In February 2023, a 48-year-old male with cough and expectoration was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of Peking University People’s Hospital. CT indicated mediastinal soft-tissue mass under the tracheal carina. Meta-genomics next generation sequencing of mediastinal abscess suggested infection with Tropheryma whipplei, which was positive for periodic acid-Schiff staining. The patient had no history of diarrhea, weight loss, or joint pain. The patient was diagnosed with Whipple’s disease and treated with ceftriaxone followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy. After 1-year post-discharge therapy, the patieny’s symptoms and general condition improved significantly, and remained to follow.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative for addressing aortic valve-related pathologies.However,the occurrence of rapid arrhythmias linked to TAVR procedures is progressively drawing scrutiny.Presently,pharmacologic interventions constitute the mainstay of managing atrial arrhythmias related to TAVR,while the potential of ablation as a viable treatment modality remains undefined.Notably,in cases where the arrhythmia's genesis is presumed to be intricately linked to the prosthetic valve,the practicality and safety of ablation procedures remain unverified.Our institution has successfully ventured into radiofrequency ablation for a distinctive patient presenting with this intricate condition,thereby tentatively affirming the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation administered on the surface of prosthetic valves.

Objective:To investigate the genotype,mutation type,and ethnic distribution characteristics of thalassemia in the population of Hechi area,Guangxi,and to provide a reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.Methods:Gap-polymerase chain reaction(gap-PCR)and reverse dot blot(RDB)were used for genetic testing on suspected thalassemia persons,and the results were analyzed.Results:Among 29 136 samples,a total of 17 016(58.40％)positive samples for thalassemia genes were detected,with a higher detection rate in males than in females(X2=49.917,P＜0.001).The detection rates of thalassemia genes were significant different among Zhuang,Han,Yao,Mulao,and Maonan ethnic groups(x2=546.121,P＜0.001).The α-thalassemia genotypes were mainly--SEA/αα(16.67％),-α3.7/αα(8.90％),αCSα/αα(6.00％).Additionally,four rare genotypes were detected,including--THAI/αα(47 cases),HKαα/αα(2 cases),--SEA/-α21.9(2 cases),and--THAI/αcsα(1 case).The β-thalassemia genotypes were mainly βCD17/βN(7.49％),βCD41-42/βN(6.70％),βCD71-72/βN(0.44％).108 cases of moderate and severeβ-thalassemia were detected,of which 81 cases had a history of blood transfusion,the transfusion frequency of 60 cases was more than 10 times/year,and 10 cases received bone marrow transplantation.Conclusion:Thalassemia in Hechi area is predominantly deletion type--SEA/αα,the detection rate of thalassemia in ethnic minorities is higher than that in Han population.In this area,moderate and severe β-thalassemia have certain incidence,these patients mostly need regular blood transfusion and iron removal treatment,and very few patients have received bone marrow transplantation.This study provides a certain reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of thalassemia gene types in children in Liuzhou,Guangxi.Methods:A total of 822 children suspected thalassemia aged from 1 day to 14 years who were admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to April 2022 were collected.Gap-PCR and PCR combined with reverse dot blot hybridization were used to detect α-and β-thalassemia genes.Results:Among 822 children,561 thalassemia carriers were detected,with a detection rate of 68.25％.Among them,303 cases were detected with α-thalassemia,and the most common genotype was--SEA/αα(163 cases),followed by-α3.7/αα(37 cases)and αcsα/αα(26 cases),44 cases with HbH disease.240 cases were detected with β-thalassemia,with a detection rate of 29.20％,and the most common genotype was βCD41-42/β N(112 cases),followed by βCD17/βN(75 cases)and βIVS-Ⅱ-654/β N(11 cases),11 cases with moderate to severe β-thalassemia.18 cases were detected with α β-thalassemia,with a detection rate of 2.19％,and--SEA/αα complex βCD41-42/βN was the most common genotype(4 cases).In Zhuang and Han populations,the detection ratio of-α3.7α/αα in α-thalassemia was the same(both 12.50％).While,the other main types such as--SEA/αα,αCSα/αα and-α4.2α/αα had certain differences.In β-thalassemia,CD41-42 and CD17 were the main genotypes detected in Han and Zhuang.Conclusion:In Liuzhou of Guangxi autonomous region,α-thalassemia is the main type in children,with a detection rate of 68.25％,and--SEA/αα is the most common genotype in mild thalassemia,followed by βCD41-42/βN.The detection rate of moderate to severe α-and β-thalassemia is relatively high.There are certain differences in the distribution of thalassemia among different ethnic groups.

Adipose progenitor cells(APCs) represent a prominent stromal cellular component of adipose tissue and are now identified as highly heterogenous populations. However, the role of APCs in regulating systemic metabolism remains unknown. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we investigated the role of the APC subpopulations in regulating development of type 2 diabetes. CD9 + CD55 low APCs are the novel subset identified in this study, which is significantly increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Transplantation of these cells from type 2 diabetic patients into adipose tissue caused glycemic disturbance in mice. Depletion of pathogenic APCs improved obesity-related glycemic disturbance. Collectively, our data provide deeper insights into human APC functionality and highlights APCs as a potential therapeutic target to combat type 2 diabetes. This study has been published in Nature Communications, 2024, 15(1): 4827.

Abstract: Objective　To monitor and analyze the avian influenza virus contamination in the environment outside the poultry-related places in Guangxi, and to assess the risk of human infection with avian influenza viruses, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of avian influenza in Guangxi. Methods　From 2021 to 2022, environmental samples from 5 kinds of poultry-related sites were collected monthly in 14 cities of Guangxi. The real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect the nucleic acids of generic influenza A viruses, and H5, H7, and H9 subtypes of avian influenza virus. The detection results of avian influenza virus in the environment of the poultry-related sites in Guangxi were collected for retrospective analysis. SPSS 22.0 was used for data analysis, and the chi-square test was used to compare the rates. Results　From 2021 to 2022, a total of 5 960 environmental samples were collected in 14 cities, of which 3 918 were positive for influenza A virus nucleic acid, with a positive rate of 65.74%; Among the positive samples, 281 were positive for H5 subtype (7.17%), 2 508 were positive for H9 subtype (64.01%), 552 were positive for H5+H9 subtype (14.09%), 577 were positive for type A but not H5/H7/H9 (14.73%), and no subtype H7 was detected. The positive rate of influenza A in poultry-related environment samples was higher throughout the year in Guangxi; except for Wuzhou, which had a similar number of H5, H9, and A non-H5/H7/H9 subtypes, the H9 subtype was predominantly detected in other cities. There was significant variability in positive rates among different regions, with the highest being in Hezhou City (90.32%, 653/723) and the lowest in Yulin City (28.96%, 75/259). The positive rate of different specimen types ranged from 50.32% to 74.94%. There were statistically significant differences in the positive rates of samples from different types of samples (χ2=163.08, P<0.001), different months (χ2=172.69, P<0.001), different regions (χ2=498.86, P<0.001), different monitoring sites (χ2=370.01, P<0.001). Conclusions　There is severe contamination of avian influenza virus in the poultry-related environment in Guangxi, predominantly with the H9 and H5 subtypes. Therefore, the relevant authorities in Guangxi should strengthen the monitoring, management, and disinfection of poultry-related premises.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of Sulforaphane(SFN)against high glucose(HG)-induced human platelet apoptosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms in vitro.Methods Purified platelets obtained from healthy individuals were pre-incubated with various concentrations of SFN(5,10,or 20 μmol/L)or a vehicle control(0.05%DMSO)for 40 minutes at 37℃.Subsequently,the platelets were stimulated with normal glucose(NG,5 mmol/L)or high glucose(HG,25 mmol/L)for an additional duration of 90 minutes.Flow cytometry was employed to assess platelet mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization(Δψm),exposure of phosphatidylserine(PS),and generation of total intraplatelet reactive oxygen species(ROS).Phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt were determined using Western blot.Results Compared to NG-treated human platelets,HG significantly induced depolarization of platelet Δψm and exposure of PS(P＜0.001).These effects of HG were markedly attenuated by various concentrations of SFN(P＜0.001).Mechanistically,SFN down-regulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K(P＜0.01)and Akt(P＜0.05),which were increased by HG when compared to the vehicle control,and substantially reduced total intracellular ROS levels(P＜0.001).The inhibitory effects of SFN on HG-induced phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt,as well as its efficacy on total intracellular ROS generation,Δψm depolarization,and PS exposure in HG-stimulated human platelets were completely reversed by a specific agonist for PI3K,740 Y-P.Conclusions The current study demonstrates that SFN exerts a protective effect on platelet apoptosis induced by HG,potentially through the down-regulation of the PI3K/Akt-mediated pathway in human platelets in vitro.These findings suggest that SFN may hold promise for improving thrombosis in diabetes mellitus and related chronic metabolic diseases.

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]

By analysing the similarity between defense qi and leukocytes in terms of function， site of action， and circadian rhythm， it is proposed that in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the pathogenesis of leukopenia is defense qi deficiency. By analyzing the relevant discussions on the generation and transmission of defense qi in TCM classics， it is believed that the original qi in lower jiao （焦） is the source of defense qi， while the water and grain qi in middle jiao enriches defense qi， and the upper jiao transmits and distributes defense qi to the whole body. Therefore， when treating leukopenia after chemotherapy with TCM， Guilu Erxian Gelatin （龟鹿二仙胶） and Yougui Pill （右归丸） are often used to tonify the kidney and supplement essence， and moxibustion at Guanyuan （CV 4） and Qihai （CV 6） is usually accompanied to replenish the original qi in lower jiao and enrich the source of defense qi. Guipi Decoction （归脾汤）， Buzhong Yiqi Decoction （补中益气汤）， Shenling Baizhu Powder （参苓白术散）， and Sijunzi Decoction （四君子汤） are often suggested to strengthen spleen and replenish qi， in combination with moxibustion at Zhongwan （CV 12） and Zusanli （ST 36） to transport the spleen and stomach in the middle jiao to enrich the defense qi. Modified Guizhi Decoction （桂枝汤） to harmonize nutrient and defensive aspects is often used， and moxibustion at Dazhui （GV 14） and Feishu （BL 13） or scraping is added to dredge the striae and interstice in the upper jiao and promote transmission and dissemination of the defense qi. Considering the whole process of generation and distribution of defense qi， it is suggested to choose the most appropriate treatment modality flexibly， and combine internal treatment with external treatment， in order to provide ideas for the treatment of leukopenia in tumour patients.

Oligoasthenozoospermia is the main cause of male infertility， with complex and diverse causes. Currently， there are still some unclear causes of oligoasthenozoospermia in clinical practice， known as idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology， it has been found that intestinal microbiota disorder may be an important promoting factor for the onset of oligoasthenozoospermia. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "deficiency of kidney essence" is the core pathogenesis of oligoasthenozoospermia. In clinical practice， the method of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the essence has a significant therapeutic effect on oligoasthenozoospermia， but its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. Based on the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine and molecular biology research， it has been found that there is a similarity between "kidney essence" and intestinal microbiota. During the onset of oligoasthenozoospermia， the disorder of intestinal microbiota has similarities with the pathogenesis of "deficiency of kidney essence" in traditional Chinese medicine. Moreover， traditional Chinese medicine for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the essence can regulate the disorder of intestinal microbiota， which may be one of the effective mechanisms for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia with the Bushen Yijing method. Based on this， this article explored the mechanism of Bushen Yijing method of traditional Chinese medicine in treating oligoasthenozoospermia from the perspective of intestinal microbiota， so as to provide new ideas for the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia with traditional Chinese medicine.