This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of total flavonoids of hawthorn leaves(TFHL)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory injury in rat intestinal epithelial(IEC-6)cells,as well as the underlying mechanisms.An in vitro inflam-mation model was first established by treating IEC-6 cells with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).IEC-6 cells were then incubated with three concentrations of TFHL for 24 h prior to a further 24 h LPS treatment.RT-qPCR was used to quantify mRNA levels of the inflammatory genes COX-2 and iN-OS,while Western blotting was used to assess protein levels of the apoptotic markers Bax,cleaved Caspase-3,Bcl-2,and the JNK/p-JNK signaling pathway.Finally,cells were pretreated with TFHL and/or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 for 24 h before LPS exposure for 24 h,in order to evaluate the combined effects of TFHL and SP600125 on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine expression and apoptotic protein levels in IEC-6 cells.The results showed that,compared with the LPS group,the mRNA level of COX-2 and iNOS in the 2.5,5.0,10.0 mg/L TFHL group and the Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly higher(P＜0.01),p-JNK protein level and p-JNK/JNK ratio decreased significantly(P＜0.01);compared with the LPS group,the COX-2 and iNOS mRNA levels of the TFHL+LPS group de-creased significantly(P＜0.01),Bax,and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and the level of Bcl-2 protein increased significantly(P＜0.05);compared with the LPS group,the COX-2 and iNOS mRNA levels of the TFHL+SP600125 group decreased significantly(P＜0.01),Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and Bcl-2 protein level increased significantly(P＜0.01).These findings indicate that TFHL exerts anti-inflammato-ry and anti-apoptotic effects in LPS-challenged IEC-6 cells by inhibiting the JNK signaling path-way.

This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of total flavonoids of hawthorn leaves(TFHL)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory injury in rat intestinal epithelial(IEC-6)cells,as well as the underlying mechanisms.An in vitro inflam-mation model was first established by treating IEC-6 cells with lipopolysaccharide(LPS).IEC-6 cells were then incubated with three concentrations of TFHL for 24 h prior to a further 24 h LPS treatment.RT-qPCR was used to quantify mRNA levels of the inflammatory genes COX-2 and iN-OS,while Western blotting was used to assess protein levels of the apoptotic markers Bax,cleaved Caspase-3,Bcl-2,and the JNK/p-JNK signaling pathway.Finally,cells were pretreated with TFHL and/or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 for 24 h before LPS exposure for 24 h,in order to evaluate the combined effects of TFHL and SP600125 on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine expression and apoptotic protein levels in IEC-6 cells.The results showed that,compared with the LPS group,the mRNA level of COX-2 and iNOS in the 2.5,5.0,10.0 mg/L TFHL group and the Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly higher(P＜0.01),p-JNK protein level and p-JNK/JNK ratio decreased significantly(P＜0.01);compared with the LPS group,the COX-2 and iNOS mRNA levels of the TFHL+LPS group de-creased significantly(P＜0.01),Bax,and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and the level of Bcl-2 protein increased significantly(P＜0.05);compared with the LPS group,the COX-2 and iNOS mRNA levels of the TFHL+SP600125 group decreased significantly(P＜0.01),Bax and Caspase-3 protein levels decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and Bcl-2 protein level increased significantly(P＜0.01).These findings indicate that TFHL exerts anti-inflammato-ry and anti-apoptotic effects in LPS-challenged IEC-6 cells by inhibiting the JNK signaling path-way.

Objective:To explore the prevalence, clinical features, genetic characteristics and prognosis of Citrin deficiency in Henan province of China.Methods:A total of 986 565 neonates screened by tandem mass spectrometry at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Analysis of SLC25A13 gene variants and parental verification were carried out for neonates suspected for Citrin deficiency by next-generation sequencing. The clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics of Citrin deficiency patients were integrated to guide the diet treatment and follow up the growth and development. Paired- t test was used to compare the amino acid levels in the peripheral blood samples before and after the treatment. Results:Nine cases of Citrin deficiency were diagnosed among the 986 565 neonates. Specific elevation of citrulline was observed in all of the 9 cases. Six variants were detected by genetic sequencing, among which c. 852_855delTATG, c. 615+ 5G>A, c. 550C>T and IVS16ins3kb were known pathogenic variants, whilst c. 1111_1112delAT and c. 837T>A were unreported previously. The detection rate for c. 852_855delTATG was the highest (61.6%, 11/18), followed by IVS16ins3kb (16.7%, 3/18). The clinical symptoms of all patients were relieved after the treatment, and the blood amino acid profile and biochemical parameters were significantly improved by gradually falling within the normal range. By June 2022, all patients had shown a good prognosis.Conclusion:The prevalence of Citrin deficiency among neonates from Henan Province by tandem mass spectrometry is 1/109 618, and the carrier rate for the pathogenic variants of the SLC25A13 gene was 1/166. The c. 852_855delTATG may be a hot spot variant among the patients. Discovery of the novel variants has enriched the mutational spectrum of the SLC25A13 gene. Above results have provided a basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and genetic counseling for the affected families.

Objective:To explore the prognostic value of lymphocyte subsets in adult hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS).Methods:A total of 172 adult HPS patients diagnosed in 8 medical centers from January 2013 to August 2020 were selected for the study, of whom 87 were male (50.6%, 87/172), and 85 were female (49.4%, 85/172), with 68 survivors and 104 deaths. The clinical data were summarized, and variables such as lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin characteristics and fibrinogen were retrospectively analyzed, and the correlation between the mentioned variables and patient prognosis was analyzed. The optimal cut-off values of continuous variables were calculated by MaxStat, and the prognostic factors of HPS patients were screened based on the Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The median age of HPS patients was 56 (42, 66) years old, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 37.4% (37.4/100). The median age, platelet and albumin were 48 (27, 63) years, 84×10 9/L and 32.3 g/L in the survival group, and 59 years, 45.5×10 9/L, and 27.3 g/L in the death group, respectively. The differences between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=?3.368, P=0.001; Z=?3.156, P=0.002; Z=?3.431, P=0.001). Patients with differentiated cluster 8+(CD8+)<11.1%, CD3+<64.9%, CD4+>51%, and CD4/CD8 ratio>2.18 had poor prognosis (χ 2=7.498, P=0.023; χ 2=4.169, P=0.041; χ 2=4.316, P=0.038; χ 2=9.372, P=0.002). Multivariable analysis showed that CD4/CD8 ratio, age, fibrinogen and hemoglobin were independent prognostic factors in HPS patients ( HR=2.435, P=0.027; HR=5.790, P<0.001; HR=0.432, P=0.018; HR=0.427, P=0.018). Conclusion:Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HPS; CD4/CD8 ratio, age, fibrinogen, and hemoglobin are independent prognostic factors in HPS patients.

Objective:To explore the prognostic influencing factors of adult lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) based on multicenter data.Methods:The clinical data of 86 LAHS patients diagnosed in 9 medical centers of Huaihai Lymphoma Working Group from January 2015 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off value of continuous variables was obtained based on MaxStat algorithm. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and log-rank test was performed.Results:Among the 86 adult LAHS patients, 50 (58.1%) were males and 36 (41.9%) were females, the median age of the patients was 57 years old (19-76 years old), and the median overall survival (OS) time was 1.67 months (95% CI 0.09- 3.24 months). The most common pathologic type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (58 cases, 67.44%). Based on MaxStat algorithm, the optimal cut-off values of age, albumin, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen and platelet count were 64 years old, 30.1 g/L, 67 μmol/L, 1 045 U/L, 4.58 g/L and 72×10 9/L, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patient's age, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin and fibrinogen levels were independent influencing factors for OS (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:LAHS is dangerous and progresses quickly. Patients with age ≥ 64 years old, lactate dehydrogenase ≥ 1 045 U/L, fibrinogen ≥ 4.58 g/L and albumin < 30.1 g/L have poor survival.

Co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and immunostimulant or chemoimmunotherapy is an emerging strategy in cancer therapy. The precise control of the targeting and release of agents is critical in this methodology. This article proposes the asynchronous release of the chemotherapeutic agents and immunostimulants to realize the synergistic effect between chemotherapy and immunotherapy. To obtain a proof-of-concept, a co-delivery system was prepared

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and benefit of influenza vaccination among school-age children in Xining, Qinghai. Methods A total of 215 children were randomly recruited as the vaccination group and vaccinated with trivalent split influenza vaccine. At the same time, 215 healthy children (no known diseases and past history reported, and no vaccinations) who underwent physical examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The basic demographic information was investigated and a 1-year follow-up was carried out. Results The demographic characteristics of children in the vaccinated group and the control group were not significantly different (P>0.05), and were comparable between the two groups. After four follow-up visits within one year for the enrolled children, the overall incidence of influenza-like illness in children in the vaccinated group and the control group was 7.4% (16/215) and 16.7% (36/215), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=8.75, P<0.05). The protection rate was 55.7%, and the protection index was 2.26. The common cold incidence rates in the two groups were 16.7% (36/215) and 25.6% (55/215), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=5.03, P<0.05). The protection rate was 35.0%, and the protection index was 1.54. The incidence of other respiratory diseases was 1.8% (4/215) and 3.8% (8/215), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ²=1.37, P>0.05). The protection rate was 52.6%, and the protection index was 2.11. The proportions of irrational use of antibiotics were 6.0% (13/215) and 20.9% (45/215), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=20.41, P<0.05). The protection rate was 71.3%, and the protection index was 3.48. The per capita income from vaccination was 667.9 yuan, and the benefit-cost ratio was 9.97:1. Conclusion Influenza vaccination for school-age children can effectively prevent the incidence of influenza-like diseases and the common cold, and the vaccination is cost-effective.

Objective:Factors influencing the prognosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults were analyzed based on multicentric data.Methods:Clinical data of 124 adult patients with HLH diagnosed in eight medical centers in the Huaihai Lymphoma Working Group from March 2014 to July 2020 were collected. The optimal truncation value of continuous variables was obtained based on the Maxstat algorithm, X-Tile software, and restricted cubic spline. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to construct the adult HLH risk prediction model, and the visualization of the model was realized through the histogram. The bootstrap resampling method was used to verify the model, C-index and calibration curve was used to verify the histogram, and the prediction accuracy was checked. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival rate and draw the survival curve. Furthermore, the differences between groups were tested by log-rank.Results:The median age of the 124 patients was 55 (18-84) years, including 61 (49.19%) males. The most common etiology was infection. Serum ferritin increased in 110 cases (88.71%) , hepatosplenomegaly in 57 cases (45.97%) . Of the 124 patients, 77 (62.10%) died, and the median survival time of the patients was 7.07 months. Univariate results showed that the prognosis of adult HLH was influenced by sex, age, fibrinogen, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and albumin ( P<0.05) . The results of multivariate analysis showed that gender, platelet, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and treatment regimens were independent influencing factors for prognosis. Based on the above five risk factors, the prediction model of the histogram was established, and the C-index of the model was 0.739. Finally, the calibration chart showed good consistency between the observed and predicted values of HLH. Conclusion:The prognosis of the adult hemophagocytic syndrome is influenced by many factors. Gender, platelet, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and treatment regimens are independent risk factors. Therefore, the established histogram provides a visual tool for clinicians to evaluate the prognosis of adult HLH.

ObjectiveTo analyze the characters of POEMS syndrome, raise physician awareness of diagnosis and therapy,and explore the optimal treatment strategies.MethodsThe clinical features,laboratory examination and therapy of 24 patients with POEMS syndrome were analyzed,and relative literatures were reviewed. ResultsA strong predominance of male over female was found, 18 vs 6. All patients were over 40 years old,with a mean age 56.5 years old,indicating a common adult involvement.All presented with polyneuropathy,which was also the most common complaints when admitted,which reminded neurologists of underlying possibility of a rare plasma cell disorder.Organomegaly was found,including 19 cases with hepatomegaly,17 patients with splenomegaly.Endocrinal abnormalities were also found in 15 cases.18 patients were M protein positive. Skin pigmentation was recognized in 21 cases. Melphalan in combination with prednisone was applied and 100 ％ response was observed. One of the patients received peripheral blood stem cell transplantation(PBSCT)2 years ago and a durable response was observed with a continuous complete remission of polyneuropathy and the absence of M protein following 2 years post PBSCT.ConclusionPOEMS syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder, the combination of symptoms and signs is highly complex,which is easy to misdiagnose or missed diagnose.A polyneuropathy with either organomegaly,endocrinal abnormalities, skin disorder or serositis is required a further investigation of clonal M protein and bone marrow.Melphalan and prednisone probable are the optimal regimens.PBSCT provides a new choice for therapy and research of POEMS syndrome.