressions of angiogenesis-related proteins [HIF-1α， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， VEGF receptor 2 （VEGFR2）， angiotensin 1（Ang 1）， Ang 2] in the com intervertebral disc tissue in rats were all determined. In cell experiment， the primary nucleus pulposus cells were isolated and cultured from rats， and cellular degeneration was induced using 50 ng/mL TNF-α. The cells were divided into blank control group （10% blank control serum）， TNF-α group （10% blank control serum）， YC-1 group （10% blank control serum+0.2 mmol/L YC-1）， and 5%， 10%， 15% drug-containing serum group （5%， 10%， 15% drug-containing serum）. After 24 hours of intervention， the nucleus pulposus cells were co-cultured with HUVEC. The expressions of Collagen Ⅱ， matrix metalloproteinase-3 （MMP-3） in nucleus pulposus cells were detected. HUVEC proliferation， migration and tube forming ability were detected， and the expression levels of the HIF-1α/VEGF/Ang signal axis and angiogenesis- related proteins （add MMP-2， MMP-9） in HUVEC were detected. RESULTS Animal experiments had shown that compared with model group， the positive expression of CD31 in the intervertebral disc tissues of rats in each drug group was down-regulated （P＜ 0.05）， the levels of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related proteins were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）， and the pathological changes in the intervertebral disc were alleviated. Cell experiments had shown that compared with TNF-α group， the expression of Collagen Ⅱ in nucleus pulposus cells of all drug groups was significantly up-regulated （P＜0.05）， and the expression of MMP-3 was significantly down-regulated （P＜0.05）； the proliferation， migration and tubulogenesis of HUVEC were significantly weakened （P＜0.05）. The mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α， VEGF， Ang 2 as well as the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins （except for the expression of Ang 2 mRNA and HIF-1α， VEGFR2， Ang 2 protein in 5% drug- containing serum group） were significantly down-regulated （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ZQGCD may inhibit the HIF-1α/VEGF/ Ang signal axis to weaken the angiogenic ability of vascular endothelial cells， improve pathological angiogenesis in the intervertebral disc， and delay the degeneration of the intervertebral disc.

Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent organic pollutants associated with adverse health effects including hepatotoxicity, immunosuppression, and carcinogenicity, have undergone risk assessments by multiple international organizations, with dietary exposure being the primary pathway. Objective To characterize the exposure to PFAS from food and drinking water sources of elderly residents in Songjiang District of Shanghai and to evaluate associated health risk and health effects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2024 in Songjiang District based on the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB) cohort. Dietary surveys were administered via face-to-face interviews among older adults aged 65 years and above, yielding 4 583 valid questionnaires. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of PFAS was calculated by integrating data from the Sixth National Dietary Survey and recent literature on PFAS concentrations in food and drinking water in Shanghai. Health risk assessment was performed using health-based guideline values (HBGV) proposed by various institutions and studies. Additionally, correlation analysis and linear regression modeling of EDI and biochemical indicators in the elderly were conducted to evaluate potential adverse health effects. Results The elderly population in Songjiang District exhibited dietary characteristics consistent with the Eastern Healthy Diet Pattern. Among PFAS compounds, PFOA showed the highest level of oral exposure [mean: 1.495 ng·(kg·d⁻¹)], followed by PFOS [mean: 0.637 ng·(kg·d⁻¹)], PFHxS [mean: 0.636 ng·(kg·d⁻¹)], and PFBS [mean: 0.273 ng·(kg·d⁻¹)]. Specifically, drinking water was the primary source of PFOA [1.415 ng·(kg·d⁻¹), accounting for 94.60%], while aquatic products were the major source of PFOS [0.278 ng·(kg·d⁻¹), accounting for 43.66%]. Using the HBGV derived by China's epidemiological studies, the mean hazard index (HI) for PFAS exposure was 1.39, indicating 54.35% of the population had potential health risks (HI>1). Following the 2024 standard established by the Food Safety Commission of Japan (FSCJ), the HI value dropped to 0.11, suggesting negligible risk. PFAS exposure was negatively associated with triglyceride levels and the indicators of liver and kidney function, but positively associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lung cancer markers in the elderly residents. Conclusion PFAS exposure among the elderly residents in Songjiang District is predominantly attributed to PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFBS, with drinking water and aquatic products identified as primary exposure sources. Current exposure levels demonstrate significant associations with biomarkers of lipid metabolism and lung cancer markers, suggesting potential population health risks. These findings underscore the urgent need to establish HBGV for PFAS compounds based on Chinese population-specific metabolic characteristics.

Objective To investigate the effects of Sini Powder on serum hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis-related hormones and inflammatory factors in liver cancer mice with comorbid depression,and to evaluate its effect on depressive behavior and tumor proliferation activity.Methods Forty-eight specific pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either a blank(n=8)or model group(n=40).The modeling group was subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)for six weeks.Both groups underwent orthotopically transplanted liver tumor surgery at the end of the fourth week of CUMS treatment.At the end of the sixth week of CUMS treatment,color Doppler ultrasonography was used to observe tumor formation in the orthotopic transplantation liver tumors,and the tail suspension test was used to assess depressive behavior.Non-tumor-bearing and deceased mice were excluded.The remaining model group mice were stratified by tail suspension immobility time and randomly assigned to the following groups:model group(distilled water),Fluoxetine group(5.0 mg/kg),and Sini Powder low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups(5.2,10.4,and 20.8 g/kg,respectively),with six mice per group.The treatments were administered once daily for 21 consecutive days.After treatment,depressive behaviors were assessed using the open field,tail suspension,and forced swimming tests.The proliferation status of the orthotopic liver transplantation tumor was evaluated by measuring the size of the tumor,observing pathological changes in the tumor tissue through hematoxylin and eosin staining,and detecting the positive cell rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Ki-67)in the tumor tissue using immunohistochemistry.The levels of HPA axis-related hormones in serum,such as corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),corticosterone(CORT),as well as inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-6(IL-6)were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Western blotting was used to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPKs)phosphorylation and the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3),and cysteine aspartic protease-1(Caspase-1)in orthotopic tumors.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed reduced total distance traveled in open field test,prolonged immobility times in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests(P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating successful establishment of the liver cancer with comorbid depression mice model.Also,the model group showed increased orthotopic tumor volume(P<0.01),and elevated serum CRH,ACTH,CORT,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.01).The phosphorylation of MAPKs in tumor tissues was suppressed(P<0.01),while NF-κB,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 expression levels were downregulated(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Sini Powder medium-and high-dose groups exhibited increased total distance traveled in the open field test(P<0.05),reduced forced swimming test and prolonged total distance traveled in open field test(P<0.01),while Sini Powder high-dose group showed reduced immobility times in the tail suspension test(P<0.05).Also,Sini Powder low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups showed slower tumor growth,histological changes,including vacuolization and necrosis,decreased Ki-67 positive cell rate(P<0.01),and reduced serum CRH,ACTH,CORT,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Additionally,the phosphorylation of MAPKs in tumor tissues was suppressed(P<0.01),and NF-κB,NLRP3,and caspase-1 expression levels were downregulated(P<0.01).Conclusion Sini Powder may alleviate depressive behaviors and suppress tumor proliferation activity in liver cancer mice with comorbid depression by modulating MAPKs activation,inhibiting NF-κB,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 expressions,and reducing serum inflammatory factors and HPA axis-related hormones levels.

Objective To investigate the effects of Sini Powder on serum hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis-related hormones and inflammatory factors in liver cancer mice with comorbid depression,and to evaluate its effect on depressive behavior and tumor proliferation activity.Methods Forty-eight specific pathogen-free female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either a blank(n=8)or model group(n=40).The modeling group was subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)for six weeks.Both groups underwent orthotopically transplanted liver tumor surgery at the end of the fourth week of CUMS treatment.At the end of the sixth week of CUMS treatment,color Doppler ultrasonography was used to observe tumor formation in the orthotopic transplantation liver tumors,and the tail suspension test was used to assess depressive behavior.Non-tumor-bearing and deceased mice were excluded.The remaining model group mice were stratified by tail suspension immobility time and randomly assigned to the following groups:model group(distilled water),Fluoxetine group(5.0 mg/kg),and Sini Powder low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups(5.2,10.4,and 20.8 g/kg,respectively),with six mice per group.The treatments were administered once daily for 21 consecutive days.After treatment,depressive behaviors were assessed using the open field,tail suspension,and forced swimming tests.The proliferation status of the orthotopic liver transplantation tumor was evaluated by measuring the size of the tumor,observing pathological changes in the tumor tissue through hematoxylin and eosin staining,and detecting the positive cell rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(Ki-67)in the tumor tissue using immunohistochemistry.The levels of HPA axis-related hormones in serum,such as corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),corticosterone(CORT),as well as inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-6(IL-6)were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Western blotting was used to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPKs)phosphorylation and the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3),and cysteine aspartic protease-1(Caspase-1)in orthotopic tumors.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed reduced total distance traveled in open field test,prolonged immobility times in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests(P<0.05,P<0.01),indicating successful establishment of the liver cancer with comorbid depression mice model.Also,the model group showed increased orthotopic tumor volume(P<0.01),and elevated serum CRH,ACTH,CORT,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.01).The phosphorylation of MAPKs in tumor tissues was suppressed(P<0.01),while NF-κB,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 expression levels were downregulated(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Sini Powder medium-and high-dose groups exhibited increased total distance traveled in the open field test(P<0.05),reduced forced swimming test and prolonged total distance traveled in open field test(P<0.01),while Sini Powder high-dose group showed reduced immobility times in the tail suspension test(P<0.05).Also,Sini Powder low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose groups showed slower tumor growth,histological changes,including vacuolization and necrosis,decreased Ki-67 positive cell rate(P<0.01),and reduced serum CRH,ACTH,CORT,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Additionally,the phosphorylation of MAPKs in tumor tissues was suppressed(P<0.01),and NF-κB,NLRP3,and caspase-1 expression levels were downregulated(P<0.01).Conclusion Sini Powder may alleviate depressive behaviors and suppress tumor proliferation activity in liver cancer mice with comorbid depression by modulating MAPKs activation,inhibiting NF-κB,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 expressions,and reducing serum inflammatory factors and HPA axis-related hormones levels.

Objective To explore the pulmonary ultrasound manifestations of pediatric infectious pneumonia and its combined diagnostic value with serum amyloid protein A(SAA)/hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and procalcitonin(PCT).Methods A tatol of 107 children with infectious pneumonia admitted to the 903rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army of China from January 2019 to June 2023 were selected as the research group,and 50 healthy children who underwent physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group.Both groups of children underwent lung ultrasound examination to analyze the ultrasound manifestations of children with infectious pneumonia,compare SAA/hs-CRP and PCT,and analyze the diagnostic value of lung ultrasound combined with SAA/hs-CRP and PCT detection for pediatric infectious pneumonia.Results Among 107 children with infectious pneumonia,104 were diagnosed positive by lung ultrasound,with a positive rate of 97.20％.The lung ultrasound score,SAA/hs-CRP,and PCT of the study group were higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).The lung ultrasound score,SAA/hs-CRP,and PCT in children with severe infectious pneumonia were higher than those in mild cases(P＜0.05).The diagnostic efficacy of lung ultrasound combined with SAA/hs-CRP and PCT detection for pediatric infectious pneumonia is superior to that of individual detection,with a curve area of 0.923,sensitivity and specificity of 92.30％and 87.98％,respectively.The lung ultrasound score is positively correlated with SAA/hs-CRP and PCT(P＜0.05).Conclusion Pulmonary ultrasound can display the characteristics of pulmonary lesions in children with infectious pneumonia.The ultrasound manifestations of children are mostly abnormal pleural lines,increased B-lines,and pulmonary consolidation.Combined detection with SAA/hs-CRP and PCT can further improve the diagnostic efficiency of pediatric infectious pneumonia.

Objective: To compare the predictive value of the two concepts for complications by comparing the incidences of surgical complications associated with different tip-apex distance (TAD) and calcar referenced tip-apex distance (Cal-TAD) in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures with Asian type proximal femoral nail (APFN) fixation. Methods: A total of 188 cases of femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with APFN fixation between January 2014 and December 2018 were collected according to inclusion criteria. TAD and Cal-TAD were measured on the X-ray film at immediate after operation; the patients were divided into two groups according to the measurement results: <25 mm and ≥25 mm. Gender, age, and fracture side and AO type were recorded. The patients in each group were reviewed whether there was delayed fracture union or nonunion, whether the screw blade moved axially, whether the femoral neck collapsed or even screw blade cut out, whether the internal fixator became loose or broken within 12 months after operation. Then statistical analysis was performed. Results: There were 119 patients with TAD<25 mm and 69 patients with TAD≥25 mm, and 142 patients with Cal-TAD<25 mm and 46 patients with Cal-TAD≥25 mm. There was no significant difference in gender, age, or fracture side and AO type between groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, 6 patients (5.04%) with TAD<25 mm, 10 patients (14.49%) with TAD≥25 mm had complications, and 1 patient (0.70%) with Cal-TAD<25 mm and 15 patients (32.61%) with Cal-TAD≥25 mm had complications. There were significant differences in the incidence of complication between the patients with different TAD, between the patients with different Cal-TAD, and between patients with TAD<25 mm and Cal-TAD<25 mm ( P<0.05). Conclusion: In the operation of femoral intertrochanteric fracture with APFN fixation, surgical complications can be significantly reduced when TAD or Cal-TAD was controlled within 25 mm, Cal-TAD is more significant in the prediction of postoperative complications.

Objective: To study the mechanism of baicalin in inhibiting Mycobacterium tuberculosis（MTB）and to provide reference for drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment. Methods: Forty male Kunming mice were injected isoniazid-resistant MTB into their tail veins to build models of infection. They were evenly divided into MTB group,isophosiazone group,NF-κB inhibition group and baicalicin group according to treatment. The lung tissue and peripheral blood of the mice were collected on the 8th day after modeling. The morphological changes of the lungs were observed by HE staining. The number of MTB in lung tissue was detected by acid-fast staining and quantitative PCR. The number of macrophagein lung tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of NF-κB and TLR4 in monocytes/macrophages were detected by flow cytometry. Results: The average weight of mice in the baicalicin group was significantly higher than that in the MTB group,the isophosiazone group and the NF-κBinhibition group（P<0.05）. The average fluorescence intensity of NF-κB and TLR4 in monocytes/macrophages in the baicalicin group were 448.21±30.61 and 401.01±34.58,which were significantly higher than those in the MTB group and the isophosiazone group（P<0.05）. Typical tuberculous chronic granulomatous lesions were observed in the MTB group,isophosiazone group and NF-κB inhibition group,except the baicalin group. The mean number of MTB and CD68+ macrophagesin lung tissue of mice in the baicalin group were significantly less than that in the MTB group,the isophosiazone group and the NF-κB inhibition group（P<0.05）. Conclusion Baicalin achieves an anti-tuberculosis effect by regulating the expression of NF-κB and TLR4 in macrophages,which can be weakened by adding NF-κB inhibitor.

Objective: To compare the postoperative tibial malrotation between traditional minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and three-dimensional printing-assisted MIPO (3D-MIPO) for different types of tibial fractures, and explore the change of these differences. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. The 120 patients with unilateral tibial fracture who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and October 2018 (40 patients in each of AO types A, B, and C) into the trial group (20 patients, 3D-MIPO) and the control group (20 patients, traditional MIPO) at ratio of 1∶1. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in gender, age, fracture site, and other general information. The bilateral tibial rotation angles were measured on the CT images within 1 week after operation, and the difference of tibial rotation angle between affected and unaffected sides was calculated. The tibial malrotation was defined when the difference exceeded 10°. The degree of tibial rotation and the incidence of malrotation between the two groups in different types of tibial fractures were compared. Results: Postoperative infection occurred in 1 case, and improved after the dressing change and anti-inflammatory treatment. No complications such as loosening and displacement of internal fixation occurred. There was no significant difference in the difference of bilateral tibial rotation angles between the two groups in type A fractures after operation (t=0.559, P=0.580); while in types B and C fractures, the differences of bilateral tibial rotation angles in control group were significantly higher than those in trial group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in distribution of internal or external rotation between the two groups in types A, B, and C fractures (P>0.05). No malrotation occurred in type A fractures, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of malrotation between the two groups in type B fractures (P=1.000). The incidence of malrotation in control group was significantly higher than that in trial group in type C fractures (P=0.044). Conclusion: 3D-MIPO has the same anti-malrotation effect as traditional MIPO for type A tibial fracture, but for types B and C tibial fractures, the anti-malrotation effect of 3D-MIPO is significantly better than that of traditional MIPO. The more complex the fracture type is, the more significant this advantage is.

Objective To study the effect of using different tibial nerve proximal muscle branchs to repair deep peroneal nerve injury in animal experiment, and to screen out the most optimal donor nerve branch. Methods From June, 2016 to August, 2016, 64 adult female SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, which were LHG (using lateral head of gastrocnemius to repair peroneal nerve), MHG(using medial head of gastrocnemius to repair peroneal nerve), SNB (using soleus nerve branch to repair peroneal nerve), and blank. There were16 rats in each group. At 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, each group were tested on behavior, electrophysiology, muscle tension, muscle wet weight and histology, to evaluate function recovery of the muscles controlled by deep peroneal nerve in each group, and to compare recovery of the deep peroneal nerve repaired by different tibial nerve branches. Results Eight weeks after surgery,right foot of the rats in LHG,MHG and SNB group can be extended,toes can be completely opened. Rats in blank group showed limping gait, whose right foot can not be extended, right toe can not be opened, and muscle atrophied. At 4 and 8 weeks after the operation, the recovery rate of LHG, MHG, SNB group (at 4th weeks, 33.60 ±2.22)%, 33.07 ±2.38% and 35.91 ±2.02%; at 8th weeks, 67.16 ±5.74)%, 66.56 ±3.18% and 73.17 ± 5.33%, respectively)was higher than blank group(7.71±1.05% and 7.84±0.78%, respectively)on CMAP amplitude, tibialis anterior muscle contractility, tibialis anterior muscle cell area, muscle cell area. SNB group was superior to the LHG group and LHG group.And the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion All the proxi-mal tibial nerve muscle branchs can be used to repair the deep peroneal nerve injury, and the soleus nerve branch is the preferred donor nerve.