POEMS syndrome is a rare condition associated with plasma cell disorders， and it often involves multiple systems and has diverse clinical manifestations. This article reports two cases of POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation. During the course of the disease， the patients presented with lower limb weakness， hepatosplenomegaly， lymph node enlargement， ascites， hypothyroidism， positive M protein， and skin hyperpigmentation， and ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT imaging revealed bone lesions mainly characterized by osteolytic changes and plasma cell tumors. There was an increase in the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor. The patients were finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome， and the symptoms were relieved after immunomodulatory treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Liver/pathology* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy* ; Diquat/poisoning* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Apoptosis ; Coumarins

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents. Despite ongoing research efforts, the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years, highlighting the critical need for novel drug development to enhance current treatment protocols. Ziyuglycoside II (ZYG II), a triterpenoid saponin extracted from S. officinalis, has recently demonstrated antitumor properties. This study evaluates the antitumor effect of ZYG II on osteosarcoma and elucidates its mechanism of action through the co-regulation of p53 and estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG), which inhibits disease progression. The research employs in vitro experiments using multiple established osteosarcoma cell lines, as well as in vivo studies utilizing a nude mouse model of orthotopic xenograft osteosarcoma. Additionally, ESRRG shRNA was used to construct stable ESRRG-reducing OS cell lines to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ZYG II exerts its anti-osteosarcoma effects through the co-regulation of ESRRG and p53. Results indicate that ZYG II administration led to decreased OS cell viability and reduced tumor volumes. Furthermore, cell cycles were arrested at the G₀/G₁ phase, while the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. Expression of p53, ESRRG, p21, Bax, Cleaved Caspase-9, and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins increased, while expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 proteins decreased. Multiple ZYG II and ESRRG docking patterns were simulated through molecular docking. Comparing the pharmacodynamic response of ZYG II to OS cell lines with reduced ESRRG and normal expression demonstrated that ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through the coordination of p53 and ESRRG. In conclusion, ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, leads to cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through synergistic regulation of p53 and ESRRG.
Osteosarcoma/physiopathology* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Saponins/chemistry* ; Bone Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Receptors, Estrogen/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Female ; Male ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

To develop biocontrol agents for the control of kiwifruit bacterial canker, we isolated a strain CXG2-5 with inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the pathogen of kiwifruit bacterial canker, from the rhizosphere soil of kiwifruit by the plate confrontation test. The strain was identified by morphological observation, physiological and biochemical tests, and molecular biological methods. The indoor control efficacy of the strain was determined by the inoculation of the strain into detached branches with wounds and into leaf discs by vacuum infiltration. The ability of the strain to expand and colonize leaf veins was determined by fluorescent labeling and scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, the strain was prepared into microcapsules, the field control efficacy of which was evaluated. The strain CXG2-5 was identified as Pseudomonas benzenivorans. It demonstrated good antagonistic activity against Psa, with an inhibition zone diameter of 22 mm and an inhibition rate of 72.7%. The preventive effects of the strain on kiwifruit bacterial canker were better than the therapeutic effects on both detached branches and leaves, with the preventive effects reaching 65% and 92.4%, respectively. The control effect of microcapsules of this strain in the field reached 60.89%, which was slightly lower than that of 20% kasugamycin and higher than that of Bacillus subtilis wettable powder. In conclusion, strain CXG2-5 serves as a candidate for the control of kiwifruit bacterial canker, and the prepared microcapsules have good value for development and application.
Actinidia/microbiology* ; Plant Diseases/prevention & control* ; Pseudomonas syringae ; Pseudomonas/isolation & purification* ; Capsules ; Antibiosis ; Biological Control Agents ; Pest Control, Biological/methods*

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common obstetric complication associated with a significantly increased risk of perinatal neurological injury. Recent research on the gut-brain axis suggests that disruption of gut microbiota metabolic homeostasis is closely linked to the development of various fetal-origin neurological disorders. Optimizing early-life gut microbiota colonization and metabolic function may thus offer a novel therapeutic approach to mitigate brain injury and neurological sequelae. However, the precise mechanisms by which gut-brain axis and metabolite dysregulation contribute to FGR-related brain injury remain to be fully elucidated. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms through which gut microbiota metabolites regulate neurological damage in FGR, providing new insights for clinical monitoring and treatment strategies for FGR-associated brain injury.

Objective:To explore the safety and short-term efficacy of single-port robotic transanal total mesorectal excision (SPr-taTME).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of six patients who underwent SPr-taTME at Daping Hospital of Army Medical University from October to November 2024 were collected. There were 3 males and 3 females, aged (65±5)years. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative situations; (2) postoperative situations; (3) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represen-ted as Mean± SD, measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Intraoperative situations. All patients successfully underwent SPr-taTME without conversion to laparotomy or blood transfusion. There was no intraoperative complication such as accidental hemorrhage or adjacent organ injury. No intra-operative adverse events or mortality occurred. The operation time of the 6 patients was 286(range, 240?400)minutes. The time of transanal platform setup and robotic docking was (21±10)minutes, transanal dissection time was (97±45)minutes, and transabdominal dissection time was (90±35)minutes. The volume of intraoperative blood loss was (47±14)mL. Among the six patients, 1 case underwent synchronous transanal and transabdominal surgery, while 5 cases underwent non-synchronous procedures. Specimens were extracted transanally in 5 cases and via an auxiliary abdominal incision in 1 case. The single-port robotic platform was utilized for the abdominal surgery in 3 cases, while laparoscopy was used in 3 cases. Splenic flexure mobilization was performed in 3 cases and omitted in the other 3 cases. Three patients underwent hand-sewn sigmoid colon-anal anastomosis, 1 case underwent modified Bacon pull-through anastomosis, 1 case received stapled sigmoidorectal anastomosis, 1 case underwent sigmoid colostomy without anastomosis due to significant bowel edema. Two cases didn′t undergo intestinal stoma, 2 cases underwent virtual ileostomy, 1 case underwent ileostomy, and 1 case underwent sigmoid colostomy. (2) Postoperative situations. All patients started water drinking and out‐of‐bed activities on postoperative day 1 and liquid diet intake on postoperative day 2. The time to postoperative first flatus was 1(range, 1?3)days, and duration of postoperative hospital stay was (8±2)days.The total number of lymph nodes dissected was 13±2, with the number of positive lymph nodes as 0(range, 0?3) and the distance of distal resection margin as (23±8)mm. Pathological examination of 6 patients showed 1 case in stage T1N0, 2 cases in stage ypT0N0, 1 case in ypT1N0, 1 case in ypT3N1, and 1 case in ypT0N1. The degree of mesorectal integrity was complete in 5 patients and nearly complete in 1 patient. The surgical specimens of 6 patients showed negative in distal, proximal and circumferential margin. (3) Follow-up. All 6 patients completed the 30-day postoperative follow-up. None of the patients experienced postoperative complication such as bleeding, intestinal obstruction or anastomotic leakage. There was no readmission within 30 days after surgery. Digital rectal examination or colonoscopy on postoperative 30 day confirmed no anastomosis-related complications, including stenosis, dehiscence or anastomotic leakage. All 6 patients survived.Conclusion:The SPr-taTME is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Objective:To investigate auricular acupressure combined with massage-tapping exercises on body indicators, blood lipids, and liver function in patients with obesity-related fatty liver disease.Methods:This retrospective study included 78 patients with obesity-related fatty liver disease admitted to Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on different treatment methods: the conventional group (36 patients receiving conventional interventions) and the combined group (36 patients receiving auricular acupressure combined with massage-tapping exercises in addition to conventional interventions). The total response rates, physical indicators (body weight, body mass index), blood lipid levels (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and liver function indicators (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results:The total response rate in the combined group was 94.87% (37/39), which was significantly higher than the 76.92% (30/39) in the conventional group ( χ2 = 5.19, P < 0.05). After intervention, the combined group showed lower body weight [(70.42 ± 8.32) kg vs. (75.84 ± 8.46) kg], lower body mass index [(24.32 ± 1.26) kg/m2 vs. (25.48 ± 1.30) kg/m2], lower triglycerides [(1.62 ± 0.42) mmol/L vs. (2.94 ± 0.78) mmol/L], lower total cholesterol [(5.24 ± 0.54) mmol/L vs. (6.72 ± 0.66) mmol/L], lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [(2.14 ± 0.46) mmol/L vs. (2.78 ± 0.50) mmol/L], lower aspartate aminotransferase [(35.32 ± 4.38) U/L vs. (40.16 ± 5.14) U/L], lower alanine aminotransferase [(31.05 ± 4.20) U/L vs. (37.24 ± 4.56) U/L], and lower gamma-glutamyltransferase [(43.35 ± 8.74) U/L vs. (57.62 ± 9.04) U/L] levels compared with the conventional group. The combined group showed higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level compared with the conventional group [(1.85 ± 0.26) mmol/L vs. (1.26 ± 0.30) mmol/L]. All differences were statistically significant ( t = 2.85, 4.00, 9.31, 10.84, 5.88, 4.48, 6.24, 7.09, 9.28, all P < 0.05). Conclusions:The combination of auricular acupressure and massage-tapping exercises is effective in treating obesity-related fatty liver disease in patients. This approach can regulate physical indicators, improve lipid metabolism, and enhance liver function, making it a method worth promoting in clinical practice.

Objective:To assess the safety and efficacy of thiotepa, busulfan, and etoposide (TBE) conditioning followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (TBE auto-HSCT) in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients.Methods:Clinical data from 27 PCNSL patients who received TBE auto-HSCT at the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between November 1, 2021, and April 30, 2024, were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Twenty-seven patients [16 males, 11 females; median age 57 (23–72) years] were included, with 12 (44.4%, 12/27) over 60. Twenty-five had newly diagnosed PCNSL and 2 were relapsed. Median time from diagnosis to transplantation was 6.9 (5.0–10.0) months. TBE auto-HSCT increased complete remission (CR) rate from 63.0 to 96.3% ( P= 0.005), and 9 of 10 patients in partial remission achieving CR post-transplant. Median follow-up was 24.5 months (range 2.0–36.0). Two-year progress-free and OS rates were (87.2±6.9) % and (88.6±6.2) %, respectively. Common grade 3 nonhematologic adverse events were diarrhea (18.5%, 5/27) and bacterial infections (14.8%, 4/27). One patient (64 years old) died from carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection within 2 months post-transplant, yielding a 100-day treatment-related mortality of 3.7% (1/27) . Conclusion:TBE-conditioned high-dose chemotherapy with auto-HSCT is effective, safe, and well-tolerated in PCNSL patients, including the elderly.

Objective To conduct a retrospective analysis of the correlation among bedaquiline(BDQ)plasma concentrations,relevant clinical factors,and disease prognosis.Methods In this retrospective study,22 patients diagnosed with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis(RR-TB),multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB),or pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis(pre-XDR-TB)were enrolled.These patients were admitted to the tuberculosis ward of our hospital between February 2022 and October 2024.All patients were administered a treatment regimen containing BDQ.The cohort comprised 6 RR-TB patients(27.27%),12 MDR-TB patients(54.55%),and 4 pre-XDR-TB patients(18.18%).Peripheral blood samples were collected 2 hours after the oral administration of Bedaquiline.The plasma concentration of Bedaquiline was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).Spearman correlation analysis was performed using R studio software with the ggplot2 and corrplot packages.The factors included the blood concentration of bedaquiline,electrocardiogram QTcF(QT interval corrected by the Fridericia method),liver and kidney function parameters,weight,age,body mass index,sex,blood uric acid level,serum creatinine level,and other relevant indicators.Results In 22 patients treated with BDQ,the plasma concentration reached a peak after 1.5 weeks of administration,and gradually stabilized after 2 weeks.The plasma concentration was approximately 1-3 μg/mL.After 24 weeks of withdrawal of bedaquiline,patients were continued to monitor their bedaquiline concentration and found that BDQ blood concentration in peripheral blood was approximate 1 μg/mL up to 36 weeks.The serum concentration of BDQ was not correlated with age,body weight,BMI,ALT,AST,GGT,TDiL,urea,uric acid and QT interval,but correlated with sputum negative transformation and serum creatinine.The correlation analysis between serum concentration of BDQ and acid-fast staining of sputum smear showed,the difference was significant(r=0.35,P<0.05).In addition,the correlation analysis between serum BDQ concentration and serum creatinine showed,the difference was significant(r=0.34,P<0.05).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that BDQ blood concentration was positively correlated with Scr level,and Scr was an independent factor affecting BDQ blood concentration.20 cases(90.9%,20/22)were cured,1 case died of Covid-19 virus infection,1 case was recurrence.Conclusions Regimens containing bedaquiline seem to exhibit relatively high safety profiles and good tolerability among patients with rifampicin-resistant,multidrug-resistant,or pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis,typically yielding favorable treatment outcomes.The BDQ shows a positive correlation with serum creatinine(SCr).Consequently,close surveillance of BDQ levels and renal function remains of utmost importance throughout the treatment course.

Objective:To continuously track the publishing budget of provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)in China and comprehend the management changes in the provincial CDCs based on the financial input.Methods:Publishing budget data for the period 2021—2024 of 31 provincial CDCs and provincial health administrations in China were collected and analyzed from the perspectives of time change and proportion relationship.Results:Statistical analysis revealed that the overall budget income of provincial CDCs in 2024 exceeded that of 2021.Most provincial CDCs in many provinces exhibited high-level growth(some with slight fluctuations),stable growth,and rapid growth in budget income changes.The proportion of provincial CDCs'budget income relative to provincial health administrations steadily increased,and the synergistic relationship mainly manifested as increase in the same direction,but there is a situation of changing from"strong benign"to"weak benign".Conclusion:The development of the budget income for provincial CDCs in China aligns with the imperative to establish a stable public health investment mechanism,reflecting more support towards provincial CDCs in recent years.Future efforts should continue focusing on the synergistic relationship between provincial CDCs and provincial health administrations,so as to provide guidance for the local provincial CDC budget management and provide references for CDCs in other provinces.