Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising candidates for live bacterial drug delivery systems owing to their safety, probiotic properties, and ability to colonize the intestinal tract. At present, most research focuses on engineering LAB as carriers for the delivery of therapeutic proteins. As model organisms equipped with a versatile set of genetic tools, LAB can be readily modified to target various diseases and yield significant therapeutic effects. LAB-based carriers offer multiple advantages, including non-invasive delivery, ease of genetic manipulation, and suitability for large-scale production. Consequently, the use of LAB as recombinant protein expression vectors has attracted extensive research interest worldwide. The foundational principles, strategies for enhancing bioavailability, genetic engineering approaches, and the current research and application status of LAB-based drug delivery systems were summarized in this paper.

ObjectiveTo investigate the current professional competency among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for future training programmes. MethodsIn December 2024, a questionnaire survey was conducted by the Shanghai Nosocomial Infection Quality Control Center among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration across medical institutions at various levels and types in Shanghai using convenience sampling method. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic information and professional competency assessment. The professional competency scale comprised four dimensions: fundamental cognition, basic skills, professional expertise, and personal qualities, totaling 35 items. ResultsA total of 1 179 questionnaires were distributed, with 1 144 valid responses collected, yielding an effective response rate of 97.03%. Statistically significant differences were observed among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in terms of age (t=5.32, P=0.021), professional background (χ²=9.90, P=0.019), educational qualifications (χ²=19.10, P<0.001), professional titles (χ²=12.60, P=0.002), and the levels of medical institutions (χ²=111.08, P<0.001). The scores of full-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in fundamental cognition [92 (82, 99) points] and basic skills [88 (78, 96) points] were significantly higher than those of part-time personnel(Z=-2.21, P=0.027;Z=-2.74, P=0.006). Statistically significant differences were found in fundamental cognition scores between full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration regarding occupational safety protection, definition of healthcare-associated infection outbreaks, types of drug-resistant bacteria and their prevention and control strategies, and transmission routes of different infectious diseases (all P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed in basic skills scores including proficient use of monitoring platforms, formulation and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), independent completion of targeted surveillance, guidance on basic infection control skills, guidance for key departments, and follow-up of personnel with occupational exposure (all P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found in scores of professional knowledge and personal qualities (P>0.05). ConclusionThere are certain differences in professional competency between full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in Shanghai in terms of fundamental cognition and basic skills. Part-time personnel can effectively improve their professional competency through systematic training on basic infection control knowledge and practical skills, thereby comprehensively enhancing the overall quality of the nosocomial infection administration team.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular inflammatory disease, with intense itching being the most typical and distressing symptom for patients. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the interaction between the nervous and immune systems, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of itching in allergic conjunctivitis. This review elaborates on the neurobiological basis of itching in allergic conjunctivitis, with a focus on the complex dialogue between immune cells and sensory neurons, particularly the core role of the IL-33-ST2-CGRP signaling axis in mediating itching. Additionally, this article introduces new findings in genetic susceptibility research, including the identification of susceptibility genes for allergic conjunctivitis through transcriptome-wide association studies. The sensory nervous system not only transmits itch signals but also actively participates in the formation of antigen channels related to conjunctival goblet cells, thereby regulating the local uptake of allergens and the initiation of the immune response. Moreover, targeted novel therapeutic strategies offer hope for patients with refractory allergic conjunctivitis. Exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms of itching in allergic conjunctivitis will provide a theoretical basis for the development of more effective treatment methods.

Objective To investigate the role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in order to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying BPH progression. Methods Firstly, we analyzed the correlation between the expression of ATF4 and the volume of prostate transition zone in BPH tissues using publicly available datasets. Subsequently, we explored the potential association among ATF4, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and BPH through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Finally, we validated the findings by silencing ATF4 and treating BPH cells with ATF4 protein inhibitors, followed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), CCK-8 assay, and Western blot. Results The expression of ATF4 in BPH tissues exhibited a significant positive correlation with the volume of prostate transition zone (r=0.64, P＜0.05). scRNA-seq analysis revealed that ATF4 was significantly upregulated in the prostate epithelial cells of BPH patients (P＜0.05), and its expression demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the Hallmark EMT singscore (r=0.14, P＜0.05). In vitro experiments further indicated that knockdown of ATF4 led to a significant reduction in the proliferative activity of BPH-1 cells (P＜0.05). Similarly, inhibition of ATF4 activity resulted in a marked decrease in the proliferative capacity and EMT of BPH-1 cells (P＜0.05). Conclusion ATF4 may exert a promoting effect on BPH by modulating the EMT signaling pathway;therefore, ATF4 may serve as a novel therapeutic target of BPH.

ObjectiveTo construct an evaluation index system for public health emergency response capacity within the healthcare-associated infection prevention and control systems using the Delphi method, and to provide a basis for infection control management in municipal hospitals. MethodsBased on literature analyses and theoretical researches, a preliminary evaluation index system for response capacity was constructed. The Delphi method was employed to conduct two rounds of consultation with 17 experts. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to calculate the weights of the indicators. ResultsThe effective questionnaire return rates for both rounds of expert consultation were 100%. The expert authority coefficients for the first and second rounds were 0.97 and 0.95, respectively. Kendall’s W coefficients ranged from 0.31 to 0.58 in the first round and from 0.45 to 0.58 in the second round, with all differences being statistically significant (P<0.01). After two rounds of expert consultation, the municipal-level hospital infection prevention and control system emergency response capacity evaluation index system was finalized, comprising 5 first-level indicators, 18 second-level indicators and 59 third-level indicators. ConclusionThe constructed public health emergency response capacity evaluation index system for municipal-level hospital infection prevention and control systems demonstrates strong scientific rigor, reliability, and practicality, providing a theoretical foundation and valuable reference for enhancing the infection prevention and control capacity of municipal-level hospitals.

Objective: To evaluate the suitability of the existing hemolysis rate standards for locally processed red blood cell components by retrospectively analyzing 5-year hemolysis rate data at the end of storage. Methods: A total of 720 blood samples of three types of red blood cell components from our blood station from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected. Parameters included hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and free hemoglobin concentration (fHb). Hemolysis rate were taken as the control standard of 0.8% in accordance with the national standard. The hemolysis rates were compared against the national standard threshold of 0.8% (GB18469-2012), and annual trends of the detection parameters were observed. Results: The hemolysis rates (x-+s,%) of leukocyte-depleted whole blood at the end of storage were (0.038±0.023 8) in 2019, (0.049±0.039 5) in 2020, (0.043±0.040 7) in 2021, (0.049±0.030 7) in 2022, and (0.058±0.054 8) in 2023, respectively; The hemolysis rates (x-+s" />,%) of leukocyte-depleted suspended red blood cells at the end of storage were (0.093±0.050 2) in 2019, (0.086±0.049 5) in 2020, (0.123±0.072 3) in 2021, (0.122±0.052 1) in 2022, and (0.106±0.058 6) in 2023, respectively; The hemolysis rates (x-+s,%) of washed red blood cells at the end of storage were (0.127±0.038 2) in 2019, (0.150±0.066 5) in 2020, (0.121±0.052 2) in 2021, (0.124±0.038 9) in 2022, and (0.128±0.044 3) in 2023, respectively. Conclusion: Hemolysis rates at the end of blood storage of three red blood cell components were significantly lower than the limits specified in Quality Requirements for Whole Blood and Components (GB18469-2012), as well as standards from the EU, AABB and the United States. The results demonstrate excellent product quality control. A regional internal control standard of <0.2% is proposed for hemolysis rates at the end of storage.

Xiao Chaihutang， originating from the Treatise on Typhoid and Miscellaneous Diseases， is a classic formula for harmonizing the Shaoyang. It excels in regulating the pivotal mechanism and unblocking the triple energizer， corresponding to the pathogenesis of digestive system tumors characterized by the interlocking of deficiency， stasis， phlegm， and toxicity， as well as disharmony between Yin and Yang. This paper systematically reviews research findings from China and abroad over the past decade， exploring the anti-tumor effects of Xiao Chaihutang on digestive system tumors from three dimensions： theoretical rationale， clinical efficacy， and molecular mechanisms. At the level of principle and method， Xiao Chaihutang takes "harmonization" as its core therapeutic guideline. By reconciling the exterior and interior to restore the Shaoyang pivot， harmonizing Yin and Yang to improve the tumor microenvironment， and regulating the liver and spleen to consolidate and protect the foundation of postnatal essence， it promotes the restoration of the body's dynamic balance of Yin and Yang. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Xiao Chaihutang， used alone or in combination with modern medical therapies， shows definite efficacy against digestive system tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma， pancreatic carcinoma， and gastrointestinal carcinoma. It can significantly improve patients' quality of life， inhibit tumor progression， effectively relieve concomitant symptoms such a s cancer-related fever， anxiety， depression， and insomnia， and alleviate postoperative embolic syndromes as well as adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Experimental studies have revealed that Xiao Chaihutang can inhibit tumor cell proliferation， induce apoptosis， arrest the cell cycle， suppress tumor cell invasion and metastasis， and improve the tumor microenvironment. Through the above analysis， this study elucidates the current clinical and experimental research status of Xiao Chaihutang in the treatment of digestive system tumors， aiming to provide theoretical support for its precise clinical application. On this basis， it further explores key issues in the identification of pharmacodynamic substances and the accumulation of evidence in evidence-based medicine， thereby offering a new perspective for the innovative development of integrative Chinese and Western medicine in synergistic cancer therapy.

Insufficient alveolar bone thickness increases the risk of periodontal dehiscence and fenestration, especially in orthodontic tooth movement. Abaloparatide (ABL), a synthetic analog of human PTHrP (1-34) and a clinical medication for treating osteoporosis, has recently demonstrated its potential in enhancing craniofacial bone formation. Herein, we show that intraoral submucosal injection of ABL, when combined with mechanical force, promotes in situ alveolar bone thickening. The newly formed bone is primarily located outside the original compact bone, implying its origin from the periosteum. RNA sequencing of the alveolar bone tissue revealed that the focal adhesion (FA) pathway potentially mediates this bioprocess. Local injection of ABL alone enhances cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the alveolar periosteum; when ABL is combined with mechanical force, the FAK expression is upregulated, in line with the accomplishment of the ossification. In vitro, ABL enhances proliferation, migration, and FAK phosphorylation in periosteal stem cells. Furthermore, the pro-osteogenic effects of ABL on alveolar bone are entirely blocked when FAK activity is inhibited by a specific inhibitor. In summary, abaloparatide combined with mechanical force promotes alveolar bone formation via FAK-mediated periosteal osteogenesis. Thus, we have introduced a promising therapeutic approach for drug-induced in situ alveolar bone augmentation, which may prevent or repair the detrimental periodontal dehiscence, holding significant potential in dentistry.
Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Periosteum/cytology* ; Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism* ; Alveolar Process/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Male ; Humans ; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/metabolism* ; Cell Movement/drug effects*

Objective:To detect the levels of sex hormones and insulin in follicular fluid(FF)and the expression level of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)in granulosa cells in the infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),and to preliminarily explain the correlations between the insulin level and the expression level of PTEN mRNA.Methods:Seventy infertile patients were selected as the subjects and divided into PCOS group and control group(tubal obstruction or infertility due to male factors)according to infertility factors.All patients received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)treatment.FF and ovarian granulosa cells were collected on the day of ovulation.The expression levels of PTEN mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells of the patients in two groups were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method.The levels of sex hormone and insulin in FF were measured by electrochemiluminescence.The correlations of the PTEN mRNA expression level in ovarian granulosa cells and testosterone(T)in FF with the level of insulin in FF were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis method.Results:There were no significant differences in age,infertility years,body mass index(BMI),basic sex hormone,total dose of gonadotropin(Gn)and days of ovulation induction in two groups(P＞0.05).Compared with control group,the anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)and antral follicle counting(AFC)of the patients in PCOS group were significantly increased(P＜0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that the PTEN mRNA expression level in ovarian granulosa cells of the patients in the PCOS group was higher than that in control group(P＜0.001).The electrochemiluminescence results showed that the levels of T and insulin in FF of the patients in PCOS group were higher than those in control group(P＜0.05),whereas the estrogen and progesterone levels were lower than those in control group(P＜0.05).The Spearman correlation analysis showed that that T level in FF was positively correlated with the insulin level of the patients in PCOS group(r=0.577,P＜0.001),and the PTEN mRNA expression level in ovarian granulosa cells was positively correlated with the insulin levels in FF(r=0.616,P＜0.001);in control group,there was no correlation between T level and insulin level in FF(r=0.266,P=0.123),and there was no correlation between the expression level of PTEN mRNA in granulosa cells and the insulin level in FF in control group(r=-0.214,P=0.216).Conclusion:The high expression of PTEN in granulosa cells of the infertile patients with PCOS may be related to the local hyperinsulin level in the ovary,and PTEN participates in the occurrence and development of PCOS.

Objective:To investigate the changes in blood betatrophin in overweight and obese children，and analyze the relationship with glucose and lipid metabolism.Methods:A total of 177 children，including overweight-obese children and healthy controls，who visited the pediatric endocrinology clinic of Tianjin First Central Hospital from July 1，2021 to May 31，2023 were selected as study subjects. They were divided into an overweight-obese group（104 cases）and a normal control group（73 cases）. Data from both groups were collected and analyzed to explore the relationship between betatrophin and parameters such as body mass index（BMI）and glycolipid metabolism-related indicators.Results:The age［10.5（8.0，12.0）years vs 8.0（6.0，12.0）years］，fasting insulin［19.99（11.47，31.60）μIU/ml vs 7.27（5.02，10.99）μIU/ml］，triglyceride［0.95（0.74，1.31）mmol/L vs 0.75（0.62，0.92）mmol/L］，total cholesterol［（3.88 ± 0.72）mmol/L vs（3.60 ± 0.66）mmol/L］，low-density lipoprotein cholesterol［（2.37 ± 0.63）mmol/L vs（2.06 ± 0.62）mmol/L］，uric acid［353.20（287.40，434.12）μmol/L vs 278.60（218.00，313.80）μmol/L］，Betatrophin［22.54（17.08，27.53）mIU/L vs 19.30（15.78，23.33）mIU/L］，and fatty liver［31 cases（29.8%）vs 1 case（1.4%）］in overweight-obese group children were all higher than those in the normal control group children，and the differences were statistically significant（all P<0.01）.After adjusting for confounding factors such as age and BMI，partial correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between betatrophin and triglycerides（ P<0.05）. Receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve analysis indicated that a betatrophin level of 22 mIU/L had predictive value for hypertriglyceridemia，with an area under the curve（AUC）of 0.705（95% CI：0.566-0.843），showing statistical significance（ P=0.014）. Conclusion:Betatrophin may be associated with weight gain in children，mainly involved in the triglyceride metabolism.