Objective To analyze the nonlinear relationship between hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) parameters and delayed graft function (DGF) and optimize the construction of a predictive model for DGF. Methods The data of 923 recipients who underwent kidney transplantation from deceased donors were retrospectively analyzed. According to the occurrence of DGF, the recipients were divided into DGF group (n=823) and non-DGF group (n=100). Donor data, HMP parameters and recipient data were analyzed for both groups. The nonlinear relationship between HMP parameters and the occurrence of DGF was explored based on restricted cubic splines (RCS). Over-sampling, under-sampling and balanced sampling were used to address the imbalance in the proportion of DGF to construct logistic regression predictive models. The area under the curve (AUC) of each model was compared in the validation set, and a nomogram model was constructed. Results Donor BMI, cold ischemia time of the donor kidney, and HMP parameters (initial and final pressures, resistance, and perfusion time) were significantly different between the DGF and non-DGF groups (all P<0.05). The RCS analysis revealed a threshold-like nonlinear relationship between HMP parameters and the risk of DGF. Among the models constructed using different sampling methods, the balanced sampling model had the highest AUC. Using this model, a nomogram was constructed to stratify recipients based on risk scores. Recipients in the high-risk group had higher serum creatinine levels at 1, 6, and 12 months after kidney transplantation compared to those in the low-risk group (all P<0.05). Conclusions There is a nonlinear relationship between HMP parameters and the risk of DGF, and the threshold is helpful for organ quality assessment and monitoring of graft function after transplantation. The predictive model for DGF constructed on the base of balanced sampling algorithms helps perioperative decision-making and postoperative graft function monitoring of kidney transplantation.

Bufalin(BF)has a significant anti-tumor effect, but its clinical application is severely restricted by its high toxicity and poor water solubility. In this study, Scrophularia ningpoensis polysaccharide(SNP)and ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) were synthesized into an SNP-UDCA conjugate. BF was encapsulated to prepare BF/SNP-UDCA nanoparticles(NPs). The amphiphilic compound SNP-UDCA was synthesized via the one-step method, and its structure was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR)and proton nuclear magnetic resonance(~1H-NMR). The preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was optimized through single-factor investigations. The encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading capacity of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The molecular form of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was characterized by using a transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction(XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter(DSC). Additionally, the stability of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was evaluated. The release behavior of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs at different pH values was determined by dialysis. The in vitro anti-tumor effect of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was evaluated by MTT cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometry for apoptosis, and cellular uptake. The in vitro liver targeting was evaluated by measuring cellular uptake by laser confocal microscopy. The results demonstrated that the SNP-UDCA conjugate was successfully synthesized through an esterification reaction between SNP and UDCA. The preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was as follows: the feed ratio of SNP-UDCA to BF was 2∶1, the ultrasonic time was 30 minutes, and the stirring time was two hours. The prepared BF/SNP-UDCA NPs were spherical in shape, with a particle size of(252.74±6.05)nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 65.00%±2.51%, and a drug-loading capacity of 6.80%±0.44%. The XRD and DSC results indicated that BF was encapsulated within the NPs and existed in a molecular or amorphous state. The short-term stability of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs and stability in DMEM medium are good, and their in vitro release behavior followed the first-order equation and was pH-dependent according to the in vitro experiment. Compared with BF, BF/SNP-UDCA NPs at the same concentration showed significantly stronger cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects on HepG2 cells(P<0.05, P<0.01). The uptake of coumarin 6(C6)/SNP-UDCA NPs in HepG2 cells was time-dependent and higher than that in HeLa cells at the same concentration of C6/SNP-UDCA NPs. Moreover, after treatment with SNP, the uptake of C6/SNP-UDCA NPs in HepG2 cells decreased. In conclusion, the preparation process of BF/SNP-UDCA NPs was simple and feasible. BF/SNP-UDCA NPs could enhance the targeting ability and inhibitory effect of BF on liver cancer cells. This study will provide a foundation for liver-targeting nanoformulations of BF.
Bufanolides/pharmacology* ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Humans ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid/chemistry* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Polysaccharides/chemistry* ; Scrophularia/chemistry* ; Liver Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Hep G2 Cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Common treatments include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). While exhibiting specific advantages, these approaches are associated with varying degrees of adverse effects. To alleviate patients' suffering and burdens, it is crucial to explore additional treatments and elucidate the pathogenesis of HCC, laying a foundation for the development of new TCM-based drugs. With emerging research on gut microbiota, it has been revealed that microbiota plays a vital role in the development of HCC by influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial metabolites, and immune regulation. TCM, with its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, has been increasingly recognized as a vital therapeutic treatment for HCC, particularly in patients at intermediate or advanced stages, by prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Recent global studies demonstrate that TCM exerts anti-HCC effects by modulating gut microbiota, restoring intestinal barrier function, regulating microbial composition and its metabolites, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing immune responses, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotype of HCC. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of HCC and highlight the regulatory effects of TCM, addressing the current gap in systematic understanding of the "TCM-gut microbiota-HCC" axis. The findings provide theoretical support for integrating TCM with western medicine in HCC treatment and promote the transition from basic research to precision clinical therapy through microbiota-targeted drug development and TCM-based interventions.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology* ; Liver Neoplasms/microbiology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective Immunoglobulin G4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis （IgG4-RHP） is a rare autoimmune disorder. This study aims to conduct a clinical analysis of seven cases with IgG4-RHP to enhance the understanding of this disease. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on seven patients diagnosed with IgG4-RHP. The demographic data， clinical manifestations， laboratory examinations， cerebrospinal fluid analysis， imaging， pathological manifestations， treatments， and efficacy analysis data were collected. Results The patients’ ages ranged from 38 to 67 years， with most being males. Headache （6/7） and cranial nerve palsies （5/7） were the most common clinical symptoms. Notably， one case presented with seizures and another with limb weakness. All patients exhibited elevated serum IgG4 levels （1.48-3.25 g/L）. Imaging studies revealed varying degrees of dural thickening and enhancement located in the global dura， tentorium cerebelli， cavernous sinus， and thoracic spinal dura. A definitive pathological diagnosis was obtained via biopsy （intracranial， nasal sinus， or orbital） in 3 patients. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy， with 5 receiving combined cyclophosphamide due to extensive or severe lesions. At the 6-month follow-up， 2 patients achieved complete response， 4 showed partial response， and 1 showed no response. During long-term follow-up， one patient experienced relapse during steroid tapering， which ended up in response again after immunosuppressive regimen adjustment. Conclusion IgG4-RHP is characterized by significant heterogeneous manifestations， which may involve the spinal cord or induce seizures. Diagnosis requires a combination of serological， radiological， and pathological results. While glucocorticoids with immunosuppressants are the main treatment measures， patients with long disease duration and significant fibrosis may respond poorly， highlighting the importance of early intervention and the exploration of novel therapies for refractory cases.
Diagnosis

Objective To investigate the characteristics of adverse drug event(ADE)related to tacrolimus(Tac)in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients.Methods The data were retrieved from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023.The ADE data of pediatric organ transplant recipients with Tac as the primary suspected drug were extracted.The relationship between Tac and ADE was quantitatively analyzed by proportional imbalance method.Basic characteristics and signal strength of ADE related to Tac were analyzed.ADE related to Tac in children of different ages and different types of organ transplantation were analyzed.Results A total of 1 443 children's ADE reports involving Tac were screened,including 188 cases(13.0％)of heart transplantation,668 cases(46.3％)of liver transplantation,531 cases(36.8％)of kidney transplantation and 56 cases(3.9％)of lung transplantation.The median age of children was 10 years old.The top three countries with ADE reporting were the United States,France and the United Kingdom.China reported 26 cases,accounting for 1.8％.Infection and infectious diseases accounted for the highest proportion(20.96％)in ADE related to Tac,including EB virus and cytomegalovirus infection,etc.Infection and infectious diseases occupied the largest proportion of ADE related to Tac in children of different ages,whereas the pathogen types were different.Rejection,unstable immunosuppression level and renal function damage were also common ADE related to Tac in children of all ages.Nervous system disease was the main ADE in heart transplant recipients,while infection and infectious diseases were more common in liver and kidney transplant recipients.Rejection was the most common ADE in lung transplant recipients.Conclusions ADE related to Tac possess different distribution characteristics in different types of organ transplantation.Extensive attention should be paid to individualized drug monitoring and risk assessment in pediatric organ transplant recipients,thereby optimizing Tac treatment and reducing the risk of ADE.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanisms and cell-cell interactions in the injury process of pancreatic islet transplantation.Methods Single-cell transcriptome data from mouse islets treated with inflammatory factors were used,and data processing was performed using the Seurat package,with integrated data to remove batch effects.Cell subpopulations were annotated based on known markers.Cell-cell interactions in the inflammatory factor-treated group were analyzed using the CellChat package,and inferred based on the expression of cell surface receptors and ligands.Gene set enrichment analysis was used to clarify the biological processes enriched in β-cells after treatment with inflammatory factors.Finally,differentially expressed transcription factors were identified and verified using microarray datasets of donor islet ischemic injury and Western blotting.Results A total of 7 different cell subpopulations were found in mouse islets,with β-cells being the most abundant.Cell-cell interaction network analysis showed that the number and strength of interactions between ductal cells and other cells were the highest.Gene set enrichment analysis showed that after treatment with inflammatory factors,the immune response was positively enriched in β-cells,while peptide hormone metabolism,bile acid metabolism,and ion homeostasis were downregulated.The common differential transcription factors identified in the mouse single-cell transcriptome and the microarray dataset of donor islet ischemic injury were early growth response 1(EGR1),nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α(NFKBIA),and activating transcription factor 3(ATF3).Among them,NFKBIA and ATF3 were upregulated,while EGR1 was downregulated.The expression of EGR1 protein was downregulated after 24 h,48 h,and 72 h of cold ischemia.Conclusions EGR1 is a transcription factor closely related to islet cold ischemia,and future research should focus on the specific mechanisms of EGR1 and its downstream target genes,in order to provide more effective strategies for clinical treatment of islet transplantation.

Hypertension and osteoporosis(OP)are common diseases in middle-aged and elderly people,and the number of patients with both diseases has gradually increased in recent years.Because the onset of the disease is hidden,it is easy to cause fractures and serious complications of heart,brain and kidney in the later stage,which not only seriously damages the quality of life of patients,but also increases the difficulty of clinical treatment.Therefore,it is particularly necessary to strengthen the research on this disease.More and more studies have found that the disorder of intestinal flora will lead to the occurrence of OP,while the intestinal flora of patients with hypertension is obviously out of balance.Therefore,this paper thinks that intestinal flora may be the key influencing factor of hypertension complicated with OP,and the imbalance of intestinal flora will lead to the imbalance of short-chain fatty acid metabolism,immune inflammatory reaction and increased sympathetic nerve activity,thus causing the imbalance of bone homeostasis and promoting the occurrence of OP.Therefore,it is suggested that regulating intestinal flora may be a new way to intervene hypertension complicated with OP.

Objective To determine and analyze the content of 45 inorganic elements in Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation and to provide a reference for the safety detection of Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation.Methods Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS)was used to ascertain the concentrations of 45 inorganic elements,including Li,B,Al,K,Zn and As from 16 batches of Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation which were gathered.The content determination findings were plotted as heatmaps,Pearson correlation analysis plot,PCA scatter plots,fingerprints,and control maps.The Pearson correlation analysis and PCA analysis were performed on the content determination results of 16 batches using SPSS 21.0,to evaluate the safety and quality uniformity of Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation.Results The inorganic elements in Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation were dominated by K and Ca.The content of different elements in the sample could be categorised into 5 levels.The content of various elements in different batches of Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation was similar.Pb,Cd,As,Hg and Cu were all within the safety limit as those specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Co,Y,Sm,Gd,Dy,Th,Al,Si,Fe,Sb and Tl were the characteristic inorganic elements of Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation.Conclusion This method is easy to operate and suitable for the determination of inorganic elements in Fufang Xiling Jiedu preparation,providing references for the clinical medication safety.

Objective:To automatically segment four body components at the T4 thoracic veertebra plane on chest CT in the newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(MM)patients by deep learning model,and to discuss the correlation between the four body components and the prognosis of the MM patients.Methods:The retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of the MM patients diagnosed in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021.The clinical informations such as age,gender,weight,height,and body mass index(BMI)of the patients were collected.The laboratory data of the patients were collected,including serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),calcium(Ca),creatinine(Scr),albumin(Alb),hemoglobin(Hb),β2-microglobulin(β2-MG),and serum free light chains.The chest CT images of 79 regularly evaluated MM patients detected by deep learning model were divide into four body components:pectoralis major,pectoralis minor,subcutaneous fat,and mediastinal fat.Image J software was used to detect the areas of the four body components at the T4 thoracic vertebra plane,and their correlation with the prognosis of the MM patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Results:The univariate analysis results showed that the area of subcutaneous fat,serum Ca levels,Scr levels,and International Staging System(ISS)stage were related to the overall survival(OS)of the MM patients(HR=2.260,95％CI:1.116-4.578,P=0.024;HR=2.088,95％CI:1.007-4.327,P=0.048;HR=2.209,95％CI:1.105-4.414,P=0.025;HR=1.730,95％CI:1.040-2.879,P=0.035).The multivariate analysis results showed that the area of subcutaneous fat among the four body components was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of the MM patients(95％CI:1.228-5.782,P=0.013).The Log-Rank test results showed that compared with high subcutaneous fat area group,the OS of the patients in low subcutaneous fat area group was decreased(P=0.018).There was no significant difference in OS of the patients with different genders between high subcutaneous fat area group and low subcutaneous fat area group(P＞0.05).In the patients without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,compared with high subcutaneous fat area group,the OS of the patients in low subcutaneous fat area group was decreased(P=0.037).Conclusion:Among the four body components at the T4 thoracic vertebra plane,the area of subcutaneous fat is related to the OS of the MM patients and it is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of the MM patients,while the areas of mediastinal fat,pectoralis major,and pectoralis minor have no predictive value for the prognosis of the MM patients.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]