Objective To investigate the application value of dual-layer spectral computed tomography(DLCT)45 keV single energy image in follow up after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The DLCT images of 60 patients with HCC after TACE treatment were analyzed retrospectively.The CT value and standard deviation(SD)value of the lesion region of interest(ROI)and surrounding normal liver parenchyma on two kinds of images with 45 keV energy spectrum CT and 120 kVp conventional CT were measured respectively,then the contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)between the lesions and surrounding normal liver parenchyma was calculated,and their differences were compared.The image quality of the two kinds of images was scored subjectively with the 3-point method,and the patients were divided into different groups according to the enhance-ment degree and tumor staining.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was also drawn.Results(1)There was no signif-icant difference in CNR between arterial phase,portal phase,and delayed phase of 120 kVp conventional CT(Hc=1.128,P>0.05).The CNR of 45 keV energy spectrum CT was higher than that of 120 kVp conventional CT,with a statistically significant difference(Z=5.060,P<0.05).(2)The subjective score of 45 keV energy spectrum CT was higher than that of 120 kVp conventional CT,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=5.335,P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that 45 keV energy spectrum CT had a larger area under the curve(AUC)than 120 kVp conventional CT,and the difference was statistically significant(Z=4.136,P<0.001).Conclusion 45 keV energy spectrum CT image can significantly improve the CNR between tumor and normal liver parenchyma,and it has the better image quality and higher diagnostic efficiency.

Objective To observe the role of dried tangerine peel in Yigong Powder improves iron metabolism and promotes red blood cell generation in anemia of chronic disease (ACD).Methods With a two-by-two factorial design,the Yigong Powder was divided into dried tangerine peel and Chenpi absent Decoction. According to the random number table method,32 zymosan-induced generalized inflammation (ZIGI) mice were randomly divided into the model group,the dried tangerine peel group,the Chenpi absent Decoction group,and the Yigong Powder group. The dried tangerine peel group,Chenpi absent Decoction group and the Yigong Powder group were given dried tangerine peel(3.083 g/kg),Chenpi absent Decoction(12.33g/kg),and Yigong Powder(15.413g/kg)by gavage to the corresponding group of mice. The model group was given an equal amount of physiological saline by gavage,and treated continuously for 7 days. After the completion of administration,the body weight of each group of mice was recorded. The hemoglobin content of each group of mice was detected using a fully automatic cell counter,the serum iron content was detected using colorimetry,the serum ferritin content was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),and the spleen index was calculated. The liver tissue inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interferon-γ (IFN-γ),interleukin-4 (IL-4),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were detected using Luminex method. The mRNA expressions of liver tissue hepcidin gene (HAMP) and membrane iron transporter ( Fpn) were detected using real-time fluorescence PCR method. Results Dried tangerine peel and Chenpi absent Decoction both showed interactive effects in regulating hemoglobin,serum iron,serum ferritin content,improving spleen index,and regulating the mRNA expressions of HAMP,Fpn,as well as IL-1β and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,dried tangerine peel significantly increased hemoglobin,serum iron content,and Fpn mRNA expression in ZIGI model mice,while decreasing ferritin content,spleen index,HAMP mRNA expression,and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Chenpi absent Decoction significantly increased serum iron content and Fpn mRNA expression in ZIGI model mice,while reducing spleen index,ferritin content,HAMP mRNA expression,and the levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ、IL-4 (P<0.05). Conclusion The effects of dried tangerine peel on inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) and Fpn may play a key role in the improvement effects of Yigong Powder on ACD and iron metabolism.

Objective:Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological basis for many chronic liver diseases and can progress to cirrhosis,a leading cause of mortality in liver diseases.Early identification and reversal of hepatic fibrosis are key in the treatment of chronic liver disease.This study aims to compare the expression levels of serum core fucosylated low molecular weight kininogen(LMWK-Fc)and alpha-galactosylated(α-Gal)antibodies in patients with hepatic fibrosis at different stages,and to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy for hepatic fibrosis. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 275 patients with chronic liver disease who visited the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between June 2022 and March 2023.Among these,115 patients underwent liver biopsy.Based on the extent of collagen deposition and its impact on liver structure and microcirculation,patients were staged from 0 to 4:S0(no significant collagen deposition in liver tissues;liver structure and microcirculation are normal),S1(mild collagen deposition in liver tissues,with partial disruption of lobule structure,but microcirculation remains largely normal),S2(moderate collagen deposition in liver tissues,with partial disruption of lobule structure and microcirculation),S3(extensive collagen deposition in liver tissues,with substantial disruption of lobule structure and microcirculation),and S4(development of cirrhosis,with heavy collagen deposition,complete disruption of lobule structure,and severe impairment of microcirculation).Patients were grouped as no fibrosis(S0),fibrosis(S1-S2),and significant fibrosis(S3-S4).For the 160 patients without liver biopsy,they were categorized based on liver stiffness measurement(LSM)value:no fibrosis(F0:LSM＜7.3 kPa),fibrosis(F1-F2:LSM 7.3-12.4 kPa),and significant fibrosis(F3-F4:LSM＞12.4 kPa).Demographic data(age,gender)and laboratory indicators(alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,gamma-glutamyl transferase,alkaline phosphatase,alpha-fetoprotein,platelet count)were collected to calculate the fibrosis-4 index(FIB-4)and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index(APRI).Serum LMWK-Fc and α-Gal antibodies were measured and compared across the groups,and their correlation with fibrosis severity was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the predictive value of serum LMWK-Fc and α-Gal antibody levels for hepatic fibrosis. Results:Among the 160 patients without complete liver biopsy,serum α-Gal antibody and LMWK-Fc levels increased progressively from the no fibrosis group to the significant fibrosis group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Among the 115 patients with liver biopsy,serum LMWK-Fc levels were significantly higher in the fibrosis group and the significant fibrosis groups compared with the no fibrosis group,and α-Gal antibody levels were significantly higher in the significant fibrosis group compared with the no fibrosis group and the fibrosis group(P＜0.001,P=0.032,respectively).Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses showed that hepatic fibrosis was correlated with gender and LMWK-Fc levels(both P＜0.05),but not with age,α-Gal antibody levels,FIB-4,or APRI(all P＞0.05). Conclusion:The expression levels of serum LMWK-Fc and α-Gal antibodies vary across different stages of hepatic fibrosis,suggesting a potential association with fibrosis progression.LMWK-Fc levels have a certain predictive value for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis.

At present,there is a lack of basic theoretical framework in the naval physiological and psychological training in PLA,and relevant researches and practices have not been comprehensively carried out.Based on the instructional system design(ISD),the most classic model in the field of training,we reviewed the latest research results on training from five aspects:training needs assessment,training design,training development,training implementation and training evaluation,and put forward targeted suggestion for the research and practice of naval physiological and psychological training in PLA.The main purpose of this paper is to provide assistance for the construction of naval physiological and psychological training system in PLA.

Individuals who reside at high altitudes for extended periods or those who visit these regions briefly frequently experience high-altitude response,which triggers a series of physiological and pathological changes in the body,ultimately causing altitude sickness.One of the most critical features of high-altitude environments is hypoxia.Recent studies have demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)plays a central role in mediating the body's response to hypoxic conditions at high altitudes.HIF-1,a heterodimeric transcription factor composed of an oxygen-sensitive subunit α(HIF-1α)and a constitutively expressed subunit β(HIF-1β),directly regulates the expression of multiple target genes,thereby modulating various physiological processes essential for cellular adaptation to hypoxia.According to a substantial body of research,aberrant expression of HIF-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases,including altitude sickness,cardiovascular disorders,neurological conditions,inflammatory diseases,cognitive impairment,immune dysregulation,and cancer.In this review,we provided an in-depth examination of the structural characteristics and regulatory mechanisms governing HIF-1 expression,discussed its downstream target genes,and highlighted the inhibitors currently under development.Additionally,we summarized the pivotal role and underlying mechanisms of HIF-1 in the development of altitude sickness,particularly its regulatory role in the pathophysiological processes of high-altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE),high-altitude cerebral edema(HACE),and high-altitude pulmonary hypertension(HAPH).Through a thorough examination of the role of HIF-1,we aim to provide a theoretical foundation and potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important factor for the occurrence and development of CKD. The protective effect of dihydroartemisinin on AKI and and reported mechanism have not been reported. In this study, we used two animal models including ischemia-reperfusion and UUO, as well as a high-glucose-stimulated HK-2 cell model, to evaluate the protective effect of dihydroartemisinin on premature senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that dihydroartemisinin improved renal aging and renal injury by activating autophagy. In addition, we found that co-treatment with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, abolished the anti-renal aging effect of dihydroartemisinin in vitro. These findings suggested that activation of autophagy/elimination of senescent cell might be a useful strategy to prevent AKI/UUO induced renal tubular senescence and fibrosis.
Animals ; Kidney ; Acute Kidney Injury/chemically induced* ; Ischemia ; Reperfusion Injury/drug therapy* ; Autophagy ; Reperfusion

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by sicca syndrome and/or systemic manifestations. The treatment is still challenging. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic role and mechanism of exosomes obtained from the supernatant of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED-exos) in sialadenitis caused by SS. METHODS: SHED-exos were administered to the submandibular glands (SMGs) of 14-week-old non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, an animal model of the clinical phase of SS, by local injection or intraductal infusion. The saliva flow rate was measured after pilocarpine intraperitoneal injection in 21-week-old NOD mice. Protein expression was examined by western blot analysis. Exosomal microRNA (miRNAs) were identified by microarray analysis. Paracellular permeability was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance measurement. RESULTS: SHED-exos were injected into the SMG of NOD mice and increased saliva secretion. The injected SHED-exos were taken up by glandular epithelial cells, and further increased paracellular permeability mediated by zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1). A total of 180 exosomal miRNAs were identified from SHED-exos, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis suggested that the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway might play an important role. SHED-exos treatment down-regulated phospho-Akt (p-Akt)/Akt, phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK-3β)/GSK-3β, and Slug expressions and up-regulated ZO-1 expression in SMGs and SMG-C6 cells. Both the increased ZO-1 expression and paracellular permeability induced by SHED-exos were abolished by insulin-like growth factor 1, a PI3K agonist. Slug bound to the ZO-1 promoter and suppressed its expression. For safer and more effective clinical application, SHED-exos were intraductally infused into the SMGs of NOD mice, and saliva secretion was increased and accompanied by decreased levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and Slug and increased ZO-1 expression. CONCLUSION Local application of SHED-exos in SMGs can ameliorate Sjögren syndrome-induced hyposalivation by increasing the paracellular permeability of glandular epithelial cells through Akt/GSK-3β/Slug pathway-mediated ZO-1 expression.
Mice ; Animals ; Humans ; Sjogren's Syndrome/therapy* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Tight Junctions/metabolism* ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Xerostomia ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase ; MicroRNAs/genetics*

In recent years, obesity has become a global public health problem, and the incidence of obesity among children and adolescents in China has been gradually increasing.Obesity in childhood will affect the development and health of children and may lead to an increased incidence of multiple chronic diseases in adulthood.The current main strategy for weight reduction in obese children is to change their dietary habits and increase physical activity, but it is prone to relapseand has a high failure rate.Obese patients exhibit persistent hunger and lack of satiety.Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which suppress appetite and increase satiety, have successfully treated adult obesity with good results.This article will discuss the feasibility and safety of using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for obesity in children and adolescents by reviewing the possible mechanisms of action of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight reduction and the clinical data of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on obesity in children and adolescents.

ObjectiveTo establish a specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method for the identification of Artemisia absinthium to allow accurate and convenient identification of A. absinthium and its related species. MethodThe chloroplast genome sequences of A. absinthium and its related species were searched from Chloroplast Genome Information Resource （CGIR）， and the specific single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） sites of A. absinthium were screened out. A pair of specific identification primers （zykh1-F and zykh1-R） of A. absinthium was designed. The original plant samples of A. absinthium and its related species were collected. The specific PCR method was established and optimized， and the tolerance and feasibility of this method were investigated and verified. The method was used to identify A. absinthium samples purchased from Xinjiang medicinal materials market. ResultA 210 bp bright band was obtained from A. absinthium after PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis under the following conditions： specific primers zykh1-F and zykh1-R， annealing temperature of 54 ℃， and the number of cycles of 33. No such band was observed from its relative species， such as A. argyi， A. annua， A. leucophylla， and A. lavandulaefolia. ConclusionThe specific PCR identification method of established in this study can accurately identify A. absinthium and its common related species with high specificity. The method can save time and cost and allows a convenient and fast species identification for the introduction and utilization of A. absinthium resources.

Objective To investigate the effect of periosteum deficiency on the treatment of segmental bone defect of lower extremity by Ilizarov bone transport Technique.Methods From April 2009 to April 2016,data of 54 cases with lower limb segmental bone defect who were treated by Ilizarov bone transport technique were retrospectively analyzed.According to intraoperative observation of the distribution of periosteum at the osteotomy site,all cases were divided into two groups.There were 10 cases in absent periosteum group,including 6 males and 4 females,aged from 23 to 57 years old (mean,38.20±9.90 years old).There were 3 cases locating at femur,and 7 cases at tibia.4 cases had non-infective bone defect,while the other 6 had infective bone defect.Segmental bone defect ranged from 4.0 to 14.0 cm (mean,6.85±2.87 cm).There were 44 cases in normal periosteum group,including 32 males and 12 females,aged from 22 to 65 years old (mean,38.90±10.10 years old).There were 9 cases locating at femur and 35 cases at tibia.12 cases had non-infective bone defect,while 32 cases had infective bone defect.Segmental bone defect ranged from 4.0 to 9.0 cm (mean,6.09±1.54 cm).Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to estimate the pain during bone transport.The distraction index,bone healing index,external fixator index was collected to evaluate the distraction osteogenesis and mineralization.The Paley method was utilized to appraisal the function of proximal joints in bone transport.Results All the 54 cases were followed up for 24-48 months,with an average of 28.50±5.70 months.All skin and soft tissue defects were satisfied healed.All limbs were restored to their original lengths,and bone healing was eventually achieved.There were no statistically significant differences in the distraction index,bone healing index,external fixator index,VAS between absent periosteum group (12.29± 1.04 d/cm,39.00±3.96 d/cm,51.25±3.69 d/cm,3.30± 1.77 score) and normal periosteum group (11.67±0.96 d/cm,38.07±4.22 d/cm,49.74±4.25 d/cm,3.36± 1.66 score)(P ＞ 0.05).Paley adjacent joint function evaluation showed no statistically difference between absent periosteum group [good rate 100％(10/10)] and normal periosteum group [good rate 97.7％ (43/44)] (P=0.901).The overall incidence of complications was 20.0％ (2/10) in the absence of periosteum group,with 1 case of mild infection and 1 cases of tissue contracture incarcerated at the docking site.The overall incidence of complications was 27.3％ (12/44) in the normal of periosteum group,with 2 cases of mild infection,3 cases of poor limb strength alignment,6 cases of tissue contracture incarcerated at the docking site and 1 case of severe foot drop deformity.There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of complications between the two groups (P=0.636).Conclusion The absence of periosteum at the epiphyseal osteotomy site hasno significant effect on Ilizarov bone transport technique in the treatment of segmental bone defects of lower limbs in bone regeneration and healing,mineralization and bone remodeling,and does not increase the incidence of complications.