Hepatoma-Targeting and ROS-Responsive Polymeric Micelle-Based Chemotherapy Combined with Photodynamic Therapy for Hepatoma Treatment.

Background: The combination of nanoplatform-based chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising way to treat cancer. Celastrol (Cela) exhibits highly effective anti-hepatoma activity with low water solubility, poor bioavailability, non-tumor targeting, and toxic side effects. The combination of Cela-based chemotherapy and PDT via hepatoma-targeting and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymeric micelles (PMs) could solve the application problem of Cela and further enhance antitumor efficacy. Methods: In this study, Cela and photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) co-loaded glycyrrhetinic acid-modified carboxymethyl chitosan-thioketal-rhein (GCTR) PMs (Cela/Ce6/GCTR PMs) were prepared and characterized. The safety, ROS-sensitive drug release, and intracellular ROS production were evaluated. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-hepatoma effect and cellular uptaken in HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells, and in vivo pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and antitumor efficacy of Cela/Ce6/GCTR PMs in H22 tumor-bearing mice were then investigated. Results: Cela/Ce6/GCTR PMs were successfully prepared with nanometer-scale particle size, favorable drug loading capacity, and encapsulation efficiency. Cela/Ce6/GCTR PMs exhibited a strong safety profile and better hemocompatibility, exhibiting less damage to normal tissues. Compared with Cela-loaded GCTR PMs, the ROS-responsiveness of Cela/Ce6/GCTR PMs was increased, and the release of Cela was accelerated after combination with PDT. Cela/Ce6/GCTR PMs can efficiently target liver tumor cells by uptake and have a high cell-killing effect in response to ROS. The combination of GCTR PM-based chemotherapy and PDT resulted in increased bioavailability of Cela and Ce6, improved liver tumor targeting, and better anti-hepatoma effects in vivo. Conclusion: Hepatoma-targeting and ROS-responsive GCTR PMs co-loaded with Cela and Ce6 combined with PDT exhibited improved primary hepatic carcinoma therapeutic effects with lower toxicity to normal tissues, overcoming the limitations of monotherapy and providing new strategies for tumor treatment.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Brief Telehealth Intervention for Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

PURPOSE: This open-trial pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture with brief therapy (ABT) for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHOD: Participants included 27 individuals with PTSD diagnoses confirmed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Before ABT, 22 participants completed eight acupuncture sessions and three telehealth sessions of a brief treatment program for PTSD (Brief Relaxation, Education, and Trauma Healing [BREATHE]). RESULTS: ABT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety, and improved trauma-related cognition. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can play an important role in mental health recovery, and combining acupuncture with a brief, telehealth-based treatment (BREATHE) may assist recovery among individuals with PTSD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in persons with serious mental illness.

BACKGROUND: Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI; e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, treatment refractory major depressive disorder), with resultant functional impairment. Previous studies have not evaluated the factor structure of the PTSD Checklist (PCL) among persons with SMI. AIMS: This study evaluated the factor structure of the PCL in two large SMI samples from public mental health treatment sectors screened for PTSD using the PCL. METHODS: Four different models of PTSD were tested using confirmatory factor analyses. RESULTS: Results indicated that the DSM-5 4-factor model (intrusion, avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal) had the best fit. Further, the DSM-5 4-factor model demonstrated measurement invariance. CONCLUSIONS: Results supported the suitability of the DSM-5 4-factor model of PTSD among people with SMI.

Healing Trauma While Staying at Home: Using Telehealth to Conduct a Brief Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Studies suggest that a three-session brief treatment program (Brief Relaxation, Education, and Trauma Healing [BREATHE]) can help treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms of trauma; however, the program has not been examined via telehealth. Thus, the current study evaluated the feasibility of BREATHE delivered via telehealth. The intervention included breathing retraining and psychoeducation about PTSD and trauma. Thirty participants from the community with confirmed PTSD diagnoses participated in this telehealth program. Treatment retention was high, and participants showed decreased PTSD symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions, depression, anxiety, overall psychiatric symptoms, and internalized stigma and increased resiliency at posttreatment and 3-month follow up. Results suggest that a telehealth brief treatment program for PTSD is feasible and effective for individuals with PTSD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Positive PTSD Screening and Its Health Correlates in Patients With HIV in Urban Primary Care Settings.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care, especially among African American individuals. The current study assessed documentation rates of PTSD and clinical health correlates among 135 predominantly African American patients with HIV and positive PTSD screens in a primary care unit. The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and a retrospective chart review of 135 patients with HIV were conducted. On the PCPTSD-5 (cut point of 3), approximately one half of patients (49.6%; n = 67) had probable PTSD; however, only 11.9% of patients (n = 16) had a chart diagnosis of PTSD. A positive PTSD screen was associated with higher rates of depression and insomnia, but not anxiety, alcohol use, drug use, or pain in patients with HIV. Multi-morbidity of HIV, major depression, and positive PTSD screens was associated with increased risk for asthma, number of medical diagnoses, depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Findings highlight the need for trauma-informed care in primary care settings for people with PTSD and HIV. Larger samples are warranted to further explore health correlates of PTSD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Diagnostic profiles and trauma history among treatment-seeking young adults with positive post-traumatic stress disorder screens: Findings and implications for public mental health care.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined diagnostic profiles and trauma history among treatment-seeking young adults with positive PTSD screens in public mental health care. METHODS: Screening for trauma history and PTSD symptoms was implemented in a community mental health service system. 266 treatment-seeking young adults (aged 18-35) endorsed trauma exposure with a score of at least 45 on the DSM-IV PTSD Checklist, indicating probable PTSD. RESULTS: Young adults with positive PTSD screens were predominantly female, minority, and diagnosed with mood disorders. Of those with positive screens, only 15% had a chart diagnosis of PTSD; 17.3% (ages 18-24) versus 14.1% (ages 25-35). Variables significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of PTSD detection included a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, exposure to fewer types of traumatic events, male gender, and white race. CONCLUSION: Routine PTSD screening for young adults receiving public mental health care should be prioritized to address long-term impacts of trauma.

Vaccarin alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via decreasing NOX4-derived ROS.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutant widely used in treating solid tumors, with the common side effect of acute kidney injury (AKI). Developing effective useful agent for preventing or treating cisplatin-induced AKI is of great importance. In this study, we investigate the protective effect of vaccarin, a chemical entity of flavonoid glycoside, against cisplatin-induced AKI. Cisplatin-treated C57BL/6J mice and human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells were used as the model of cisplatin-induced AKI. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine (Cr) levels and periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS) scores decreased when vaccarin was administrated. Vaccarin had no impact on renal platinum accumulation, which was detected by the ICP-MS 6 h after cisplatin injection. Moreover, vaccarin can significantly alleviate the product of reactive oxygen species and the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) in cisplatin-induced AKI, both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, vaccarin decreased the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) related programmed necrosis (necroptosis), cell apoptosis (shown by the protein levels of cleaved-caspase3 and flow cytometry) and inflammation (shown by the decreased levels of NLRP3, p-P65 and the mRNA of several inflammatory factors). NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 (GLX) and NOX4 kowndown by siRNA have equivalent protective effect of vaccarin in vitro. When vaccarin was administered together with GLX or NOX4 siRNA, this protective effect of vaccarin did not further increase, as indicating by the index of oxidative stress, cell viability, necroptosis and apoptosis. In conclusion, vaccarin can alleviate cisplatin-induced AKI via inhibiting NOX4.

Genomic characterization of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus from a 2021 outbreak in Indiana with increased sow mortality.

IMPORTANCE: This study highlights a Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) strain isolated from an outbreak in Indiana, which resulted in mortality events among a swine herd in 2021. The Indiana outbreak strain was found to be genetically and phylogenetically distant to a strain isolated from the 2019 outbreaks in Ohio and Tennessee, which caused high swine mortality. We also discovered multiple unique genetic features in the Indiana outbreak strain, including distinct S. zooepidemicus genomic islands, and notable S. zooepidemicus virulence genes-many of which could serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of this strain. These findings provide significant insights into monitoring and potentially preventing severe outbreaks caused by the Indiana outbreak strain in the future.

Post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome in an HIV-negative patient after Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an inflammatory mycosis of the central nervous system caused by meninge infection or brain parenchyma with Cryptococcus species. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome are particularly susceptible. There have been increasing reports of CM in HIV-negative patients in China over the last few years. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old healthy Chinese male presented with fever and gradually developed headache, projectile vomiting, and other manifestations that were later confirmed as Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis. However, multiple disease changes occurred during the course of treatment, and the regimen was accordingly modified after the diagnosis of post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome (PIIRS). The patient eventually recovered. CONCLUSION: There has been a growing trend in the incidence of C. gattii meningoencephalitis in HIV-negative patients. It shows rapid onset and severe prognosis. This case report can provide a reference to treat PIIRS following CM in HIV-negative patients.

Mitochondrial stress induces hepatic stellate cell activation in response to the ATF4/TRIB3 pathway stimulation.

BACKGROUND: The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key step in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, which directly leads to fibrotic pathological changes in the hepatic tissue. Mitochondrial stress exacerbates inflammatory diseases by inducing pathogenic shifts in normal cells. However, the role of mitochondrial stress in HSC activation remains to be elucidated.  METHODS: We analyzed the effect of mitochondrial stress on HSC activation. An in vivo hepatic fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 40% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Additionally, using in vitro approach, HSC-T6 cells were treated with 10 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) for 24 h. RESULTS: Transcriptional activator 4 (ATF4) is highly expressed in fibrotic liver tissue samples and activated HSCs. We found that AAV8-shRNA-Atf4 alleviated liver fibrosis in rats. ATF4 promoted the activation of HSCs, which was induced by mitochondrial stress. The mechanisms involved ATF4 binding to a specific region of the tribble homologue 3 (TRIB3) promoter. Further, TRIB3 promoted HSCs activation mediated by mitochondrial stress. CONCLUSIONS: ATF4 induces mitochondrial stress by upregulating TRIB3, leading to the activation of HSCs. Therefore, the inhibition of ATF4 during mitochondrial stress may be a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.

Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI): psychometric properties in clients with serious mental illness and co-occurring PTSD.

BACKGROUND: People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit negative cognitions, predictive of PTSD severity. The Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI) is a widely used instrument measuring trauma-related cognitions and beliefs with three subscales: negative thoughts of self (SELF), negative cognitions about the world (WORLD), and self-blame (BLAME). AIMS: The current study attempted to validate the use of the PTCI in people with serious mental illness (SMI), who have greater exposure to trauma and elevated rates of PTSD, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and examining convergent and divergent correlations with relevant constructs. METHOD: Participants were 432 individuals with SMI and co-occurring PTSD diagnosis based on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, who completed PTCI and other clinical ratings. RESULTS: CFAs provided adequate support for Foa's three-factor model (SELF, WORLD, BLAME), and adequate support for Sexton's four-factor model that also included a COPE subscale. Both models achieved measurement invariance at configural, metric and scalar levels for three diagnostic groups: schizophrenia, bipolar and major depression, as well as for ethnicity (White vs Black), and gender (male vs female). Validity of both models was supported by significant correlations between PTCI subscales, and self-reported and clinician assessed PTSD symptoms and associated symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide support for the psychometric properties of the PTCI and the conceptualization of Sexton's four-factor and Foa's three-factor models of PTCI among individuals diagnosed with SMI (Foa et al., ).

Undocumented PTSD among African American clients with serious mental illness in a statewide mental health system.

OBJECTIVES: African Americans are at increased risk for trauma exposure and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relative to other racial groups. Among African Americans with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), PTSD is frequently underdiagnosed and untreated. The primary objective of this study was to investigate trauma exposure, PTSD symptom severity, and the rate of undocumented PTSD in medical records among African Americans diagnosed with SMI. METHODS: Screening for trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms was implemented among 404 clients receiving community mental health services. Participants endorsed at least 1 traumatic event, had a score of at least 45 on the DSM-IV PTSD Checklist indicating probable PTSD, and had a chart diagnosis of an Axis I disorder. RESULTS: Around 18.3% of participants had PTSD diagnosed in their medical chart. A diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder was inversely related to the detection of PTSD in the chart. Client age and gender did not adversely affect the detection of PTSD, and detection rates remained low overall. Childhood sexual abuse was the most commonly endorsed index trauma, followed closely by sudden death of a loved one (including violent death). Participants typically experienced an average of 8 types of traumatic events in their lifetime. Cumulative total trauma exposure significantly predicted PTSD severity. Clients with mood disorders reported more severe PTSD. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the low detection rate of PTSD and related symptoms in African American clients with SMI. There is a need for early intervention, grief counseling, culturally sensitive trauma screening, and culturally informed treatment options for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Predictors of undocumented PTSD in persons using public mental health services.

Individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) have greater trauma exposure and are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, PTSD is rarely documented in their clinical records. This study investigated the predictors of PTSD documentation among 776 clients with SMI receiving public mental health services, who had probable PTSD as indicated by a PTSD Checklist score of at least 45. Only 5.3% of clients had PTSD listed as a primary diagnosis, and 8.4% had PTSD as a secondary diagnosis, with a total 13.7% documentation rate. PTSD documentation rate was highest for clients with major depression (18.8%) compared to those with schizophrenia (4.1%) or bipolar disorder (6.3%). Factors that predicted a lower likelihood of having a chart diagnosis of PTSD included being diagnosed with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder. Factors that predicted a higher likelihood of having a chart diagnosis of PTSD included being of non-white race, being female, and experiencing eight or more types of traumatic events. Findings highlight the need for PTSD screening and trauma informed care for clients with SMI receiving public mental health services.

Specific urban units identified in tuberculosis epidemic using a geographical detector in Guangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: A remarkable drop in tuberculosis (TB) incidence has been achieved in China, although in 2019 it was still considered the second most communicable disease. However, TB's spatial features and risk factors in urban areas remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify the spatial differentiations and potential influencing factors of TB in highly urbanized regions on a fine scale. METHODS: This study included 18 socioeconomic and environmental variables in the four central districts of Guangzhou, China. TB case data obtained from the Guangzhou Institute of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention. Before using Pearson correlation and a geographical detector (GD) to identify potential influencing factors, we conducted a global spatial autocorrelation analysis to select an appropriate spatial scales. RESULTS: Owing to its strong spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I = 0.33, Z = 4.71), the 2 km × 2 km grid was selected as the spatial scale. At this level, TB incidence was closely associated with most socioeconomic variables (0.31 < r < 0.76, P < 0.01). Of five environmental factors, only the concentration of fine particulate matter displayed significant correlation (r = 0.21, P < 0.05). Similarly, in terms of q values derived from the GD, socioeconomic variables had stronger explanatory abilities (0.08 < q < 0.57) for the spatial differentiation of the 2017 incidence of TB than environmental variables (0.06 < q < 0.27). Moreover, a much larger proportion (0.16 < q < 0.89) of the spatial differentiation was interpreted by pairwise interactions, especially those (0.60 < q < 0.89) related to the 2016 incidence of TB, officially appointed medical institutions, bus stops, and road density. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial heterogeneity of the 2017 incidence of TB in the study area was considerably influenced by several socioeconomic and environmental factors and their pairwise interactions on a fine scale. We suggest that more attention should be paid to the units with pairwise interacting factors in Guangzhou. Our study provides helpful clues for local authorities implementing more effective intervention measures to reduce TB incidence in China's municipal areas, which are featured by both a high degree of urbanization and a high incidence of TB.

Psychometric properties of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist for DSM-5 in persons with serious mental illness.

BACKGROUND: PCL-5 is a self-report measure consisting of 20 items that are used to assess the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) according to the DSM-5. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the factor structure of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) in people with serious mental illness. METHOD: The sample in Study 1 included 536 participants with serious mental illness who were receiving supported employment services through community mental health agencies or supported housing programmes. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the fit of six different models of PTSD. RESULTS: Results indicated that Armour's Hybrid 7-factor model composed of re-experiencing, avoidance, dysphoria, dysphoric arousal, anxious arousal, negative affect, anhedonia, and externalizing behaviours demonstrated the best fit. Study 2 found support for convergent validity for PCL-5 among 132 participants who met criteria for PTSD. CONCLUSION: Findings provide support for the psychometric properties of the PCL-5 and the conceptualization of the 7-factor hybrid model and the 4-factor DSM-5 model of PTSD among persons living with serious mental illness.

Antecedentes:PCL-5 es una medida de autoinforme que consta de 20 ítems que se utilizan para evaluar los síntomas del TEPT de acuerdo al DSM-5.Objetivo:Este estudio evaluó la estructura factorial de la Lista de verificación de Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático (TEPT) para DSM-5 (PCL-5) en personas con enfermedades mentales graves.Método:La muestra del Estudio 1 incluyó a 536 participantes con enfermedad mental grave que estaban recibiendo servicios de empleo subvencionado a través de agencias comunitarias de salud mental o programas de vivienda subvencionados. El análisis factorial confirmatorio evaluó el ajuste de seis modelos diferentes de TEPT.Resultados:Los resultados indicaron que el modelo híbrido de 7 factores de Armour - compuesto de reexperimentación, evitación, disforia, excitación disfórica, excitación ansiosa, afecto negativo, anhedonia y conductas de externalización - demostró el mejor ajuste. El estudio 2 encontró sustento para la validez convergente de PCL-5 entre 132 participantes que cumplieron con los criterios para TEPT.Conclusión:Los hallazgos respaldan las propiedades psicométricas del PCL-5 y la conceptualización del modelo híbrido de 7 factores y el modelo DSM-5 de 4 factores de TEPT entre personas que viven con una enfermedad mentales graves.

I feel frozen: Client perceptions of how posttraumatic stress disorder impacts employment.

Objective: There is evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a hidden barrier to employment among individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) among whom PTSD is highly prevalent. This study aimed to explore how PTSD interferes with achieving employment outcomes among persons with SMI. Methods: Participants included 119 individuals with SMI and co-occurring PTSD receiving Supported Employment services. Responses to the question, "In what ways are PTSD symptoms interfering with your work during the past month?" were analyzed. Results: Six themes emerged: (a) I don't like being around people, (b) I feel frozen and unable to get started, (c) troubling negative affect, (d) mind is scattered and all over the place, (e) feeling fatigued all the time, and (f) flashbacks and triggers can happen whenever. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Findings provide insight into how PTSD symptoms impact work outcomes and suggest that there is a need for Supported Employment providers to screen clients for trauma exposure to identify those in need of additional support in order to improve work outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Diseases spectrum in the field of spatiotemporal patterns mining of infectious diseases epidemics: A bibliometric and content analysis.

Numerous investigations of the spatiotemporal patterns of infectious disease epidemics, their potential influences, and their driving mechanisms have greatly contributed to effective interventions in the recent years of increasing pandemic situations. However, systematic reviews of the spatiotemporal patterns of communicable diseases are rare. Using bibliometric analysis, combined with content analysis, this study aimed to summarize the number of publications and trends, the spectrum of infectious diseases, major research directions and data-methodological-theoretical characteristics, and academic communities in this field. Based on 851 relevant publications from the Web of Science core database, from January 1991 to September 2021, the study found that the increasing number of publications and the changes in the disease spectrum have been accompanied by serious outbreaks and pandemics over the past 30 years. Owing to the current pandemic of new, infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19) and the ravages of old infectious diseases (e.g., dengue and influenza), illustrated by the disease spectrum, the number of publications in this field would continue to rise. Three logically rigorous research directions-the detection of spatiotemporal patterns, identification of potential influencing factors, and risk prediction and simulation-support the research paradigm framework in this field. The role of human mobility in the transmission of insect-borne infectious diseases (e.g., dengue) and scale effects must be extensively studied in the future. Developed countries, such as the USA and England, have stronger leadership in the field. Therefore, much more effort must be made by developing countries, such as China, to improve their contribution and role in international academic collaborations.

CaM/CaMKII mediates activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells regulated by ASIC1a.

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is closely related to hepatic fibrosis and plays a key role in its occurrence and development. In the damaged liver, inhibition of the activation, proliferation, and clearance of HSCs is an important therapeutic strategy. However, the mechanism underlying the activation of HSCs is not completely clear. Acid-sensitive ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is a cation channel activated by extracellular acid, which is responsible for the transport of Ca2+ and Na+ and participates in the activation of HSCs and the occurrence and development of many inflammatory diseases, suggesting that ASIC1a plays an important role in liver fibrosis. A previous study by the project team found that when the membrane channel protein ASIC1a was opened, intracellular Ca2+ levels increased, the expression of CaM/CaMKII in HSCs was high, and HSC was activated and proliferated. Therefore, we established an SD rat model of hepatic fibrosis and induced HSC-T6 activation by stimulating ASIC1a with acid in vitro. In vivo, CCl4 was used to induce liver fibrosis in rats, and different doses of KN93 (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg/d) and colchicine (0.1 mg/kg/d) were administered. Eight weeks later, the activities of ALT and AST in serum were measured and hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining in liver tissue, and immunohistochemistry analysis were performed in SD rats. The expressions of ASIC1a, α-SMA, Collagen-1, CaM, and CaMKII were detected. In vitro, we activated HSC-T6 cells by stimulating ASIC1a with acid. The results showed that inhibition of ASIC1a could improve acid-induced HSCs activation. In addition, CaM/CaMKII was expressed in HSC of rats with hepatic fibrosis regulated by ASIC1a. After blocking or silencing the expression of CaMKII, the fibrosis marker protein can be down-regulated. KN93 also reduced inflammation and improved the activation, proliferation and fibrosis of HSC. In summary, we concluded that CaM/CaMKII participates in ASIC1a regulation of the proliferation and activation of HSC and promotes the occurrence of liver fibrosis.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of leptospirosis presenting as severe diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a common infectious disease in tropical and semitropical regions, and it is typically neglected. Leptospirosis-associated acute diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is one of its fatal complications. The use of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of Leptospira interrogans infection has rarely been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 62-year-old female who was transferred to our hospital with dyspnea, and severe hemoptysis and was supported by a tracheal intubation ventilator. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) reported Leptospira interrogans. A diagnosis of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage caused by leptospirosis was made. After immediately receiving antibiotics and hormone therapy, the patient achieved a complete recovery upon discharge. CONCLUSION: Leptospirosis presenting as severe diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis. mNGS can help identify pathogens and treat them early, which can improve prognosis.

Trauma Exposure and Prolonged Grief Disorder Among Persons Receiving Community Mental Health Services: Rates and Correlates.

BACKGROUND: Persons with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) are at increased risk for exposure to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) may also impact this population but has been seldom studied. AIMS: The present study investigated the rate of both PTSD and PGD among clients receiving community mental health services, and the clinical correlates of co-occurring PTSD/PGD. METHODS: Trauma history, PTSD and PGD were assessed among 536 individuals receiving community mental health services (Study 1). A subsample of 127 individuals from Study 1 who met DSM-5 criteria for PTSD based on diagnostic interview completed measures of psychiatric symptoms (Study 2). RESULTS: In Study 1, 92.4% of participants receiving community mental health services had experienced a traumatic event, 49.6% met criteria for probable and provisional PTSD, 14.7% scored positive for probable PGD, and 11.9% met criteria for probable and provisional PTSD as well as probable PGD. In Study 2, participants meeting diagnostic DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and probable PGD had more self-reported PTSD symptoms, but did not differ on other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for trauma informed services including grief counseling for persons with SMI.