Objective　To conduct an in-depth study of the molecular biological characteristics and evolutionary trends of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in live poultry markets in Yunnan Province in 2023, and to provide scientific evidence for the development of control strategies for H9N2 avian influenza in the region. Methods　Environmental samples were collected from live poultry markets in Yunnan Province in 2023 for H9N2 subtype nucleic acid detection. Positive samples were subjected to virus isolation using chicken embryos, and the genome of the 8 isolated strains was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed for genetic characteristics. Results　The eight avian influenza virus (AIV) isolates had the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site sequence PSRSSRGLF, which is a non-continuous basic amino acid sequence, consistent with the genetic characteristics of typical low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. Mutations Q234L and H191N were observed in the left arm of the HA protein, which enhanced the affinity for α-2,6 sialic acid receptors, suggesting that these viruses may have the potential to infect humans. The neuraminidase (NA) protein exhibited a deletion of three amino acids (TEI) at positions 62–64 in the stalk region, displaying characteristics of high pathogenicity at the molecular level. The increase or absence in potential glycosylation sites were observed in both HA and NA genes. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) showed no D92E mutation, and had a C-terminal truncation of 13 amino acids, indicating that this virus is of low pathogenicity and poses a lower risk of human transmission. Mutations T37A, R95K, S224N, and K242N in the M1 protein of some isolates increased the risk of infection, while one isolate carried the V27A or S31N mutation in the M2 protein, conferring resistance to M2 ion channel inhibitors. Mutations M317I and S678N were identified in the PB1 protein, which may enhance pathogenicity in mice and increase the potential for mammalian infection. The PB2 protein carried the I292V mutation, which exhibited a stronger infectivity to mammals. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HA, NA, and PB2 gene segments belonged to the Y280 lineage, NP and PB1 gene segments were classified under the F98 lineage, the M gene segment of the NH013 isolate belonged to the F98 lineage, while M genes, as well as the NS and PA genes of other isolates belonged to the G1 lineage. Conclusions　These eight AIV isolates exhibited characteristics of low pathogenicity, but simultaneously carry the potential risk of infecting humans. Despite the HA cleavage site and NS1 protein mutations indicating low pathogenicity, the Q234L and H191N mutations in the HA protein enhanced its affinity for human receptors, suggesting the potential for human infection. The TEI deletion in the NA protein, mutations in the M1 protein, and resistance mutations in the M2 protein further increase the risk of human infection. Mutations in the PB1 and PB2 proteins increase the potential for these eight AIV strains to infect humans or mammals.

Birth defects are a major problem threatening the health of children in China. Genetic factors play a major role in birth defect etiology. Molecular diagnosis is the key means for screening, diagnosing, and preventing birth defects caused by genetic factors. How to carry out large-scale and cost-effective molecular diagnosis in clinical practice is a major challenge in the prevention and treatment of birth defects in China. This article reviews the current status of birth defects in China, the application of molecular diagnostic technology in birth defect prevention and control, and the challenges in promoting its use, to provide references for clinical practice in birth defect molecular diagnosis.

Birth defects are a major problem threatening the health of children in China. Genetic factors play a major role in birth defect etiology. Molecular diagnosis is the key means for screening, diagnosing, and preventing birth defects caused by genetic factors. How to carry out large-scale and cost-effective molecular diagnosis in clinical practice is a major challenge in the prevention and treatment of birth defects in China. This article reviews the current status of birth defects in China, the application of molecular diagnostic technology in birth defect prevention and control, and the challenges in promoting its use, to provide references for clinical practice in birth defect molecular diagnosis.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of natural moxibustion at "Feishu （BL 13）" on immune balance of T helper cell 17 （Th17） / regulatory T cell （Treg） in healthy rats. MethodsForty-eight rats were randomly divided into 10 rats in the sham moxibustion group and 38 rats in natural moxibustion group. The rats in the sham moxibustion group applied blank acupoint stickers to bilateral "Feishu （BL 13）"， and the rats in natural moxibustion group applied acupoint stickers filled with Compound Banmao Ointment （复方斑蝥膏） to bilateral "Feishu （BL 13）" for a period of 8 h. Thirty rats in natural moxibustion group were successfully blistered after 8 h， and then were randomly divided into 1-day， 3-day and 7-day groups with 10 rats in each group. The general condition of rats was recorded during the experiment； different time groups of natural moxibustion were sampled at the corresponding time， and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the skin in the area of application； flow cytometry was used to detect the subpopulations of Th17 and Treg in peripheral blood， and the value of Th17/Treg was calculated； and ELISA was used to detect the serum interleukin 17A （IL-17A） and interleukin 6 （IL-6）， interleukin 10 （IL-10） levels. ResultsCompared with sham moxibustion group， blisters can be seen in the application area of rats in 1-day natural moxibustion group， and the rats often scratched the skin of the moxibustion area， which showed loose stratum corneum， thickening of the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum， absence of cells in the basal layer， inflammatory cell infiltration， and elevation of Treg in peripheral blood， and serum IL-17A， IL-6； in 3-day natural moxibustion group， the moxibustion area of the rats was scabbed and partially detached， with the most obvious dermatopathological changes， and elevated peripheral blood Th17 and Treg， and serum IL-17A， IL-6， IL-10； in 7-day natural moxibustion group， skin damage and pathological changes in the area of moxibustion were basically restored； Th17/Treg values were reduced in 1-， 3- and 7-day moxibustion groups after blistering （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the 1-day moxibustion group， peripheral blood Th17， Treg， and serum IL-17A elevated in the 3-day moxibustion group； peripheral blood Treg， serum IL-17A， and IL-6 decreased， and Th17/Treg values elevated in the 7-day moxibustion group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the 3-day moxibustion group， the 7-day moxibustion group had lower peripheral blood Th17 and Treg， serum IL-17A， IL-6， and IL-10， and higher Th17/Treg values （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionNatural moxibustion at "Feishu （BL 13）" can shift the Th17/Treg balance towards Treg of healthy rats， which will gradually lead to immune homeostasis， and regulate the relevant inflammatory factors in the serum to prevent inflammation from occurring and developing.

Objective·To systematically integrate relevant influencing factors of advanced cancer patients'engagement behavior in advance care planning(ACP).Methods·The systematic search of Chinese and English literature on factors influencing ACP engagement behavior in advanced cancer patients from inception to December 2022 in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang,China Biomedical Literature Database(Sinomed),PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,CINAHL,and PsycINFO was conducted.After the literature quality evaluation,content extraction and summary were conducted by two researchers,and the data of quantitative research and qualitative research were extracted and integrated respectively.The final influencing factors of ACP engagement behavior of advanced cancer patients were obtained.With the help of the theoretical domain,they were mapped to the capability,opportunity,motivation-behavior(COM-B)model step by step.Results·A total of 21 studies were included and 27 factors were summarized,including 9 theoretical domains.Mapping to the COM-B model included 9 capability factors(knowledge of ACP,education level,accurate knowledge of prognosis,knowledge of the time of disease diagnosis,prior experience,subjective life expectancy,age,cancer site,and disease symptom burden),13 opportunity factors(gender,marital status,race/ethnicity,religious belief,dependent children,family economic condition,place of living,housing type,family support,social support,doctor-patient relationship,acculturation,and whether or not to establish a hospice service center)and 5 motivational factors(ACP attitude,ACP belief,ACP motivation,anxiety and depression,and death attitude).Among them,doctor-patient relationship,religious belief,ACP attitude,educational level,marital status,family support,knowledge of ACP,accurate knowledge of prognosis,age,place of living,attitude toward death,prior experience,and race/ethnicity were more influential factors on ACP engagement behavior.Conclusion·Based on the COM-B model,the influencing factors of ACP engagement behavior in advanced cancer patients can be comprehensively summarized.Future studies can use the above factors as an entry point to design continuous,multifaceted,and comprehensive interventions based on the COM-B model to promote the practice of ACP engagement behavior in advanced cancer patients.

Objective To observe the effect and prognosis of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(rhG-CSF)in end-stage liver disease(ESLD)with sepsis.Methods Ninety patients with ESLD complicated with sepsis from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected and randomly divided into rhG-CSF group,thymosin group and control group,with 30 cases each.Compare the liver function,cytokine levels,treatment efficacy,complications,and ESLD model(MELD)scoring system before and after treatment among three groups.Results The total effective rate of rhG-CSF group was 96.67％,which was significantly higher than the other two groups,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).After treatment,the liver function,cytokine levels,and immune function recovery of the rhG-CSF group and thymosin group were better than that of control group,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment and follow-up,the least complications and the lowest mortality rate in the rhG-CSF group.Conclusion The clinical efficacy of rhG-CSF as an adjuvant therapy for ESLD complicated with sepsis is excellent,which can enhance anti-infection ability and improve prognosis.

Objective To explore the health-related quality of life(HRQOL)among patients with multidrug-resistant and rifampin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis(MDR/RR-PTB)and analyze its influencing factors.Methods Data was collected from 50 MDR/RR-PTB patients registered for treatment management in the"Tuberculosis Management Information System"in Bazhong City from 2021 to 2024 as resistance group.Fifty pulmonary tuberculosis patients sensitive to anti-tuberculosis drug treatment registered in the system during the same period were selected as control group.A cross-sectional survey method was employed using the quality of life instruments for chronic disease pulmonary tuberculosis(QLICD-PT)to measure and compare the HRQOL between two groups.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze factors affecting the HRQOL of MDR/RR-PTB patients.Results Except for physiological function,there were statistically significant difference between MDR/RR-PTB group and control group in terms of total quality of life score,psychological function,social function,and specific modules(P＜0.05).Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the total quality of life scores among patients with different genders,medical insurance statuses,monthly family income situations,presence or absence of comorbidities,lymphocyte count,albumin,C-reactive protein,and body mass index(P＜0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that(P＜0.05)there was significant difference for the partial regression coefficient tests of patient's medical insurance and monthly family income situations(P＜0.05).Conclusion The HRQOL of MDR/RR-PTB patients is lower than that of pulmonary tuberculosis patients sensitive to anti-tuberculosis drugs.The patient's health insurance and monthly family income are potential factors affecting the HRQOL of MDR/RR-PTB patients.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness primarily managed with medication.In recent years,with the rapid development of virtual reality(VR)technology,its application effect in mental illness has been widely concerned.This review aims to explore the application of VR technology in schizophrenia treatment and to provide references for clinical practice.By reviewing randomized controlled trials from both domestic and international sources,the therapeutic efficacy of VR technology in treating schizophrenia was evaluated.The findings consistently demonstrated that VR technology has a positive effect on hallucinations,cognitive function,stress management and emotional control,and social function recovery in schizophrenia.

Cytopharmaceutical based on macrophages is a breakthrough in the field of targeted drug delivery. However, it remains a challenge to localize and control drug release while retaining macrophage activity and exerting its immunotherapeutic effect. Herein, a localized light-triggered release macrophage cytopharmaceutical (USIP@M) was proposed, which could utilize the tumor targeting and immunotherapy effects of macrophages to reverse the immune suppression of tumor microenvironment (TME). Amphiphilic block copolymers with ultraviolet (UV)-responsive o-nitrobenzyl groups were synthesized and co-loaded with sorafenib (SF), IMD-0354 (IMD), and upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs), which were then taken up by macrophages, and the targeted delivery of drugs was realized by using the tumor tropism of macrophages. UCNPs converted near-infrared light with strong penetrability and high safety into UV light, which promoted the photoresponsive depolymerization of block copolymers and production of exosomes from USIP@M, accelerated drug efflux and maintained the activity of macrophages. IMD simultaneously polarized carrier macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages to exert the antitumor effect of macrophages, enhance T cell immunity, and alleviate the immunosuppressive state of TME. Synergistically with the chemotherapeutic effect of SF, it could effectively kill tumors. In conclusion, based on the localized light-triggered release strategy, this study constructed a novel macrophage cytopharmaceutical that could localize and control drug release while retaining the activity of macrophages and exerting its immunotherapeutic effect, which could effectively treat solid tumors.

Objective:To understand the characteristics of the local Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in the border areas of Yunnan province, and to analyze and trace the genome variation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2).Methods:The basic information and samples of the first cases of 12 local epidemics in the border areas of Yunnan province from mid-February to April 2022 were collected. The virus genomes, genotypes and mutations were determined by the whole genome sequencing technology, the Pangolin COVID-19 Lineage Assigner and MEGA software. The sources of virus infection were estimated based on the contents of epidemiological investigations.Results:The first cases from 12 local epidemics in the border areas of Yunnan province had diverse occupations, and none of them had ever left the local area. The virus genomes of 12 first cases were Omicron (BA.2) variants and every two of them further belonged to the evolutionary clades BA.2.10 and BA.2.3.2, respectively. The genome-wide nucleotide-level mutation analysis showed that there were 1 or more specific nucleotide mutation sites in 10 first cases of the local epidemics. Combined with the epidemiological investigations, it was suggested that there might be different sources of virus infection in all 12 local epidemics. Further analysis of amino acid mutations revealed that in addition to the representative mutation sites of evolutionary clades, there were also specific amino acid mutation sites (such as S: E1188 D) in the genome sequences between the cases, which also deserved attention. The result of phylogenetic tree analysis were consistent with Pangolin Assigner and mutation analysis.Conclusions:The 12 local epidemics in Yunnan may have different sources of virus infection, which indicates that the COVID-19 epidemic in the border areas of Yunnan province is extremely complicated. Strengthening the frequency of nucleic acid screening and the scope of key populations and monitoring the variation of SARS-CoV-2 are of great significance for the precise prevention and control of the epidemic.