ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Qishao capsules on renal injury in db/db mice with diabetic kidney disease （DKD），and explore its mechanism of protecting the kidney by inhibiting podocyte apoptosis. Methodsdb/m mice （7 mice） were used as the normal group，and db/db mice （35 mice） were randomly divided into a model group，a dapagliflozin group （0.001 g·kg^-1·d^-1），and low-，medium-，and high-dose groups of Qishao capsules （0.341 3，0.682 5，and 1.365 g·kg^-1·d^-1，respectively）. Drug intervention lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. After sampling，the serum renal function indicators ［creatinine（SCr），and urea nitrogen（BUN）］，fasting blood glucose （FBG），24 h urinary protein quantification （24 h-UTP）， and other indicators of the mice were measured. The pathological tissue morphology of the kidney was observed by periodic acid-silver methenamine （PASM） and Masson's trichrome （Masson） staining. Immunohistochemical detection of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease （Caspase）-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） was performed. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Caspase-8，Caspase-7，Caspase-3， and other molecules. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick End labeling （TUNEL） staining was used to observe apoptosis in renal tissue. Immunofluorescence staining of Wilms tumor suppressor gene-1 （WT-1） was used to observe podocyte injury. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to detect Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression in the kidneys of experimental mice. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software GraphPad Prism 10. ResultsCompared with the normal group，the model group showed significantly increased 24 h-UTP，SCr，BUN，and FBG （P<0.01）. Additionally， PASM staining of renal tissue showed increased glycogen deposition，glomerular hypertrophy，and thickening of the basement membrane. Masson staining showed collagen fiber proliferation in renal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy showed thickening of the renal tissue basement membrane and fusion or loss of foot processes in the model group. The immunohistochemical results showed that Caspase-3 in the kidneys of the mice in the model group significantly increased （P<0.01），while the Bcl-2 protein expression level decreased significantly （P<0.01）. The number of TUNEL positive cells in renal tissue significantly increased （P<0.01）. The positive expression of WT-1 in podocytes was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed significant upregulation of Caspase-8，Caspase-7，and Caspase-3 protein expression in renal tissue （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 in the kidneys increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the Qishao capsules groups can significantly reduce the levels of 24 h-UTP，SCr，BUN，and FBG （P<0.01）. The pathological damage of renal tissue and podocyte injury were improved to some extent. Immunohistochemistry in the kidney showed a significant decrease in Caspase-3 （P<0.01） and a significant increase in Bcl-2 protein expression level （P<0.01）. Additionally， there were a significant decrease in the number of TUNEL positive cells in renal tissue （P<0.01），a significant increase in WT-1 positive expression in podocytes （P<0.01），marked downregulation of Caspase-8，Caspase-7，and Caspase-3 protein expression in renal tissue （P<0.05，P<0.01），and a significant decrease in Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression levels （P<0.01）. ConclusionQishao capsules can inhibit podocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of Caspase-8，Caspase-7， and Caspase-3，thereby improving the diabetic renal injury in db/db mice.

BACKGROUND:Mammary stem cells are vital for the development and homeostasis of mammary gland tissue.The occurrence of breast cancer has a close relationship with the mammary stem cells.Recent studies have shown that Hopx,as an important transcriptional regulator of morphogenesis and cell differentiation,has been confirmed to be expressed in a variety of adult stem cells such as nerves,intestines,hair follicles and lungs.However,its role in mammary stem cells has not been reported so far.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether Hopx expression marks mammary stem cells.METHODS:(1) Female Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected to detect the background expression of Hopx in breast tissue by β-galactosidase staining.(2) Female wild-type mice at 4,6,and 8 weeks of age and 14.5 days of gestation were selected for whole-tissue magenta staining and K14 and K8 immunofluorescence staining,respectively.(3) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks and 17.5 days of gestation were selected and stained with breast β-galactosidase.(4) The 4-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 weeks after injection.The 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 and 10 weeks after the last injection.(5) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times).Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were pregnant 2 weeks after injection.The mammary tissue of mice at 17.5 days of the first pregnancy and 17.5 days of the third pregnancy was stained with β-galactosidase.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that the mammary ducts of Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age did contain Hopx-positive cells and were located in the basal epithelia,with a small number.(2) Whole-mount staining of mammary glands and immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the mammary glands of mice had different characteristics with corresponding developmental stages such as puberty,maturity,and pregnancy,and underwent a series of complex epithelial remodeling processes.(3) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary duct of Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 17.5 days of gestation increased compared with female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age.(4) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that the Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of 4-and 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice after tamoxifen injection were located in the basal epithelium with a small number.(5) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of mice at 17.5 days of the first and third gestation were located in the basal epithelia around the alveoli,and the number of Hopx-labeled positive cells at 17.5 days of the third gestation was more.(6) In conclusion,Hopx reporter-marked basal epithelial cells belong to dormant mammary stem cells,which are responsible for the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy and contribute to acinar formation.

BACKGROUND:Mammary stem cells are vital for the development and homeostasis of mammary gland tissue.The occurrence of breast cancer has a close relationship with the mammary stem cells.Recent studies have shown that Hopx,as an important transcriptional regulator of morphogenesis and cell differentiation,has been confirmed to be expressed in a variety of adult stem cells such as nerves,intestines,hair follicles and lungs.However,its role in mammary stem cells has not been reported so far.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether Hopx expression marks mammary stem cells.METHODS:(1) Female Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected to detect the background expression of Hopx in breast tissue by β-galactosidase staining.(2) Female wild-type mice at 4,6,and 8 weeks of age and 14.5 days of gestation were selected for whole-tissue magenta staining and K14 and K8 immunofluorescence staining,respectively.(3) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks and 17.5 days of gestation were selected and stained with breast β-galactosidase.(4) The 4-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 weeks after injection.The 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 and 10 weeks after the last injection.(5) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times).Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were pregnant 2 weeks after injection.The mammary tissue of mice at 17.5 days of the first pregnancy and 17.5 days of the third pregnancy was stained with β-galactosidase.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that the mammary ducts of Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age did contain Hopx-positive cells and were located in the basal epithelia,with a small number.(2) Whole-mount staining of mammary glands and immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the mammary glands of mice had different characteristics with corresponding developmental stages such as puberty,maturity,and pregnancy,and underwent a series of complex epithelial remodeling processes.(3) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary duct of Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 17.5 days of gestation increased compared with female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age.(4) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that the Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of 4-and 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice after tamoxifen injection were located in the basal epithelium with a small number.(5) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of mice at 17.5 days of the first and third gestation were located in the basal epithelia around the alveoli,and the number of Hopx-labeled positive cells at 17.5 days of the third gestation was more.(6) In conclusion,Hopx reporter-marked basal epithelial cells belong to dormant mammary stem cells,which are responsible for the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy and contribute to acinar formation.

Here, we report a previously unrecognized syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in the RBM42 gene. The patient is a 2-year-old female with severe central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, hypotonia, hearing loss, congenital heart defects, and dysmorphic facial features. Familial whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveals that the patient has two compound heterozygous variants, c.304C>T (p.R102*) and c.1312G>A (p.A438T), in the RBM42 gene which encodes an integral component of splicing complex in the RNA-binding motif protein family. The p.A438T variant is in the RRM domain which impairs RBM42 protein stability in vivo. Additionally, p.A438T disrupts the interaction of RBM42 with hnRNP K, which is the causative gene for Au-Kline syndrome with overlapping disease characteristics seen in the index patient. The human R102* or A438T mutant protein failed to fully rescue the growth defects of RBM42 ortholog knockout ΔFgRbp1 in Fusarium while it was rescued by the wild-type (WT) human RBM42. A mouse model carrying Rbm42 compound heterozygous variants, c.280C>T (p.Q94*) and c.1306_1308delinsACA (p.A436T), demonstrated gross fetal developmental defects and most of the double mutant animals died by E13.5. RNA-seq data confirmed that Rbm42 was involved in neurological and myocardial functions with an essential role in alternative splicing (AS). Overall, we present clinical, genetic, and functional data to demonstrate that defects in RBM42 constitute the underlying etiology of a new neurodevelopmental disease which links the dysregulation of global AS to abnormal embryonic development.
Female ; Animals ; Mice ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Intellectual Disability/genetics* ; Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics* ; Facies ; Cleft Palate ; Muscle Hypotonia

Objective:To compare the analgesic effects of fascia iliaca compartment block with different concentrations of liposomal bupivacaine for total hip replacement in elderly patients.Methods:This was a prospective study. Sixty-four elderly patients of either sex with hip fracture, aged 65-85 yr, with body mass index of 20-30 kg/m 2 and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty from September to December 2023 in Zhangjiagang Hospital affiliated to Soochow University, were divided into LB1, LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups ( n=16 each) using the random number table method. The fascia iliaca compartment block was performed under ultrasound guidance before anesthesia induction. Liposomal bupivacaine 66.5, 133.0, 199.5 and 266.0 mg diluted to 30 ml in normal saline were given in LB1, LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups, respectively. The consumption of intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil and tracheal extubation time were recorded. The pain numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during activity were recorded at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Parecoxib sodium was intravenously injected when the NRS score≥4, and the use of parecoxib sodium was recorded. The effect of motor nerve block in the affected lower extremity was evaluated using the modified Bromage scale score at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were recorded. The scores for patients′ satisfaction with analgesic effects at 48 h after operation and the occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 h after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with LB1 group, the consumption of intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil was significantly reduced, the tracheal extubation time was shortened, NRS scores at rest at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation and NRS scores during activity at 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were significantly decreased, and the scores for patients′ satisfaction with analgesic effects were increased in LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups, the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 4 and 8 h after operation, and the first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were shortened in LB2 group, and the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation in LB3 and LB4 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with LB2 group, the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation, and the first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were prolonged in LB3 and LB4 groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions among the four groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The optimal concentration of liposomal bupivacaine for fascia iliaca compartment block is 133 mg/30 ml when used for analgesia in elderly patients undergoing total hip replacement.

Objective:To investigate whether LINC02381 impacts the biological behavior of lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating the miR-4500/CCNE2 axis. Methods:Cancer and paracancerous tissues were collected from 41 patients with lung adenocarcinoma treated at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,from June 2022 to May 2024. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of LINC02381,miR-4500,and CCNE2 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Calu-3 lung adenocarcinoma cells were divided into the control,si-NC,si-LINC02381,si-LINC02381+inhibitor NC,si-LINC02381+miR-4500 inhibitor,si-LINC02381+oe-NC,and si-LINC02381+oe-CCNE2 groups. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of LINC02381,miR-4500,and CCNE2 in each group of cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation. A monolayer scratch assay was performed to detect cell migration. The Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the apoptosis rate. Western blot was performed to detect E-cadherin,N-cadherin,vimentin,cleaved caspase-3,PCNA,MMP-2,and CCNE2 protein levels in the cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the relation-ship among miR-4500,LINC02381,and CCNE2. Results:LINC02381 and CCNE2 expression was increased,whereas miR-4500 expression was decreased in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Compared with those in the control and si-NC groups,LINC02381 and CCNE2 expres-sion,the OD450 (24 and 48 h) values,scratch healing rate,number of invading cells,N-cadherin,vimentin,PCNA,MMP-2,and CCNE2 protein levels in Calu-3 cells in the si-LINC02381 group were reduced,whereas miR-4500 expression levels,apoptosis rate,E-cadherin,and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels were increased (P<0.05). Reducing miR-4500 expression or increasing CCNE2 expression weakened the inhibitory effects of LINC02381 silencing on the biological behavior of Calu-3 cells (P<0.05). Conclusions:LINC02381 silencing can result in increased miR-4500 expression,inhibition of CCNE2 expression,suppression of lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration,and promotion of apoptosis.

Objective:To investigate whether LINC02381 impacts the biological behavior of lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating the miR-4500/CCNE2 axis. Methods:Cancer and paracancerous tissues were collected from 41 patients with lung adenocarcinoma treated at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University,from June 2022 to May 2024. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of LINC02381,miR-4500,and CCNE2 in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Calu-3 lung adenocarcinoma cells were divided into the control,si-NC,si-LINC02381,si-LINC02381+inhibitor NC,si-LINC02381+miR-4500 inhibitor,si-LINC02381+oe-NC,and si-LINC02381+oe-CCNE2 groups. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of LINC02381,miR-4500,and CCNE2 in each group of cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation. A monolayer scratch assay was performed to detect cell migration. The Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the apoptosis rate. Western blot was performed to detect E-cadherin,N-cadherin,vimentin,cleaved caspase-3,PCNA,MMP-2,and CCNE2 protein levels in the cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the relation-ship among miR-4500,LINC02381,and CCNE2. Results:LINC02381 and CCNE2 expression was increased,whereas miR-4500 expression was decreased in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Compared with those in the control and si-NC groups,LINC02381 and CCNE2 expres-sion,the OD450 (24 and 48 h) values,scratch healing rate,number of invading cells,N-cadherin,vimentin,PCNA,MMP-2,and CCNE2 protein levels in Calu-3 cells in the si-LINC02381 group were reduced,whereas miR-4500 expression levels,apoptosis rate,E-cadherin,and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels were increased (P<0.05). Reducing miR-4500 expression or increasing CCNE2 expression weakened the inhibitory effects of LINC02381 silencing on the biological behavior of Calu-3 cells (P<0.05). Conclusions:LINC02381 silencing can result in increased miR-4500 expression,inhibition of CCNE2 expression,suppression of lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration,and promotion of apoptosis.

ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Dahuang Xiezhuo prescription （DHXZ） on inflammation and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 （SOCS3）/Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） pathway in rats with chronic renal failure （CRF）， and to explore its molecular mechanism in alleviating renal inflammatory response. MethodThe 90 male SD rats， 15 were randomly selected as sham group， and the remaining 75 were used as modeling group to replicate CRF rat model by 5/6 nephrectomy. After successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided into model group， DHXZ low-， medium-， high-dose groups （6.825， 13.65， 27.3 g·kg^-1） and Niaoduqing Granules group （2.6 g·kg^-1）. The drug intervention groups received corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. After administration， hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of rat renal tissue， and blood creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and blood uric acid （UA） were tested. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to detect the serum contents of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and C-reactive protein （CRP）. The mRNA expressions of SOCS3 and TLR4 in renal tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein expressions of SOCS3， TLR4， nuclear transcription factor （NF-κB） and myeloid differentiation factor （MyD88） were detected by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of NF-κB， MyD88， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） and melanoma deficiency factor 2 （AIM2）. ResultCompared with the sham group， the model group had a significant inflammatory response in renal tissue， and an increase in blood SCr， BUN， UTP， IL-6， TNF-α and CRP （P<0.05）. The protein and mRNA expressions of SOCS3 in renal tissue of rats in the model group were lower while the protein expressions of TLR4， NF-κB， MyD88， NLRP3 and AIM2 and the mRNA expression of TLR4 were higher than those in the sham group （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， DHXZ and Niaoduqing granules groups presented markedly reduced inflammatory response in renal tissue and decreased blood SCr， BUN， UTP， IL-6， TNF-α and CRP （P<0.05）. Additionally， DHXZ and Niaoduqing granules up-regulated the protein and mRNA expressions of SOCS3 in renal tissue while down-regulated the protein expressions of TLR4， NF-κB， MyD88， NLRP3 and AIM2 and the mRNA expression of TLR4 （P<0.05）. ConclusionDHXZ can reduce the release and expression of inflammatory factors， inhibit the inflammatory response and improve renal function， and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of SOCS3/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Objective:To compare the effects of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy and thoracoscopic lobectomy on patients' respiratory function.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 326 patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery from July 2016 to July 2019(209 patients underwent anatomical segmentectomy, 117 patients underwent lobectomy). According to variables including gender, age, tumor location, smoking history and BMI, two propensity score-matched cohorts including 89 patients respectively were constructed. The patients’ baseline data and respiratory function date of the patients pre-operation and post-operation were analyzed. The measurement data that obey the normal distribution were described by mean±standard deviation, and the t-test was used for comparison between groups; the measurement data of non-normal distribution was described by the median value( P25, P75), and the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for the comparison between groups; The data was described by frequency, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method was used for comparison between groups. Results:At the first-month follow-up after surgery, there was no significant difference in the variation of FVC[(0.48±0.40)L vs.(0.34±0.37)L, P=0.215)and FEV1[(0.52±0.46)L vs.(0.43±0.77)L, P=0.364), and in the change rate of FVC(%)[15.23(8.74, 21.25) vs. 14.58(7.75, 19.40), P=0.122], FEV1(%)[17.25(9.56, 22.78) vs. 16.42(9.15, 20.28), P=0.154]and DLCO(%)[18.54(10.88, 25.68)vs. 17.45(9.58, 23.75) P=0.245]. Between the segmentectomy group and lobectomy group, there was a significant difference in the alteration of FVC[(0.50±0.47)L vs. (0.29±0.31)L, P=0.031] and FEV1[(0.44±0.34)L vs.(0.24±0.23)L, P<0.001], the change rate of FVC(%)[14.27(7.87, 22.32) vs. 9.95(5.56, 17.24), P=0.008]、FEV1(%)[15.23(8.36, 22.17)vs. 10.05(5.15, 18.54), P<0.001]and DLCO(%)[13.74(6.24, 19.78) vs. 4.45(-2.32, 13.75), P=0.023]in the 6th month after surgery. The lobectomy group had a higher variation of FEV1[(0.34±0.49)L vs.(0.18±0.26)L, P=0.006] and change rate of FVC(%)[9.28(2.15, 18.94) vs. 5.24(0.52, 11.45), P=0.0032] and FEV1(%)[10.45(3.15, 21.32) vs. 6.50(1.55, 14.24), P<0.001] in the first year after surgery. However, the variation of FVC[(0.29±0.36)L vs.(0.21±0.24)L, P=0.176) and the change rate of DLCO(%)[8.35(2.15, 16.45) vs. 6.23(2.12, 14.54), P=0.143] didn't show a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion:Whether in the short or the middle postoperative period, segmentectomy can preserve postoperative respiratory function than lobectomy.