Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10 /L vs preoperative 3.07×10 /L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10 /L vs preoperative 3.05×10 /L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10 /L vs preoperative 2.99×10 /L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.

Objective To investigate the resistance levels of adult Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to three commonly used pyrethroid insecticides in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, as well as to examine the changes in metabolic detoxification enzyme activities and mutations in the knockdown resistance (kdr) gene thereby providing a scientific foundation for the prevention and control of Culex quinquefasciatus in the region. Methods In 2024, the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus were collected from different locations in Xingyi and reared to adult mosquitoes in the laboratory, and their resistance to pyrethroid insecticides was determined using the adult mosquito contact tube method. Surviving samples (resistant population) from the resistance tests were examined for the activities of mixed function oxidase (MFO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and non-specific esterase (NSE) using a microplate reader. The genomic DNA of individual adult Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes was extracted, and the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene fragment was amplified via PCR and sequenced to analyze the mutations in the kdr gene. Results The 24-h mortality rates of adult Culex quinquefasciatus exposed to 0.25% permethrin, 0.025% deltamethrin, and 0.025% beta-cypermethrin were 1.00%, 0%, and 0.88%, respectively, indicating all populations of Culex quinquefasciatus exhibited resistance to the three pyrethroid insecticides. The activity of MFO in permethrin-resistant population followed a normal distribution, while deltamethrin-resistant and cypermethrin populations exhibited skewed distributions. The resistance ratios (RRs) for the three populations were 1.17, 1.03, and 1.07 times, respectively, with no statistically significant differences in MFO activity between field populations and susceptible strains (all P>0.05). However, the GST activities of permethrin-resistant and beta-cypermethrin-resistant field populations were 1.06 and 1.45 times higher than those of sensitive strains (P<0.05). Sequencing of the VGSC gene fragments of adult Culex quinquefasciatus resistant to pyrethroid insecticides revealed that mutations occurred solely at 1014 locus, presenting two alleles: wild type TTA(L) (1.26%) and mutant TTT(F) (98.74%). Two genotypes were identified: wild/mutant heterozygotes L/F (2.52%) and mutant homozygotes F/F (97.48%). No statistically significant differences were observed in the frequency of resistance gene mutations among populations resistant to the three pyrethroid insecticides (P>0.05). Conclusion The adult mosquitoes of Culex quinquefasciatus in Xingyi have developed resistance to three commonly used pyrethroid insecticides, with changes observed in metabolic detoxification enzyme activities and mutations in the kdr gene. The resistance of Culex quinquefasciatus in Xingyi is the result of multiple mechanisms. Understanding the resistance level and mechanism can provide a reliable basis for mosquito control and resistance management. It is recommended to enhance the monitoring of mosquitoes' resistance to insecticides, prioritize environmental management focused on eradicating breeding sites, reduce the use of pyrethroid insecticides, and rotate with other classes of insecticides to delay the onset of resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) in the rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) based on the p53 protein (p53)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. METHODS: Of 102 male Wistar rats, 20 rats were randomly collected as a sham-operation group. Using a modified external carotid artery filament insertion method, CIRI models were prepared by occluding the middle cerebral artery in the rest rats. After modeling and excluding 1 non-successfully modeled rat and 1 dead one, the other modeled rats were randomized into a model group, an agonist group, an acupuncture group, and an acupuncture + agonist group, 20 rats in each one. Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy was delivered in the rats of the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The acupoints included "Shuigou" (GV26), bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6), and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side. Electroacupuncture was attached to "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side, with dense-disperse wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz and intensity of 1 mA. The intervention was delivered twice daily, 20 min each time and for 7 consecutive days. In the agonist group and acupuncture+agonist group, p53 agonist, COTI-2 was intraperitoneally injected (15 mg/kg), once daily for 7 consecutive days. Neurological deficit was evaluated using Zausinger's six-point scale. Cerebral infarction volume was quantified by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Iron deposition was assessed by Prussian blue staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in the ischemic cortex was examined under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum iron (Fe²⁺) was measured with chromometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the ischemic hippocampus were determined using thiobarbituric acid and microplate assays, respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ischemic cortex was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and p53 in the ischemic hippocampus were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited the decrease in neurological deficit score (P<0.01), and the increase in cerebral infarction volume percentage (P<0.01). The changes of brain tissue were presented in extensive cellular necrosis, pyknotic and deeply-stained nuclei, and vacuolar degeneration. The iron deposition was elevated in cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane density increased, the cristae was broken or reduced, and the outer membrane ruptured. The levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were elevated (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was reduced (P<0.01), while that of p53 rose (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the agonist group, the neurological deficit score was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of infarction volume was higher (P<0.01), the histopathological damage was further exacerbated, and the percentage of iron deposition increased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial quantity decreased, the membrane density increased, the mitochondrial cristae were broken or reduced, and the outer membrane was ruptured. The levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were higher (P<0.01, P<0.05) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while that of p53 was elevated (P<0.01). Besides, in comparison with the model group, the neurological deficit score was higher in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01), the pathological damage of brain tissue was alleviated in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group, and the percentage of iron depositiondecreased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial structure was relatively clear, the mitochondrial cristae were fractured or reduced mildly in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were lower (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was higher (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group. The mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture + agonist group. The mRNA expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was elevated (P<0.01) and that of p53 was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05) in either the acupuncture group or the acupuncture + agonist group; the protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 rose (P<0.05, P<0.01) and that of p53 was dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group; and the protein expression of p53 was also lower in the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.05). When compared with the agonist group, in the acupuncture + agonist group, neurological deficit score increased (P<0.01), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.01), the pathological brain tissue damage was reduced, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was relatively clear and the cristae broken or reduced slightly; the levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01), while the level of GSH increased (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01). In comparison with the acupuncture + agonist group, in the acupuncture group, the neurological deficit score increased (P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.05), the pathological brain tissue damage was alleviated, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was normal in tendency; the levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were reduced (P<0.05), while the level of GSH rose (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can alleviate neurological damage in CIRI rats, which is obtained probably by inhibiting ferroptosis through p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
Animals ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Rats ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Brain Ischemia/metabolism* ; Rats, Wistar ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Acupuncture Points ; Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics*

Somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1) is a crucial therapeutic target for various neuroendocrine and oncological disorders. Current SSTR1-targeted treatments, including the first-generation somatostatin analog lanreotide (Lan) and the second-generation analog pasireotide (Pas), show promise but encounter challenges related to selectivity and efficacy. This study presents high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of SSTR1 complexed with Lan or Pas, revealing the distinct mechanisms of ligand-binding and activation. These structures illustrate unique conformational changes in the SSTR1 orthosteric pocket induced by each ligand, which are critical for receptor activation and ligand selectivity. Combined with the biochemical assays and molecular dynamics simulations, our results provide a comparative analysis of binding characteristics within the SSTR family, highlighting subtle differences in SSTR1 activation by Lan and Pas. These insights pave the way for designing next-generation therapies with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects through improved receptor subtype selectivity.

Objective:To investigate the ameliorative effects of N-acetyl-D-mannosamine(ManNAc) on glucose and lipid metabolic disorders in obese mice.Methods:In vivo experiments were conducted using 21 four-week-old C57BL/6JGpt mice, randomly divided into three groups( n=7 per group): a normal control group, a high-fat diet(HFD) control grooup, and a ManNAc treatment group(400 mg·kg -1·d -1). The intervention lasted for 20 weeks. Body weight, food intake, and fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. Glucose tolerance tests(GTT), insulin sensitivity tests(ITT), and respiratory metabolism monitoring were performed in the 17th, 18th, and 19th weeks, respectively. At the end of the experiment, whole-body fat distribution was assessed, and serum lipid profiles were measured. Liver and adipose tissue weights were recorded, and histological analyses including HE staining of liver, adipose and pancreatic tissues were performed. Liver transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR) were conducted to evaluate hepatic gene expression. In vitro, a hepatic steatosis model was established by inducing HepG2 cell with 0.4 mmol/L oleic acid, followed by treatment with 500 μg/mL ManNAc. Lipid accumulation was assessed using BODIPY staining, and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes was quantified by qPCR. Results:ManNAc administration attenuated HFD-induced weight gain, reduced total body fat volume, and decreased liver and adipose tissue weights as well as intracellular lipid accumulation. Pancreatic islet numbers increased, while fasting blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity significantly improved. Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels were decreased, accompanied by enhanced energy expenditure. Additionally, hepatic expression of Cd36, Fabp3, and Scd1 was downregulated. In vitro, ManNAc significantly reduced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and downregulated the expression of Cd36, Fabp3, and Scd1 genes.Conclusion:ManNAc may improve glucose and lipid metabolism by modulating the PPARs-mediated fatty acid metabolic pathway, reducing lipogenesis, promoting fatty acid oxidation and energy expenditure, and enhancing insulin sensitivity, ultimately ameliorating disorders in obese mice.

Objective: To examine the association between visceral fat metabolic levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among middle-aged and elderly population, so as to provide the evidence for the early identification and prevention of CVD risk in this population. Methods: Based on the database of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2020, baseline demographic information, lifestyle, disease history, and CVD status of participants aged ≥45 years were collected. Data on height, weight, waist circumference, and blood biochemical indicators from 2012 and 2015 were collected and used to calculate the metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF) and cumulative METS-VF, enabling an assessment of visceral fat metabolism levels. The K-means clustering algorithm was applied to analyze the categories of METS-VF. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between different METS-VF categories, cumulative METS-VF and CVD. A restricted cubic spline model was employed to examine the dose-response relationship between cumulative METS-VF and CVD. Results: A total of 3 146 participants were included, with a median age of 57.00 (interquartile range, 12.00) years. There were 1 405 males (44.66%) and 1 741 females (55.34%). METS-VF was clustered into three distinct categories: a persistently low-level group, a persistently moderate-level group, and a persistently high-level group, comprising 497, 1 302, and 1 347 individuals, accounting for 15.80%, 41.39%, and 42.82%, respectively. By the 2020 follow-up, there were 540 cases of CVD, with an overall prevalence of 17.16%. The prevalence of CVD among different METS-VF categories were 12.47%, 14.36%, and 21.60%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for demographic factors, lifestyle, and disease history, compared with the persistently low-level group, the persistently high-level group had a higher risk of CVD (OR=1.710, 95%CI: 1.263-2.342). Cumulative METS-VF was positively associated with CVD risk (OR=1.197, 95%CI: 1.113-1.289). Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a linear relationship between cumulative METS-VF and CVD risk (P for nonlinearity >0.05). Conclusion Persistently high levels of METS-VF can increase the risk of CVD among middle-aged and elderly population, and there is a positive dose-response relationship between cumulative METS-VF and CVD risk.

Objective To investigate the expression of ferritinophagy-related gene ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1(ELAVL1)in multiple myeloma(MM)and elucidate its diagnostic and prognostic value for MM.Methods First,we analyzed ELAVL1 expression level in healthy controls and MM patients using data from the GEO and TCGA databases.Subsequently,bone marrow specimens were collected from 28 newly diagnosed MM patients and 20 healthy controls,and qRT-PCR was employed to validate ELAVL1 expression.The diagnostic and prognostic potential of ELAVL1 was assessed using ROC curve analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.Additionally,univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for MM prognosis.Finally,KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID online platform.Results The level of ELAVL1 expression was significantly higher in newly diagnosed MM patients and refractory/relapsed MM patients than in the healthy controls(P＜0.001).Moreover,ELAVL1 expression was positively correlated with the International Staging System(ISS)stage of MM(P＜0.01).Furthermore,qRT-PCR validation confirmed that ELAVL1 expression was elevated in the 28 newly diagnosed MM patients compared to the 20 healthy controls(P＜0.001).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that ELAVL1 could effectively differentiate between newly diagnosed MM patients,healthy controls,and MGUS patients(P＜0.001 and P=0.000 2,respectively).Survival analysis revealed that high ELAVL1 expression was associated with shorter progression-free survival(P=0.0141)and overall survival(P=0.008 0).Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses identified high ELAVL1 expression as an independent risk factor for poor MM prognosis(P=0.005 0).KEGG analysis suggested that ELAVL1 might be involved in the Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways.Conclusion High ELAVL1 expression in MM may serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and poor prognosis.ELAVL1 may promote MM initiation and progression via the Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways.

Objective To enhance the patient's medical experience by facilitating real-time reading monitoring of their offline outpatient medical progress,providing a centralized display of the status of various medical processes,and proactively de-livering the essential message notifications to patients at designated intervals.Methods The system was developed by adopting a message reminder functionality and integrating with the display of critical diagnostic and treatment processes(including registra-tion,payment,examination,testing,medication collection,and evaluation)so as to ensure that patients receive timely informa-tion that guides their subsequent actions.Results Following the developement and implementation of the system,empirical evi-dence demonstrated that patients were able to clearly comprehend their diagnostic and treatment progress.The system reduced waiting time and confusion.In addition,it enhanced the coherence and convenience of medical services.Conclusion The out-patient medical guidance system,grounded on the Internet hospital model,has effectively minimized patient confusion and stre-amlined operational procedures through an active service approach.Future enhancements are anticipated to further elevate the in-telligence of medical services by broadening business coverage and integrating advanced technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence and other technologies in the future.

Objective:To report the nationwide surveillance results of pathogenic profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Gram-positive bloodstream infections in China in 2023.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-posttive bacteria from blood cultures were collected in member hospitals of National Bloodstream Infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System（BRICS）during January to December 2023. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the dilution method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute（CLSI）. Statistical analyses were conducted using WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software.Results:A total of 4 385 Gram-positive bacterial isolates were obtained from 60 participating center. The top five pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus（ n=1 544，35.2%），coagulase-negative Staphylococci（ n=1 441，32.9%）， Enterococcus faecium（ n=574，13.1%）， Enterococcus faecalis（ n=385，8.8%），and α-hemolytic Streptococci（ n=187，4.3%）. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus（MRSA）and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci（MRCNS）was 26.2%（405/1 544）and 69.8%（1 006/1 441），respectively. Notably，all Staphylococci remained susceptible to glycopeptide or daptomycin. Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated excellent susceptibility（>97.0%）to cephalobiol，rifampicin，trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole，linezolid，minocycline，tigecycline，and eravacycline. No Enterococcus exhibiting resistance to linezolid were detected. Glycopeptide resistance was uncommon but more frequent in Enterococcus faecium（resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin：both 1.7%）compared to Enterococcus faecalis（both 0.3%）. The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS exhibited significant regional variations across the country（ χ2=17.674 and 148.650，respectively，both P<0.001）. No vancomycin-resistant Enterococci were detected in central China. Institutional comparison demonstrated higher prevalence of MRSA（ χ2=14.111， P<0.001）and MRCNS（ χ2=4.828， P=0.028）in provincial hospitals than that in municipal hospitals. Socioeconomic analysis identified elevated detection rates of both MRSA（ χ2=18.986， P<0.001）and MRCNS（ χ2=4.477， P=0.034）in less developed regions（per capita GDP