ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease （AD） based on network pharmacology， molecular docking， and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP） and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine（ETCM） databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man（OMIM）， TTD， PharmGKB， and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection （common targets） of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken， and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction（PPI） network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets， and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology（GO） functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes（KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2， and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine （SCOP） was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control （CON） group （0.9% NaCl， n=8）， model （SCOP） group （3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， n=8）， positive control group （3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of Donepezil， n=8）， and Kaixinsan group （3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg^-1·d^-1 of Kaixinsan， n=8）. Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl， Kaixinsan， or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to determine the serum acetylcholine （ACh） and acetylcholinesterase （AChE） contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3） and nuclear transcription factor（NF）-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained， and 578 potential targets （common targets） of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol， gijugliflozin， etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3， NF-κB p65， et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions， 254 cellular building blocks， and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways， mainly involving cancer-related pathways， TRP pathway， cyclic adenosine monophosphate（cAMP） pathway， and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65， STAT3， and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Traditional surgery for lumbar disc herniation involves extensive excision of tissue surrounding the nerve for decompression and removal of protruding lumbar intervertebral discs,which poses various risks and complications such as nerve damage causing paralysis,lumbar instability,herniation recurrence,intervertebral space infection,and adjacent vertebral diseases. OBJECTIVE:To propose the symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous technique for lumbar spine symmetrically decompression,showing the induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous phenomenon and early clinical efficacy,and then analyze its decompression mechanism. METHODS:214 patients with lumbar disc herniation at Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled in this study.Among them,81 patients received conservative treatment as the control group,and 133 patients received symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous treatment as the trial group.Before surgery,immediately after surgery(7-14 days),and early after surgery(over 1 year),MRI images were used to measure the volume changes of lumbar disc herniation.CT images were used to measure the posterior displacement distance of the lumbar spinous process ligament complex,as well as the width and height of the lateral recess.Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were used to evaluate the patient's neurological function recovery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Control group:81 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated conservatively,with a total of 171 herniated lumbar discs.The average follow-up time was(22.7±23.1)months.The first and second MRI measurements of 171 herniated lumbar discs showed herniated lumbar disc volumes of(551.6±257.9)mm3 and(792.2±330.4)mm3,respectively,with an average volume increase rate of(53.2±44.4)%,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.001).Out of 171 herniated lumbar discs,4 experienced natural shrinkage,with an absorption ratio of 2.3%(4/171)and an absorption rate of(24.5±9.9)%.(2)Trial group:133 patients with lumbar disc herniation had a total of 285 herniated lumbar discs.(1)Immediately after surgery:All patients were followed up immediately after surgery.229 out of 285 herniated lumbar discs experienced retraction,with an absorption ratio of 80.3%(229/285)and an average absorption rate of(21.5±20.9)%,with significant and complete absorption accounting for 6.5%.There were a total of 70 herniated lumbar discs in the upper lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 85.7%(60/70),an average absorption rate of(23.1±19.5)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 86.6%.There were 215 herniated lumbar discs in the lower lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 78.6%(169/215),an average absorption rate of(21.0±21.3)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 83.2%.Significant and complete absorption of the upper and lower lumbar vertebrae accounted for 5.7%and 6.5%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The average distance of posterior displacement of the spinous process ligament complex immediately after surgery was(5.2±2.8)mm.There were no significant differences in the width and height of the left and right lateral recess before and immediately after surgery(P>0.05).The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score immediately after surgery increased from(10.1±3.4)before surgery to(17.0±4.8),and the immediate effective rate after surgery reached 95.6%.(2)Early postoperative period:Among them,46 patients completed the early postoperative follow-up.There were 101 herniated lumbar discs,with an absorption ratio of 94%(95/101)and an average absorption rate of(36.9±23.7)%.Significant and complete absorption accounted for 30.6%,with a maximum absorption rate of 100%.Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 remained unchanged in volume,with a volume invariance rate of 2.97%(3/101).Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 had an increased volume of herniated lumbar discs,with an increase ratio of 2.97%(3/101)and an increase rate of(18.5±18.4)%.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from preoperative(9.3±5.1)to(23.5±4.0),with an excellent and good rate of 93.4%.(3)The early postoperative lumbar disc herniation absorption ratios of the control group and trial group were 2.3%and 85.9%,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001).(4)Complications:There were two cases of incision exudation and delayed healing in the trial group.After conservative treatment such as dressing change,no nerve injury or death occurred in the incision healing,and no cases underwent a second surgery.(5)It is concluded that symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous is a new method for treating lumbar disc herniation that can avoid extensive excision of the"ring"nerve and achieve satisfactory early clinical efficacy.It does not damage the lumbar facet joints or alter the basic anatomical structure of the lateral recess,fully preserves the herniated lumbar discs,and can induce significant or even complete induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous.Symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous provides a new basis and method for the clinical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）. MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation （30 patients） and control groups （30 patients）. All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally，the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules，while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each，taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed，and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and 6 min walk test （6MWT）. The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test ［actual value/expected value of total lung volume （TLC%），actual value/expected value of vital capacity（FVC%），actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide（DLCO%），actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV₁%），and FEV₁/ forced vital capacity （FVC）］，blood gas analysis ［arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen （PaO₂），partial pressure of carbon dioxide （PaCO₂），and arterial oxygen saturation （SaO₂）］，serum inflammatory factors ［transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁），interleukin-4 （IL-4），interleukin-13 （IL-13），interleukin-12 （IL-12），and gamma-interferon （IFN-γ）］，and quality of survival evaluation ［St George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score］. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study，comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period，the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% （9/27），whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% （14/26），which was statistically superior to the control group （χ²=4.034，P<0.05）. After the treatment，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，DLCO%，FEV₁%，PaO₂，PaCO₂，TGF-β₁，IL-4，IL-13，IL-12，and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period，the TCM syndrome scores，6MWT，PaO₂，and PaCO₂ were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication （P<0.01）. Three months after the end of medication，the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group （P<0.05），and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF，enhance exercise tolerance，improve the quality of life，and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.

ObjectiveTo observe the mechanism of Jiawei Guizhi Fuling decoction （JGFD） in alleviating sciatic nerve injury in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy （PDPN） rats by regulating mitophagy through the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1）/Parkin signaling pathway. MethodThe PDPN model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ）. After modeling， the rats were randomly divided into JGFD high， medium， and low dose groups （JGFD-H， JGFD-M， JGFD-L； 39.6， 19.8， 9.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively）， a positive drug group （lipoic acid capsules， LA； 50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， and a model group （PDPN）. A blank control group （CON） was established. Drug intervention was administered continuously for 8 weeks after modeling. Measurements included body weight and fasting blood glucose of PDPN rats at weeks 0， 2， 4， and 8， mechanical pain threshold and thermal pain threshold at weeks 0 and 8， and motor nerve conduction velocity at week 8. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the morphology of sciatic nerve tissue. The ultrastructure of mitochondria and autophagosomes was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of PINK1， Parkin， p62， Beclin-1， and LC3 in sciatic nerve tissue. Additionally， real-time quantitative PCR （Real-time PCR） was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of PINK1， Parkin， p62， Beclin-1， and LC3 in sciatic nerve tissue. ResultCompared with the CON group， the PDPN group showed a significant decrease in body weight at all time points， a significant increase in fasting blood glucose， significantly shortened mechanical pain and thermal pain thresholds， and significantly reduced motor nerve conduction velocity. The protein and mRNA expression of PINK1， Parkin， Beclin-1， and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3（LC3） in sciatic nerve tissue was significantly reduced， while p62 protein and mRNA expression was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Pathological changes included edema of sciatic nerve fibers， segmental demyelination， loose and disordered arrangement of the myelin sheath layers， significant swelling of mitochondria， reduced electron density， disappearance of cristae， and absence of typical autophagosome and autolysosome structures. Compared with the PDPN group， each JGFD dose group showed a significant increase in body weight and a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold and thermal pain threshold were significantly prolonged， and motor nerve conduction velocity was significantly increased across all JGFD and LA groups. The expression levels of PINK1， Parkin， Beclin-1， and LC3 proteins and mRNA in sciatic nerve tissue were significantly increased， while p62 protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Pathological damage to the sciatic nerve was alleviated to varying degrees， with a relatively intact myelin sheath morphology and intact or slightly edematous outer mitochondrial membrane. Autophagolysosome structures were observed in the JGFD-M and JGFD-H groups. Compared with the LA group， the JGFD-H group showed a significant increase in body weight， a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose， a significant increase in motor nerve conduction velocity， a significant increase in PINK1 protein expression and PINK1， Parkin， and Beclin-1 mRNA expression in sciatic nerve tissue， and a significant decrease in p62 mRNA expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionJGFD may alleviate sciatic nerve injury in PDPN rats by activating mitophagy through the regulation of the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway.

Objective To compare the safety and clinical efficacy of lesion removal combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with classical posterior lesion removal in the treatment of lumbar brucelli spondylitis(LBS)by unilateral biportal endoscopic technique with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(UBE-LIF)technique.Methods The clinical data of 32 patients with LBS admitted by the Department of Spine and Orthopedics of Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,and the clinical data of the 32 LBS patients were divided into 15 cases in the UBE-LIF group and 17 cases in the posterior group.The general data,surgery-related indexes,and postoperative pathological HE staining of the two groups were recorded and analyzed.The patients'clinical recovery was assessed according to their erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)and C-reactive protein(CRP),low back pain visual analogue score(VAS),Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,and Oswestry Dysfunction Index(ODI)preoperative,1 week after surgery,1,3,6 months and 1 year after surgery.Lumbar lordosis angle(LL)and intervertebral space height(DH)were measured by imaging before surgery and at the last follow-up,and intervertebral bone graft fusion was assessed using Suk grading criteria.Results Both groups successfully completed the operation and no serious postoperative complications occurred.There were no significant differences in gender,age,surgical segment,operation time,preoperative ESR and CRP,preoperative VAS,JOA score and ODI index,preoperative LL and DH(P＞0.05).The intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage,postoperative getting out of bed,and postoperative hospital stay in UBE-LIF group were significantly lower than those in the posterior group(P＜0.001).Pathological examination of diseased tissues was performed during surgery,all of which was consistent with brucellosis changes.Patients in both groups were followed up for 12-18 months,with an average of 14.8 months.The VAS,JOA score,and ODI index at all postoperative time points in the two groups were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period(P＜0.05).The difference between the two groups was significantly greater than that in the postoperative group:VAS score was lower in UBE-LIF group than in the posterior group(P＜0.01),CRP in both groups was higher than that in the preoperative group,and the elevation level was significantly lower in UBE-LIF group than in the posterior group(P＜0.001).There was no significant difference in ESR between the two groups compared with that before surgery(P＞0.05).There were no significant differences in VAS,JOA score,ODI index,CRP or ESR between the remaining time points after surgery(P＞0.05).At the last follow-up,imaging examination showed that the overall fusion rate of intervertebral bone graft in UBE-LIF group was 93.3％and 94.1％in the posterior group,without significant difference(x2=0.246,P=0.884).LL and DH were significantly improved in both groups compared with preoperative ones(P＜0.01),and the two groups did not significantly differ before and after surgery(P＞0.05).Conclusion Both surgical treatments for LBS are safe effect.Compared with posterior lesion removal bone graft fusion internal fixation,UBE-LIF technology combined with percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation has the advantages of clear intraoperative vision,less blood loss,faster early postoperative recovery,and shorter postoperative hospital stay,and thus is a feasible surgical method for the minimally invasive treatment of LBS.

Objective To discuss the feasibility,safety and surgical effect of the modified Prolene thread double-headed needle"U-shaped"suture combined with extra-and intracavity combination knotting method in thoracoscopic diaphragm plication in the treatment of diaphragmatic eventration in infants.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 70 infants who underwent thoracoscopic diaphragm plication in the treatment of diaphragmatic eventration in our hospital from May 2010 to May 2022.According to the different methods of suturing and knotting,the patients were divided into the improved group(modified Prolene thread double-headed needle"U-shaped"suture combined with extra-and intracavity combination knotting method,n =30)and the conventional group(intracavity suture knotting method,n = 40).The perioperative indicators,as well as whether there was knot loosening or recurrence of diaphragmatic eventration,were compared between the two groups.Results All the 70 operations were performed safely and successfully,without conversion to open surgery.The operation time in the improved group was significantly less than that in the conventional group[(35.3±7.4)min vs.(64.7±10.8)min,t =13.521,P =0.000].There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of intraoperative bleeding volume,indwelling time of thoracic drainage tube,postoperative hospital stay,preoperative,intraoperative,and postoperative pH values,PO2,and PCO2 in arterial blood gas,and postoperative slight diaphragm elevation(P>0.05).All the 70 cases were followed up for 6-24 months postoperatively,with a median follow-up time of 12 months,having no knot loosening or recurrence of diaphragmatic eventration.No death was reported.Conclusions The modified Prolene thread double-headed needle"U-shaped"suture combined with extra-and intracavity combination knotting method in thoracoscopic diaphragm plication in the treatment of diaphragmatic eventration in infants is safe,feasible,effective,and easy to operate.Doctors with a certain endoscopic surgery experience can master it quickly,which is suitable for promotion in qualified hospitals.

It is believed that the pathogenesis of oculomotor nerve palsy is insufficient marrow sea （髓海）， withered yang qi， poor contraction of eyelids and periocular meridians， and inability to open and close the eyes. The eye system is connected to the marrow sea， as well as the the foot taiyang （太阳） channel， foot yangming （阳明） channel， foot jueyin （厥阴） channel， yinqiao mai （阴跷脉） and yangqiao mai （阳跷脉）， and is nourished by the liver， spleen and kidney. Treatment should take into account both the branch and the root cause. It is suggested to treat the root by regulating the marrow sea， and treat the branch by unblocking the meridians and dredging the collaterals， thereby balancing the mild and the urgency of the yinqiao mai and yangqiao mai. Using the "Gen （根）-Liu（溜）-Zhu （注）-Ru （入）"acupoints to bypass the various meridians and taking the gallbladder meridian according to twelve major meridians that run on both sides of the body， both of which can provide ideas for improving symptoms such as ptosis and limited eye movement caused by oculomotor nerve palsy.

Objective:To investigate the role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1) in ferroptosis of mouse dendritic cells (DCs) under simulated sepsis, providing evidence for improving immunosuppression in sepsis caused by wound infection.Methods:This study was an experimental research. The mouse DC line DC2.4 in the logarithmic growth phase (with passages 3-10) was used for the experiments (with each sample size of 3). The sepsis model was established by treating DCs with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS, same concentration throughout) for 0 (untreated), 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of APE1 and anti-ferroptosis proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) in cells, flow cytometry was employed to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cells, and live-cell imaging technology was used to measure cell lipid peroxidation levels. DCs successfully transfected with lentivirus containing APE1 short hairpin RNA sequence were divided into APE1-knockdown+phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group and APE1-knockdown+LPS group. DCs successfully transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After stimulation with PBS or LPS and 24 h of culture, corresponding assays were conducted as above. DCs transfected with lentivirus containing APE1 overexpression RNA sequence were divided into APE1-overexpression+PBS group and APE1-overexpression+LPS group. DCs transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After stimulation with PBS or LPS and 24 h of culture, corresponding assays were conducted as above. A total of 88 male C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into corn oil+sham injury group, corn oil+cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, inhibitor+sham injury group, and inhibitor+CLP group ( n=22) according to the random number table. Mice in the two inhibitor groups were gavaged with APE1 inhibitor E3330 (1 mg/mL in concentration) at 40 mg/kg per day, while mice in the two corn oil groups were gavaged with an equal amount of corn oil daily. Two weeks later, mice in the two CLP groups underwent CLP surgery to establish a sepsis model, while mice in the two sham injury groups underwent sham injury. Sixteen mice from each group were selected to observe survival within 7 d post-surgery. At 24 h post-surgery, CD11c-positive magnetic beads were used to extract spleen DCs from the remaining six mice in each group for corresponding assays ( n=3) as above. Results:Compared with that of LPS treatment at 0 h, APE1 protein expression significantly increased in cells at 6 h of LPS treatment ( P<0.05), APE1 and GPX4 protein expressions significantly decreased at 24, 48, and 72 h of LPS treatment, SLC7A11 protein expression significantly decreased at 24 h of LPS treatment ( P<0.05), while the ROS level in cells ( P<0.05) and cell lipid peroxidation level significantly increased at 24, 48, and 72 h of LPS treatment. After 24 h of culture, the GPX4 protein expression of cells in APE1-knockdown+LPS group was significantly lower than that in APE1-knockdown+PBS group ( P<0.05), while the ROS level in cells ( P<0.05) and cell lipid peroxidation level were significantly higher than those in APE1-knockdown+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After 24 h of culture, APE1, SLC7A11, and GPX4 protein expressions of cells in APE1-overexpression+LPS group were significantly higher than those in empty vector+LPS group ( P<0.05), while the ROS level in cells ( P<0.05) and cell lipid peroxidation level were significantly lower than those in empty vector+LPS group. At 24 h post-surgery, APE1 and GPX4 protein expressions of mice cells in inhibitor+CLP group were significantly lower than those in inhibitor+sham injury group and corn oil+CLP group ( P<0.05); the ROS level of mice cells in corn oil+CLP group (12 693±913) was significantly higher than that in corn oil+sham injury group (4 205±805, P<0.05), while the ROS level of mice cells in inhibitor+CLP group (18 085±223) was significantly higher than that in inhibitor+sham injury group (4 381±787) and corn oil+CLP group (with P values all <0.05); the cell lipid peroxidation level of mice in inhibitor+CLP group was significantly higher than that in inhibitor+sham injury group and corn oil+CLP group. Within 7 d post-surgery, the survival ratio of mice in inhibitor+CLP group was significantly lower than that in inhibitor+sham injury group ( χ2=22.67, P<0.05). Conclusions:Under simulated sepsis, the APE1 expression in mouse DCs is decreased, and oxidative stress and ferroptosis are enhanced; knocking down the APE1 exacerbates DC ferroptosis, while APE1 overexpression effectively reduces DC ferroptosis. The inhibition of APE1 expression in DCs is closely associated with poor prognosis in sepsis.

Objective To analyze the risk factors for extrauterine growth retardation(EUGR)in late preterm infants appropriate for gestational age.Methods The clinical data in 1 402 preterm infants appropri-ate for gestational age delivered and hospitalized in this hospital from January 2016 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into the EUGR group(n=244)and the non-EUGR group(n=1 158)ac-cording to whether or not the body weight at discharge was below the 10th percentile of the growth curve for the same gestational age at the same period based on the Fenton's preterm growth curve.The clinical data of preterm infants and mothers of the two groups were collected.The risk factors for EUGR occurrence in pre-mature infants were analyzed.Results Among 1 402 preterm infants appropriate for gestational age,EUGR occurred in 244 cases with the EUGR incidence rate of 17.4％.The EUGR incidence rate had no statistical difference among the different fetal ages of premature infants(P＞0.05).The EUGR incidence rate had sta-tistical difference among different birth weights of premature infants(P＜0.05).The logistic regression anal-ysis showed that male(OR=1.694,95％CI:1.144-2.507),low birth weight(OR=0.989,95％CI:0.988-0.991),feeding intolerance(OR=2.719,95％CI:1.234-5.990),short gestational weeks(OR=0.146,95％CI:0.103-0.207)and hospitalization duration extension(OR=1.073,95％CI:1.031-1.117)were the risk factors for EUGR occurrence in late premature infants appropriate for gestational age in discharge.The sub-group analysis showed that male,low birth weight,feeding intolerance and hospitalization duration extension were the risk factors for EUGR occurrence in the preterm infants with gestational ages of 34-＜36 weeks(P＜0.05).Low birth weight and feeding intolerance only affected the preterm infants≥36 weeks of gesta-tional age(P＜0.05).Conclusion Strengthening the pregnant duration health care and active nutritional sup-port after birth may reduce the risk of EUGR occurrence in late premature infants.