OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of in vitro cultured calculus bovis (ICCB) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) and its mechanism. METHODS: A CIRI rat model and a cell model were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Sprague Dawley rats and oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in BV2 cells, respectively. The CIRI rat model was evaluated using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), brain water content, and cerebral infarction volume after 1.5 h of ischemia followed by 72 h of reperfusion. Histopathological changes in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Microglial polarization and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein (NLRP) 3 inflammasome expression in the cortex were examined by immunofluorescence. BV2 cell viability was measured via MTT assay after treatment with ICCB and Nigericin. The expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 proteins and inflammatory cytokines were detected with Western blotting in OGD/R treated BV2 cells (0.5 h OGD+24 h reperfusion) and in cells pretreated with Nigericin for 24 h. RESULTS: ICCB treatment significantly improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain water content, and mitigated pathological damage in the cortical and hippocampal CA1 regions of rats subjected to CIRI (all P<0.05). ICCB promoted the transition of cortical microglia from M1 to M2 phenotypes and suppressed NLRP3 activation in microglial cells (all P<0.01). ICCB significantly down-regulated the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 proteins, and reduced the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β in BV2 cells of OGD/R model (all P<0.01). In addition, Nigericin significantly reversed the salvage effect of ICCB on model cells (both P<0.01) and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS ICCB exerts a protective effect against CIRI by mitigating neuroinflammation, through the reduction of M1 microglial polarization, promotion of M2 conversion, and suppression of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Rats ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Brain Ischemia/metabolism* ; Male

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

Objective To explore the effect and preliminary mechanism of the plant-derived immunostimulatory molecule,ophiopogonin,on enhancing the immune response of a subunit vaccine with the receptor-binding domain(RBD)of coronavirus spike protein as the antigen.Methods CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of ophiopogonin D'(OPD')on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDCs).Female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into RBD,RBD/OPD',RBD/Alum,and control groups.The immunization dose was 5 μg of antigen per mouse and 100 μg of adjuvant per mouse,and immunization was carried out according to the intramuscular injection immunization procedure on days 0,21,and 42.The titers of specific IgG and its subtype antibodies were detected by ELISA.The cytokine levels in the supernatant of splenocytes were detected using ELISA.The number of splenocytes secreting IFN-γ was detected by ELISpot.Laser confocal microscopy was employed to observe the uptake of antigen by BMDCs.The phagocytic ability of BMDCs for antigen was quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry.The mechanism of its enhanced immune effect was preliminarily explored using transcriptomics technology combined with bioinformatics research.Results When the concentration of OPD'was less than 5 μg/mL,the survival rate of BMDCs was 100%.After a single intramuscular injection in mice,except for a slight decrease in body weight,the other biochemical indicators were within corresponding normal ranges.After intramuscular injection immunization of the vaccine,the titers of serum-specific IgG,IgG1,and IgG2a in the RBD/OPD'group were significantly higher than those in the RBD group(P<0.05).Compared with the RBD group,the RBD/OPD'group induced a high-level Th1 cell immune response of IL-1β,TNF-α,and IFN-γ(P<0.01)and had more lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ(P<0.001).Laser confocal microscopy displayed that BMDCs took up more antigens after OPD'treatment,which was further confirmed with flow cytometry in quantitative analysis on antigen uptake rate(P<0.01).Transcriptomics results indicated that there was more significant enrichment of the PPAR signaling pathway in the RBD/OPD'group than the RBD group,suggesting that OPD'may activate the PPAR signaling pathway to exert its adjuvant effect.Conclusion OPD'effectively enhances the immune response of the RBD subunit vaccine,and its action mechanism may be related to the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of extended abdominal wall resec-tion combined with reconstruction for abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis (AF).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 70 patients with abdominal wall AF who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, between January 2009 and July 2024 were collected. There were 6 males and 64 females, aged (36±13)years. All patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall reconstruction. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. Comparisons of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1)Surgical situations. All 70 patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall recons-truction. The operation time was 90(91)minutes and duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10(6)days. Of the 70 patients, 41 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus polypropylene mesh abdominal wall reconstruction, with a defect area of 60(54)cm2. The mesh placement method was uniformly Sublay repair. The remaining 29 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus direct suture repair, with a defect area of 34(31)cm2. There was a significant difference in the abdominal wall defect area between the two groups ( U=291.00, P<0.05). All 70 patients achieved R 0 resection. The distance from surgical margin to tumor edge was 2-3 cm in 39 cases and >3 cm in 31 cases. (2) Tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. All 70 patients were followed up for 78(90)months. During follow-up, 10 patients developed tumor recurrence (5 cases with mesh reinforced abdominal wall reconstruction and 5 cases with direct suture repair). Among them, one case was monitored, one case underwent radiotherapy, and neither received further surgical treatment. The remaining 8 patients underwent repeat R 0 resection, and no further recurrence occurred. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the patients with mesh reconstruction and patients with direct suture repair ( χ2=0.06, P>0.05). The postoperative recurrence rate was 9.7%(3/31) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge >3 cm, versus 17.9%(7/39) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge of 2-3 cm, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.97, P>0.05). Sixty patients had no tumor recurrence. During follow-up, none of the 70 patients developed incisional hernia. Two patients experienced postoperative wound infection, and 6 cases developed postoperative chronic pain. Conclusion:Extended abdominal wall resection combined with reconstruction is safe and feasible for abdominal wall AF.

The working principle of Bausch&Lomb BL11110 phacoemulsification system was described.Three cases of typical faults of the phacoemulsification system were introduced,and the causes were analyzed,then the maintenance measures were given accordingly.References were provided for diagnosing and eliminating the faults of the phacoemulsification system.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):118-120]

Objective:To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy combined with single anastomosis gastric-ileal bypass (SASI) for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Methods:Clinical data of 10 patients with post-LSG GERD undergoing SASI at the Department of Hernia and Bariatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China between Jan 2022 and Oct 2024 was retrospectively analyzed. Surgical safety and mid-term outcomes were evaluated.Results:The mean follow-up period was (25.40±17.33) months. The GerdQ score significantly decreased from (14.00±2.05) preoperatively to (5.70±1.49) postoperatively ( t=10.330, P<0.001), with a GERD remission rate of 90 % (9/10). Postoperative body weight and body mass index (BMI) both showed statistically significant reductions compared to preoperative values. Weight dropped from (110.29±22.92) kg to (84.95±15.89) kg ( t=5.889, P<0.001), and BMI decreased from (38.98±7.16) kg/m2 to (30.02±4.88) kg/m2 ( t=6.086, P<0.001). The percentage of excess weight loss was 65.88%±32.85%, and the percentage of total weight loss was 22.43%±9.65%. Only one patient experienced transient postoperative diarrhea, which resolved spontaneously, and no severe malnutrition cases were observed. Conclusion:SASI effectively improves GERD symptoms after LSG with favorable safety, serving as a suitable revisional surgical option for those patients.

The working principle of Bausch&Lomb BL11110 phacoemulsification system was described.Three cases of typical faults of the phacoemulsification system were introduced,and the causes were analyzed,then the maintenance measures were given accordingly.References were provided for diagnosing and eliminating the faults of the phacoemulsification system.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):118-120]

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of extended abdominal wall resec-tion combined with reconstruction for abdominal wall aggressive fibromatosis (AF).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 70 patients with abdominal wall AF who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, between January 2009 and July 2024 were collected. There were 6 males and 64 females, aged (36±13)years. All patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall reconstruction. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. Comparisons of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1)Surgical situations. All 70 patients underwent extended abdominal wall resection combined with abdominal wall recons-truction. The operation time was 90(91)minutes and duration of postoperative hospital stay was 10(6)days. Of the 70 patients, 41 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus polypropylene mesh abdominal wall reconstruction, with a defect area of 60(54)cm2. The mesh placement method was uniformly Sublay repair. The remaining 29 patients underwent abdominal wall AF resection plus direct suture repair, with a defect area of 34(31)cm2. There was a significant difference in the abdominal wall defect area between the two groups ( U=291.00, P<0.05). All 70 patients achieved R 0 resection. The distance from surgical margin to tumor edge was 2-3 cm in 39 cases and >3 cm in 31 cases. (2) Tumor recurrence and postoperative complications. All 70 patients were followed up for 78(90)months. During follow-up, 10 patients developed tumor recurrence (5 cases with mesh reinforced abdominal wall reconstruction and 5 cases with direct suture repair). Among them, one case was monitored, one case underwent radiotherapy, and neither received further surgical treatment. The remaining 8 patients underwent repeat R 0 resection, and no further recurrence occurred. There was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the patients with mesh reconstruction and patients with direct suture repair ( χ2=0.06, P>0.05). The postoperative recurrence rate was 9.7%(3/31) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge >3 cm, versus 17.9%(7/39) in patients with the distance from surgical margin to tumor edge of 2-3 cm, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.97, P>0.05). Sixty patients had no tumor recurrence. During follow-up, none of the 70 patients developed incisional hernia. Two patients experienced postoperative wound infection, and 6 cases developed postoperative chronic pain. Conclusion:Extended abdominal wall resection combined with reconstruction is safe and feasible for abdominal wall AF.

Objective:To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of sleeve gastrectomy combined with single anastomosis gastric-ileal bypass (SASI) for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Methods:Clinical data of 10 patients with post-LSG GERD undergoing SASI at the Department of Hernia and Bariatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China between Jan 2022 and Oct 2024 was retrospectively analyzed. Surgical safety and mid-term outcomes were evaluated.Results:The mean follow-up period was (25.40±17.33) months. The GerdQ score significantly decreased from (14.00±2.05) preoperatively to (5.70±1.49) postoperatively ( t=10.330, P<0.001), with a GERD remission rate of 90 % (9/10). Postoperative body weight and body mass index (BMI) both showed statistically significant reductions compared to preoperative values. Weight dropped from (110.29±22.92) kg to (84.95±15.89) kg ( t=5.889, P<0.001), and BMI decreased from (38.98±7.16) kg/m2 to (30.02±4.88) kg/m2 ( t=6.086, P<0.001). The percentage of excess weight loss was 65.88%±32.85%, and the percentage of total weight loss was 22.43%±9.65%. Only one patient experienced transient postoperative diarrhea, which resolved spontaneously, and no severe malnutrition cases were observed. Conclusion:SASI effectively improves GERD symptoms after LSG with favorable safety, serving as a suitable revisional surgical option for those patients.