ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） co-cultured with bone marrow-derived M2 macrophages （M2-BMDMs）， named as BMSC^M2， on a rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）/2-acetaminofluorene （2-AAF）. MethodsRat BMDMs were isolated and polarized into M2 phenotype， and rat BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with M2-BMDMs at the third generation to obtain BMSC^M2. The rats were given subcutaneous injection of CCl₄ for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis， and then they were randomly divided into model group （M group）， BMSC group， and BMSC^M2 group， with 6 rats in each group. A normal group （N group） with 6 rats was also established. Since week 7， the model rats were given 2-AAF by gavage in addition to the subcutaneous injection of CCl₄. Samples were collected at the end of week 10 to observe liver function， liver histopathology， and hydroxyproline （Hyp） content in liver tissue， as well as changes in the markers for hepatic stellate cells， hepatic progenitor cells， cholangiocytes， and hepatocytes. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSC^M2 groups had significant reductions in ALT and AST （P<0.01）， and the BMSC^M2 group had significantly better activities than the BMSC group （P<0.05）. Compared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in Hyp content and the mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） in the liver （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSC^M2 groups had significant reductions in Hyp content and the expression of α-SMA （P<0.05）， and the BMSC^M2 group had a significantly lower level of α-SMA than the BMSC group （P<0.01）. Compared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of the hepatic progenitor cell markers EpCam and Sox9 and the cholangiocyte markers CK7 and CK19 （P<0.01） and significant reductions in the expression levels of the hepatocyte markers HNF-4α and Alb （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSC^M2 groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam， Sox9， CK7， and CK19 （P<0.05） and significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and Alb （P<0.05）， and compared with the BMSC group， the BMSC^M2 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam and CK19 （P<0.05） and significant increase in the expression level of HNF-4α （P<0.05）. ConclusionM2-BMDMs can enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on CCl₄/2-AAF-induced liver cirrhosis in rats， which provides new ideas for further improving the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on liver cirrhosis.

Objective To with analyzing the gene expression profile of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(INCPH)by bioinformatics methods,we may obtain its key genes and signaling pathways to explore the molecular mechanism of INCPH and predict the potential traditional Chinese medicine.Methods The gene microarray dataset GSE77627 on INCPH was downloaded from gene expression omnibus(GEO)database,the data were normalized and screened for differential genes(DEGs)of INCPH using R language,and all DEGs were analyzed for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment using Metascape database,and protein-protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database;meanwhile DEGs with the top 15 Degree values were screened as key genes using CytoHubba plugin.Subsequently,the key genes were mapped to each other with the medical ontology information retrieval platform(coremine medical)to screen potential Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of INCPH with P<0.05,and the potent components that potential Chinese medicines have were screened from the TCMSP database,imported into Cytoscape software to construct a Chinese medicine correlation network map and predict the key targets.Results A total of 1880 DEGs were screened,including 1061 up-regulated and 819 down-regulated genes.DEGs were analyzed using the protein interaction database STRING and cytoHubba in Cytoscape software to obtain key genes,which were RPS27A,CDC42,EIF4E,MAPK1,PIK3R1,RPS6,RPS9,RPS8,RPL15,RPL27A,RPL24,RPL27,RPL26,RPL12 and MAPK14.The GO and KEGG analysis mainly involved gamete production and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in INCPH.Conclusion The potential traditional Chinese medicines screened for INCPH are Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Scutellariae Radix,etc,which may be a potential source of molecular drugs for the treatment of INCPH.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Yiguan Decoction(YGJD)on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages(M1-BMDMs)in the treatment of rats with liver cirrhosis induced by 2-AAF/CCl4.Methods BMDMs were isolated and induced into M1-BMDMs by lipopolysaccharide.A total of 50 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group with 5 rats and model group with 45 rats.The rats for modeling were given subcutaneous injection of 50%CCl4 twice a week.Since week 7,the rats for modeling were randomly divided into model group(M group),YGJD group,M1-BMDM group,M1-BMDM+YGJD group,and sorafenib(SORA)group,and they were given subcutaneous injection of 30%CCl4 to maintain the progression of liver cirrhosis and intragastric administration of 2-AAF.CCR2 inhibitors were added to the drinking water,and each group was given the corresponding intervention.Related samples were collected at week 9.The rats were observed in terms of serum liver function parameters,liver pathology,hydroxyproline(Hyp)content in liver tissue,hepatic stellate cell activation,hepatic fibrosis and inflammation factors,and the expression levels of molecules associated with the Wnt signaling pathway.A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups,and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups.Results Compared with the M group,the M1-BMDM+YGJD group had significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin(TBil)(all P<0.05)and a significant increase in the content of albumin(Alb)(P<0.05),and compared with the M1-BMDM group,the M1-BMDM+YGJD group had a significant reduction in the serum level of TBil(P<0.05)and a significant increase in the serum level of Alb(P<0.05).Compared with the M1-BMDM group,the M1-BMDM+YGJD group had significant reductions in the expression levels of CD68 and TNF-α(P<0.05).Compared with the M1-BMDM group,the M1-BMDM+YGJD group had significant reductions in Hyp content and Sirius red positive area(P<0.05).As for the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway molecules,compared with the M1-BMDM group,the M1-BMDM+YGJD group had significantly lower mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt5a(P<0.05)and mRNA expression level of Fzd2(P<0.05),as well as significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of Wnt4,Wnt5b,and Fzd3(P<0.05),while there were no significant changes in the mRNA expression levels of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway molecules β-catenin,LRP5,LRP6,Fzd5,and TCF.Conclusion YGJD can enhance the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDMs on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by 2-AAF/CCl4,possibly by inhibiting the non-canonical Wnt5a/Fzd2 signaling pathway,which provides new ideas for the synergistic effect of traditional Chinese medicine on M1-BMDMs in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Objective To investigate the effect of quercetin on HCE-2 injury of human corneal epithelial cells induced by high osmotic pressure and its mechanism.Methods HCE-2 cells were randomly divided into control group(normal osmotic pressure),model group(high osmotic pressure),experimental-L group(high osmotic pressure+31.25 pg·mL-1 quercetin),experimental-M group(high osmotic pressure+62.50 μg·mL-1 quercetin),experimental-H group(high osmotic pressure+125.00 μg·mL-1 quercetin),erastin group(high osmotic pressure+125.00 μg·mL-1 quercetin+30.00 μmol·L-1 iron death inducer erastin).Cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit 8;reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels was detected by C11-BODIPY 581/591 probe staining;glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels were determined by kit method;the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),dihydrolactate dehydrogenase(DHODH)and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Results The cell survival rates of control group,model group,experimental-H group and erastin group were(100.00±3.97)％,(50.05±5.83)％,(86.35±7.35)％and(58.32±4.66)％,respectively;ROS levels were 1.00±0.09,2.45±0.16,1.19±0.05 and 2.09±0.30,respectively;GPX4 protein levels were 1.09±0.11,0.34±0.03,0.91±0.12 and 0.30±0.04,respectively;FSP1 protein levels were 0.92±0.06,0.25±0.03,0.89±0.07 and 0.39±0.07,respectively;DHODH protein levels were 0.89±0.11,0.31±0.04,0.86±0.11,0.41±0.04,respectively.Compared with model group,the above indexes in control group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the differences between experimental-H group and model group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the above indexes in erastin group were significantly different from those in experimental-H group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Quercetin can ameliorate HCE-2 cell damage induced by high osmotic pressure by inhibiting iron death pathway.

Objective To explore medium and long term efficacy of oblique lateral interbody fusion(OLIF)in treating lumbar specific infection.Methods From October 2017 to January 2021,24 patients with lumbar specific infection were treated by OLIF combined with vertebral screw internal fixation,including 15 males and 9 females,aged from 27 to 61 years old with an average of(43.0±15.0)years old;the courses of disease ranged from 6 to 24 months with an average of(14.0±7.0)months;7 patients with L2-L3,12 patients with L3-L4 and 5 patients with L4-L5;19 patients with tuberculosis infection and 5 patients with brucella infection.The amount of intraoperative blood loss,operative time and complications were recorded,and erythro-cyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP),visual analogue scale(VAS),Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score and American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)rating were compared before and one month after opertaion.Re-sults All patients were followed up from 9 to 24 months with an average of(13.0±6.0)months.Operative time was(132.5±21.4)min,and intraoperative blood loss was(227.3±43.1)ml.ESR and CRP were decreased from(82.34±18.62)mmol·h-1 and(53.08±21.84)mg·L-1 before operation to(33.52±17.31)mmol·h-1 and(15.48±8.36)mg·L-1 at one month after opera-tion,respectively(P＜0.05).VAS was decreased from(7.52±1.36)before opertaion to(1.74±0.87)at one month after opera-tion(P＜0.05).JOA was increased from(17.86±3.95)before operation to(24.72±3.19)at one month after operation(P＜0.05).Four patients had neurological symptoms before operation,and were classified to grade D according to ASIA classifica-tion,who were recovered to grade E at 1 month after operation.One patient was suffered from psoas major muscle injury after operation,and returned to normal at 3 weeks.One patient was suffered from abdominal distension and difficulty in defecation,and relieved after gastrointestinal decompression and enema.No complications such as abdominal organ injury and poor wound healing occurred in all patients.Conclusion OLIF combined with vertebral screw internal fixation is a new minimally invasive surgical method for the treatment of lumbar specific infection,especially the lesion located on the middle lumbar vertebra.It has advantages of less trauma,short operation time,less blood loss,convenient operation,complete removal of the lesion,safety and effectiveness,and has good medium-and long-term efficacy for lumbar specific infection.

Objective To investigate the association between the serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio(SCr/Cys C)as a Sarcopenia index(SI)and the incidence of in-hospital adverse events in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)undergoing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Additionally,we evaluate the predictive efficacy of the SI in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)during hospitalization.Methods A total of 306 patients with AMI who underwent emergency PCI in the 904th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force from January 2020 to March 2023 were consecutively included in this retrospective analysis.Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of MACEs during hospitalization:MACEs group(n=43)and non-MACEs group(n=263).Clinical characteristics and pre-PCI laboratory test results were collected.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for MACEs.The predictive performance of SI was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results The incidence of in-hospital MACEs in AMI patients was 14.1%.The results of the independent samples t-test showed that the SI level in MACEs group was significantly lower than that in non-MACEs group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.001).The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that new-onset atrial fibrillation,Killip class 2-4,SI,and TG were independent risk factors for in-hospital adverse events after emergency PCI.The ROC curve results showed that the predictive value of SI(AUC=0.741,95%CI 0.666-0.816)using the SCr/Cys C ratio was superior to that of single Cys C(AUC=0.658,95%CI 0.570-0.746)for predicting post-PCI MACEs,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05),and the optimal cutoff value for SI was 78.14.After stratifying SI based on the cutoff value,the results of the independent samples t-test showed that compared to the higher SI group,the lower SI group had a higher occurrence of specific adverse events such as heart failure(P<0.001),malignant arrhythmias(P=0.009),and strokes(P=0.003),with statistically significant differences.Conclusions The results highlight SI as an independent risk factor for MACEs during hospitalization after emergency PCI in AMI patients.Furthermore,SI has proven to be an effective prognostic index for patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical characteristics and outcome in COVID-19 with brucellosis patients has not been well demonstrated, we tried to analyze clinical outcome in local and literature COVID-19 cases with brucellosis before and after recovery. METHODS: We retrospectively collected hospitalization data of comorbid patients and prospectively followed up after discharge in Heilongjiang Infectious Disease Hospital from January 15, 2020 to April 29, 2022. Demographics, epidemiological, clinical symptoms, radiological and laboratory data, treatment medicines and outcomes, and follow up were analyzed, and findings of a systematic review were demonstrated. RESULTS: A total of four COVID-19 with brucellosis patients were included. One patient had active brucellosis before covid and 3 patients had nonactive brucellosis before brucellosis. The median age was 54.5 years, and all were males (100.0%). Two cases (50.0%) were moderate, and one was mild and asymptomatic, respectively. Three cases (75.0%) had at least one comorbidity (brucellosis excluded). All 4 patients were found in COVID-19 nucleic acid screening. Case C and D had only headache and fever on admission, respectively. Four cases were treated with Traditional Chinese medicine, western medicines for three cases, no adverse reaction occurred during hospitalization. All patients were cured and discharged. Moreover, one case (25.0%) had still active brucellosis without re-positive COVID-19, and other three cases (75.0%) have no symptoms of discomfort except one case fell fatigue and anxious during the follow-up period after recovery. Conducting the literature review, two similar cases have been reported in two case reports, and were both recovered, whereas, no data of follow up after recovery. CONCLUSION These cases indicate that COVID-19 patients with brucellosis had favorable outcome before and after recovery. More clinical studies should be conducted to confirm our findings.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Brucellosis ; COVID-19 ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Treatment Outcome ; Case Reports as Topic

Humans ; Temperature ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Hot Temperature ; Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Mortality

Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.

ObjectivesBased on the changes of lung lesions in patients with COVID-19 at different stages， a nomogram model describing CT image features was established by radiomics method to explore its efficacy in predicting the progression of the disease. MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 136 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who received at least two CTs including three cohorts （training cohort and validation cohort 1 and 2）. Patients in the training cohort were divided into three groups according to time between onset of fever symptoms and the first CT. The clinical manifestations and CT features of each group were analyzed and compared. A nomogram to predict disease progression was constructed according to the CT features of the patients， and its performance was evaluated. ResultsThe training cohort consisted of 41 patients.A nomogram was generated to predict disease progression based on three CT features： irregular strip shadow， air bronchial sign， and the proportion of lesions with irregular shape ≥50%. AUC（95%CI）=0.906（0.817，0.995）.The C index of the training cohort was 0.906， and the C index of the internal verification was 0.892. AUC（95%CI）of the validation cohort 1 （34 cases） =0.889（0.793，0.984）；AUC（95%CI）of the validation cohort 2 （61 cases）=0.876（0.706，1.000）.The calibration curves show that the predicted values of the nomogram are in good agreement with the observed values. ConclusionThe nomogram model based on CT radiomics can predict the outcome of lung lesions in patients with high sensitivity and specificity.According to the changes of CT image characteristics of patients with COVID-19， lung lesions will be improved when the proportion of irregular cable shadow， air bronchogram and irregular lesions is greater than 50%.