Objective:To investigate the levels and clinical significances of miRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the bone marrow of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-M 5. Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted. The bone marrow samples were collected from 32 AML-M 5 patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from November 2023 to December 2024, and the bone marrow samples collected from 11 patients with megaloblastic anemia from November 2023 to May 2025 were used as controls. Reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine relative expression of miR-155-5p at the transcription level in bone marrow mononuclear cells, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the concentration of HIF-1α protein in bone marrow supernatant. The levels of miR-155-5p and HIF-1α in bone marrow were compared between AML patients and control group, as well as among AML patients with different prognostic risks. Spearman method was used to analyze the relationship between miR-155-5p level and HIF-1α level in bone marrow of AML patients and their levels with bone marrow and peripheral blood cell indicators. Results:Among the 32 AML-M 5 patients, 20 patients (62.5%) were male and 12 patients (37.5%) were female, with a median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 63 (51, 70) years; according to the clinical response criteria recommended by the European Leukemia Network (ELN) in 2022, there were 12 cases (37.5%) of complete response (CR) and 8 cases (25.0%) of non-complete response (NCR); according to the risk stratification criteria recommended by ELN in 2022, there were 8 cases (25.0%) with good prognosis, 13 cases (40.6%) with moderate prognosis and 11 cases (34.4%) with poor prognosis. In the control group, there were 5 males and 6 females, with a median age of 68 (63, 72) years. There was no statistically significant difference in gender and age between the two groups (both P > 0.05). The transcription level relative expression of miR-155-5p in the bone marrow mononuclear cells of AML-M 5 patients [5.13 (2.83, 8.84) vs. 0.87 (0.56, 1.69)] and the concentration of HIF-1α protein in the bone marrow supernatant of AML-M 5 patients [(116±32) pg/ml vs. (58±22) pg/ml] were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.001). The relative expression of miR-155-5p at the transcription level in the initial diagnosis group and NCR group and the concentration of HIF-1α in the initial diagnosis group, NCR group and CR group were higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.01), the relative expression of miR-155-5p at the transcription level in the CR group was higher than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05); the relative expression of miR-155-5p at the transcription level in the newly diagnosis group was higher than that in the CR group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the newly diagnosis group and the NCR group or between the NCR group and the CR group (all P > 0.05). The concentration of HIF-1α in the newly diagnosis group and NCR group was higher than that in the CR group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the newly diagnosis group and the NCR group ( P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the relative expression of miR-155-5p at the transcription level and HIF-1α concentration in bone marrow among AML-M 5 patients with poor prognosis, moderate prognosis and good prognosis (both P > 0.05). The level of miR-155-5p in the bone marrow of AML-M 5 patients was positively correlated with the level of HIF-1α ( r = 0.446, P = 0.010); the level of miR-155-5p in bone marrow was positively correlated with the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells ( r = 0.583, P < 0.001), peripheral blood leukocyte count ( r = 0.464, P = 0.008), peripheral blood monocyte count ( r = 0.464, P = 0.007), and peripheral blood monocyte-to-leukocyte ratio ( r = 0.457, P = 0.009). The concentration of HIF-1α in the bone marrow of AML-M 5 patients was positively correlated with the proportion of bone marrow primitive cells ( r = 0.568, P = 0.001) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells-to-white blood cells ratio ( r = 0.375, P = 0.034), but not with peripheral blood white blood cell count ( r = 0.159, P = 0.385) or peripheral blood mononuclear cell count ( r = 0.300, P = 0.095). Conclusions:The levels of miR-155-5p and HIF-1α in the bone marrow of AML-M 5 patients are relatively high, and the levels of both are lower in patients with remission. However, the levels of both may not be related to the risk of prognosis. The levels of miR-155-5p and HIF-1α in the bone marrow of AML-M 5 patients are positively correlated, and their levels are also positively correlated with major hematological indicators in the bone marrow and peripheral blood.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Anaplasma infections in sheep and goats in Anhui Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into ovine anaplasmosis prevention and control. Methods A total of 355 fresh blood samples were collected from 7 sheep and goat farms in Linquan County of Fuyang City, Lixin County of Bozhou City, Yu'an District of Lu'an City, Wangjiang County of Anqing City, Nanling County of Wuhu City, and Tianchang City and Fengyang County of Chuzhou City in Anhui Province from June to December 2020. A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene, A. ovis major surface protein 4 (MSP4) gene and A. capra citric acid synthase (gltA) gene were amplified using PCR assay in all blood samples, and the prevalence of A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra infections was calculated in sheep and goats. In addition, the positive amplification products were sequenced and subjected to genetic evolutionary analysis. Results The overall prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 17.5% (62/355) in sheep and goats in Anhui Province, and the prevalence of A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra infections was 2.8% (10/355), 2.5% (9/355), 2.5% (9/355), and 7.0% (25/355), while the prevalence of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum and A. capra and A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis co-infections was 0.8% (3/355), 1.1% (4/355), 0.3% (1/355) and 0.3% (1/355), respectively. No Anaplasma was detected in the sheep and goat farms in Fengyang County, while at least three Anaplasma species were detected in other sheep and goat farms, with co-infections of multiple Anaplasma species identified. The prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 14.7% (24/163) in goats and 19.8% (38/192) in sheep, and the prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 31.0% (31/100) in goats and sheep under 6 months of age, and 12.2% (31/255) in goats and sheep at ages of 6 months and older, respectively. A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra were identified in sheep and goats of different breeds and ages. Conclusions Multiple Anaplasma species infections were commonly prevalent in goats and sheep in Anhui Province in 2020, notably A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra, which have zoonotic risks. Improved surveillance and prevention and control of Anaplasma infections are required in sheep and goats in Anhui Province.

Objective:To understand the current status of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage stratified sampling method to select 150 streets or townships from 10 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities (East: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Hainan; Central: Henan; West: Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Xinjiang; Northeast: Liaoning). From May 2022 to April 2023, a total of 21 470 children, including community-based children aged 0.5 to<3.0 years receiving child health care and kindergarten-based children aged 3.0 to<7.0 years, were surveyed. They were divided into 3 age groups: infants (0.5 to<1.0 year), toddlers (1.0 to<3.0 years), and preschoolers (3.0 to<7.0 years). Basic information such as sex and date of birth of the children was collected, and peripheral blood samples were obtained for routine blood tests and serum ferritin measurement. The prevalence rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were analyzed, and the prevalence rate differences were compared among different ages, sex, urban and rural areas, and regions using the chi-square test.Results:A total of 21 460 valid responses were collected, including 10 780 boys (50.2%). The number of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were 2 645 (12.3%), 6 244 (29.1%), and 12 571 (58.6%), respectively. The hemoglobin level was (126.7±14.8) g/L, and the serum ferritin level was 32.3 (18.5, 50.1) μg/L. The overall rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were 10.4% (2 230/21 460), 28.3% (6 070/21 460), and 3.9% (845/21 460), respectively. The prevalence rate of anemia was higher for boys than for girls (10.9% (1 173/10 780) vs. 9.9% (1 057/10 680), χ2=5.58, P=0.018), with statistically significant differences in the rates for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (18.0% (475/2 645), 10.6% (662/6 244), and 8.7% (1 093/12 571), respectively, χ2=201.81, P<0.01), and the rate was significantly higher for children in rural than that in urban area (11.8% (1 516/12 883) vs. 8.3% (714/8 577), χ2=65.54, P<0.01), with statistically significant differences in the rates by region ( χ2=126.60, P<0.01), with the highest rate of 15.8% (343/2 173) for children in Central region, and the lowest rate of 5.3% (108/2 053) in Northeastern region. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency were 33.8% (895/2 645), 32.2% (2 011/6 244), and 25.2% (3 164/12 571) in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively, and 30.0% (3 229/10 780) in boys vs. 26.6% (2 841/10 680) in girls, 21.7% (1 913/8 821), 40.0% (870/2 173), 27.1% (2 283/8 413), 48.9% (1 004/2 053) in Eastern, Central, Western, and Northeastern regions, respectively, and each between-group showed a significant statistical difference ( χ2=147.71, 29.73, 773.02, all P<0.01). The prevalence rate of iron-deficiency anemia showed a significant statistical difference between urban and rural areas, 2.9% (251/8 577) vs. 4.6% (594/12 883) ( χ2=38.62, P<0.01), while the difference in iron deficiency prevalence was not significant ( χ2=0.51, P=0.476). Conclusions:There has been a notable improvement in iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China, but the situation remains concerning. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention and control of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia, especially among infants and children in the Central, Western, and Northeastern regions of China.

The high- and the low-molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HMW-HA and LMW-HA, respectively) showed different biological activities in inflammation. However, the role of LMW-HA in inflammatory response is controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of bioactive hyaluronan (B-HA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human macrophages and mice. B-HA was produced from HA treated with glycosylated recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20. Human THP-1 cells were induced to differentiate into macrophages. THP-1-derived macrophages were treated with B-HA, LPS, or B-HA + LPS. The mRNA expression and the production of inflammatory cytokines were determined using quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The phosphorylation levels of proteins in the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and IRF-3 signaling pathways were measured using Western blot. The in vivo efficacy of B-HA was assessed in a mouse model of LPS-induced inflammation. Results showed that B-HA inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, and IFN-β, and enhanced the expression of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS-induced inflammatory responses in THP-1-derived macrophages and in vivo. B-HA significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of the TLR4 signaling pathway proteins p65, IKKα/β, IκBα, JNK1/2, ERK1/2, p38, and IRF-3. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the B-HA attenuated the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway. B-HA could be a potential anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of inflammatory disease.
Animals ; Cytokines ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Mice ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Toll-Like Receptor 4

Objective To evaluate the performance of peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interferon (IFN)-γ detection in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM).Methods Among the 182 consecutive cases with suspected TBM in Huashan Hospital from March 2011 to March 2013,30 patients were included in the case group according to the latest diagnostic criteria of TBM.Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with non-tuberculous meningitis were included in the control group.T-SPOT.TB was employed to detect tuberculosis-specific IFN-γ-secreting T cells in the peripheral blood.And IFN-γ in CSF was detected simultaneously by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) without antigen stimulation.The CSF was collected from 10 patients of TBM group after anti tuberculosis treatment for 4 weeks to observe the dynamic changes.The t-test was used for analysis of continuous variables with normal distribution and Kruskal-Wallis test was used for analysis of variables with abnormal distribution.Results ()f the 30 TBM cases,6 were confirmed cases and 24 were highly suspected cases.The control group was comprised of 12 viral encephalitis,16 suppurative meningitis and 11 cryptococcal meningitis.The positive rate of T-SPOT.TB was significantly higher in TBM group compared with control group (70％ vs 13％,x2 =12.15,P＜0.01).The mean concentration of CSF IFN γ of TBM group was 244.35 pg/mL,which was significantly higher than that of control group 9.48 pg/mL (Z=-4.646,P＜0.01).The CSF IFN-γ was significantly decreased after 4 weeks of treatment (271.02 pg/mL vs 81.36 pg/mL,Z=-3.099,P=0.002).The sensitivity and specificity of peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB in the diagnosis of TBM were 70％ and 87％,respectively.The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of CSF IFN-γ for TBM diagnosis was 0.819; the optimal cut-off point was 81.36 pg/mL; the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 83 ％ and 85 ％,respectively.Conclusion Both the detection of peripheral blood T-SPOT.TB and CSF IFN-γ are of great importance for the diagnosis of TBM.Dynamic observation of CSF IFN-γ is important for disease monitoring.