AIM: To develop a novel gene-delivery therapeutic based on CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology capable of specifically targeting and knocking out the VEGFA gene, thereby achieving sustained suppression of VEGFA expression in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells and providing a new strategy for gene therapy in retinal neovascular diseases.METHODS:Single guide RNAs targeting the human VEGFA gene for knockout were designed, and corresponding recombinant plasmids were constructed. A novel polymer(PTEE)was used to encapsulate the plasmids to prepare a PTEE-loaded anti-VEGFA plasmid(PLAP)gene delivery system. PTEE materials at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 μg/μL were co-incubated with ARPE-19 cells, and the biocompatibility of PTEE was evaluated using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay. Recombinant plasmids expressing green fluorescent protein(GFP)were constructed. Lipofectamine 3000 and jetOPTIMUS®DNA transfection reagents were used as control groups, and PTEE nanomaterials were used as the experimental group to encapsulate the plasmids. When the cell confluence reached 80%, the formulations were transfected into ARPE-19 and 293T cells. GFP expression was observed under light microscopy, and the transfection efficiencies of each group were compared. ARPE-19 cells were induced under hypoxia, and PLAP was transfected into the cells. The expression level of VEGFA was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)to evaluate the efficacy of this novel gene delivery system.RESULTS: After co-incubation of ARPE-19 cells with different concentrations of PTEE for 24 h and 48 h, no significant effect on cell viability was observed in any group. The transfection efficiency of PLAP in ARPE-19 cells was higher than that in the Lipo3000 and jetOPTIMUS groups, with statistically significant differences(P<0.01). Hypoxia for 6 h significantly induced the upregulation of VEGFA mRNA expression in ARPE-19 cells, and under hypoxic conditions, the PTEE group exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on VEGFA expression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:PLAP exhibits favorable biocompatibility and prominent VEGFA inhibitory effects in vitro, making it a potential candidate drug for gene therapy of retinal neovascular diseases.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Th1-type cytokine levels and extraocular muscle-related parameters in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 45 patients diagnosed with TAO in our hospital from January 2023 to December 2024, and 20 normal volunteers during the same period as controls. Venous blood samples of the patients were collected to detect the concentrations of Th1-type cytokines [interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-2(IL-2), and interleukin-12(IL-12)] in the serum. Additionally, the end diastolic velocity(Ved), velocity maximum(Vmax), resistance index(RI)of the central retinal artery, as well as the thickness and left-right diameter of the medial rectus muscle were measured. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of TAO, and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was adopted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each index for the occurrence of TAO.RESULTS: The general information of the two groups was comparable. Compared with the normal control group, the serum concentrations of IFN-γ and TNF-α in TAO patients were significantly increased, Ved and Vmax were lower than those in the control group, and RI and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum IFN-γ concentration, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle were all risk factors for TAO. ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUCs of serum IFN-γ concentration, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle for the diagnostic efficacy of TAO were 0.756, 0.769, 0.732, and 0.642, respectively. The combined detection of IFN-γ, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle had an AUC of 0.840 and a Youden index of 0.59, which was superior to the detection of a single indicator.CONCLUSION: The levels of serum Th1-type cytokines and extraocular muscle-related ultrasound indicators have certain value in the diagnosis of TAO. The combination of IFN-γ, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle has better diagnosis efficiency in TAO, which can provide a certain reference for the early diagnosis of TAO.

Coronavirus-related diseases pose a significant challenge to the global health system. Given the diversity of coronaviruses and the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks, the traditional "one bug, one drug" paradigm struggles to address the growing number of emerging crises. Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic agents with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. Here, we provide evidence that ATV006, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleoside analog targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), has broad antiviral activity against human and animal coronaviruses. Using mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) as a model, we show that ATV006 has potent prophylactic and therapeutic activity against murine coronavirus infection in vivo. Remarkably, ATV006 successfully inhibits viral replication in mice even when administered 96 h after infection. Due to its oral bioavailability and potency against multiple coronaviruses, ATV006 has the potential to become a useful antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2 and other circulating and emerging coronaviruses in humans and animals.

Objective:To identify the relevant factors for the first-course remission of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to develop a predictive model as well as assess its predictive capability.Methods:Clinical data of 749 patients newly diagnosed with AML admitted to the Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2023, were collected and randomly divided into training and validation sets. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine variables associated with complete remission in the first course of induction therapy, and a predictive model was established based on these variables. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the predictive model was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.Results:The indicators predicting the first remission course included peripheral blood white blood cell count during onset, CBF::MYH11 fusion gene, CEBPA bZIP region mutation, myelodysplastic syndrome-related gene mutation, and induction chemotherapy regimen selection as independent factors for the first remission course. The model’s area under the training and validation curves was 0.738 (95% CI: 0.696-0.780) and 0.726 (95% CI: 0.650-0.801), respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results yielded P-values of 0.993 and 0.335, respectively. Conclusion:In this study, the developed model demonstrates a strong predictive capability for the efficacy of the first course of patients with AML, providing valuable guidance to clinicians in assessing patient prognosis and selecting appropriate treatment strategies.

Objective:To compare the diagnostic value of semi-quantitative parameters of fluorine 18-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen( 18F-PSMA)positron emission tomography /computed tomography(PET/CT)and the Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen Reporting and Data System(PSMA-RADS)score for identifying benign and malignant oligo-PSMA-avid bone lesions(1-5 lesions)in elderly patients with prostate cancer. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 157 prostate cancer patients who underwent 18F-PSMA PET/CT examinations at Beijing Hospital from October 2022 to August 2024.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 63 patients were selected.All patients underwent 18F-PSMA PET/CT examination for the purpose of initial staging or detecting lesions with biochemical recurrence.PSMA-avid bone lesions were evaluated using the PSMA-RADS version 2.0 scoring system and the semi-quantitative parameters were measured on PSMA PET/CT images.According to the comprehensive diagnostic criteria, PSMA-avid bone lesions were divided into metastatic group and non-metastatic group.The differences in PSMA-RADS scores, semi-quantitative parameters, bone density abnormalities, and lesion distribution were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to the bone metastasis in prostate cancer.By plotting the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calculating the area under the curve(AUC), factors with better diagnostic performance were evaluated and screened, and the optimal diagnostic threshold for each factor in diagnosing bone metastasis was determined. Results:There were a total of 129 PSMA-avid bone lesions for 63 patients(aged 60-84 years, median age 69 years), including 35 lesions(27.1%)in the metastatic group and 94 lesions(72.9%)in the non-metastatic group.The differences between metastatic group and non-metastatic group in PSMA-RADS scores[5(4, 5) vs.3(3, 3)], maximum standardized uptake value(SUV max)[12.6(7.0, 18.4) vs.4.7(3.5, 5.9)], lesion SUV max/mediastinal blood pool SUV max ratio(lesion-to-blood pool ratio, LBR)[5.4(3.0, 8.3) vs.1.7(1.4, 2.2)], lesion SUV max/liver SUV max ratio(lesion-to-liver ratio, LLR)[2.6(1.6, 4.1) vs.0.8(0.7, 1.1)], PSMA receptor expressing tumor volume(PSMA-TV)[0.6(0.3, 1.0) vs.1.0(0.7, 1.5)], total lesion of PSMA(TL-PSMA)[4.4(2.4, 7.0) vs.2.4(1.7, 3.9)], proportion of changes in osteogenic bone density[77.1%(27/35) vs.2.1%(2/94)], proportion of lesions located in the ribs[14.3%(5/35) vs.46.8%(44/94)], and proportion of lesions located in the pelvis[54.3%(19/35) vs.20.2%(19/94)]were all statistically significant(all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that none of the variables with statistically significant differences between groups above were independent risk factors for osseous metastasis in prostate cancer(all P>0.05). Among them, The PSMA-RADS score, LLR, LBR, and SUV max all had good diagnostic efficacy for osseous metastasis, with 0.995(95% CI: 0.987-1.000), 0.923(95% CI: 0.869-0.977), 0.898(95% CI: 0.828-0.967), and 0.890(95% CI: 0.820-0.961), respectively.The cut-off values for diagnosing osseous metastasis were 4 score for PSMA-RADS score, 0.934 for LLR, 1.990 for LBR, and 5.47 for SUV max, respectively.According to Delong's test, there were statistically significant differences in AUC between PSMA-RADS score and 18F-PSMA PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters(LLR, LBR, and SUV max)( Z-values were 2.677, 2.776, and 2.929, respectively, and P-values were 0.007, 0.006, and 0.003, respectively). Conclusions:The PSMA-RADS score(Version 2.0)and 18F-PSMA PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters(LLR, LBR, and SUV max)both have good diagnostic value in differentiating benign and malignant PSMA-avid bone lesions in elderly patients with prostate cancer, among which the PSMA-RADS score has the best diagnostic efficacy.

Objective To identify and cluster non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae(NOVC)using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS),and evaluate the feasibility of MALDI-TOF MS as a method for the identification and clustering of NOVC.Methods The NOVC was identified by the MALDI-TOF MS equipped with V5 database,V12 database,highly pathogenic bacteria database,and V5 database combined with self-built spectrum projection and analyzed by the principal com-ponent analysis(PCA)and main spectrum projection(MSP)clustering.Results The NOVC was incorrectly identified as Vibrio al-bensis by the MALDI-TOF MS equipped with V5 database or V12 database,while the MALDI-TOF MS equipped with highly pathogenic bacteria database or V5 database combined with self-built spectrum projection could correctly identify NOVC.The PCA clustering of MALDI-TOF MS could distinguish NOVC from other bacterial strains and refine the differentiation of NOVC species to show the dis-tance relationship between NOVC species.Some spectrum projections of NOVC were extremely similar to the reference strains used to establish the database,and MSP clustering could not distinguish the differences between NOVC species.Conclusion The identifica-tion ability of MALDI-TOF MS for NOVC is limited by its database.The MALDI-TOF MS equipped with highly pathogenic bacteria da-tabase or V5 database combined with the self-built spectrum projection can accurately identify NOVC.The PCA clustering of MALDI-TOF MS has certain reference significance for the intra-and inter-species identification and homology analysis of NOVC.

To enhance hospital operational management capability,the sample hospital initiated a financial talent development program aligned with current development needs and policy directions.This program established a talent development framework encompassing hierarchical training,employment mechanisms,and digital empowerment,forming a three-tier financial talent echelon comprising senior,intermediate,and junior professionals.It effectively facilitated the transformation of financial functions toward"strategic support,business service,risk prevention and control,and value creation".It analyzes the hospital's practical experience in financial talent development,aiming to offer insights for financial workforce development in public hospitals.These efforts synergize with the modernization of governance systems and capabilities in health economics,driving high-quality development in public healthcare institutions.

Objective To establish atopic dermatitis(AD)-like models in BALB/c mice using three chemical inducers,calcipotriol(MC903),2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB),and oxazolone(OXA),and to explore the occurrence of ferroptosis in the different models.Methods Healthy 7-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided randomly into eight groups(n=8 mice per group)based on the induction site(ear/dorsal skin)and inducer:ear/dorsal control groups,MC903 ear/dorsal model groups,DNCB ear/dorsal model groups,and OXA ear/dorsal model groups.Models were established by topical application of the respective agents at specified concentrations.Mice in the MC903 ear/dorsal groups underwent continuous induction for 14 d.Mice in the DNCB and OXA ear/dorsal groups were sensitized for 3 consecutive days,4 days after the sensitization was completedand then challenged 12 times on day 8 and every other day for up to day 30.Skin lesions were observed and skin thickness was measured.Plasma levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),interleukin(IL)-4,interferon(IFN)-γ,and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected,the skin was examined by histopathological staining and ultrastructural observation,and expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins(glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 4(ACSL4),transferrin receptor 1(TfR1))were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with each control mice,all model mice exhibited obvious redness,swelling,scratching,desquamation,and rough thickening of the skin,and skin thickness was significantly increased(P＜0.01).ROS,IFN-γ,IL-4,and MDA levels were elevated to varying extents(P＜0.05)and histopathological features,including epidermal hyperplasia,keratinocyte degeneration,dermal vascular congestion,and immune cell infiltration,were detected in model mice.Transmission electron microscopy also revealed mitochondrial membrane rupture,increased density,and cristae reduction.Expression levels of ferroptosis markers were dysregulated,including significantly decreased GPX4/FTH1(P＜0.05)and increased ACSL4/TfR1 expression(P＜0.05).Conclusions All three chemicals successfully induced AD-like phenotypes in BALB/c mice through site-specific applications.Ferroptosis is involved in the pathological process of AD,but heterogeneity exists among inducers and modeling sites.

To enhance hospital operational management capability,the sample hospital initiated a financial talent development program aligned with current development needs and policy directions.This program established a talent development framework encompassing hierarchical training,employment mechanisms,and digital empowerment,forming a three-tier financial talent echelon comprising senior,intermediate,and junior professionals.It effectively facilitated the transformation of financial functions toward"strategic support,business service,risk prevention and control,and value creation".It analyzes the hospital's practical experience in financial talent development,aiming to offer insights for financial workforce development in public hospitals.These efforts synergize with the modernization of governance systems and capabilities in health economics,driving high-quality development in public healthcare institutions.

Objective To establish atopic dermatitis(AD)-like models in BALB/c mice using three chemical inducers,calcipotriol(MC903),2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene(DNCB),and oxazolone(OXA),and to explore the occurrence of ferroptosis in the different models.Methods Healthy 7-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided randomly into eight groups(n=8 mice per group)based on the induction site(ear/dorsal skin)and inducer:ear/dorsal control groups,MC903 ear/dorsal model groups,DNCB ear/dorsal model groups,and OXA ear/dorsal model groups.Models were established by topical application of the respective agents at specified concentrations.Mice in the MC903 ear/dorsal groups underwent continuous induction for 14 d.Mice in the DNCB and OXA ear/dorsal groups were sensitized for 3 consecutive days,4 days after the sensitization was completedand then challenged 12 times on day 8 and every other day for up to day 30.Skin lesions were observed and skin thickness was measured.Plasma levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),interleukin(IL)-4,interferon(IFN)-γ,and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected,the skin was examined by histopathological staining and ultrastructural observation,and expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins(glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 4(ACSL4),transferrin receptor 1(TfR1))were detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with each control mice,all model mice exhibited obvious redness,swelling,scratching,desquamation,and rough thickening of the skin,and skin thickness was significantly increased(P＜0.01).ROS,IFN-γ,IL-4,and MDA levels were elevated to varying extents(P＜0.05)and histopathological features,including epidermal hyperplasia,keratinocyte degeneration,dermal vascular congestion,and immune cell infiltration,were detected in model mice.Transmission electron microscopy also revealed mitochondrial membrane rupture,increased density,and cristae reduction.Expression levels of ferroptosis markers were dysregulated,including significantly decreased GPX4/FTH1(P＜0.05)and increased ACSL4/TfR1 expression(P＜0.05).Conclusions All three chemicals successfully induced AD-like phenotypes in BALB/c mice through site-specific applications.Ferroptosis is involved in the pathological process of AD,but heterogeneity exists among inducers and modeling sites.