Objective:To investigate the role of TcpC, a virulence factor of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), in immune evasion, and analyze its related pathogenic mechanism. Methods:C57BL/6 mice were injected with 10 9 colony-forming unit of wild-type (CFT073 wt) or tcpc gene-knockout (CFT073 Δ tcpc) UPEC CFT073 strains from urethra into bladder to construct a mouse model of pyelonephritis. These mice were sacrificed 5 d after infection and their kidneys were taken to observe the gross pathological changes. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histopathological changes in kidney tissues and immunohistochemistry was performed to locate TcpC in kidney tissues. The bacterial loads in urine samples of UPEC infected-mice were counted by ten-fold dilution method, and the presence of tcpc gene in the genomic DNA of bacteria from CFT073-infected mouse kidney or urine samples was measured by PCR. The expression of TcpC at mRNA level was detected by qRT-PCR after infecting dendritic cells with CFT073 wt strains. The influences of UPEC infection on the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the secretion of proinflammatory factors by dendritic cells were analyzed by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. The viability of UPEC strains in dendritic cells were observed by laser confocal microscope. Results:Compared with the CFT073 Δ tcpc group, the mice in the CFT073 wt group had obvious abscess in the kidneys as well as massive neutrophil infiltration and abundant TcpC in kidney tissues. The bacterial loads in the urine of CFT073 wt-infected mice were significantly higher than those in the urine of CFT073 Δ tcpc mice. PCR results showed that tcpc gene was successfully amplified from mouse kidney and urine samples. Increased expression of TcpC at both mRNA and protein levels was detected in CFT073 wt-infected dendritic cells. CFT073 wt infection inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p50 and the production of proinflammatory factors in dendritic cells. TcpC promoted the survival of CFT073 wt in dendritic cells. Conclusions:TcpC expression increases significantly during CFT073 wt infection or in mice with CFT073 wt-induced pyelonephritis. It promotes the survival of CFT073 wt in dendritic cells by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TcpC is involved in the pathogenesis of UPEC and immune evasion.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiawei Simiao powder (JWSMP) combined with celecoxib for the treatment of acute gouty arthritis by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until December 2023. Continuous variables were analyzed using the mean difference (MD) for analysis, and dichotomous variables were used as risk ratios. Data with similar characteristics were pooled for meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. The Cochrane Handbook was used to assess the risk of bias and quality. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen RCTs involving 1007 patients were included in the study. The quality of the included studies was low (unclear randomization processes and insufficient blinding reporting). The group receiving JWSMP combined with celecoxib showed significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (SUA, MD = −66.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): −80.97 to −51.67, P < .001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, MD = −6.05, 95% CI: −8.29 to −3.82, P < .001), C-reactive protein (CRP, MD = −7.39, 95% CI: −11.15, −3.63, P < .001), and joint pain score (VAS score, MD = −2.14, 95% CI: −2.4 to −1.88, P < .001) compared to celecoxib alone. Additionally, the JWSMP combined group had a higher total effective rate (risk ratio = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.29, P < .001) and fewer adverse compared to celecoxib alone. Conclusions JWSMP combined with celecoxib is more effective than celecoxib alone in improving the total efficacy rate, alleviating joint pain, and improving SUA, ESR, and CRP levels. JWSMP also reduced the occurrence of adverse events caused by celecoxib. However, the quality of the included studies was low, highlighting the need for further high-quality research with larger sample sizes and robust methodologies, such as double-blind randomization, to confirm these findings.

Objective:To predict the possible targets and signaling pathways of Jiangtang Xiaoke Granules in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) using computer network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods:The active components and targets of Jiangtang Xiaoke Granules were collected by ETCM; the targets of DM were searched from the databases of DisGeNET and GeneCards, and the intersections of the two were taken to draw a Venny diagram; String database was used for gene transformation and network interaction analysis; the network diagram was constructed with Cytoscape3.6.0; the predicted results were supported by molecular docking technology; GO and KEGG analysis was performed through Metascape database.Results:A total of 128 active components of Jiangtang Xiaoke Granules were screened, with 607 corresponding targets, 1 240 DM related targets, and 53 core targets. Molecular docking showed that the active components had good binding energy with the core targets. GO analysis yielded 46 functional items and KEGG analysis yielded 15 pathways.Conclusion:Jiangtang Xiaoke Granules regulate glucose homeostasis by participating in a variety of biological processes through multiple components, and multiple targets, including affecting lipids and atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, AMPK signaling pathway, Apelin signaling pathway, and glucagon signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of a new classification system for atlas fractures based on pre- and post-treatment CT features, with a focus on diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 cases of cervical vertebra fractures treated at the Sixth Hospital of Ningbo City between January 2015 and December 2020. The study included 44 males and 31 females, with an average age of 53.3±13.0 years (range: 27-81 years). The fractures were classified according to the Landells classification, resulting in 12 cases of type I, 13 cases of type II, 33 cases of type III, 9 cases that were difficult to classify due to fracture lines located at anatomical junctions, and 8 cases that could not be classified using the Landells classification due to diverse injury mechanisms. To establish a new preliminary classification for cervical vertebra fractures, the researchers considered whether the fracture line in the CT images involved the facet joint surface of the atlas, the impact on bilateral half-rings, and the displacement distance of the fracture ends. Five spinal surgeons were randomly selected to classify the CT images of the 75 patients using the new classification method. After one month, the imaging data of the 75 cases of cervical vertebra fractures were randomized and reclassified to assess the reliability and repeatability of the classification.Results:The new cervical vertebra fracture classification method comprised three types based on whether the fracture line involved the facet joint surface of the atlas: type A (no involvement of the facet joint surface of the atlas), type B (involvement of one side of the facet joint surface with intact contralateral half-ring), and type C (involvement of one side of the facet joint surface with fractured contralateral half-ring). Additionally, based on the maximum displacement distance between the fracture ends (>4 mm), six subtypes were identified: subtype 1 (≤4 mm displacement) and subtype 2 (>4 mm displacement). Consequently, the subtypes were classified as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. According to the new classification method, the 75 patients included 17 cases of A1, 12 cases of A2, 7 cases of B1, 13 cases of B2, 12 cases of C1, and 14 cases of C2. The classification demonstrated excellent consistency, as assessed by the five doctors, with Kappa values of 0.85 and 0.91 for reliability and repeatability, respectively. At the final follow-up, all conservatively treated patients achieved bone healing, while four surgically treated patients experienced non-union of the fracture ends but exhibited good fusion between the atlas and axis. The remaining surgically treated patients achieved bony union without complications such as loosening or fracture of internal fixation.Conclusion:The new cervical vertebra fracture classification method, based on CT imaging features, comprehensively covers common clinical cases of cervical vertebra fractures and demonstrates excellent consistency. It provides valuable clinical guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical vertebra fractures.

Objective:To compare the therapeutic results between axis pedicle screwing assisted by intraoperative 3-D navigation and freehand axis pedicle screwing in the treatment of Hangman fracture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of the 64 patients with Hangman fracture who had received posterior axis pedicle screwing at Department of Spinal Surgery, The Sixth Hospital of Ningbo from May 2014 to December 2019. According to the placement methods of axis pedicle screws, they were divided into a navigation group ( n=34, subjected to axis pedicle screwing assisted by intraoperative 3-D navigation) and a freehand group ( n=30, subjected to freehand axis pedicle screwing). Pedicle screw placement time, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, fluoroscopy time, hospital stay, total hospitalization cost and complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. The accuracy of axis pedicle screw placement was evaluated according to the postoperative cervical CT and screw grading criteria proposed by Park et al. At admission, 3 months postoperation, and the last follow-up, neurological function of the patients was evaluated by modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, neck pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), and C2/3 vertebral body angulation and C2 forward displacement were measured. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by Moon grading at the last follow-up. Results:The navigation group and the freehand group were comparable due to insignificant differences between them in the preoperative general data ( P>0.05). The accuracy of screw placement in the navigation group (98.2%, 54/55) was significantly higher than that in the freehand group (85.2%, 46/54) ( P<0.05). The screw placement time, operation time, fluoroscopy time and total hospitalization cost in the navigation group were significantly more than those in the freehand group ( P<0.05). Vertebral artery injury occurred in 3 cases in the freehand group. Screw loosening, screw breakage or rod breakage occurred in none of the patients after operation. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay or follow-up time ( P>0.05). In both groups, the VAS score, mJOA score, C2/3 vertebral body angulation and C2 forward displacement were significantly improved at 3 months postoperation and the last follow-up compared with those at admission ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the contemporary comparisons ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, Moon grading in the navigation group was significantly better than that in the freehand group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of Hangman fracture, compared with freehand screw placement, axis pedicle screwing assisted by intraoperative 3-D navigation can improve accuracy and safety of screw placement and reduce postoperative complications, leading to better clinical efficacy.

Objective : To investigate the roles of transient receptor potentia1 vanilloid 1 ( TRPV 1) and oxytocin receptor ( OTR) in the mechanism of dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis. Methods : The ectopic endometrium ( EC) and the homologous eutopic endometrium (EU) were selected from 60 patients with adenomyosis surgery , and the control endometrium (CE) of patients without endometriosis was used as control. Streptavidin⁃Peroxidase immunosion of TRPV 1 and OTR was detected by Western blot. The degree of dysmenorrhea was scored by visual analogue scale/score (VAS) , and its correlation with the TRPV 1 and OTR was analyzed. Results : The expression of TRPV 1 and OTR in EC was higher than that in EU and CE (P < 0. 05) , but there was no statistically significant difference between EU and CE. In EC , the expression of TRPV 1 and OTR in the severe dysmenorrhea group was higher than that in the mild and moderate groups (P < 0. 05) , but there was no statistically significant difference between the mild dysmenorrhea group and the moderate group. The expression of TRPV 1 and OTR was positively correlated with the severity of dysmenorrhea ( rs = 0. 280 , P < 0. 05 ; rs = 0. 318 , P < 0. 05) ; the expression of TRPV 1 and OTR was positively correlated ( rs = 0. 287 , P < 0. 05) . Conclusion TRPV 1 and OTR may play a synergistic role in the pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis , which are important predictors of dysmenorrhea severity and potential therapeutic targets.

SAM pointed domain containing E26 transformation-specific transcription factor (SPDEF) plays dual roles in the initiation and development of human malignancies. However, the biological role of SPDEF in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. In this study, the expression level of SPDEF and its correlation with the clinical parameters of patients with HNSCC were determined using TCGA-HNSC, GSE65858, and our own clinical cohorts. CCK8, colony formation, cell cycle analysis, and a xenograft tumor growth model were used to determine the molecular functions of SPDEF in HNSCC. ChIP-qPCR, dual luciferase reporter assay, and rescue experiments were conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanism of SPDEF in HNSCC. Compared with normal epithelial tissues, SPDEF was significantly downregulated in HNSCC tissues. Patients with HNSCC with low SPDEF mRNA levels exhibited poor clinical outcomes. Restoring SPDEF inhibited HNSCC cell viability and colony formation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, while silencing SPDEF promoted cell proliferation in vitro. The xenograft tumor growth model showed that tumors with SPDEF overexpression had slower growth rates, smaller volumes, and lower weights. SPDEF could directly bind to the promoter region of NR4A1 and promoted its transcription, inducing the suppression of AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, silencing NR4A1 blocked the suppressive effect of SPDEF in HNSCC cells. Here, we demonstrate that SPDEF acts as a tumor suppressor by transcriptionally activating NR4A1 in HNSCC. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of SPDEF in tumorigenesis and a novel potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Carcinogenesis ; Cell Proliferation ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1 ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck ; Transcription Factors

Objective:To investigate the anatomical safety and feasibility ofposterior occipitocervical fixation with atlan-tooccipital-clivus screw.Methods:Data of 60 patients who treated in the spinal department of our hospital with upper cervical computed tomographic scans from February 2017 to November 2019 were retrospectively collected. Occipitocervical infection, injury, tumor and deformity were excluded. The Mimics software was used to reconstruct the occiput, atlas and measure the anatomical parameters, including the height and width of the anterior edge of the clivus, the height and width of the middle part of the clivus, the thinnest distance of the soft tissue in front of the clivus, the anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, the angle of inside tilting in coronary plane of the occipital condyle, the distance from the hypoglossal canal to the atlantooccipital articular surface, the anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the superior joint of atlas, the height of the lateral mass, and the height and transverse diameter of the inferior articular process of the superior atlas joint. The three-dimensional digital modeling was performed and the screw diameter of 3.5mm was simulated. 3-Matic software were used to measure the screw placement parameters, including the inside tilting angle in coronary plane of screw, and the angle of upper tilting in sagittal plane and length of screw. The atlanto-occipital junction was exposed at the rear of 8 cadavers. According to the above parameters, the titanium alloy screws with a diameter of 3.5 mm were transferred from the inferior articular process and posterior arch of the atlas to the clivus through the atlantooccipital. Finally, the screw path was cut along the nail path with a pendulum saw, and the track of the screw was observed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the screw.Results:The leading edge height and width of male clivus was 16.8±2.5 mm and 20.1±3.1 mm. The middle part of the clivus was 9.7±2.3 mm and 22.4±3.7 mm. The thinnest soft tissue in front of the clivus was 5.8±1.48 mm. The anteroposterior diameter of the occipital condyle was 19.1±1.9 mm, the transverse diameter was 12.6±2.0 mm, the inside tilting angle was 33.7°±4.5°, and the vertical distance from the lowest point of the neural tube to the articular surface of the occipital condyle was 9.6±1.1 mm. The height of the lateral mass of atlas was 12.9±2.4 mm, the anteroposterior diameter of the upper joint of atlas was 21.7±1.9 mm, and the transverse diameter was 11.7±1.4 mm. The width of the inferior facet was 14.9±1.4 mm and the height of the inferior facet was 5.7±0.85 mm. The distance from the screw entry point to the vertical line of the lateral mass migration midpoint was 2.5±0.6 mm; The distance from the screw entry point to the horizontal line of the midpoint was 2.3±0.7 mm.The inside titling angle of screw was 18.4°±1.6°, the upper tilting angle was 55.6°±3.1°, the length of the screw track was 53.0±2.8 mm, the adjustment range of upper tilting angle was 15.0±2.8 mm, the adjustment range of inside tilting angle was 10.4±2.4 mm. The anatomical parameters of females were slightly smaller than those of males, and the difference was statistically significant, but there was no significant difference between left and right parameters. The screws of 8 specimens could be inserted safely and effectively.Conclusion:Atlan-tooccipital-clivus screw can be implanted without damaging the nerve and vascular structure, and it can be used as a choice for occipitocervical fixation.

AIM: To study the mechanism of resveratrol inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in rabbits with spinal cord injury. METHODS: Fifty male Japanese big ear rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank control group (CON group), spinal cord injury model group (SCI group), low-dose resveratrol group (RSV(L) group), and resveratrol high-dose group (RSV(H) group), methylprednisolone group (MP group), 10 rabbits in each group. Spinal cord injury models were prepared in all four groups except the CON group. All groups received iv administration daily, and the same amount of normal saline was given to the CON group and the SCI group for 14 consecutive days. The Tarlov method was used to evaluate the neurobehavioral score in rabbits. The chromogenic substrate method was used to determine the MDA content and the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in spinal cord tissues. Western blot was used to determine the proteins expression of NLRP3, Caspase1 p20, IL-1β, Sirt1, NF-κB p65 in spinal cord neural tissues, HE staining to observe the pathological changes of spinal cord tissue. RESULTS: Resveratrol increased the behavioral score of spinal cord injury rabbits, promoted the repair of injured tissues, reduced the MDA content, increased the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in spinal cord tissues, down-regulated the expression of NF-κB p65, up-regulated the expression of Sirt1 in spinal cord tissues, and inhibited expression of NLRP3 in inflammasome (reduction in expression of NLRP3, Caspase1 p20, and IL-1β in spinal cord tissues). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol can promote the recovery of spinal cord injury rabbits, and its mechanism may play a role by activating Sirt1, regulating NF-κB pathway and antioxidant level in vivo, and further inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Objective:To investigate whether coxsackievirus A 16 (CVA16) infection would affect the expression of N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methylation-related proteins in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE), ICR suckling mice and SCRBA2 humanized mice and influence their subcellular localization. Methods:CVA16 was used to infect 16HBE cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1 and mice at 10 7 CCID 50/ml. Changes in the expression of methyltransferases, demethylases and methylated reading proteins were analyzed by Western blot. Cellular localization of these proteins was observed using immunofluorescence. Results:The expression of m 6A methylation-related proteins was gradually reduced in CVA16-infected cells with time, but showed no obvious change in ICR suckling mice or SCRBA2 humanized mice. After infection, m 6A methylation-related proteins were redistributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm and even degraded. Conclusions:CVA16 replication in host cells altered the expression and cellular localization of m 6A methylation-related proteins, which indicated that m 6A modification might be a new potential target for enterovirus therapy.