Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

The bioactivity-guided isolation of potentially active natural products has been widely utilized in pharmaceutical discovery. In this study, by screening fungal extracts against coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), three new aspochalasins, templichalasins A‒C (1‒3), along with six known aspochalasins (4‒9) were isolated from an active extract derived from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus templicola LHWf045. Compound 1 features a unique 5/6/5/7/5 pentacyclic ring system, while compounds 2 and 3 possess unusual 5/6/6/7 tetracyclic skeletons. Their structures were characterized through extensive spectroscopic analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, we demonstrated that compound 4 can be readily converted into compounds 1‒3 under mild acidic conditions and proposed a plausible mechanism for this conversion. Bioactivity evaluation of compounds 1‒9 against CVB3 revealed the inhibitory effects of all compounds against the virus. Notably, compound 9 exhibited superior antiviral activity, surpassing the commercial drug ribavirin in selectivity index (SI) value.
Antiviral Agents/isolation & purification* ; Aspergillus/chemistry* ; Molecular Structure ; Enterovirus B, Human/drug effects* ; Endophytes/chemistry* ; Cytochalasins/isolation & purification* ; Drug Discovery ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: CRISPR-Cas protects bacteria from exogenous DNA invasion and is associated with bacterial biofilm formation and pathogenicity. METHODS: We analyzed the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of Legionella pneumophila WX48, including Cas1, Cas2-Cas3, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, and Cas6f, along with downstream CRISPR arrays. We explored the effects of the CRISPR-Cas system on the in vitro growth, biofilm-forming ability, and pathogenicity of L. pneumophila through constructing gene deletion mutants. RESULTS: The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system did not affect the in vitro growth of wild-type or mutant strains. The biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation of the mutant strains were weaker than those of the wild type owing to the regulation of type IV pili and Dot/Icm type IV secretion systems. In particular, Cas6f deletion strongly inhibited these processes. CONCLUSION The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system may reduce biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation in L. pneumophila.
Legionella pneumophila/pathogenicity* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Biofilms/growth & development* ; Phenotype ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Deletion

Bio-mineralization has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance vaccine immunogenicity. This study optimized the calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization process of foot-and-mouth disease virus-like particles (FMD VLPs) to achieve high mineralization efficiency and scalability. Key parameters, including concentrations of Ca²⁺, HPO₄^2-, NaCl, and VLPs, as well as stirring speed, were systematically optimized. Stability of the scaled-up reaction system and immunogenicity of the mineralized vaccine were evaluated. Optimal conditions [25.50 mmol/L Ca(NO₃)₂, 15 mmol/L Na₂HPO₄, 300 mmol/L NaCl, 0.75 mg/mL VLPs, and 1 500 r/min] yielded CaP-mineralized VLPs (VLPs-CaP) with high mineralization efficiency, uniform morphology, and a favorable particle size. Scaling up the reaction by 25 folds maintained consistent mineralization efficiency and particle characteristics. Immunization in mice demonstrated that VLPs-CaP induced higher titers of specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies than unmineralized VLPs (P < 0.05). Higher IgG2a/IgG1 ratio and enhanced IFN-γ secretion (P < 0.05) further indicated robust cellular immune responses. We establish a stable and scalable protocol for VLPs-CaP, providing a theoretical and technical foundation for developing high-efficacy VLPs-CaP vaccines.
Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/immunology* ; Immunogenicity, Vaccine ; Calcium Phosphates/chemistry* ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus ; Biomineralization ; Particle Size ; Animals ; Mice ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood* ; Antibodies, Viral/blood* ; Immunity, Cellular

Vaccination is a crucial strategy for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Virus-like particles (VLPs), composed of structural proteins, have garnered significant attention as a novel type of vaccine due to their excellent safety and immunogenicity. However, similar to most vaccine antigens, VLPs exhibit insufficient thermal stability, which not only restricts the widespread application of vaccines but also increases the risk of vaccine inactivation. This study aims to enhance the stability and shelf life of VLPs derived from type A foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) by employing vacuum freeze-drying technology. The optimal lyoprotectant formulation was determined through single-factor and combinatorial screening. Subsequently, the correlation between the immunogenicity of the freeze-dried vaccine and the content of FMDV VLPs was evaluated via a mouse model. The stability of FMDV VLPs before and after freeze-drying was further assessed by storing them at 4, 25, and 37 ℃ for varying time periods. Results indicated that the lyoprotectant formulation No.1, composed of 7.5% trehalose, 0.1% Tween 80, 50 mmol/L glycine, 1% sodium glutamate, and 3% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), effectively preserved the content of FMDV VLPs during the vacuum freeze-drying process. The immunization trial in mice revealed that the levels of specific antibodies, immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and neutralizing antibodies induced by freeze-dried FMDV VLPs were comparable to those induced by non-freeze-dried FMDV VLPs. The heat treatment results showed that the storage periods of freeze-dried FMDV VLPs at 4, 25, and 37 ℃ were significantly longer than those of non-freeze-dried FMDV VLPs. In conclusion, the selected lyoprotectant formulation effectively improved the stability of FMDV VLPs vaccines. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing the stability of novel subunit vaccines.
Freeze Drying/methods* ; Animals ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus/immunology* ; Mice ; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/chemistry* ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease/immunology* ; Vacuum ; Drug Stability ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Viral Vaccines/immunology*

Objective:To explore the role of long noncoding RNA(lncRNA) CCDC18-AS1 in parathyroid carcinoma(PC) diagnosis.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 55 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism treated at Beijing Shijitan Hospital from 2013 to 2024. Of these, 12 patients were diagnosed with PC and 43 with parathyroid adenoma(PA). Tissue samples and clinical data were collected, and lncRNA CCDC18-AS1 expression were measured using real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).Results:LncRNA CCDC18-AS1 expression was significantly higher in the PC group than that in the PA group( P=0.003). It was identified as an independent risk factor for PC, independent of age, sex, or serum calcium levels. Among patients with hypophosphatemia, no significant differences in lncRNA CCDC18-AS1 expression was observed between the PC and PA groups. However, in patients with normal serum phosphate levels, lncRNA CCDC18-AS1 expression was significantly higher in the PC group( P<0.001) and showed a positive correlation with serum phosphorus concentration( P=0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve(AUC) for lncRNA CCDC18-AS1 in PC diagnosis was 0.758(95% CI 0.620-0.866, P=0.005), comparable to that of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1(PVT1). Among patients with normal serum phosphate, the AUC for lncRNA CCDC18-AS1 increased to 0.969(95% CI 0.835-0.999, P<0.001), with 100% sensitivity and 92.31% specificity, suggesting superior diagnostic performance compared to PVT1(0.840, 95% CI 0.653-0.950, P=0.001). Conclusions:LncRNA CCDC18-AS1 may serves as a potential biomarker for PC diagnosis, with greater diagnostic value in patients with normal serum phosphorus levels.

Objective:To investigate a surgical method and clinical effect on reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients with free perforator flap of peroneal artery.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, 13 elderly patients with infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of peroneal artery. The patients were 65-70 years with an average age of 66.5 years. Cause of infection: 10 ulceration and soft tissue defects were caused by diabetes and 3 by injury. Seven infective ulceration and soft tissue defects were in dorsal index fingers, 3 in dorsal middle fingers and 3 in dorsal ring fingers with the size of soft tissue defects at 2.0 cm×4.5 cm-2.0 cm×5.5 cm with an exposure of tendon and phalange. The donor site of the flaps was of contralateral calf and the flaps were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-2.5 cm×6.0 cm in size. All donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flap as well as finger movement.Results:All flaps survived and all wounds achieved stage I healing, without recurrence of infection. Twelve patients had the postoperative follow-up for 12 to 27 months, with an average of 21.6 months. There were satisfactory appearance of flaps and the function of fingers. Sensation of flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients and S 3 in 7 patients. The recovery of hand function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with 8 hands in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The free perforator flap of peroneal artery has advantages of constant vascular anatomy, reliable blood supply, moderate thickness and direct closure of donor site. It is a useful clinical method in reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients.

Objective:To analyze the key factors in quality control for clinical laboratory instrument by constructing an analysis framework of the model that entropy weight method(EWM)combines with decision laboratory analysis(DEMATEL),so as to obtain the key factors of quality control for clinical laboratory instrument,and provide a basis in formulating targeted quality control strategies for clinical laboratory instruments.Methods:Based on EWM,the entropy weight values of various factors of quality control for clinical laboratory instruments that produced influence on quality control for clinical laboratory instruments were obtained,and the DEMATEL was combined to determine the value of influence degree among different factors.The combined weight values of each factor were calculated to construct the analysis framework of the model that EWM combined with DEMATEL.Then,the main influencing factors were determined to formulate the model of management system of quality control for clinical laboratory instruments.Results:The management system of quality control for clinical laboratory instruments included 23 key factors of 5 aspects:performance and design of instruments,operators'training and skills,environmental factors,maintenance management,and mechanism of quality feedback.The combined weights of 10 factors,which included maintenance for instrument,operators'experience and proficiency,repair for instrument,operators'understanding for instrument performance,accuracy of instrument,mechanism of quality control and continuous feedback,stability of instrument,data security,suggestions of analyzing and optimizing data,and calibration for instrument,has a relatively high weight,and they were extremely key factors in the quality control for clinical laboratory instruments.Conclusion:The analysis framework of EWM combined with DEMATEL model can improve the accuracy and reliability of analyzing key factors of quality control for clinical laboratory instrument,and provide scientific basis in formulating targeted quality control strategies for clinical laboratory instrument,and help to promote continuous improvement and enhancement of quality control for clinical laboratory instrument.

Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.