Objective To clarify the role and underlying mechanism of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in renal fibrosis that develops after acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods Mouse AKI model was generated by renal ischemia-reperfusion. Animals were randomized into control (Con), sham operated (Sham), and IRI groups sacrificed at 1 d (IRI 1 d), 3 d (IRI 3 d) and 14 d (IRI 14 d) after reperfusion (n = 5). Renal injury was assessed by renal coefficient, serum creatinine (Scr) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was used to evaluate tubular damage and inflammatory infiltration. Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were employed to quantify collagen deposition, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL I). Flow cytometry was used to determine macrophage infiltration and phenotype. MMT was identified by flow cytometry plus immunofluorescence. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 pathway proteins were examined by Western blotting. Results Compared with Sham group, renal coefficient, Scr and KIM-1 rose in IRI 1 d group, renal coefficient and KIM-1 remained elevated in IRI 3 d group. Compared with the IRI 1 d group, the renal coefficient and KIM-1 decreased in the IRI 14 d group. Compared with the IRI 3 d group, the renal coefficient, Scr and KIM-1 decreased in the IRI 14 d group (all P < 0.05). PAS revealed the most severe tubular injury at IRI 3 d. Masson staining showed progressively increasing collagen deposition, while immunohistochemistry demonstrated α-SMA and COL I rising from day 1 and persisting to day 14 (all P < 0.05). Macrophage infiltration increased from day 1 and lasted to day 14 (P < 0.05). M1 macrophages peaked at day 1 then declined, whereas M2 macrophages increased at day 3 and remained high through day 14 (P < 0.05). MMT began to rise at day 3 and continued to day 14 and M2 macrophages were the predominant source of MMT cells (all P < 0.05). Compared with Sham group, TGF-β1 protein was up-regulated and p-Smad3/Smad3 ratio was elevated in all IRI groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusions M2 macrophages promote post-IRI-AKI renal fibrosis via MMT, a process closely linked to activation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the relationship between circadian rhythm genes and the occurrence, development, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to evaluate the expression, copy number variation, and somatic mutation frequency of circadian gene sets in LUAD. Gene ontology, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, and gene set enrichment analysis were used to explore the potential mechanisms by which circadian rhythm genes affected LUAD progression. Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, support vector machine recursive feature elimination, and random forest screened circadian genes and established prognostic models, and on this basis constructed nomogram to predict patients’ 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and time-dependent ROC curves were drawn to evaluate the predictive ability of the model, and the external dataset of GEO further verified the prognostic value of the prediction model. In addition, we evaluated the association of the prognostic model with immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to explore the molecular characteristics between prognostically relevant circadian genes and different immune cell populations in TME. Results Differentially expressed circadian rhythm genes were mainly enriched in biological processes related to cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Seven circadian rhythm genes: LGR4, CDK1, KLF10, ARNTL2, RORA, NPAS2, PTGDS were screened out, and a RiskScore model was established. According to the median RiskScore, samples were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group showed a poorer prognosis (P<0.001). Immunological characterization analysis showed that there were differences in the infiltration of multiple immune cells between the low-risk group and high-risk group. Most immune checkpoint genes had higher expression levels in the high-risk group than those in the low-risk group, and RiskScore was positively correlated with the expression of CD276, TNFSF4, PDCD1LG2, CD274, and TNFRSF9, and negatively correlated with the expression of CD40LG and TNFSF15. The scRNA-seq analysis showed that RORA and KLF10 were mainly expressed in natural killer cells. Conclusion The prognostic model based on seven feature circadian rhythm genes has certain predictive value for predicting survival of LUAD patients. Dysregulated expression of circadian genes may regulate the occurrence, progression as well as prognosis of LUAD through affecting TME, which provides a possible direction for finding potential strategies for treating LUAD from the perspective of mechanism by which circadian disorder affects immune cells.

Diabetic retinopathy(DR)remains the leading cause of vision loss in patients with diabetes. Current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapies are limited by inadequate response in some patients and the necessity for repeated intravitreal injections, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets. Angiopoietin-like protein 4(ANGPTL4), a multifunctional secreted protein, has emerged as a critical regulator in the pathogenesis and progression of DR, positioning it as a promising interventional target. This review systematically elaborates the biological characteristics of ANGPTL4, with a focus on its expression dynamics, molecular mechanisms, and regulatory networks rolesin the development of DR. Furthermore, the prospects of ANGPTL4-targeted therapeutic strategies are discussed, aiming to offer new insights and directions for understanding DR pathogenesis, advancing multi-target drug development, and improving clinical management.

Objective To determine the prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets of the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), based on which to establish a prediction model for the survival of LUAD patients. Methods An integrative analysis was conducted on gene expression and clinicopathologic data of LUAD, which were obtained from the UCSC database. Subsequently, various methods, including screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), were employed to analyze the data. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to establish an assessment model. Based on this model, we constructed a nomogram to predict the probable survival of LUAD patients at different time points (1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year). Finally, we evaluated the predictive ability of our model using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and time-dependent ROC curves. The validation group further verified the prognostic value of the model. Results The different-grade pathological subtypes' DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes such as metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, antigen processing and presentation, and regulation of enzyme activity, which were closely related to tumor development. Through Cox regression and LASSO regression, we constructed a reliable prediction model consisting of a five-gene panel (MELTF, MAGEA1, FGF19, DKK4, C14ORF105). The model demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity in ROC curves, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.675. The time-dependent ROC analysis revealed AUC values of 0.893, 0.713, and 0.632 for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival, respectively. The advantage of the model was also verified in the validation group. Additionally, we developed a nomogram that accurately predicted survival, as demonstrated by calibration curves and C-index. Conclusion We have developed a prognostic prediction model for LUAD consisting of five genes. This novel approach offers clinical practitioners a personalized tool for making informed decisions regarding the prognosis of their patients.

Objective To investigate the distribution of virulence genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae(KPN)and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of peg-344 for hypervirulent strains.Methods KPN isolates were col-lected from January to December in 2023 in Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University.Whonet5.6 was used to analyze the distribution and drug resistance of bacterial strains.Toxicity testing included wire string test,PCR amplification of virulence genes(peg-344,rmpA,iutA,iroB),K1 and K2 capsule serotypes,serum resistance test,and diagnostic efficacy of detection was analyzed by using receiver operating characteristic curve.Results A total of 122 KPN isolates were collected,including 45(36.9%)sensitive strains,20(16.4%)extended-spectrum β-lactamase positive strains,and 57(46.7%)carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains.The specimens were mainly isolated from sputum,urine,and blood,and mainly came from Department of Urology,Department of Neurology,Intensive Care Unit,and Department of Neurosurgery.The positive rate of string test was 27.9%.PCR detected K1(12.3%),K2(8.2%),peg-344(62.3%),rmpA(60.7%),and iutA(73.8%),but the iroB result was negative,and strains with multiple virulence genes accounted for 63.1%.The results of the serum resistance test showed that 43.5%,31.1%,and 25.4%of the samples were at levels 1-2,3-4,and 5-6,respectively.peg-344 had the largest area under the curve for diagnosing the hy-pervirulent strains,followed by peg-344+iutA and peg-344+rmpA.Conclusion KPN is widely distributed in the hospital,and there are a variety of virulence genes.peg-344 has clinical value in distinguishing low viru-lence from high virulence in KPN.

Objective:To investigate the effect of up-regulation of microRNA-31(miRNA-31)on the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs),and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:The DPSCs in logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group(no treatment),NC group(transfected with random sequence control),Agomir group(transfected withmiR-31 mimic agomiR-31),and combination group(transfected with miR-31 mimic agomiR-31 and added with XAV939).After 48 h of transfection,real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the expression levels of miR-31 in the DPSCs in various groups.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation abilities of the DPSCs in various groups.Alizarin red staining was used to detect calcium deposition in the DPSCs in various groups.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining was used to detect the degree of osteogenic differentiation of the DPSCs in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of proteins related to the wingless-type MMTV integration site family(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway in the DPSCs in various groups.Results:There were no significant differences in the miR-31 expression level,the cell proliferation abilities at 24,48 and 72 h,the ratio of calcified region,and the ALP ability between control group and NC group(P＞0.05).Compared with control group and NC group,the expression level of miR-31,the cell proliferation abilities at 24,48 and 72 h,the ratio of calcified region,and the ALP activity in the DPSCs in Agomir group were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with Agomir group,the expression level of miR-31,the cell proliferation abilities at 24,48 and 72 h,the ratio of calcified region,and the ALP activity in the DPSCs in combination group were decreased(P＜0.05).There were no significant difference in the expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β),β-catenin and Runt-associated transcription factor 2(Runx2)in the DPSCs between control group and NC group(P＞0.05).Compared with control group and NC group,the expression level of GSK-3β protein in the DPSCs in Agomir group was decreased(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of β-catenin and Runx2 proteins in the DPSCs were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with Agomir group,the expression level of GSK-3β protein in the DPSCs in combination group was increased(P＜0.05),while the expression levels of β-catenin and Runx2 proteins were decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Up-regulation of miR-31 can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinically isolated Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis in hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021,and provide evidence for rational use of antimicrobial agents.Methods Data of H.influenzae and M.catarrhalis strains isolated from 2015 to 2021 in CHINET program were collected for analysis,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method or automated systems according to the uniform protocol of CHINET.The results were interpreted according to the CLSI breakpoints in 2022.Beta-lactamases was detected by using nitrocefin disk.Results From 2015 to 2021,a total of 43 642 strains of Haemophilus species were isolated,accounting for 2.91％of the total clinical isolates and 4.07％of Gram-negative bacteria in CHINET program.Among the 40 437 strains of H.influenzae,66.89％were isolated from children and 33.11％were isolated from adults.More than 90％of the H.influenzae strains were isolated from respiratory tract specimens.The prevalence of β-lactamase was 53.79％in H.influenzae strains.The H.influenzae strains isolated from children showed higher resistance rate than the strains isolated from adults.Overall,779 strains of H.influenzae did not produce β-lactamase but were resistant to ampicillin(BLNAR).Beta-lactamase-producing strains showed significantly higher resistance rates to these antimicrobial agents than the β-lactamase-nonproducing strains.Of the 16 191 M.catarrhalis strains,80.06％were isolated from children and 19.94％isolated from adults.M.catarrhalis strains were mostly susceptible to both amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime,evidenced by resistance rate lower than 2.0％.Conclusions The emergence of antibiotic-resistant H.influenzae due to β-lactamase production poses a challenge for clinical anti-infective treatment.Therefore,it is very important to implement antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae and guide rational antibiotic use.All local clinical microbiology laboratories should actively improve antibiotic susceptibility testing and strengthen antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae.

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinically isolated Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis in hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021,and provide evidence for rational use of antimicrobial agents.Methods Data of H.influenzae and M.catarrhalis strains isolated from 2015 to 2021 in CHINET program were collected for analysis,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method or automated systems according to the uniform protocol of CHINET.The results were interpreted according to the CLSI breakpoints in 2022.Beta-lactamases was detected by using nitrocefin disk.Results From 2015 to 2021,a total of 43 642 strains of Haemophilus species were isolated,accounting for 2.91％of the total clinical isolates and 4.07％of Gram-negative bacteria in CHINET program.Among the 40 437 strains of H.influenzae,66.89％were isolated from children and 33.11％were isolated from adults.More than 90％of the H.influenzae strains were isolated from respiratory tract specimens.The prevalence of β-lactamase was 53.79％in H.influenzae strains.The H.influenzae strains isolated from children showed higher resistance rate than the strains isolated from adults.Overall,779 strains of H.influenzae did not produce β-lactamase but were resistant to ampicillin(BLNAR).Beta-lactamase-producing strains showed significantly higher resistance rates to these antimicrobial agents than the β-lactamase-nonproducing strains.Of the 16 191 M.catarrhalis strains,80.06％were isolated from children and 19.94％isolated from adults.M.catarrhalis strains were mostly susceptible to both amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime,evidenced by resistance rate lower than 2.0％.Conclusions The emergence of antibiotic-resistant H.influenzae due to β-lactamase production poses a challenge for clinical anti-infective treatment.Therefore,it is very important to implement antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae and guide rational antibiotic use.All local clinical microbiology laboratories should actively improve antibiotic susceptibility testing and strengthen antibiotic resistance surveillance for H.influenzae.

Objective To investigate the incidence of central obesity and characteristics and changing trend of macronutrient energy supply in adult residents of Chongqing, and to analyze the relationship between carbohydrate energy supply and central obesity. Methods Using the longitudinal tracking data of China Health and Nutrition Survey project, combined with China food composition table , the energy and nutrient intake and macronutrient energy supply ratio were calculated. The association between carbohydrate energy supply and central obesity was analyzed by multi-level statistical model. Results In 2011, 2015 and 2018, the carbohydrate supply ratio of adult residents in Chongqing was 43.02%, 46.52%, and 46.07%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (F=18.699, P<0.001). The overweight rates in 2011, 2015, and 2018 were 29.2%, 36.7%, and 37.8%, while the obesity rates were 12.2%, 13.5%, and 19.5%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (χ²=41.416, P<0.001). The central obesity rates were 51.5%, 57.2%, and 62.8%, respectively (χ²=21.008, P<0.001). The carbohydrate supply ratio was positively correlated with waist circumference. Compared to the population with a carbohydrate to energy ratio of <55%, the risk of central obesity in the population with a carbohydrate to energy ratio of ≥ 65% was 1.63 times higher. Conclusion The ratio of carbohydrate to energy supply of adult residents in Chongqing has slightly increased. Rates of overweight, obesity and central obesity are on the rise. A high carbohydrate to energy supply ratio may be a risk factor for central obesity.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death,which is distinct from apoptosis,ne-crosis,and pyroptosis.Recent studies have found that activators of ferroptosis,such as Erastin,can activate autophagy-re-lated proteins,induce the formation of autophagosomes,and ultimately release ferric ions to mediate ferroptosis.This pro-cess,called ferritinophagy,is initiated by the binding of an autophagic cargo receptor protein,nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4),to iron-laden ferritin.The transfer of NCOA4-ferritin to the lysosome by ferritinophagy results in the proteoly-sis of ferritin,and,in turn,the release of its iron content and lipid-reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation.Ferritin-ophagy has been closely associated with central nervous system disorders,circulatory system diseases,and cancer.Fur-thermore,the regulation mechanism of ferritinophagy is also a hot topic in the study of iron-dependent cell death process.With the in-depth study of ferritinophagy,great progress has been made in the study of key components of ferritinophagy as well as its molecular mechanisms and processes.However,a comprehensive summary of the methods for detecting ferritin-ophagy is still unclear.To further deepen the understanding of ferritinophagy and its detection methods,this review focus-es on the concept,characteristics,methods,and precautions during detection of ferritinophagy.This review provided ex-perimental reference for subsequent researchers and promoting the progress of research related to ferritinophagy.