ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma （HMG） on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses （1.56， 3.12 g∙kg^-1， respectively） or metformin （0.26 g∙kg^-1） by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids ［total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL）］， liver function indicators ［aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）］， non-esterified fatty acids （NEFA）， glycosylated serum protein （GSP）， serum glucose （GLU）， fasting insulin （FINS）， and renal function indicators ［creatinine （Crea） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma （PPARγ）， acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase （ACC）， and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1） were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group presented increased body weight， elevated levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， GSP， and HDL-C， up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1， and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group， the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight， declined levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， and GSP， and elevate level of HDL-C （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ， SREBP-1， and ACC.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of the herb pair Mori Folium-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma （HMG） on glucose and lipid metabolism in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and decipher the possible treatment mechanism. MethodsThe db/db mice were chosen as the mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus and then treated with HMG at low and high doses （1.56， 3.12 g∙kg^-1， respectively） or metformin （0.26 g∙kg^-1） by gavage for 6 weeks. The normal group and the model group were treated with double distilled water at the same time according to body weight. The 8-h fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured once a week. The oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was conducted at the 6th week of dosing. The mice were sacrificed after the end of dosing. Serum levels of lipids ［total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL）］， liver function indicators ［aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）］， non-esterified fatty acids （NEFA）， glycosylated serum protein （GSP）， serum glucose （GLU）， fasting insulin （FINS）， and renal function indicators ［creatinine （Crea） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）］ were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of peroxidase proliferator-activating receptor gamma （PPARγ）， acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase （ACC）， and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1） were determined by Western blot. The pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were examined. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group presented increased body weight， elevated levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， GSP， and HDL-C， up-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1， and down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the model group presented a large amount of lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as karyopyknosis and lymphocyte infiltration in the pancreas. Compared with the model group， the high- and low-dose HMG groups showed decreased body weight， declined levels of blood glucose， TG， TC， AST， ALT， GLU， NEFA， and GSP， and elevate level of HDL-C （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the two groups showcased reduced lipid droplets and steatosis in the liver， as well as enlarged islets with clear boundaries and alleviated lymphocyte infiltration and karyopyknosis. Western blot results showed that the high-dose herb pair group demonstrated down-regulated protein levels of ACC and SREBP-1 and up-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe HMG can effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice by regulating the expression of PPARγ， SREBP-1， and ACC.

Objective To investigate the levels and influencing factors for eye lens dose of interventional radiology workers, and to provide a basis for reasonable and scientific radiation protection. Methods Thermoluminescent eye lens dosimeters were used to monitor the left and right eye lens doses of interventional radiology workers in real time during different surgical positions and varying eye protection conditions. The annual eye lens doses for the operators were estimated based on their yearly workload. The differences in eye lens doses under different conditions were analyzed and the influencing factors were identified. Results For individual interventional operations, the range of personal dose equivalent H_p(3) of the left eye of interventional radiology workers was ( < MDL ~ 418.33) μSv, the median (Q₁, Q₃) was 9.29 ( < MDL, 40.79) μSv, and the mean was 40.79 ± 70.36 μSv. The estimated annual eye lens doses were 4.05 mSv and 17.80 mSv based on the median and mean values of the eye lens dose of a single operation multiplied by average annual frequency of operations per person, respectively. The left eye lens dose was higher than the right eye lens dose of the same operator (Z = −4.24, P < 0.05), and the dose of the right eye lens was strongly positively correlated with that of the left eye lens. The left eye lens dose of the first surgeon was higher than that of the second surgeon in the same operation (Z = −3.10, P < 0.05). The eye lens dose was influenced by operator position (χ² = 9.149, P = 0.002, OR = 8.343), eye protection (χ² = 4.619, P = 0.032, OR = 4.352), and air kerma area product (χ² = 8.032, P = 0.005, OR = 5.488). Conclusion According to the results of this study, a significant portion of interventional operators have eye lens doses that approach or exceed international occupational dose limits. It is recommended to pay attention to the operation frequency of the first operator and the air kerma area product of interventional operation, and strengthen radiation protection and dose monitoring for the eye lens of interventional radiology workers.

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), a core transcription factor responding to changes in cellular oxygen levels, is closely associated with a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. However, its differential impacts on vascular cell types and molecular programs modulating human vascular homeostasis and regeneration remain largely elusive. Here, we applied CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of human embryonic stem cells and directed differentiation to generate HIF-1α-deficient human vascular cells including vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as a platform for discovering cell type-specific hypoxia-induced response mechanisms. Through comparative molecular profiling across cell types under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, we provide insight into the indispensable role of HIF-1α in the promotion of ischemic vascular regeneration. We found human MSCs to be the vascular cell type most susceptible to HIF-1α deficiency, and that transcriptional inactivation of ANKZF1, an effector of HIF-1α, impaired pro-angiogenic processes. Altogether, our findings deepen the understanding of HIF-1α in human angiogenesis and support further explorations of novel therapeutic strategies of vascular regeneration against ischemic damage.
Humans ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Cell Hypoxia/physiology*

BACKGROUND:The repair process of skin trauma is complex and susceptible to infection,easy to lead to poor healing,is the current difficulty and hot spot in wound repair research,and has received extensive attention in the fields of traditional Chinese medicine and tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of moxibustion and reduced graphene oxide/cerium oxide nanocomposite on promoting the healing of infectious wounds. METHODS:(1)Reduced graphene oxide/cerium dioxide nanocomposites with mass ratios of 2:1,1:1 and 1:2 were synthesized by hydrothermal method.The resulting composites were recorded as G2C1,G1C1 and G1C2,respectively.The photothermal properties,cytotoxicity and antibacterial properties of the three kinds of materials were tested.After taking moxa sticks,three kinds of moxibustion distances were set(3.0-3.5 cm,recorded as moxibustion 1;2.5-3.0 cm,recorded as moxibustion 2;2.0-2.5 cm,recorded as moxibustion 3).Moxibustion was applied to the surface of human skin for 10 minutes to detect the photothermal properties.The antibacterial properties of moxibustion were tested at three different distance intervals.Simultaneously,the back body surface infrared imaging of rats with different mass concentrations of G1C1 material,moxibustion(three kinds of moxibustion distances)and moxibustion 2+G1C1 material was detected.(2)Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected to model the wound of Staphylococcus aureus infection.48 hours later,they were randomly divided into 10 groups with 6 rats in each group:control group(did not receive any treatment),mupirocin group,moxibustion 2+G1C1 group,moxibustion 1 group,moxibustion 2 group,moxibustion 3 group and 60,80,100,and 120 μg/mL G1C1 groups(The G1C1 group was given 808 nm near-infrared laser irradiation for 10 min/time,and the G1C1 suspension was loaded on the wound surface before each treatment.Each group of moxibustion underwent in-situ suspension moxibustion,and the intervention time was 10 min/time.Moxibustion 2+G1C1 group was loaded with G1C1 suspension on the wound surface before each treatment,and moxibustion was suspended in situ with moxa strips,and the intervention time was 10 min/time).The frequency of treatment was 2 days once.Wound healing,wound colony count and repair were detected after 7 days of intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The three kinds of reduced graphene oxide/cerium dioxide nanocomposites had good photothermal properties,and the higher the mass concentration of the composites,the better the photothermal properties.The temperature of the moxibustion 2 group reached 47.6 ℃for 10 minutes without causing thermal damage,which was more suitable for animal experiments.The results of co-culture with NIH-3T3 cells exhibited that 60,80,and 100 μg/mL G1C1 had good biocompatibility.The results of a co-culture experiment with Staphylococcus aureus suspension displayed that G2C1,G1C1 and G1C2 had good antibacterial activity,among which G1C1 group demonstrated excellent antibacterial performance,and the antibacterial rate reached 100％when its mass concentration was 80 μg/mL.60-120 μg/mL G1C1 could effectively remove Staphylococcus aureus biofilm,and the higher the material mass concentration,the better the removal effect.Moxibustion could also effectively remove Staphylococcus aureus biofilm,and the closer the moxibustion was,the better the removal effect.(2)Compared with the control group,the wound area of the mupirocin group,moxibustion 2 group,moxibustion 2+G1C1 group and 80,100 μg/mL G1C1 groups was significantly reduced on day 7 of treatment,and the quality of wound repair was better.Mupirocin,G1C1,moxibustion and moxibustion 2+G1C1 could effectively remove the residual bacteria on the wound surface,and the higher the mass concentration of G1C1,the lower the residual bacteria.Among them,the wound repair efficiency and bacterial residue of 80 μg/mL G1C1 group and moxibustion 2 group were very similar,and the wound repair efficiency of both was better than that of mupirocin group.In addition,it was also observed that the combination of materials and moxibustion had a better ability to clear wound bacteria than that used alone.(3)The results confirm that moxibustion,reduced graphene oxide/cerium dioxide nanocomposites and their combination have good anti-infection and wound healing effects.

Objective To construct a risk prediction model for liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C based on seven different machine learning algorithms and select the optimal model. Methods A total of 236 patients with chronic hepatitis C were selected as the research subjects. Patients were divided into a case group and a control group according to whether liver cancer occurs. Prediction models were constructed based on seven machine learning algorithms including classification and regression tree, random forest, gradient boosting decision tree, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), logistic regression, K-near neighbor, and support vector machine. The Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) algorithm was used to interpret the best prediction model. Results Among the seven models, the XGBoost model had the best comprehensive prediction performance (accuracy of 0.933, sensitivity of 0.775, specificity of 0.960, area under the ROC curve of 0.956, F1 score of 0.764). The SHAP algorithm suggested that AFP, age, AST, diabetes, BMI, PLT, ALT, liver cysts, FIB-4, and gender contributed to the model decision and are the risk factors for liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Conclusion This study develops an interpretable machine learning model based on the XGBoost algorithm, which has a good reference value for individualized monitoring of liver cancer in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Objective:To understand the monkeypox knowledge awareness, risk perception and vaccination intention in men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities in northeast China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted by using electronic questionnaire in MSM selected by convenience sampling in five cities in northeast China (Shenyang, Panjin, Changchun, Harbin and Jiamusi) from June 28 to July 8, 2023 by local centers for disease control and prevention and MSM communities. The sample size was estimated to be 220. Information about their demographics, monkeypox-related knowledge awareness, perceived concern about epidemic risk perception, and monkeypox vaccination intention were collected. Logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors for MSM's monkeypox vaccination intention.Results:In 355 MSM, 63.9% (227/355) had monkeypox vaccination intentions, and 55.5% (197/355) had high awareness of monkeypox related knowledge with a mean knowledge awareness score of 3.7±1.5. MSM with education level of high-school and above (a OR=1.93, 95% CI:1.01-3.69), higher knowledge awareness score (a OR=1.19, 95% CI:1.02-1.40) and higher risk perception of monkeypox infection (a OR=1.82, 95% CI:1.15-2.88), were more willing to receive monkeypox vaccination. The main reasons for willingness to receive monkeypox vaccine were preventing monkeypox (86.3%, 196/227) and worrying about appearance being affected (62.1%, 141/227). The main reasons for unwillingness for the vaccination included concerns about vaccine safety (53.1%, 68/128), clinical progression of AIDS being affected (46.1%, 59/128) and efficacy of antiretroviral therapy being affected (44.5%, 57/128). Conclusions:The levels of knowledge awareness and vaccine intentions still need to be improved among MSM in five cities of northeast China. It is necessary to improve the awareness of monkeypox and intention of monkeypox vaccination, promote protected sex behavior and self-assessment of infection risk, reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase monkeypox vaccination intention in MSM in 5 cities in northeast China.

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of DNA image cytometry ploidy analysis (DNA-ICM) in the pathological diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 101 patients with pleural effusion from October to December 2021 in Shanxi Bethune Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) and DNA-ICM were performed on pleural effusion specimens. The sensitivity and specificity of the two methods were compared with the clinical diagnosis, imaging, biopsy, and follow-up results of the patients.Results:Among the pleural effusions of 101 patients, 39 were malignant pleural effusions and 62 were benign pleural effusions. The sensitivity of LBC and DNA-ICM in diagnosing malignant tumor cells in pleural effusions was 74.7% and 94.9%, respectively, and the specificity was 98.4% and 83.9%, respectively; the combination of the two had an increased diagnostic positivity rate compared with that of LBC alone [36.6% (37/101) vs. 28.7% (29/101)]. Seven cases with positive DNA-ICM but negative LBC result were followed up, and 1 case was diagnosed as small cell lung cancer. Conclusions:DNA-ICM can effectively improve the positive cytology detection rate of pleural effusion, and the combined detection of DNA-ICM and LBC can reduce the underdiagnosis rate of cytology, which is of great clinical value in the pathological diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths,and it is a serious threat to human health and has become a clinical problem that needs to be solved urgently.Extracellular vesicles(EV)are membrane vesicles containing multiple components and play an important role in the development and progression of HCC.This article summarizes the effect of EVs of different origins on HCC and analyzes the mechanism of action of EV on HCC,so as to provide new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Objective:To study the value of standardized patient simulation combined with objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in clinical undergraduate teaching.Methods:A total of 114 medical undergraduates who were interned in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected as the research objects. All the students were randomly divided into observation group ( n=57) and control group ( n=57). Other undergraduate students were recruited as standardized patients and trained; students in the observation group were given standardized patient simulation teaching, while patients in the control group were given traditional teaching methods; experienced teachers prepared test questions and developed unified scoring standards, and OSCE model was adopted to assess the two groups. The scores of theory, medical history, humanistic communication, rehabilitation thinking, practical skills and total scores of the two groups were recorded. The evaluation of standardized patient simulation by 57 undergraduates and the evaluation of OSCE model by 114 undergraduates in the observation group were recorded. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for t test. Results:After teaching, the scores of medical history, humanistic communication, rehabilitation thinking and practical skills in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in theoretical scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). Before teaching, there was no significant difference in the total scores between the two groups ( P>0.05); after teaching, the total scores of the two groups were both improved, with significant differences ( P<0.05); compared with the control group, the total score of the observation group was improved higher, with significant differences ( P<0.05). All the undergraduates in the observation group thought that the standardized patient simulation teaching improved themselves, and 89.47% of the undergraduates thought that the standardized patient simulation was worth promoting in the teaching of rehabilitation and therapy. Most of the undergraduates believed that OSCE model could reflect the students' comprehensive ability better than the traditional written examination, and could improve their communication ability and practical operation ability, cultivate their high-quality rehabilitation thinking, and change their tendency to lay stress on theoretical study. And 91.23% of the undergraduates thought that OSCE model was worth promoting in the courses of rehabilitation therapy. Conclusions:Standardized patient simulation combined with OSCE model is conducive to improving the comprehensive performance of undergraduates, improving their communication ability and practical operation ability, and cultivating their high-quality rehabilitation thinking, which can be promoted in clinical undergraduate teaching.