Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF7a mediating NF-κB activation and thus inducing inflammatory cytokines production.Methods:Effects of ORF7a on NF-κB promoter activity was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay.qRT-PCR was used to analyze expressions of inflammatory cytokines.Effects of ORF7a on phos-phorylation and nuclear-translocation of p65 were determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence.Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assay were performed to investigate potential target s of ORF7a.Results:Luciferase reporter assay showed that ORF7a activated NF-κB promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.001),while has no effect on activation of AP-1 reporter gene.ORF7a significantly upregulates expressions of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-8 mRNA levels(P<0.05).Western blot showed that ORF7a markedly increased phosphorylation of p65 protein(P<0.05)and p65 nuclear localization(P<0.01).The interaction between ORF7a and IKKβ protein of NF-κB signaling pathway was found by immunoprecipitation assay,and the co-localization of ORF7a and IKKβ was also confirmed by immunofluorescence assay.Conclusion:SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a targets IKKβ to promote active NF-κB pathway to the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2(rIL-2)therapy on immunocyte subsets and its side effects in children with solid tumor.Methods:A total of 22 children(11 males and 11 females)with solid tumor in our department from December 2012 to November 2017 were selected,with a median age of 9(3-16)years old when starting IL-2 therapy.ALL surgeries and chemotherapy of children had been completed before low-dose rIL-2 therapy,and 17 cases achieved complete remission(CR)and 5 cases achieved partial remission(PR).A low-dose rIL-2 therapy was given 1 month after chemotherapy for 1 year:4 × 105 IU/(m2·d),s.c.for every other day,3 times per week.The immunocyte subsets were detected every 3 months until the end of treatment,meanwhile,disease condition and therapy-related side effects were followed up.Results:After low-dose rIL-2 therapy in 22 children,the absolute values of CD3+T cells,CD3-CD56+natural killer cells,CD3+CD4+helper T cells(Th)and CD3+CD8+cytotoxic T cells were up-regulated remarkably,as well as Th/suppressor T cells(all P＜0.05).While,there were no significant differences in absolute value and proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127-Treg cells during therapy.Among the 17 children who achieved CR before rIL-2 therapy,14 cases continued to maintain CR after therapy,while 3 cases relapsed,and with 2 died after treatment abandonment.The 5 children who achieved PR before low-dose rIL-2 therapy were evaluated CR by PET/CT scan after treatment.In the early stage of low-dose rIL-2 therapy,1 child developed skin rashes at the injection sites,and 2 children ran a slight to mild transient fever.Their symptoms disappeared without any organ damage after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion:Low-dose rIL-2 therapy has good drug tolerance,and changes the distribution of anti-tumor immune-cell subgroup in peripheral blood of children with solid tumor remarkably without up-regulation of absolute value and ratio of Treg cells.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of stress+ rest gated myocardial perfusion imaging (G-MPI) in assessing all-cause mortality risk in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).Methods:From June 2010 to March 2022, 72 patients (39 males, 33 females; age (21.1±12.3) years) who diagnosed with FH clinically and genetically and underwent stress+ rest G-MPI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively followed up. Image analysis was performed using the 17-segment 5-point method to obtain left ventricular myocardial perfusion and functional parameters. Patients were followed for all-cause mortality events, and predictors associated with the risk of all-cause mortality were analyzed using Cox regression. The efficiencies of predictors were evaluated by ROC curve analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the differences in the incidence of all-cause mortality in different groups of patients with FH. Independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the data. Results:The follow-up time of 72 patients was 7(4, 10) years, and all-cause death occurred in 16(22.2%) patients during the follow-up period. There were statistically significant differences in total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS), summed difference score (SDS), stress end-systolic volume (SESV), stress ejection fraction (SEF), rest end-diastolic volume (REDV), rest end-systolic volume (RESV) and rest ejection fraction (REF) between the death group and the survival group ( t values: from -2.65 to 4.47, z values: from -3.43 to -1.98, all P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that SDS (hazard ratio ( HR)=1.337, 95% CI: 1.114-1.604, P=0.002), SESV ( HR=1.019, 95% CI: 1.008-1.030, P<0.001) and LDLC ( HR=1.355, 95% CI: 1.049-1.749, P=0.020) were independent predictors associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with FH. The optimal cut-off value of SESV for predicting mortality in patients with FH determined by ROC curve analysis was 35.5 ml, with the AUC of 0.701 (95% CI: 0.517-0.885). The incidence of all-cause mortality in the group with SESV≥35.5 ml was significantly higher than that in the group with SESV<35.5 ml (28.6% vs 6.9%; χ2=5.15, P=0.023). Conclusion:Stress+ rest G-MPI is an important imaging method for all-cause mortality risk assessment in patients with FH, and SDS, SESV and LDLC are important factors in predicting mortality in patients with FH.

Objective:To compare the feasibility and efficacy of translocator protein (TSPO) molecular probes N, N-diethyl-2-(2-(4- 18F-fluorophenyl)-5, 7-dimethylpyrazolo[1, 5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)acetamide ( 18F-FDPA) and 18F-(R)-( N-sec-butyl)-3-fluoromethyl- N-methyl-4-phenylquinoline-2-carboxamide (LW223) for the detection of abdominal vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques (VAP) in rabbit models. Methods:Nine healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into group A (control group, n=3), group B (VAP group, n=3) and group C (VAP treatment group, n=3) using completely randomized design. Animals were injected with 18F-FDPA and 18F-LW223 at the end of 12, 16 and 24 weeks. PET/CT and CT angiography (CTA) was performed 40-50 min post injection. All rabbits were sacrificed at the end of 24 weeks after imaging studies. All abdominal aortas were collected for pathological and immunofluorescence examination. Repeated measures analysis of variance (Bonferroni test) and paired t-test were used to analyze the data. Results:Target-to-background ratio (TBR; abdominal aortic lesion/left ventricular blood pool) values of 18F-FDPA in 3 groups at the end of 12, 16 and 24 weeks were significantly different ( F values: 68.09-144.88, all P<0.001). At the end of 12 weeks, there was no increased uptake of 18F-FDPA in the abdominal aorta region in 3 groups. The local 18F-FDPA uptake of the abdominal aorta in group B was significantly higher than the uptake in group C and that in group A at the end of 16 and 24 weeks( P<0.05 or P<0.001), and there were significant differences between group C and group A, with higher uptake in group C (both P<0.01). In 3 groups, there was no significant 18F-LW223 uptake in the abdominal aorta region at 3 time points of PET/CTA imaging. At the end of 12, 16 and 24 weeks, TBR values of 18F-FDPA and 18F-LW223 in 3 groups exhibited statistical differences ( t values: 2.88-36.79, all P<0.05). HE, immunofluorescent CD68 and TSPO staining showed more macrophage infiltration in group B than group C. Conclusion:18F-FDPA can be used to detect VAP in rabbits′ abdominal arteries at early time compared to 18F-LW223, and to evaluate the changes in the stability of vulnerable plaque after lipid-lowering drug intervention.

Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes,promoting the onset and progression of cancer.Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks,tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes,which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy,cancer immunotherapy,and their combinations.Herein,we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes,DNA methylation,histone post-translational modification,and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity,and introduce these epigenetic research methods.We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immuno-therapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.

Objective To observe the value of semi-quantitative parameters related to gated myocardial perfusion imaging(G-MPI)for predicting occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Methods Totally 148 CKD patients who underwent rest G-MPI(R-GMPI)(R-GMPI group,n=95)or stress/rest G-MPI(S/R-GMPI)(S/R-GMPI group,n=53)were retrospectively included.The patients were categorized into MACE subgroup and non-MACE subgroup according to MACE occurred or not during follow-up.Clinical data and G-MPI parameters were compared between subgroups,and independent predictors of MACE in CKD patients were obtained using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn,the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to assess the efficacy of each independent predictor for predicting MACE.Among patients who underwent only R-GMPI,the optimal cut-off value of each parameter for predicting MACE was obtained by ROC curve analysis,and the risk of MACE was stratified,then Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn and compared with log-rank test.Results Among 95 patients who underwent only R-GMPI,compared with non-MACE subgroup,those in MACE subgroup had smaller body mass index(BMI)and higher proportion of previous myocardial infarction and hemodialysis,as well as higher R-GMPI left ventricle end-diastolic volume(R-LVEDV),left ventricle end-systolic volume(R-LVESV),sum rest score(R-SRS)but lower left ventricle ejection fraction(R-LVEF)(all P＜0.05),while R-SRS(HR=1.068,95％CI[1.027,1.110])and R-LVESV(HR=1.011,95％CI[1.005,1.017])were both independent predictors for MACE(both P＜0.05).Among 53 patients who underwent S/R-GMPI,compared with non-MACE subgroup,those in MACE subgroup had with higher blood creatinine and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),higher S-LVESV,R-LVEDV,sum stress score(SSS),SRS and sum difference score(SDS)(all P＜0.05),and SDS(HR=1.454,95％CI[1.063,1.989])was an independent predictor for MACE(P＜0.05).Among 95 CKD patients who underwent only R-GMPI,AUC of R-SRS and R-LVESV alone for predicting MACE was 0.659 and 0.694,respectively,and higher incidence of MACE was found in those w ith R-SRS ≥8 points,also in those with R-LVESV ≥91 ml(both P＜0.05).Conclusion G-MPI could be used to evaluate myocardial perfusion and function in CKD patients.For CKD patients just underwent only R-GMPI,R-SRS and R-LVESV were independent predictors for MACE,whereas SDS might be utilized to predict MACE in CKD patients who could undergo S/R-GMPI.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Aim To explore the impacts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on the phenotypes, endocy-tosis and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/ Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK)/P38 mitogen-ac-tivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in indoxyl sulfate (IS) -induced dendritic cells (DCs). Methods After treatment with 30, 300 and 600 (xmol · L

Objective To investigate the isolation and culture of porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) with α-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene knockout (GTKO), GTKO/ human CD46 (hCD46) insertion and cytidine monopho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH)/GGTA1 gene knockout (Neu5GC/Gal), and the protective effect of co-culture with porcine islets on islet cells. Methods Bone marrow was extracted from different transgenic pigs modified with GTKO, GTKO/hCD46 and Neu5GC/Gal. Porcine BMSC were isolated by the whole bone marrow adherent method and then cultured. The morphology of BMSC was observed and the surface markers of BMSC were identified by flow cytometry. Meantime, the multi-directional differentiation induced by BMSC was observed, and the labeling and tracing of BMSC were realized by green fluorescent protein (GFP) transfection. The porcine BMSC transfected with GFP were co-cultured with porcine islet cells. Morphological changes of porcine islet cells were observed, and compared with those in the porcine islet cell alone culture group. Results BMSC derived from pigs were spindle-shaped in vitro, expressing biomarkers of CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105 and CD166 rather than CD34 and CD45. These cells were able to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Porcine BMSC with GFP transfection could be labeled and traced, which could be stably expressed in the daughter cells after cell division. Porcine BMSC exerted certain protective effect on islet cells. Conclusions GFP-labeled porcine BMSC modified with GTKO, GTKO/hCD46 and Neu5GC/Gal are successfully established, which exert certain protective effect upon islet cells.

Objective To explore the prognostic impact and clinical application value of therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE)intervention timing and liver injury periodization in patients with exertional heat stroke(EHS).Methods Data of 127 EHS patients from the First Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army from January 2011 to December 2023 were collected,then divided into the death group and the survival group based on therapeutic outcomes and into 5 stages according to the dynamic changes of ALT,AST,TBIL and DBIL.According to propensity score matching analysis,11 patients in the survival group and 12 patients in the death group were included in the statistical analysis,and 20 of them were treated with TPE.The changes in indicators and clinical outcomes before and after TPE were observed,in order to evaluate the impact of intervention timing on prognosis.Results Among the 23 patients,14 had no liver injury or could progress to the repair phase,resulting in 3 deaths(with the mortality rate of 21.43%),while 9 patients failed to pro-gress to the repair phase,resulting in 9 deaths(with the mortality rate of 100%),with significant differences(P＜0.05).The mortality rate of the first TPE intervention before the third stage of liver injury was 23.08%(3/13),while that of interven-tion after reaching or exceeding the third stage was 85.71%(6/7),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion TPE should be executed actively in EHS patients combined with liver injury before the third phase to lock its pathological and physiological processes,thereby improving prognosis and reducing mortality.