ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction （祛风通窍止咳方， QTCD） in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome （UACS）. MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group， model group， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group， and inhibitor group， with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group， guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection， followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling， the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/（100 g·d） by gavage， the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 （TRPV4） inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L， 5 min by nebulisation， and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/（100 g·d） normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment， a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines， including interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8） in serum， bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）， and nasal lavage fluid （NLF） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4， substance P （SP）， and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4， SP， and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group， while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed increased cough frequency， serum IgE level， and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4， SP， and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency， serum IgE level， and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF， and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum， BALF， and NLF， reduced IL-6 in BALF， reduced IL-8 in NLF， and decreased TRPV4， SP， and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the TCM group， the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE， IL-6， and IL-8 levels， increased IL-6 level in BALF， and increased IL-8 levle in NLF， but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues （P＜0.01）. ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway， improving airway neurogenic inflammation， alleviating inflammatory responses， and reducing cough hypersensitivity.

Objective: To explore the results of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) among convalescent elderly population, so as to provide the basis for strengthening the health management service level for convalescent elderly population. Methods: A total of 200 elderly people who convalesced at Hangzhou Wuyunshan Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. The basic information, physical condition, psychological status, functional status, and social environment of the elderly were investigated using the CGA protocol. The basic characteristics of the elderly, physical conditions such as medication adherence, pain, malnutrition and frailty, psychological conditions such as cognitive function, anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms, functional conditions such as fall risk and social support level and social environment assessment results were analyzed. Results: Among the 200 elderly individuals, 58.00% were male, 44.50% were aged 70 to <80 years, 58.00% had an education level of high school or above, 55.00% were unmarried, 61.50% were childless, and 60.50% had basic medical insurance for employees. In terms of physical condition, 59.00% had comorbid chronic diseases, 40.50% used multiple medications, and the incidences of poor medication adherence, pain, malnutrition, and frailty were 22.50%, 10.00%, 54.00%, and 36.00%, respectively. Regarding psychological status, the incidences of impaired cognitive function, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms were 57.00%, 89.50%, and 91.00%, respectively. In terms of functional status and social environment, 90.00% had a risk of falling, and 31.00% had a high level of social support. Univariable analysis showed that elderly individuals aged ≥80 years and those with an education level of primary school or below had higher incidences of poor medication adherence during convalescence; elderly individuals with poor medication adherence had a higher incidence of pain; and elderly individuals with impaired cognitive function, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms had higher incidences of malnutrition (all P<0.05). Conclusions The physical condition and psychological status of convalescent elderly individuals are relatively poor, with a high risk of falling and insufficient levels of social support. Poor medication adherence is associated with advanced age and lower education levels, while malnutrition is associated with impaired cognitive function, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Comprehensive health management for convalescent elderly population should be strengthened, and personalized health management services should be provided to improve their quality of life and sense of well-being.

BACKGROUND: Spicy food consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with mortality from multiple diseases. However, the effect of spicy food intake on the incidence of vascular diseases in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore this association. METHODS: This study was performed using the large-scale China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) prospective cohort of 486,335 participants. The primary outcomes were vascular disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD), major coronary events (MCEs), cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and non-stroke cerebrovascular disease. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between spicy food consumption and incident vascular diseases. Subgroup analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the association between spicy food consumption and the risk of vascular disease stratified by several basic characteristics. In addition, the joint effects of spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of vascular disease were also evaluated, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the association results. RESULTS: During a median follow-up time of 12.1 years, a total of 136,125 patients with vascular disease, 46,689 patients with IHD, 10,097 patients with MCEs, 80,114 patients with cerebrovascular disease, 56,726 patients with stroke, and 40,098 patients with non-stroke cerebrovascular disease were identified. Participants who consumed spicy food 1-2 days/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.93, 0.97], P <0.001), 3-5 days/week (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.94, 0.99], P = 0.003), and 6-7 days/week (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.95, 0.99], P = 0.002) had a significantly lower risk of vascular disease than those who consumed spicy food less than once a week ( Ptrend <0.001), especially in those who were younger and living in rural areas. Notably, the disease-based subgroup analysis indicated that the inverse associations remained in IHD ( Ptrend = 0.011) and MCEs ( Ptrend = 0.002) risk. Intriguingly, there was an interaction effect between spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of IHD ( Pinteraction = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support an inverse association between spicy food consumption and vascular disease in the Chinese population, which may provide additional dietary guidance for the prevention of vascular diseases.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Vascular Diseases/etiology* ; Risk Factors ; China/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology* ; East Asian People

Objective:This study systematically summarized the construction experience of the immunology platform at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Third Hospital, aiming to provide theoretical references and practical guidance for research-oriented hospitals in building high-quality research platforms.Methods:This study employed case study analysis to elaborate on the platform development initiatives, integrating literature analysis and in-depth interviews to conduct a horizontal comparison of management models among peer research platforms.Results:Through five years of development, the platform had achieved remarkable outcomes via a model integrating ″Talent cultivation-Technological innovation-Equipment procurement″ Research talents had demonstrated breakthroughs in securing national-level research grants, publishing high-impact papers, and obtaining scientific awards. The technical service system had achieved enhancement in both service scope and professional depth, fostering robust interdisciplinary synergy. The platform had effectively expanded its societal engagement capacity.Conclusions:The sustainable advancement of research-oriented hospital immunology platform necessitates establishing standardized flow cytometry databases and implementing high-dimensional data integration. Building upon multidisciplinary convergence, it is imperative to pioneer innovative operational mechanisms characterized by efficiency, open-access, and shared frameworks.

This report evaluates the preliminary outcomes of a "six-in-one" integrated cough and asthma center developed under a dual-contract physician model at the Changfeng Community Health Service Center in Putuo District, Shanghai. By combining the efforts of family doctors and medical specialists, the center integrated six core functions-clinical treatment, prevention, nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, and nutrition-into a seamless management system covering screening, diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up. Supported by specialist guidance and teaching clinics, the model significantly enhanced comprehensive respiratory disease management capabilities within the community setting. The initiative not only improved patient health outcomes but also strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration and resource efficiency, offering a replicable example for improving chronic disease management in primary care through integrated and coordinated service delivery.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of esketamine on caspase-11-mediated non-canonical pathway pyroptosis in sepsis-induced acute lung injury in rats.Methods:Eighteen SPF healthy Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-12 weeks, weighing 280-320 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group and CLP+ esketamine group (CLP+ ES group). Sepsis was induced by CLP in anesthetized animals. Esketamine 10 mg/kg was injected via the tail vein immediately after development of the model, and the equal volume of normal saline was injected via the tail vein in the other two groups. At 24 h after development of the model, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the lung tissues and blood samples were taken. The wet to dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio) was calculated, and the pathological changes were observed and the lung injury was scored. The expression of caspase-11, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) was detected by Western blot. The expression of caspase-11 and GSDMD-N mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The serum concentration of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:Compared with Sham group, the lung injury score and W/D ratio were significantly increased, the expression of caspase-11 and GSDMD-N protein and mRNA was up-regulated, the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was down-regulated, and the concentration of IL-1β was increased in CLP group ( P<0.05). Compared with CLP group, the lung injury score and W/D ratio were significantly decreased, the expression of caspase-11 and GSDMD-N protein and mRNA was down-regulated, the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT was up-regulated, and the concentration of IL-1β was decreased in CLP+ ES group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which esketamine alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury may be related to the inhibition of caspase-11-mediated non-canonical pathway pyroptosis in rats.

Objective:To study the comparative genomic characteristics of Marmota himalayana-derived (referred to as marmota-derived) Brucella abortus (B.ab). Methods:The species and types of one strain of marmota-derived Brucella and one strain of human-derived Brucella isolated from the brucellosis epidemic area in Qinghai Province in the same year were identified. Meanwhile, DNA was extracted for whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis (including phylogenetic tree construction, gene family clustering analysis, common/specific gene analysis, and genomic structural variation analysis, etc.). Results:Two Brucella strains from different hosts were identified as B.ab. By constructing a phylogenetic tree, the marmota-derived B.ab strain was grouped with strains from Heilongjiang Province and showed genetic correlation with strains from Russia. Human-derived B.ab strain was classified as a strain in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hebei Province, Beijing City, and Gansu Province. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the two strains belonged to the ST2 type. Multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) belonged to two new MLVA-8 and MLVA-11 genotypes, which were clustered in two subclusters of the same cluster and clustered with the strains from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Hebei Province. The pan-genome numbers of the marmota-derived B.ab and human-derived B.ab were 283 and 8, respectively; the number of core genes (common genes) was 68 and 2, respectively; and the number of unique genes was 3 and 4, respectively. The unique gene encoded proteins were inconsistent. In marmota-derived B.ab, the main ones were the ABC transporter ATP-binding protein, N-terminal acetyltransferase, and glucose/galactose transporter. The number of homologous genes of the marmota-derived B.ab and human-derived B.ab was 16 and 20, respectively; the number of translocation and inversion genes was 13 and 8, respectively; the number of deletion mutation genes was 11 and 14, respectively. Pathogenicity analysis showed that both strains had the mprF resistance gene, and the marmota-derived B.ab strain also carried bacitracin and macrolide resistance genes. Conclusions:Brucella exhibits cross-species genetic diversity. The proteins encoded by the unique genes of the marmota-derived B.ab mainly play a role in metabolic and epigenetic regulation. The strains cluster with B.ab strains from northern China, providing a reference for molecular epidemiology and pathogen tracing of B.ab infection.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement mechanism of Huatan tongmai decoction on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） by regulating autophagy through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（AKT）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway. METHODS A total of 40 rats were randomly divided into blank group （purified water）， model group （purified water）， traditional Chinese medicine group [Huatan tongmai decoction， 24 g/（kg·d）] and chemical drug group [metformin， 0.16 g/（kg·d）]， with 10 rats in each group. Except for blank group， other groups were given a combination of high-fat diet and intragastric administration of 1 mg/kg letrozole suspension to establish PCOS rat model. After modeling， they were given relevant medicine or water intragastrically， once a day， for 42 consecutive days. After the last administration， the pathological and ultrastructural changes of ovarian tissue were observed. The levels of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）， testosterone （T）， estradiol （E2） ，luteinizing hormone （LH） in serum were detected，and the LH/FSH ratio was calculated. mRNA expressions of Beclin-1， p62 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） in ovarian tissue were detected. The expressions of related proteins of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy in rat ovarian tissues were also detected. RESULTS Compared with blank group， the pathological damage and ultrastructural changes of the ovarian tissue in the model group rats were obvious， and a large number of autophagosomes could be seen in cells. The levels of T and LH and the LH/FSH ratio in serum， as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3， were increased significantly （P＜0.05）， while the levels of E2 and FSH in serum， as well as mRNA and protein expressions of p62 and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K， AKT and mTOR proteins in ovarian tissue， were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with model group， the pathological damage of ovarian tissue in the administration groups was significantly reduced， the number of autophagosomes was smaller， and the expression levels of the above indicators were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Huatan tongmai decoction can inhibit autophagy in ovarian granular cells by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway， regulate the secretion of sex hormones， alleviate pathological damage in ovarian tissues， and promote normal follicular development， thereby exerting an ameliorative effect on PCOS rats.

Objective To establish a brucellosis monitoring and testing technique applicable for the rapid field screening of natural epidemic diseases.Methods A rapid testing technique for Brucella was developed based on a double-antibody sandwich testing model using gradient-variant quantum dots as fluorescent tracers.The sensitivity,linearity,precision,and specificity of the technique were evaluated using suspensions of standard Brucella strains.Methodological comparisons across different sample types were conducted to assess the consistency of the test results.Results The gradient-variant quantum dots detection method was evaluated with standard Brucella strains,exhibiting a sensitivity of 1×103 CFU/mL and a linear correlation coefficient(r)of 0.994(95%CI,0.933-1.055).The maximum coefficient of variation was 12.94%in repeated tests,showing good specificity.A comparative assessment of 305 clinical samples was conducted using the Brucella gradient-variant quantum dots detection method,the Rose Bengal plate agglutination test(RBT),and the serum agglutination test(SAT),yielding a Kappa value of 0.95,indicating almost perfect agreement.Additionally,a comparative assessment of 110 environmental samples collected on-site was conducted using the Brucella gradient-variant quantum dots detection method and quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR).The Kappa values for aerosol collection fluid,surface wipes,and wool samples were all above 0.83,demonstrating near-perfect agreement.For fecal and soil samples,the Kappa values were above 0.62,indicating substantial agreement.Conclusion The Brucella detection method based on gradient-variant quantum dots technology is simple and can be conducted rapidly.The detection method demonstrates high sensitivity,linearity,precision,and specificity.It shows consistent performance in clinical sample testing.It is well-suited for field rapid screening of natural epidemic diseases in field settings and shows good application prospects in the monitoring,prevention,and rapid detection of zoonotic diseases.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) children carrying a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene and to evaluate the prognostic value of this gene.Methods:Retrospective cohort study.A total of 2 164 B-ALL children aged 0-18 years diagnosed and treated at 19 pediatric centers from October 2016 to June 2022 were enrolled.They were divided into the positive group and the negative group according to whether they carried a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene.The clinical characteristics, treatment response, adverse reactions, and prognosis of the 2 groups of patients were analyzed.The rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare two and more than two groups of numerical variables, respectively.Fisher′s exact test was used to compare categorical variables.Results:Among the 2 164 patients, 116 (5.4%) were TCF3: : PBX1 positive, of which 70 patients were female, accounting for 60.3%.There were 840 female patients in the TCF3: : PBX1-negative group, accounting for 41.0%.There was a significant difference in the ratio of females between the TCF3: : PBX1-positive and TCF3: : PBX1-negative groups ( P<0.001).No significant difference was observed in age of onset between the two groups( P>0.05).The proportion of bone marrow naive cells [54.00 (14.00, 76.50)% vs.29.00 (3.00, 68.00)%], white blood cell counts [25.30 (10.46, 60.94)×10 9/L vs.9.03 (4.38, 30.73)×10 9/L] and hemoglobin counts [82.00(63.00, 101.00) g/L vs.74.00(60.00, 90.00) g/L] in the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group were significantly higher than those in the negative group at the onset (all P<0.05).In terms of treatment response, the proportion of peripheral blood naive cells on Day 8 in the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group was significantly higher than that in the negative group [2.00 (0, 9.00)% vs.0 (0, 2.00)%, P<0.001].The proportion of minimal residual disease <0.1% on Day 15 in the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group was significantly higher than that in the negative group ( P=0.038).There were no significant differences in cumulative recurrence rate, treatment-related mortality (TRM), and overall survival (OS) between the TCF3: : PBX1-positive group and TCF3: : PBX1-negative group (all P>0.05).The cumulative recurrence risk of TCF3: : PBX1-positive patients was 9.646 times higher than that of ETV6: : RUNX1-positive patients with better prognosis( HR=9.646, 95% CI: 1.026-90.700, P=0.047).There were no significant differences in TRM and OS between TCF3: : PBX1-positive and ETV6: : RUNX1-positive patients (all P>0.05).A significant enrichment of PAX5 mutations was detected in TCF3: : PBX1-positive patients.Among the 7 high-risk TCF3: : PBX1-positive patients in a single center, 4 patients had PAX5 mutations, and this proportion was significantly higher than that in other patients ( P<0.001). Conclusions:B-ALL children carrying a TCF3: : PBX1 fusion gene have a high remission rate and good long-term prognosis after intensive chemotherapy.It is suggesting that TCF3: : PBX1-positive B-ALL patients should be rated at intermediate risk to receive intensive chemotherapy.