Objective:To observe the effects of Maxing Loushi decoction on the inflammatory response and inflammatory indicators in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) models.Methods:Thirty-six BALB/C mice were randomly divided into 4 groups by random number table method: 10 mice in the COPD model group (referred to as the model group), 10 mice in the Maxing Loushi decoction group (referred to as the traditional Chinese medicine group), 10 mice in the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor group (referred to as the control group), and 6 mice in the normal group. The COPD models of mice in the model group, the traditional Chinese medicine group and the control group were prepared by cigarette smoking combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction method. During the modeling process, the model group and the traditional Chinese medicine group were respectively given normal saline and Maxing Loushi decoction by gavage. The control group was given intraperitoneal injection of PD-1 inhibitor, while the normal group was given intragastric administration of normal saline. Pathological changes of lung tissues in each group of mice were detected by HE staining. The levels of inflammatory factors [monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] in the plasma and alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of Maxing Loushi decoction intervention on inflammatory responses and inflammatory factors were evaluated.Results:The lung tissue structure in the normal group was basically normal. There was no thickening of the alveolar walls, no infiltration of neutrophils in the tissues, and no obvious inflammatory infiltration. In the model group, the lung tissue structure was slightly abnormal. A small amount of alveolar atrophy could be observed, the alveolar walls were slightly thickened, and inflammatory infiltration could be seen. In the traditional Chinese medicine group, the lung tissue structure was slightly abnormal. A small amount of alveolar atrophy and collapse could be observed, the alveolar walls were not thickened, and individual neutrophil infiltration could be seen in the tissue. In the control group, the lung tissue structure was slightly abnormal, some alveoli atrophied, and a small amount of neutrophil infiltration could be seen in the tissue. The levels of MCP-1 and MIP-1α in plasma and lavage fluid of the model group were significantly higher than those of the normal group (all P<0.05), while the levels of MCP-1 and MIP-1α in plasma and lavage fluid of the traditional Chinese medicine group and the control group were significantly lower than those of the model group (all P<0.05). Moreover, the levels of plasma MCP-1 and MIP-1α in the traditional Chinese medicine group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of MCP-1 and MIP-1α in alveolar lavage fluid between the traditional Chinese medicine group and the control group (all P>0.05). The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma and alveolar lavage fluid of the model group were significantly higher than those of the normal group (all P<0.05), while the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma and alveolar lavage fluid of the traditional Chinese medicine group and the control group were significantly lower than those of the model group (all P<0.05). Moreover, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma and alveolar lavage fluid of the traditional Chinese medicine group were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The intervention of Maxing Loushi decoction has a significant improvement effect on the inflammatory response of COPD model mice. Inflammatory factors such as MCP-1, MIP-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α can be used as indicators to determine the degree of COPD inflammation.

This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of various host nucleic acid removal and non-specific amplifica-tion techniques in animal tissue samples,to increase the accuracy of pathogen identification in tissue samples.Simulated samples were prepared with a mixture of mouse lung tissue homogenates and Klebsiella pneumoniae fluids,and processed with six host nucleic acid removal kits and three non-specific amplification techniques.The effectiveness of each method in removing host DNA and enriching nucleic acids of pathogenic microorganisms was evaluated through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and high-throughput se-quencing.For host nucleic acid removal techniques,the method of selective cleavage and quantitative degradation of host DNA(Com-plete5 kit)effectively decreased the host nucleic acid content in tissue samples and increased the relative abundance of pathogen nucleic acids.In contrast,the magnetic bead method for host DNA removal(Next microbiome DNA enrichment Kit kit)was less effec-tive.At lower pathogen concentrations(77 CFU/mL),the Vazyme kit was more effective than the other kits in removing host nucleic acids.Non-specific amplification techniques(MALBAC whole genome amplification,MDA isothermal amplification,and random primer amplification)were not applicable to tissue samples and were not effective in increasing the relative abundance of pathogen nucleic acids.Selective lysis and quantitative degradation of host DNA were suitable for processing tissue samples with high host back-ground and low pathogenic microorganism levels,whereas non-specific amplification methods were not applicable to tissue samples for pre-processing of macro-genome high-throughput sequencing.

Objective·To explore the effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation(iTBS)targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)on reducing craving in alcohol-dependent patients during the withdrawal period,as well as its impact on patients'emotions and cognitive functions.Methods·A total of 41 inpatients with alcohol dependence in the withdrawal period were recruited from the Addiction Department of Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,and randomly assigned to the experimental group(20 patients)and the control group(21 patients).Both groups received routine inpatient treatment for alcohol-dependence.The experimental group received real iTBS stimulation targeting the left DLPFC on the basis of routine inpatient treatment,while the control group received sham stimulation with the same parameters.The intervention course lasted for 2 weeks,with a total of 10 sessions.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Beck Depression Inventory(BDI),and Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI)were used to measure the craving,anxiety,and depression of the patients before and after the intervention.The behavioral tasks of the detection task(DET),identification task(IDN),two back task(TWOB),the Groton maze learning task(GML),and international shopping list task(ISL)in the CogState software package were used to assess the cognitive processing speed,attention/vigilance,working memory,spatial problem-solving/error monitoring ability,and verbal learning and memory of the patients before and after the intervention.Results·Repeated measures ANOVA showed that the time effect[F=126.713,P＜0.001,partial η2(ηp2)=0.765]and interaction effect(F=7.080.P=0.011,ηp2=0.154)of the VAS scores in the two groups of patients were statistically significant.The time effect(F=9.114,P=0.004,ηp2=0.189),group effect(F=5.557,P=0.024,ηp2=0.125),and interaction effect(F=4.977,P=0.032,η2=0.113)of the TWOB score were all statistically significant.Only the time effects of BDI(F=45.273,P＜0.001,ηp2=0.578),BAI(F=31.432,P＜0.001,ηp2=0.473),GML(F=8.993,P=0.005,ηp2=0.209),and ISL(F=26.657,P＜0.001,ηp2=0.439)scores were statistically significant.There were no statistically significant effects of time,group,or interaction on the DET and IDN scores.Simple effect analysis showed that the VAS score of the real stimulation group was lower than that of the sham stimulation group after the intervention(F=8.805,P=0.005,ηp2=0.184),and the TWOB score of the real stimulation group was higher than that of the sham stimulation group(F=11.293,P=0.002,ηp2=0.225).Conclusion·Combining iTBS with routine inpatient treatment can enhance the efficacy of reducing alcohol craving in alcohol-dependent patients during the withdrawal period,and improve their working memory.

Objective To develop and translate the Chinese listening self-efficacy questionnaire(C-LSEQ)and to test its reliability and validity.Methods A total of 172 subjects aged≥60 years with age-related hearing loss completed the C-LSEQ questionnaire via direct interviews.Pure tone hearing threshold test,Mandarin hearing in noise test,and the hearing handicap inventory for elderly-screening(HHIE-S)were evaluated.Twenty subjects were randomly selected from the original group to complete the C-LSEQ questionnaire in 2 weeks after the initial evaluation.Results ① Reliability:The Cronbach's a coefficients of the three sub-dimensions and the overall ques-tionnaire were all＞0.8,and the test-retest reliability coefficients of the three sub-dimensions and the overall ques-tionnaire were all＞0.9(P＜0.001).② Validity:The experts collectively evaluated the representativeness of the statements with good content validity.The convergent validity test showed that the composite reliability(CR)of the 2 sub-dimensions and the overall questionnaire were all＞0.7,and the average variance extracted(AVE)were all＞0.5.The CR value of the complex listening dimension was 0.655,and the AVE value was 0.937.The criterion validity test showed that the overall questionnaire and the three sub-dimensions of the C-LSEQ were significantly correlated with the pure-tone average,speech recognition thresholds in noise,and HHIE-S(P＜0.001).Conclusion The C-LSEQ exhibits stable structure,with good reliability and validity.It can be used to assess listen-ing self-efficacy in adults with hearing loss,especially in the elderly with age-related hearing loss.

Pregabalin, a structural analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been widely prescribed since its approval in 2004 for treating various neuropathic pain conditions. In Western countries, it is also approved for managing anxiety disorders. However, concerns about its potential for abuse and dependence have led to its reclassification as a second-line treatment in recent years. Although pregabalin addiction has been reported in international studies, there have been no such reports within China. This article presents a case of addiction stemming from pregabalin abuse to manage anxiety symptoms. The patient experienced withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing the drug, which were successfully treated. The development of pregabalin addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and the OD(overdose) pattern of drug abuse in this case should draw the attention of clinicians in China.

Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics, drug resistance and treatment of 36 neonates with Enterobacter sepsis in the Children′s Hospital of Soochow University in the past 3 years, so as to provide reference for clinical treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on neonates hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology of the Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from January 2021 to March 2024 who were diagnosed with Enterobacter sepsis. The birth status, clinical manifestations, blood culture drug sensitivity, treatment status and disease outcome of the neonates were analyzed.Results:A total of 36 neonates with Enterobacter sepsis were collected. Premature infants accounted for 38.9%(14/36), and late-onset cases accounted for 66.7%(24/36). The incidence of complications was high. The main complications were central nervous system infection (15/36, 41.7%), urinary system infection (13/36, 36.1%) and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (7/36, 19.4%). The main pathogenic bacteria were Escherichia coli (19 cases) and Klebsiella (11 cases). Among the 19 escherichia coli strains, 7 were extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains and 1 was carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strain. Among the 11 Klebsiella strains, 9 were ESBL-producing strains and 6 were CRE strains. The 6 neonates with CRE sepsis were treated with sensitive antibiotics such as meropenem, amikacin and ceftazidime-avibactam, and achieved good therapeutic effects.Conclusions:Escherichia coli and Klebsiella are the main pathogens of Enterobacter sepsis in neonates, especially premature infants, with high incidence of complications and high drug resistance rate.

Objective To develop and translate the Chinese listening self-efficacy questionnaire(C-LSEQ)and to test its reliability and validity.Methods A total of 172 subjects aged≥60 years with age-related hearing loss completed the C-LSEQ questionnaire via direct interviews.Pure tone hearing threshold test,Mandarin hearing in noise test,and the hearing handicap inventory for elderly-screening(HHIE-S)were evaluated.Twenty subjects were randomly selected from the original group to complete the C-LSEQ questionnaire in 2 weeks after the initial evaluation.Results ① Reliability:The Cronbach's a coefficients of the three sub-dimensions and the overall ques-tionnaire were all＞0.8,and the test-retest reliability coefficients of the three sub-dimensions and the overall ques-tionnaire were all＞0.9(P＜0.001).② Validity:The experts collectively evaluated the representativeness of the statements with good content validity.The convergent validity test showed that the composite reliability(CR)of the 2 sub-dimensions and the overall questionnaire were all＞0.7,and the average variance extracted(AVE)were all＞0.5.The CR value of the complex listening dimension was 0.655,and the AVE value was 0.937.The criterion validity test showed that the overall questionnaire and the three sub-dimensions of the C-LSEQ were significantly correlated with the pure-tone average,speech recognition thresholds in noise,and HHIE-S(P＜0.001).Conclusion The C-LSEQ exhibits stable structure,with good reliability and validity.It can be used to assess listen-ing self-efficacy in adults with hearing loss,especially in the elderly with age-related hearing loss.

This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of various host nucleic acid removal and non-specific amplifica-tion techniques in animal tissue samples,to increase the accuracy of pathogen identification in tissue samples.Simulated samples were prepared with a mixture of mouse lung tissue homogenates and Klebsiella pneumoniae fluids,and processed with six host nucleic acid removal kits and three non-specific amplification techniques.The effectiveness of each method in removing host DNA and enriching nucleic acids of pathogenic microorganisms was evaluated through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and high-throughput se-quencing.For host nucleic acid removal techniques,the method of selective cleavage and quantitative degradation of host DNA(Com-plete5 kit)effectively decreased the host nucleic acid content in tissue samples and increased the relative abundance of pathogen nucleic acids.In contrast,the magnetic bead method for host DNA removal(Next microbiome DNA enrichment Kit kit)was less effec-tive.At lower pathogen concentrations(77 CFU/mL),the Vazyme kit was more effective than the other kits in removing host nucleic acids.Non-specific amplification techniques(MALBAC whole genome amplification,MDA isothermal amplification,and random primer amplification)were not applicable to tissue samples and were not effective in increasing the relative abundance of pathogen nucleic acids.Selective lysis and quantitative degradation of host DNA were suitable for processing tissue samples with high host back-ground and low pathogenic microorganism levels,whereas non-specific amplification methods were not applicable to tissue samples for pre-processing of macro-genome high-throughput sequencing.

BACKGROUND:The absence of blood vessels in tendon tissue makes tendon repair challenging.Therefore,improving tendon healing and raising the efficacy of stem cell and other therapeutic cell transplantation after tendon damage have become hotspots for research in both clinical and scientific contexts. OBJECTIVE:The stem cells and gelatin microcarrier scaffold were joined to form tissue engineered stem cells.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured in gelatin microcarriers were used to investigate the therapeutic impact and mode of action on tendinopathy healing in rats in vitro and In vivo. METHODS:(1)In vitro cell experiments:After seeding human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with three-dimensional gelatin microcarriers,the cell vitality and survival were assessed.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells conventionally cultured were cultured as controls.(2)In vivo experiment:Adult SD rats were randomly assigned to normal group,tendinopathy group,2D group(tendinopathy+conventional culture of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells),and 3D group(tendinopathy+gelatin microcarrier three-dimensional culture of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells),with 6 rats in each group.Four weeks after therapy,animal behavior tests and histopathologic morphology of the Achilles tendon was examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro cell experiments:the seeded human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on gelatin microcarriers showed high viability and as time went on,the stem cell proliferation level grew.Compared with the control group,3D stem cell culture preserved cell viability.(2)In vivo experiment:Following a 4-week treatment,the 3D stem cell culture group showed a significant improvement in both functional recovery of the lower limbs and histopathological scores when compared to the tendinopathy group.The 2D stem cell culture group also showed improvement in tendinopathy injury,but its effect is not as much as the 3D stem cell culture group.(3)The outcomes demonstrate that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells cultured with three-dimensional gelatin microcarrier can promote the repair and regeneration of tendon injury tissue,and the repair effect is better than that of conventional human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

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