ObjectiveTo investigate the current awareness and optimization recommendations on pneumonia with unknown etiology (PUE) surveillance among Shanghai healthcare professionals, and to provide evidence for the improvement of the surveillance system. MethodsIn December 2024, healthcare professional participants from diverse medical and health institutions were randomly selected within each stratum using a stratified cluster sampling method in all 16 districts of Shanghai for questionnaire surveys on their knowledge and suggestions for optimization of the PUE surveillance system. Descriptive statistics analyses, multivariate logistic regressions, and content analyses were used for data analyses. ResultsA total of 385 survey subjects were involved in the study, including 119 professional staffs from disease prevention and control centers and 266 from medical institutions. Those who understood the case definition for PUE correctly accounted for 67.01% (258/385). Multivariate regression model analyses showed that female gender (aOR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.36‒3.66), professionals from disease control institutions (aOR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.12‒3.72), and those who self-assessed as being familiar with the monitoring system (aOR=2.18, 95%CI:1.23‒3.89) had better understanding of the definition. Overall, 89.61% (345/385) of the survey subjects acknowledged the necessity of the surveillance system. Small number of cases meeting the case definition (54.46%, 214/379), insufficient diagnostic awareness (39.84%, 151/379), and lack of incentives for case reporting (29.29%, 111/379) were major problems for the current surveillance system, with variations observed across different types of institutions. Suggested segments for optimizing the surveillance system included monitoring purpose, case definition, form of monitoring and reporting procedure, organization mechanism, and epidemiological investigation and response. ConclusionThe necessity of PUE surveillance is commonly recognized among healthcare workers. However, the existing system falls short in terms of mastery of case definition and overall surveillance adaptability. There is an urgent need for optimization and improvement to enhance the capacity for preventing and controlling emerging and sudden respiratory infectious diseases.

BACKGROUND: Without timely and effective rehabilitation, hearing loss may profoundly affect human life quality. China has a large population of hearing-impaired individuals, which imposes a heavy health burden on society. Moreover, this population is projected to increase rapidly owing to China's aging society. METHODS: We used data from a population-representative epidemiological investigation of hearing loss and ear diseases in four Chinese provinces. We estimated the national prevalence using multiple linear regression of the age-group proportions and prevalence in 31 provinces with clustering analysis. We used years lived with disability (YLDs) to analyze the disease burden and forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss by 2060 in China. RESULTS: An estimated 115 million people had moderate-to-complete hearing loss in 2015 across the 31 provinces of China (8.4% of 1.37 billion people). Of these, 85.7% were older than age 50 years (99 million people) and 2.4% were younger than 20 years old (2.8 million people). Of all YLDs attributable to hearing loss, 68.9% were attributable to moderate-to-complete cases. By 2060, a projected 242 million people in China will have moderate-to-complete hearing loss, a 110.0% increase from 2015. CONCLUSIONS The hearing loss prevalence in China is high. Population aging and socioeconomic factors substantially affect the prevalence and severity of hearing loss and the disease burden. The prevalence and severity of hearing loss are unevenly distributed across different provinces. Future public health policies should take these trends and regional variations into account.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Hearing Loss/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cost of Illness

Cytotoxic CD4⁺ T cells (CD4⁺ CTLs) represent a novel subset of T cells with cytotoxic effects. They recognize target cells in an antigen-specific manner, relying on class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) interactions. CD4⁺ CTLs exert cytotoxic effects on target cells by secreting cytotoxic molecules such as granzymes, perforin, and granulysin. Recent studies have revealed their significant roles in various autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the differentiation, phenotypic characteristics, and roles of CD4⁺ CTLs in different types of autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
Humans ; Autoimmune Diseases/immunology* ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Animals ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology* ; Perforin/immunology* ; Granzymes/immunology*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of nucleolar pre-rRNA processing protein NIP7 (NIP7) in maintaining the malignant phenotype of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: NIP7 expression in ATC tissues and its gene knock-out effects in ATC cells were analyzed using gene expression microarray (GSE33630), proteome database (IPX0008941000) and the Dependency Map database, respectively. Expression and localization of NIP7 in normal thyroid cells, papillary thyroid cancer cells, and ATC cells were detected by Western blotting. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into ATC cells, and the knockdown efficiency of NIP7 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay, colony formation was evaluated by colony formation assay, and tumor growth was assessed by xenograft tumor model in nude mice. SUnSET (surface sensing of translation) assay combined with co-immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate the effect of NIP7 silencing on ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) translation. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis was used to identify shared pathways of NIP7 and UBE2C, which were validated by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with normal tissues and papillary thyroid cancer, NIP7 was significantly upregulated in ATC tissues, and had a gene knock-out fitness effect on different ATC cell lines. The relative protein levels of NIP7 in ATC cells were significantly higher than those in normal thyroid follicular cells, and the protein was mainly expressed in the nucleus. NIP7 silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation and reduced colony formation. Xenograft tumor model showed that NIP7 knockdown significantly slowed down the growth of ATC xenograft, and the tumor volume and weight were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). NIP7 silencing downregulated the protein level of UBE2C, but did not affect the expression of UBE2C mRNA. Compared to the control group, UBE2C silencing significantly inhibited ATC cells proliferation (P<0.01) and colony formation (P<0.05). UBE2C overexpression reversed the proliferation-inhibitory effect induced by NIP7 silencing (P<0.01). Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that NIP7 and UBE2C were both involved in DNA replication. NIP7 or UBE2C silencing could significantly downregulate the expression levels of DNA polymerase epsilon, catalytic subunit 2 and replication factor C4 in DNA replication pathway. CONCLUSIONS NIP7 promotes ATC tumor growth by upregulating UBE2C to mediate DNA replication.
Humans ; Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/genetics* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics* ; Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/genetics* ; Animals ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Up-Regulation ; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics* ; Nuclear Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Cough variant asthma is a distinct subtype of asthma characterized by chronic irritant dry cough as the sole or predominant clinical manifestation. It is one of the primary causes of chronic cough in children. In traditional Chinese medicine, it belongs to the category of " spasmodic cough", " wind-induced cough", " chronic cough", and " asthmatic cough". At present, Western medicine treatment approaches mainly focus on symptomatic treatment, but fail to fully deal with its complex systemic mechanisms, and have limitations such as poor control of clinical symptoms and rebound exacerbation upon treatment cessation. Based on the theory of " systemic qi stagnation", this paper proposes that the core pathogenesis of cough variant asthma in children is qi stagnation, intermingling of phlegm and blood stasis, and obstruction of collaterals. Disease progression is fundamentally driven by exogenous pathogen activation of endogenous predispositions, particularly dysregulation of sanjiao qi movement, which serves as the primary disease-inducing factor. During the acute phase, the treatment principle focuses on dispelling wind and ventilating lung to restore physiological qi. As the disease progresses to the progressive phase, the focus shifts toward smoothing liver and purging lung to resolve qi counterflow. In the chronic phase, therapeutic strategy prioritizes dissipating phlegm and eliminating blood stasis to smooth collaterals. Finally, during the remission phase, treatment emphasizes strengthening spleen and kidney to consolidate the foundation and cultivate the vitality. This integrative approach synergizes the external elimination of latent pathogens, internal harmonization of qi movement, and dredging collaterals by dispelling blood stasis. It also incorporates the theory of " gentle dispersion to expel pathogens and moistening dryness to harmonize collaterals", aiming to provide a theoretical basis and effective prescriptions for the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment of cough variant asthma in children.

ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules in treating cough variant asthma(CVA)through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology;To use CVA model rats for validation;To provide a basis for the basic research and clinical application of Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules.Methods TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases were used to retrieve the active components and corresponding targets of Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules,and CVA disease targets were screened using OMIM,GeneCards,DrugBank,PharmGKB databases to obtain drug disease intersection targets.Cytoscape 3.10.1 software was used to construct the drug-component-target network and screen the key components;STRING database was used to construct protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and screen core targets;GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was conducted using DAVID platform;AutoDock Vina software was used to conduct molecular docking on the core targets and key components with high degree value respectively.CVA rat model was established by smoking combined with intraperitoneal and subcutaneous multi-point injection of ovalbumin.The rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,montelukast sodium tablets group,Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules low-and high-dosage groups.The groups received corresponding medicine for 15 d.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of lung tissue;ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α);immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expressions of AKT,EGFR and NFKB1 in lung tissue.Results A total of 9 996 active components and 1 119 potential targets of Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules,2 740 CVA targets,467 drug and disease intersection targets were screened out;PPI network topology analysis showed that AKT1,STAT3,EGFR,NFKB1 and MTOR were the core targets;the results of enrichment analysis showed that Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules played an anti-inflammatory role in the treatment of CVA mainly through the interaction of EGFR/PI3K-Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway;molecular docking showed good binding ability between the core targets and key components,with a binding energy of<-7.0 kcal/mol for EGFR and Quercetin.Animal experiment results showed that after intervention with Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules,the alveolar walls of the lung tissue in the model rats narrowed,the size of the alveoli became uniform,lymphocyte infiltration improved significantly,bronchioles contracted,and mucus in the lumen decreased;compared with the model group,the serum contents of IL-1β and TNF-α decreased in Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules low-and high-dosage groups and montelukast sodium tablets group,and the positive expressions of AKT,EGFR and NFKB1 in lung tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Guben Zhike Pingchuan Granules may mediate the inflammatory response through the EGFR/PI3K-Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway,significantly improve the structural damage of CVA lung tissue,inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration,down-regulate the expressions of inflammatory factors,and thus exert therapeutic effects on CVA.

Objective : To investigate the diagnostic value of plasma calprotectin in childern with refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP). Methods : A multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 228 children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP). Among these, 177 cases were diagnosed with general mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(GMPP), while the remaining 51 cases were RMPP. Plasma was collected at the time of admission of the children in both groups, and calprotectin levels were measured. A one-way difference analysis was performed on the blood test indexes of the children in the two groups, and the difference variables withP<0.05 between the two groups were included in a multifactorial logistic regression to analyze the risk factors for the progression of GMPP to RMPP. The differential diagnostic value of plasma calprotectin for GMPP and RMPP was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves. Results : Univariate analysis showed that plasma calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the RMPP group than those in the GMPP group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma calprotectin was an independent risk factor for RMPP(OR=1.323,P<0.001), ROC curve analysis showed that plasma calprotectin had a higher diagnostic value for the differential diagnosis of GMPP and RMPP(AUC =0.839), and its combination with C-reactive protein and albumin could significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency. Conclusion Plasma calprotectin has good clinical value for the diagnosis of RMPP.

BACKGROUND:Multiple studies have confirmed that mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway is involved in cell proliferation,and microRNA(miR)is involved in the occurrence and development of hypertrophic scars.Therefore,the role of miR-27a-3p and MAPK signaling pathways in pathological scar formation has been further explored. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of miR-27a-3p on the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through the MAPK signaling pathway. METHODS:The primary fibroblasts were isolated and collected from the skin samples.The primary fibroblasts were observed by inverted microscope and verified by immunofluorescence.The relative expression level of miR-27a-3p in tissues was detected by qRT-PCR.The target genes of hsa-miR-27a-3p were predicted using the database,and then the predicted target genes were enriched by gene ontology function analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.There were seven groups:blank control,negative control,miR-27a-3p mimic,miR-27a-3p inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+p38 MAPK inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+extracellular regulated protein kinase inhibitor,miR-27a-3p mimic+c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor.Western blot was used to detect the levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor.and p38 kinase and their phosphorylation levels.Cell counting kit-8 and EdU were used to detect cell proliferation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with normal skin fibroblasts,hypertrophic scar fibroblasts had stronger proliferative activity(P<0.05)and faster proliferation level(P<0.001).Compared with normal skin,miR-27a-3p was highly expressed in hypertrophic scars(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,overexpression of miR-27a-3p could promote cell proliferation activity(P<0.001)and proliferation levels(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,knockdown of miR-27a-3p could inhibit the proliferation activity(P<0.05)and proliferation levels(P<0.001).Compared with the negative control group,overexpression of miR-27a-3p promoted the phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(P<0.05).Compared with the negative control group,knockdown of miR-27a-3p inhibited the phosphorylated levels of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 MAPK(P<0.05).Compared with the miR-27a-3p mimic group,specific inhibitors of extracellular regulated protein kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and p38 MAPK reversed the effects of miR-27a-3p on the proliferative activity(P<0.01)and proliferation level(P<0.001)of fibroblasts.To conclude,these results suggest that miR-27a-3p promotes the proliferation of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts by activating the MAPK signaling pathway.