To compare and analyze the clinical manifestations,laboratory characteristics,imaging findings,and treatment outcomes of patients with acute and chronic brucellosis,a retrospective analysis was conducted on 258 patients with brucellosis(202 in the acute group and 56 in the chronic group)hospitalized in Xinkang Hospital in Dalad Banner,Ordos City,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,from November 2023 to November 2024.General data,epidemiological characteristics,clinical presentations,laboratory test results,imaging findings,treatment outcomes,and prognosis were collected.The incidences of fever(51.5%vs 7.1%),fatigue(30.2%vs 12.5%),joint pain(42.9%vs 16.1%),and muscle pain(9.9%vs.1.8%)were significantly higher in the acute phase group(all P<0.05).The incidence of osteoarthritis complications was higher in the chronic brucellosis group(51.8%vs 8.9%,χ2=75.697,P<0.01).Univariate ANOVA analysisshowed that the Serum Agglutination Tests(SAT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBIL),creatinine(CRE),C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and bone destructionexhibited statistically significant differences between the acute and chronic phases of brucellosis(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that abnormal ALT(OR=14.18,95%CI:1.11-181.72;P=0.041)and bone destruction(OR=0.16,95%CI:0.04-0.63;P=0.009)were associated with chronic brucellosis.After treatment,all patients experienced have symptom relief in varying degrees,with 157 patients(60.9%)cured and 101 patients(39.1%)symptomatic improved(P<0.01).In conclusion,the incidences of fever,fatigue,and joint pain in patients during the acute phase is significantly higher than that those in patients during the chronic phase,while the incidence of osteoarthritis complications is higher in chronic phase patients.The incidences of abnormal SAT,ALT,AST,TBIL,CRE,CRP,and ESR,and bone destruction varies at different stages of brucellosis.Of those,abnormal ALT and bone destruction show a stronger association with,which can assist the clinical staging of brucellosis.

Objective To investigate the relationship between vertical laminar fracture(VLF)in thoracolumbar burst fractures and both neurological injury and dural tear.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and multi spiral computed tomography(MSCT)coronal images of 255 patients of thoracolumbar burst fractures.The patients were divided into three groups based on the presence of VLF[Ⅰ group(complete VLF group),Ⅱ group(partial VLF group),and Ⅲ group(normal lamina group)].Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Fisher's exact test to compare radiological parameters,inci-dence of dural tear,and neurological injury among the groups.Results The Ⅰ group showed significant differences in spinal canal sagittal diameter,pedicle distance,and spinal canal area compared with the other two groups(P<0.05).However,there was no sig-nificant difference in vertebral body compression rate between the Ⅰ group and the Ⅱ group(P>0.05).The Ⅰ group had the high-est incidence of severe neurological injury[American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)impairment scale grades A and B]and dural tear(P<0.05).Conclusion The severity of VLF is closely related to dural tear and neurological injury.MSCT coronal images can clearly display the extent of VLF,providing an important basis for clinical evaluation and treatment plan.

Aim To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macrophage calcification and its underlying mo-lecular mechanisms.Methods Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation,and von Kossa staining and atomic absorption spectroscopy were used for morphological and quantitative analysis of calcium deposition and intracellular calcium content in a mononuclear macrophage calcification model.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin(OPN)at different doses and treatment times of hydrogen sulfide.At the same time,Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of early growth response factor 1(EGR1),endo-plasmic reticulum stress-related markers C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)and glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78).Reactive oxygen species levels were evaluated by fluorescence probe staining,and the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macro-phage calcification was evaluated by combining von Kossa staining and calcium ion fluorescence probe staining.The mo-lecular mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide affecting macrophage calcification were explored by interfering with EGR1 expression and using endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA).Results Compared with oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)group,β-glycerophosphate(β-GP)+40 g/L ox-LDL group showed a significant increase in intracellular lipid accumulation,while hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibited macrophage calcification in a con-centration-and time-dependent manner.Compared with the β-GP+ox LDL group,the most significant effect was observed after incubation with 100 μmol/L NaHS for 4 days.The hydrogen sulfide group showed a 66％decrease in intracellular calcium content(P＜0.01),a 71％decrease in intercellular calcium deposition(P＜0.01),and a 50％and 48％decrease in OPN mRNA and protein expression,respectively(P＜0.05).Hydrogen sulfide treatment upregulated the ex-pression of EGR1 by 21％,while downregulating the expression of CHOP and GRP78 by 58％and 59％,respectively(P＜0.01).The endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-PBA could downregulate OPN expression by 73％(P＜0.01),while interfering with EGR1 expression completely counteracts the inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide on OPN expression and calcium deposition(P＜0.01).Conclusion Hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibits macrophage calcification by upregulating EGR1 expression and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Aim To investigate the effect and mechanism of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)on ferroptosis in white adi-pocytes.Methods The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into white adipocytes by inducer stimulation.The experiment was divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor)group and Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α(p53 inhibitor)group.Ang Ⅱ was used to treat cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.JC-1 kit was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)level.Iron ion kit was used to detect intracellular iron content.Glutathione(GSH)kit was used to detect GSH content.Fer-1 and Ang Ⅱ were added to treat cells to detect the the changes of ferroptosis level.The expression of p53 and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1)protein was detected.Subsequently,PFT-α and Ang Ⅱ were added to co-treat cells to detect the changes of p53 and SAT1 protein expression,and to observe the effect of inhibiting p53 expression on the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.Results 3T3-L1 cells were successfully differentiated into white adipocytes by stimulator-induced differentiation.Ang Ⅱ induced ferroptosis in white adipocytes.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the mRNA expression of anti-ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and iron regulatory protein 1(IRP-1)was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the mRNA expression of pro-ferroptosis factor acyl-CoA synthetase of long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)was up-regulated.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated.Ang Ⅱ treatment increased the content of intracellular iron ions and decreased the levels of GSH and MMP.Compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the mRNA expression of IRP-1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1 group.Ang Ⅱ induced changes in the expression profile of adipokines in white adipocytes.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein ex-pression of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin(LEP),resistin(RETN),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin(AD-PN)and omentin 1(ITLN1)was down-regulated.In addition,Ang Ⅱ increased the protein expression of p53 and SAT1.Inhibition of p53 expression can improve the level of ferroptosis and adipokine expression in white adipocytes trea-ted with Ang Ⅱ.Western blot results showed that compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the protein expression of p53 and SAT1 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was up-regulated,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated.The protein expression of ADPN was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-αgroup,and the protein expression of TNF-α,LEP and RETN was down-regulated.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ induces fer-roptosis in white adipocytes through activating the p53/SAT1 signaling pathway.

Immunometabolism studies focus on the relationships between immune cell functions and cellular energy metabolism pathways.Immunometabolism plays an important regulatory role in immune-related diseases.Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb),an important intracellular pathogenic bacterium,enters alveolar macrophages after infection.The confrontation between M.tb and the host is a complex and dynamic process involving multiple aspects and mechanisms,such as the immune response,granuloma formation,and immune evasion.M.tb effector proteins play key roles in maintaining bacterial virulence and regulating host cell metabolism.This article reviews the reprogramming process of glucose metabolism,lipid metabolism,and immunometabolism,as well as changes in mi-tochondrial function in M.tb-infected host cells,thereby revealing the relationship between M.tb pathogenicity and host metabolic regu-lation,which is important for understanding tuberculosis.

Sheep and goats are important tuberculosis hosts found predominantly in plateau and mountainous regions.In recent years,the number of reported tuberculosis cases in sheep and goats has increased.The tuberculosis pathogen can spread among vari-ous animal species and even infect humans,thus further complicating disease prevention and control,and posing a serious threat to the health of both humans and livestock.This article summarizes the global prevalence of tuberculosis in sheep and goats,and specifi-cally analyzes the epidemic status in China.Frequently used tuberculosis detection methods in sheep and goats are described,and the shortcomings of each method are briefly introduced.Additionally,on the basis of frequently applied methods for monitoring,handling,and controlling tuberculosis in sheep and goats worldwide,suggestions are offered to provide a reference for tuberculosis control in sheep and goats in China.

This study was aimed at investigating the immunoregulatory function of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3641c gene in modulating host type Ⅰ interferon responses.The shuttle plasmid pMV261 was used to construct Rv3641c overexpression recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis,and the biological characteristics of the recombinant bacteria were analyzed to explore the effect of Rv3641c on the growth curve,colony morphology and stress resistance of Mycobacterium.Subsequently,RAW264.7 cells were infected with Rv3641c overexpressing Mycobacterium smegmatis,and the transcriptional expression of genes related to the inhibition of type I inter-feron pathway was determined by RT-PCR.The expression level of IFN-βprotein was determined by ELISA,and the intracellular sur-vival level was determined.As a result,the recombinant rMS::pMV261-Rv3641c was successfully constructed.The results of biologi-cal characteristics analysis showed that Rv3641c did not affect the growth of mycobacteria,but significantly changed the colony mor-phology of mycobacteria and improved its resistance to H2O2.The results of recombinant bacteria infection experiments showed that Rv3641c significantly down-regulated the transcription levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand downstream ISGs genes CXCL10,IFIT2 and IL-1β in host cells,and Rv3641c significantly down-regulated the transcription levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand downstream ISGs genes CXCL10,IFIT2 and IL-1βin host cells.The results of intracellular colonization experiments showed that the intracellular mycobacte-ria in the overexpression recombinant bacteria infection group were significantly higher than those in the empty vector group,indicat-ing that Rv3641c could promote the intracellular surviv al of mycobacteria.In summary,the Rv3641c gene of M.tuberculosis can inhibit the host type I interferon response and promote the intracellular survival of M.tuberculosis,which provides a new idea for further explor-ing the immune escape function of M.tuberculosis and the discovery of new targets for anti-tuberculosis drugs.

To compare and analyze the clinical manifestations,laboratory characteristics,imaging findings,and treatment outcomes of patients with acute and chronic brucellosis,a retrospective analysis was conducted on 258 patients with brucellosis(202 in the acute group and 56 in the chronic group)hospitalized in Xinkang Hospital in Dalad Banner,Ordos City,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,from November 2023 to November 2024.General data,epidemiological characteristics,clinical presentations,laboratory test results,imaging findings,treatment outcomes,and prognosis were collected.The incidences of fever(51.5%vs 7.1%),fatigue(30.2%vs 12.5%),joint pain(42.9%vs 16.1%),and muscle pain(9.9%vs.1.8%)were significantly higher in the acute phase group(all P<0.05).The incidence of osteoarthritis complications was higher in the chronic brucellosis group(51.8%vs 8.9%,χ2=75.697,P<0.01).Univariate ANOVA analysisshowed that the Serum Agglutination Tests(SAT),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBIL),creatinine(CRE),C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),and bone destructionexhibited statistically significant differences between the acute and chronic phases of brucellosis(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that abnormal ALT(OR=14.18,95%CI:1.11-181.72;P=0.041)and bone destruction(OR=0.16,95%CI:0.04-0.63;P=0.009)were associated with chronic brucellosis.After treatment,all patients experienced have symptom relief in varying degrees,with 157 patients(60.9%)cured and 101 patients(39.1%)symptomatic improved(P<0.01).In conclusion,the incidences of fever,fatigue,and joint pain in patients during the acute phase is significantly higher than that those in patients during the chronic phase,while the incidence of osteoarthritis complications is higher in chronic phase patients.The incidences of abnormal SAT,ALT,AST,TBIL,CRE,CRP,and ESR,and bone destruction varies at different stages of brucellosis.Of those,abnormal ALT and bone destruction show a stronger association with,which can assist the clinical staging of brucellosis.

Aim To investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macrophage calcification and its underlying mo-lecular mechanisms.Methods Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation,and von Kossa staining and atomic absorption spectroscopy were used for morphological and quantitative analysis of calcium deposition and intracellular calcium content in a mononuclear macrophage calcification model.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of osteopontin(OPN)at different doses and treatment times of hydrogen sulfide.At the same time,Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of early growth response factor 1(EGR1),endo-plasmic reticulum stress-related markers C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)and glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78).Reactive oxygen species levels were evaluated by fluorescence probe staining,and the effect of hydrogen sulfide on macro-phage calcification was evaluated by combining von Kossa staining and calcium ion fluorescence probe staining.The mo-lecular mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide affecting macrophage calcification were explored by interfering with EGR1 expression and using endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA).Results Compared with oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)group,β-glycerophosphate(β-GP)+40 g/L ox-LDL group showed a significant increase in intracellular lipid accumulation,while hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibited macrophage calcification in a con-centration-and time-dependent manner.Compared with the β-GP+ox LDL group,the most significant effect was observed after incubation with 100 μmol/L NaHS for 4 days.The hydrogen sulfide group showed a 66％decrease in intracellular calcium content(P＜0.01),a 71％decrease in intercellular calcium deposition(P＜0.01),and a 50％and 48％decrease in OPN mRNA and protein expression,respectively(P＜0.05).Hydrogen sulfide treatment upregulated the ex-pression of EGR1 by 21％,while downregulating the expression of CHOP and GRP78 by 58％and 59％,respectively(P＜0.01).The endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-PBA could downregulate OPN expression by 73％(P＜0.01),while interfering with EGR1 expression completely counteracts the inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide on OPN expression and calcium deposition(P＜0.01).Conclusion Hydrogen sulfide significantly inhibits macrophage calcification by upregulating EGR1 expression and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Aim To investigate the effect and mechanism of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)on ferroptosis in white adi-pocytes.Methods The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into white adipocytes by inducer stimulation.The experiment was divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor)group and Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α(p53 inhibitor)group.Ang Ⅱ was used to treat cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.JC-1 kit was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)level.Iron ion kit was used to detect intracellular iron content.Glutathione(GSH)kit was used to detect GSH content.Fer-1 and Ang Ⅱ were added to treat cells to detect the the changes of ferroptosis level.The expression of p53 and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1)protein was detected.Subsequently,PFT-α and Ang Ⅱ were added to co-treat cells to detect the changes of p53 and SAT1 protein expression,and to observe the effect of inhibiting p53 expression on the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.Results 3T3-L1 cells were successfully differentiated into white adipocytes by stimulator-induced differentiation.Ang Ⅱ induced ferroptosis in white adipocytes.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the mRNA expression of anti-ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and iron regulatory protein 1(IRP-1)was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the mRNA expression of pro-ferroptosis factor acyl-CoA synthetase of long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)was up-regulated.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated.Ang Ⅱ treatment increased the content of intracellular iron ions and decreased the levels of GSH and MMP.Compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the mRNA expression of IRP-1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1 group.Ang Ⅱ induced changes in the expression profile of adipokines in white adipocytes.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein ex-pression of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin(LEP),resistin(RETN),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin(AD-PN)and omentin 1(ITLN1)was down-regulated.In addition,Ang Ⅱ increased the protein expression of p53 and SAT1.Inhibition of p53 expression can improve the level of ferroptosis and adipokine expression in white adipocytes trea-ted with Ang Ⅱ.Western blot results showed that compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the protein expression of p53 and SAT1 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was up-regulated,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated.The protein expression of ADPN was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-αgroup,and the protein expression of TNF-α,LEP and RETN was down-regulated.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ induces fer-roptosis in white adipocytes through activating the p53/SAT1 signaling pathway.