OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect and potential mechanism of chikusetsu saponin Ⅳ a （chsⅣ） on renal function in diabetic nephropathy （DN） model rats. METHODS DN rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Thirty-six model rats were randomly divided into model group （i.g. administration of normal saline， high-fat diet）， chsⅣ low-dose and high-dose groups （i.g. administration of 90， 180 mg/kg chsⅣ， high-fat diet）， with 12 rats in each group. Additionally， 10 normal rats were set as the control group （i.g. administration of normal saline， regular diet）. From the 5th to the 12th week after streptozotocin injection， they were given intragastric administration of relevant drug or normal saline， once a day. After the last medication， the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine and urine protein as well as the levels of reduced glutathione （GSH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissues were measured. Additionally， the insulin resistance index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin， periodic acid-Schiff， and Masson staining techniques were employed to examine the histopathological alterations in the renal tissue. The expressions of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot methods. RESULTS Compared with model group， the histomorphological of renal tissues in the chsⅣ low- and high-dose groups were significantly improved， with significant decreases in renal histological scores， mesangial expansion index， and glomerulosclerosis scores （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine， urine protein and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance， as well as MDA content， the expression levels of Notch1， Notch intracellular domain， hairy and enhancer of Split 1 and Delta-like protein 1 in renal tissue were all significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. The levels of GSH and SOD in renal tissue were significantly elevated （ P ＜0.05）. Moreover， the improvement in these indicators was significantly more pronounced in the chsⅣ high-dose group compared to the chsⅣ low-dose group （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ChsⅣ can ameliorate renal pathological damage and functional impairment in DN rats. Its underlying mechanisms include restoration of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity， attenuation of renal oxidative stress， and suppression of aberrant Notch signaling pathway activation.

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics and variations of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Ma'anshan from 2022 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for local influenza prevention and control. Methods From April 2022 to March 2024, influenza-like illness (ILI) specimens were collected from three national influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Ma’anshan. Samples positive for influenza by real-time PCR were subjected to virus culture and identification. A total of 40 representative A/H3N2 strains with hemagglutination titers ≥8 were selected for whole-genome sequencing. Genetic evolution, homology, amino acid variations, and glycosylation sites were analyzed. Results All H3N2 representative strains from the 2022–2023 influenza season belonged to clade 3C.2a1b.2a.1a.1, while those from the 2023–2024 season fell into clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities of HA and NA between the 40 representative strains and the vaccine strain A/Darwin/6/2021 were all above 97.35%. Compared with the vaccine strain, amino acid mutations were identified in antigenic sites A, B, C, and E, as well as in receptor-binding sites of the HA protein. An I222V substitution was detected in the NA protein. The HA protein contained four additional glycosylation sites compared to the vaccine strain, while the glycosylation pattern of the NA protein remained consistent. Conclusion No antigenic drift was observed in the influenza A/H3N2 viruses in Ma'anshan City from 2022 to 2024, but genetic changes such as branching variations, key amino acid substitutions, and an increase in HA glycosylation sites were observed. These findings underscore the importance of sustained molecular surveillance of local influenza viruses.

Background and Aims:Totally implantable venous access port(TIVAP)are widely used for chemotherapy,blood transfusion,and nutritional support in patients with malignancies.Among them,upper arm port(UAP)are increasingly recommended in clinical practice due to their advantages in avoiding thoracic complications and providing more concealed incisions.Currently,two main implantation techniques are used for UAP:the tunnel needle-transverse incision technique and the puncture point-transverse incision technique.This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of these two techniques in patients with hematological malignancies,focusing on safety and cosmetic appearance,to provide evidence for clinical decision-making.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 412 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent UAP implantation at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between December 2021 and December 2024.Based on the implantation method,patients were divided into the tunnel needle-transverse incision group(n=200)and the puncture point-transverse incision group(n=212).Intraoperative variables(operative time,intraoperative pain score,catheter kinking at the pocket,intraoperative blood loss)and postoperative indicators(incidence of complications and incision aesthetic satisfaction)were compared between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups(all P>0.05),indicating comparability.The puncture point-transverse incision group showed superior performance in operative time[(32.99±4.91)min vs.(41.42±5.35)min],catheter kinking rate(1.4％vs.8.5％),and incision aesthetic satisfaction(7.99±0.58 vs.6.26±0.86)compared with the tunnel needle-transverse incision group(all P<0.05).Although the puncture point group had slightly more intraoperative bleeding[(4.52±1.02)mL vs.(4.16±0.83)mL],the difference,while statistically significant,was of limited clinical relevance.No significant differences were observed between the two groups in intraoperative pain scores or incidence of postoperative complications(both P>0.05).Conclusion:The puncture point-transverse incision technique offers significant advantages in terms of operative efficiency,reduced catheter kinking,and improved incision aesthetics,without compromising safety.It represents a promising alternative to the traditional tunnel needle-transverse incision method and has strong potential for broader clinical adoption.The puncture point-transverse incision technique offers advantages such as shorter operative time,lower catheter kinking rate,and higher incision aesthetic satisfaction.It is a promising alternative to the traditional tunnel needle-transverse incision technique and has good potential for clinical application and promotion.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which Liqi Huoxue Dripping Pill(LQHXDP)inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI).Methods Male Sprague-Dawley(n=96)rats were randomly assigned to a normal,sham-operated,model,LQHXDP,adenovirus negative control(Ad-shNC),adenovirus-mediated HIF-1α knockdown(Ad-shHIF-1α),LQHXDP+Ad-shNC,or LQHXDP+Ad-shHIF-1α group using a random number table.LQHXDP was administered daily via oral gavage at 175.0 mg/(kg·d)for 10 consecutive days.On day 7,recombinant adenovirus was injected into the left ventricular wall of rats in the corresponding groups at multiple points.On day 10,the MIRI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery.The sham-operated group underwent thoracotomy and suture placement without coronary ligation.Samples were collected after reperfusion was completed.Serum creatine kinase isoenzymes(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),and heart-type fatty acid binding protein(H-FABP)levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was used to measure the volume ratio of myocardial infarction.HE staining was performed to observe the morphology of myocardial tissue.Terminal transferase uridyl nick end labeling assay was conducted to analyze the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes,and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of key proteins in the apoptosis(B-cell lymphoma-2[Bcl-2],Bcl-2 associated X protein[Bax],and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3[Cleaved-Caspase-3]and HIF-1α/Bcl-2-adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3(BNIP3)signaling pathway(HIF-1α,heme oxygenase-1[HO-1],and BNIP3).Results LQHXDP pretreatment significantly reduced serum CK-MB,cTnI,and H-FABP levels,as well as the myocardial infarction volume ratio in rats with MIRI.LQHXDP also improved myocardial tissue morphology,decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis,upregulated Bcl-2 protein expression,and downregulated Bax,Cleaved-Caspase-3,HIF-1α,HO-1,and BNIP3 protein expressions(P<0.05).However,adenovirus-mediated shRNA HIF-1α impaired the effects of LQHXDP pretreatment in attenuating myocardial injury and inhibiting apoptosis in MIRI rats(P<0.05).Conclusion LQHXDP reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis and protects rat myocardium from MIRI by regulating the HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway.

Objective:This current study aims to explore the approaches for constructing a professional clinical research system within the context of research ward development, with the ultimate objective of providing valuable guidance for the establishment and development of proficient clinical research teams.Methods:Through a comprehensive case analysis, integrating the practical experiences from clinical trials conducted in the research ward of a Class-A tertiary hospital in Beijing, along with an extensive review of relevant literature and policy studies, this paper examined the current state of domestic clinical research implementation teams. Subsequently, a series of strategies were devised to build and foster professional clinical research teams and to explore corrective measures for cultivating a dynamic professional clinical research talent ecosystem.Results:The development of full-time clinical research teams in China was rather slow, and there was a lack of mature clinical trial teams training blueprints. Drawing on the practical experience accumulated during the establishment of a professional clinical research team in a leading hospital in Beijing, it was crucial to attach utmost importance to the optimal allocation of human and material resources. This required the systematic training of principal investigators, coordinating researchers, and research assistants, as well as the setting up of a comprehensive support system, an advanced scientific research team, and a quality control unit. Moreover, the standardization of operational models of both domestic and foreign research institutions, along with the implementation of corresponding support and incentive mechanisms, and the strengthening of training and continuing education frameworks were equally significant.Conclusions:During the process of assembling a full-time clinical research team, it is of utmost significance to cultivate professional principal investigators, coordinating researchers, and research assistants. Complemented by the establishment of a comprehensive support team, a scientific research team, and a quality control team, along with corresponding support and incentive mechanisms, this is crucial for constructing a professional clinical research execution team and a sustainable talent ecosystem in the research ward. Eventually, this will drive the efficient and high-quality progress of China's pharmaceutical industry.

Objective To investigate the supportive care needs and related influencing factors of postoperative survivors of colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select CRC postoperative survivors who received medical treatment from May 2023 to May 2024 as the study objects.Clinical data questionnaire,cancer survivors'unmet needs measure(CaSUN),hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS),self-acceptance questionnaire(SAQ)and multidimensional scale of perceived social support(MSPSS)were used to investigate the survivors after CRC.Results 200 questionnaires were sent out in this study,and the effective response rate was 91.5％.The total score of CaSUN,HADS,SAQ and MSPSS of 183 CRC survivors was(88.79±11.53),(22.36±4.48),(37.59±6.56)and(47.12±7.80)scores respectively.Pearson correlation analysis showed that the need for supportive care was positively correlated with anxiety and depression symptoms(r=0.439,P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with self-acceptance and social support level(r=-0.517,r=-0.324,P＜0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that monthly family income,stomy status,anxiety and depression symptoms,self-acceptance and social support level were factors influencing the degree of supportive care need of survivors after CRC surgery,and could explain 46.1％of the change in the degree of supportive care need of survivors after CRC surgery.Conclusion There is a considerable degree of supportive care needs in survivors after CRC surgery.Monthly family income,stomy status,anxiety and depression symptoms,self-acceptance and social support level can all affect the supportive care needs of patients,and targeted management support should be considered in clinical evaluation from various aspects.

Objective:To evaluate the application effects of two different item response modes in the Worker-Occupation Fit Inventory (WOFI) .Methods:From June to October 2022, a stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to collect and evaluate on-site data on worker-occupation fit among medical workers in two tertiary grade A general hospitals in Sichuan Province and Henan Province (1162 participants). Ordinal categorical item response (hierarchical item response) and dichotomous item response are two commonly used item response modes in psychometric measurement. Item response theory was used to analyze and compare the evaluation effects of the two item response modes in the WOFI. The generalized partial credit model and the 2-parameter logistic model were used to compare the item difficulty, discrimination, and scale information volume under different response modes.Results:The discrimination values range of the items in the WOFI under the hierarchical item response and dichotomous item response modes was 0.98 to 2.06 and 1.24 to 2.72, respectively, and the item difficulty values range was -4.61 to 1.15 and -1.25 to 0.08, respectively. Under the hierarchical item response mode, the amount of information on the WOFI was concentrated in the range of θ (the real ability or trait level of the subject) of -4 to 2, while under the dichotomous item response mode, it was concentrated in the range of θ of-2 to 2. The scale information volume was insufficient when θ was greater than 2 for both response modes. Conclusion:The discrimination of the items of the WOFI is relatively close under the two item response modes, and the overall information volume meets the evaluation criteria. However, under the hierarchical item response mode, the item difficulty range and information volume distribution are wider. Therefore, the WOFI is more effective and reliable when using the hierarchical item response mode.

Objective:To explore the association between spicy food intake and the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular diseases.Methods:Data were collected from the China Kadoorie Biobank project conducted in Pengzhou, Sichuan Province. Using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, we analyzed the associations of the frequency of spicy food intake, spicy level, types of spicy food, and the age when regular intake of spicy food began (intake in 1 day/week), with the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, the associations with the risks for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) were analyzed.Results:A total of 54 859 study participants were included in the study, in whom 49 320 had spicy food intake (89.90%). In these participants, 37 680 (68.69%) had spicy food intake in 6-7 days/week, 5 036 (9.18%) had spicy food intake in 1-5 days/week, and 6 604 (12.03%) had spicy food intake once a week; 5 539 (10.10%) had never/almost never had spicy food intake. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with those who never/almost never had spicy food intake, intake of spicy food was associated with reduced risks for IHD (intake in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78-0.95), cerebrovascular diseases (intake in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96), and IS (intak in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95). With the increase of spicy food intake frequency, the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease decreased (intake in 1-5 days/week: HR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.98; intake in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.94) (trend test P<0.001). However, no statistical association was found between spicy food intake and the risk for HS. In terms of spicy level, after adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with those who never/almost never had spicy food intake, intake of spicy food was associated with reduced risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease (moderate: HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.82-0.90) and cerebrovascular disease (moderate: HR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97). With the increase of spicy level, the risk for IHD decreased (moderate: HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.93; strong: HR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.74-0.95) (trend test P<0.001). After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with those who never/almost never had spicy food intake, intake of any type of spicy food was associated with reduced risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease, IHD, and cerebrovascular disease. Regulat intake of spicy food from age 0-10 years was associated with reduced risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease, IHD, and cerebrovascular disease. Regular intake of spicy food from age 11-20 years reduced the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease and IHD. There was no significant association between the regular intake of spicy food from age 21-79 years and the risks for cardio/cerebrovascular disease, IHD and cerebrovascular disease. Conclusion:The intake of spicy food could reduced the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular diseases, IHD, cerebrovascular diseases and IS in residents aged 30-79 years in Sichuan.

Objective:To investigate the effect of physical activity on mortality risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sichuan Province.Methods:Based on baseline data from 2004 to 2008 from the China Kadoorie Biobank project site in Pengzhou City, Sichuan Province, a total of 8 501 COPD patients aged 30-79 years were enrolled and followed up for a long period to determine mortality outcomes. Quartiles were used to group physical activity levels. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the effect of physical activity level on mortality outcomes.Results:As of December 31, 2017, the cumulative follow-up of the participants totaled 85 600.58 person-years (mean follow-up duration: 10.07 years). During this period, a total of 2 000 deaths were recorded, yielding a cumulative mortality rate of 23.53%. Among these deaths, 665 were attributed to COPD, corresponding to a cumulative mortality rate of 7.82%; and 1 116 were attributed to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), corresponding to a cumulative mortality rate of 13.13%. The Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that, after adjusting for confounding factors, total physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from COPD, CVD, and all causes in patients with COPD. Compared with the low-level group of total physical activity, the medium-high-level group had the lowest risk of COPD mortality, with an HR of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.30-0.49). The high-level group had the lowest risk of CVD death and all-cause death, with HRs of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.37-0.56) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.48-0.64), respectively. The lowest risk of COPD death and CVD death was found in the medium-high level of work-based physical activity group, with HRs of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.28-0.46) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.36-0.51), respectively; the risk of all-cause mortality was lowest in the medium-high and high-level groups, with HRs values of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.46-0.61) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.45-0.61). The risk of COPD death was lowest in the high-level transportation physical activity group, with an HR of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53-0.83), and the risk of CVD and all-cause death was lowest in the medium-high level group, with HRs of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.53-0.76) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64-0.84), respectively. The risk of COPD death and CVD death was the lowest in the high-level domestic physical activity group, with HRs of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.49-0.89) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61-0.95), respectively, and the risk of all-cause death was the lowest in the medium-high level group, with an HR of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72-0.94). There is no statistical association between leisure physical activity and the risk of death from three types of diseases. Conclusions:Total physical activity, including work-based, transportation-based, and domestic physical activity, reduced the risk of COPD, CVD, and all-cause mortality in patients with COPD in Sichuan Province. The magnitude of mortality risk was influenced by the type and level of physical activity.

Objective To investigate the effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods Zebrafish embryos (2.5 to 3 hours post-fertilization [hpf]) were exposed to 3.7 × 10⁴ Bq/mL tritiated water (tritiated water group), and those exposed to E3 culture medium were used as the control group. The mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, heart rate, body length, yolk sac area, neutrophil count in the tail, immune-related gene expression, and immune-related protein expression of zebrafish in the two groups were determined. Then transcriptome technology was used to further analyze the possible mechanism of tritiated water affecting the immune system of zebrafish. Results Compared with the control group, zebrafish at 72 hpf in the tritiated water group had no significant changes in the mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, body length, and yolk sac area((t = 0.9045, 0.5000, 1.0000, 0.7238, 0.0337, P = 0.4169, 0.6433, 0.3739, 0.4785, 0.9735), but had significantly increased heart rate(t = 4.575，P = 0.002). At 4 days post-fertilization (dpf), the neutrophil count in the tail of zebrafish in the tritiated water group was significantly increased(t = 2.563，P = 0.0196), the mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased(t = 2.891, P = 0.045), the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly increased(t = 3.848, P = 0.018), and the protein expression of NLRP3 was significantly decreased(t = 14.98, P = 0.001). At 7 dpf, the neutrophil count in the tail and the protein expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, and interleukin-1β were significantly decreased(t = 3.772, 7.048, 15.620, 4.423, P = 0.014, 0.002, 0.0001, 0.012). Transcriptome sequencing revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the “neutrophil activation” and “platelet activation pathways” at 4 dpf and in the “neutrophil apoptosis”, “ferroptosis”, and “necroptosis” pathways at 7 dpf. Conclusion Tritiated water exposure induces a temporally dynamic immune response in zebrafish, potentially affecting immune homeostasis by regulating neutrophil activation and apoptosis, as well as the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3.