Enhancing the speed of microbial antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is an urgent requirement for effective patient treatment, rational use of antimicrobial agents, and mitigating the development of microbial resistance. Novel rapid AST methods primarily involve advancing the observation timepoint of microbial growth. By capturing changes in microbial quantity, morphology, and metabolism during the early incubation phase—when microbial growth is invisible to the naked eye—these techniques utilize various devices and technologies to determine the resistance relationship between microorganisms and antimicrobial agents. This article reviews the current advancements in rapid AST from four perspectives: (1)monitoring microbial growth phenomena, (2)fluorescence labeling to indicate cellular activity, (3)detecting cellular metabolic states and products, and (4)matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based rapid AST. The aim is to provide a reference for clinical microbial resistance management.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the corrective strategies and effectiveness of osteotomy surgery for severe lower limb deformities in hypophosphatemic rickets. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 patients with severe lower limb deformities of hypophosphatemic rickets who underwent surgical treatment between February 2012 and August 2024. There were 9 males and 20 females. The age ranged from 13 to 53 years, with an average of 24.6 years. All patients were deformities of both lower limbs, presenting as 24 cases of O-shaped legs, 2 cases of wind-blown deformities, and 3 cases of X-shaped legs. Based on the full-length films of both lower limbs in the standing position before operation, the osteotomy planes of the femur, tibia, and fibula were designed. Among them, if both the same-sided thigh and leg were deformed, staged surgeries of both lower limbs were selected. If only the thigh or leg were deformed, simultaneous surgeries of both lower limbs were selected. The femur deformity was corrected immediately after osteotomy at the deformed plane; the osteotomy fragment was temporarily controlled with an external fixator, which was removed after perform internal fixation with a steel plate. After fibular osteotomy, the Ilizarov frame or Taylor frame was installed on the tibia and fibula. The threaded rods were removed and then tibial osteotomy was performed on the deformed plane. Patients using the Taylor frame did not undergo deformity correction during operation. The external fixators were adjusted starting 7 days after operation to correct the varus, valgus, and rotational deformities of the lower limb. Patients using the Ilizarov frame corrected the rotational deformity of the tibia during operation. The external fixator was adjusted starting 7 days after operation to correct the varus and valgus deformities of the lower limb. During the treatment period, the patient could walk with partial weight-bearing on the operated limb with crutches. The external fixator was removed after the bone healed. Before operation and at last follow-up, the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA), anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA), anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), posterior distal femoral angle (PDFA), and mechanical axis deviation (MAD), lower limb rotation, limb length discrepancy (LLD) were measured. The self-made scoring criteria were adopted to evaluate the degree of lower limb deformity of the patients. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed, and no complications such as nerve or vascular injury occurred. The adjustment time of the external fixator of the lower limb after operation was 28-46 days, with an average of 37.4 days. The wearing time of the external fixator ranged from 134 to 398 days, with an average of 181.5 days. Mild pin tract infections occurred in 2 limbs. The osteofascial compartment syndrome occurred in 1 limb after operation. No complications related to orthopedic adjustment of the external fixator occurred in other patients. All patients were followed up 6-56 months, with an average of 28.2 months. At last follow-up, full-length films of both lower limbs in the standing position showed that the coronal mechanical axes of the lower limbs of all patients returned to the normal. At last follow-up, MPTA, LDTA, PPTA, aLDFA, PDFA, MAD, lower limb rotation, LLD, and the score of lower limb deformity significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ADTA between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The degree of lower limb deformity were rated as moderate in 2 cases and poor in 27 cases before operation and as excellent in 7 cases, good in 18 cases, and moderate in 4 cases at last follow-up, with an excellent and good rate of 86.2%. CONCLUSION For severe lower limb deformities in hypophosphatemic rickets, immediate correction of deformities with femoral osteotomy and internal plate fixation, as well as gradually correction of deformities with tibiofibular osteotomy and circular external fixation (Ilizarov frame or Taylor frame), have satisfactory therapeutic effects.
Humans ; Male ; Osteotomy/instrumentation* ; Female ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Tibia/abnormalities* ; Adolescent ; Femur/abnormalities* ; Middle Aged ; Fibula/surgery* ; Rickets, Hypophosphatemic/complications* ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; External Fixators ; Bone Plates ; Lower Extremity Deformities, Congenital/etiology*

Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a pivotal phenomenon intricately linked to cellular processes, is regulated by various other proteins. However, there is still a lack of high-throughput methods for screening protein regulators of LLPS in target proteins. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-based screening method to identify protein phase separation regulators by integrating bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Using this newly developed method, we screened the RNA-binding proteins that regulate PABPN1 phase separation and identified the tumor suppressor QKI as a promoter of PABPN1 phase separation. Furthermore, QKI exhibits decreased expression levels and diminished nuclear localization in colorectal cancer cells, resulting in reduced PABPN1 phase separation, which, in turn, promotes alternative polyadenylation (APA), cell proliferation, and migration in colorectal cancer.
Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Poly(A)-Binding Protein I/genetics* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Flow Cytometry ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Liver/pathology* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy* ; Diquat/poisoning* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Apoptosis ; Coumarins

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown that puerarin can inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts,and the expression of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins such as Notch1,HES1,and Jagged1 is decreased.However,the specific mechanism of the Notch1 signaling pathway for the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation by puerarin is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of Notch signaling pathway on puerarin inhibiting the differentiation of mouse macrophage Raw264.7 into osteoclasts. METHODS:Raw264.7 cells were divided into seven groups for intervention culture.Blank control group was cultured in high-sugar DMEM medium;the osteoclast induction group was cultured in osteoclast induction medium;the puerarin intervention group was cultured with 50 μmol/L puerarin at the same time of osteoclast induction;Notch1 siRNA control group,Notch1 siRNA group,Notch1 overexpression control group and Notch1 overexpression group were transfected with Notch1 siRNA control sequence,Notch1 siRNA,Notch1 overexpression control plasmid and Notch1 overexpression plasmid,respectively,and then cultured with osteoclast induction medium and puerarin.The number and size of osteoclasts were observed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,the skeleton formation of osteoclasts was observed by F-actin staining,and the gene expression level of osteoclast formation markers was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that puerarin intervention could inhibit the generation of osteoclasts,Notch1 silencing could further reduce the number of osteoclasts,while the number of osteoclasts in the osteoclast-induced group increased significantly after Notch1 overexpression.The results of F-actin showed that Raw264.7 cells could form a well-defined F-actin ring after osteoclast induction.Puerarin intervention would inhibit the formation of cytoskeleton,and Notch1 silencing could aggravate the inhibitory effect of cytoskeleton formation,while Notch1 overexpression could alleviate this inhibitory effect of puerarin.RT-PCR results showed that puerarin could inhibit the mRNA expression levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,Cathepsin K and c-Fos,the expression of the above-mentioned three factors decreased significantly after Notch1 gene silencing,and Notch1 overexpression could upregulate the expression of these factors.These finding indicate that puerarin inhibits the differentiation of Raw264.7 cells into osteoclasts through the Notch signaling pathway.

Aim To investigate the relationship between fibrinogen(FIB)and the progression of coronary plaque stenosis rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods Hospitalized T2DM patients who underwent two or more coronary CT angiography(CCTA)examinations in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong U-niversity from January 2015 to December 2020 were included.The subjects were divided into high FIB and low FIB groups according to the median of FIB.The differences in the progression of coronary plaque stenosis rate and other clini-cal characteristics were compared between the two groups,and the relationship between FIB level and the progression of coronary plaque stenosis rate was analyzed by Spearman's correlation analysis and Logistic regression.Results A total of 145 patients were included,73 in the high FIB group and 72 in the low FIB group at baseline,with a median follow-up time of 25(18,40)months between CCTA.The age,proportion of women,and the progression of coronary plaque ste-nosis rate were higher in the high FIB group than those in the low FIB group,and the differences were statistically signifi-cant(P＜0.05).FIB level was positively correlated with the change in coronary plaque stenosis rate(r2=0.308,P＜0.001).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that FIB level was a risk factor for the progression of coronary plaque stenosis rate in patients with T2DM(OR=5.25,95％CI:1.97～14.02,P＜0.001),after adjusting for age,sex and other clinical risk factors.Conclusion High baseline FIB level is an independent risk factor for the progression of coronary plaque stenosis rate in patients with T2DM,and monitoring FIB level is beneficial to cardiovascular risk stratifica-tion in patients with T2DM.

【Objective】 To establish an effective quality indicator monitoring system, scientifically and objectively evaluate the quality management level of blood banks, and achieve continuous improvement of quality management in blood bank. 【Methods】 A quality monitoring indicator system that covers the whole process of blood collection and supply was established, the questionnaire of Quality Monitoring Indicators for Blood Collection and Supply Process with clear definition of indicators and calculation formulas was distributed to 17 blood banks in Shandong. Statistical analysis of 21 quality monitoring indicators in terms of blood donation service (10 indicators), blood component preparation (7 indicators ), and blood supply (4 indicators) from each blood bank from January to December 2022 were conducted using SPSS25.0 software The differences in quality monitoring indicators of blood banks of different scales were analyzed. 【Results】 The average values of quality monitoring indicators for blood donation service process of 17 blood banks were as follows: 44.66% (2 233/5 000) of regular donors proportion, 0.22% (11/50) of adverse reactions incidence, 0.46% (23/5 000) of non-standard whole blood collection rate, 0.052% (13/25 000) of missed HBsAg screening rate, 99.42% (4 971/5 000) of first, puncture successful rate, 86.49% (173/200) of double platelet collection rate, 66.50% (133/200) of 400 mL whole blood collection rate, 99.25% (397/400) of donor satisfaction rate, 82.68% (2 067/2 500) of use rate of whole blood collection bags with bypass system with sample tube, and 1 case of occupational exposure in blood collection.There was a strong positive correlation between the proportion of regular blood donors and the collection rate of 400 mL whole blood (P<0.05). The platelet collection rate, incidence of adverse reactions to blood donation, and non-standard whole blood collection rate in large blood banks were significantly lower than those in medium and small blood banks (P<0.05). The average quality monitoring indicators for blood component preparation process of 17 blood banks were as follows: the leakage rate of blood component preparation bags was 0.03% (3/10 000), the discarding rate of lipemic blood was 3.05% (61/2 000), the discarding rate of hemolysis blood was 0.13%(13/10 000). 0.06 case had labeling errors, 8 bags had blood catheter leaks, 2.76 bags had blood puncture/connection leaks, and 0.59 cases had non-conforming consumables. The discarding rate of hemolysis blood of large blood banks was significantly lower than that of medium and small blood banks (P<0.05), and the discarding rate of lipemic blood of large and medium blood banks was significantly lower than that of small blood banks (P<0.05). The average values of quality monitoring indicators for blood supply process of 17 blood banks were as follows: the discarding rate of expired blood was 0.023% (23/100 000), the leakage rate during storage and distribution was of 0.009%(9/100 000), the discarding rate of returned blood was 0.106% (53/50 000), the service satisfaction of hospitals was 99.16% (2 479/2 500). The leakage rate of blood components during storage and distribution was statistically different with that of blood component preparation bags between different blood banks (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of regular blood donors, incidence of adverse reactions, non-standard whole blood collection rate, 400 mL whole blood collection rate, double platelet collection rate, the blood bag leakage rate during preparation process, the blood components leakage rate during storage and distribution as well as the discarding rate of lipemic blood, hemolysis blood, expired blood and returned blood among large, medium and small blood banks (all P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The establishment of a quality monitoring indicator system for blood donation services, blood component preparation and blood supply processes in Shandong has good applicability, feasibility and effectiveness. It can objectively evaluate the quality management level, facilitate the continuous improvement of the quality management system, promote the homogenization of blood management in the province and lay the foundation for future comprehensive evaluation of blood banks.

Objective To evaluate the application value of the three-point localization method in improving the quality and efficiency of four-chamber view acquisition in cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)imaging.Methods A total of 215 patients who underwent four-chamber view in CMR imaging from January 2022 to October 2023 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups.The control group(n=109)received traditional localization method while the study group(n=106)received three-point localization method.The image quality of mitral valve,tricuspid valve and cruciform structure in four-chamber view images were assessed by two radiologists using a Likert 4-piont scale.The time-consumption from scout imaging to the finish of four-chamber view imaging was recorded.Constituent data and numeral data were compared by Chi-square test and two-sample t test,respectively.Kappa test was used to analyze the inter-observer consistency.Results There were no significant inter-group differences in gender,age,disease profile,or the radiographers'experience.The mean quality scores of the mitral valve,tricuspid valve and cruciform structure in the control group and the study group were 3.44±0.64 and 3.63±0.49(P=0.023),3.43±0.67 and 3.53±0.60(P=0.202),3.71±0.49 and 3.83±0.35(P=0.047),respectively.The image quality score was higher in the study group than in the control group,with the differences in mitral valve and cruciform structure reaching statistical significance.The time-consumption for obtaining four-chamber view for the control group and the study group was 11.67±3.49 minutes and 7.212±1.83 minutes,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.001).Conclusion Compared with the traditional localization method,the three-point localization method provides better image quality in four-chamber view imaging with shortened imaging time.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.