CCTA-Derived Fat Attenuation Index Predict Future Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the differences in plaque characteristics and fat attenuation index (FAI) between in patients who received revascularization versus those who did not receive revascularization and examine whether the machine-learning (ML) based model constructed by plaque characteristics and FAI can predict revascularization. MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was a post hoc analysis of a prospective single-center registry of sequential patients undergoing CCTA, referred from inpatient and emergency department settings (n = 261, 63 years ± 8; 188 men). The primary outcome was revascularization by percutaneous coronary revascularization. The CTA images were analyzed by experienced radiologists using a dedicated workstation in a blinded fashion. The ML-based model was automatically computed. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 261 subjects. Revascularization was performed in 105 subjects. Patients receiving revascularization had higher FAI value (67.35±5.49 Hu vs -80.10±7.75 Hu, p < 0.001) as well as higher plaque length, calcified, lipid and fibrous plaque burden and volume. When FAI was incorporated into a ML risk model based on plaque characteristics to predict revascularization, the area under the curve increased from 0.84 (95% CI: 0.68-0.99) to 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88-1.00). CONCLUSION: ML-algorithms based on FAI and characteristics could help improve the prediction of future revascularization and identify patients likely to receive revascularization. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Pre-procedural FAI could help guide revascularization in symptomatic CAD patients.

Mechanisms and therapeutic research progress in intestinal fibrosis.

Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of chronic intestinal diseases with the characteristics of fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition after chronic inflammation, leading to lumen narrowing, structural and functional damage to the intestines, and life inconvenience for the patients. However, anti-inflammatory drugs are currently generally not effective in overcoming intestinal fibrosis making surgery the main treatment method. The development of intestinal fibrosis is a slow process and its onset may be the result of the combined action of inflammatory cells, local cytokines, and intestinal stromal cells. The aim of this study is to elucidate the pathogenesis [e.g., extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines and chemokines, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), differentiation of fibroblast to myofibroblast and intestinal microbiota] underlying the development of intestinal fibrosis and to explore therapeutic advances (such as regulating ECM, cytokines, chemokines, EMT, differentiation of fibroblast to myofibroblast and targeting TGF-ß) based on the pathogenesis in order to gain new insights into the prevention and treatment of intestinal fibrosis.

Piperine induces autophagy of colon cancer cells: Dual modulation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and ROS production.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy and poses a significant clinical challenge. Piperine, an alkaloid molecule extracted from Piper nigrum and Piper longum, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. However, the molecular mechanisms of piperine' antitumor effects in CRC need to be further elucidated. METHODS: Human colorectal cancer cells were treated with piperine in vitro. CCK-8 and clone formation assays were adopted to detect cell viability. The accumulation of autophagosomes was assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed by flow. In vivo, a xenograft tumor mouse model was constructed using CT26 cells. RESULTS: Piperine inhibited CRC cell viability and suppressed tumor weight and volume in a mouse model. Additionally, piperine treatment induced the accumulation of autophagosomes in CRC cells. This effect was attributed to the inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway and the accumulation of ROS. activation of AKT or clearance of ROS attenuated piperine-mediated tumor suppression. CONCLUSION: This study shows that piperine induces autophagy-dependent cell death in CRC cells by increasing ROS production and inhibiting Akt/mTOR signaling.

The Heterogeneity of Symptom Burden and Fear of Progression Among Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Latent Class Analysis.

Purpose: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) may experience symptoms that increase their fear of progression (FoP), but a dearth of research examines the issue from a patient-centered perspective. Our study aimed to first determine the category of symptom burden, then to explore the differences in characteristics of patients in different subgroups, and finally to analyze the impact of symptom subgroup on FoP. Patients and Methods: Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics, Symptom Experience Scale, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form were used. Latent class analysis was used to group KTRs according to the occurrence of symptoms. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyze the predictors of different subgroups. The differences in FoP among symptom burden subgroups were analyzed by hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Three subgroups were identified, designated all-high (20.5%), moderate (39.9%), and all-low (39.6%) according to their symptom occurrence. Multivariate logistic regression showed that gender, post-transplant time, per capita monthly income, and hyperuricemia were the factors that distinguished and predicted the all-high subgroup (P < 0.05). Hierarchical multiple regression showed that symptom burden had a significant effect on FoP (class1 vs class3: ß = 0.327, P < 0.001; class2 vs class3: ß = 0.104, P = 0.046), explaining the 8.0% variance of FoP (ΔR2 = 0.080). Conclusion: KTRs generally experience moderate or low symptom burden, and symptom burden is an influencing factor in FoP. Identifying the traits of KTRs with high symptom burden can help clinicians develop targeted management strategies and ease FoP of KTRs.

Development of a Helmet-Shape Dual-Channel RF coil for brain imaging at 54 mT using inverse boundary element method.

Very-low field (VLF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers advantages in term of size, weight, cost, and the absence of robust shielding requirements. However, it encounters challenges in maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to low magnetic fields (below 100 mT). Developing a close-fitting radio frequency (RF) receive coil is crucial to improve the SNR. In this study, we devised and optimized a helmet-shaped dual-channel RF receive coil tailored for brain imaging at a magnetic field strength of 54 mT (2.32 MHz). The methodology integrates the inverse boundary element method (IBEM) to formulate initial coil structures and wiring patterns, followed by optimization through introducing regularization terms. This approach frames the design process as an inverse problem, ensuring a close fit to the head contour. Combining theoretical optimization with physical measurements of the coil's AC resistance, we identified the optimal loop count for both axial and radial coils as nine and eight loops, respectively. The effectiveness of the designed dual-channel coil was verified through the imaging of a CuSO4 phantom and a healthy volunteer's brain. Notably, the in-vivo images exhibited an approximate 16-25 % increase in SNR with poorer B1 homogeneity compared to those obtained using single-channel coils. The high-quality images achieved by T1, T2-weighted, and fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) protocols enhance the diagnostic potential of VLF MRI, particularly in cases of cerebral stroke and trauma patients. This study underscores the adaptability of the design methodology for the customization of RF coil structures in alignment with individual imaging requirements.

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography measurement of meropenem concentration in synovial fluid of patients with periprosthetic joint infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following joint replacement surgery. One potential treatment approach for PJI could be the combination of one-stage revision and intra-articular infusion of antibiotics. Meropenem is one of the commonly used intra-articular antibiotics in our institution. Determining the concentration of meropenem in the joint cavity could be crucial for optimizing its local application, effectively eradicating biofilm infection, and improving PJI treatment outcomes. In this study, we developed a simple, precise, and accurate method of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) for determining the concentration of meropenem in human synovial fluid. The method was then validated based on the guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Meropenem showed good linearity in the range of 0.31-25.01 µg/mL (r ≥ .999). Selectivity, intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy, extraction recovery, and stability validation results were all within the acceptance range. This method has been successfully applied to the determination of synovial fluid samples from PJI patients, providing a useful detection method for meropenem therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in PJI patients.

An atypical two-component system, AtcR/AtcK, simultaneously regulates the biosynthesis of multiple secondary metabolites in Streptomyces bingchenggensis.

Streptomyces bingchenggensis is an industrial producer of milbemycins, which are important anthelmintic and insecticidal agents. Two-component systems (TCSs), which are typically situated in the same operon and are composed of a histidine kinase and a response regulator, are the predominant signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of secondary metabolism in Streptomyces. Here, an atypical TCS, AtcR/AtcK, in which the encoding genes (sbi_06838/sbi_06839) are organized in a head-to-head pair, was demonstrated to be indispensable for the biosynthesis of multiple secondary metabolites in S. bingchenggensis. With the null TCS mutants, the production of milbemycin and yellow compound was abolished but nanchangmycin was overproduced. Transcriptional analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that AtcR regulated the biosynthesis of these three secondary metabolites by a MilR3-mediated cascade. First, AtcR was activated by phosphorylation from signal-triggered AtcK. Second, the activated AtcR promoted the transcription of milR3. Third, MilR3 specifically activated the transcription of downstream genes from milbemycin and yellow compound biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and nanR4 from the nanchangmycin BGC. Finally, because NanR4 is a specific repressor in the nanchangmycin BGC, activation of MilR3 downstream genes led to the production of yellow compound and milbemycin but inhibited nanchangmycin production. By rewiring the regulatory cascade, two strains were obtained, the yield of nanchangmycin was improved by 45-fold to 6.08 g/L and the production of milbemycin was increased twofold to 1.34 g/L. This work has broadened our knowledge on atypical TCSs and provided practical strategies to engineer strains for the production of secondary metabolites in Streptomyces.IMPORTANCEStreptomyces bingchenggensis is an important industrial strain that produces milbemycins. Two-component systems (TCSs), which consist of a histidine kinase and a response regulator, are the predominant signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of secondary metabolism in Streptomyces. Coupled encoding genes of TCSs are typically situated in the same operon. Here, TCSs with encoding genes situated in separate head-to-head neighbor operons were labeled atypical TCSs. It was found that the atypical TCS AtcR/AtcK played an indispensable role in the biosynthesis of milbemycin, yellow compound, and nanchangmycin in S. bingchenggensis. This atypical TCS regulated the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites in a cascade mediated via a cluster-situated regulator, MilR3. Through rewiring the regulatory pathways, strains were successfully engineered to overproduce milbemycin and nanchangmycin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on atypical TCS, in which the encoding genes of RR and HK were situated in separate head-to-head neighbor operons, involved in secondary metabolism. In addition, data mining showed that atypical TCSs were widely distributed in actinobacteria.

Effects and Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture at Zhongwan （CV12） on Gastric Nociceptive Response Induced by Gastric Acid Stimulation in Rats / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Zhongwan （CV12） on gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation and explore the underlying mechanisms associated with nuclei of the medullary viscerosensory and visceral motor neurons. MethodsTwenty SD rats were given intragastric administration of 0.5 mol/L diluted hydrochloric acid （0.5 ml/100 g） to induce gastric nociceptive response induction. Eight rats were randomly selected to record the gastric slow wave （GSW） area under the curve， and extracellular discharge frequency of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract （NTS） and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve （DMV） before intragastric administration and at 1， 5， 10， 15， 20， 25， 30， 35， 40， 45， 50， 55， and 60 minutes after intragastric administration. The remaining 12 rats received electroacupuncture intervention at Zhongwan within 5 to 25 minutes after intragastric administration of diluted hydrochloric acid， with a duration of one minute. The GSW area under the curve and extracellular discharge frequency of NTS and DMV neurons were compared between the 1-minute intervals before and after electroacupuncture intervention. ResultsCompared to the baseline before intragastric administration， the area under the curve of GSW significantly increased at 1， 5， 10， 15， 20， and 25 minutes after intragastric administration， and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS （accounting for 90%， 57/63） significantly increased at 1， 5， 10， 15， 20， 25， 30， 35， and 40 minutes， both reaching peak values at 1 minute after intragastric administration （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. The extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV （accounting for 91%， 20/22） showed a non-significant increase at 1 minute after intragastric administration （P＞0.05）， but significantly decreased at other timepoints （P＜0.05）. Compared to the baseline before electroacupuncture intervention， the GSW area under the curve and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， while the extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV showed no significant difference （P＞0.05）. ConclusionElectroacupuncture at Zhongwan can improve gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation， possibly by reducing the transmission of visceral sensation and decreasing the excitability of NTS neurons in the medulla.

miR-135a-5p regulates autophagy of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells via targeting Kif3B / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Studies demonstrated that miR-135a-5p was highly expressed in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells with cleft palate induced by dexamethasone.The primary cilium and its mediated Shh signaling pathway were involved in the autophagy of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells.It is speculated that miR-135a-5p may regulate autophagy in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells through primary cilia and its mediated Shh signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effect of miR-135a-5p on autophagy of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells. METHODS:In vitro,palatal mesenchymal cells from C57BL/6J mouse embryos were extracted and cultured.Cell transfections were set up as follows:(1)the cells were divided into control group,miR-135a-5p negative control group and miR-135a-5p mimic group;(2)NC+miR-NC group,KIF3B overexpression group,and miR-135a-5p+KIF3B group:qRT-PCR was performed to verify transfection efficiency of miR-135a-5p and KIF3B.A transmission electron microscope was used to observe the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome in the cells of each group.The degree of fluorescence expression of autophagy marker LC3B was determined by the immunofluorescence technique.The protein expression of KIF3B,LC3 and P62 was determined by western blot assay.(3)The cells were divided into miR-135a-5p negative control group,and SAG treated group,and SAG+miR-135a-5p group.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of Gli3,a key transcription factor downstream of Shh signaling.The protein expressions of autophagy-related proteins LC3 and P62 were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After overexpression of miR-135a-5p,the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome was significantly increased(P<0.01).The fluorescence density of LC3B increased significantly(P<0.01);the protein expression of KIF3B and P62 decreased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of LC3 increased.(2)After overexpression of KIF3B,the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the fluorescence density of LC3B was decreased(P<0.01);the protein expression of P62 was increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of LC3 was decreased(P<0.01).Targeted expression of KIF3B was inhibited by miR-135a-5p(P<0.01);the number of autophagosome/autophagolysosome,the fluorescence intensity of LC3B as well as the protein expression of LC3 were reversed(P<0.01)and the protein expression of P62 was decreased(P<0.01).(3)SAG significantly increased the mRNA expression of Gli3(P<0.01),increased the protein expression of P62(P<0.01),and decreased the protein expression of LC3(P<0.01).When miR-135a-5p was added,Gli3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased(P<0.01);P62 protein expression was decreased(P<0.01),and LC3 protein expression was reversed(P<0.01).(4)These results indicate that miR-135a-5p targets the inhibition of KIF3B and promotes autophagy in mouse embryonic mesenchymal cells possibly by negatively regulating the Shh signaling pathway.

Protective effect and mechanism of icariin against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Icariin,with antiinflammatory,antioxygenatory and immunoregulatory effects,can be a potential drug for preventing and treating acute liver injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect and possible mechanism of icariin in mice with acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. METHODS:Thirty-two Kunming mice were equally and randomly divided into the following groups:normal,model,low-dose icariin and high-dose icariin groups.The low-and high-dose icariin groups were continuously gavaged with icariin(100 and 200 mg/kg,respectively)once a day for 7 continuous days.The normal group and model group were injected with physiological saline(10 mL/kg)at the same time point.After the last administration,all the groups except for the normal group were injected with carbon tetrachloride to induce acute liver injury.The mice were killed 24 hours later,and the liver index was detected.Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were detected by automated biochemical analysis.Tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 levels in serum were detected using ELISA.The levels of superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde in liver tissue were detected through a reagent kit.The histopathology changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptosis in hepatocytes.Western blot was performed to detect the expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa,endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein(C/-EBP homologous protein),mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein and Caspase-3 in liver tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the liver index and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 were increased in the model group(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indexes were decreased in the low-dose and high-dose icariin groups(P＜0.05).Compared with the normal group,the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver tissue of mice were decreased in the model group(P＜0.05)and the level of malondialdehyde was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were increased in the low-and high-dose icariin groups(P＜0.05)and the level of malondialdehyde was decreased(P＜0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining showed that mice in the model group had severe structural destruction of liver tissue,extensive necrosis of hepatocytes and high apoptotic rate of hepatocytes,while the structural destruction of liver tissue and the area of necrosis of hepatocytes in the low-and high-dose icariin groups were significantly milder than those in the model group,and the apoptotic rate of hepatocytes was lower than that in the model group(P＜0.05).Western blot assay showed that the protein expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa,C/-EBP homologous protein,mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein and Caspase-3 in liver tissue of mice in the model group was increased compared with that in the normal group(P＜0.05),while the expression levels of these proteins in liver tissue of mice were significantly reduced after low-and high-dose icariin intervention(P＜0.05).To conclude,icariin can produce a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and reduction of programmed necrosis.

Action mechanism of gluteus medius width ratio in progression of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis by finite element analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The gluteus medius not only abducts the hip joint,but also plays an important role in limiting the external movement of the femoral head.At present,there is a lack of research on the correlation between gluteus medius status and non-traumatic femoral head necrosis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between the gluteus medius width ratio and the medial space ratio of the hip joint and the progression of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis,and to explore the effect of gluteus medius atrophy on the surface and necrotic zone stress of the femoral head necrosis through finite element analysis. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of unilateral non-traumatic femoral head necrosis patients admitted to Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine was performed.All patients were followed up for an average of more than 2 years.They were divided into a collapsed group and a non-collapsed group based on whether there was collapse of the femoral head during the follow-up.Medial space ratio,gluteus medius width ratio,Sharp angle,gluteus medius length ratio,and gluteus medius activation angle were measured and calculated.The differences in these indicators were compared between the two groups.At the first visit and follow-up at 3,6,12,and 24 months,the medial space ratio and gluteus medius width ratio were measured and calculated to explore the changes of these two indicators in the course of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis.In addition,using three-dimensional finite element analysis,a Japanese Investigation Committee classification C1 type femoral head necrosis model was constructed based on CT data.At the same time,based on MRI data,a model of the gluteus medius muscle was constructed and divided into a gluteus medius muscle atrophy group(gluteus medius width ratio:74%-76%)and a gluteus medius muscle normal group(gluteus medius width ratio:94%-96%).Each group constructed 10 models,with 6 degrees of freedom of the distal femur constrained to zero.600 N pressures were applied along the Z-axis to the upper surface of the sacrum.The stress distribution,maximum stress values on the surface and necrotic area of the femoral head,and the maximum displacement of the necrotic area were compared between two groups of models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 153 patients(67 males and 86 females)with 153 hips were included in this study.(2)At the 24-hour follow-up,the medial space ratio of the collapsed group was significantly higher than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).The gluteus medius width ratio of the collapsed group was significantly lower than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in Sharp angle,gluteus medius activation angle,and gluteus medius length ratio between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)Since the follow-up time exceeded 3 months,the gluteus medius width ratio of the collapsed group was lower than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).Since the follow-up time exceeded 12 months,the medial space ratio of the collapsed group was higher than that of the non-collapsed group(P<0.05).(4)Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between follow-up time and medial space ratio in the collapsed group(P<0.05),and a significant negative correlation between follow-up time and gluteus medius width ratio(P<0.05).The regression coefficient of gluteus medius width ratio was larger than that of medial space ratio.(5)The group with middle gluteal muscle atrophy showed significant stress concentration on the surface of the femoral head,and the stress zone was significantly located on the outside.The maximum stress on the surface of the femoral head in the group with middle gluteal muscle atrophy was significantly greater than that in the group with normal middle gluteal muscle(P<0.05).There was significant stress concentration in the necrotic area of the middle gluteal muscle atrophy group,and the maximum stress was located at the edge of the necrotic area.The maximum stress and maximum displacement in the necrotic area of the middle gluteal muscle atrophy group were significantly greater than those of the normal group(P<0.05).(6)It is indicated that gluteus medius width ratio is an effective indicator for evaluating changes in gluteal muscle atrophy.In the progression of non-traumatic femoral head necrosis,atrophy of the gluteus medius muscle first occurs,followed by widening of the medial hip joint space.The mechanical mechanism may be that the atrophy of the gluteus medius muscle affects the stability of the hip joint,leading to external displacement of the femoral head,and increasing stress and displacement on the surface and necrotic area of the femoral head.

Research on the association between the DYS570 microvariant and Y-SNP haplogroup in Kunming / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the association between microvariants at locus DYS570 and Y-SNPs haplogroup.Methods 89 Y-SNPs and 34 Y-STRs in AIYSNP42,AIYSNP47 and YfilerTM Platinum kits were used to detect the genotype of 116 microvariants at locus DYS570 in Kunming,and the Set-B kit was used to detect the core repeat sequences of the DYS570 locus.The data were statistically analyzed by direct counting method.Then,a network map was drawn by Network 10.2,in order to visualize the genetic information of the sample.Results The results demonstrated that 111 DYS570/18.3-21.3 samples had a core repeat sequence of TTT[TITC]18-21,belonging to subgroup O2a2b1a1a1a4-F14494.A DYS570/20.3 sample had a core repeat sequence of[TTTC]15TTC[TTTC]5,belonging to O2a1b1a1a1a1e-F1365 subgroup.A DYS570/17.1 sample had a core repeat sequence of[TTTC]17 T,belonging to the O2a1b1a1a1a-F11 subgroup.Three DYS570(19.2)samples had[TTTC]3 TT[TTTC]16,belonging to the D1a1a-M15 haplogroup.Conclusion The results indicated that the microvariant with the same core repeat structure at locus DYS570 was associated with haplogroups,and the ancestry origin of samples can be inferenced from microvariant characteristics during the practice of forensic medicine.

Influencing factors for intestinal colonization and secondary infection of CRKP in neonates / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To analyze the influencing factors for intestinal colonization and secondary infection of car-bapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)in neonates,and provide a basis for formulating prevention and control strategies for CRKP infection.Methods Neonates who were admitted to the neonatal ward of a hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects,and the first screening of CRKP was con-ducted within 48 hours after admission.In addition,active anal swab screening for carbapenem-resistant Ente-robacterales(CRE)was performed weekly during hospitalization,and the infection status of CRKP strains was mo-nitored.Clinical data of neonates in the colonization group,non-colonization group,and infection group were ana-lyzed.Intestinal colonized strains and the non-repetitive CRKP strains isolated from clinical specimens of neonates with secondary infection after colonization were performed carbapenemase gene detection,multilocus sequence ty-ping(MLST)and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis(PFGE)analysis.Results A total of 1 438 neonates were active-ly screened for CRE,174 were CRKP positive,CRKP colonization rate was 12.1％.Among 174 neonates,35 were with secondary infection,with the incidence of 20.1％.The independent risk factors for neonatal CRKP intestinal colonization were cesarean section(OR=2.050,95％CI:1.200-3.504,P=0.009),use of cephalosporins(OR=1.889,95％CI:1.086-3.288,P=0.024),nasogastric tube feeding(OR=2.317,95％CI:1.155-4.647,P=0.018).Protective factors were breast-feeding(OR=0.506,95％CI:0.284-0.901,P=0.021),oral probiotics(OR=0.307,95％CI:0.147-0.643,P=0.002),and enema(OR=0.334,95％CI:0.171-0.656,P=0.001).Independent risk factors for secondary infection after intestinal colonization of neonatal CRKP were carbapenem anti-biotic use(OR=19.869,95％CI:1.778-222.029,P=0.015)and prolonged hospital stay(OR=1.118,95％CI:1.082-1.157,P＜0.001).The detection results of drug resistance genes showed that carbapenemase-producing genes of CRKP strains were all blaKPC-2,all belonged to type ST11.Homologous analysis showed that intestinal CRKP colonization was highly homologous with the secondary infection strains after colonization.Conclusion CRKP intestinal colonization during neonatal hospitalization may increase the risk of CRKP infection.Risk and pro-tective factors of neonatal intestinal colonization and secondary infections after colonization should be paid attention,and corresponding preventive and control measures should be taken,so as to reduce the occurrence and transmission CRKP healthcare-associated infection.

Effect of tumor vascular disrupting agent 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid on metastasis of Lewis lung cancer in mice / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of 5,6-dimethylxanthe-none-4-acetic acid(DMXAA)on metastasis of Lewis lung cancer(LLC)in mice.METHODS The inhibi-tory effect of DMXAA on tumor metastasis was analyzed via an LLC xenograft tumor model and LLC metastatic tumor model.The mice of LLC xenograft tumor model were randomly divided into three groups:model group(physiological saline containing 1%DMSO,ip,once every two days),model+suni-tinib group(30 mg·kg-1,ip,once every two days),and model+DMXAA group(25 mg·kg-1,ip,once).Tumor volume and body mass were measured once every two days after administration.Two and five days after administration,tumor mass was measured by sacrificing the mice,followed by immunofluores-cence staining of tumor tissues.Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)were used to analyze the vascular structure of tumor tissues.The tumor hypoxia level was detected using the hypoxia probe pimonidazole staining.The mice of LLC metastatic tumor model were randomly divided into three groups:model group(physiological saline containing 1%DMSO,ip,twice a week),model+sunitinib group(60 mg·kg-1,ip,twice a week),and model+DMXAA group(25 mg·kg-1,ip,once).At the Two and five weeks after administration,the in vivo tumor growth and metastasis were observed and quantified using a small animal live imaging system.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the tumor volume and mass of the model+sunitinib group and model+ DMXAA group were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),and DMXAA took effect faster and more significantly than sunitinib.At the same time,compared with the model group,the body mass in the model+sunitinib group decreased significantly(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in body mass the model+DMXAA group.Compared with the model group,model+sunitinib had no effect on tumor metastasis,but model+DMXAA significantly reduced tumor metastasis two weeks after administration(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the coverage rate of α-SMA/CD31 in the model+sunitinib group and model+DMXAA group increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,there was no significant change in the tumor hypoxia area in the model+sunitinib group,but this in the model+DMXAA group decreased significantly(P<0.01).CONCLUSION DMXAA significantly inhibits the growth and metastasis of LLC in mice,and its mechanism may be related to its improvement of tumor vascular normalization and hyposic microenvironments.

Research progress of organoid models in bladder cancer / 中国肿瘤临床

Organoids are novel in vitro models that can effectively simulate the complexities of tumor microenvironments.Compared to tra-ditional preclinical models,organoids retain most of the histological and molecular properties of the primary tumor;therefore,they are more useful for studying tumor heterogeneity,underlying functional pathways,and immune microenvironments as well as for research on biomarker discovery,drug screening,and individual chemotherapy.Furthermore,current limitations,challenges such as low modeling suc-cess rates,high costs,and lack of standardization are expected to be overcome by continued innovations in bioengineering technologies and interdisciplinary integration.This article reviews the advantages,establishment processes,and prospects and challenges associated with the clinical application of organoids in bladder cancer.

Correlation between fat distribution and the composite indices of femoral neck strength in obese postmenopausal women / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between fat distribution and the composite indices of femoral neck strength in obese postmenopausal women.Methods:A total of 293 postmenopausal women with non-low body weight were selected, laboratory tests, body composition analyzer test and double-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan were performed. Based on the body mass index(BMI), they were divided into three groups, the normal BMI group(18.5 kg/m 2≤BMI<24.0 kg/m 2, n=91), the overweight group(24.0 kg/m 2≤BMI<28.0 kg/m 2, n=115), and the obese group(BMI≥28.0 kg/m 2, n=87). The measurement results were analyzed. Results:In the obese group, bone mineral density(BMD) of all sites was higher than that in the normal BMI group and overweight group( P<0.005), compression strength index(CSI), bending strength index(BSI), and impact strength index(ISI) were significantly lower than those in the normal BMI group( P<0.001, P=0.008, P=0.001). In the obese group, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, total fat mass, appendicular fat mass, and trunk fat mass were risk factors for CSI, BSI and ISI independent of age, fasting blood glucose, and BMI( P<0.05). Visceral fat grade and Chinese visceral adiposity fat index were the risk factors for CSI, BSI, and ISI( P<0.05). Conclusion:The composite indices of femoral neck strength decreased in obese postmenopausal women, and both subcutaneous fat and visceral fat were negatively associated with the composite indices of femoral neck strength.

Research Progress of Fluorescence Detection Response Mechanism of Organic Small Molecular Probes to Peroxynitrite Anion / 分析化学

Peroxynitrite anion(ONOO?)is one of the most active species of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and reactive nitrogen species(RNS).As an important physiologically active molecule,the abnormal expression of ONOO?will damage the protein and DNA in cells,leading to inflammation and other serious diseases in vivo.In recent years,fluorescence detection technology has been used to realize rapid and sensitive monitoring of bioactive molecules,and imaging tools have been used to conduct high-resolution tracing.Therefore,many organic small molecule fluorescent probes have been developed to detect ONOO?.In this paper,the recent research progresses of ONOO? fluorescence detection methods based on intramolecular charge transfer(ICT),photoinduced electron transfer(PET),fluorescence resonance energy transfer(FRET),excited state intramolecular charge transfer(ESIPT)and other fluorescence response mechanisms were reviewed.

Construction and efficacy evaluation of a short-term prognostic model for emergency patients with acute ischemic cerebral stroke / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To establish a 14-day prognosis model for emergency patients with acute ischemic cerebral stroke and evaluate its predictive efficacy.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the emergency department of Beijing Bo’ai Hospital within 72 hours of onset from October 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the risk factors of poor prognosis. The ROC curve was drawn to determine the cut-off value of continuous variables and discretise data with reference to clinical practice. The corresponding scores were set up according to the β regression coefficient of each variable, and the clinical scale prediction model of short-term prognosis of acute cerebral infarction was established. Patients with ischemic stroke in the hospital from January to December 2021 were selected as the internal validation, to verify the constructed predictive model.Results:A total of 321 patients were included in the study, including 223 in the training set and 98 in the internal validation set. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, prealbumin (PA), infarct volume, Frailty Screening Questionnaire (FSQ) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were independent risk factors for poor short-term prognosis of acute cerebral infarction. The total score of the clinical prediction scoring system for short-term prognosis of acute cerebral infarction in the emergency department was 15 points, including age ≥74 years (1 point), PA ≤373 mg/L (2 points), large artery atherosclerosis (1 point), cardiogenic embolism (2 points), infarct volume ≥ 2.18 cm 3 (2 points), FSQ ≥3 points (1 point), NIHSS ≥4 points (6 points); The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the scoring system for predicting short-term poor prognosis of acute cerebral infarction was 0.927 (95% CI: 0.894-0.960). The optimal cut-off value was ≥5 points, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.770 and 0.976, respectively. In the internal validation set, the scoring system had similar predictive value for poor outcomes (AUC=0.892, 95% CI:0.827-0.957). Conclusion:The scoring system for short-term prognosis prediction of acute ischemic cerebral infarction has good diagnostic efficacy, and could guide clinicians to judge the prognosis of emergency patients in the early stage.

Analysis of a case of hereditary anomalous fibrinogenemia complicated with deep vein thrombosis due to the c.2185G＞A vari-ant of FGA gene / 临床检验杂志

Objective To analyze the deep venous thrombosis(DVT)after plasma infusion in a patient with congenital dysfibrinogene-mia(CD),and explore the relationship between the CD and DVT.Methods The clinical data were collected and the pedigree was investigated(3 subjects of 2 generations in total).The relevant indexes of coagulation factors of the patient and her family members were detected.The genomic DNA of peripheral blood was extracted for PCR amplification.All the exons,flanking sequences,5'and 3'untranslated regions of FGA,FGB and FGG genes of fibrinogen(Fg)of the patient were analyzed by direct sequencing.The corre-sponding mutation site was subjected to sequence in the other members of this family.The PyMol software was used to construct the pro-tein model before and after gene mutation.Results The patient was admitted to hospital for hysteromyomectomy.DVT appeared in 3 days after surgery.The prothrombin time(PT),thrombin time(TT),Fg activity(Fg∶C)and Fg antigen(Fg∶Ag)of the patient was 14.9 s,33.3 s,0.94 g/L and 2.10 g/L,respectively.The above four indicators in her mother were 14.7 s,32.8 s,0.97 g/L and 2.35 g/L,respectively.Gene sequencing revealed that both the patient and her mother had a heterozygous missense mutation c.2185G＞A(p.Glu729Lys)in exon 6 of the FGA gene.The protein model analysis demonstrated that p.Glu729Lys mutation changed the amino acid side chain and reduced the number of hydrogen bonds originally formed with Arg854.Conclusion A heterozygous missense mutation c.2185G＞A(NM_000508)in exon 6 of the FGA gene should be responsible for the low fibrinogen level in this pedigree,which might be the main reason for DVT after plasma infusion in this patient.

Advances in the Mechanism of Phage Resistance to Bacterial Biofilms and Strategies for Its Application / 现代检验医学杂志

Bacterial biofilms(BF)are complex microbial communities formed by bacteria on living or abiotic surfaces.Their formation significantly enhances bacterial virulence and drug resistance and is associated with a high proportion of chronic bacterial infections,posing a serious threat to human health.The ability of traditional antibiotics and commonly used disinfectants to clear biofilms is limited,and an effective new strategy to treat BF is urgently needed.Bacteriophage,as a kind of virus that can infect and lyse bacteria,has high safety and specificity,and is considered as a promising alternative method for the treatment of BF.In this paper,the mechanism of bacteriophage anti-bacterial biofilm and the application strategies based on bacteriophage and its derivatives in the prevention and control of bacteriophage biofilm formation were reviewed,which provided new ideas for the development of efficient bacteriophage anti-bacterial biofilm methods.