AIM: To investigate the genetic association and potential causal relationship between diabetic nephropathy(DN)and diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to elucidate their shared molecular mechanisms through differential gene expression analysis and Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS: Transcriptomic data of DN and DR were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and analyzed for differentially expressed genes(DEGs). Genes meeting the significance threshold(log2FC>1, P<0.05)were identified, followed by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis to explore shared biological pathways. Using genome-wide association study(GWAS)summary statistics for DN and DR, two-sample MR analysis was performed, with DN as the exposure and DR as the outcome. The causal effect was primarily estimated with the inverse-variance weighted(IVW)method, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess robustness.RESULTS: MR analysis revealed that DN significantly increased the risk of DR. IVW estimates indicated that the odds ratio(OR)for non-proliferative DR(NPDR)was 3.23(95% CI: 2.12-4.95, P<0.001), and the OR for proliferative DR(PDR)was 1.10(95% CI: 1.06-1.15, P<0.001). DEG analysis identified several key genes, including FN1, COL1A2, and THBS2. FN1 and COL1A2 are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, contributing to vascular permeability alterations and microvascular damage in diabetic complications. THBS2 is closely associated with angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis, suggesting its potential role in DR. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in advanced glycation end products(AGEs)-RAGE signaling, extracellular matrix degradation, and oxidative stress pathways, all of which are highly relevant to the pathogenesis of DN and DR.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the genetic association between DN and DR using MR and DEGs analyses. The shared mechanisms, particularly involving extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis, may serve as novel therapeutic targets and provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of diabetic complications.

Objective To investigate the value of adjusting antiplatelet treatment regimens guided by thromboelastography(TEG)in predicting cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted embolization of intracranial aneurysms.Methods This study retrospectively and consecutively enrolled patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command,from March 2022 to May 2024.Baseline and clinical data of the patients,including gender,age,hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking history,drinking history,and intraoperative use of tirofiban were collected.Antiplatelet therapy(conventional dose aspirin[100 mg once daily]+clopidogrel[75 mg once daily])was initiated immediately after the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm,and TEG was performed 3 days later.According to the platelet inhibition rate in TEG parameters(platelet inhibition rate induced by arachidonic acid[AA]pathway[AA inhibition rate]or adenosine diphosphate[ADP]pathway[ADP inhibition rate],AA inhibition rate ≥ 50％indicated aspirin effectiveness,AA inhibition rate＜50％indicated aspirin resistance;ADP inhibition rate ≥ 30％indicated clopidogrel effectiveness,ADP inhibition rate＜30％indicated clopidogrel resistance),the patients were divided into the control group(TEG test results met the criteria,i.e.,AA inhibition rate ≥ 50％and ADP inhibition rate ≥ 30％),the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group(TEG test results did not meet the criteria but were not adjusted for antiplatelet therapy,i.e.,AA inhibition rate＜50％and/or ADP inhibition rate＜30％,but with complex aneurysm morphology[such as irregular shape,daughter sac formation]or high bleeding risk,continuing conventional dual antiplatelet therapy),and the intensified group(TEG test results did not meet the criteria and the antiplatelet therapy regimen was adjusted,i.e.,AA inhibition rate＜50％and/or ADP inhibition rate＜30％,adjusting the antiplatelet therapy regimen).All patients underwent stent-assisted coil embolization after TEG testing.From 0 to 3 months after the operation,all three groups maintained the above antiplatelet therapy.At 3 months after the operation,routine head MRI,CT and other examinations were performed.If no cerebral ischemic events occurred and the imaging results were satisfactory(good stent position,no aneurysm occlusion residual or slight residual at the neck[neck width of the aneurysm 2mm]),the treatment could be adjusted to single antiplatelet therapy(aspirin 100 mg once daily).If a patient experienced a cerebral ischemic event during the follow-up period,regardless of the stage after the operation,dual antiplatelet therapy(aspirin[100mg once daily]+clopidogrel[75 mg once daily])was immediately restarted or maintained and continued for at least 6 months.The primary endpoint was intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events(including DSA-confirmed intraoperative acute thrombosis and infarction foci confirmed by head CT or MRI).Baseline and clinical data of the three groups were compared.All patients were divided into groups with ischemic stroke event and without according to the primary endpoint,univariate Logistic regression analysis was then performed on both groups.Variables with P＜0.1 in the univariate Logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis to explore the influencing factors of cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms.Results A total of 499 patients were included,including 178 males and 321 females,with a median age of 59(53,68)years.Among them,there were 341 patients in the control group,42 in the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group,and 116 in the intensified group.There were 47 cases of cerebral ischemic events and 452 cases without cerebral ischemic events.There was a statistically significant difference in the intraoperative use rate of tirofiban across the control group,the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group,and the intensified group(20.2％[69/341]vs.26.2％[11/42]vs.42.2％[49/116],P＜0.01);no statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of age,gender composition,the proportion of patients with hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking history,drinking history,and the incidence of cerebral ischemic events(all P＞0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension(OR,2.924,95％CI 1.416-6.037,P=0.004)and intraoperative use of tirofiban(OR,3.638,95％CI 1.892-6.996,P＜0.01)were independent risk factors for intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with intracranial aneurysms.In comparison with the control group,the intensified group has reduced the risk of cerebral ischemic events(OR,0.238,95％CI 0.088-0.646,P=0.005),while there was no statistically significant difference between the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group and the control group(OR,0.521,95％CI 0.149-1.826,P=0.308).Conclusions This study demonstrates that adjusting the antiplatelet therapy regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms who did not meet the platelet inhibition rate based on TEG results can significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events.These finding may require validation through further,large-scaled,prospective studies.

Objective Currently, there is no commercially available quantitative detection kit for the main Felis domestic allergen (Fel d 1) in China. To establish a rapid detection method for Fel d 1, this study aims to prepare monoclonal antibodies against Fel d 1 protein. Methods The codon preference of Escherichia coli was utilized to optimize and synthesize the Fel d 1 gene. The prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-28a-Fel d 1 was constructed and used to express and purify the recombinant Fel d 1 protein. Subsequently, the recombinant protein was immunized into BALB/c mice and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were prepared by the hybridoma technique. An indirect ELISA was established using the recombinant Fel d 1 as the coating antigen, and hybridoma cell lines were screened for positive clones. The specificity and antigenic epitopes of the mAbs were confirmed by Western blot analysis. Finally, the selected hybridoma cells were injected into the peritoneal cavities of BALB/c mice for large-scale monoclonal antibody production. Results The recombinant plasmid pET-28a-Fel d 1 was successfully constructed, and soluble Fel d 1 protein was obtained after optimizing the expression conditions. Western blot and antibody titer assays confirmed the successful isolation of two hybridoma cell lines, 7D11 and 5H4, which stably secreted mAbs specific to Fel d 1. Antibody characterization revealed that the 5H4 mAb was of the IgG2a subtype and could recognize the amino acid region 105-163 of Fel d 1, while the 7D11 mAb was the IgG1 subtype and could recognize the amino acid region 1-59. Conclusion The high-purity recombinant Fel d 1 protein produced in this study provides a promising alternative for clinical immunotherapy of cat allergies. Furthermore, the monoclonal antibody prepared in this experiment lays a material foundation for the in-depth study of the biological function of Fel d 1 and the development of ELISA detection.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/biosynthesis* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Cats ; Mice ; Allergens/genetics* ; Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Hybridomas/immunology* ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics* ; Female ; Antibody Specificity

Objective To investigate the value of adjusting antiplatelet treatment regimens guided by thromboelastography(TEG)in predicting cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted embolization of intracranial aneurysms.Methods This study retrospectively and consecutively enrolled patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command,from March 2022 to May 2024.Baseline and clinical data of the patients,including gender,age,hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking history,drinking history,and intraoperative use of tirofiban were collected.Antiplatelet therapy(conventional dose aspirin[100 mg once daily]+clopidogrel[75 mg once daily])was initiated immediately after the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm,and TEG was performed 3 days later.According to the platelet inhibition rate in TEG parameters(platelet inhibition rate induced by arachidonic acid[AA]pathway[AA inhibition rate]or adenosine diphosphate[ADP]pathway[ADP inhibition rate],AA inhibition rate ≥ 50％indicated aspirin effectiveness,AA inhibition rate＜50％indicated aspirin resistance;ADP inhibition rate ≥ 30％indicated clopidogrel effectiveness,ADP inhibition rate＜30％indicated clopidogrel resistance),the patients were divided into the control group(TEG test results met the criteria,i.e.,AA inhibition rate ≥ 50％and ADP inhibition rate ≥ 30％),the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group(TEG test results did not meet the criteria but were not adjusted for antiplatelet therapy,i.e.,AA inhibition rate＜50％and/or ADP inhibition rate＜30％,but with complex aneurysm morphology[such as irregular shape,daughter sac formation]or high bleeding risk,continuing conventional dual antiplatelet therapy),and the intensified group(TEG test results did not meet the criteria and the antiplatelet therapy regimen was adjusted,i.e.,AA inhibition rate＜50％and/or ADP inhibition rate＜30％,adjusting the antiplatelet therapy regimen).All patients underwent stent-assisted coil embolization after TEG testing.From 0 to 3 months after the operation,all three groups maintained the above antiplatelet therapy.At 3 months after the operation,routine head MRI,CT and other examinations were performed.If no cerebral ischemic events occurred and the imaging results were satisfactory(good stent position,no aneurysm occlusion residual or slight residual at the neck[neck width of the aneurysm 2mm]),the treatment could be adjusted to single antiplatelet therapy(aspirin 100 mg once daily).If a patient experienced a cerebral ischemic event during the follow-up period,regardless of the stage after the operation,dual antiplatelet therapy(aspirin[100mg once daily]+clopidogrel[75 mg once daily])was immediately restarted or maintained and continued for at least 6 months.The primary endpoint was intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events(including DSA-confirmed intraoperative acute thrombosis and infarction foci confirmed by head CT or MRI).Baseline and clinical data of the three groups were compared.All patients were divided into groups with ischemic stroke event and without according to the primary endpoint,univariate Logistic regression analysis was then performed on both groups.Variables with P＜0.1 in the univariate Logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis to explore the influencing factors of cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms.Results A total of 499 patients were included,including 178 males and 321 females,with a median age of 59(53,68)years.Among them,there were 341 patients in the control group,42 in the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group,and 116 in the intensified group.There were 47 cases of cerebral ischemic events and 452 cases without cerebral ischemic events.There was a statistically significant difference in the intraoperative use rate of tirofiban across the control group,the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group,and the intensified group(20.2％[69/341]vs.26.2％[11/42]vs.42.2％[49/116],P＜0.01);no statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of age,gender composition,the proportion of patients with hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,smoking history,drinking history,and the incidence of cerebral ischemic events(all P＞0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension(OR,2.924,95％CI 1.416-6.037,P=0.004)and intraoperative use of tirofiban(OR,3.638,95％CI 1.892-6.996,P＜0.01)were independent risk factors for intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events after stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with intracranial aneurysms.In comparison with the control group,the intensified group has reduced the risk of cerebral ischemic events(OR,0.238,95％CI 0.088-0.646,P=0.005),while there was no statistically significant difference between the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy group and the control group(OR,0.521,95％CI 0.149-1.826,P=0.308).Conclusions This study demonstrates that adjusting the antiplatelet therapy regimens in patients with intracranial aneurysms who did not meet the platelet inhibition rate based on TEG results can significantly reduce the risk of intraoperative and 6-months postoperative cerebral ischemic events.These finding may require validation through further,large-scaled,prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the quality and management of cleaning and disinfection of soft endoscopes in Wuxi hospitals,to analyze the existing problems and put forward suggestions for improvement,and to provide references for endoscope-related infection in hospitals.METHODS From Sep.to Nov.2024,the cleaning and disin-fection status and managements of soft endoscopes were investigated.Endoscopes were sampling for adenosine triphosphate(ATP)biofluorescence and bacteriological testing;final rinsing water,hands of disinfection person-nels,disinfectants and environmental surfaces were collected for bacteriological testing.RESULTS Totally 68.18％of hospitals performed daily leaks test before cleaning,and 81.82％used o-Phthalaldehyde;81.25％of hospitals used peracetic acid in endoscopy sterilization,with only 1 hospital using glutaraldehyde.Totally 86.36％of hospi-tals monitored the concentration of disinfectants before daily works.There were statistically significant differ-ences in full-time,education levels,age and working experience of personnels among different levels of hospitals(P＜0.05).The pass rate of the 60 endoscope ATP specimens was 88.33％,and there were statistically signifi-cant differences in the pass rate of gastroscopic ATP testing among different levels of hospitals(P=0.032).The qualification status differed significantly in the types of endoscopes and the time length of enzyme washing(P＜0.05).All 60 endoscopic bacteriological samples were qualified,while 141 environmental bacteriological samples were with a pass rate of 94.33％.Unqualified samples were mainly for disinfection personnel's hands,rinse tank faucets,final rinse water.Rolestonella piercei and Staphylococcus wolffii were detected in one failed final rinse wa-ter by mass spectrometry.CONCLUSIONS The overall equipment and staffing of the surveyed endoscope centers(rooms)basically meet operational needs and generally follow endoscope cleaning and disinfection guidelines.However,there are still deficiencies in cleaning and disinfection management,equipment maintenance,disinfect-ant concentration monitoring and personnel training.Further efforts are needed to strengthen the disinfection quali-ty monitoring of endoscope and related factors.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the quality and management of cleaning and disinfection of soft endoscopes in Wuxi hospitals,to analyze the existing problems and put forward suggestions for improvement,and to provide references for endoscope-related infection in hospitals.METHODS From Sep.to Nov.2024,the cleaning and disin-fection status and managements of soft endoscopes were investigated.Endoscopes were sampling for adenosine triphosphate(ATP)biofluorescence and bacteriological testing;final rinsing water,hands of disinfection person-nels,disinfectants and environmental surfaces were collected for bacteriological testing.RESULTS Totally 68.18％of hospitals performed daily leaks test before cleaning,and 81.82％used o-Phthalaldehyde;81.25％of hospitals used peracetic acid in endoscopy sterilization,with only 1 hospital using glutaraldehyde.Totally 86.36％of hospi-tals monitored the concentration of disinfectants before daily works.There were statistically significant differ-ences in full-time,education levels,age and working experience of personnels among different levels of hospitals(P＜0.05).The pass rate of the 60 endoscope ATP specimens was 88.33％,and there were statistically signifi-cant differences in the pass rate of gastroscopic ATP testing among different levels of hospitals(P=0.032).The qualification status differed significantly in the types of endoscopes and the time length of enzyme washing(P＜0.05).All 60 endoscopic bacteriological samples were qualified,while 141 environmental bacteriological samples were with a pass rate of 94.33％.Unqualified samples were mainly for disinfection personnel's hands,rinse tank faucets,final rinse water.Rolestonella piercei and Staphylococcus wolffii were detected in one failed final rinse wa-ter by mass spectrometry.CONCLUSIONS The overall equipment and staffing of the surveyed endoscope centers(rooms)basically meet operational needs and generally follow endoscope cleaning and disinfection guidelines.However,there are still deficiencies in cleaning and disinfection management,equipment maintenance,disinfect-ant concentration monitoring and personnel training.Further efforts are needed to strengthen the disinfection quali-ty monitoring of endoscope and related factors.

Objective To investigate and evaluate the nutrition status in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D[25(OH)D]levels of 0～12 years old children in Xi'an.Methods A total of 2 670 patients aged 0～12 years old who underwent routine physical examinations in Children's Health Department of the Second Hospital of Air Force Medical University were selected from March 2020 to July 2023,and the 25(OH)D data of these patients were conducted in retrospective analysis.The nutritional status of vitamin D in these children of different genders,ages and seasons were also analyzed.Results ①This study included 2 670 children aged 0～12 years old in Xi'an,with the average level of serum 25(OH)D was 40.80±18.00 ng/ml.Among them,38 cases(1.42%)had serum 25(OH)D deficiency,333 cases(12.47%)had serum 25(OH)D insufficience,and 2 299 cases(86.11%)had sufficient serum 25(OH)D.②There was a statistically significant difference in serum 25(OH)D levels among different age groups(H=1 524.23,P=0.000).The group aged 1～<4 has the highest value of 52.51±13.57 ng/ml,while the group aged 8～12 has the lowest value of 21.65±6.75 ng/ml.③The levels of serum 25(OH)D in summer(39.44±17.46 ng/ml)were lower than those in spring(41.96±17.76 ng/ml)and autumn(42.71±18.15 ng/ml),with statistical significant differences(Z=101.57,-134.06,all P<0.01).However,the deficiency and inadequate rate of serum 25(OH)D in winter(18.95%)was higher than those in spring,summer and autumn(13.52%,12.75%,12.36%),with statistical significant differences(χ2=14.32,P=0.026).④There was no statistically significant difference in serum 25(OH)D levels between genders(H=0.933,P=0.351).However,the deficiency and inadequate rate of serum 25(OH)D in boys(12.51%)was lower than that in girls(15.46%),and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=9.257,P=0.010).Conclusion The nutritional status of serum 25(OH)D in children aged 0～12 years in Xi'an area is comparatively fine,and it is necessary to strengthen the intake and supplementation of vitamin D in over 3 years old children.

An effective therapeutic regimen for hepatic fibrosis requires a deep understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism. Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) with an excessive production of extracellular matrix. Although promoted activation of HSCs by M2 macrophages has been demonstrated, the molecular mechanism involved remains ambiguous. Herein, we propose that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) involved in macrophage polarization may regulate the communication between macrophages and HSCs by changing the functions of exosomes. We confirm that activating the VDR can inhibit the effect of M2 macrophages on HSC activation. The exosomes derived from M2 macrophages can promote HSC activation, while stimulating VDR alters the protein profiles and reverses their roles in M2 macrophage exosomes. Smooth muscle cell-associated protein 5 (SMAP-5) was found to be the key effector protein in promoting HSC activation by regulating autophagy flux. Building on these results, we show that a combined treatment of a VDR agonist and a macrophage-targeted exosomal secretion inhibitor achieves an excellent anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. In this study, we aim to elucidate the association between VDR and macrophages in HSC activation. The results contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism of hepatic fibrosis, and provide potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Humans ; Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology* ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; Liver Cirrhosis/pathology* ; Macrophages/metabolism*

Objective: To comprehensively understand the disinfection quality of secondary and primary schools and kindergartens in Wuxi, so as to find out problems and to provide advice for improvement. Methods: Stratified random sampling method was applied in the investigation to select 73 schools and classes. The qualities of room air, surface of object, hand hygiene of staff, tableware, ultraviolet lamp and disinfectant in use (including bacterial contamination and concentration of chlorine-containing) were all tested. Results: A total of 2 563 samples were collected with the total disinfection qualified rate 88.02%. The qualified rates of kindergarten, primary and secondary schools were 87.89%, 90.67% and 85.83% respectively. The rates of Xishan and Jiangyin districts were 75.24% and 75.89% respectively. The quality of urban schools was better than the rural(χ 2=16.57, P<0.01). There was no statistical significance between public and private schools (χ 2=0.01, P=0.92). The rank of qualified rates of different objects was: bacterial contamination (100.00%) > room air (93.13%) > tableware (91.87%) > surface of object (89.40%) > ultraviolet lamp (84.00%) > concentration of chlorine-containing (73.68%) > hand hygiene of staff (73.53%). The quality of secondary schools was lower than kindergartens and primary schools in the aspects of room air and surface of object. Conclusion The disinfection quality of secondary and primary schools and kindergartens in Wuxi is good in general. More attention should be paid on hand hygiene, concentration of chlorine-containing and ultraviolet lamp. The qualities of room air and surface of object of secondary schools need to be improved.

Objective:To evaluate the protective immunity by vaccination of BALB/c mice with rLV-HA-GCN4,a recombinant lentivirus expressing the trimeric HA of swine H1N1 influenza virus. Methods:The female mice were randomly divided into rLV-HA-GCN4,rLV-HA,LV and PBS groups. Mice were primed with plasmid and boosted with lentivirus by the administration of intramuscular thigh injections at an interval of two weeks. At day 28 post-prime immunization,mice were inoculated intranasally with 100TCID50 of swine H1N1 influenza virus in a 50 μl volume. The immune levels were assessed by the T lymphocyte transformation test, flow cytometry,indirect ELISA and the indexes of spleen and lung. Results:The spleen lymphocyte transformation rate was 0. 3±0. 11 in the rLV-HA-GCN4 group at day 14 post-boost immunization, showing a statistical significance ( P<0. 01 ) compared to the PBS group. Meanwhile,rLV-HA-GCN4 could cause T lymphocyte response mainly based on the Th1-type CD4+ T cells. The IgG antibody titer reached to 1:8 000 at day 14 post-boost immunization and approximately 1:7 000 at day 14 post challenge. After challenge,the spleen and lung indexes of rLV-HA-GCN4 group were significantly lower than those of PBS group (P<0. 05). The body weight of rLV-HA-GCN4 group demonstrated a slight decrease before 3 days post challenge and then a gradual increase compared to the LV and PBS groups (P<0. 05). Conclusion:rLV-HA-GCN4 can effectively induce cellular and humoral immune response in BALB/c mice against swine H1N1 influenza virus.