OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

Objective:To investigate the incidence of hearing loss among helicopter flying personnel, and to analyze the contributing factors.Methods:Basic data of 443 male helicopter flying personnel who received physical examinations at Beidaihe Rehabilitation and Recuperation Center of PLA between March and June 2024 was collected. The hearing threshold levels were measured at 8 frequencies: 250, 500, 1 000, 2 000, 3 000, 4 000, 6 000 and 8 000 Hz. Routine blood tests and blood biochemical tests were performed. Based on the results of pure-tone audiometry, the participants were divided into 2 groups: the hearing loss group (hearing threshold ≤20 dB HL) and the normal hearing group (hearing threshold >20 dB HL). The basic data, routine blood results, and blood biochemical indicators were compared between the 2 groups before the contributors to hearing loss were analyzed.Results:A total of 443 helicopter flying personnel were included in the study, with 82 cases (18.51%) in the hearing loss group and 361 cases (81.49%) in the normal hearing group. There were significant differences in age and pulse between the flying personnel in the 2 groups ( t=2.13, 2.78, P=0.034, 0.006). Among the blood routine indicators, only the mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly different ( t=2.26, P=0.025). Among the blood biochemical indicators, only homocysteine (HCY) revealed statistically significant difference ( Z=2.30, P=0.021). The determinants of hearing loss in helicopter flying personnel were age ( OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.060-1.361), pulse ( OR=1.201, 95% CI: 1.060-1.361), MPV ( OR=1.365, 95% CI: 1.016-1.834) and HCY ( OR=1.065, 95% CI: 1.033-1.097). Conclusions:Age, pulse, the MPV and HCY levels can all contribute to hearing loss, and the MPV and HCY can serve as potential biomarkers for hearing loss in helicopter flying personnel. Potential hearing loss should be detected early and personalized interventions should be implemented. Noise exposure should be monitored more rigorously to reduce the risk of occupational hearing loss for helicopter flying personnel and ensure flight safety.

Objective:To investigate the effect of physical activity on mortality risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Sichuan Province.Methods:Based on baseline data from 2004 to 2008 from the China Kadoorie Biobank project site in Pengzhou City, Sichuan Province, a total of 8 501 COPD patients aged 30-79 years were enrolled and followed up for a long period to determine mortality outcomes. Quartiles were used to group physical activity levels. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the effect of physical activity level on mortality outcomes.Results:As of December 31, 2017, the cumulative follow-up of the participants totaled 85 600.58 person-years (mean follow-up duration: 10.07 years). During this period, a total of 2 000 deaths were recorded, yielding a cumulative mortality rate of 23.53%. Among these deaths, 665 were attributed to COPD, corresponding to a cumulative mortality rate of 7.82%; and 1 116 were attributed to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), corresponding to a cumulative mortality rate of 13.13%. The Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that, after adjusting for confounding factors, total physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from COPD, CVD, and all causes in patients with COPD. Compared with the low-level group of total physical activity, the medium-high-level group had the lowest risk of COPD mortality, with an HR of 0.39 (95% CI: 0.30-0.49). The high-level group had the lowest risk of CVD death and all-cause death, with HRs of 0.46 (95% CI: 0.37-0.56) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.48-0.64), respectively. The lowest risk of COPD death and CVD death was found in the medium-high level of work-based physical activity group, with HRs of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.28-0.46) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.36-0.51), respectively; the risk of all-cause mortality was lowest in the medium-high and high-level groups, with HRs values of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.46-0.61) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.45-0.61). The risk of COPD death was lowest in the high-level transportation physical activity group, with an HR of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53-0.83), and the risk of CVD and all-cause death was lowest in the medium-high level group, with HRs of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.53-0.76) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64-0.84), respectively. The risk of COPD death and CVD death was the lowest in the high-level domestic physical activity group, with HRs of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.49-0.89) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61-0.95), respectively, and the risk of all-cause death was the lowest in the medium-high level group, with an HR of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72-0.94). There is no statistical association between leisure physical activity and the risk of death from three types of diseases. Conclusions:Total physical activity, including work-based, transportation-based, and domestic physical activity, reduced the risk of COPD, CVD, and all-cause mortality in patients with COPD in Sichuan Province. The magnitude of mortality risk was influenced by the type and level of physical activity.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety and treatment persistence of upadacitinib in Crohn's disease (CD) patients.Methods:The single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. The patients with moderate-to-severe active CD initiating upadacitinib therapy from November 2023 to November 2024 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were collected through searching the electronic medical records and paper-based patient databases. The primary outcome was the clinical remission rate at week 12. Secondary outcomes included the clinical response rate at week 12; clinical response and remission rates at weeks 4, 24 and 48; biomarker (fecal calprotectin or C-reactive protein) remission rates at all time points; as well as endoscopic remission and response rates, treatment persistence and safety evaluation.Results:A total of 44 CD patients were included, comprising 24 males (54.5%) and 20 females (45.5%). The median age was 33 (25, 40) years. The baseline Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) score was 260.5 (225.9, 550.0) points. Patients had previously received a median of 2 (1, 2) biologic treatments. All 44 patients completed the 12-week induction therapy. With a median follow-up of 30.00 (16.25, 46.25) weeks, the clinical remission rate was 50.0% (22/44) at week 12. The clinical remission rate, clinical response rate, and biomarker remission rate were 52.3% (23/44), 88.6% (39/44) and 72.7% (32/44) respectively at week 4, and the clinical response rate and biomarker remission rate were 88.6% (39/44) and 77.2% (34/44) respectively at week 12. The clinical remission rates, clinical response rates and biomarker remission rates evolved to 43.3% (13/30), 86.7% (26/30) and 80.0% (24/30) at week 24, and further to 44.4% (4/9), 77.8% (7/9) and 77.8% (7/9) at week 48. During the follow-up period, 13 CD patients completing endoscopic evaluation, endoscopic remission and response rates were 30.8% and 23.1% respectively. CD-related surgery rate was 4.5% (2/44). Safety analysis demonstrated that the overall adverse events rate was 56.8% (25/44) including 7 patients with serious adverse events. A total of 8 patients discontinued treatment, among which 3 were due to primary loss of response, 1 due to secondary loss of response, 2 due to drug-related adverse events alone, and 2 due to concurrent primary loss of response and adverse events. The Kaplan-Meier curve for treatment persistence showed that among 39 CD patients who achieved clinical response at week 12, the continued treatment rates were 90.3% at week 12 and 85.3% at week 24 of follow-up. Two patients (5.6%) received dose escalation of upadacitinib, both of whom achieved clinical remission.Conclusion:Real-world research data demonstrate that upadacitinib exhibits significant clinical efficacy and a favorable safety profile in the treatment of moderate-to-severe active CD patients with prior biologic exposure, and no new unexpected adverse events are identified.

Objective To compare the effects of different doses of budesonide and formoterol fumarate powder for inhalation combined with montelukast sodium tablet in the treatment of cough variant asthma(CVA)and the improvement of airway function and inflammatory factors.Methods Elderly patients with cough variant asthma were randomly divided into group A and group B.Both groups of patients received budesonide and formoterol fumarate powder for inhalation combined with montelukast sodium tablet.Group A was given budesonide and formoterol fumarate powder for inhalation(Ⅱ),2 inhalation per time,twice a day;Group B was given budesonide and formoterol fumarate powder for inhalation,4 inhalation per time,twice a day;budesonide fumatrol inhalation powder mist for continuous treatment for 6 months,and montelukast sodium tablet 10 mg once a day for at least 3 months.The nighttime cough scores of the two groups were compared before treatment and after treatment.The percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)in the predicted value,the maximum mid expiratory flow(MMEF),the fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO),interleukin-5(IL-5)and eosinophils were compared between the two groups.The incidence of adverse drug reactions and the recurrence rate within 1 year were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 45 cases were enrolled in both the group A and the group B.At 9 months after treatment,the nocturnal cough scores of the group A and the group B were(0.93±0.42)and(0.65±0.29)points,respectively;the percentage of FEV1 in the predicted value were(97.75±9.67)％and(100.93±11.06)％,respectively;the MMEF values were(2.81±1.04)and(3.08±1.09)L·s-1,respectively;the FeNO values were(18.94±9.75)and(15.94±7.96)ppb,respectively;the IL-5 levels were(10.88±7.06)and(8.11±5.56)pg·mL-1,respectively.The above indicators in group B showed statistically significant differences compared to group A(all P＜0.05).The total incidence of adverse drug reactions in group A and group B were 8.89％(5 cases/45 cases)and 13.33％(6 cases/45 cases),respectively.The recurrence rates was 15.56％(7 cases/45 cases)and 13.33％(6 cases/45 cases),respectively.There was no statistically significant difference in the above indicators between group B and group A(all P＞0.05).Conclusion For elderly patients with CVA,higher dose of budesonide and formoterol fumarate powder for inhalation combined with montelukast sodium tablet can better improve cough symptoms,reduce the level of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory factors,reduce the recurrence rate,and the patients are well tolerated.

Objective To investigate the expression of arginase Ⅱ(ArgⅡ)in kidney tissue of rats with diabetic nephropathy(DN)and its significance in the development of DN.Methods A total of 10 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group and the model group,with 5 rats in each group.An rat model of DN was developed by feeding with high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intra-peritoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin(45 mg/kg),and they were sacrificed after 11 weeks of continued feeding.The body weight,and biochemical indexes of blood and urine of rats were determined.The right kidney was weighed and histopathological examination was performed.The pathological changes of kidney tissues and protein expression of ArgⅡ and CD68+were observed,and the immunofluores-cence double staining was used to observe the distribution and expression of ArgⅡand a marker of renal macrophage activation CD68+;the protein expression of ArgⅡ,NF-κB,TNF-α and IL-6 in kidney tissues was determined by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the ratio of kidney weight to body weight,24-hour urine volume,24-hour urine protein,fasting blood glucose,urea nitrogen and insulin level in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The renal histopathology showed that the mesangial cells of the renal glomerular were necrotic with vascular dilatation,and the renal tubular epithelial cells were steatosis and congestion.Compared with the control group,the protein expression of ArgⅡ,CD68+,NF-κB,TNF-α and IL-6 in the kidney tissues of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence double staining demonstrated the co-expression of ArgⅡ and CD68+in renal tissue,and the fluorescence intensities of both ArgⅡ and CD68+in the model group were significantly stronger than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion The expression of ArgⅡ is increased in DN,which may be participated in the occurrence of inflammatory lesions in DN.

To investigate the transcriptionally regulatory mechanism of the senp8 promoter in yellow cat-fish(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco);this study used P.fulvidraco as the research subject.Dual-luciferase re-porter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to analyze the functional activity of the promoter;coupled with in vivo experiments.The results indicated that the 2 045 bp senp8 promoter se-quence contained key transcription factor binding sites such as SP1;TATA-Box;CCAAT-Box;SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ.The binding sites of SREBP1(-901/-910 bp);PPARα(-1 291/-1 308 bp);and PPARγ(-1 292/-1 306 bp)in the senp8 promoter positively regulate its activity;and oleic acid or palmitic acid promote this binding.Furthermore;high-fat feeding promoted the expression of the senp8 gene and its protein in the liver of P.fulvidraco;oleic acid or palmitic acid treatment significantly en-hanced the activity of the senp8 promoter;and this enhancement could be achieved through the regulatory effects of SREBP1;PPARα;and PPARγ response elements.Additionally;high-fat feeding influenced the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes related to deSUMOylation modification in the liver of P.fulvidraco.This study provides new insights into the relationship between deSUMOylation modification and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the vertebrates.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of laparoscopic partial splenectomy and devascularization (LPSPD), open partial splenectomy and devascularization (OPSPD), laparoscopic total splenectomy and devascularization (LTSPD), and open total splenectomy and devascularization (OTSPD) in the treatment of portal hypertension.Methods:Clinical data of 128 patients with portal hypertension admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and the General Surgery Department of the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from May 2018 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 69 males and 59 females, aged 51.0±10.9 years. According to different surgical methods, patients were divided into four groups, namely the LPSPD group ( n=30), the OPSPD group ( n=32), the LTSPD group ( n=31), and the OTSPD group ( n=35). Operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, postoperative complications such as newly occurred PVT, etc of the four groups of patients were compared. Results:The operation times of the LPSPD, OPSPD, LTSPD and OTSPD group were 240.0 (180.0, 399.0), 209.5 (169.0, 259.0), 207.0 (175.3, 297.5) and 200.0 (162.0, 264.0) minutes, respectively. The postoperative hospital stays were 8.0 (7.0, 12.0), 10.0 (8.3, 11.8), 11.0 (9.0, 13.0) and 13.0 (11.0, 15.0) days, respectively. The incidences of newly occurred PVT after surgery were 3.3% (1/30), 3.1% (1/32), 19.4% (6/31), and 20.0% (7/35), respectively. The above indicators were compared among the four groups respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The postoperative hospital stay of the LPSPD group was shorter than that of the LTSPD group [8.0 (7.0, 12.0) vs 11.0 (9.0, 13.0), d, Z=-3.93], and the postoperative hospital stay of the OPSPD group was also shorter than that of the OTSPD group [10.0 (8.3, 11.8) vs 13.0 (11.0, 15.0), d, Z=-3.56; all P<0.001]. The incidence of newly occurred PVT after surgery in the partial splenectomy group (LPSPD and OPSPD) was 3.2% (2/62), which was lower than that in the total splenectomy group [LTSPD and OTSPD, 19.7% (13/66), χ2=8.38, P=0.004]. Conclusion:Compared to total splenectomy, partial splenectomy might be favorable for the shortened postoperative hospital stay and lower incidence of newly occurred portal vein thrombosis.

Objective:To analyze the impact of different intrauterine intervention methods and types of complications on fetal prognosis in cases of giant placental chorioangioma (CA), and determine the indications for various treatment methods by analyzing cases of adverse outcomes.Methods:Relevant articles were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and Yiigle using the keywords "placental chorioangioma" and "fetal edema" or "anemia" or "cardiomegaly" or "polyhydramnios," and from PubMed, Embase, and UpToDate databases using the keywords "placental chorionic angioma or chorioangioma" and "fetal edema" or "anemia" or "polyhydramnios" or "hyperdynamic circulation" up to June 30th 2023. The size of the angiomas, fetal complications, intrauterine intervention methods, gestational weeks at intervention, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. Fetal and neonatal deaths were defined as adverse outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample t-test, rank-sum test, or Chi-square test (continuity correction Chi-square test or Pearson Chi-square test). Results:(1) A total of 582 articles were retrieved, and 51 articles were finally included, comprising 65 cases. Based on the intrauterine intervention methods, these cases were divided into the symptomatic treatment group (17 cases) and the etiological treatment group (48 cases). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the maximum diameter of the angiomas, the gestational weeks at intervention, or the gestational weeks at delivery. (2) The incidence of adverse outcomes was 3/17 in the symptomatic treatment group and 27.1% (13/48) in the etiological treatment group, with no statistically significant difference. In the etiological treatment group, the incidence of adverse outcomes in cases with fetal edema was 45.4% (10/22), which was significantly higher than the 11.5% (3/26) in cases without fetal edema, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=6.94, P=0.008). (3) An analysis of 13 cases with adverse outcomes revealed that nine cases had highly vascularized chorioangiomas and/or blood supply vessels located close to the umbilical cord insertion point on the placenta, and nine were complicated by fetal edema. The incidence of adverse outcomes for fetoscopic laser coagulation/bipolar coagulation, radiofrequency or microwave ablation, bioglue embolization, anhydrous alcohol ablation, and microcoil embolization were 4/19, 3/4, 1/8, 2/9, and 3/6, respectively. Conclusions:Intrauterine treatment of CA should be individualized. Bioglue embolization may be the first-line treatment; Fetoscopic laser coagulation can be applied to cases where the blood supply vessels are small and superficial;Interstitial laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation can be used for branch-type CA when the main blood supply vessels are located within the hemangioma; Anhydrous alcohol ablation is contraindicated due to its risk of fetal circulation entry; Microcoil embolization has the risk of incomplete occlusion, which should be used with caution.

Objective To investigate the learning curve of real-life vaginal delivery,including its difficult steps and influencing factors,to optimize the future training of vaginal delivery for residents in department of obstetrics and gynecology.Methods From 25 Sep 2020 to 12 Mar 2022,OBGYN residents without previous experiences in vaginal delivery were prospectively enrolled in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University.Residents performed normal vaginal delivery under the supervision of senior obstetricians and midwives.The performance score(PS)of vaginal delivery and its 9 steps were evaluated via a questionnaire fulfilled by the supervisor once each delivery was finished.Logistic regression models were performed for univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the factors that might be correlated with the PS.Results Eventually,233 deliveries performed by 60 residents were analyzed.Results showed that more than 10 deliveries were needed for 70%of residents to obtain minimal competence of vaginal delivery.Perineal protection,delivery of the fetal head,delivery of the fetal shoulders and repair of episiotomy or laceration were found to be the most difficult steps,which required more practices to achieve minimal competence level.Univariate analyses showed the delivery experience,the times of observation/simulation/training,and humanistic care skills might influence the total PS(P<0.05).However,only delivery experience(OR=1.43,95%CI:1.22-1.67)and the times of observation(OR=1.02,95%CI:1.00-1.04)were found to be independently correlated with the total PS in multivariate analyses.Conclusion More than 10 real-life practices were required to achieve the minimal competence of normal vaginal delivery.Enhancing the training on the four difficult steps of vaginal delivery might improve the learning efficiency when delivery opportunities are limited.