[摘 要] 目的：探讨异位表达血红蛋白亚基（HBA/HBB）对缺氧条件下嵌合抗原受体T细胞（CAR-T细胞）功能障碍的改善作用及其对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应。方法：全基因合成技术合成靶向HER2的CAR序列，构建共表达HBA或HBB的CAR慢病毒载体，包装慢病毒后感染人原代T淋巴细胞，制备异位表达HBA/HBB的CAR-T细胞，命名为HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T。采用缺氧探针检测小鼠实体瘤缺氧状态。通过流式细胞术检测瘤内CAR-T细胞占比、异位表达血红蛋白亚基的CAR-T细胞阳性率及CAR-T细胞的活性氧、凋亡水平。WB法检测HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T内相关血红蛋白亚基表达情况，采用细胞计数板计数检测细胞增殖水平，通过萤光素酶报告基因法检测CAR-T细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤能力，qPCR检测CAR-T细胞中缺氧诱导因子-1α（HIF-1α）表达水平，利用MitoXpress Intra试剂盒检测CAR-T细胞内氧气含量。结果：不同细胞构建的实体瘤模型均存在明显缺氧情况，且CAR-T细胞浸润水平与缺氧程度呈显著负相关（P < 0.000 1）。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T构建成功（阳性率 > 60%），相应血红蛋白亚基可稳定表达。缺氧环境下HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T的ROS水平、凋亡水平显著下降，增殖、对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤能力显著强于传统CAR-T细胞（均P < 0.05）。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T内HIF-1α表达降低（均P < 0.001），且缺氧程度显著降低（均P < 0.001）。结论：异位表达血红蛋白亚基可改善缺氧条件下CAR-T细胞功能障碍并增强其对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤作用。

Objective To explore the correlation and diagnostic value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils with lung function in patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS). Methods A total of 302 patients with obstructive airway disease in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from April 2020 to April 2025 were selected as the research subjects, including 108 asthma patients, 92 COPD patients, and 102 ACOS patients. Patient data were collected and analyzed. Results There were statistically significant differences in age, smoking history, family history of asthma, FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, MVV, FeNO, and blood eosinophil levels among the asthma group, COPD group, and ACOS group (P<0.05). Age and smoking history were positively correlated with the occurrence of ACOS (P<0.05), while family history of asthma, FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, MVV, FeNO, and blood eosinophil levels were negatively correlated with the occurrence of ACOS (P<0.05). FeNO and blood eosinophils were not significantly correlated with lung function indicators in ACOS patients (P>0.05). FeNO had good diagnostic value in distinguishing asthma from ACOS (AUC=0.843). FeNO and blood eosinophils both had good diagnostic value in distinguishing COPD from ACOS (AUC=0.848, 0.799). Conclusion FeNO and blood eosinophils are not correlated with lung function indicators in ACOS patients. FeNO, blood eosinophils, and their combination have good diagnostic value in distinguishing asthma from ACOS, and COPD from ACOS, which have the potential to become non-invasive auxiliary diagnostic biomarkers for ACOS.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanisms of sepsis pathogenesis in intensive care unit (ICU), with a specific focus on the role of skin microbiota, and to evaluate the causal relationships between skin microbiota and ICU sepsis using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: A two-sample MR analysis was performed using skin microbiota genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from German population cohorts as exposures, combined with ICU sepsis susceptibility and 28-day mortality GWAS summary data from the IEU OpenGWAS database as outcomes. The primary causal effect estimates were generated using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by validation through MR-Egger and weighted median approaches. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests, along with sensitivity analyses, were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Regarding risk of ICU sepsis, IVW analysis showed that order Pseudomonadales [odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.88-0.98], family Flavobacteriaceae (OR = 0.93, 95%CI was 0.90-0.96), and genus Acinetobacter (OR = 0.96, 95%CI was 0.93-0.99) were significantly negatively correlated with the risk of ICU sepsis (all P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the risk of ICU sepsis and the presence of β-Proteobacteria (OR = 1.05, 95%CI was 1.00-1.11) and Actinobacteria (OR = 1.05, 95%CI was 1.00-1.11), both P < 0.05. Regarding 28-day mortality of ICU sepsis, IVW analysis showed that phylum Bacteroidetes (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.86-0.99), family Streptococcaceae (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.85-0.98), family Flavobacteriaceae (OR = 0.90, 95%CI was 0.83-0.97), genus Streptococcus (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.86-0.99), ASV016 [Enhydrobacter] (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.87-0.98), and ASV042 [Acinetobacter] (OR = 0.92, 95%CI was 0.88-0.97) were significantly negatively correlated with the 28-day mortality of ICU sepsis (all P < 0.05); family Moraxellaceae (OR = 1.09, 95%CI was 1.00-1.18) and ASV008 [Staphylococcus] (OR = 1.08, 95%CI was 1.03-1.14) was significantly positively correlated with the 28-day mortality of ICU sepsis (both P < 0.05). Sensitivity analysis and MR-PRESSO showed no heterogeneity, pleiotropy, or horizontal pleiotropy between skin microbiota and ICU sepsis risk and 28-day mortality rate. Analysis of confounding factors showed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with relevant skin bacteria could independently and causally affect the risk of ICU sepsis or ICU sepsis related mortality rate, independent of other confounding factors. The Steiger test results indicated that the established causal relationship was not due to reverse causality. CONCLUSIONS Skin microbiota composition may influence both sepsis susceptibility and 28-day mortality in ICU settings. Family Flavobacteriaceae demonstrated protective effects against sepsis onset and mortality. These findings provide new perspectives for early detection and management strategies.
Humans ; Sepsis/mortality* ; Intensive Care Units ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Microbiota ; Skin/microbiology* ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Risk Factors ; Skin Microbiome

BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including ²²³Ra, ⁹⁰Y, Lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), ²¹²Pb, and Actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans ; Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use* ; Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Radioisotopes/therapeutic use* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence