Mycobacterium intracellulare mediates macrophage pyroptosis by activating AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasomes.

Clinically, the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease is on the rise, and Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare) has attracted much attention as a common opportunistic pathogen in clinical practice. So it is very important to study its immunopathogenic mechanism. In this study, the mechanism of M. intracellulare induced pyroptosis of macrophage was investigated. As shown in Fig. 1, the secretion of IL-1ß and IL-18 in J774A.1 cells increased with time after M. intracellulare infection and was affected by caspase-1 activation and K + efflux, while caspase-1 was significantly expressed in infected cells. Further from Fig. 2, NLRP3,AIM2,ASC proteins were significantly expressed in J774A.1 cells after infection, indicating that the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome were involved in the infection process. In addition, when caspase-1 activity and K + efflux were inhibited, the expression of related proteins was significantly reduced. It indicates that the activation of NLRP3 and AIM2 is regulated by caspase-1 and K+. Figure 3, the percentage of dead cells with cell membrane damage increases after infection and cleavage of GSDMD proteins occurs. In summary, infection of J774A.1 cells with M. intracellulare induces pyroptosis, and this process is mediated by caspase-1. Our study provides information for further understanding of the molecular mechanism of M. intracellulare infection.

Effect of nourishing and purging fire Chinese herbal mixture on delaying light-induced premature puberty in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the mechanism of the nourishing Yin and purging fire Chinese herbal mixture (NYPF) in delaying light-induced premature puberty in rats. METHODS: Twenty-one days old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to normal group (N), long light exposure group (L), NYPF and normal saline group (NS). Rats in the L, NYPF and NS groups were exposed to 16 h: 350 lux light/8 h: dark, while rats in the N group were exposed to 12 h: 50 lux light/12 h: dark. NYPF and normal saline was administered to the rats in the NYPF group or NS group, respectively, from day 21. Five rats in every group were sacrificed at 9 p.m. on day 28 (P28), on the day when rat's vulva opened in the L group (L-VO), on the day when the first estrous interphase occurred in rats of L group (L-E1), and on the day when the second estrous interphase occurred in rats of L group (L-E2), respectively. RESULITS: On day 34, all rats in the L group, 80% of rats in the NS group, 40% of rats in the N group, and 20% of rats in the NYPF group showed complete opening of the vulva. At P28, mRNA level of hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss-1) in the L group was significantly higher than that in the N group (P < 0.05). The rats in the L and NS groups had significantly lower hypothalamic arginine-phenylalanine-amide (RFamide)-related peptide 3 (RFRP-3) mRNA levels than those in the N group (P < 0.05), whereas RFRP-3 mRNA level was significantly higher in the NYPF group than that in the L group (P < 0.05). At L-VO, the ovarian index of the L and NS groups was significantly higher than that of the N group (P < 0.05) and estradiol (E2) level of the NYPF group was significantly lower than that of the N and NS groups (P < 0.05); hypothalamic Kiss-1 mRNA level in the L and NS groups was significantly higher than that in the N and NYPF groups (P < 0.05), whereas hypothalamic RFRP-3 mRNA level in the L, NYPF, and NS groups was significantly lower than that in the N group (P < 0.05). At L-E1, E2 level of the L and NS groups was significantly higher than that of the N group (P < 0.01), whereas it was significantly lower in the NYPF group than that of the N, L, and NS groups (P < 0.01), and serum luteinizing hormone level of the L and NS groups was significantly higher than that of the N group (P < 0.05); levels of serum melatonin and ovarian melatonin receptor 1 (MT-1) mRNA in the L, NYPF, and NS groups were significantly lower than those in the N group (P < 0.05). At L-E2, the uterine organ index of the NYPF group was significantly lower than that of the L group (P < 0.05); and ovarian MT-1 mRNA level of the L and NS groups was significantly lower than that in the N group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NYPF can delay puberty onset in rats exposed to strong light for a prolonged duration, and regulation of the gene expression of Kiss-1 and RFRP-3 in the hypothalamus has been suggested as one of the mechanisms.

Clinical study of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treatment with minimally invasive foldable capsular buckle scleral buckling / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive foldable capsular buckle(FCB)scleral buckling in treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD).METHOD: This retrospective study enrolled 11 patients(11 eyes)with RRD treated with minimally invasive FCB scleral buckling at the Hainan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from May to July 2023. The surgeries were performed without subconjunctival anesthesia, extraocular muscle pulling, intraocular positioning, retinal cryotherapy or drainage of subretinal fluid, or FCB suture fixation. Furthermore, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure and complications were observed.RESULTS: Minimally invasive FCB scleral buckling was performed on 11 eyes, with successful retinal reattachment in 10 eyes(91%), and the remaining 1 eye(9%)had postoperative retinal re-detachment and underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil filling for multiple retinal tears. One-time successful surgery was in 4 eyes(40%), gas injection in vitreous body after the surgery was performed in 1 eye(10%), FCB position adjustment after the surgery was performed in 3 eyes(30%), gas injection in vitreous body and FCB position adjustment after the surgery were performed in 2 eyes(20%); and FCB was removed 4-12 wk after the surgery in 5 eyes(50%), without retinal redetachment. The average BCVA(LogMAR)of the 10 eyes improved from 1.30±1.10 before surgery to 0.37±0.39 at 4 wk after surgery(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01); the average preoperative intraocular pressure was 11.51±3.37 mmHg and 13.72±2.57 mmHg at 4wk after surgery(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). No serious complications occurred.CONCLUSION:Minimally invasive FCB scleral buckling effectively treats RRD with minimal injury, simple operation, time-saving, and fewer complications.

Recent advances in lamellar liquid crystal emulsification methods encapsulating natural active substances for functional cosmetics / 药学学报

Due to the high similarity with the lipid layer between human skin keratinocytes, functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structure prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology encapsulating natural active substances have become a hot research topic in recent years. This type of functional cosmetic often has a fresh and natural skin feel, excellent skin barrier repair function and efficient moisturizing effect, etc., showing great potential in cosmetic application. However, the present research on the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology to functional cosmetics is still in the initial stage, and there are fewer relevant reports with reference values. Based on the mentioned above, this review provides a comprehensive summary of functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structures prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology from the following aspects: the structure of human skin, the composition of lamellar liquid crystal, the advantages of liquid crystal emulsification technology containing natural active substances used in the field of functional cosmetics, the preparation process, main components, influencing factors during the preparation and the market functional cosmetics with lamellar liquid crystal structure. Finally, the prospect of the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology in functional cosmetics is presented, to provide useful references for those engaged in the research of liquid crystal emulsification technology-related functional cosmetics.

Spatial-temporal distribution characteristics and traceability analysis of organic matter in Shahe Reservoir (Beijing, China).

Shahe Reservoir is a key node in the upstream of the North Canal, and the water quality has gradually improved after the implementation of low water operation in 2018. The organic matter(OM) in the sediment decreased from 16.66 to 14.22%.In this study, the FI index and parallel factor method were used to investigate the traceability of OM and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the Shahe Reservoir before and during low water level operation(LWLO), and the results showed that the terrestrial source fraction of OM in sediments was mainly related to organic-rich terrestrial plant residues carried by tributaries and overflows/outfalls during the rainy season, and the FI index indicated that the organic matter (OM) in the Shahe Reservoir before and during LWLO in each DOM in the area is derived from authigenic sources of autotrophic microorganisms, algae, etc. The parallel factor method shows that more than most of the pollutants in the DOM are input from endogenous sources and a small proportion of pollutants are input from exogenous sources. Nutrients in both sediment and interstitial water increased during the LWLO, with TN and TP levels increasing by 262.38 and 204.45 mg·kg-1 in sediment, NH4+-N, PO43--P, TN and TP in interstitial water increasing by 0.98, 1.36, 2.07 and 4.33 mg·L-1, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that OM was significantly correlated with nutrients: OM and TN (p < 0.01) and OM and TP (p < 0.05) in the pre-LWLO; OM and TN and TP (p < 0.01) in the LWLO.The results suggested that organic matter pollution control should be mainly carried out from the perspective of endogenous input, focusing on controlling the release of nutrients in sediments.

A decision tree model to predict successful endovascular recanalization of non-acute internal carotid artery occlusion / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate predictive factors for successful endovascular recanalization in patients with non-acute symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion (SICAO), to develop a decision tree model using the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm, and to evaluate the predictive performance of the model.Methods:Patients with non-acute SICAO received endovascular therapy at 8 comprehensive stroke centers in China were included retrospectively. They were randomly assigned to a training set and a validation set. In the training set, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to screen important variables, and a decision tree prediction model was constructed based on CART algorithm. The model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and confusion matrix in the validation set.Results:A total of 511 patients with non-acute SICAO were included. They were randomly divided into a training set ( n=357) and a validation set ( n=154) in a 7:3 ratio. The successful recanalization rates after endovascular therapy were 58.8% and 58.4%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.007, P=0.936). A CART decision tree model consisting of 5 variables, 5 layers and 9 classification rules was constructed using the six non-zero-coefficient variables selected by LASSO regression. The predictive factors for successful recanalization included fewer occluded segments, proximal tapered stump, ASITN/SIR collateral grading of 1-2, ischemic stroke, and a recent event to endovascular therapy time of 1-30 d. ROC analysis showed that the area under curve of the decision tree model in the training set was 0.810 (95% confidence interval 0.764-0.857), and the optimal cut-off value for predicting successful recanalization was 0.71. The area under curve in the validation set was 0.763 (95% confidence interval 0.687-0.839). The accuracy was 70.1%, precision was 81.4%, sensitivity was 63.3%, and specificity was 79.7%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test in both groups showed P>0.05. Conclusion:Based on the type of ischemic event, the time from the latest event to endovascular therapy, proximal stump morphology, the number of occluded segments, and the ASITN/SIR collateral grading constructed the decision tree model can effectively predict successful recanalization after non-acute SICAO endovascular therapy.

Application of 3D-slicer software to measure renal volume parameters in evaluating renal function of renal transplant donors / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of 3D-slicer software in measuring renal volume parameters of renal transplant donors in evaluating renal function.Methods:The data of 31 renal donors admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured by SPECT radioactive dynamic imaging, and renal cortex volume (RCV), renal parenchymal volume (RPV) were measured after 3D reconstruction of urinary enhanced CT based on 3D slicer software. The estimated GFR(eGFR) predicted by creatinine-based GFR estimation equations (C-G equation, modified and simplified MDRD equation) and volume-based GFR estimation equations (Herts equation, Choi equation). Different eGFR were calculated, and the correlation between kidney volume parameters, eGFR equations and measured GFR was analyzed. The deviation, accuracy and consistency between different equations eGFR and measured GFR were analyzed and compared. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used for inter-group comparison. Measurement data with non-normal distribution were represented by M( Q1, Q3), and non-parametric test was used for comparison between groups. Results:The correlation between different eGFR and measured GFR is poor, and the deviation is small, and with good accuracy and consistency. Except for the weak correlation between the Choi equation eGFR and measured GFR ( r=0.382, P=0.034), there was no significant correlation between eGFR by other equations and measured GFR ( P>0.05). Among them, the deviation between the Herts equation-eGFR and measured GFR was the smallest (0.30 mL·min -1·1.73 m -2), with a 10% coincidence rate (61.29%) and a 30% coincidence rate (96.77%), and the best consistency with measured GFR, with a consistency limit of -28.75 to 29.34 mL·min -1·1.73 m -2. Conclusion:Compared with the laboratory index formula method, the Herts equation has better prediction efficiency in estimating GFR, The measurement of renal volume parameters by 3D slicer software has a certain clinical value in evaluating the renal function of renal donors, which is worthy of further application.

Clinical application and mechanism research progress of Wuling Powder in the treatment of brain edema / 国际中医中药杂志

Brain edema belongs to the category of "stroke" and "true headache", while Traditional Chinese Medicine mostly understands its core disease mechanisms from the perspectives of stasis, deficiency, and heat, and mostly treats the disease by using warming yang to induce diuresis and eliminating stasis to remove water. Wuling Powder has been lauded as the "first party to typhoid and relieving diuresis", which is used to cure clearing damp and promoting diuresis and warming yang and transforming qi, and has been clinically used in the treatment of brain edema caused by various causes such as head trauma, intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and intracranial space occupying, all with remarkable efficacy. Wuling Powder improves cellular energy supply, scavenges excess oxygen radicals and calcium ions in brain tissue, and reduces the damage to brain tissue caused by vascular inflammatory factors and regulates aquaporins and vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby achieving therapeutic effects.

Association between lesion location and depressive symptoms in acute ischemic stroke patients using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping / 中华内科杂志

Objective:The study aimed to investigate the association between lesion location and post-stroke depression (PSD) in acute ischemic stroke patients.Methods:In this case-control study, acute ischemic stroke patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), between September 2020 and June 2021. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, the patients were divided into the PSD and non-PSD groups. The 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate the severity of depression. The Student′s t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Chi-square test were used to compare the clinical baseline characteristics of PSD and non-PSD groups. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) was applied to investigate the association between lesion location and depression occurrence and severity. Results:A total of 70 and 173 patients were admitted to the PSD and non-PSD groups, respectively. The mean age of patients was 59 years (23-86). There were 153 males and 90 females. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference only in Hamilton Anxiety ( P=0.025) and Depression ( P<0.001) scores between the PSD and non-PSD groups. VLSM analysis identified clusters within the anterior cingulate gyrus ( Z=-3.05, P<0.001), left hippocampus ( Z=-3.15, P<0.001), and left lingual lobe ( Z=-3.08, P<0.001) where lesions were significantly associated with PSD. Additionally, the severity of PSD was associated with damage in the anterior cingulate gyrus ( Z=-3.64, P<0.001), left hippocampus ( Z=-3.51, P<0.001), left lingual lobe ( Z=-4.18, P<0.001), and pericalcarine cortex ( Z=-3.65, P<0.001). Conclusion:VLSM demonstrated that lesion location could be used to predict the occurrence of PSD in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Safety evaluation of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: From November 2021 to May 2022, eligible participants aged 60 years and older were recruited in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, and a total of 2 461 participants were ultimately enrolled in this study. Each participant simultaneously received one dose of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The safety was observed within 28 days after vaccination. Safety information was collected through voluntary reporting and regular follow-ups. Results: All 2 461 participants completed the simultaneous administration of both vaccines and the safety follow-ups for 28 days after vaccination. The mean age of the participants was (70.66±6.18) years, with 54.61% (1 344) being male, and all participants were Han Chinese residents. About 22.51% (554) of the participants had underlying medical conditions. The overall incidence of adverse reactions within 0-28 days after simultaneous vaccination was 2.07% (51/2 461), mainly consisting of Grade 1 adverse reactions [1.83% (45/2 461)], with no reports of Grade 4 or higher adverse reactions or vaccine-related serious adverse events. The incidence of local adverse reactions was 0.98% (24/2 461), primarily presenting as pain at the injection site [0.93% (23/2 461)]. The incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.42% (35/2 461), with fever [0.85% (21/2 461)] being the main symptom. In the group with underlying medical conditions and the healthy group, their overall incidence of adverse reactions was 2.53% (14/554) and 1.94% (37/1 907), respectively. The incidence of local adverse reactions in the two groups was 1.62% (9/554) and 0.79% (15/1 907), respectively, and the incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.44% (8/554) and 1.42% (27/1 907), respectively, with no statistically significant differences between them (all P>0.05). Conclusion: It is safe for adults aged 60 years and older to receive quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at the same time.

Safety evaluation of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: From November 2021 to May 2022, eligible participants aged 60 years and older were recruited in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, and a total of 2 461 participants were ultimately enrolled in this study. Each participant simultaneously received one dose of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The safety was observed within 28 days after vaccination. Safety information was collected through voluntary reporting and regular follow-ups. Results: All 2 461 participants completed the simultaneous administration of both vaccines and the safety follow-ups for 28 days after vaccination. The mean age of the participants was (70.66±6.18) years, with 54.61% (1 344) being male, and all participants were Han Chinese residents. About 22.51% (554) of the participants had underlying medical conditions. The overall incidence of adverse reactions within 0-28 days after simultaneous vaccination was 2.07% (51/2 461), mainly consisting of Grade 1 adverse reactions [1.83% (45/2 461)], with no reports of Grade 4 or higher adverse reactions or vaccine-related serious adverse events. The incidence of local adverse reactions was 0.98% (24/2 461), primarily presenting as pain at the injection site [0.93% (23/2 461)]. The incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.42% (35/2 461), with fever [0.85% (21/2 461)] being the main symptom. In the group with underlying medical conditions and the healthy group, their overall incidence of adverse reactions was 2.53% (14/554) and 1.94% (37/1 907), respectively. The incidence of local adverse reactions in the two groups was 1.62% (9/554) and 0.79% (15/1 907), respectively, and the incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.44% (8/554) and 1.42% (27/1 907), respectively, with no statistically significant differences between them (all P>0.05). Conclusion: It is safe for adults aged 60 years and older to receive quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at the same time.

A Dataset on the Dynamic Monitoring of Health and Family Planning of China's Internal Migrants: A Multi-Wave Large-Scale, National Cross-Sectional Survey from 2009 to 2018 / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

This data article presents data from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), a multi-wave, large-scale national cross-sectional survey of China's internal migrants from 2009 to 2018. The CMDS is an annual questionnaire survey conducted by the former National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of the People's Republic of China. The respondents included in this survey are internal migrants over 15 years old. The sample was drawn from the China Migrant Population Information System, using multi-stage stratified sampling method and the probability proportional-to-size (PPS) cluster sampling strategy. Between 2009 and 2018, there were 1,527,650 internal migrants from 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities participated in the surveys. The survey tools were a series of self-designed questionnaires with high inheritance and consistency designed and implemented by the NHFPC. The questionnaires mainly contain basic information of the respondents and their family members, migration status, healthcare or health behaviors, public health service utilization, social insurance, social integration, and family planning. The dataset is currently the most widely used survey data on China's internal migrants, offering information on migration patterns, healthcare and health behaviors, use of public health services, access to social security, social integration, and family planning, which are valuable for health planning, health decision-making, and health equity research.

Application of electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and radiofrequency therapy in combination for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and radiofrequency therapy in combination for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.Methods:A total of 144 patients with pelvic floor dysfunction who received treatment in Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital from June 2020 to June 2022 were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. They were randomly assigned to undergo electrical stimulation combined with biofeedback (electrical stimulation group, n = 48), treatment with a novel radiofrequency technique (radiofrequency therapy group, n = 48), or electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and treatment with a novel radiofrequency technique (combined group, n = 48). Pelvic floor dysfunction, stress urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor myofascial pain were compared among the three groups. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification was compared among the three groups before and after treatment. Quality of life was evaluated. Results:The effective rates of treatment against pelvic floor dysfunction, stress urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor myofascial pain in the combined group were 95.83% (46/48), 97.92% (47/48), and 93.75% (45/48), respectively, which were significantly higher than 79.17% (38/48), 79.17% (38/48), 77.08% (37/48) in the radiofrequency group, and 75.00% (36/48), 77.08% (37/48), 72.92% (35/48) in the electrical stimulation group ( χ2 = 8.40, 9.77, 7.66, all P < 0.05). After treatment, the severity of pelvic organ prolapse in the combined group was significantly milder than that in the novel radiofrequency technique group and electrical stimulation group (both P < 0.05). The scores of the pelvic floor dysfunction questionnaire and urinary incontinence questionnaire in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the radiofrequency therapy group and the electrical stimulation group (both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and radiofrequency therapy in combination can greatly strengthen the muscle strength of the pelvic floor, relieve urinary incontinence, reduce pelvic floor myofascial pain, and improve the quality of life of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Predicting and improving the diagnosis and treatment of placental implantation diseases / 中国医师杂志

Placental implantation disease (PAS) is a pregnancy complication caused by abnormal invasion of trophoblasts. Recently, the incidence rate of PAS has been increasing, which often leads to serious adverse outcomes. Prenatal prediction is of great significance for the safe delivery of PAS patients. Cesarean section and placenta previa are the most common high-risk factors for PAS. Doppler ultrasound is the preferred imaging examination method for predicting the diagnosis of PAS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as a supplementary method for predicting PAS, has been increasingly used in recent years. The biomarkers detected in maternal serum can also predict PAS during pregnancy. The prediction of PAS by medical history, imaging examinations, and biomarkers will be a hot topic in future research.

Neuroprotective effect of Chuanjin jieyu decoction on chronic stress-induced depression rat model / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To study the neuroprotective effect of Chuanjin Jieyu decoction on a chronic unpredictable stress (CUMS) induced depression rat model.Methods:A total of 48 adult male healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly selected, with 12 rats as the control group, and the remaining rats were used to establish a CUMS depression model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into three groups: CUMS group, fluoxetine group, and Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group; 0.9% sodium chloride solution fluoxetine and Chuanjin Jieyu decoction were respectively administered for intervention for 4 weeks. After modeling and intervention, depression levels in rats were measured through open field experiments and sugar water preference experiments; After intervention, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine protein kinase receptor B (TrkB), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein (CREB) mRNA in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression levels of BDNF and NeuN. Western blot was used to detect the level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).Results:After modeling, the sugar consumption, sugar preference, vertical and horizontal movement results of the CUMS group, fluoxetine group, and Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P<0.01); After intervention, the above indicators in the CUMS group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01). The above indicators in the fluoxetine group and the Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group were higher than those in the CUMS group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), but lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). The qRT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of BDNF, TrkB, and CREB in the CUMS group, the fluoxetine group, and the Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01); The above indicators in the fluoxetine group and the Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group were significantly higher than those in the CUMS group (all P<0.01). The immunofluorescence results showed that the expression levels of BDNF and NeuN in the CUMS group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01); The above indicators in the fluoxetine group and the Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group were higher than those in the CUMS group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and all indicators in the Chuanjin Jieyu decoction group and the NeuN expression level in the fluoxetine group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). Western blot results showed that the expression of GFAP protein in the CUMS group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.01); The expression of GFAP protein in the fluoxetine group was higher than that in the CUMS group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Chuanjin Jieyu decoction can improve the behavioral indicators of depression in rats, increase the expression of BDNF, TrkB, CREB, and NeuN in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, suggesting that Chuanjin Jieyu decoction may exert neuroprotective effects through the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway.

Management strategies and advancement of bronchiectasis / 中国综合临床

Bronchiectasis is a complex chronic airway disease characterized by irreversible airway dilation caused by multiple pathogenic factors. Bronchiectasis is prevalent around the world, and the various etiologies, symptoms, comorbidities, complications, and clinical outcomes of each patient may be different. There is no doubt that this issue challenges the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis. The study summarizes research achievements and experiences of bronchiectasis worldwide and updates management strategies based on clinical phenotypes and endotypes, providing references for the standardized treatment of bronchiectasis in our country.

Dexmedetomidine can not reduce the incidence of acute and chronic kidney disease after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a propensity score matching-based analysis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on renal function after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.@*METHODS@#We reviewed the clinical data of 282 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in the Department of Urology, Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from November, 2020 and June, 2022.According to whether DEX was used during the operation, the patients were divided into DEX group and control group, and after propensity score matching, 99 patients were finally enrolled in each group.The incidence of acute kidney injuries were compared between the two groups.Serum creatinine (sCr) data within 3 months to 1 year after the operation were available in 51 patients, including 26 in DEX group and 25 in the control group, and the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After propensity score matching and adjustment for significant covariates, there were no significant differences in postoperative levels of sCr, cystatin C (CysC), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), hemoglobin (Hb), or C-reactive protein (CRP), extubation time, incidence of AKI, or length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05).The intraoperative urine volume was significantly higher in DEX group than in the control group (P < 0.05).A significant correlation between AKI and CKD was noted in the patients (P < 0.05).The incidence of CKD did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#DEX can not reduce the incidence of AKI or CKD after LRN.

Three important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) attenuate the inflammatory response induced by 5-FU and maintain the integrity of intestinal mucosal tight junction.

BACKGROUND: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a used chemotherapy drug for cancer, and its main side effect is intestinal mucositis which causes chemotherapy to fail. It was known that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can inhibit immune cell release of various proinflammatory factors and inhibit excessive intestinal inflammation. However, the inhibitory effect of SCFAs on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis is still unclear. RESULTS: To simulate the effects of SCFAs on immune and intestinal epithelial cells, the cells (THP-1 cells and Caco-2 cells) were pretreated with sodium acetate (NaAc), sodium propionate (NaPc) and sodium butyrate (NaB), then inflammation was induced by 5-FU. The expressions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Beclin-1, LC3-II, NF-κB p65, NLRP3 inflammasome, proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines and mucosal tight junction proteins were determined. In our results, the three SCFAs could inhibit ROS expressions, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, Beclin-1 and LC3-II, when induced by 5-FU. In a 5-FU-induced chemoentermuctis mouse model, Lactobacillus rhamnoides can increase the concentrations of three SCFAs in faeces and increase the concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IgA in serum, and decrease the expressions of NLRP3 and IL-17 in spleen cells. The expressions of ZO-1 and Occludin in intestinal mucosa were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the three SCFAs can effectively suppress the inflammation of THP-1 cells and Caco-2 cells and maintain tight junction integrity in intestinal mucosal epithelial cells.

Clinical changes of leptin/ghrelin and PAI-1 levels in adolescent girls with abnormal uterine bleeding-ovulatory dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the expression of energy regulators (leptin/ghrelin) and PAI-1 in girls with abnormal uterine bleeding-ovulatory dysfunction (AUB-O) and healthy adolescent girls. METHODS: A total of 80 adolescent girls were studied including 60 with AUB-O and 20 healthy girls. All the general characteristics of subjects including height, weight, age, and age at menarche were collected after consent. The concentration of plasma leptin, ghrelin, PAI-1, and sex hormones was examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and DXI800 Access immunoassay system respectively. RESULTS: Two groups were comparable in the age at menarche, visiting age, postmenarchal years, and BMI SDS (p > .05). Levels of leptin (11.12 ± 4.96 ng/ml vs. 18.59 ± 13.22 ng/ml, p < .001) and PAI-1 (116.40 ± 36.63 ng/ml vs. 173.19 ± 52.44 ng/ml, p < .001) in girls with AUB-O were significantly lower than that in healthy girls, and the levels of ghrelin were significantly higher than that in healthy girls (1.52 ± 4.20 ng/ml vs. 0.43 ± 0.64 ng/ml, p = .01). At the same time, we also found that girls with AUB-O showed negative correlation between the level of leptin, ghrelin, and estradiol. CONCLUSIONS: Energy metabolism and coagulation might play a role in the development of AUB-O in adolescent girls.

Research progress of novel drug therapy for antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is the primary factor affecting the long-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients and kidney allograft. Currently, there is no universally recognized or approved drug for the treatment of AMR. Therefore, more novel drug studies and clinical trials are urgently needed in order to change the long-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients. Based on the core principles of prevention and treatment of AMR, this paper discusses the mechanism and efficacy of several new types of drugs of most concern in the treatment of AMR from three aspects: removing donor specific antibody, blocking antibody-mediated and complement-mediated tissue damage, and inhibiting the proliferation and activation of antibody-producing cells. These emerging drugs have shown potential in preventing and treating AMR and improving the prognosis of recipients, which is expected to change the dilemma of AMR treatment in the future and provide more effective treatment options for improving the long-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.