Objective: To analyze the disease burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and changes in its risk factors among residents in Zhejiang Province from 1990 to 2021, so as to identify key priorities for COPD prevention and control. Methods: Data on COPD mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for residents in Zhejiang Province from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Standardized mortality and standardized DALY rate were calculated using the GBD 2021 world population standard structure. Premature mortality was computed via the life table method. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was applied to analyze trends in COPD mortality, DALY rate, and premature mortality. Changes in deaths of COPD risk factors were evaluated using population attributable fraction (PAF). Results: From 1990 to 2021, the standardized COPD mortality in Zhejiang Province decreased from 272.40/100 000 to 70.56/100 000 (AAPC=-4.395%), and the standardized DALY rate declined from 4 167.37/100 000 to 1 071.89/100 000 (AAPC=-4.396%). Similar downward trends were observed in both males (AAPC=-3.933%, -4.173%) and females (AAPC=-4.785%, -4.480%), all P<0.05. Crude mortality and DALY rates increased with age, and the crude mortality and DALY rates of various age groups in Zhejiang Province showed decreasing trends from 1990 to 2021 (all P<0.05). The premature mortality declined from 4.37% to 0.60% from 1990 to 2021 (AAPC=- 6.206%), with consistent trends across males and females (AAPC=- 6.144%, - 6.379%, all P<0.05). From 1990 to 2021, particulate matter pollution showed the largest reduction in PAF (- 56.76%), while ambient ozone pollution had the largest increase (103.07%) in Zhejiang Province. By 2021, smoking became the leading risk factor for deaths of COPD (PAF=43.32%). Conclusions The standardized mortality, standardized DALY rate, and premature mortality for COPD show consistent declining trends in Zhejiang Province from 1990 to 2021. However, risk factors such as smoking and ambient ozone pollution require intensified focus to further reduce disease burden of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory dendritic cell (DCreg) subset exhibits a unique capacity for inducing immune tolerance among the variety subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) within gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs). Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L) is involved in the differentiation of DCregs and the subsequent expansion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) mediated by DCregs, though the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the expansion mechanism of Treg induced by DCreg and the role of FLT3L in this process. METHODS: DCregs were distinguished from other DC subsets isolated from GALTs of BALB/c mice through a mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. The functions and mechanisms by which FLT3L promoted Treg expansion via DCregs were investigated in vitro through co-culture experiments involving DCregs and either CD4 + CD25 - T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Additionally, an in vivo experiment was conducted using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice. RESULTS: CD103 + CD11b + DC exhibited DCreg-like functionality and was identified as DCreg for subsequent investigation. Analysis of Foxp3 + Treg percentages within a co-culture system of CD4 + CD25 - T-cells and DCregs, with or without FLT3L, demonstrated the involvement of the FLT3/FLT3L axis in driving the differentiation of precursor T-cells into Foxp3 + Tregs induced by DCregs. Cell migration and co-culture assays revealed that the FLT3/FLT3L axis enhanced DCreg migration toward Tregs via the Rho pathway. Additionally, it was observed that DCregs could promote Treg proliferation through the Notch pathway, as inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPT (N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester) suppressed Treg expansion within the co-culture system of DCregs and CD4 + T-cells or CD4 + CD25 + T-cells. Furthermore, the FLT3/FLT3L axis influenced JAG1 expression in DCregs, indirectly modulating Treg expansion. In vivo experiments further established that FLT3L promoted DCreg expansion and restored Treg balance in DSS-induced colitis models, thereby ameliorating colitis symptoms in mice. CONCLUSION The FLT3/FLT3L axis is integral to the maintenance of DCreg function in Treg expansion.
Animals ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology* ; Dendritic Cells/immunology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Receptors, Notch/metabolism* ; Lymphoid Tissue/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Coculture Techniques ; Flow Cytometry

Objective To mine and analyze the routine blood test data of children with allergic rhinitis (AR), identify routine blood parameters related to childhood allergic rhinitis, establish an effective diagnostic model, and evaluate the performance of the model. Methods This study was a retrospective study of clinical cases. The experimental group comprised a total of 1110 children diagnosed with AR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University during the period from December 12, 2020 to December 12, 2021, while the control group included 1109 children without a history of allergic rhinitis or other allergic diseases who underwent routine physical examinations during the same period. Information such as age, sex and routine blood test results was collected for all subjects. The levels of routine blood test indicators were compared between AR children and healthy children using comprehensive intelligent baseline analysis, with indicators of P≥0.05 excluded; variables were screened by Lasso regression. Binary Logistic regression was used to further evaluate the influence of multiple routine blood indexes on the results. Five kinds of machine model algorithms were used, namely extreme value gradient lift (XGBoost), logistic regression (LR), gradient lift decision tree (LGBMC), Random forest (RF) and adaptive lift algorithm (AdaBoost), to establish the diagnostic models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to screen the optimal model. The best LightGBM algorithm was used to build an online patient risk assessment tool for clinical application. Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the AR group and the control group in the following routine blood test indicators: mean cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin (HGB), absolute value of basophils (BASO), absolute value of eosinophils (EOS), large platelet ratio (P-LCR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet count (PLT), absolute values of leukocyte neutrophil (W-LCC), leukocyte monocyte (W-MCC), leukocyte lymphocyte (W-SCC), and age. Lasso regression identified these variables as important predictors, and binary Logistic regression further analyzed the significant influence of these variables on the results. The optimal machine learning algorithm LightGBM was used to establish a multi-index joint detection model. The model showed robust prediction performance in the training set, with AUC values of 0.8512 and 0.8103 in the internal validation set. Conclusion The identified routine blood parameters can be used as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk assessment of AR, which can improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis. The established model provides scientific basis for more accurate diagnostic tools and personalized prevention strategies. Future studies should prospectively validate these findings and explore their applicability in other related diseases.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Rhinitis, Allergic/blood* ; Child ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Retrospective Studies ; Early Diagnosis ; Child, Preschool ; ROC Curve ; Logistic Models ; Hematologic Tests ; Algorithms ; Adolescent ; Machine Learning

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.

Background: The function of CD69 expressed on T cells in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the roles of CD69 on T cells in the disease process and in antiviral therapy for CHB. Methods: We enrolled 335 treatment-naive patients with CHB and 93 patients with CHB on antiviral therapy. CD69, antiviral cytokine production by T cells, T-helper (Th) cells, and inhibitory molecules of T cells were measured using flow cytometry, and clinical-virological characteristics were examined dynamically during antiviral therapy. Results: CD69 expression on CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells was the lowest in the immune-active phase and was negatively correlated with liver transaminase activity, fibrosis features, inflammatory cytokine production by T cells, and Th-cell frequencies but positively with inhibitory molecules on T cells. CD69 expression on CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells decreased after 48 weeks of antiviral therapy, and patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion in week 48 showed lower CD69 expression on T cells at baseline and week 48. The area under the ROC curve of CD69 expression on T cells at baseline for predicting HBeAg seroconversion in week 48 was 0.870, the sensitivity was 0.909, and the specificity was 0.714 (P = 0.002). Conclusions CD69 negatively regulates T-cell immunity during CHB, and its expression decreases with antiviral therapy. CD69 expression predicts HBeAg seroconversion in week 48. CD69 may play an important negative role in regulating T cells and affect the efficacy of antiviral therapy.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between blood uric acid level and body composition, exercise capacity, and cardiopulmonary function in medical examination population.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 83 individuals who underwent physical examinations at Peking University Third Hospital from June 1, 2023, to October 1, 2023, and met the inclusion criteria were included. According to whether they had hyperuricemia (HUA), the participants were divided into HUA group (53 cases) and non-HUA group (30 cases). Body composition parameters, such as body mass index and visceral fat area, were measured with a body composition analyzer. Exercise capacity indicators, including grip strength, vertical jump, back strength, and sit-and-reach test, were measured using specific monitoring devices. Cardiopulmonary function was assessed using the stair index test. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared with t-tests or chi-square tests, and the correlation between uric acid levels and body composition, exercise capacity, and cardiopulmonary function was analyzed. Results:The HUA group had significantly higher skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body mass index, and visceral fat area when compared with the non-HUA group [(31.92±5.60) vs (26.11±6.19) kg, (23.66±9.33) vs (17.19±5.00) kg, (26.53±3.68) vs (23.27±3.59) kg/m2, 91.20 (74.25, 123.90) vs 68.25 (56.25, 90.48) cm 2, respectively] (all P<0.05). The grip strength, vertical jump, and back pull strength were all lower in the HUA group [32.70 (25.25, 40.30) vs 42.35 (35.95, 48.10) kg, 30.30 (24.10, 36.48) vs 40.55 (33.06, 45.10) kg, 24.20(20.60, 32.23) vs 29.90 (25.20, 35.50) cm, 65.60 (51.75, 78.00) vs 91.00 (67.25, 111.50) kg, respectivley] (all P<0.05). The increased step index was positively correlated with reduced risk of hyperuricemia ( OR=0.875, 95% CI: 0.793-0.966) ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Blood uric acid level is correlated with cardiopulmonary function in medical examination population. Individuals with better cardiopulmonary function have a lower risk of developing HUA. However, the relationship between blood uric acid level and body composition and exercise capacity is not clear.

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of clinical bleeding in a family with hereditary coagulation factor Ⅺ (FⅪ) deficiency caused by a novel mutation of the coagulation factor Ⅺ (FⅪ) gene.Methods:A male proband with hereditary coagulation factor XI deficiency who was admitted to Yuncheng Central Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University due to "adenoid hypertrophy" on February 23, 2023 and his family members (5 people in 3 generations) were selected as research subjects. The clinical data of the proband and family members were collected; the relevant coagulation indexes of all members were tested; those with abnormal coagulation indexes (prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), normal thrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen (Fib)) were selected for APTT correction experiment; those with corrected Rosner index (RI) less than 10% were selected to detect FⅪ activity (FⅪ:C) by one-step method, FⅪ antigen (FⅪ:Ag) by ELISA method, and whole exon sequence by Illumina sequencing method. New mutation sites were rated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) related variation rating guidelines, and bioinformatics software was used to predict the impact of new mutations on protein structure and function.Results:The APTT of the proband, his father and his daughter were all prolonged and their RI were all less than 10%. Further tests revealed that FⅪ:C and FⅪ:Ag of the three were all decreased. Illumina sequencing revealed a new frameshift mutation c.1223dupC (P.Ser409Leufs*32) in exon 11 of FⅪ of the three people, and a missense mutation c.G1253T (p.Gly418Val) in exon 11 of FⅪ of the proband′s father. ACMG rated the new mutation as pathogenic, and c.G1253T was a reported possible pathogenic mutation.Conclusion:The heterozygous frameshift mutation c.1223dupC (P.Ser409Leufs*32) in exon 11 of FⅪ may be the main molecular mechanism of the disease in this family.

Objective:To learn about the operation of fluoride reduction and water improvement projects, the current situation of water fluoride level and the changing trend of fluorosis in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Shaanxi Province, and to evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures.Methods:From March 2014 to December 2021, 15 endemic villages in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Dali, Dingbian, Jingbian, Jingyang and Liquan counties in Shaanxi Province were selected as monitoring villages to investigate the operation of water improvement projects. Water samples were collected, and the water fluoride level was detected according to the "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water - Nonmetal Parameters" (GB/T 5750.5-2006). "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" (WS/T 208-2011) was done to detect dental fluorosis in all children aged 8 - 12 who were born and lived in the monitoring village. Using "Diagnostic Standard for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis" (WS/T 192-2008) and "Determination of Fluoride in Urine - Ion Selective Electrode Method" (WS/T 89-2015), X-ray examination and urine fluoride level test were performed on adults over 25 years old who had lived in the monitoring village for more than 5 years, respectively.Results:From 2014 to 2021, a total of 122 water improvement projects were investigated, all of which were in normal operation. The qualified rate of water fluoride increased from 81.25% (13/16) in 2014 to 100.00% (11/11) in 2021. A total of 5 595 children aged 8 - 12 were examined, 1 790 children with dental fluorosis were detected, with a detection rate of 31.99%. The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children decreased from 52.05% (304/584) in 2014 to 9.68% (93/961) in 2021, showing an overall downward trend (χ 2trend = 533.76, P < 0.001). In 2014, 791 adults were examined, and 256 patients with skeletal fluorosis were detected, the detection rate was 32.36%. In 2019, 770 adults were examined, and 88 patients with skeletal fluorosis were detected, with a detection rate of 11.43%. The detection rate of skeletal fluorosis in adults in 2019 was lower than that in 2014, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 99.54, P < 0.001). In 2014, 754 adult urine samples were collected, and the geometric mean of urine fluoride was 2.571 mg/L. In 2019, 770 adult urine samples were collected, and the geometric mean of urine fluoride was 1.292 mg/L. The geometric mean of urine fluoride in adults in 2019 was lower than that in 2014, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 12.74, P < 0.001). Conclusions:From 2014 to 2021, the water improvement projects in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Shaanxi Province are running normally, and the qualified rate of water fluoride has increased. The incidence of dental fluorosis in children and skeletal fluorosis in adults has decreased. In the later stage, it is necessary to continuously strengthen the monitoring and management of water improvement projects to prevent the rebound of water fluoride from causing residents' illness.

[摘 要] 目的：探讨内吞作用相关基因FCHO2在各亚型乳腺癌中的表达及其与乳腺癌患者的预后和免疫细胞浸润的相关性。方法：应用免疫组化法和bc-GenExMiner v5.0数据库数据分析FCHO2在各亚型乳腺癌组织中的表达，通过GEO和TIMER数据库数据分析FCHO2与各亚型乳腺癌患者预后和免疫细胞浸润的关系，利用STRING和GEPIA数据库数据分析与FCHO2的互作蛋白网络和其与互作蛋白的相关性，通过UALCAN和DAVID数据库数据对乳腺癌组织中FCHO2表达相关基因进行KEGG和GO分析。结果：免疫组化法结果显示，FCHO2在管腔型和HER2+乳腺癌组织中均呈高表达（均P<0.05），且与HER2和Ki67表达有关联（P=0.03和P=0.007）。FCHO2高表达的管腔型乳腺癌患者总生存期（OS）和无复发生存期（RFS）均明显缩短（均P<0.05）。FCHO2蛋白与EPS15等多种蛋白表达相关且构成蛋白-蛋白互作网络。KEGG和GO分析显示，乳腺癌组织中FCHO2相关表达基因主要与昼夜节律、自噬等生物学过程有关，涉及叉头框蛋白O（FoxO）和TGF-β等信号通路。FCHO2表达与各亚型乳腺癌组织中的免疫细胞浸润相关（均P<0.05）。结论：FCHO2在管腔型、HER2+乳腺癌组织中呈高表达，且与管腔型乳腺癌患者预后及免疫细胞浸润相关，其可能成为乳腺癌治疗的潜在靶点。

[摘 要] 目的：探讨内吞作用相关基因FCHO2在各亚型乳腺癌中的表达及其与乳腺癌患者的预后和免疫细胞浸润的相关性。方法：应用免疫组化法和bc-GenExMiner v5.0数据库数据分析FCHO2在各亚型乳腺癌组织中的表达，通过GEO和TIMER数据库数据分析FCHO2与各亚型乳腺癌患者预后和免疫细胞浸润的关系，利用STRING和GEPIA数据库数据分析与FCHO2的互作蛋白网络和其与互作蛋白的相关性，通过UALCAN和DAVID数据库数据对乳腺癌组织中FCHO2表达相关基因进行KEGG和GO分析。结果：免疫组化法结果显示，FCHO2在管腔型和HER2+乳腺癌组织中均呈高表达（均P<0.05），且与HER2和Ki67表达有关联（P=0.03和P=0.007）。FCHO2高表达的管腔型乳腺癌患者总生存期（OS）和无复发生存期（RFS）均明显缩短（均P<0.05）。FCHO2蛋白与EPS15等多种蛋白表达相关且构成蛋白-蛋白互作网络。KEGG和GO分析显示，乳腺癌组织中FCHO2相关表达基因主要与昼夜节律、自噬等生物学过程有关，涉及叉头框蛋白O（FoxO）和TGF-β等信号通路。FCHO2表达与各亚型乳腺癌组织中的免疫细胞浸润相关（均P<0.05）。结论：FCHO2在管腔型、HER2+乳腺癌组织中呈高表达，且与管腔型乳腺癌患者预后及免疫细胞浸润相关，其可能成为乳腺癌治疗的潜在靶点。