Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for strengthening SFTS prevention and control. Methods: Data on laboratory-confirmed SFTS cases in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Meteorological data, geographic environment and socioeconomic factors during the same period were collected from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Geospatial Data Cloud, and Zhejiang Statistical Yearbook, respectively. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS from 2019 to 2023, and a Bayesian spatio-temporal model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors of SFTS incidence. Results: A total of 578 SFTS cases were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2023, with an annual average incidence of 0.23/105. The peak period was from May to July, accounting for 52.60%. There were 309 males and 269 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.15∶1. The cases were mainly aged 50-<80 years, farmers, and in rural areas, accounting for 82.53%, 77.34%, and 75.43%, respectively. Taizhou City and Shaoxing City reported more SFTS cases, while Shaoxing City and Zhoushan City had higher annual average incidences of SFTS. The Bayesian spatio-temporal interaction model showed good goodness of fit. The results showed that mean temperature (RR=1.626, 95%CI: 1.111-2.378) and mean wind speed (RR=1.814, 95%CI: 1.321-2.492) were positively correlated with SFTS risk, while altitude (RR=0.432, 95%CI: 0.230-0.829) and population density (RR=0.443, 95%CI: 0.207-0.964) were negatively correlated with SFTS risk. Conclusions SFTS in Zhejiang Province peaks from May to July. Middle-aged and elderly people and farmers are high-risk populations. Taizhou City, Shaoxing City, and Zhoushan City are high-incidence areas. Mean temperature, mean wind speed, altitude, and population density can all affect the risk of SFTS incidence.

Objective To establish a human luminal breast cancer stem cell(BCSC)model and investigate the inhibitory effects of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)on BCSC growth.Methods MCF-7 breast cancer cells were cultured in stem cell-specific medium to induce BCSC formation.The BCSCs were then divided into a blank control group and an AS-Ⅳ treatment group,both groups were given PBS or AS-Ⅳ treatment.Morphological changes were observed after intervention.The therapeutic efficacy of AS-Ⅳ was evaluated using 3D spheroid formation and cell viability assays.Transcriptomic profiling and gene expression analysis were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Results Compared with the MCF7 breast cancer cells,MCF7 breast cancer stem cell mammospheres exhibited accelerated growth(P＜0.01)and significantly increased expression of the stemness marker ALDH1A1(P＜0.01).Further comparison with the blank control group revealed that astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ)treatment significantly inhibited MCF7 breast cancer stem cell proliferation(P＜0.001)and slowed mammosphere growth(P＜0.01).Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that differentially expressed genes(DEGs)induced by stem cell modeling and AS-Ⅳ intervention were enriched in the cellular senescence signaling pathway.AS-Ⅳ intervention substantially increased the number of SA-β-gal-positive cells(P＜0.01).RT-PCR analysis confirmed that AS-Ⅳsignificantly upregulated mRNA expression of IL-1α(P＜0.01),P21(P＜0.001),and P53(P＜0.05)in MCF7 breast cancer stem cells.Conclusion Astragaloside Ⅳ suppresses the growth of human luminal breast cancer stem cells by inducing cellular senescence.

ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF

Objective To analyze the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) of infants over 6 months of age and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy in Baoding area, and to provide evidence for clinical application. Methods A total of 308 infants over 6 months of age were selected from Baoding Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023, and their BMD was measured by ultrasound. The level of 25 (OH) D3 in subjects' blood was detected. spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between infant bone mineral density and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutritional guidance during pregnancy, and logistics regression model was used to analyze the independent factors affecting infant bone mineral density. Results The level of serum 25 (OH) D3 in normal BMD group was significantly higher than that in abnormal BMD group (P<0.05). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the guidance rate of calcium nutrition during pregnancy in normal BMD group were significantly higher than those in abnormal BMD group (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between different bone mineral density and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy (P<0.05). Serum 25 (OH) D3 level, exclusive breastfeeding rate and calcium nutritional guideline rate during pregnancy were independent protective factors for bone mineral density (P<0.05). Conclusion Bone mineral density (BMD) of infants over 6 months of age is positively correlated with exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy, and exclusive breastfeeding and calcium nutrition guidance during pregnancy are independent protective factors affecting BMD of infants over 6 months of age.

Objective To construct a 3D printed PLLA/β-tricalcium(PLLA/β-TCP)bone tissue engineering scaffold surface porous structure through simple treatment with NaOH solution,increase the roughness and hydrophilicity of the scaffold,and promote cell adhesion on the scaffold surface.Methods The PLLA/β-TCP mesh scaffold was prepared by 3D printing melt deposition molding technology,and the scaffold was roughed by NaOH etching.The effects of NaOH concentration and time on the scaffold were observed according to the microstructure,energy spectrum,contact angle,mechanics,and cell adhesion of the scaffold.Results The PLLA/β-TCP composite scaffold constructed by melt deposition technology had a pre-set porous structure,and the pores were interconnected.After NaOH etching,a porous structure with both macroscopic and microscopic pores was formed.The increase in any of the NaOH concentration and time parameters would lead to the increase of pore diameter and surface roughness.When the NaOH treatment parameter was 0.1 mol/L(9 h),it could significantly reduce the water contact angle on the surface of the scaffold,and had no significant effect on the compressive strength of the scaffold.In vitro cell testing showed that the surface porous composite scaffold etched with NaOH had more advantages in the adhesion and proliferation of BMSCs.Conclusion Using NaOH to process 3D printing of PLLA/β-TCP bone tissue engineering scaffolds can effectively improve the surface morphology of the scaffold,and optimize its hydrophilicity and cell adhesion.

Objective To solve the problem of insufficient hydrophilicity on the surface of polycaprolactone(PCL)/β-TCP bone tissue engineering scaffolds,NaOH etching method was used to improve the surface microstructure of 3D printed PCL/β-TCP scaffolds,further affecting their hydrophilicity and cell response.Methods PCL/β-TCP mesh scaffolds were prepared using 3D printing melt deposition molding technology,and the surface roughness of the scaffolds was modified by NaOH etching.The effects of two reaction parameters,NaOH concentration and time,on the microstructure,spectral elements,contact angle,compressive strength,and cell adhesion of the scaffolds before and after modification were observed.Results After NaOH etching,the surface microporous structure of the mesh scaffold was successfully prepared.With the increase of either NaOH concentration or time,the surface micropores of the scaffold increased while the contact angle of the material surface decreased.However,the compression strength of the etched scaffold treated with NaOH for 1 mol/L(24 h)or 10 mol/L(6 h)was not statistically significant compared to the untreated group(P＞0.05).The number of cells on the etched scaffold increased,with a larger spreading area of individual cells,making it more advantageous in the adhesion and proliferation of BMSCs.Conclusion The use of NaOH etching to improve the hydrophilicity of 3D printed PCL/β-TCP bone tissue engineering scaffolds is a low-cost and effective strategy which can effectively improve the wettability and cell adhesion of the scaffolds.

Objective:To observe the development process of the neuronal synapse in cerebral cortex and basal ganglionic eminence(GE)regions of the mice,and to clarify the differences in the development of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in different brain regions in vivo and in vitro.Methods:The female C57BL/6 mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation from the 13.5th day to the 15.5th day during the pregnancy,and the embryos were collected under the sterile conditions.The cortex and GE regions of brain tissue of the embryonic mice were gradually isolated under microscope.The primary neurons from the embryonic mice were cultured in vitro,and the cell samples were collected on the 3rd,7th,14th,and 21th days,respectively,and regarded as culture 3 d,7 d,14 d,and 21 d groups.The expression levels of postsynaptic density 95(PSD95)and Gephyrin mRNA in the primary neurons from the cortex and GE regions of the mice in various groups were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method.Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the expression levels of vesicular glutamate transporter 1(vGLUT1),PSD95,vesicular GABA transporter(vGAT),and Gephyrin proteins in the neurons from the cortex and GE regions of the mice in various groups.Immunofluorescence method was also used to detect the expression levels of vGLUT1 and vGAT proteins in the neurons from the cortical and GE regions in brain tissue of the embryonic mice.Results:Compared with culture 3 d group,the expression levels of PSD95 and Gephyrin mRNA in cortex and GE regions of the mice in culture 14 d and 21 d groups were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with cortex area,the expression level of Gephyrin mRNA in the neurons from GE region of the mice in culture 14 d group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The microscope observation results showed that the excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the neurons from cortex and GE regions of the mice in culture 14 d group showed preliminary development,with positive expression of relevant proteins;among them,the excitatory synaptic proteins showed more distinct positive expression in the cortex neurons,and the presynaptic vGLUT1 and postsynaptic PSD95 molecules exhibited co-localization in the cell bodies and protrusions of the cortical neurons;the inhibitory presynaptic vGAT protein and postsynaptic Gephyrin protein in the neurons from GE region also exhibited co-localization in the cell bodies and protrusions,and there were more distinct expressions of the presynaptic molecule proteins than postsynaptic molecule proteins.Compared with cortex region,the levels of vGLUT1 and PSD95 proteins in the neurons from GE region of the mice in culture 14 d group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the levels of vGAT and gephyrin proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01).In culture 21 d group,the positive expressions of synaptic protein in the neurons from cortex and GE regions were increased,and the excitatory and inhibitory synapses further matured and enhanced.In the neurons from cortex and GE regions,rich patterns of corresponding pre-and postsynaptic expression were formed in the cell bodies and protrusions,and synapse structures showed gradual,positive development,with more apparent expression of presynaptic molecules compared wih postsynaptic proteins.Compared with cortex region,the levels of vGLUT1 and PSD95 proteins in the neurons from GE region of the mice in culture 21 d group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the levels of vGAT and Gephyrin proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with cortex region,the expression level of vGLUT1 protein in the neurons from GE region in brain tissue of the embryonic mice was significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the expression level of vGAT protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:There are distinct differences in synaptic development between the neurons from cortex and GE regions,the excitatory synapses develope earlier in the cortical region and the inhibitory synapses develope earlier in the GE region.The region-specific development of synapses suggests that different types of neural diseases with different cell types might originate from different developmental processes.

Parvalbumin interneurons belong to the major types of GABAergic interneurons. Although the distribution and pathological alterations of parvalbumin interneuron somata have been widely studied, the distribution and vulnerability of the neurites and fibers extending from parvalbumin interneurons have not been detailly interrogated. Through the Cre recombinase-reporter system, we visualized parvalbumin-positive fibers and thoroughly investigated their spatial distribution in the mouse brain. We found that parvalbumin fibers are widely distributed in the brain with specific morphological characteristics in different regions, among which the cortex and thalamus exhibited the most intense parvalbumin signals. In regions such as the striatum and optic tract, even long-range thick parvalbumin projections were detected. Furthermore, in mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, parvalbumin fibers suffered both massive and subtle morphological alterations. Our study provides an overview of parvalbumin fibers in the brain and emphasizes the potential pathological implications of parvalbumin fiber alterations.
Mice ; Animals ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/pathology* ; Parvalbumins/metabolism* ; Parkinson Disease/pathology* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Interneurons/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain/pathology*

Objective:To discuss outcomes of emergency repairing for Gustilo III B and III C fractures of forearm with complicated tissue defects and the related influence factors.Methods:From January 2014 to Feburary 2022, data of 98 cases of Gustilo III B and III C fractures with large compound defects of soft tissue, blood vessel, bone, tendon or muscle from elbow to wrist were collected. Primary debridement, bone fixation, wound coverage by free flap, bone transfer(or bone cement filling) or dynamic reconstruction of muscle were completed with emergency surgery in Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, Xi'an Fengcheng Hospital. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic visits, telephone and WeChat reviews. Video clips, questionnaires and the latest information of patients were also analysed. Rank sum test and Chi-square test were used to examine the relationship between independent variables such as general condition, disease condition and surgical procedures of chimeric tissue transfer group and simple flap transfer group, together with dependent variables such as limb salvage, number of surgery, wound healing, function scores, and complications. P<0.05 were further included in the regression equation to discover the relationship between multiple independent variables and dependent variables. Results:Follow-up lasted for 6-96 months, with an average of 71.1 months. In the chimeric group, the limb salvage rate was at 95.1%, with an infection rate of 8.50% and an average number of surgery was 2.13±0.89. In the simple flap transfer group, the limb salvage rate was at 87.5%, with an infection rate of 15.38% and an average number of surgery was 2.62±0.64. The good rate of Anderson score was 65.3% and the average score of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand(DASH) was 32.9(0-60) points for all the patients. There were significant differences in dependent variables of limb salvage and infection rate between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Ischemia time and method of bone fixation led to significant differences in number of surgery ( P<0.05). Methods of bone fixation and the types of flap made significant differences in wound healing ( P<0.05). Underlying disease, bonedefect, Gustilo classification and method of bone fixation all contributed to the significant differences in function score ( P<0.05 or P<0.01) . Conclusion:Emergency surgery for repair of serious injury of forearm has a relatively high limb salvage rate and good functional effects. The limb salvage rate is not correlated with independent variables such as severity of injury, Mangledextremity Severity Score (MESS) and ischemia time, while transfer of a simple flap or a chimeric flap is significantly correlated with the limb salvage rate, infection and wound healing. The severity of injury, ischemia time and bone defect are correlated with functional assessment, number of surgery and bone healing.