Objective To investigate the effects of cucurbitacin B (CucB) on alleviating skin lesions and inflammation in psoriasis mice via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Methods The expression of genes associated with the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in psoriatic lesions and non-lesional skin was analyzed, and hallmark gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The cytotoxicity of CucB on BMDMs was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, along with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, were measured at different concentrations of CucB using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose CucB group [0.1 mg/ (kg.d)], and high-dose CucB group [0.4 mg/ (kg.d)], with five mice per group. PASI scoring was performed to assess the severity of psoriasis after 6 days of treatment, and HE staining was conducted to observe pathological damage. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and their secretion were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Results Most cGAS-STING signaling-related genes were upregulated in lesional skin of psoriasis patients, and the hallmark gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly upregulated genes were primarily associated with immune response signaling pathways. CucB inhibited dsDNA-induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and STING proteins in both bone-marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs) and THP-1 cells. CucB also suppressed dsDNA-induced mRNA expression of IFNB1, TNF, IFIT1, CXCL10, ISG15, and reduced the secretion of cytokines such as IFN-β, IL-1β, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. In the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, CucB treatment reduced psoriatic symptoms, alleviated skin lesions, and attenuated inflammation. ELISA and qPCR results showed that CucB significantly reduced serum secretion levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as the mRNA levels of IL23A, IL1B, IL6, TNF, and IFNB1. Conclusion CucB inhibits cytoplasmic DNA-induced activationc of the GAS-STING pathway. CucB significantly attenuates skin lesions and inflammation in IMQ-induced psoriatic mice, and the potential molecular mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway.
Animals ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice ; Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Male

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), as a thermophilic crop, is highly susceptible to cold stress during its growth process. Chilling injury at the plumule stage and seedling stage often affects the morphological development and leads to yield reduction of rice. The exploration and utilization of cold tolerance genes are among the most direct and effective approaches to address cold stress in rice. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with cold tolerance at plumule and seedling stages, in this study, we measured the seedling rates and survived seedling rates of the indica rice cultivar 'HZ', the japonica cultivar 'Nekken2', and their 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) under cold stress. A previously constructed high-density genetic linkage map was used for the mapping of the QTLs conferring cold tolerance at the plumule and seedling stages. A total of 4 QTLs for plumule-stage cold tolerance and 9 QTLs for seedling-stage cold tolerance were detected, with the maximum limit of detection reaching 5.20. Notably, a genetically overlapping QTL for both plumule and seedling stages was identified on chromosome 8, spanning a physical interval of 24 432 953-25 295 129 bp. Candidate genes within the detected QTL intervals were screened, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to analyze the gene expression during the plumule and seedling stages. The results revealed that LOC_Os03g06570, LOC_Os03g07100, LOC_Os06g08280, LOC_Os08g38440, LOC_Os08g39100, and LOC_Os08g39540 exhibited significantly differential expression between the parental lines. These genes were either significantly downregulated or upregulated under cold stress. Among them, the first three gene (LOC_Os03g06570, LOC_Os03g07100, and LOC_Os06g08280) were hypothesized to be key candidates regulating the cold tolerance of rice seedlings, while the latter three genes (LOC_Os08g38440, LOC_Os08g39100, and LOC_Os08g39540) were identified as comprehensive regulators of cold tolerance during both plumule and seedling stages. These findings lay a foundation for the fine mapping and cloning of cold tolerance genes at the plumule and seedling stages, providing valuable insights for breeding cold-tolerant rice varieties.
Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics* ; Oryza/growth & development* ; Seedlings/growth & development* ; Cold Temperature ; Chromosome Mapping ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

Objective:Distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogen isolated from children with intra-abdominal infection (IAI) associated sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) were analyzed to provide a reference for the empirical anti-infective treatment of IAI in children.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the data of 116 children with culture-positive IAI-associated sepsis admitted to Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2019 to December 2021. Clinical isolation and drug resistance analysis were conducted based on different years of onset, locations of onset, and primary diseases.Results:A total of 186 strains of pathogens causing children with IAI-associated sepsis in ICU were collected. The distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogen were as follows: the percentages of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi were 53.2%, 40.9%, and 5.9%, respectively; the top four strains were Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis, accounting for 57.0% of all isolates; Enterococcus faecium(19.9%) and Enterococcus faecalis (10.2%) were the dominating gram-positive bacteria; Escherichia coli (13.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.4%) were more common gram-negative bacteria; Fungi were dominated by Candida albicans (3.8%).Fifty-seven strains of gram-positive bacteria were detected in 61 children with infectious diseases, mainly Enterococcus faecium (28 strains). There were 53 gram-negative strains, mainly Klebsiella pneumoniae (21 strains). Thirty-two strains of gram-positive bacteria were detected in 40 children with digestive tract malformation, and Enterococcus faecalis (six strains) were the most common. There were 14 gram-negative strains, mainly Escherichia coli (six strains). In 13 children with malignant tumors of digestive system, nine strains of gram-positive bacteria were cultured, and Enterococcus faecium (four strains) was the most common. There were eight gram-negative strains, mainly Escherichia coli (four strains).In the 46 community-acquired IAI patients,30 gram-positive isolates were cultured,mainly including Enterococcus faecium (12 strains), Staphylococcus epidermidis (seven strains), and Viridans streptococci (six strains); Forty gram-negative isolates mainly contained Escherichia coli (16 strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14 strains), and Enterobacter cloacae (five strains). In the 70 hospital-associated IAI patients, 69 gram-positive isolates such as Enterococcus faecium (25 strains), Enterococcus faecalis (17 strains), Enterococcus gallinarum (eight strains), and Staphylococcus aureus (seven strains) were cultured;Tirty-six gram-negative isolates were dominated by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 strains), Escherichia coli (nine strains), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (four strains), and Acinetobacter baumannii (four strains). The mixed infection rate of clinical pathogens was up to 46.6%, and the overall resistance rate was 43.4%, in which gram-negative bacteria had high sensitivity to piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam, imipenem, and tigecycline.The detection rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases were 36.0% and 24.6%, respectively, with 100% sensitivity to tigecycline. Gram-positive bacteria showed 100% sensitivity to vancomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline. Conclusion:Pathogen isolated from children with IAI-associated sepsis in ICU were dominated by Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis,respectively. Before confirmation of pathogenic bacteria, antibacterial agents can be selected according to the infection type. It is important to note that a single broad-spectrum antibacterial agent or combination medication can be considered the initial empirical choice due to the large variety of pathogens, high rates of mixed infections, and high overall resistance.

Objective To investigate the relationship of miRNA gene polymorphisms with blood pressure(BP)responses to the sodium and potassium diet intervention.Methods In 2004,we recruited 514 participants from 124 families in seven villages of Baoji,Shaanxi Province,China.All subjects were given a three-day normal diet,followed by a seven-day low-salt diet,a seven-day high-salt diet,and finally a seven-day high-salt and potassium supplementation.A total of 19 miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were selected for analysis.Results Throughout the sodium-potassium dietary intervention,the BP of the subjects fluctuated across all phases,showing a decrease during the low-salt period and an increase during the high-salt period,followed by a reduction in BP subsequent to potassium supplementation during the high-salt diet.MiR-210-3p SNP rs 12364149 was significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP),diastolic BP(DBP)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)responses to low-salt diet.MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178 was significantly associated with SBP while miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with MAP responses to low-salt intervention.In addition,miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly correlated with SBP,DBP and MAP responses to high-salt intervention.MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs1 1191676 and rs2292807 were associated with SBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet.MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178,miR-210-3p SNP rs12364149,miR-382-5p SNP rs4906032 and rs4143957 were significantly associated with SBP response to high-salt diet.In addition,miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with SBP,DBP and MAP responses to potassium supplementation.MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs11191676,rs2292807,and miR-19a-3p SNP rs4284505 were significantly associated with SBP responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation.Conclusion miRNA gene polymorphisms are associated with BP response to sodium and potassium,suggesting that miRNA genes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Objective:To conduct a phased summary and analysis of the operation and quality control (QC) of the first human milk bank (HMB) in East China over a ten-year period.Methods:Data on the operation of the HMB at Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, characteristics of donors and recipients, clinical application of donated milk, and operational costs from August 1, 2013, to July 31, 2023, were collected, organized, analyzed, and described. Quality and safety management of the HMB began in 2016, with QC measures implemented. Chi-square tests were used to compare data related to the operation of the HMB, donors, and recipient infants before QC (2013-2015) and after QC (2016-2023). Results:Over the ten-year period since its establishment, the HMB received donor human milk (DHM) from 1 974 donors, totaling 9 390.41 liters. The qualification rate of donors was 86.47% (1 707/1 974), with a qualification rate of DHM of 98.01% (9 203.21/9 390.41) and 21 757 donation instances, with the highest individual donation count reaching 195 times. In the past 10 years, due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus in 2020, the number of milk donors, the amount of DHM and the total number of milk donations decreased significantly, but the amount of DHM per capita and the number of milk donations per capita showed a continuous upward trend. Compared to the period before QC, the qualification rate of donors [96.75% (1 253/1 295) vs. 66.86% (454/679), χ 2=340.33, P<0.001] and the qualification rate of DHM [98.19% (8 366.76/8 521.08) vs. 96.22% (836.45/869.33), χ 2=16.33, P<0.001] both improved after QC. A total of 11 197 recipients received 6 615.38 liters of DHM, with a utilization rate of 71.88% (6 615.38/9 203.21). The current operation mode of the HMB is "voluntary donation, free use". Over ten years, the costs for consumables, testing, labor, energy, and fixed assets amounted to 9.36 million CNY, with an operational cost of 996.32 CNY per liter (9.36 million/9 390.41 L) and approximately 1.00 CNY per milliliter of DHM. Conclusions:The hospital's HMB has been operating stably for ten years, and abundant DHM benefits many newborns. QC measures have effectively increased the qualification rates of both donors and DHM, providing better nutritional support for the treatment of critically ill infants. However, the operational costs of the HMB are relatively high, necessitating the exploration of an operational model suitable for China's national conditions.

Objective:To explore the short-term efficacy on 3D printing assisted reconstruction of traumatic digit joint defects using rib and costo-osteochondral autograft.Methods:From August 2022 to July 2023, 7 patients with open digit joint defects had undergone emergency primary debridement and fracture fixation in the Department of Orthopaedics, 988th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA. Patients with more phalangeal defects that could not be aligned were treated with antibiotic bone cement filling in the emergency surgery. In the second stage surgery, bone cement was removed and transfer of rib cartilage graft was performed to reconstruct the digit joint defect. According to a 1∶1 3D printed hand templates, rib cartilage grafts were crafted to the shape of digit joints, and then spliced together the digit joints and bone defects for fixation. Follow-up X-ray examinations were taken and assessment of the healing status of rib and fractures of phalangeal and metacarpophalangeal bones were carried out according to the Paley fracture healing score. At the outpatient follow-up, assessment of transferred joint movement and evaluation of upper limb function were conducted according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were evaluated from the affected digits and donor sites.Results:After reconstructive surgery, all 7 patients had primary healing of the wounds of hand. One patient had fat liquefaction at the donor site, and the rest had primary donor site healing. One patient received further surgery for extensor tendon repair after rib cartilage grafting due to the digital extensor tendon injury. All 7 patients were included in postoperative follow-up for 6-11 months, with an average of 9 months. All patients had excellent fracture healing according to the Paley fracture healing score. At the final follow-up, the extension and flexion of the digit joints were found at 40°-80° (average 56.2°) for proximal interphalangeal joints (4 patients), and 10° in extension and 85° in flexion for metacarpophalangeal joint (1 patient). The range of motion of the thumb interphalangeal joint (2 patients) was 20°-35° (average 27.5°). Hand function was assessed according to Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association and it was found that 3 patients were in excellent, 3 in good and 1 in fair.Conclusion:This study focused on the treatment of traumatic digit joint defects by transfer of individually crafted rib cartilages in reconstruction of the defected digit joint. It significantly improves the appearance and function of the defected digit joints, especially suitable for the irregular defects of phalangeal bones.

Objective:To systematically search, evaluate and integrate the relevant evidence of nutrition management in breast cancer patients, and summarize the best evidence, so as to provide evidence for the clinical practice of nutrition management in breast cancer patients.Methods:Evidence-based nursing method was adopted. The BMJ Best Practice, Cochrane Library, etc. and websites were systematically searched for relevant clinical decisions, guidelines, expert consensus,etc. on nutrition management in breast cancer patients. The search period was from the establishment of the database to June 21, 2023. Three researchers independently evaluated the quality of the included literature and the level of evidence and recommendation.Results:A total of 17 pieces of literature were included, including 2 clinical decisions, 6 guidelines, 1 expert consensus and 8 systematic reviews. A total of 33 pieces of best evidence were summarized on 8 aspects, including objective, nutrition screening and assessment, nutrition management population, body mass index management, nutrient structure, diet type and quantity, the use of health products and nutritional supplements, and nutritional monitoring and follow-up.Conclusions:The study summarized the best evidence on nutrition management in breast cancer patients, and provided evidence-based basis for healthcare professionals to better manage nutrition in breast cancer patients. In the practical application of evidence, the differences in dietary habits, structures and religious beliefs of different regions and cultures should be considered, and the best evidence appropriate for individuals should be reasonably selected, taking patients′ own wishes and preferences into account, so as to provide more scientific and comprehensive nutrition management for breast cancer patients.

Objective:To search, evaluate and summarize the best research evidence of perioperative intestinal management in patients with cervical spinal cord injury, so as to provide evidence-based basis for clinical nursing practice.Methods:Literature on perioperative intestinal management of cervical spinal cord injury were systematically searched in databases, domestic and foreign relevant guidlines network and professional associations, such as UpToDate, Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, etc. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to October 1, 2023. The quality of the included literature was evaluated and the evidence was extracted and summarized.Results:Finally, 9 articles were included, including 2 guidelines, 2 expert consensuses, 1 randomized controlled trials, and 4 observational studies. Twenty-five pieces of evidence were summarized across six aspects: assessment, diet management, physical activity, physical therapy, drug therapy, prevention and management of intestinal complications.Conclusions:The best evidence of perioperative intestinal management in patients with cervical spinal cord injury summarized in this study can provide reference for clinical nursing practice.

Objective To explore the correlation between moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and early breastfeeding in preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 220 preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks. The preterm infants were dividedinto moderate to severe BPD group (37 cases) and control group (183 cases) based on whether moderate to severe BPD occurred or not. The clinical characteristics, breastfeeding volume, and mother's own milk (MOM) feeding rate were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between breastfeeding and the occurrence of moderate to severe BPD in preterm infants was analyzed. Results Univariate analysis showed that the moderate to severe BPD group had a higher proportion of infants with birth weight < 1 500 g, gestational age < 28 weeks, vaginal delivery, Apgar score ≤ 7 at 1 minute after birth, and mechanical ventilation time ≥ 7 days compared to the control group(P < 0.05). The duration of intravenous nutrition was longer in the moderate to severe BPD group (P < 0.05). The moderate to severe BPD group had lower breast milk intake from 0 to 7 days after birth, MOM intake, MOM feeding rate, and breast milk intake from 8 to 14 days after birth compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that a high volume of breastfeeding from 0 to 7 days after birth was an independent protective factor for the occurrence of moderate to severe BPD in preterm infants (OR=0.865, 95%CI, 0.767 to 0.976, P < 0.05). Gestational age < 28 weeks (OR=5.238, 95%CI, 1.158 to 23.686, P < 0.05), and mechanical ventilation time ≥7 days (OR=22.386, 95%CI, 6.769 to 74.030, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of moderate to severe BPD in preterm infants. Conclusion Early breastfeeding after birth can significantly reduce the risk of moderate to severe BPD in preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks, and clinical measures should be actively implemented to promote early breastfeeding.