In a healthy human, the airway mucus forms a thin, protective liquid layer covering the surface of the respiratory tract. It comprises a complex blend of mucin, multiple antibacterial proteins, metabolic substances, water, and electrolytes. This mucus plays a pivotal role in the lungs' innate immune system by maintaining airway hydration and capturing airborne particles and pathogens. However, heightened mucus secretion in the airway can compromise ciliary clearance, obstruct the respiratory tract, and increase the risk of pathogen colonization and recurrent infections. Consequently, a thorough exploration of the mechanisms driving excessive airway mucus secretion is crucial for establishing a theoretical foundation for the eventual development of targeted drugs designed to reduce mucus production. Across a range of lung diseases, excessive airway mucus secretion manifests with unique characteristics and regulatory mechanisms, all intricately linked to mucin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms associated with excessive airway mucus secretion in several prevalent lung diseases.
Humans ; Mucus/metabolism* ; Mucins/physiology* ; Lung Diseases/metabolism* ; Respiratory Mucosa/metabolism* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology* ; Asthma/physiopathology* ; Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology* ; Mucociliary Clearance/physiology*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of children with non-Down-syndrome-related acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (non-DS-AMKL). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 17 children with non-DS-AMKL who were admitted to Children's Hospital of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to December 2023, and their clinical features, treatment, and prognosis were summarized. RESULTS: Among the 17 children with non-DS-AMKL, there were 8 boys and 9 girls. Fourteen patients had an onset age of less than 36 months, with a median age of 21 months (range:13-145 months). Immunophenotyping results showed that 16 children were positive for CD61 and 13 were positive for CD41. The karyotype analysis was performed on 16 children, with normal karyotype in 6 children and abnormal karyotype in 9 children, among whom 5 had complex karyotype and 1 had no mitotic figure. Detected fusion genes included EVI1, NUP98-KDM5A, KDM5A-MIS18BP1, C22orf34-BRD1, WT1, and MLL-AF9. Genetic alterations included TET2, D7S486 deletion (suggesting 7q-), CSF1R deletion, and PIM1. All 17 children received chemotherapy, among whom 16 (94%) achieved complete remission after one course of induction therapy, and 1 child underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and remained alive and disease-free. Of all children, 7 experienced recurrence, among whom 1 child received HSCT and died of graft-versus-host disease. At the last follow-up, six patients remained alive and disease-free. CONCLUSIONS Non-DS-AMKL primarily occurs in children between 1 and 3 years of age. The patients with this disorder have a high incidence rate of chromosomal abnormalities, with complex karyotypes in most patients. Some patients harbor fusion genes or gene mutations. Although the initial remission rate is high, the long-term survival rate remains low.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Leukemia, Megakaryoblastic, Acute/etiology* ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Down Syndrome/complications*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and mechanism of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) knockout on the inhibition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by natural killer (NK) cells. METHODS: The peripheral blood NK cells of AML patients and controls were collected, and the mRNA and protein level of DNMT1 were measured by PCR and Western blot, respectively. The DNMT1 knockout mice were constructed to obtain NK^DNMT1-/- cells. The NK cells were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to construct memory NK cells, and then the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were measured by ELISA. After co-culturing with memory NK cells and HL60 cells, the killing effect of NK^DNMT1-/- cells on HL60 cells was detected by LDH assay. Then, the HL60 cell apoptosis and NK cell NKG2D level were measured by flow cytometry. The perforin and granzyme B protein levels of NK cells were measured by Western blot. The AML model mice were constructed by injecting HL60 cells into the tail vein, meanwhile, memory NK cells were also injected, and then the mouse weights, CD33 positive rates, and survival time were detected. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of DNMT1 in NK cells of AML patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.01), while the IFN-γ level induced by interleukin was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with NK^DNMT1+/+ cells, the ability of NK^DNMT1-/- cells to secrete IFN-γ after interleukin stimulation was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The killing and apoptosis-inducing effects of NK^DNMT1-/- cells on HL60 cells were significantly stronger than those of NK^DNMT1+/+ cells (both P < 0.05). The NKG2D level and expression of perforin and granzyme B of NK^DNMT1-/- cells were significantly increased compared with NK^DNMT1+/+ cells (all P < 0.05). Compared with AML mice injected with NK^DNMT1+/+ cells, AML mice injected with NK^DNMT1-/- cells showed significantly increased body weight, decreased CD33 positive rate, and prolonged survival time (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Knocking out DNMT1 can enhance the inhibitory effect of NK cells on AML, which may be related to enhancing NK cell memory function.
Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism* ; Animals ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Humans ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; HL-60 Cells ; Apoptosis ; Interferon-gamma/metabolism* ; Granzymes/metabolism* ; Perforin/metabolism* ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism*

Objective To observe the efficacy of different dosage of midazolam oral solution in re-lieving anxiety in children undergoing laparoscopic high ligation of the hernia sac with oblique inguinal her-nia.Methods A total of 120 children,93 males and 27 females,aged 2-6 years,78-120 cm in height and 11-25 kg in weight,ASA physical statusⅠ orⅡ,were selected to perform laparoscopic high ligation of inguinal oblique hernia sac under general anesthesia.According to random number table method,the chil-dren were divided into three groups:the oral midazolam 0.25 mg/kg group(group M1),0.5 mg/kg group(group M2),and 0.75 mg/kg group(group M3)30 minutes before anesthesia,40 children in each group.Modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale-short form(mYPAS-SF)was recorded at premedication,parental separation,and immediate induction of anesthesia.Induction compliance checklist(ICC)score,recovery time,extubation time,PACU residence time,pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale(PAED)and the modified face,legs,activity,cry and consolability scale(FLACC)30 minutes after operation were also recorded.Results Compared with before taking medication,mYPAS-SF scores in groups M2 and M3 at parental separation and immediate induction of anesthesia were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Com-pared with group M1,mYPAS-SF scores at parental separation and immediate induction of anesthesia and ICC scores at immediate induction of anesthesia were significantly lower in groups M2 and M3(P＜0.05),the recovery time,extubation time and PACU resident time in groups M2 and M3 were significantly pro-longed,PAED score was decreased significantly within 30 minutes after operation(P＜0.05).Compared with group M2,the awakening time and extubation time in group M3 were significantly prolonged.(P＜0.05).Conclusion Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg or 0.75 mg/kg 30 minutes before anesthesia can effectively alleviate the preoperative anxiety of children,improve the degree of cooperation in anesthesia in-duction,and reduce the occurrence of postoperative agitation,the recovery time and extubation time pro-longed in children with oral midazolam 0.75 mg/kg.Therefore,an oral solution of midazolam 0.5 mg/kg was a more appropriate dose for preoperative antianxiety regimen in children.

Objective:To explore the effects of electroacupuncture in regulating the intestinal flora of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice from microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles. Methods:Obese mice with established nutritional obesity model were randomly divided into either the model group (n=10) or the electroacupuncture group (n=10). Acupuncture groups were chosen to pinprick points of Zhongwan, Guanyuan, Tianshu and Zusanli. Stool samples were collected from groups at the end of the intervention and extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated using ultracentrifugation. The morphology of EVs isolated from the stool was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analysis of the associated intestinal flora by extracting microbial DNA from them for 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The weight and Lee's index of obese mice decreased significantly after electroacupuncture intervention treatment (P<0.01). TEM images showed that EV extracted from stools were in the form of round or oval double-membraned vesicle-like structures. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the model group was significantly higher than that of the normal group (P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Frimicutes and Bacteroidetes was significantly lower than that of the normal group(P<0.05). At the genus level, expressions of Psychrobacter and Planomicrobium in the model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01), while expressions of Solibacillus, Solibacillus, Proteus, Lactobacillus, Agrobacterium, Enterobacter, Brevundimonas, and Comamonas were significantly lower than those in the normal group (P<0.05). After electroacupuncture intervention, the intestinal microbial diversity of experimental mice increased, and the flora structure was closer to that of normal mice. Conclusion:Structural changes in the gut flora of nutritionally obese mice accompanied by changes in gut microbial-derived EVs profiles, and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that microbial DNA in gut microbial-derived EVs reflected the composition of the gut microbiota, and that electroacupuncture for the treatment of obesity was not only related to the modulation of the gut flora, but was also closely related to gut microbial-derived EVs.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and adverse reactions of whole-lung low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) in patients with severe/critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:Eight patients with severe/critical COVID-19 treated in the Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University from January to June 2023 who were treated with whole-lung LDRT after deteriorating or failing to improve post-medical treatment were enrolled in this single-arm phase I clinical trial. They received anterior-posterior penetrating radiation in a supine or prone position, with a total dose range from 0.5 to 1.5 Gy and a dose weight ratio of 1∶1. The oxygenation status, inflammatory markers, and imaging changes before and after radiotherapy were analyzed, and patients were followed up for acute radiation-induced adverse reactions.Results:One week after LDRT, the SaO 2/FiO 2 or PaO 2/FiO 2 indices increased in seven patients (87.5%), inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased in seven patients (87.5%), and chest CT/chest radiographs revealed a significant reduction in the extent of pneumonia involvement in 5 patients (62.5%). No evident acute radiation-related adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions:Whole-lung LDRT with a dose range from 0.5 to 1.5 Gy can reduce inflammatory markers, improve clinical symptoms, and promote inflammatory absorption in patients with severe/critical COVID-19 who responded poorly to medical treatment while not inducing acute adverse reactions.

Objective:To explore the application effect of the modified sandwich teaching method based on constructivism theory in clinical teaching of neurology nursing interns.Methods:A total of 29 nursing interns who practiced in the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital) from June 2020 to May 2021 were selected as the control group, using the conventional clinical nursing teaching method, and 28 nursing interns who practiced from June 2021 to May 2022 were selected as the observation group, using the modified sandwich teaching method based on constructivism theory. Before graduating from the Department of Neurology, nursing interns in the two groups were compared in terms of the teaching effects, such as the score of learning initiative, theoretical examination, operation examination, and nursing round report. SPSS 25.0 was used for t test and chi-square test. Results:The score for each dimension (learning driving force, learning objectives, in-depth learning, controlled learning, and solid learning) and total score in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the scores of theoretical examination and operation examination (89.11±3.58 vs. 88.97±2.74, 93.79±2.48 vs. 93.86±2.20; P>0.05); the scores of nursing rounds in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (88.61±2.60 vs. 83.38±3.97, P<0.05). Conclusions:The modified sandwich teaching method based on constructivism theory can enhance the learning initiative and comprehensive analysis ability of nursing interns in the Department of Neurology. It is suitable for clinical nursing teaching in the Department of Neurology and is worth popularizing.

Objective To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among close contacts of positive etiology pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)patients,provide basis for formula-ting intervention measures for LTBI.Methods A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select close contacts of positive etiology PTB patients from 39 districts and counties in Chongqing City as the study objects.Demographic information was collected by questionnaire survey and the infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by interferon gamma release assay(IGRA).The influencing factors of LTBI were analyzed by x2 test and binary logistic regression model.Results A total of 2 591 close contacts were included,the male to female ratio was 0.69∶1,with the mean age of(35.72±16.64)years.1 058 cases of LTBI were detected,Myco-bacterium tuberculosis latent infection rate was 40.83％.Univariate analysis showed that the infection rate was dif-ferent among peoples of different age,body mass index(BMI),occupation,education level,marital status,wheth-er they had chronic disease or major surgery history,whether they lived together with the indicator case,and whether the cumulative contact time with the indicator case ≥250 hours,difference were all statistically significant(all P＜0.05);infection rate presented increased trend with the increase of age and BMI(both P＜0.001),and decreased trend with the increase of education(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that age 45-54 years old(OR=1.951,95％CI:1.031-3.693),age 55-64 years old(OR=2.473,95％CI:1.279-4.781),other occupations(OR=0.530,95％CI:0.292-0.964),teachers(OR=0.439,95％CI:0.242-0.794),students(OR=0.445,95％CI:0.233-0.851),junior high school education or below(OR=1.412,95％CI:1.025-1.944),BMI＜18.5 kg/m2(OR=0.762,95％CI:0.586-0.991),co-living with indicator cases(OR=1.621,95％CI1.316-1.997)and cumu-lative contact time with indicator cases ≥250 hours(OR=1.292,95％CI:1.083-1.540)were the influential fac-tors for LTBI(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The close contacts with positive etiology PTB have a high latent infection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,and it is necessary to pay attention to close contacts of high age,farmers,and frequent contact with patients,and take timely targeted interventions to reduce the risk of occurrence of disease.

ObjectiveCoronavirus is a class of long-standing pathogens, which are enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. The genome all encodes 4 structural proteins: spike protein (S), nucleocapsid protein (N), membrane protein (M), and envelope protein (E). The nucleocapsid protein (NP) serves as a key structural component of coronaviruses, playing a vital function in the viral life cycle. NP acts as an RNA-binding protein, with a critical role in identifying specific sequences within the viral genome RNA, facilitating the formation of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes with viral RNA to stabilize the viral genome and contribute to viral particles assembly. The NP consists of two primary structural domains, the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the C-terminal domain (CTD). The NTD is primarily responsible for RNA binding, whereas the CTD is involved in polymerization. The N protein demonstrated to trigger the host immune response and to modulate the cell cycle of infected cells by interacting with host proteins. The NP, one of the most abundant protein in coronaviruses, is essential in understanding the pathogenic mechanism of coronaviruses through its interaction with host factors, which response for determining the virus pathogenicity. HCoV-229E is a widely distributed coronavirus that typically causes mild upper respiratory tract diseases, accounting for a significant portion of common cold cases. However, its pathogenicity is notably lower compared to other coronaviruses like MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. The exact molecular mechanism behind remains unexplained, and how HCoV-229E N protein influences virus replication, host antiviral immunity, and pathogenesis need to be further explored. MethodsProximity labeling-mass spectrometry technique and bioinformatics analysis were used to screen for potential host factors interacting with the NP of human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). In this study, a recombinant adenovirus Ad-V5-NP^HCoV-229E-TurboID was constructed to express the fusion protein of HCoV-229E NP and biotin ligase (TurboID). A549 cells were infected with the Ad-V5-NP^HCoV-229E-TurboID. After 30 min biotin treatment, NP interacting proteins were labeled with biotin by biotin ligase, and subsequently isolated with streptavidin cross-linked magnetic beads. The potential interacting proteins were identified using label-free proteomic mass spectrometry and further validated through immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. ResultsWe identified a total of 584 potential interacting proteins. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis highlighted the enrichment of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3A and GSK3B in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, indicating HCoV-229E NP connection to diabetes through aberrant activity. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection can exacerbate hyperglycemia and metabolic dysregulation in diabetic individuals by activating the ACE2 receptor. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 was observed to cause potentially harm to pancreatic β‑cells and leading to insulin deficiency, which not only worsens the condition of diabetic patients but also raises the possibility of new-onset diabetes in non-diabetic individuals. We demonstrated that GSK3A and GSK3B interacted with NP of HCoV-229E, suggesting that the NP may engage in various coronavirus pathogenic processes by interacting with GSK3. ConclusionThese findings suggest that proximity labeling-mass spectrometry technique is a valuable tool for identifying virus-host interaction factors, and lay the foundation for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying coronavirus replication, proliferation, and pathogenesis.

Objective:To discuss the protective effect of ginsenoside Rh1(G-Rh1)on kidney injury in the diabetic mellitus(DM)mice,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:The diabetic kidney disease(DKD)model was prepared by using the high-fat,high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).A total of 48 C57/BL6 model mice were randomly divided into model group,nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)inhibitor ML385 group(ML385 group)(30 mg·kg-1),G-Rh1 group(30 mg·kg-1),and G-Rh1+ML385 group(30 mg·kg-1 G-Rh1+30 mg·kg-1 ML385),and there were 12 mice in each group.Additionally,12 C57/BL6 mice were selected as control group.After treated for 8 weeks,automatic analyzer was used to detect the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and serum creatinine(Scr)in serum of the mice in various groups,as well as 24 h urinary protein(24 h UP)levels in urine,and the kidney index was calculated;kits were used to detect the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in kidney tissue of the mice in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)proteins in kidney tissue of the mice in various groups.Results:Compared with control group,the levels of FBG and kidney indexes in serum of the mice in model group,ML385 group,and G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the level of FBG in serum of the mice in G-Rh1 group was significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the kidney index of the mice in ML385 group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the levels of FBG and kidney index of the mice in G-Rh1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);compared with G-Rh1 group,the level of FBG and kidney index of the mice in G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the levels of BUN and Scr in serum,and 24 h UP in urine of the mice in model group,ML385 group,G-Rh1 group,and G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the level of BUN in serum and 24 h UP in urine of the mice in ML385 group were significantly increased(P<0.05),while the levels of BUN and Scr in serum,and 24 h UP in urine of the mice in G-Rh1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with G-Rh1 group,the levels of BUN and Scr in serum,and 24 h UP in urine of the mice in G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the activities of SOD in kidney tissue of the mice in model group,ML385 group,G-Rh1 group,and G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the levels of MDA and LDH activities were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the activity of SOD in kidney tissue of the mice in ML385 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the level of MDA was significantly increased(P<0.05);the activity of SOD in kidney tissue of the mice in of G-Rh1 group was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the level of MDA and activity of LDH were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with G-Rh1 group,the activity of SOD in kidney tissue of the mice in G-Rh1+ML385 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the level of MDA and activity of LDH were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in kidney tissue of the mice in model group,ML385 group,G-Rh1 group,and G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in kidney tissue of the mice in ML385 group and G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in kidney tissue of the mice in G-Rh1 group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with G-Rh1 group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in kidney tissue of the mice in G-Rh1+ML385 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:Ginsenoside Rh1 reduces the oxidative stress and improves the kidney function,providing protective effects on kidney injury in the DM mice,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.