Natural arabinogalactan， an important polysaccharide， has a wide range of sources， a complex structure， various biological activities， and great application potential. Natural arabinogalactan is mainly rich in plants and microorganisms， and its structure varies due to different sources， including types Ⅰ， type Ⅱ， type Ⅱ-related types， and new configurations. Natural arabinogalactan has shown a variety of biological activities， such as anti-tumor， anti-oxidation， anti-coagulation， anti-aging， blood glucose-lowering， intestinal health-maintaining， anti-inflammatory， and immunomodulatory activities. In addition， natural arabinogalactan shows good biocompatibility and low toxicity， serving as a potential material in the biomedical field. Natural arabinogalactan has been designed as a carrier in the drug delivery system to effectively improve drug stability and targeting. Natural arabinogalactan is often added to skin care products to help delay skin aging and enhance skin barrier function because of their moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Additionally， natural arabinogalactan acts as a thickener， stabilizer， and emulsifier to improve the texture and taste while enhancing the nutritional value of food products. The review of latest research reports is helpful to further understand the relationship between the structure， biological activity， and functional application of natural arabinogalactan and provides an important reference for future research and development.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in different lymphocyte subsets, as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing EBV reactivation. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples from patients were collected. B, T, and NK cells were isolated sorting with magnetic beads by flow cytometry. The EBV load in each subset was quantitated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical data were colleted from electronic medical records. Survival status was followed up through outpatient visits and telephone calls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with hematologic malignancies were included, among whom 35 patients had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The median time to EBV reactivation was 4.8 months (range: 1.7-57.1 months) after allo-HSCT. EBV was detected in B, T, and NK cells in 20 patients, in B and T cells in 11 patients, and only in B cells in 4 patients. In the 35 patients, the median EBV load in B cells was 2.19×10⁴ copies/ml, significantly higher than that in T cells (4.00×10³ copies/ml, P <0.01) and NK cells (2.85×10² copies/ml, P <0.01). Rituximab (RTX) was administered for 32 patients, resulting in EBV negativity in 32 patients with a median time of 8 days (range: 2-39 days). Post-treatment analysis of 13 patients showed EBV were all negative in B, T, and NK cells. In the four non-transplant patients, the median time to EBV reactivation was 35 days (range: 1-328 days) after diagnosis of the primary disease. EBV was detected in one or two subsets of B, T, or NK cells, but not simultaneously in all three subsets. These patients received a combination chemotherapy targeting at the primary disease, with 3 patients achieving EBV negativity, and the median time to be negative was 40 days (range: 13-75 days). CONCLUSION In hematologic malignancy patients after allo-HSCT, EBV reactivation commonly involves B, T, and NK cells, with a significantly higher viral load in B cells compared to T and NK cells. Rituximab is effective for EBV clearance. In non-transplant patients, EBV reactivation is restricted to one or two lymphocyte subsets, and clearance is slower, highlighting the need for prompt anti-tumor therapy.
Humans ; Hematologic Neoplasms/virology* ; Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology* ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Virus Activation ; Lymphocyte Subsets/virology* ; Flow Cytometry ; Killer Cells, Natural/virology* ; Male ; Female ; B-Lymphocytes/virology* ; Viral Load ; Adult ; T-Lymphocytes/virology* ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: Xuebijing injection has been recommended as a therapeutic approach for individuals with severe and critical COVID-19. This study aims to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR) with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19, and the effect of XBJ on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in different inflammatory states. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at Wuhan Union Hospital in China. COVID-19 patients admitted between November 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023 were included. In predicting prognosis for individuals with COVID-19, new inflammatory indicators were used, and their prognostic value was assessed by using Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Furthermore, a calculation was made to determine the cutoff value for NLPR. Relative risk and Cox regression models were used to examine the effects of Xuebijing injection on prognosis in patient cohorts that had been stratified by the NLPR cutoff. RESULTS: This research included 455 participants with COVID-19, with a mean age of 72 years. Several inflammatory indicators were found to be strongly correlated with prognosis, and NLPR shows the greatest predictive power. Patients with NLPR > 3.29 exhibited a mortality rate of 17.3%, which was 6.2 times higher than in patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29. Importantly, providing Xuebijing injection to patients with NLPR > 3.29 was associated with a lower risk of 60-day all-cause mortality. However, there was no discernible improvement in survival among patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29 who received Xuebijing injection. CONCLUSION NLPR is the most reliable inflammatory marker for predicting prognosis among individuals with COVID-19, and can accurately identify individuals who may benefit from Xuebijing injection. Please cite this article as: Liao M, Zhang LT, Bai LJ, Wang RY, Liu Y, Han J, Liu LH, Qi BL. Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 282-288.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Neutrophils ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Lymphocytes ; Blood Platelets ; Platelet Count ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult

Objective:To establish a prediction model for symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (SRP) after radiotherapy for thoracic cancer based on a longitudinal cohort and dose interval variations.Methods:Clinical data of 587 patients who received thoracic radiotherapy in Department of Radiotherapy of Yunnan Cancer Hospital from July 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The National Cancer Institute common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 5.0 was used to grade radiation pneumonitis, and clinical factors, traditional independent dosimetric characteristics and dose interval variation characteristics were collected. Features used to predict the occurrence of SRP were screened using genetic algorithms and analyzed the correlation between the selected features and SRP occurrence. Predictive models for SRP occurrence were established using the selected features and evaluated, and the optimal predictive model was visualized using a column chart.Results:The incidence of SRP was 35.94%. Five clinical factors, seven independent dosimetric features and six dose interval variation features were screened out by genetic algorithms to effectively predict the occurrence of SRP. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of clinical factors combined with traditional independent dosimetric factors and dose interval variation factors was 76%. The AUC of clinical factors combined with traditional independent dosimetric factors and that of clinical factors combined with dose interval variation factors was 69% and 67%, respectively. The addition of the characteristics of dose interval variation factors significantly improved the effectiveness of the prediction model.Conclusions:The supplement of the characteristics of dose interval variation factors can significantly improve the performance of the SRP prediction model for thoracic tumors after radiotherapy. The SRP prediction model based on dose interval variations can effectively predict the occurrence of SRP.

Pulmonary disease is one of the major threats to human health. However, the current clinical treatment drugs for lung diseases generally have problems such as low lung delivery efficiency, fast clearance rate and obvious toxic side effects. Recently, membrane biomimetic nanocarriers have attracted more and more attention. Due to their advantages of high targeting, long cycle time, good biocompatibility and strong immune escape ability, membrane biomimetic nanocarriers have become a major research hotspot in targeted therapy of lung diseases. In this review, we discuss the main preparation methods of membrane biomimetic nanoparticles, the characteristics of membrane biomimetic nanocarriers from different cell sources and their application in the targeted therapy of lung diseases. At the same time, according to the characteristics of different membranes, the shortcomings, current technical limitations and future prospects are discussed. This review is expected to provide references for the design of membrane biomimetic nanocarriers and their potential applications in the treatment of lung diseases.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the transcription factor TBX1 on the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and to explore potential molecular mechanisms.Methods:The mRNA and protein levels of TBX1 in colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, RKO, SW480, HT29, and LOVO were detected by using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW480 cells with low TBX1 expression were transfected with either a pcDNA3.1 plasmid containing TBX1 mimics (TBX1 overexpression group) or an empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid (the control group). LOVO cells with high TBX1 expression were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TBX1 including si-TBX1-8604A, si-TBX1-8604B, and a negative control siRNA (si-NC), which were treated as si-TBX1-8604A group, si-TBX1-8604B group, and si-NC group. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of transcriptional level TBX1 and PARK2, and Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of TBX1, PARK2, and key factors in the MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell colony formation assay were used to detect the cell proliferation. Combining literatures and the JASPAR database, 2 binding sites of TBX1 in the PARK2 promoter region were predicted. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was employed to verify the binding sites of TBX1 to PARK2 in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between TBX1 and PARK2. The expression of TBX1 and PARK2 in colon cancer tissues was analyzed by using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (September 2023).Results:High TBX1 expression in HCT116 and SW480 cells transfected with TBX1 mimics plasmid was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, while TBX1 expression was successfully knocked down in LOVO cells transfected with siRNA targeting TBX1. MTT assay indicated that the absorbance values for HCT116 cells in TBX1 overexpression group on d1, d3, d5, and d7 after inoculation, and for SW480 cells on d3, d5, and d7 after inoculation were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). LOVO cells in the si-TBX1-8604A group and si-TBX1-8604B group exhibited higher absorbance values than the si-NC group on d1, d3, d5, and d7 after inoculation, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Cell colony formation assay revealed that after 14 d, the colony number of HCT116 cells [(387±9) vs. (843±13)] and SW480 cells [(413±9) vs. (931±15)] in TBX1 overexpression group was lower than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The colony number of LOVO cells in the si-TBX1-8604A group and si-TBX1-8604B group was (493±77) and (470±32), respectively, which was higher than that in the si-NC group (349±26), and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The protein relative expression levels of p-ERK and p-AKT S473 in HCT116 and SW480 cells in TBX1 overexpression group were lower than those in the control group, while protein relative expression levels of p-ERK and p-AKT S473 in LOVO cells in the si-TBX1-8604A group and si-TBX1-8604B group were higher than those in the si-NC group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The relative expression level of PARK2 mRNA in HCT116 and SW480 cells (all P < 0.01) and the protein level in the overexpression group were higher than those in the control group. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the enrichment times of TBX1 binding to 2 sites of PARK2 intron in HCT116 and SW480 cells in TBX1 overexpression group were higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the relative luciferase activity of HCT116 and SW480 cells co-transfected with pcDNA3.1 plasmid containing TBX1 mimics and pGL3 plasmid containing PARK2 mimics was higher than that of cells co-transfected with empty pcDNA3.1 and pGL3 plasmids, co-transfected with empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid and pGL3 plasmid containing PARK2 mimics, co-transfected with pcDNA3.1 plasmid containing TBX1 mimics and empty pGL3 plasmid, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Spearman analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between transcriptional level TBX1 and PARK2 in colon cancer tissues (288 cases) in TCGA database ( r = 0.226, P < 0.001); and the relative expression level of PARK2 mRNA in colon cancer tissues (383 cases) was lower than that in normal intestinal tissues (50 cases), and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Conclusions:Elevated expression of transcriptional factor TBX1 inhibits the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, potentially by activating the downstream target gene PARK2 and inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT in the MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways, ultimately affecting the activation of these pathways.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the therapeutic mechanism of Liangxue Jiedu Huayu Formula (LXJDHYF) for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in mice. METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, low- and high-dose LXJDHYF groups, and H151 (a specific cGAS-STING pathway inhibitor) group (n=6). In all but the control group, the mice were treated with CCl₄ to induce liver cirrhosis followed by intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide and D-amino galactose to establish mouse models of ACLF. After the treatments, the mouse livers were collected for HE and TUNEL staining, and serum levels of ALT, AST and TBil were determined. In bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and liver tissues of ACLF mice, the expressions of cGAS-STING signaling pathway-related mRNAs including IFN‑β, ISG15, IL-6 and TNF-α were determined with RT-qPCR, and the phosphorylation levels of IRF3 and STING proteins were investigated using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the mice in the model group, the LXJDHYF-treated mice exhibited milder hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver with significantly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. LXJDHYF treatment also significantly lowered serum levels of ALT, AST, TBil, IL-6 and TNF-α in ACLF mice and effectively suppressed the expressions of cGAS-STING signaling pathway-related mRNA in both the BMDMs and the liver tissues and the phosphorylation of IRF3 and STING proteins in the BMDMs. CONCLUSIONS LXJDHYF can significantly improve liver function and attenuate inflammation in ACLF mice possibly by inhibiting excessive activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure/etiology* ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Male

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for further reducing the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) according to investigation of the prevention and control of CLABSI in intensive care unit (ICU) in Shandong Province. METHODS: The questionnaire was developed by experts from Shandong Critical Care Medical Quality Control Center, combining domestic and foreign guidelines, consensus and research. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit survey subjects online from October 11 to 31, 2023 in the province to investigate the management status of central venous catheter (CVC) in ICU units of secondary and above hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 201 valid data were collected, involving 186 hospitals in the province, with a total of 201 ICU units, mainly comprehensive ICU (91%). The beds in ICU units were mainly single rooms (89%) and triple rooms (79%), and the ratio of doctors to total beds was 0.54 : 1. The training on the knowledge and operation of intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infection in each ICU unit was mainly irregular (49%), and 96% of the catheter operators were authorized by the hospital. In terms of CVC selection, 89% of ICU units used dual-chamber CVC, and 86% of ICU units used catheters without antibiotic coating. When selecting the placement site, for conventional CVC catheterization, 65% preferred subclavian vein. Femoral vein was preferred in 87% of ICU units undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy. 95% of ICU units had established standardized operation procedure (SOP) for CVC placement. 86% of ICU units were capable of ultrasound positioning or guided puncture at the time of catheterization. During catheterization, 88% of ICU units met the sterile dress code. Before and after catheterzation, 81% and 77% of ICU units standardized hand hygiene. Only 31% of ICU units were covered from head to toe by aseptic wipes. For the choice of skin disinfectant, the majority of ICU units (72%) only used iodophor. After tube placement, 54% of ICU units chose sterile transparent dressing and 25% chose sterile gauze dressing. 98% of ICU units were sutured to secure the catheter. Regarding catheter replacement and removal, 45% of ICU units could not be removed or replaced within 2 days in emergency situations where the principle of sterility was not guaranteed. When CLABSI was suspected, 55% of ICU units were able to obtain the catheter tip, transcatheter blood culture, and contralateral peripheral vein blood culture at the same time. For CVC replacement frequency, most ICU units (75%) would not be replaced regularly, and some ICU units would be replaced regularly, but the frequency of replacement was different. For CLABSI prevention and control, 82% of ICU units developed a verification form or supervision form. When analyzing the sources of CLABSI data, most of them were filled in by themselves (60%). As for the frequency of data analysis, 57% were once a month. CONCLUSIONS All ICU units in Shandong Province are standardized in terms of the authorization of operators, the formulation of SOP, the formulation and implementation of verification form and supervision form, ultrasound-guided puncture, and hand hygiene before and after catheterization. However, there are still deficiencies in the training on knowledge and operation of intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infections, maximum aseptic coverage, catheter replacement and removal, and the reporting sources of CLABSI data, which need to be strengthened in the follow-up work. At present, the selection of CVC, the selection of catheterization site, the selection of skin disinfectant and the selection of dressings after catheterization still need further research.
Intensive Care Units ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Catheter-Related Infections/epidemiology* ; Catheterization, Central Venous/methods* ; Cross Infection/epidemiology* ; Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects* ; Infection Control/methods*

OBJECTIVE: Clinical characteristics and outcome in COVID-19 with brucellosis patients has not been well demonstrated, we tried to analyze clinical outcome in local and literature COVID-19 cases with brucellosis before and after recovery. METHODS: We retrospectively collected hospitalization data of comorbid patients and prospectively followed up after discharge in Heilongjiang Infectious Disease Hospital from January 15, 2020 to April 29, 2022. Demographics, epidemiological, clinical symptoms, radiological and laboratory data, treatment medicines and outcomes, and follow up were analyzed, and findings of a systematic review were demonstrated. RESULTS: A total of four COVID-19 with brucellosis patients were included. One patient had active brucellosis before covid and 3 patients had nonactive brucellosis before brucellosis. The median age was 54.5 years, and all were males (100.0%). Two cases (50.0%) were moderate, and one was mild and asymptomatic, respectively. Three cases (75.0%) had at least one comorbidity (brucellosis excluded). All 4 patients were found in COVID-19 nucleic acid screening. Case C and D had only headache and fever on admission, respectively. Four cases were treated with Traditional Chinese medicine, western medicines for three cases, no adverse reaction occurred during hospitalization. All patients were cured and discharged. Moreover, one case (25.0%) had still active brucellosis without re-positive COVID-19, and other three cases (75.0%) have no symptoms of discomfort except one case fell fatigue and anxious during the follow-up period after recovery. Conducting the literature review, two similar cases have been reported in two case reports, and were both recovered, whereas, no data of follow up after recovery. CONCLUSION These cases indicate that COVID-19 patients with brucellosis had favorable outcome before and after recovery. More clinical studies should be conducted to confirm our findings.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Brucellosis ; COVID-19 ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Treatment Outcome ; Case Reports as Topic