ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of a local dengue fever cluster outbreak in Qingpu District of Shanghai in 2024, and to provide a reference for subsequent dengue fever prevention and control. MethodsSeven confirmed local dengue fever cases reported through the National Notifiable Infectious Diseases Surveillance System in Qingpu District of Shanghai in 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to conduct investigation and analysis from the aspects of onset, medical treatment and reporting, clinical symptoms, travel and contact history within 15 days before onset, and activity trajectories. ResultsA total of 7 cases were identified in this outbreak. None of the cases had a travel history to dengue-endemic areas within 15 days prior to onset, while all had shared exposure environments and mosquito bite histories, indicating a local clustered transmission pattern. The main clinical manifestations included fever (100.00%) and myalgia (42.86%). All 7 cases were positive for dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) by nucleic acid testing. Genetic sequencing showed that the virus strains belonged to the Cosmopolitan genotype and were most closely related to the epidemic DENV strains circulating in southern China in recent years. ConclusionThis outbreak might be a local secondary infection caused by the short-term stay of dengue fever-infected individuals, and the possible source of importation was dengue fever endemic areas in southern China.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Lulongzaisheng decoction on ferroptosis in aplastic anemia (AA) model mice and its potential mechanism of action on AA.Methods:Using female BALB/c mice as controls (control group), a mouse model of AA was established by intraperitoneal injection of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) combined with oral gavage of busulfan. The AA group was treated with continuous oral gavage of Lulongzaisheng decoction for 10 days. The effects on the Jak2/Stat3/Acsl4 signaling pathway were assessed. Bone marrow biopsy and histopathological examination were performed to observe the degree of AA in each group of mice. Flow cytometry was used to detect the production of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bone marrow cells. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the expression of 4-HNE in the sternum. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein expression levels of Jak2, p-Jak2, Stat3, p-Stat3, and Acsl4. ELISA was used to measure the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the peripheral blood plasma.Results:Compared with the control group, mice in the AA group exhibited a reduction in hematopoietic tissues within the bone marrow cavity and significant fatty infiltration. In contrast, mice in the AA+Lulongzaisheng decoction group showed partial recovery of the bone marrow and a decrease in fatty infiltration. The lipid ROS proportions in the control, AA, and AA+Lulongzaisheng decoction groups were (47.01±3.07) %, (53.81±1.99) %, and (49.50±3.98) %, respectively ( P<0.05), indicating that the AA + Lulongzaisheng decoction group had a slightly lower accumulation of lipid ROS than the AA group. The expression areas of 4-HNE in the bone marrow cavity for the control, AA, and AA+Lulongzaisheng decoction groups were (6.34±1.07) %, (35.26±3.68) %, and (16.97±1.30) %, respectively ( P<0.05), demonstrating a significant reduction in 4-HNE accumulation in the bone marrow in the AA + Lulongzaisheng decoction group compared with that in the AA group. Compared with the control group, the AA group exhibited upregulated expression of the ferroptosis-related protein Acsl4, along with increased expression of p-Stat3 and p-Jak2. In the AA+ Lulongzaisheng decoction group, the expression of Acsl4 was downregulated, whereas those of p-Stat3 and p-Jak2 were inhibited ( P<0.05). The levels of IL-6 in the peripheral blood plasma were (65.60±6.01), (166.50±3.32), and (119.37±4.29) pg/ml in the control, AA, and AA+Lulongzaisheng decoction groups, respectively ( P<0.05). Compared with the AA group, the AA + Lulongzaisheng decoction group exhibited a significant decrease in IL-6 levels. Conclusion:This study shows that Lulongzaisheng decoction has a significant therapeutic effect on AA model mice by regulating the Jak2/Stat3/Acsl4 pathway. The mechanism of action of this traditional Chinese medicine involves inhibiting the Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathway and regulating the expression of Acsl4, thereby improving hematopoietic function in AA model mice. These findings provide new drug targets and treatment strategies for the treatment of AA.

Objective:To investigate the prenatal echocardiographic features of fetuses diagnosed with Ebstein anomaly (EA), identify prognostic factors affect the fetal and neonatal mortality, and evaluate the clinical value of the Simpson Andrews Sharland prognostic score (SAS prognostic score).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 37 fetuses diagnosed with EA via prenatal and postnatal echocardiography at Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from June 2012 to June 2024. The echocardiographic features of EA patients were summarized. According to the patients′ survival statuses during the fetal and neonatal periods, they were divided into survival group and death group for a comparative analysis of key echocardiographic parameters, as well as SAS prognostic score. Also, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the predictive abilities of various indicators. Finally, based on the medium-and long-term prognostic outcomes of EA cases, the predictive value of the SAS system was evaluated. The t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher exact test were used for group comparison. Results:Regarding the 37 EA cases, the gestational age at the initial diagnosis was (29±4) weeks. All of EA fetuses exhibited echocardiographic characterized by tricuspid regurgitation (TR) originating below the native tricuspid annulus with the severity varied, accompanied by manifestations such as right atrial enlargement. Of all cases, 5 cases (14%) died prenatally, and 32 cases (86%) were born alive. Postnatally, 4 cases died preoperatively, 1 case died postoperatively, and 27 cases survived. Compared with the survival group, the death group had a significantly higher average SAS prognostic score (6.9±1.1 vs. 2.0±1.5, t=9.17, P<0.001), right atrium (RA) to left atrium (LA) transverse diameter ratio (2.0±0.5 vs. 1.3±0.2, t=4.87, P=0.001) and TR area to RA area ratio (0.8±0.2 vs. 0.4±0.2, t=5.27, P<0.001). According to the ROC analysis, the optimal predictive value indicators are RA to LA transverse diameter ratio (AUC=0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.00) and the TR area-to-RA area ratio (AUC=0.93, 95% CI 0.85-1.00); the optimal cut-point values were 1.5 and 0.5, respectively. Of 32 born alive cases, 21 cases (66%) didn′t undergo surgery, 2 cases (6%) underwent bidirectional Glenn surgery, and one case (3%) underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty. All 17 cases with SAS score≤2 survived, while all 9 cases with SAS score≥6 died. Among the 11 cases with a score from 3 to 5, 8 cases achieved a biventricular outcome. Conclusions:The typical echocardiographic feature of EA fetuses is that the originating point of TR is below the native tricuspid annulus and the severity can vary. The SAS score is essential for tiered prognosis. When the SAS is 3-5, dynamic monitoring for TR and RA enlargement should be employed to help guide prenatal intervention and reduce fetal and neonatal mortality.

Hydropic ear disease is an otological disease caused by hydrops in the labyrinth of the inner ear membrane. According to the medical history and imaging classification system, it is mainly divided into two types: primary hydropic ear disease and secondary hydropic ear disease. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the anatomical localization of hydrops. Cochlear endolymphatic hydrops can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. Vestibular endolymphatic hydrops can cause dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and gait instability. A number of studies on magnetic resonance imaging of hydropic ear disease have been carried out globally and relevant results have been obtained. This article reviews the research advances of magnetic resonance imaging of hydropic ear disease.
Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Endolymphatic Hydrops/diagnosis* ; Ear, Inner/pathology*

Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with ^99mTc, ⁶⁸Ga, and ¹⁸F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune condition distinguished by a multifaceted etiology that encompasses both genetic and environmental factors. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms behind RA pathogenesis has delved into the critical role of epigenetic regulatory processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings provide new insights into the intricate nature of RA and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates the latest developments in the epigenetic regulation of RA, concentrating on how these mechanisms affect the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with the disease. We analyze the roles of specific proteins that function as 'writers', 'erasers', and 'readers' in epigenetic modifications, highlighting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, in view of the significance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA, we deliberate on their involvement in disease progression and explore miRNA-based treatment strategies. By integrating these diverse epigenetic dimensions, this review offers a comprehensive epigenetic perspective on RA pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

The incidence rate of thyroid cancer has been rising in recent years. How to accurately distinguish malignant and benign thyroid nodules before surgery has become an important research direction. Ultrasound, as a non-invasive and fast examination method, has been widely used in clinical practice. Some typical ultrasound features, such as calcification, unclear boundaries, multiple lesions, low echo, and aspect ratio>1, can indicate the occurrence of thyroid cancer before surgery. Further analysis of these ultrasound features is still a focus of current research. This article will review the expression and distribution of calcification, a typical ultrasound feature, in benign and malignant thyroid nodules, in order to provide a basis for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules based on the characteristics of calcification under preoperative ultrasound.

Objective To investigate the application effect of postural gravity traction combined with floss and titanium clip pulley external traction in endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for early intestinal lesions.Methods A total of 100 patients with early colorectal lesions admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2022 to September 2024 were selected as the research subjects and divided in-to the observation group and the control group,with 50 cases in each group.The control group underwent con-ventional intestinal ESD treatment,while the observation group used positional gravity traction combined with dental floss and titanium clips to form pulley external traction in ESD treatment.Clinical data including opera-tion time,number of submucosal injections,intraoperative blood loss,lesion resection effect,complication inci-dence,and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.Results The total operation time in the ob-servation group was shorter than that in the control group,and the total number of submucosal injections was less than that in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There were no signifi-cant differences in intraoperative blood loss,complete resection rate,complication incidence,en bloc resection rate,and hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05).For lesions≤1 cm or>5 cm in size,there were no significant differences in operation time,complete resection rate and en bloc resection rate between the two groups(P>0.05).For lesions>1-3 cm or>3-5 cm in size and laterally spreading lesions,significant differences were observed in operation time,number of submucosal injections,complete resection rate,and en bloc resection rate between the two groups(P<0.05).For pedunculated polyps,there were no significant differences in the number of submucosal injections,complete resection rate and en bloc resection rate between the two groups(P>0.05),but the operation time differed significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion Postural gravity traction combined with dental floss and titanium clip to form pulley external traction is simple to oper-ate in ESD for early intestinal lesions.It can maintain a clear field of view,shorten operation time,reduce the incidence of complications,and is safe and effective.

Objective To observe the expressions of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptor 1(NOD1)and its mediated RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins and autophagy-related proteins in cerebral cortex of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI);To explore the possible mechanism of eye acupuncture alleviating CIRI.Methods SPF-grade male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group(12 rats),sham-operation group(12 rats)and modeling group(36 rats).A CIRI model was established by improved suture method.The rats in the modeling group were randomly divided into the model group,eyeacupuncture group,outside the acupoint area group,with 12 rats in each group.Neurological deficits in rats were evaluated by Longa score,TTC staining was used to observe the cerebral infarction,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of ischemic brain tissue,electron microscopy was used to observe the formation of autophagosome in ischemic brain tissue,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of NOD1,receptor interacting protein 2(RIP2),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)p65 in ischemic cerebral cortex,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of NOD1,RIP2,NF-κB p65 and autophagy related proteins in ischemic cerebral cortex.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the neurological deficit score of rats in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),the infarct volume significantly increased(P<0.01),the typical cribriform infarct foci and multiple autophagosomes appeared in the ischemic brain tissue,the mRNA expressions of NOD1,RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in ischemic cerebral cortex significantly increased(P<0.01),the protein expressions of NOD1,RIP2,p-NF-κB p65,Beclin1,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and ATG5 significantly increased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of p62 significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the neurological deficit score in eye acupuncture group significantly decreased(P<0.01),the cerebral infarction volume significantly decreased(P<0.01),the area of cribriform reticular infarct and the number of autophagosomes in ischemic brain tissue significantly decreased,the mRNA expressions of NOD1,RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in ischemic cerebral cortex significantly decreased(P<0.01),the protein expressions of NOD1,RIP2,p-NF-κB p65,Beclin1,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and ATG5 significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the protein expression of p62 significantly increased(P<0.01).There was no statistical significance compared with outside the acupoint area group.Conclusion Eye acupuncture can attenuat the injury of neurons in CIRI rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by NOD1,thereby reducing autophagy of neurons.

Objective:Postoperative neurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) has been frequently reported, but fewer studies have focused on the contemporaneous comparison of clinical features of PNBM caused by different pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to simultaneously investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PNBM by Gram-positive bacterial(GPB) or Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) infection.Methods:Inpatients with PNBM at our institution were recruited between February 2013 and October 2023. These PNBM patients were categorized into two groups: GPB infection and GNB infection. Data from electronic medical records were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 401 patients with PNBM were finally included, with 78 (19.5%) having GPB infections and 323 (80.5%)having GNB infection. The average age of the patients was 56 years, and 55.1% were male. Compared to the GPB group, PNBM patients with GNB infection had significantly higher SOFA and APACHE Ⅱ scores, higher proportions of hyperthermia (body temperature>39°C) and altered consciousness, increased ratios of postoperative cerebral hemorrhage or intracranial aneurysm, as well as greater needs for ICU treatment and mechanical ventilation (all P <0.05). The proportions of inflammatory indicators such as blood CRP and PCT≥2 ng/mL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were significantly higher in the GNB group (all P<0.05). In contrast, The concentrations of hemoglobin and albumin were substantially lower in this group(both P <0.05). Additionally, the cerebrospinal fluid in the GNB group showed significantly higher nucleated cell counts, protein concentration, and adenosine deaminase concentration, and but lower glucose level (all P <0.001). A total of 426 bacterial strains were isolated, with 343 strains (80.5%) being GNB and 83 strains (19.5%) being GPB. Among these, 25 (6.2%) patients had 2 or more gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial infections. The proportions of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and intrathecal treatment were higher in the GNB group (80.5% vs. 68.7%, 36.5% vs. 2.6%, respectively), while the ratio of correct empirical antibiotic treatment was significantly lower (30.3% vs. 80.0%) (all P <0.05). In terms of outcomes, the length of stay in the ICU was significantly longer in the GNB group [(median (interquartile range, IQR): 11.5 (5.25,22.75) vs. 17.0 (9.0,30.0), P <0.01)], and the rate of septic shock (9.3% vs. 2.6%), poor prognosis (GCS≤8 at discharge) (65.9% vs. 32.1%), and 28-day hospital mortality rate (34.4% vs. 10.3%) were significantly higher compared to the GPB group (all P <0.05). However, there were no differences in 7-day hospital mortality and total hospitalization time. Conclusions:Gram-negative bacterial infections are more prevalent than Gram-positive bacterial infections in PNBM, and they are also associated with more severe symptoms, abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings, higher severity, and more treatment difficulty. Despite comparable short-term (7-day) mortality rates between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections, Gram-negative bacterial infections result in higher medium- to long-term (14-day and 28-day) case-fatality rates among patients with post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis and are associated with overall poorer prognosis, warranting greater attention from clinicians.