The clinical antiprotozoal drug nitazoxanide has been demonstrated to improve the experimental diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis and inhibit inflammation. Since the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection (HFpEF) is multifactorial and closely associated with the aforementioned diseases, we aim to study the effect of nitazoxanide on high-fat diet (HFD) plus L-NAME (N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester)-induced HFpEF and metabolic syndrome in mice. We found that oral nitazoxanide improved cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, cardiac diastolic dysfunction, increased blood pressure, impaired exercise tolerance, impaired glucose handling, serum lipid disorders, hepatic steatosis, increased weight of white adipose tissues and kidney fibrosis in HFD + L-NAME-treated mice. In the established HFD + L-NAME-induced HFpEF and metabolic syndrome mouse model, therapeutic treatment with nitazoxanide rescued HFD + L-NAME-induced pathological phenotypes as mentioned above. The in vitro experiments revealed that tizoxanide, the active metabolite of nitazoxanide, increased the basal mitochondria metabolism of cardiomyocytes, inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen secretion from cardiac fibroblasts, and relaxed phenylephrine- and U46619-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries, indicating that the direct effect of tizoxanide might partly contribute to the protective effect of nitazoxanide against HFpEF in vivo. The present study suggests that nitazoxanide might be a potential drug for HFpEF and metabolic syndrome therapy.

Photodynamic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the dysfunctional tumor vasculature results in tumor hypoxia and the low efficiency of drug delivery, which in turn restricts the anticancer effect of photodynamic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed photosensitive lipid nanoparticles. The synthesized PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles could produce type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron or energy transfer through PFBT under light irradiation. Moreover, this nanosystem could alleviate tumor hypoxia and promote vascular normalization through Roxadustat. Upon irradiation with white light, the ROS produced by PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles in situ dysregulated calcium homeostasis and triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, which further promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, enhanced antigen presentation, and stimulated an effective adaptive immune response, ultimately priming the tumor microenvironment (TME) together with the hypoxia alleviation and vessel normalization by Roxadustat. Indeed, in vivo results indicated that PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles promoted M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, recruited more natural killer cells, and augmented infiltration of T cells, thereby leading to efficient photodynamic immunotherapy and potentiating the anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody. Collectively, photodynamic immunotherapy with PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles efficiently program TME through the induction of immunogenicity and oxygenation, and effectively suppress tumor growth through immunogenic cell death and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a pivotal phenomenon intricately linked to cellular processes, is regulated by various other proteins. However, there is still a lack of high-throughput methods for screening protein regulators of LLPS in target proteins. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based screening method to identify protein phase separation regulators by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Using this newly developed method, we screened the RNA-binding proteins that regulate PABPN1 phase separation and identified the tumor suppressor QKI as a promoter of PABPN1 phase separation. Furthermore, QKI exhibits decreased expression levels and diminished nuclear localization in colorectal cancer cells, resulting in reduced PABPN1 phase separation, which, in turn, promotes alternative polyadenylation (APA), cell proliferation, and migration in colorectal cancer.
Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Poly(A)-Binding Protein I/genetics* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Flow Cytometry ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Liver/pathology* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy* ; Diquat/poisoning* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Apoptosis ; Coumarins

BACKGROUND:Salvianolic acid B can inhibit cell damage induced by H2O2,effectively remove excess reactive oxygen species,and exert antioxidant properties.It has been used in the treatment of many diseases.However,there are relatively few studies on the role and mechanism of salvianolic acid B in intervertebral disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B on oxidative stress-induced intervertebral disc degeneration by using gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel as a carrier through the in vitro cell experiment and the in vivo animal experiment. METHODS:The gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel(drug-loaded hydrogel)loaded with salvianolic acid B was prepared.(1)In vitro cell experiment:The lumbar nucleus pulposus cells of adult SD rats were isolated and extracted,and passage 3 nucleus pulposus cells were selected and divided into groups:Group A was added complete medium.In group B,a complete medium containing H2O2 was added.Group C was inoculated on methylacrylylated gelatin hydrogel and added with a complete medium containing H2O2.Group D was inoculated on methyl acrylyl gelatin hydrogel loaded with salvianolic acid B and added into a complete medium containing H2O2.The E group was inoculated on the methylacrylyl gelatin hydrogel loaded with salvianolic acid B,and the complete medium containing H2O2 and the complete medium containing TLR4 signaling pathway inhibitor were added.Cell proliferation,oxidative stress,inflammatory response,gene expression of cell matrix-associated proteins and the protein expression of TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway were detected.(2)Animal in vivo experiment:Sixty adult SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,acupuncture group,acupuncture + salvianolic acid group,acupuncture + hydrogel group and acupuncture + loading potion gel group,with 12 rats in each group.The last four groups were treated with acupuncture to establish models of intervertebral disc degeneration and then injected with normal saline,salvianolic acid B solution,non-drug loaded gel and drug-loaded gel in turn.Imaging examination and pathological observation were performed 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro cell experiment:Compared with group A,the cell proliferation was decreased;the oxidative stress reaction and inflammation reaction were enhanced;the expression of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes(matrix metalloproteinase 3,matrix metalloproteinase 13,ADAMTS4,ADAMTS5)was increased in group B(P<0.05),and the synthesis of extracellular matrix(type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan)was decreased(P<0.05).The protein expression of the TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway was increased(P<0.05).Compared with group B,the cell proliferation of groups D and E was increased,the oxidative stress response and inflammatory response were weakened,and the expression of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes(matrix metalloproteinase 3,matrix metalloproteinase 13,ADAMTS4,ADAMTS5)was decreased(P<0.05),and the synthesis of extracellular matrix was increased(P<0.05).The protein expression of TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway was decreased(P<0.05),and the effect was more significant in group E.(2)Animal in vivo experiment:4 weeks after surgery,intervertebral disc height index,index of MRI and pathological and histological grading of the intervertebral disc had improved significantly in the acupuncture+drug-loaded hydrogel group,and simply injecting hydrogel or salvianolic acid B solution can to a certain extent improve the intervertebral disc degeneration,but they are not as good as the injection of the drug-loaded hydrogel.(3)It is concluded that gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel loaded with salvianolic acid B can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation in the degenerated intervertebral disc tissue,inhibit the degradation of extracellular matrix,and alleviate the process of intervertebral disc degeneration,which may be accomplished by inhibiting the TLR4/nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway.

【Objective】 To establish an effective quality indicator monitoring system, scientifically and objectively evaluate the quality management level of blood banks, and achieve continuous improvement of quality management in blood bank. 【Methods】 A quality monitoring indicator system that covers the whole process of blood collection and supply was established, the questionnaire of Quality Monitoring Indicators for Blood Collection and Supply Process with clear definition of indicators and calculation formulas was distributed to 17 blood banks in Shandong. Statistical analysis of 21 quality monitoring indicators in terms of blood donation service (10 indicators), blood component preparation (7 indicators ), and blood supply (4 indicators) from each blood bank from January to December 2022 were conducted using SPSS25.0 software The differences in quality monitoring indicators of blood banks of different scales were analyzed. 【Results】 The average values of quality monitoring indicators for blood donation service process of 17 blood banks were as follows: 44.66% (2 233/5 000) of regular donors proportion, 0.22% (11/50) of adverse reactions incidence, 0.46% (23/5 000) of non-standard whole blood collection rate, 0.052% (13/25 000) of missed HBsAg screening rate, 99.42% (4 971/5 000) of first, puncture successful rate, 86.49% (173/200) of double platelet collection rate, 66.50% (133/200) of 400 mL whole blood collection rate, 99.25% (397/400) of donor satisfaction rate, 82.68% (2 067/2 500) of use rate of whole blood collection bags with bypass system with sample tube, and 1 case of occupational exposure in blood collection.There was a strong positive correlation between the proportion of regular blood donors and the collection rate of 400 mL whole blood (P<0.05). The platelet collection rate, incidence of adverse reactions to blood donation, and non-standard whole blood collection rate in large blood banks were significantly lower than those in medium and small blood banks (P<0.05). The average quality monitoring indicators for blood component preparation process of 17 blood banks were as follows: the leakage rate of blood component preparation bags was 0.03% (3/10 000), the discarding rate of lipemic blood was 3.05% (61/2 000), the discarding rate of hemolysis blood was 0.13%(13/10 000). 0.06 case had labeling errors, 8 bags had blood catheter leaks, 2.76 bags had blood puncture/connection leaks, and 0.59 cases had non-conforming consumables. The discarding rate of hemolysis blood of large blood banks was significantly lower than that of medium and small blood banks (P<0.05), and the discarding rate of lipemic blood of large and medium blood banks was significantly lower than that of small blood banks (P<0.05). The average values of quality monitoring indicators for blood supply process of 17 blood banks were as follows: the discarding rate of expired blood was 0.023% (23/100 000), the leakage rate during storage and distribution was of 0.009%(9/100 000), the discarding rate of returned blood was 0.106% (53/50 000), the service satisfaction of hospitals was 99.16% (2 479/2 500). The leakage rate of blood components during storage and distribution was statistically different with that of blood component preparation bags between different blood banks (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of regular blood donors, incidence of adverse reactions, non-standard whole blood collection rate, 400 mL whole blood collection rate, double platelet collection rate, the blood bag leakage rate during preparation process, the blood components leakage rate during storage and distribution as well as the discarding rate of lipemic blood, hemolysis blood, expired blood and returned blood among large, medium and small blood banks (all P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The establishment of a quality monitoring indicator system for blood donation services, blood component preparation and blood supply processes in Shandong has good applicability, feasibility and effectiveness. It can objectively evaluate the quality management level, facilitate the continuous improvement of the quality management system, promote the homogenization of blood management in the province and lay the foundation for future comprehensive evaluation of blood banks.

The increasing frequency of radiographic diagnostic imaging and the cumulative dose to the public from radiation has raised widespread concerns. However, accurate measurement of the radiation dose received by the human body is difficult to achieve. Monte Carlo simulation, as a numerical computational method guided by probability statistics theory, has been applied to various dose assessments, imaging optimizations, and radiation protection in radiographic diagnostic imaging. We provide a comprehensive review of the principles of the Monte Carlo method, the modelling process of Monte Carlo simulation and the progress of its application to diagnostic radiological dose estimation.

Objective:To analyze the selection of outcome indicators for randomized controlled trials (RCT) on exercise rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), promote the construction of the core outcome set and provide reference for the research design of subsequent RCT.Methods:The RCT literature related to exercise rehabilitation of patients with atrial fibrillation was systematically searched from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, and the search period was from establishment of the databases until July 31, 2023. After literature screening, Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used for quality evaluation, information extraction, classification of outcome indicators, frequency of use statistics, analysis and extraction of current shortcomings in the selection of outcome indicators, and corresponding suggestions were proposed.Results:A total of 32 articles were included, and 19 RCT were evaluated twice for outcome measures. The number of outcome measures ranged from 2 to 17, with 10 RCT setting outcome measures according to primary and secondary criteria and 6 RCT setting safety outcome measures. A total of 96 outcome indicators were extracted in this study, total 266 frequency, which could be divided into 4 categories, such as safety evaluation (18 times), clinical response (75 times), patient-reported outcomes (68 times) and laboratory and other examination (105 times) .Conclusions:Existing RCT outcome indicators of exercise rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation emphasize the changes in subjective feelings and objective indicators of individuals, covering four aspects such as the physical condition, exercise ability, quality of life and psychological status of individuals. However, there is a lack of uniform standards and the safety evaluation indicators are fewer. The categories of exercise rehabilitation indicators for atrial fibrillation patients extracted in this paper can provide a reference for the design of future RCT studies and promote the generation of higher quality evidence-based medical evidence.

Objective To investigate the effect of erector spinae plane block on ultrasound-based hemodynamic parameters of the arteries of the four limbs and biochemical stress indicators in patients with thoracoscopic lobectomy. Methods A total of 120 patients with thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomly divided into study group and control group, with 60 cases in each group.The study group received erector spinae plane block during surgery, while the control group received conventional anesthesia measures.Pulmonary function indicators[peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁)], ultrasound-based hemodynamic parameters of the arteries of the four limbs (maximum systolic velocity, minimum diastolic velocity, mean velocity, arterial pulsatility index, and arterial resistance index), stress indicators[cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)], and analgesic effect were compared between the two groups at different time points[before anesthesia induction (T₀), after extubation (T₁), and after drainage tube removal (T₂)]. Results FEV₁, FVC and PEFR in both groups were significantly lower at T₁ and T₂ than at T₀, and FEV₁, FVC and PEFR in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group at T₁ and T₂(P < 0.05).The maximum systolic velocity and arterial resistance index in both groups were significantly lower at T₁ and T₂ than at T₀, while the minimum diastolic velocity, mean velocity and arterial pulsatility index were significantly higher at T₁ and T₂ than at T₀(P < 0.05).The maximum systolic velocity and arterial resistance index in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group at T₁ and T₂, but the minimum diastolic velocity, mean velocity and arterial pulsatility index were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).Cor, ACTH, Ang Ⅱ and NE in both groups were significantly higher at T₂ than at T₀, and Cor, ACTH, Ang Ⅱ and NE in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at T₂(P < 0.05).The Prince-Henry pain score, effective compression times, and actual compression times in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Application of erector spinae plane block in thoracoscopic lobectomy causes smaller fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters of the arteries of four limbs and biochemical stress indicators, with a better anesthetic effect.

ObjectiveTo improve the anti-fall capacity and safety of the smart walkers. MethodsTwo pressure sensors were placed on the handles on both sides of the walker. The confusion matrix was obtained, the corresponding operational intent labels were manually labeled, using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier for model prediction to predict the travel intent of the users. The user wore a gyroscope and the walker was equipped with a laser sensor, to measure the angular velocity, angular acceleration and the distance data, respectively, to detect the user's fall. ResultsThe classifier model established by SVM successfully predicted three operating states of the walker, namely straight ahead, left turning and right turning. The user's fall was detected by the sudden change of the following data: the combined angular velocity was greater than 100°/s, the combined angular acceleration was greater than 1.3 G, the angular acceleration of Z-axis was greater than 0.7 G or less than 0.2 G, and the distance was greater than 600 mm or less than 300 mm. ConclusionThe improvement of the walker can predict the turn intention of the user, and detect the user's fall.