Renal fibrosis （RF）， characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis， is a central pathological process in chronic kidney disease （CKD）. The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome is closely linked to the occurrence and progression of RF. This review systematically elucidates the mechanisms of the NLRP3 inflammasome in RF， and summarizes the current research on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by single Chinese herbs， active components of traditional Chinese medicine， Chinese herbal compounds， and Chinese patent medicines for the prevention and treatment of RF. The existing studies have demonstrated that single Chinese herbs （Campanumoea lancifolia， Dioscorea zingiberensis）， active components of traditional Chinese medicine （morroniside， liquiritigenin， rosmarinic acid， magnoflorine， fucoidan， etc.）， Chinese herbal compounds （Bushen huoxue formula， Tongluo yishen decoction， Shizhi formula， Bixie fenqing drink）， and Chinese patent medicine （Suyin jiedu granule） can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome to counteract inflammatory damage. This affects multiple pathways（NLRP3/caspase-1/ gasdermin D， NLRP3/interleukin-1β/Smad， etc.） and related upstream and downstream targets of its activation， effectively reducing pyroptosis， mitigating oxidative stress， promoting mitochondrial autophagy， inhibiting fibroblast activation， and reducing excessive extracellular matrix deposition， thereby exerting anti-RF effects.

Background Acute cadmium (Cd) exposure can cause damage to multiple tissues, with the kidney being the primary target organ. The development of Cd-induced acute kidney injury involves complex mechanisms, in which autophagy and oxidative stress play crucial roles. Objective To investigate the effect of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) on kidney injury in mice exposed to cadmium, and provide experimental basis for studying the pathogenesis and prevention of Cd poisoning. Methods Thirty-five male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 7 groups (each of 5 mice): control group (normal saline, intraperitoneal injection), CdCl₂ group (4 mg·kg⁻¹, intraperitoneal injection), intervention groups ( 4 mg·kg⁻¹ CdCl₂, intraperitoneal Injection + 50, 100, 150, or 200 mg·kg⁻¹ 10-HDA, oral gavage), and 10-HDA group (150 mg·kg⁻¹, oral gavage). All treatments were given for 14 d. Twenty-four hours after the last infection, physiological indicators [blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], histopathological indicators, autophagy-related proteins (Atg7, Atg5, Beclin-1, and LC3), and mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins (PINK1 and Parkin) were detected to examine the effect of 10-HDA on kidney injury caused by CdCl₂. Results Compared with the control group, the body weight of mice in the CdCl₂ group was significantly reduced (P<0.01); compared with the CdCl₂ group, the body weight of mice after intervention with different concentrations of 10-HDA was significantly increased (P<0.01). CdCl₂ significantly increased BUN and CRE in the serum samples compared with the control group (P<0.01), which was significantly reduced to varying degrees after 100, 150, and 200 mg·kg⁻¹ 10-HDA intervention (P<0.01). MDA significantly increased and SOD significantly decreased in the renal cortex following CdCl₂ administration compared with the control group (P<0.01), which was resolved following 10-HDA administration at different concentrations (P<0.01). In histopathological studies, 10-HDA restored injured kidney tissues induced by CdCl₂. The expression levels of autophagy proteins Atg7 and LC3-II/I were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expression level of Beclin-1 was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the CdCl₂ group compared with the control group. The expression levels of Atg7 were reduced to varying degrees after treatment with designed concentrations of 10-HDA, the expression levels of LC3-II/I were also reduced in the 50, 150, and 200 mg·kg⁻¹ 10-HDA intervention groups, and the expression levels of Beclin-1 were increased in the 50, 100, and 150 mg·kg⁻¹ 10-HDA intervention groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin in the CdCl₂ group and the 50 mg·kg⁻¹ 10-HDA intervention group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the CdCl₂ group, the expression levels of PINK1 increased to varying degrees after 100, 150, and 200 mg·kg⁻¹ 10-HDA intervention, and the expression levels of Parkin increased in all 10-HDA intervention groups (P<0.01). Conclusion The intervention using 10-HDA can lessen acute kidney injury caused by CdCl₂, reduce the expression of autophagy-related proteins, and increase the expression of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins.

BACKGROUND:Kinesio taping has been widely used as a means of sports protection,but its role as a means to correct abnormal biomechanical changes of the lower limbs during side-step cutting remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To analyze and compare the changes in lower limb kinematics and dynamics when the subjects complete the side-step cutting of the knee joint under the conditions of kinesio taping,placebo taping and blank control. METHODS:Thirty-nine male college students majoring in basketball were recruited as subjects.Each subject was tested with kinesio taping,placebo taping or no taping.The mechanical correction method was used to patch the dominant knee joint of each subject.The run-up speed of 4.5-5.5 m/s was selected to complete the 45° side-step cutting motion,and the kinematics and kinetics data were collected synchronously by the three-dimensional dynamic capture system and the force measuring platform.The kinematics and kinetics parameters at the moment of initial touchdown and peak ground reaction force were selected for data analysis.SPSS 27.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the test data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Kinematic indexes:compared with no taping and placebo taping,the hip abduction and knee valgus angles at the initial touchdown moment were significantly decreased when kinesio taping was used(P<0.05);at the moment of peak lateral ground reaction force,the angles of hip abduction,knee valgus and ankle plantar flexion decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the knee flexion angle was significantly increased(P<0.05).Kinetic indexes:Compared with no taping,both kinesio taping and placebo taping significantly reduced hip abduction and external rotation torque,knee valgus and external rotation torque at the moment of initial touchdown(P<0.05),and significantly reduced peak vertical ground reaction force and peak horizontal backward ground reaction force(P<0.05);in addition,kinesio taping significantly reduced peak lateral ground reaction force compared with no taping and placebo taping(P<0.05).These results indicate that kinesio taping of the knee joint may improve some kinematic and kinetic indexes associated with lower limb injury risk factors during the completion of the side-step cutting in basketball specialized college students to some extent,and may have a positive effect on the prevention of injury during the side-step cutting.In addition,the trends in the effects of placebo taping and kinesio taping on the knee joint are more consistent in terms of changes in some indexes,suggesting that there may be a placebo effect on the mechanism of action of kinesio taping.

Objectives:To investigate the impact of baseline non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)levels on new-onset cardiovascular disease(CVD)in postmenopausal women. Methods:This prospective cohort study selected 8 893 postmenopausal women who participated from 2006 to 2018 employee health examination of Kailuan Group and had complete total cholesterol(TC)and HDL-C data and no history of CVD.Participants were followed up to 31 December,2021.The primary endpoint was the occurrence of CVD or death.According to the Chinese Lipid Management Guidelines(2023),the participants were divided into non-HDL-C<4.1 mmol/L group(n=6 079),4.1 mmol/L≤non-HDL-C<4.9 mmol/L group(n=1 824)and non-HDL-C≥4.9 mmol/L group(n=990).The cumulative incidence of CVD in different groups of non-HDL-C levels was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested by log-rank analysis.Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the effects of different non-HDL-C levels on CVD. Results:The mean follow-up time was(10.78±4.48)years,the cumulative incidence of CVD in different non-HDL-C level groups was 1.82%,3.24%and 2.89%,respectively.Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a statistically significant difference in cumulative incidence among the three groups(log-rank P<0.0001).The results of Cox regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as age and sex,the HR(95%CI)values for CVD in the 4.1≤non-HDL-C<4.9 mmol/L group and the non-HDL-C≥4.9 mmol/L group were 1.40(1.13-1.74)and 1.35(1.03-1.78),respectively. Conclusions:High non-HDL-C levels are an independent risk factor for new-onset CVD in postmenopausal women.

Objective To evaluate the effect of esketamine combined with distal limb ischemic preconditioning(LIP)for lung protection in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer.Methods This randomized trial was conducted in 160 patients undergoing elective thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer,who were randomized into control group(with saline injection and sham LIP),esketamine group,LIP group,and esketamine+LIP group(n=40).Before anesthesia induction,according to the grouping,the patients received an intravenous injection with 0.5 mg/kg esketamine or 10 ml saline(in control group).LIP was induced by applying a tourniquet 1-2 cm above the popliteal fossa in the left lower limb to block the blood flow for 5 min for 3 times at the interval of 5 min,and sham LIP was performed by applying the tourniquet without pressurization for 30 min.Oxygenation index(OI)and alveolar-arterial PO2 difference(A-aDO2)were calculated before induction(T0),at 30 min(T0.5)and 1 h(T1)of one-lung ventilation(OLV),and at 1 h after two-lung ventilation(T3).Serum levels of SP-D,CC-16 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA at T0,T1,T2(2 h of OLV),T3,and 24 h after the operation(T4).The length of hospital stay and postoperative pulmonary complications of the patients were recorded.Results Compared with those in the control group,the patients in the other 3 groups had significantly lower CC-16,SP-D and TNF-α levels,shorter hospital stay,and lower incidences of lung infection and lung atelectasis(all P<0.05).Serum CC-16,SP-D and TNF-α levels,hospital stay,incidences of complications were significantly lower or shorter in the combined treatment group than in esketamine group and LIP group(all P<0.05).Conclusion In elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer,treatment with esketamine combined with LIP can alleviate acute lung injury by enhancing anti-inflammatory response to shorten postoperative hospital stay,reduce lung complications and promote the patients'recovery.

Objective To evaluate the effect of esketamine combined with distal limb ischemic preconditioning(LIP)for lung protection in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer.Methods This randomized trial was conducted in 160 patients undergoing elective thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer,who were randomized into control group(with saline injection and sham LIP),esketamine group,LIP group,and esketamine+LIP group(n=40).Before anesthesia induction,according to the grouping,the patients received an intravenous injection with 0.5 mg/kg esketamine or 10 ml saline(in control group).LIP was induced by applying a tourniquet 1-2 cm above the popliteal fossa in the left lower limb to block the blood flow for 5 min for 3 times at the interval of 5 min,and sham LIP was performed by applying the tourniquet without pressurization for 30 min.Oxygenation index(OI)and alveolar-arterial PO2 difference(A-aDO2)were calculated before induction(T0),at 30 min(T0.5)and 1 h(T1)of one-lung ventilation(OLV),and at 1 h after two-lung ventilation(T3).Serum levels of SP-D,CC-16 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA at T0,T1,T2(2 h of OLV),T3,and 24 h after the operation(T4).The length of hospital stay and postoperative pulmonary complications of the patients were recorded.Results Compared with those in the control group,the patients in the other 3 groups had significantly lower CC-16,SP-D and TNF-α levels,shorter hospital stay,and lower incidences of lung infection and lung atelectasis(all P<0.05).Serum CC-16,SP-D and TNF-α levels,hospital stay,incidences of complications were significantly lower or shorter in the combined treatment group than in esketamine group and LIP group(all P<0.05).Conclusion In elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical surgery for lung cancer,treatment with esketamine combined with LIP can alleviate acute lung injury by enhancing anti-inflammatory response to shorten postoperative hospital stay,reduce lung complications and promote the patients'recovery.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of comprehensive treatment for atypical teratoid / rhabdomyoma tumor (AT/RT).Methods:Clinical data of children diagnosed with AT/RT who underwent radiotherapy in Department of Oncology of Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from November 2012 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Pearson Chi-square test or continuous-corrected Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method were used for inter-group comparison of categorical variables. Independent sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used for inter-group comparison of continuous variables. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 1-year and 2-year overall survival (OS) rate and progression free survival (PFS) rate. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to determine relevant prognostic factors. Results:A total of 45 patients were included, with a male/female ratio of 1.65:1, including 27 children aged ≥3 years old. All patients received surgery and radiotherapy in which 39 patients received chemotherapy, 41 craniospinal irradiation (CSI), and 4 whole brain or focal radiation therapy. The median follow-up was 28 (13.5, 49) months. A total of 14 patients died after comprehensive treatment. The 1-year OS rate was 80.0% and the PFS rate was 71.1%. The 2-year OS rate was 75.5% and the PFS rate was 65.7%. Survival prognostic analysis showed negative imaging assessment after radiotherapy ( HR=0.087, 95% CI: 0.011-0.697, P=0.022) was a favorable factor for PFS. The primary tumor<4.8 cm ( HR=0.221, 95% CI: 0.052-0.935, P=0.040) and CSI ( HR=0.085, 95% CI: 0.011-0.651, P=0.018) were favorable factors for OS. In subgroup analysis, CSI also improved OS in children aged ≥3 years ( HR=0.014, 95% CI: 0-0.470, P=0.017), but there was no significant difference in PFS. In children without cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, negative radiographic results after radiotherapy ( HR=0.066, 95% CI: 0.009-0.481, P=0.007; HR=0.076, 95% CI: 0.008-0.695, P=0.024, respectively) and CSI (HR=0.105, 95% CI: 0.012-0.937, P=0.044; HR=0.054, 95% CI: 0.005-0.629, P=0.020, respectively) were favorable factors for PFS and OS in children, and the primary tumor<4.8 cm also suggested a longer OS ( HR=0.094, 95% CI: 0.013-0.690, P=0.020). Conclusions:Comprehensive treatment including radiotherapy improves clinical prognosis of children with AT/RT. Our study shows that negative imaging results after radiotherapy are associated with PFS improvement. The primary tumor<4.8 cm and CSI are favorable factors for OS. CSI is also a significantly positive prognostic factor in children aged ≥3 years and those without cerebrospinal fluid dissemination.

Objective:To investigate the clinic opathological features, treatment and prognosis of children newly diagnosed with ependymoma.Methods:Clinical data of 127 pediatric ependymoma (EPN) patients (0-16 years old) treated with tumor resection and postoperative radiotherapy at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 53 children were female and 74 were male. Local control (LR), event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. The relationship between clinic opathological factors and clinical prognosis, and the effect of treatment on clinical prognosis of patients were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model.Results:At a median follow-up time of 29 months (3-251 months), the 3-year OS and EFS rates were 89.5% and 71.5%, respectively. For patients undergoing incomplete resection followed by postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, the 3-year LR, OS and EFS rates were 78.3%, 65.8% and 85.7%, respectively. A total of 43 children were aged <3 years old when diagnosed and 84 aged ≥3 years old. The interval time between surgery and radiotherapy in children aged <3 years old was 91 d, and 35.5 d in those aged ≥3 years old ( P<0.001). For patients <3 years old, the median EFS was 90 months when initiating radiotherapy within ≤70 d after surgery, compared to 43 months for those who initiated radiotherapy at >70 d after surgery ( P=0.053). According to fifth edition of the WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system (WHO CNS5), 39 children were classified as posterior fossa ependymoma group A (PFA group). The OS and EFS rates in the PFA group were significantly less than those in other groups (3-year OS rate were 69.2% vs. 94.6%, P<0.001; 3-year EFS rate were 46.9% vs. 79.1%, P<0.001). In the PFA group, 12 patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, 14 did not receive chemotherapy, and whether chemotherapy was given was unknown in 13 cases. No significant differences were observed in OS and EFS between patients treated with and without chemotherapy ( P=0.260, P=0.730). Univariate Cox analysis showed that tumor location and WHO CNS5 molecular classification were significantly associated with EFS, and WHO CNS5 molecular classification was significantly correlated with OS. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that tumor location in the posterior fossa was an independent risk factor for EFS ( HR=2.72, 95% CI=1.1~6.71, P=0.03). Conclusions:Patients newly diagnosed with pediatric ependymoma can obtain favorable survival after surgery combined with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Patients with residual tumors can achieve favorable LC and survival after postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Delaying of radiotherapy tends to lead to poor survival for patients aged <3 years old when diagnosed. Children in the PFA group obtain worse prognosis compared to their counterparts in other groups. The tumor location in the posterior fossa is an independent risk factor for pediatric ependymoma.

OBJECTIVE To prepare a new antibacterial agent triggered by near infrared light to combat bacterial infection and promote wound healing. METHODS The synthesis of antibacterial agengt was supported by the results from transmission electron microscopy, Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial agent was irradiated under near infrared(NIR) laser with different concentrations to study the photothermal properties. Release of ciprofloxacin from the antibacterial agent was determined under different conditions. Observed antibacterial activity of the agent by spread plate method and bacterial growth curve. The infected wound was made on the back skin of mice, and the mice were treated with different methods to observe the healing process of the wound and study its influence on the wound healing. RESULTS The synthesized antimicrobial agent could be heated repeatedly without attenuation under near-infrared light, and could still reach a high temperature of 45 ℃ at a low concentration of 125 µg·mL-1. At the same time, it could promote the release of loaded antibiotics, and the release rate reached 86%. Compared with 200 µg·mL-1 solution obtained by physical mixing of polydopamine and ciprofloxacin, the synthesized antimicrobial agent combined with near-infrared light showed more excellent antibacterial ability, and the bacteriostatic rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 99.9%. Antimicrobial agents with concentrations of only 0.312 5 µg·mL-1 and 1.25 µg·mL-1 combined with near infrared light significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through the mouse skin defect model infected by Staphylococcus aureus, it was proved that the synthetic antibacterial agent still had excellent antibacterial effect in practical application, and could accelerate the healing of infected wound. CONCLUSION The synthesized antimicrobial agents have excellent antibacterial effect in vitro, and still have good antibacterial effect and promote wound healing under the conservative power irradiation without causing skin damage in vivo.

Objectives:To explore the association between different blood pressure levels at baseline and early-onset heart disease among young adults under 40 years in China. Methods:This prospective cohort study included 35 993 subjects who participated in the physical examination of the employees of Kailuan Group for the first time from 2006 to 2012 and were younger than 40 years,with complete blood pressure data and had no history of heart disease.Participants were followed up to the end of 2021.The primary endpoint was early-onset heart disease(including coronary heart disease,atrial fibrillation,and heart failure).According to 2018 Chinese guidelines for the management of hypertension,the participants were divided into four groups:normal blood pressure group(n=13 208),elevated blood pressure group(n=16 576),stage 1 hypertension group(n=4 357),and stage 2-3 hypertension group(n=1 852).The cumulative incidence of heart disease among participants with different blood pressure levels at baseline was compared using log-rank test.Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the impact of different blood pressure levels at baseline on early-onset heart disease in this cohort. Results:After a mean follow-up of(12.5±2.6)years,the cumulative incidence of early-onset heart disease in normal blood pressure group,elevated blood pressure group,stage 1 hypertension group,stage 2-3 hypertension group were 0.47%,0.97%,3.56%and 4.42%respectively(log-rank P<0.01).After adjusting for confounding factors such as age and sex,Cox regression analysis showed that the HR(95%CI)of heart disease in the elevated blood pressure group,hypertension grade 1 group and hypertension grade 2-3 group were 1.59(1.12-2.24),2.08(1.41-3.08)and 3.20(2.11-4.85)(all P<0.01),respectively,compared with the normal blood pressure group. Conclusions:Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for early-onset heart disease among young Chinese population.