[Objective] To investigate the molecular prevalence and genotype of human parvovirus B19(B19) among blood donors in Lanzhou, and provide data support for monitoring the positive rate of B19 DNA in local blood donors. [Methods] A total of 7 644 blood donor samples collected from January to September 2022 were randomly screened using real-time fluorescent PCR, resulting in 23 samples testing positive for B19 DNA. The characteristics of the B19 DNA reactive donors including gender, age, blood donation recruitment and promotion mode, and donation frequency were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Additionally, the VP1 gene fragment of B19 DNA reactive samples was sequenced and an evolutionary tree was constructed by the N-J method. [Results] The results showed that the positive rate of B19 DNA in Lanzhou was 0.30%, and the positive population mainly consisted of female individuals aged 18-30 years old who were first-time blood donors; furthermore, genotype 1a was identified as predominant. [Conclusion] The positive rate of B19 DNA is low among blood donors in Lanzhou, with genotype 1a being predominant. It is recommended to periodically monitor the B19 prevalence in blood donors and enhance prevention and control measures, thus improving blood quality and safety.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huaban Jiedu Formulation （化斑解毒方， HJF） in treating psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group， with 30 cases in each. The treatment group received HJF granules orally， one dose a day， combined with topical Qingshi Zhiyang Ointment （青石止痒软膏）， while the control group received placebo granules， one dose a day， combined with the same topical ointment. Both groups were topically treated twice daily of 28 days treatment cours. Psoriasis area and severity index （PASI）， visual analogue scale for pruritus （VAS）， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， dermatology life quality index （DLQI）， and psoriasis life stress inventory （PLSI） were assessed before treatment and on day 14 and day 28. Response rates for PASI 50 （≥50% reduction） and PASI 75 （≥75% reduction）， as well as overall clinical efficacy， were compared between groups. Serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-17 （IL-17） were measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultsAfter 28 days of treatment， both groups showed significant reductions in PASI total score， lesion area score， erythema， scaling， and infiltration scores， pruritus VAS score， TCM syndrome score， DLQI， PLSI， and serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels （P＜0.05）. Compared to the control group， the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in PASI total score and erythema score， TCM syndrome score， serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels， and PASI 50 response rate after 28 days （P＜0.05）. Between-group comparisons of score differences before and after 28-day treatment revealed that the treatment group showed significantly better improvements in PASI total， lesion area score， erythema score， TCM syndrome score， DLQI， PLSI， and inflammatory markers （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The total effective rate on day 14 and day 28 was 40.00% （12/30） and 83.33% （25/30） in the treatment group， versus 6.90% （2/29） and 41.38% （12/29） in the control group， respectively. The clinical efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group （P＜0.05）. Mild gastric discomfort occurred in 3 patients in the treatment group and 1 in the control group. ConclusionHJF can effectively improve skin lesions and TCM symptoms relieve pruritus， enhance quality of life， and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-17， in patients with blood-heat syndrome of psoriasis vulgaris， with a good safety profile.

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Gegen Qianliantang （GQT） on intestinal mucosal barrier function in dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）-induced ulcerative colitis （UC） model mice. MethodsA UC model was established in C57BL/6 mice using a 2.5% DSS solution. Mice were randomly divided into five groups （n=8 per group）： blank group， model group， mesalazine sustained-release granule group （0.52 g·kg^-1）， high-dose GQT group （2.23 g·kg^-1）， and low-dose GQT group （1.12 g·kg^-1）. Fecal characteristics and body weight changes were observed before and after treatment. The body weight loss and disease activity index （DAI） of UC mice were calculated to evaluate symptom severity. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Alizarin blue-periodic acid-Schiff （AB-PAS） staining were used to detect histological changes in colon tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 （ZO-1） and mucin 2 （MUC2）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ （IFN-γ）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， IL-17A， and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of helper T lymphocyte subsets （Th1， Th17）， regulatory T cells （Treg）， and regulatory B cells （Breg） in spleen and colon tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of T-bet， forkhead box protein P3（FoxP3）， nuclear transcription factor（NF）-κB p65， phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3）， and phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3）. ResultsCompared with the model group， both high- and low-dose GQT groups significantly improved the body weight loss and DAI scores （P<0.05）， alleviated colonic inflammation， and showed optimal efficacy in the high-dose group. AB-PAS staining showed that compared with the model group， both the high- and low-dose GQT groups significantly increased goblet cell proliferation and mucin secretion， indicating improved mucosal barrier function. GQT upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and MUC2 in colon tissue （P<0.05）， suppressed IFN-γ， IL-6， and TNF-α secretion （P<0.05）， elevated IL-10 secretion （P<0.05）， but had no significant effect on IL-17A. At the same time， high- and low-dose GQT intervention increased the activation of CD4⁺ FoxP3⁺ Treg cells （P<0.05） and suppressed activation of CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺ Th1 cells （P<0.05）. Western blot showed that GQT downregulated T-bet， NF-κB p65， and STAT3 protein expression （P<0.05）， upregulated FoxP3 （P<0.05）， and also reduced phosphorylation levels of p-NF-κB p65 and p-STAT3 （P<0.05）. ConclusionGQT can upregulate the activation of CD4⁺ FoxP3⁺ Treg cells， reduce the activation of CD4⁺ IFN-γ⁺ Th1 cells， inhibit the secretion of IFN-γ， IL-6， and TNF-α， and increase the secretion of IL-10. It enhances the expression of MUC2 and ZO-1 in colon tissue， thereby alleviating inflammatory damage to the intestinal mucosa and restoring mucosal barrier integrity. These effects may be related to its regulation of NF-κB p65 and STAT3 signaling pathways， ultimately regulating the activation of transcription factors T-bet and FoxP3.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis （AE） model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group，model group，single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group （regular dose group），half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group， with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 （a protein in the tight junction） and Occludin in the colon tissue， as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. ResultsCompared with the blank group，the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher （P<0.05），and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage，glandular atrophy，disordered arrangement，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration，and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly （P<0.05），with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration，the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.05） and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein （P<0.05）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.01），and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration，the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.01）. Meanwhile，the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein （P<0.01）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.05） and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue， protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents， Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis （AE） model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group，model group，single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group （regular dose group），half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group，and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group， with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 （a protein in the tight junction） and Occludin in the colon tissue， as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. ResultsCompared with the blank group，the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher （P<0.05），and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage，glandular atrophy，disordered arrangement，and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration，and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly （P<0.05），with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration，the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.05） and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein （P<0.05）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.01），and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration，the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α （P<0.01）. Meanwhile，the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein （P<0.01）. The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein （P<0.05） and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue， protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors， so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents， Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods, fixation points, and effectiveness of staged therapy using external fixation frame in treatment of infectious nonunion near knee joint. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 60 patients with infectious nonunion near knee joint, who underwent staged therapy using external fixation frame between June 2021 and June 2024 and were followed up. There were 48 males and 12 females with an average age of 47.9 years (range, 16-70 years). The disease duration ranged from 9 months to 20 years, with a median of 14 months. Among them, 21 cases of infectious nonunion located in the distal femur, 36 cases in the proximal tibia, and 3 cases in the patella; 12 cases exhibited segmental bone defects (≥4 cm), while 48 cases presented with localized bone defects (<4 cm). Osteomyelitis was classified using the Cierny-Mader system, with 3 cases classified as type Ⅰ, 6 cases as type Ⅱ, 35 cases as type Ⅲ, and 16 cases as type Ⅳ. Preoperative C-reactive protein levels ranged from 15.1 to 55.8 mg/L (mean, 36.4 mg/L). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 35-80 mm/1 h (mean, 56.9 mm/1 h). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score for knee joint was 69.3±17.7 and the range of motion was (70.61±40.60)°. After debridement and placement of antibiotic carriers at the first-stage operation, unilateral orbital frames ( n=14), combined frames ( n=27), or Ilizarov frames ( n=19) were used for cross joint fixation ( n=9) or joint preservation fixation ( n=51). After 6-8 weeks of infection control, the bone grafting or bone transport was performed at the second-stage operation based on the type of bone defect, with internal fixation employed as an adjunct if necessary. After operation, the infection control and fracture healing were observed and the bone healing time was recorded. The knee joint function was assessed using the HSS score, and the knee joint range of motion was measured as well as the angle of motion loss. Patients were grouped according to the site of nonunion, type of external fixation frame, and fixation method. The bone healing time, change value of HSS score, and knee joint range of motion loss (difference between pre- and post-operation) were compared between groups. RESULTS: All infection markers returned to the normal range within 6 weeks after the first-stage operation. All patients were followed up 12-48 months (mean, 22.0 months) after the second-stage operation. There were 5 cases of needle tract infection during the external fixation period, and 3 cases of infection recurrence after the second-stage operation, all of which were cured after symptomatic treatment. The bone healing time was 6-18 months (mean, 11.0 months). At last follow-up, the HSS score was 88.5±7.9 and the range of motion was (61.84±40.59)°, with significant differences compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05); the knee joint range of motion loss was (8.77±11.07)°. The bone healing time was significantly longer in the distal femur group than in the proximal tibia group ( P<0.05), and in the unilateral orbital frames group than in the Ilizarov frames group and the combined frames group ( P<0.05). The angle of motion loss was significantly larger in the Ilizarov frames group than in the unilateral orbital frames group and the combined frames group ( P<0.05). The change value of HSS score was significantly higher in the cross joint fixation group than in the joint preservation fixation group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION During the first-stage operation, debridement is performed and antibiotic carriers are placed to control infection. External fixation frames are then precisely positioned based on the distance between the lesion and the joint surface, avoiding the infected wound while ensuring mechanical balance. During the second-stage operation, bone grafting options are selected according to the extent of bone defects to enhance the bone union. Postoperative early functional exercises of the knee joint are permitted to improve joint function.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Fractures, Ununited/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; External Fixators ; Aged ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteomyelitis/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation/instrumentation* ; Bone Transplantation ; Tibial Fractures/surgery*

OBJECTIVES: To analyze sex and age distribution of global disease burden of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: CAVD data during 1990-2021 were obtained from the IHME website for Global Burden of Disease (GBD). The prevalence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed by gender and age groups. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). RESULTS: In 2021, there were 13.32 million CAVD patients and 142 000 deaths caused by CAVD globally. Age-standardized prevalence was higher in males (193.2/10⁵) than that in females (128.9/10⁵). Patients in 65-<85 age group accounted for 64.0% of total cases, while those ≥85 years old accounted for 16.1%. From 1990 to 2021, prevalence increased in both sexes with an AAPC of 0.72% for males and 0.57% for females, respectively. Prevalence grew fastest from 2000 to 2010, slowed thereafter, and declined from 2015 to 2021. In <65 years old, the mortality of males was 2.4 times higher than that of females, while in ≥85 years old, mortality of females (117.3/10⁵) exceeded that of males (99.1/10⁵). YLD rates increased with age, and were higher in males for all age groups. DALY rates decreased overall but increased in ≥85 years old, with a greater increase in females. CONCLUSIONS There are significant gender and age disparities in global disease burden of CAVD, with the elderly, especially super-elderly females deserving particular attention. It is recommended to develop personalized intervention strategies for these populations.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Calcinosis/mortality* ; Prevalence ; Global Burden of Disease ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Aortic Valve/pathology* ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/epidemiology* ; Age Distribution ; Adult ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Sex Distribution ; Global Health ; Aortic Valve Disease/epidemiology* ; Sex Factors