Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and infection pathways and virulence factors of one cholera outbreak in Fengxian District, Shanghai, China, in 2024, and to provide scientific basis for epidemic control and prevention. Methods　Epidemiologic data of cases of one cholera outbreak in Fengxian District in 2024 were collected using on-site epidemiologic survey methods; RT-PCR nucleic acid testing and bacterial culture were applied to carry out pathogenicity testing of cases, close contacts, environment, and food samples; and the genome sequences of the strains were obtained using second-generation gene sequencing. Results　The case was a 62-year-old woman, who presented to the doctor with diarrhea for 4 consecutive days, 4-5 times a day, with watery stools, which was not effectively relieved by self-administered medication. There was no history of traveling away from Shanghai for 5 days before the onset of the disease, and she was engaged in the preparation and delivery of food for rural banquets during the period. Vibrio cholerae O139 was detected in the anal swab sample of the case and the septic tank of the workplace on the 4th day after the onset of the disease; samples of turtle and links in the store selling turtle were cultured for Vibrio cholerae O139. The isolate carried several virulence-related genes such as ctxA, ctxB, HlyA, zot, rtxA, hapA, nanH, tdh, and T3SS. Comparison of the isolate with the O139 strain of cholera cluster within our country through the National Pathogenic Bacteria Recognition Network (NPBN) in recent years suggests that the closest environmental or aquatic animal isolate to the sequence of this strain is the turtle isolate uploaded at a place in Guangdong. Conclusion　This outbreak was a disseminated outbreak caused by the case's contact with turtle contaminated with Vibrio cholerae O139, and early detection of enteric infectious diseases such as cholera can be achieved by relying on the outpatient enteric cholera surveillance network.

Given the increasing concern regarding antibacterial resistance, the antimicrobial properties of naphthoquinones have recently attracted significant attention. While 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives have been extensively studied, the antibacterial properties of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives remain relatively unexplored. This study presents a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo analysis of the antibacterial activity of 35 naturally sourced and chemically synthesized derivatives of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing identified three compounds with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with one compound (PNP-02) demonstrating activity comparable to vancomycin in minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assays. Microscopic and biochemical analyses revealed that PNP-02 adversely affects the cell wall and cell membrane of MRSA. Mechanistic investigations, including proteomic sequencing analyses, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR assays, indicated that PNP-02 compromises cell membrane integrity by inhibiting arginine biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism pathways, thereby increasing membrane permeability and inducing bacterial death. In an in vivo mouse model of skin wound healing, PNP-02 exhibited antibacterial efficacy similar to vancomycin. The compound demonstrated low toxicity to cultured human cells and in hemolysis assays and remained stable during serum incubation. These findings suggest that PNP-02 possesses promising bioactivity against MRSA and represents a potential novel antibacterial agent.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry* ; Naphthoquinones/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mice ; Humans ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology* ; Molecular Structure

ObjectiveTo investigate the pathogenic spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of diarrheal disease in Fengxian District of Shanghai, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of diarrheal diseases. MethodsBasic information of the initial adult cases visited diarrheal disease surveillance sentinel hospital in Fengxian District, Shanghai, was collected from August 2013 to 2023, and fecal samples were collected at 1∶5 sampling intervals to isolate and identify 5 kinds of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC), Salmonella (SAL), Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Campylobacter, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella and Yersinia enterocolitica (YE). Simultaneously, nucleic acid detection was performed for 3 kinds of rotavirus, 2 kinds of norovirus, intestinal adenovirus, astrovirus and sapovirus. ResultsA total of 1 861 cases of newly diagnosed diarrheal disease were reported, with the peak in July to August. Additionally, 704 surveillance samples were detected, with a total positive detection rate of 50.57%. The detection rates of bacterial, viral and mixed infection were 25.14%, 21.02% and 4.40%, respectively. Among the pathogens detected, DEC accounted for the highest (17.61%, 124/704), followed by norovirus (16.48%, 116/704), rotavirus (6.39%, 45/704), SAL (5.97%, 42/704) and Campylobacter (3.84%, 27/704). DEC detected were mainly enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, with no detection of Vibrio cholerae, Shigella and YE. The highest total pathogen detection rate was observed from June to September, and the detection peaks of norovirus were from March to June and from October to December, whereas that of DEC was from June to October. The detection rate of rotavirus peaked from January to February, but which was not detected between 2020‒2023. The SAL positive rate peak was in September, whereas that of Campylobacter was from July to September. ConclusionThe main pathogens detected in Fengxian District from 2013‒2019 are DEC, norovirus, rotavirus, SAL and Campylobacter. Different pathogens have different detection peaks, with bacteria predominating in summer and viruses in winter and spring. Prevention and control measures should be carried out according to the epidemiological characteristics of different seasons.

Objective:To explore the effect of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in the treatment of chronic insomnia.Methods:A total of 69 patients with chronic insomnia admitted to the Nanjing First Hospital from January 2023 to February 2024 were selected and randomly divided into the CBT-I alone group (simple group, 34 cases) and the SGB combined with CBT-I group (combined group, 35 cases) using a random number table. Both groups received treatment for 8 weeks. The simple group was treated with CBT-I twice a week, 1 hour each time. The combined group, on the basis of the simple group, received ultrasound-guided SGB with 4 ml of 1% lidocaine, which was performed once a day, alternately on the left and right sides, for 7 consecutive days each time, with a total of 14 injections in the 1st and 5th weeks. One week before treatment and 8 weeks after treatment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep diary were used to record patients′ subjective sleep quality; Actigraph was used to record objective sleep status; the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess patients′ emotional status. Adverse reactions such as hoarseness, pneumothorax, bleeding, and infection were recorded.Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, the effective rate was 76.5%(26/34) in the simple group and 94.3%(33/35) in the combined group, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2=8.433, P<0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in PSQI scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the PSQI scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment, and the PSQI score of the combined group was lower than that of the simple group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in sleep parameters from sleep diaries and Actigraph between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with before treatment, after treatment, the total sleep time and time in bed were prolonged, and sleep efficiency, the proportion of deep sleep, and the proportion of rapid eye movement sleep were increased in both groups; these indicators in the combined group were better than those in the simple group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the sleep onset latency was shortened and the number of awakenings was reduced in both groups after treatment, and the combined group was better than the simple group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in SAS and SDS scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the SAS and SDS scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment, and the SAS and SDS scores of the combined group were lower than those of the simple group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). During treatment, 2 cases in the combined group developed hoarseness, which relieved spontaneously after 2 hours, and no other complications occurred. Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided SGB combined with CBT-I can significantly improve the nighttime sleep quality of patients with chronic insomnia.

Objective To elucidate the mechanism through which Gypenoside L inhibits the growth of colon cancer by modulating carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B),a pivotal enzyme in the fatty acid metabolism pathway. Methods Through in vitro experiments,various concentrations of Gypenoside LI LI were applied to inter-vene in colon cancer RKO and SW620 cells. The effects of Gypenoside LI on these cells were comprehensively evalu-ated using the CCK-8 assay,wound healing assay,colony formation assay,and live-dead cell staining,focusing on its impact on cell proliferation,migration,and apoptosis. Additionally,a human colon cancer tissue microarray (TMA) was utilized in conjunction with multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of CPT1B in colon cancer and adjacent tissues. SW620 cells were transfected with siRNA,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of CPT1B post-transfection were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. Furthermore,an in vivo nude mouse colon cancer model was established to investigate the inhibitory effect of Gypenoside LI LI on colon cancer growth. Results In vitro experiments demonstrated that Gypenoside LI LI effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of RKO and SW620 cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. Additionally,multiple fluorescence immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that the expression level of CPT1B in colon cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues. Gypenoside LI LI promoted ROS accumulation by inhibiting CPT1B expression. In vivo experiments further confirmed that Gypenoside LI LI could inhibit tumor formation in nude mice and reduce CPT1B expression. Conclusions This study elucidates the mechanism by which Gypenoside LI inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells. Specifically,it downregulates CPT1B,leading to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS),disruption of fatty acid oxidation metabolism,and ultimately inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cells. These findings offer valuable insights into colon cancer treatment,suggesting new therapeutic strategies and potential drug targets.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of left ventricular assist device(LVAD) in the treatment of end-stage heart failure.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Data were retrospectively analyzed from 48 patients treated at eight domestic cardiac surgery centers in China between March 2022 and September 2024, who underwent LVAD implantation due to end-stage heart failure. All surgeries were led by the cardiovascular surgery team from Nanjing First Hospital. The study included 42 male and 6 female patients, aged (59.1±12.3) years (range:28 to 73 years). All patients had a preoperative New York Heart Association(NYHA) functional class of Ⅳ. General preoperative data, intraoperative extracorporeal circulation time, cross-clamp time, postoperative ICU stay, hospital stay, pump parameters at discharge, intraoperative and postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and follow-up results post-discharge were collected. The generalized estimation equation was used to compare the difference of cardiac function indexes in patients with different follow-up time points. The Tukey′s Honestly Significant Difference test was used for pairwise comparison within the group.Results:The surgery was successfully completed for 47 patients, and 1 perioperative death. The extracorporeal circulation time was (122.4±21.6) minutes (range: 101 to 200 minutes), the cross-clamp time was (70.1±18.3) minutes (range: 101 to 200 minutes), the postoperative ICU length of stay was (6.9±3.2) days (range: 2 to 23 days), and the hospital length of stay was (28.1±4.2) days (range: 23 to 42 days). At discharge, the blood bump flow rate was (3.4±0.6) L/min(range: 3.1 to 3.6 L/min), and speed was (2 791.3±142.0) r/min(range: 2 680 to 3 250 r/min). The follow-up period was (12.2±0.78) months (range:2 to 24 months) of 47 patients. One case underwent heart transplantation during the follow-up period, and 3 cases died, with no major device malfunction events. Three months post-surgery, the patients showed a significant reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter compared to pre-surgery ((69.1±8.3) mm vs. (77.3±8.3) mm, q=6.73, P<0.01); the left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased ((29.6±8.0)% vs. (23.2±5.8)%, q=6.49, P<0.01); and the 6-minute walk distance significantly improved ((382.0±12.8)metres vs. (114.8±18.4)metres, q=116.56, P<0.01). Six months postoperatively, all patients′ cardiac function had recovered to NYHA class Ⅰor Ⅱ. Conclusions:Preliminary research findings indicate that left ventricular assist device therapy yields favorable outcomes in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. serving as a bridge to transplantation, recovery, or a destination therapy.

Objective To elucidate the mechanism through which Gypenoside L inhibits the growth of colon cancer by modulating carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B),a pivotal enzyme in the fatty acid metabolism pathway. Methods Through in vitro experiments,various concentrations of Gypenoside LI LI were applied to inter-vene in colon cancer RKO and SW620 cells. The effects of Gypenoside LI on these cells were comprehensively evalu-ated using the CCK-8 assay,wound healing assay,colony formation assay,and live-dead cell staining,focusing on its impact on cell proliferation,migration,and apoptosis. Additionally,a human colon cancer tissue microarray (TMA) was utilized in conjunction with multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of CPT1B in colon cancer and adjacent tissues. SW620 cells were transfected with siRNA,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of CPT1B post-transfection were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. Furthermore,an in vivo nude mouse colon cancer model was established to investigate the inhibitory effect of Gypenoside LI LI on colon cancer growth. Results In vitro experiments demonstrated that Gypenoside LI LI effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of RKO and SW620 cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. Additionally,multiple fluorescence immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that the expression level of CPT1B in colon cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues. Gypenoside LI LI promoted ROS accumulation by inhibiting CPT1B expression. In vivo experiments further confirmed that Gypenoside LI LI could inhibit tumor formation in nude mice and reduce CPT1B expression. Conclusions This study elucidates the mechanism by which Gypenoside LI inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells. Specifically,it downregulates CPT1B,leading to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS),disruption of fatty acid oxidation metabolism,and ultimately inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cells. These findings offer valuable insights into colon cancer treatment,suggesting new therapeutic strategies and potential drug targets.

Objective:To explore the effect of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in the treatment of chronic insomnia.Methods:A total of 69 patients with chronic insomnia admitted to the Nanjing First Hospital from January 2023 to February 2024 were selected and randomly divided into the CBT-I alone group (simple group, 34 cases) and the SGB combined with CBT-I group (combined group, 35 cases) using a random number table. Both groups received treatment for 8 weeks. The simple group was treated with CBT-I twice a week, 1 hour each time. The combined group, on the basis of the simple group, received ultrasound-guided SGB with 4 ml of 1% lidocaine, which was performed once a day, alternately on the left and right sides, for 7 consecutive days each time, with a total of 14 injections in the 1st and 5th weeks. One week before treatment and 8 weeks after treatment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep diary were used to record patients′ subjective sleep quality; Actigraph was used to record objective sleep status; the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess patients′ emotional status. Adverse reactions such as hoarseness, pneumothorax, bleeding, and infection were recorded.Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, the effective rate was 76.5%(26/34) in the simple group and 94.3%(33/35) in the combined group, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2=8.433, P<0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in PSQI scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the PSQI scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment, and the PSQI score of the combined group was lower than that of the simple group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in sleep parameters from sleep diaries and Actigraph between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with before treatment, after treatment, the total sleep time and time in bed were prolonged, and sleep efficiency, the proportion of deep sleep, and the proportion of rapid eye movement sleep were increased in both groups; these indicators in the combined group were better than those in the simple group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the sleep onset latency was shortened and the number of awakenings was reduced in both groups after treatment, and the combined group was better than the simple group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in SAS and SDS scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the SAS and SDS scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment, and the SAS and SDS scores of the combined group were lower than those of the simple group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). During treatment, 2 cases in the combined group developed hoarseness, which relieved spontaneously after 2 hours, and no other complications occurred. Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided SGB combined with CBT-I can significantly improve the nighttime sleep quality of patients with chronic insomnia.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of left ventricular assist device(LVAD) in the treatment of end-stage heart failure.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Data were retrospectively analyzed from 48 patients treated at eight domestic cardiac surgery centers in China between March 2022 and September 2024, who underwent LVAD implantation due to end-stage heart failure. All surgeries were led by the cardiovascular surgery team from Nanjing First Hospital. The study included 42 male and 6 female patients, aged (59.1±12.3) years (range:28 to 73 years). All patients had a preoperative New York Heart Association(NYHA) functional class of Ⅳ. General preoperative data, intraoperative extracorporeal circulation time, cross-clamp time, postoperative ICU stay, hospital stay, pump parameters at discharge, intraoperative and postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and follow-up results post-discharge were collected. The generalized estimation equation was used to compare the difference of cardiac function indexes in patients with different follow-up time points. The Tukey′s Honestly Significant Difference test was used for pairwise comparison within the group.Results:The surgery was successfully completed for 47 patients, and 1 perioperative death. The extracorporeal circulation time was (122.4±21.6) minutes (range: 101 to 200 minutes), the cross-clamp time was (70.1±18.3) minutes (range: 101 to 200 minutes), the postoperative ICU length of stay was (6.9±3.2) days (range: 2 to 23 days), and the hospital length of stay was (28.1±4.2) days (range: 23 to 42 days). At discharge, the blood bump flow rate was (3.4±0.6) L/min(range: 3.1 to 3.6 L/min), and speed was (2 791.3±142.0) r/min(range: 2 680 to 3 250 r/min). The follow-up period was (12.2±0.78) months (range:2 to 24 months) of 47 patients. One case underwent heart transplantation during the follow-up period, and 3 cases died, with no major device malfunction events. Three months post-surgery, the patients showed a significant reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter compared to pre-surgery ((69.1±8.3) mm vs. (77.3±8.3) mm, q=6.73, P<0.01); the left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased ((29.6±8.0)% vs. (23.2±5.8)%, q=6.49, P<0.01); and the 6-minute walk distance significantly improved ((382.0±12.8)metres vs. (114.8±18.4)metres, q=116.56, P<0.01). Six months postoperatively, all patients′ cardiac function had recovered to NYHA class Ⅰor Ⅱ. Conclusions:Preliminary research findings indicate that left ventricular assist device therapy yields favorable outcomes in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. serving as a bridge to transplantation, recovery, or a destination therapy.