[Objective] To investigate the infection status and characteristics of HEV among voluntary blood donors in Ningbo, and to provide a basis for improving the blood screening strategy. [Methods] A total of 12 227 blood samples from voluntary blood donors in Ningbo from June 2022 to May 2023 were tested for HEV serology, enzymology, and nucleic acid testing. Furthermore, HEV gene sequencing was performed for genotyping analysis, and donors with reactive nucleic acid testing results were followed up to confirm their infection status. [Results] The reactivity rate of HEV Ag, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG was 0.098%, 0.899% and 29.198%, respectively. There was no difference in the reactivity of anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG between genders, donation frequencies and donation types (P>0.05). The reactivity rate increased significantly with age (P<0.05). The rate of ALT disqualification (ALT>50U/L) was significantly higher than that in non-reactive samples (P<0.05). The HEV Ag reactivity rate (0.098%) was not correlated with gender, donation frequency, donation type or age. One HEV RNA positive case was found, with a positive rate of 0.008%(1/12 227). It was confirmed to be hepatitis E virus genotype 3 by sequencing analysis. Apart from HEV Ag reactivity, all other blood safety screening items were non-reactive, suggesting this case might be in the acute infection phase. The follow-up results showed that all indicators of the donor's previous blood donation were non-reactive. [Conclusion] Pre-donation ALT detection can reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) to a certain extent, and the effective way to prevent TT-HEV is to detect HEV RNA and serology of donor blood.

Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; RNA Interference ; Testis/metabolism* ; Methylation ; Mice, Knockout ; Histone Demethylases

An 11-year-old boy presented with erythematous plaques over the bilateral mandibular and mental regions for 2 years, accompanied by cough and dyspnea for more than 2 months. Chest computed tomography angiography revealed marked stenosis of the right pulmonary artery, irregular aortic caliber, and aortic wall thickening. Histopathological examination of the skin lesion, including immunohistochemistry and special stains, confirmed a chronic suppurative inflammation. Whole-exome sequencing was negative. A final diagnosis of granuloma faciale and Takayasu arteritis was established. Combination therapy with systemic tocilizumab, prednisone, and methotrexate, along with topical 0.1% tacrolimus ointment, resulted in a favorable clinical response. This report summarizes the clinical features of a pediatric case of granuloma faciale and Takayasu arteritis and reviews the etiology, diagnostic approach, and current treatment strategies for the disorders, aiming to enhance clinicians' understanding of these conditions.
Humans ; Male ; Child ; Takayasu Arteritis/diagnosis* ; Facial Dermatoses/diagnosis*

Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Cell Line ; bcl-X Protein/metabolism* ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Rats ; Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of adult AML patients with NUP98::HOXA9 fusion gene. METHODS: From May 2017 to October 2023， among 2 113 AML patients who visited the Hematology Department of our hospital, patients with NUP98 rearrangements were screened. The clinical characteristics, chromosome karyotypes, immunophenotypes, gene mutations, treatment efficacy and prognosis of the patients with NUP98::HOXA9 positive were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 2 113 AML patients, there were 18 cases with NUP98 rearrangement, including 14 NUP98::HOXA9 positive cases, with a detection rate of 0.66% (14/2 113). The median age of the NUP98::HOXA9 positive patients was 42.5 (23-64) years old. The most common chromosome karyotype was t(7; 11)(p15; p15). The immunophenotypes of all patients expressed CD13, CD33, CD117 and CD38, and most patients expressed CD34 and cMPO, while only a few expressed HLA-DR. Second-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to detect genetic mutations associated with leukemia in all 14 patients, and the genes exhibiting a high frequency of mutation were WT1 (10/14), TET2 (7/14), and FLT3-ITD (6/14). Additionally, mutations were also observed in KRAS/NRAS, IDH1, and KIT. Of the 13 patients who received treatment, 9 achieved complete remission (CR), and all 3 patients who received azacytidine(AZA)+ venetoclax (VEN) regimen achieved CR after the first course of treatment. Within this cohort, 6 patients were classified as relapsed/refractory (6/13). 4 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), of which two achieved long-term survival. The median follow-up time was 12 (2.1-65.0) months, while the median overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were recorded as 11.4 months and 9.6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION The most common type of NUP98 rearrangement in adults AML patients is NUP98::HOXA9 , which is often accompanied by somatic mutations in WT1, TET2, and FLT3-ITD. These patients are prone to relapse, have short survival time, and generally face poor prognoses. Hopefully, utilization of the AZA+VEN regimen is anticipated to enhance the rate of induced remission in the patients, and some patients may prolong their survival through allo-HSCT. However, more effective treatment methods are still needed to improve the overall prognosis of these patients.
Humans ; Adult ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics* ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics* ; Mutation ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Homeodomain Proteins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic causal relationship of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) with prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: Using LTL as the exposure factor and prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis as outcome factors, we mined the Database of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Then, we analyzed the causal relationship of LTL with prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis by Mendelian randomization using inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the main method and weighted median and MR-Egger regression as auxiliary methods, determined the horizontal multiplicity by MR-Egger intercept test, and conducted sensitivity analysis using the leaving-one-out method. RESULTS: A total of 121 related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in this study. IVW showed LTL to be a risk factor for prostatitis (OR = 1.383, 95% CI: 1.044－1.832, P = 0.024), and for orchitis and epididymitis as well (OR = 1.770, 95% CI: 1.275－2.456, P = 0.000 6). CONCLUSION Genetic evidence from Mendelian randomized analysis indicates that shortening of LTL reduces the risk of prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis.
Humans ; Male ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Epididymitis/genetics* ; Prostatitis/genetics* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Leukocytes ; Orchitis/genetics* ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Telomere ; Risk Factors

Compared with total knee arthroplasty, unicondylar knee replacement has the advantage of preserving the knee tissue structure and motor function to the greatest extent. Pre-clinical in-vitro test is an important tool to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of unicondylar knee prostheses, and it is also a key focus of the product registration process. Through collection, comparison, and analysis of current regulations, technical standards, guidelines, and related research literature, this paper expounds on the relevant research methods for the pre-clinical in-vitrotesting of unicondylar knee prostheses. At the same time, in conjunction with current evaluation requirements and experience, the study discusses the focus of pre-clinical performance research for unicondylar knee prostheses during the registration process to clarify the performance evaluation requirements of this product category. This aims to provide a reference for the pre-clinical performance research of unicondylar knee prostheses and to standardize industry testing standards.
Knee Prosthesis ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Humans ; Prosthesis Design ; Materials Testing

Objective:To investigate the effect of the stress-induced protein sestrin 3(SESN3)on tumor proliferation and the sensitivity to endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive(HR+)breast cancer(BC)and its mechanism.Methods:The cancer genome atlas(TCGA)database was used to analyze the expression level of SESN3 in breast cancer tissue and paracancerous tissue.The clinical samples of breast cancer tissue and paracancerous tissue were collected,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)microarray was used to vali-date the expression of SESN3.Western blot was used to measure the protein expression level of SESN3 in BC cell lines with different pathological subtypes.HR+BC cell lines were used to establish the models of SESN3 overexpression and knockdown,and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay and colony formation assay were used to assess the proliferative capacity of cells;Western blot was used to ana-lyze cell cycle alterations;a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was used to validate the effect of SESN3 on proliferation in vivo.The bioinformatics analysis and Western blot were used to investigate the downstream mechanisms of SESN3 in regulating proliferation.Results:The analysis of TCGA database and clinical samples showed that the expression of the SESN3 gene in BC tissue was signifi-cantly lower than that in paracancerous tissue,and the patients with high SESN3 expression had a longer progression-free survival time.Compared with the other subtypes of BC cell lines,the HR+BC cells lines MCF-7 and T-47D had a relatively high expression level of SESN3.MCF-7 and T-47D cell lines were used to establish the cell models of knockdown(MCF-7KD and T-47DKD)and overexpres-sion(MCF-7OE and T-47DOE),and compared with the control group,MCF-7KD and T-47DKD cells showed increases in proliferative capacity and the proportion of cells arrested in the G2 and M phases.In vivo tumorigenesis experiments showed a significant increase in tumor growth in mice in the MCF-7KD group.The bioinfor-matics analyses showed a significant negative correlation between the mammalian Target of Rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway and SESN3 expression,and Western blot validation showed a significant increase in the expression of mTOR in MCF-7KD and T-47DKD cells,as well as reductions in the protein expression levels of autophagy-related genes.Subsequently,we further confirmed that the knockdown of MCF-7 and T-47D cells led to a decreased sensitivity to endocrine therapy.In addition,MCF-7、T-47D、MCF-7KD、and T-47DKD cell lines were treated with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus(EVE),and there was a significant reduction in proliferative capac-ity in the MCF-7KD group and the T-47DKD group;since the mTOR pathway reduced the sensitivity to endocrine therapy by reducing cell apopto-sis,there was a significant increase in the sensitivity to endocrine therapy with tamoxifen(TAM).Conclusion:The inte-grated database analysis,clinical sample validation,and in vivo/in vitro experimental models show that SESN3 inhibits the proliferation of HR+BC cells via the mTOR pathway and enhances the sensitivity to endocrine therapy.

Objective To analyze the risk factors associated with central nervous system(CNS)infection in patients after neuroendoscopic hematoma removal combined with and microscopic hematoma removal,and to construct and validate a nomogram prediction model.Methods A total of 460 patients who underwent neuroendoscopic hematoma removal combined with microscopic hematoma removal at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled.The patients were assigned to a modeling cohort(n=322)and a validation cohort(n=138)in a 7∶3 ratio.Furthermore,the modeling cohort was divided into an infection group(n=68)and a non-infected group(n=254)according to whether CNS infection occurred.The independent predictors of central nervous system infection were identified by logistic regression analysis,and a nomogram prediction model was constructed accordingly.Results The overall incidence of CNS infection in the 460 patients was 20.65%(95/460).According to the logistic regression analysis,the independent risk factors for CNS infection in patients after neuroendoscopic and microscopic combined hematoma removal included a history of diabetes mellitus(odds ratio[OR]=3.431,95%CI:1.300-9.057),the Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)score(OR=0.574,95%CI:0.462-0.711),cerebrospinal fluid leakage(OR=4.492,95%CI:1.430-14.116),operation duration(OR=1.011,95%CI:1.004-1.019),duration of drainage tube placement(OR=5.452,95%CI:2.423-12.268)and albumin(ALB)level(OR=0.778,95%CI:0.720-0.840)(P<0.05).Based on these risk factors,a nomogram prediction model was constructed,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the predicted events in the modeling cohort and the validation cohort was 0.928(95%CI:0.895-0.960)and 0.918(95%CI:0.885-0.951),respectively.The calibration curve fitted well with the ideal curve(Hosmer-Lemeshow test,P>0.05),and the decision curve analysis demonstrated significant net benefit.Conclusion The nomogram model based on history of diabetes mellitus,GCS score,cerebrospinal fluid leakage,operation duration,duration of drainage tube placement,and ALB level demonstrates high predictive performance for CNS infection after neuroendoscopy-assisted microscopic hematoma removal.

ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） of gastric blood stasis type. MethodA total of 86 patients with CAG admitted to Wuhan First Hospital from November 2021 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine， while the observation group was treated with Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture. The clinical efficacy， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， pathological score， negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）， inflammatory indicators ［neutrophils/lymphocytes （NLR） and interleukin （IL）-1β］， changes in levels of gastric protease （PG） Ⅰ， PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ， and gastrin-17 （G-17）， and drug safety during treatment were observed after treatment in both groups. ResultAfter treatment， the total effective rate of the observation group ［95.35% （41/43）］ was significantly better than that of the control group ［79.07% （34/43）］， and the difference was statistically significant （χ²=5.108， P<0.05）. After treatment， the scores of the primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group and the control group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， the scores of primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy， activity， chronic inflammation， intestinal metaplasia， and dysplasia were significantly lower in the observation group and control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy， activity， chronic inflammation， intestinal metaplasia， and dysplasia in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the Hp conversion rate in the observation group was significantly increased compared with the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group and control group were significantly lower （P<0.05）， and the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group and control group were significantly higher （P<0.05）， and the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the G-17 level of the observation group and the control group was different at different time points （P<0.05）， and the G-17 level of the observation group was higher at different time points than that of the control group （P<0.05）. The G-17 level of the observation group had an increasing trend compared with the control group （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionThe combination of Jianpi Huoxue prescription and acupuncture can effectively alleviate symptoms， increase Hp negative conversion rate， inhibit inflammation， and regulate PG and G-17 levels in CAG patients， thus controlling or even reversing gastric mucosal atrophy and reducing the probability of its progression to gastric cancer.