Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for the development of a new generation of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. They have found extensive applications in the fields of medicine, food, and agriculture. However, efficiently screening AMPs from natural sources poses several challenges, including low efficiency and high antibiotic resistance. This review focuses on the action mechanisms of AMPs, both through membrane and non-membrane routes. We thoroughly examine various highly efficient AMP screening methods, including whole-bacterial adsorption binding, cell membrane chromatography (CMC), phospholipid membrane chromatography binding, membrane-mediated capillary electrophoresis (CE), colorimetric assays, thin layer chromatography (TLC), fluorescence-based screening, genetic sequencing-based analysis, computational mining of AMP databases, and virtual screening methods. Additionally, we discuss potential developmental applications for enhancing the efficiency of AMP discovery. This review provides a comprehensive framework for identifying AMPs within complex natural product systems.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between gut microbiota characteristics and inflammatory factors with immune recovery in HIV-infected individuals，and to explore the role and clinical significance of gut microbiota in HIV immune recovery.Methods:Sixty HIV-infected individuals and twenty healthy controls（HC）were enrolled. Among them，twenty ones were HIV-infected individuals who had not received antiretroviral therapy（ART），and forty ones were HIV-infected individuals who had received ART for more than two years，including twenty immune responders（IR）and twenty immune non-responders（INR）. Fecal and blood samples were collected from participants. The gut microbiota in fecal samples was analyzed using 16 S rRNA sequencing，while plasma inflammatory factors were detected using Olink proteomics. The correlations between these factors and CD4 + T cell counts，CD4/CD8 ratios，as well as HIV DNA and HIV RNA were analyzed. Results:Compared with the HC group，gut microbiota α diversity in HIV-infected group was reduced，and the microbiota composition changed，with decreased abundance of Firmicutes and related genera，while the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria related genera increased. Compared with the IR group，the INR group showed increased abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum and decreased abundance of the Firmicutes phylum. LEfSe analysis revealed enrichment of the Flavonifractor genus in the INR group and the Allisonella genus in the IR group. Flavonifractor was positively correlated with HIV DNA and HIV RNA ；Allisonella was positively correlated with CD4? T cell counts and negatively correlated with IL-6，CD8A，and TNF-α expression；and pro-inflammatory factors were positively correlated with the HIV viral reservoir. Conclusions:Reduced gut microbiota diversity and altered composition，as well as increased pro-inflammatory factors，are closely associated with immune recovery and disease progression in HIV-infected individuals.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of dienogest (DNG) and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of intrinsic and extrinsic subtypes of adenomyosis.Methods:Totally 232 patients were enrolled in the study who were diagnosed as adenomyosis by ultrasound or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and were classified into intrinsic and extrinsic subtypes according to different locations of lesions in MRI, treated with DNG (DNG group) or LNG-IUS (LNG-IUS group) in Peking University Third Hospital from July 2019 to December 2023. Clinical data of patients were retrospectively collected to analyze the clinical and imaging characteristics of different MRI subtypes of adenomyosis and whether there were differences in the therapeutic effects of DNG and LNG-IUS.Results:(1) Among the 232 patients enrolled, 129 were intrinsic subtype and 103 were extrinsic subtype. Among the 129 patients treated with DNG, the numbers of intrinsic and extrinsic subtype were 69 and 60, respectively. And among the 103 patients treated with LNG-IUS, the numbers of intrinsic and extrinsic subtype were 60 and 43, respectively. The mean age in DNG group [(37.5±5.6) years] was lower than that in LNG-IUS group [(40.3±4.3) years, P<0.001]. There were no significant differences in other clinical features (all P>0.05). (2) The visual analog scale (VAS) scores of dysmenorrhea and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels in DNG group and LNG-IUS group were significantly decreased after treatment (all P<0.001), and hemoglobin levels were increased (both P<0.01). Compared between the two groups, the VAS score after treatment was lower in DNG group ( P<0.001), and the hemoglobin level was increased more significantly in DNG group ( P=0.016). The complete remission rates of dysmenorrhea in DNG group and LNG-IUS group were 73.0% (89/122) and 29.5% (28/95), respectively ( P=0.039). The incidence of irregular bleeding in DNG group was higher than LNG-IUS group, but there was no statistical significance [62.8% (81/129) vs 52.4% (54/103), P=0.112]. (3) Among patients with intrinsic adenomyosis, the incidence of menorrhagia was significantly higher than in those with extrinsic adenomyosis ( P<0.001), while the incidence and severity of dysmenorrhea were lower compared to extrinsic adenomyosis ( P=0.004, P=0.007, respectively). After treatment with DNG and LNG-IUS, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS scores between patients with intrinsic and extrinsic adenomyosis (all P>0.05). The incidence of irregular bleeding after DNG treatment was 78.3% (54/69) in intrinsic adenomyosis, which was higher than the 45.0% (27/60) observed in extrinsic adenomyosis ( P<0.01). Similarly, the incidence of irregular bleeding after LNG-IUS treatment was 63.3% (38/60) in intrinsic adenomyosis, higher than the 37.2% (16/43) in extrinsic adenomyosis ( P=0.009). (4) DNG treatment ( OR=19.163, 95% CI: 7.564-48.544; P<0.01) and duration of treatment ( OR=1.043, 95% CI: 1.012-1.075; P=0.007) were independent positive factors for complete remission of dysmenorrhea, while VAS score before treatment ( OR=0.654, 95% CI: 0.454-0.942; P=0.023) was negative factor. Intrinsic subtype was an independent risk factor for irregular bleeding ( OR=0.436, 95% CI: 0.235-0.811; P=0.009). Conclusions:DNG demonstrates greater advantages over LNG-IUS in terms of complete relief of dysmenorrhea and the degree of symptom alleviation. The incidence of irregular vaginal bleeding in patients with intrinsic adenomyosis is higher than in those with extrinsic adenomyosis. For patients with extrinsic adenomyosis, particularly those with prominent dysmenorrhea symptoms, DNG treatment offers greater benefits. However, for patients with intrinsic adenomyosis and those with significant menstrual disorders, a more cautious approach is required when selecting progestin therapy, along with enhanced monitoring and management.

Objective:To analyze the differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with adenomyosis of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) types and the differences in treatment effects after the application of dienogest.Methods:A total of 176 patients with adenomyosis who were admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from June 2017 to February 2023 were included in the study, and all of them were clearly classified by pelvic MRI and treated with dienogest. The clinical characteristics and treatment of the patients were retrospectively collected, and the patients were divided into endogenous type, exogenous type and penetrating type by MRI. The differences in clinical symptoms, imaging features and treatment effect of patients with adenomyosis of different MRI types were analyzed.Results:(1) The percentages of patients with endogenous, exogenous, and penetrating types were 40.9% (72/176), 35.2% (62/176) and 23.9% (42/176), respectively. The proportion of dysmenorrhea in patients with endogenous type (90.3%, 65/72) was significantly lower than those of exogenous type (100.0%, 62/62) and penetrating type (97.6%, 41/42; χ2=7.853, P=0.020), while there was no significant difference between exogenous type and penetrating type ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in menarche time, menstrual cycle and menstrual period among the three types of patients (all P>0.05), there was also no statistically significant difference in the proportion of menstrual abnormalities (including heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding; P>0.05). The proportions of ovarian endometrioma and deep infiltrating endometriosis in exogenous and penetrating types were significantly higher than that in endogenous type (all P<0.05). (2) The pain scores of all patients were significantly lower than those before treatment (all P<0.001), the proportion of patients with exogenous type (62.9%, 39/62) who had complete remission after treatment was higher than those of endogenous type (49.2%, 32/65) and penetrating type (46.3%, 19/41), but there was no significant difference in pain relief (i.e. the variation in the pain scores) between the three types ( P>0.05). (3) Endogenous type ( OR=0.361, 95% CI: 0.147-0.883; P=0.026), failure to apply gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in advance ( OR=0.208, 95% CI: 0.083-0.518; P<0.001), cystic changes ( OR=2.671, 95% CI: 1.108-6.437; P=0.029) and abnormal menstruation ( OR=3.466, 95% CI: 1.464-8.209; P=0.005) were independent risk factors for irregular bleeding after dienogest treatment. Conclusions:(1) There are obvious differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with adenomyosis of different MRI types, and patients with exogenous and penetrating types are more likely to have dysmenorrhea symptoms. (2) Dienogest could significantly alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in patients with adenomyosis. (3) Endogenous type, failure to take GnRH-a in advance and associated menstrual abnormalities are independent risk factors for irregular bleeding after dienogest treatment.

Liver macrophages are crucial components of innate immune system in liver and play a pivotal role in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Influenced by the liver microenvironment, liver macrophages can exhibit diverse immunophenotypes and functions, which contribute to either inhibiting HBV infection or mediating immune tolerance. Additionally, HBV actively regulates the phenotype of liver macrophages, thereby facilitating continuous viral infection. Given that the interaction between liver macrophages and HBV might directly impact the outcome of HBV infection, the huge potential clinical value of targeting macrophage markers, this review highlights the research progress on liver macrophages in HBV infection from three aspects: the origin and heterogeneity of liver macrophages, the interaction between liver macrophages and HBV, and the potential serological immune markers associated with macrophages in HBV infection.

Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy of sequential therapy with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a)combined with dienogest(DNG)versus DNG alone in patients with adenomyosis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 129 patients diagnosed with adenomyosis by ultrasound and MRI between August 2020 and December 2023.Among them,60 patients received sequential therapy with GnRH-a followed by DNG(combination group)and 69 patients received DNG monotherapy(monotherapy group).There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics,including age,incidence of dysmenorrhea,incidence of menorrhagia,uterine volume,and type of adenomyosis between the two groups(P>0.05).The combination group received subcutaneous injections of leuprorelin3.75 mg every28 d for3 to 6 cycles,followed by oral DNG 2 mg/d for more than 3 months.The monotherapy group received oral DNG 2 mg/d alone for more than 3 months.Treatment outcomes and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The median duration of DNG treatment was 16.0(10.2,26.0)months in the combination group and13.0(6.0,23.0)months in the monotherapy group.The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(Z=-1.587,P=0.113).Both groups showed a significant reduction in dysmenorrhea as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score,a significant decrease in serum CA125 levels,and a significant increase in hemoglobin levels after treatment compared to before treatment(all P<0.001).There were no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).Regarding uterine volume,the combination group showed a trend toward reduction after treatment[146.3(77.6,250.4)cm3 vs.118.4(82.4,233.4)cm3,Z=0.272,P=0.785],while the monotherapy group showed a significant increase in uterine volume compared to before treatment[162.9(110.8,256.0)cm3 vs.187.6(123.7,276.2)cm3,Z=2.945,P=0.003].The incidence of irregular vaginal bleeding in the combination group[50.0%(30/60)]was lower than that in the monotherapy group[75.4%(52/69),χ2=8.914,P=0.003].Conclusions Both sequential therapy with GnRH-a combined with DNG and DNG monotherapy are effective in relieving dysmenorrhoea,reducing CA125 levels,and increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with adenomyosis.However,sequential therapy is associated with a lower incidence of irregular vaginal bleeding compared to monotherapy and demonstrates a potential advantage in controlling uterine volume growth.

Natural antimicrobial peptides(AMPs)are promising candidates for the development of a new gener-ation of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.They have found extensive applications in the fields of medicine,food,and agriculture.However,efficiently screening AMPs from natural sources poses several challenges,including low efficiency and high antibiotic resistance.This review focuses on the action mechanisms of AMPs,both through membrane and non-membrane routes.We thoroughly examine various highly efficient AMP screening methods,including whole-bacterial adsorption binding,cell membrane chromatography(CMC),phospholipid membrane chromatography binding,membrane-mediated capillary electrophoresis(CE),colorimetric assays,thin layer chromatography(TLC),fluorescence-based screening,genetic sequencing-based analysis,computational mining of AMP data-bases,and virtual screening methods.Additionally,we discuss potential developmental applications for enhancing the efficiency of AMP discovery.This review provides a comprehensive framework for identifying AMPs within complex natural product systems.

Objective To investigate the risk factors influencing postoperative recurrence of abdominal wall endometriosis(AWE).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 225 AWE patients who underwent surgery between January 2015 and December 2021.The follow-up period ranged from 30 to 108 months(mean,62.2±23.3 months).There were 16 cases of recurrence and 209 cases of non-recurrence.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with postoperative recurrence.Results Univariate analysis revealed that prior AWE resection history,preoperative VAS score,intraoperative lesion number,maximum diameter,and postoperative medication were significantly correlated with recurrence(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression identified three independent risk factors for recurrence:prior AWE resection history(OR=4.082,95％ CI:1.019-16.354,P=0.047),multiple intraoperative lesions(OR=5.275,95％ CI:1.560-17.834,P=0.007),and absence of postoperative pharmacotherapy(OR=6.256,95％ CI:1.479-26.457,P=0.013).Conclusion Patients with a history of prior AWE excision,multiple lesions,or lack of postoperative pharmacotherapy are at higher risk of recurrence of AWE.

OBJECTIVE To standardize the strategies for prevention and control of Chikungunya(CHIK)in healthcare in-stitutions so as to reduce the risk of transmission in the institutions.METHODS A working group comprising the ex-perts in hospital infection control,infectious diseases,and microbiology systematically reviewed domestic and international evidence and current guidelines,integrated China's vector ecology and healthcare realities,conducted two rounds of Delphi to achieve expert consensus,and graded the evidence and recommendation strength using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine system.RESULTS The consensus issues 18 actionable recommendations on triage,patient mosquito-proof isolation,integrated vector control,protection of susceptible populations,environmental cleaning and disinfection,specimen management,medical textile handling,and outbreak emergency response,with each statement assigned an evi-dence level and recommendation strength.CONCLUSION This consensus is for the first time in China to provide evidence-graded strategies for control of CHIK in healthcare institutions,offering work flow-oriented,implementable guidance for clinicians,laboratorians,and infection-control personnel under different risk scenarios and enhancing the comprehensive coping capacity of the healthcare institutions.

Objective: To develop a simple digital chylous plasma device and validate its ability to accurately, standardly, and non-destructively determine chylous plasma in blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals. Methods: A digital chylous plasma assessment device was designed and manufactured. This device was used to measure the chylous degrees of chylous plasma samples before freezing, after freeze-thawing, before viral inactivation, and after viral inactivation. The measured chylosity index values were categorized according to the requirements specified in Appendix A of the Chinese national standard GB 18469-2001 "Quality Requirements for Whole Blood and Blood Components". This process established a digital standard for chylous plasma, enabling the identification of severe, moderate and mild chylous plasma, and non-chylous plasma. Results: The initial simple product of the digital chylous assessment device was successfully designed and manufactured. There was no significant difference in the degree of chylous plasma between pre-freezing 468.11±217.73 lux and post-thawing 538.91±273.39 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05), or between pre-viral inactivation 858.33±387.79 lux and post-viral inactivation 928.33±166.51 lux of chylous plasma (P>0.05). The median of chylous degree values for plasma chylous index grades 0 to 6 were 45 lux, 250 lux, 620 lux, 835 lux, 1 130 lux, 1 390 lux, and 1 700 lux, respectively. The defined cutoff values/ranges for the chylous degree values corresponding to plasma chylous index grade 0 to 6 were ≤125 lux, 126-465 lux, 466-740 lux, 741-1 000 lux, 1 001-1 233 lux, 1 234-1 560 lux, and ≥1 561 lux. Conclusion: This study successfully developed the initial product of the digital chylous device and established digital standards for classifying chylous plasma. The device demonstrates the potential to meet the needs for assessment of chylous plasma in both blood banks and clinical transfusions in hospitals, thereby promoting the development and application of standardized, non-destructive chylous plasma assessment technology.