This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the effective-compounds of Jinshui Huanxian formula (ECC-JHF) in improving pulmonary fibrosis. Animal experiments were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Animal Experiment Center of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: IACUC-202306012). The mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced using bleomycin (BLM). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect the histopathological changes of lung tissues. Masson staining was used to assess the degree of fibrosis in lung tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to measure the expression of collagen type I (COL I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lung tissues. Flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to detect the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. IF and qPCR were also used to detect the expression of lipase family member N (LIPN) in lung tissues. Free fatty acid assay kit was used to detect the level of free fatty acids in lung tissue. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with interleukin-4 (IL-4) to induce M2 polarization. FCM was used to measure the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages. IF was utilized to detect LIPN expression and lipid droplet decomposition. The results showed that in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice, ECC-JHF significantly attenuated BLM-induced alveolar inflammation and collagen deposition, inhibited fibroblast activation in lung tissues, and decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages in BALF. It also significantly suppressed LIPN expression and free fatty acid level in lung tissues. In the IL-4 induced BMDMs M2 polarization model, ECC-JHF significantly inhibited the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages, down-regulated the expression of LIPN, and blocked lipid droplet catabolism. These results suggest that ECC-JHF may alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting lipid droplet decomposition and M2 macrophage polarization.

ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the elderly population in rural areas of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, and to provide an evidence for the development of LTBI prevention and control measures. MethodsBetween January and May 2024, elderly individuals participating in urban and rural residents’ health checkups were screened for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using a domestically produced interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) kit. Individuals tested positive by IGRA but without active tuberculosis were classified as LTBI cases. The prevalence of LTBI among the participants was subsequently analyzed. ResultsAmong the 6 765 subjects, 637 tested positive by IGRA, including one identified active tuberculosis patient, resulting in a LTBI prevalence rate of 9.40%. There was a statistically significant difference in positivity rates across different IGRA methodologies (χ²=35.530, P<0.001). Higher LTBI rate was observed in males, individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus, and those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, exhibiting statistically significant differences (χ²=32.401, P<0.001; χ²=5.789, P=0.020; χ²=39.248, P<0.001, respectively.) No statistically significant difference in LTBI rate was found across different age groups (χ²=0.238, P=0.971). ConclusionThe prevalence of LTBI among the elderly rural residents in Changxing County is relatively low. Male, individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus, and those with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis have an increased risk of LTBI, warranting targeted risk monitoring and timely interventions.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing varicella prevention and control strategies. Methods Data on varicella cases were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive epidemiology, temporal trend analysis, seasonal analysis, spatiotemporal clustering analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were conducted using QGIS, JoinPoint, SaTScan and GeoDa software. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023 was 34.55/100,000, showing a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. The peak incidence occurred from October to January of the following year (RR=1.97, LLR=1743.95, P=0.001). Students aged 0 to 19 was the primary affected group. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed four types of spatiotemporal clusters, with the cluster in Jin'an District from October 2017 to December 2023 being particularly prominent (RR=2.87，LLR=1734.15，P<0.001). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated significant clustering of varicella cases in the main urban area (Moran's I=0.216，Z=4.786，P=0.003). Conclusion The incidence of varicella in Lu'an City exhibits distinct seasonal and spatial clustering, and schools and kindergartens in the main urban area are the key to varicella prevention and control. It is necessary to enhance the monitoring of disease outbreaks during peak periods and in key areas, and to increase the two-dose vaccination rate for varicella in areas with case aggregation and among key populations.

The prevalence of Lyme disease in endogenous populations in Urumqi,Xinjiang was investigated.In total,795 serum samples were collected from residents of three townships in the surrounding area of Urumqi City from 2022 to 2023,which included 383 from Lucaogou Town,145 from Shuixigou Town,and,267 from Tori Township.Serum levels of IgG and IgM antibodies were screened with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and confirmed by western blot(WB)analysis.Clinical data of WB-positive indi-viduals were collected and comprehensive analysis was con-ducted for case diagnosis.The chi square test was used for statistical analysis of the results and the P＜0.05 was consid-ered statistically significant.In total,110(13.84％)of 795 samples were positive.The positivity rates was higher in females than males[16.26％(73/449)vs.10.69％(37/346),x2=5.076,P=0.024],while there was no significant difference among age groups(x2=2.569,P=0.766).The positivity rates for serum antibodies in Shuixigou Town,Lucaogou Town,and Tuoli Township were 17.98％(48/267),14.48％(21/145),and 10.70％(41/383),respectively,with a significantly higher rate in Tuoli Township than Lucaogou Town(x2=7.041,P=0.008).Of 110 individuals who were initially positive for IgG and IgM antibodies with the ELISA,82(10.31％)were con-firmed positive by WB analysis.In total,20(2.52％)patients were diagnosed with Lyme disease based on clinical manifesta-tions.Lyme disease is epidemic among the population in Urumqi,as the infection rate is higher than the national average.Hence,continued surveillance is recommended for prevention of Lyme disease.

Objective:To understand the effect of collagen peptides on the function of mouse lymphocytes under simulated microgravity.Methods:The splenocytes of mice were isolated,and the rotary cell culture system was used to simulate the microgravity.The T lymphocytes were stimulated with mitotic agents,concanavalin A(ConA),and the cells were treated with different concentrations of collagen peptides.The proliferation of lymphocytes and the levels of cytokines in the supernatant were detected.Results:Simulated microgravity could inhibit the proliferation of spleen T lymphocytes and decrease the level of cytokines in the supernatant.Collagen peptides could promote the lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production in cells cultured under simulated microgravity.Conclusion:Collagen peptides may attenuate the inhibitory effect of simulated microgravity on T lymphocytes by regulating the cell proliferation and the secretion of cytokines.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of single center adult chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase(CML-CP).Methods:Clinical data of 41 adult CML-CP patients in Department of Hematology,Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital from January 2015 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients between＜60 years group and ≥ 60 years group were compared.Results:The 41 patients included 27(65.9％)males and 14(34.1％)females.The median age of the patients was 56(19-84)years,with 22 cases(53.7％)＜60 years and 19 cases(46.3％)≥60 years.Univariate analysis indicated that the proportions of patients with comorbidities,intermediate/high-risk Sokal score,myelofibrosis,and lactate dehydrogenase ≥1 000 U/L were significantly increased in ≥60 years group compared with＜60 years group at initial diagnosis(all P＜0.05).There were no statistical differences in the distribution of sex,ELST score,white blood cell count,platelet count,peripheral blood basophil percentage,peripheral blood eosinophil percentage and bone marrow primitive cell percentage between the two groups(P＞0.05).The proportion of patients taking reduced-dose imatinib in≥60 years group significantly increased(P＜0.001).Patients＜60 years had a higher proportion of molecular biological remission after treatment of tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)than patients ≥ 60 years(P＜0.001).The incidence of non-hematologic adverse reactions to TKI therapy significantly increased in patients ≥ 60 years(P＜0.001).Multivariate analysis showed that no adverse factors affecting the efficacy and prognosis of TKI.Conclusion:Compared with adult CML-CP patients＜60 years,patients ≥ 60 years gain fewer benefits from TKI treatment and increased adverse reactions.

Objective To construct a rehabilitation care platform for spinal cord injury patients,based on patient portrait technology and to validate its application effect.Methods Artificial intelligence technology was used to realize the fusion of data.We constructed a patient portrait rehabilitation nursing system that can provide systematic and personalized information support.By the convenience sampling method,53 perioperative patients with spinal cord injury from July 2023 to December 2023 were selected as the test group to implement the intelligent intervention based on patient portrait technology;53 perioperative patients with spinal cord injury who were hospitalized from January 2023 to June 2023 were selected as the control group to implement the conventional information support intervention.The self-efficacy,self-care ability,and quality of life were compared before the intervention,and 2 weeks,4 weeks,12 weeks after the intervention between the 2 groups.Results 45 cases in the experimental group and 43 cases in the control group reached the endpoint of the study after 12 weeks of intervention.The ANOVA of the 2 groups showed the test group having a greater advantage over the control group,with statistically significant differences in self-efficacy,ability to perform daily living tasks,and quality of life between groups,intergroup effect,and interaction effect(P＜0.05).Conclusion The rehabilitation care platform based on patient portraits has a positive effect on improving self-efficacy,self-care ability and quality of life for spinal cord injury patients.

Objective:To explore the effect of Zhisanzhen acupuncture on cognition ability and apoptosis in the hippocampus using a murine model of cerebral ischemia.Methods:Thirty-two male C57 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a sham acupuncture group and a Zhisanzhen group, each of 8. All except the control group received middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) surgery. Successful modeling was confirmed using Bederson scoring and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Beginning 24 hours after successful modeling, the Zhisanzhen group was given 30 minutes of acupuncture at the Shenting and bilateral Benshen points with the injection 3mm deep daily for five days The sham acupuncture group was given acupuncture at 5 mm next to the Shenting and bilateral Benshen points 3mm deep. Twenty-four hours after the last session of acupuncture, the rats′ cognition was tested using a water maze. After the experiment the hippocampus was sampled on the affected side and any apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Changes in caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 protein and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein in the hippocampal tissue were evaluated using western blotting. The total serine phosphorylation level of caspase-3 protein was detected using immunoprecipitation.Results:Compared to the model and the sham groups, the average escape latency in the Zhisanzhen group was significantly shorter and the times crossing the platform was significantly greater. There were significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells in the Zhisanzhen group on average, and less caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3, but significantly more p38-MAPK and greater serine phosphorylation of its substrate caspase-3.Conclusion:Zhisanzhen acupuncture can ameliorate recognition difficulties after cerebral ischemia. It promotes phosphorylation of caspase-3, limiting its cleavage and activation, and decreasing neuron apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Surgery is still the first choice for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,about 70%of HCC patients in China are first diagnosed in the advanced stage and have lost the opportunity for surgery.Recently,the rapid development of systematic therapy has brought new hope for patients with advanced HCC.The combination of molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy with or without local therapy significantly improves the survival of advanced HCC and alters the landscape of surgical treatment in advanced HCC.In addition,systemic therapy also brings new opportunities for perioperative treatment of HCC patients.Conversion therapy,neoadjuvant therapy,and postoperative adjuvant therapy can increase the chances of surgical treatment,reduce the risk of postoperative metastasis and recurrence,and prolong the overall survival of HCC patients.Systematic therapy based on molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy has been applied through the whole process of HCC surgical treatment,and has completely altered the surgery paradigm of HCC.However,further research is needed to determine the optimal combination protocol,screen the sensitive populations,address drug resistance,and reduce systemic adverse events.

Objective To investigate the factors influencing the occurrence of small for gestational age(SGA)at different degrees and provide a basis for early identification of severe SGA cases.Methods Neonatal and maternal prenatal information were retrospectively collected from January 2018 to December 2022 at Peking University People's Hospital.The neonates were divided into three groups:severe SGA group(birth weight below the 3rd percentile for gestational age and sex),mild SGA group(birth weight ≥3rd percentile and＜10th percentile),and non-SGA group(birth weight ≥10th percentile).An ordered multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of SGA at different degrees.Results A total of 14 821 neonates were included,including 258 cases(1.74％)in the severe SGA group,902 cases(6.09％)in the mild SGA group,and 13 661 cases(92.17％)in the non-SGA group.The proportions of preterm births and stillbirths were higher in the severe SGA group compared to the mild SGA and non-SGA groups(P＜0.0125).The proportion of neonatal asphyxia was higher in both the severe SGA and mild SGA groups compared to the non-SGA group(P＜0.0125).Ordered multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that maternal pre-pregnancy underweight(OR=1.838),maternal pre-pregnancy obesity(OR=3.024),in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(OR=2.649),preeclampsia(OR=1.743),connective tissue disease during pregnancy(OR=1.795),nuchal cord(OR=1.213),oligohydramnios(OR=1.848),and intrauterine growth restriction(OR=27.691)were all associated with a higher risk of severe SGA(P＜0.05).Maternal parity as a multipara(OR=0.457)was associated with a lower likelihood of severe SGA(P＜0.05).Conclusions Maternal pre-pregnancy underweight,maternal pre-pregnancy obesity,in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer,preeclampsia,connective tissue disease during pregnancy,oligohydramnios,nuchal cord,and intrauterine growth restriction are closely related to the occurrence of more severe SGA.Maternal parity as a multipara acts as a protective factor against the occurrence of severe SGA.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(3):262-268]