Objective: To analyze the school tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks and preventive treatment in Hefei from 2022 to 2024, so as to provide reference for TB prevention and control in schools. Methods: Data were collected on all school based TB outbreaks occurring during 2022-2024 in Hefei, defined as ≥2 epidemiologically linked TB cases within the same school during a single semester. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi square test. Results: Close contacts exhibited significantly higher TB incidence (2.88%) and latent mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) rates (13.80%) in the school TB outbreaks, compared to non close contacts (0.12% and 2.63%, respectively). Among close contacts, secondary school students showed lower TB incidence (0.48%) and LTBI prevalence (3.42%) than both primary school or younger children (0.68%, 6.95%) and college students ( 0.78% , 6.50%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=360.91, 6.37; 791.71, 102.03, all P <0.05). The proportion of LTBI individuals recommended for preventive therapy was higher in primary school or younger groups (98.59%) than in secondary (95.25%) or college students (86.34%) ( χ 2=25.86, P <0.01). However, among those recommended, close contacts had higher uptake (85.82%) and completion rates (87.25%) of preventive therapy than non close contacts (69.63% and 70.57%); similarly, secondary school students demonstrated higher uptake (91.21%) and completion rates (86.45%) compared to primary school or younger (88.57%, 83.87%) and college students (57.28%, 64.08%) ( χ 2=30.52, 26.72; 125.17, 38.84, all P <0.01). Subsequent TB incidence among LTBI close contacts (13.30%) and among those who did not complete preventive therapy (22.73%) were significantly higher than among non close contacts (2.80%, 2.41%), respectively ( χ 2=32.19, 13.87, both P <0.05). Conclusions In school TB outbreaks, close contacts face higher LTBI prevalence and subsequent TB risk than non close contacts. College students show notably low adherence to preventive therapy. It is necessary to take targeted measures to improve the compliance of preventive measures among students.

BACKGROUND:Erythropoietin has anti-inflammatory,anti-apoptotic,and pro-bone defect repair effects.To date,fewer studies have been conducted on its effects and molecular mechanism underlying restorative dentin formation after pulp injury. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of erythropoietin on restorative dentin formation after pulp injury. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into control group(n=16)and experimental group(n=16).In the experimental group,collagen sponges containing erythropoietin were used to directly cap the pulp at the pulp injury,and in the control group,collagen sponges containing PBS were used to directly cap the pulp at the exposed pulp injury.The cavity was then closed with glass ionomer adhesive.After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment,the maxillary bones of the two groups were collected,and the expression of nestin in dentin was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the reparative dentin production was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The maxillae of four Sprague-Dawley rats were taken for immunohistochemical detection of erythropoietin expression in molar and incisor teeth.(2)Cell experiment:Human dental pulp cells,human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts were obtained from human dental tissue,periodontal ligament,and gingival tissue.Real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression of erythropoietin.Erythropoietin,dentin sialophosphoprotein,dentin matrix protein 1,and nestin mRNA levels in human pulp cells were detected by RT-PCR under induced or uninduced odontoblastic differentiation.After down-regulation of erythropoietin expression or exogenous administration of erythropoietin intervention under induced or uninduced differentiation odontoblastic differentiation,the relative mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein 1 in human pulp cells was detected by RT-PCR,and the formation of mineralized nodules was detected by alizarin red S staining,and mRNA and protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Animal experiment:Compared with the control group,the restorative dentin production and nestin expression were higher in the experimental group after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment.The expression of erythropoietin was weakly positive in pulp,odontoblastic cell layer and periodontal membrane of the rat's first maxillary molar,and strongly positive in odontoblasts.(2)Cell experiment:The mRNA expression of erythropoietin was higher in human dental pulp cells than in the other two types of cells.The mRNA expressions of dentin sialophosphorin,dentin matrix protein 1,nestin,erythropoietin and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in human pulp cells increased and the formation of mineralized nodules during odontoblastic differentiation under induction compared with non-induction conditions.The mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein,dentin matrix protein 1,nestin,bone morphogenetic protein 2 and the formation of mineralized nodules were decreased in human pulp cells after downregulation of erythropoietin under induced odontoblastic differentiation,and the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 was also decreased.After exogenous erythropoietin intervention,the expression of the above indexes in human dental pulp cells increased.To conclude,erythropoietin can promote the formation of dentin to some extent.

Objective To explore the biological functions and mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNA(piRNA)in cervical cancer(CC).Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of piRNA-2732 in CC tissue,CaSki cells and End1/E6E7 cells.EpiQuik m6A RNA methylation quantification kit was used to detect the methylation level of m6A RNA in CaSki cells.The expression levels of methyltransferases(METTL3,METTL14 and WTAP)and demethylases(FTO,ALKBH5)mRNA in CaSki cells were detected by RT-qPCR.After culturing CaSki cells to logarithmic growth stage,they were divided into six groups:piRNA-2732 mimic negative control group(mi-NC group),piRNA-2732 mimic group(mi-2732 group),piRNA-2732 inhibitor negative control group(in-NC group),piRNA-2732 inhibitor group(in-2732 group),piRNA-2732 mimic+METTL3 knockdown control group(mi-2732+si-NC group),and piRNA-2732 mimic+METTL3 knockdown group(mi-2732+si-METTL3 group).The viability of CaSki cells was detected by CCK8 assay.Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of CaSki cells.Transwell experiment was used to detect the migration and invasion ability of CaSki cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3).Transfected METTL3 wild-type(METTL3-WT)and METTL3 mutant(METTL3-MUT)in the mi-NC group,mi-2732 group,in-NC group,and in-2732 group respectively,and detected the effect of piRNA-2732 on METTL3 through dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results Compared with the adjacent tissues,the expression of piRNA-2732(3.84±1.08 vs 1.32±0.53)was significantly higher in the cancer tissues of CC patients,and the difference was statistically significant(t=5.115,P<0.001).Compared with end1/E6E7 cells,the expression of piRNA-2732(1.00±0.13 vs 1.67±0.16)in CaSki cells was significantly higher,and the difference was statistically significant(t=5.632,P<0.01).Compared with mi-NC group,mi-2732 group promoted the viability,proliferation,migration and invasion of CaSki cells,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.410～11.040,all P<0.01).Compared with mi-NC group,mi-2732 group increased m6A RNA methylation level and METTL3 mRNA and protein,the differences were statistically significant(t=6.176,9.211,12.550,all P<0.05).The results of dual luciferase reporter gene testing showed that compared with the mi-NC+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of mi-2732+METTL3-WT group was significantly increased(t=11.850).Compared with mi-2732+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of mi-2732+METTL3-MUT group was significantly lower(t=12.740),and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.000 1).Compared with in NC+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of in-2732+METTL3-WT group was significantly lower(t=7.828),compared with in-2732+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of CaSki cells in in-2732+METTL3-MUT group was significantly increased(t=8.146),and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.001).Compared with mi-2732+si-NC group,the expression level of m6A in mi-2732+si-METTL3 group was significantly lower,and the difference was statistically significant(t=7.630,P<0.01).Compared with mi-2732+si-NC group,the proliferation ability,colony number,cell migration and invasion ability of CaSki cells in mi-2732+si-METTL3 group were significantly decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.695～4.891,all P<0.001).Conclusion piRNA-2732 is overexpressed in CC tissues and cells,and piRNA-2732 promotes tumor development in CC through METTL3 mediated m6A methylation.

Objective:To explore the pain sensations and experiences of patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain, and to provide reference for the formulation of intervention plans.Methods:Objective sampling method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews on 15 patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain in the department of neurology and rehabilitation department of Wuhan No.1 Hospital from January to March 2024. The interview outline was established based on the information-knowledge-attitude-practice (IKAP) theory, and the data were analyzed, summarized and extracted by Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.Results:According to the four core components of the IKAP theory, ten themes were extracted. The information and knowledge included the neglect of the importance of early management for hemiplegic shoulder pain, the lack of understanding of the relevant knowledge about hemiplegic shoulder pain, and the use of restricted or incorrect attribution methods in relation to hemiplegic shoulder pain. The attitude included a perception of pain as uncontrollable, the suppression of pain expression, the concern regarding the persistent presence of pain, and the experience of negative emotions. The practice included the adverse effects stemming from hemiplegic shoulder pain, the strategies employed to cope with hemiplegic shoulder pain, and the expectation of multifaceted social support.Conclusions:Patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain bear many burdens and have needs in terms of pain experiences. Healthcare professionals need to strengthen pain health education and guidance, help patients develop correct pain cognition and beliefs, refine the pain management system, assist patients in establishing a diverse social support system, enhance their pain coping abilities, and comprehensively promote the rehabilitation of the disease.

Objective To investigate the occurrence of dysphagia in patients with congenital esophageal atre-sia(EA)after surgery and study the associated risk factors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 103 children who underwent surgery for congenital EA at Beijing Children's Hospital,Capital Medi-cal University,from July 2016 to August 2023.Results A total of 103 eligible cases of congenital EA were includ-ed in this study,among which 74 cases experienced dysphagia,with an incidence rate of 71.8％.Single-factor anal-ysis revealed that primary surgery(x2=4.017,P=0.045),endoscopic surgery(x2=8.315,P=0.004),long-seg-ment defects(x2=10.975,P＜0.001),gastroesophageal reflux(x2=16.973,P＜0.001),vocal cord paralysis(x2=4.017,P=0.045),tracheomalacia(x2=5.778,P=0.016),and arytenoid movement disorder(x2=10.420,P=0.001)were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia.Further binary logistic regression analysis indi-cated that endoscopic surgery(OR=24.373,P=0.016),tracheomalacia(OR=17.556,P=0.010),and anasto-motic stenosis(OR=20.453,P=0.032)were independent risk factors for increased incidence of postoperative dys-phagia.Moreover,stratified analysis of dysphagia duration using unordered multinomial logistic regression revealed that tracheomalacia(OR=16.883,P=0.007;OR=4.337,P=0.045),long-segment defects(OR=0.040,P=0.049;OR=0.040,P=0.036),and arytenoid movement disorder(OR=0.127,P=0.039;OR=0.510,P=0.028)were closely associated with dysphagia duration.Conclusion Dysphagia is a common symptom in children with congenital EA after surgery across all age groups.Endoscopic surgery,long-segment defects,tracheomalacia,and anastomotic stenosis are independent factors contributing to postoperative dysphagia.Additionally,tracheoma-lacia,long-segment defects,and arytenoid movement disorder are closely related to the duration of dysphagia.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Qihuang Jianpi Zishen Granules(QJZ)for inhibiting renal B cell differentiation in MRL/lpr mice and explore its underlying mechanism.Methods Thirty 8-week-old female MRL/lpr mice were randomly divided into model group,QJZ group,prednisone(Pred)group,QJZ+Pred group,and AIM2 inhibitor group(n=6),with 6 8-week-old female C57BL/6 mice as the normal control group.After treatments with normal saline,QJZ,Pred,or AIM2 inhibitor for 8 weeks,the mice were examined for urinary total protein-to-creatinine ratio(TPCR)and albumin-to-creatinine ratio(ACR),serum creatinine(Cr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels,and renal histopathology(with HE,Masson,and PAS staining)and ultrastructural changes(with electron microscopy).ELISA,immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to detect blood levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies,cytokines and chemokines,renal deposition of complement components C3 and C4,renal expressions of AIM2,CD19,CD27 and CD138,and changes in splenic B lymphocyte subsets.The effect of QJZ on the AIM2/Blimp-1/Bcl-6 signaling axis was examined using Western blotting.Results QJZ treatment significantly improved Cr,BUN,TPCR and ACR in MRL/lpr mice,ameliorated renal pathologies,reduced the expressions of ds-DNA,BAFF,IL-21,CXCL12,CXCL13,C3 and C4,and increased IL-10 levels.QJZ significantly downregulated renal expressions of the key B-cell transcription factors Blimp-1 and XBP-1,upregulated Bcl-6 and PAX5 expressions,inhibited B-cell differentiation,and lowered the expressions of AIM2,CD27,CD138 and CD69.Inhibition of AIM2 similarly reduced renal Blimp-1 and XBP-1 expressions,increased Bcl-6 and PAX5 levels,suppressed B-cell differentiation,decreased IgG production,reduced C3 and C4 deposition,and alleviated renal pathology in MRL/lpr mice.Conclusion QJZ inhibits B cell differentiation and alleviates renal damage in systemic lupus erythematosus possibly by suppressing the AIM2/Blimp-1/Bcl-6 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Qihuang Jianpi Zishen Granules(QJZ)for ameliorating renal damage in MRL/lpr mice.Methods With 6 female C57BL/6 mice as the normal control group,30 female MRL/lpr mice were randomized into model group,QJZ treatment groups at low,moderate and high doses,and prednisone treatment group(n=6).After 8 weeks of treatment,the mice were examined for 24-h urine protein,creatinine and albumin levels,serum levels of IgG,complement 3(C3),C4,anti-dsDNA,interferon γ(IFN-γ)and interleukin 17(IL-17).Kidney tissues were sampled for histopathological examination with HE staining and observation of glomerular ultrastructure changes using transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The expressions of MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related molecules in the kidney tissue were detected using RT-qPCR,Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Compared with those in the model group,the mice treated with QJZ at the 3 doses and prednisone showed significant reductions in the renal injury biomarkers and serum IgG,anti-dsDNA,IFN-γ and IL-17 levels and elevation of serum C3 and C4 levels.HE staining revealed lessened glomerular endothelial cell proliferation and mesangial thickening in all the treatment groups.TEM observation further demonstrated reduced electron-dense deposits and diminished inflammatory cell infiltration in the glomeruli in the intervention groups.QJZ at the 3 doses and prednisone treatment all significantly lowered renal expression levels of MyD88,NF-κB,p65 and p52 in the mouse models.Conclusion QJZ can improve renal damage in MRL/lpr mice possibly by inhibiting overactivation of the MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a child with Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 8 (PFIC8). METHODS A child with PFIC diagnosed at Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in September 2025 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the child and her parents. Following extraction of genomic DNA, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the candidate variants was classified based on the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Ethics No.: 2023-E-126-Y). RESULTS: The proband, a 2-month-old female infant, had manifested jaundice of the skin and sclera, and slightly distended abdomen. She had no visible abdominal wall varicose veins, soft abdomen, and no palpable masses. Biliary atresia was ruled out by intraoperative cholangiography. WES revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants of KIF12 gene, namely c.809C>T (p.Ala270Val) and c.1313G>A (p.Arg438Lys), which were verified by Sanger sequencing to have derived from her mother and father, respectively. According to the ACMG guidelines, both variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Based on the pre-defined search strategy, 10 articles were retrieved, which involved 25 PFIC cases, including 5 from China. Together with the proband of this study, the 26 PFIC patients have primarily presented with high GGT cholestasis, with the genetic cause in all cases attributed to variants of the KIF12 gene. CONCLUSION The c.809C>T and c.1313G>A compound heterozygous variants of the KIF12 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease in this child. Above findings have enriched the mutational and phenotypic spectra of PFIC8.
Humans ; Kinesins/genetics* ; Female ; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/genetics* ; Infant ; Heterozygote ; Mutation ; Exome Sequencing ; Male

Objective To establish a prenatal prediction scoring formula for evaluating the risk of vaginal trial delivery after cesarean section.The formula will guide the selection of delivery methods.Methods A total of 240 cases of vaginal trial delivery after cesarean section delivered in the Affiliated Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected as subjects.According to the final mode of delivery,they were divided into two groups:successful group(n=202)and failed group(n=38).Single factor analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of vaginal delivery after cesarean section.Based on these,prediction scoring formula was established.Results The success rate was 84.2％.The rate of uterine rupture was 0.99％.Overall prediction accuracy of the Logistic regression prediction formula was 83.8％,and fit degree of the formula was good(x2=8.828,P=0.357).The area under the curve was 0.798.Conclusion History of vaginal delivery,thickness of the lower segment of uterus and induced labor are independent influencing factors for vaginal delivery after cesarean section.The prediction scoring formula established by these three factors has good prediction efficiency and high accuracy.

Animal biosafety laboratories generally use negative-pressure cages to raise animals,to guarantee biosafety.Laboratory monbeys are much larger than the rodents,so they are mostly housed in non-airtight negative pressure animal isolation equipments within animal biosafety laboratories.Regarding practical work experience in an Animal Biosafety Level 2(ABSL-2)laboratory,this study discusses how to control biological risks at various stages of monkey breeding and infectious experiments within an ABSL-2 laboratory.This exploration provides valuable insights and references for controlling biological risks in ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 laboratories carrying out infection experiments in monkeys in the future.