OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution of thalassemia (referred to as "thalassemia") gene variant types in the population of the Wuhan area, aiming to provide a genetic basis for the precise prevention and control as well as clinical diagnosis of thalassemia in the Wuhan region. METHODS: In this study, 2 133 suspected thalassemia patients and individuals undergoing prenatal screening who visited the Department of Hematology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurology at Wuhan First Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients. The common 27 thalassemia genotypes of α- and β-thalassemia were initially screened using fluorescence PCR melting curve analysis technology. For samples where the fluorescence PCR melting curve results indicated unknown variants or where the clinical phenotype was inconsistent with the common genotypes, Sanger sequencing technology was used for review and verification. RESULTS: Among the 2 133 specimens analyzed, common thalassemia gene variants were detected in 210 cases (9.85%, 210/2 133). A total of 156 cases (8.05%, 156/1 938) of thalassemia gene variants were detected in females and 54 cases (27.69%, 54/195) in males. A total of 94 cases (4.41%, 94/2 133) of α-thalassemia were detected, including 46 cases (2.16%, 46/2 133) of silent α-thalassemia, 47 cases (2.20%, 47/2 133) of mild α-thalassemia, and 1 case (0.05%, 1/2 133) of intermediate α-thalassemia. Additionally, 111 cases of β-thalassemia were identified (5.20%, 111/2 133), including 51 cases of β/β⁺ thalassemia (2.39%, 51/2 133), 59 cases of β/β⁰ thalassemia (2.77%, 59/2 133), and 1 case of β⁺/HbE thalassemia (0.05%, 1/2 133). αβ-composite thalassemia gene variants were detected in 5 cases (0.23%, 5/2 133), including 1 complex variant with a genotype of --^SEA/αα combined with CD41-42 (-TTCT) and 29(A>G), representing a heterozygous variant of three genotypes. Rare globin gene variants were detected in 3 cases, including HBB:c.60C>T, HBB:c.-146G>T, and HBA2:c.*12G>A. CONCLUSION The Wuhan region exhibits a relatively high prevalence of thalassemia genes with notable gender disparities. While maintaining focus on thalassemia screening for females, enhanced males screening efforts and genetic counseling should be implemented in future prevention programs.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Genotype ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; China ; Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Genetic Variation

Objective:To quantitatively evaluate the effects of left bundle branch block（LBBB）on left ventricular structure，function and myocardial perfusion using left ventricular pressure-strain loop and single photon emission computed tomography（SPECT），and to investigate the relationship between myocardial work，myocardial perfusion and pathological changes of left ventricular remodeling in left bundle branch block induced cardiomyopathy（LBBB-CM）.Methods:Fourteen male beagle dogs were selected，and the main trunk of the left bundle branch was ablated to create an LBBB dog model. Electrocardiogram（ECG），transesophageal echocardiography and arterial blood pressure data of LBBB dogs were collected before and 12 months after the ablation of left bundle branch trunk. Global and segmental myocardial work parameters were obtained by left ventricular pressure-strain loop. The differences of above parameters between baseline and 12 months after the ablation of left bundle branch were compared. SPECT was performed in LBBB dogs 12 months after the creation of LBBB. The hearts were harvested for anatomy observation and histopathological analysis in LBBB dogs and another 7 male beagle dogs（normal control group）matched by age and weight. The correlation between myocardial perfusion（percentage of regional tracer uptake）and myocardial work parameters，myocardial fibrosis in LBBB dogs were analyzed.Results:Compared with baseline，the left ventricular end-diastolic volume of 12 months after the ablation increased［（20.78 ± 5.32）ml vs（26.71 ± 7.94）ml， P = 0.003］，left ventricular ejection fraction decreased［（59.17 ± 5.67）% vs（47.69 ± 5.45）%， P<0.001］；left ventricular global/segmental longitudinal strain，global/segmental constructive work and global/segmental work efficiency decreased（all P<0.05），left ventricular global/segmental wasted work increased（all P<0.001）. Heterogenous perfusion defect was observed in LBBB dogs by SPECT，compared with lateral wall segments，the percentage of regional tracer uptake of septum was decreased（all P<0.05）. Gross anatomical and myocardial pathological changes were manifested as cardiomegaly，flaky or focal grayish thickening of endocardium，cardiomyocyte degeneration and fibrosis. Compared with normal control group，the collagen fiber volume fraction（CVF）in all segmental endocardium and partial segmental myocardium of LBBB dogs were significantly increased（all P<0.05）. Percentage of regional tracer uptake was positively correlated with segmental myocardial work（SMW）and segmental myocardial efficiency（SWE）（ r s = 0.49，0.31；both P<0.001），and negatively correlated with CVF and segmental wasted work（SWW）（ r s = -0.51，-0.49；both P<0.001）. Conclusions:Isolated LBBB is not benign，which can result in left ventricular remodeling，decreased cardiac constructive function，abnormal myocardial perfusion，endocardial fibrosis and myocardial fibrosis.The parameters of myocardial work assecsed by echocardiograpgy and myocardial perfusion，as non-invasive examination，can to some extent reflect the degree of left ventricular remodeling in LBBB-CM.

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion on patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis.METHODS Eighty-six patients were randomly assigned into control group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of warm acupuncture and moxibustion,and observation group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of both Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction and warm acupuncture and moxibustion.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices(VAS score,PGE2,PGF2α),hemodynamic indices(RI,PI),sexhormones(E2,FSH,LH),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices,hemodynamic indices,sexhormones and inflammatory factors(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis,Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can safely and effectively regulate sexhormone levels,endometrial hemodynamics,inhibit inflammatory responses,and alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by irreversible fibrosis, represents a significant public health burden. This study investigates the causal relationships between gut microbiota, gene methylation, gene expression, protein levels, and pneumoconiosis using a multi-omics approach and Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: We analyzed gut microbiota data from MiBioGen and Esteban et al. to assess their potential causal effects on pneumoconiosis subtypes (asbestosis, silicosis, and inorganic pneumoconiosis) using conventional and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Gene methylation and expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen, along with protein level data from deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, were examined in relation to pneumoconiosis data from FinnGen. To validate our findings, we assessed self-measured gut flora from a pneumoconiosis cohort and performed fine mapping, drug prediction, molecular docking, and Phenome-Wide Association Studies to explore relevant phenotypes of key genes. RESULTS: Three core gut microorganisms were identified: Romboutsia ( OR = 0.249) as a protective factor against silicosis, Pasteurellaceae ( OR = 3.207) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae ( OR = 2.343) as risk factors for inorganic pneumoconiosis. Additionally, mapping and quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the genes VIM, STX8, and MIF were significantly associated with pneumoconiosis risk. CONCLUSIONS This multi-omics study highlights the associations between gut microbiota and key genes ( VIM, STX8, MIF) with pneumoconiosis, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Humans ; Male ; East Asian People/genetics* ; Europe ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Lung ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Multiomics ; Pneumoconiosis/microbiology* ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become one of the most serious and common chronic diseases around the world, leading to various complications and a reduction in life expectancy. Increased sedentary behavior (SB) and decreased physical activity (PA) are important contributors to the rising prevalence of DM. This article reviews the research progress on the pathogenesis of DM, the effects of SB and PA on the risk of DM, aiming to explore the influence of different PA intensities, amounts, frequencies, durations and types on the incidence of DM. Research has shown that blood glucose levels tend to increase with the prolongation of SB. Within a certain range, PA intensity and amount are negatively correlated with the risk of DM; Performing PA for more than 3 days per week maintains normal glucose tolerance and lower blood pressure; Engaging in 150-300 min of moderate-intensity exercise or 75-150 min of high-intensity exercise per week reduces the risk of DM; PA during leisure time reduces the risk of DM, while PA during work increases the risk of DM; Both aerobic training and resistance training reduce the risk of DM, and the combination of the two training methods produces better benefits; Various types of exercises, such as cycling, soccer, aerobics, yoga and tai chi, all reduce the risk of DM. In summary, prolonged SB increases the risk of DM, while appropriate PA reduces the risk of DM. As the intensity, amount, and frequency of PA increase, the effect of reducing DM risk becomes more significant. Different exercise methods have different effects on reducing DM risk.
Humans ; Sedentary Behavior ; Exercise/physiology* ; Diabetes Mellitus/prevention & control*

AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion on patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis.METHODS Eighty-six patients were randomly assigned into control group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of warm acupuncture and moxibustion,and observation group(43 cases)for 3-menstrual cycle intervention of both Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction and warm acupuncture and moxibustion.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices(VAS score,PGE2,PGF2α),hemodynamic indices(RI,PI),sexhormones(E2,FSH,LH),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,dysmenorrhea degree indices,hemodynamic indices,sexhormones and inflammatory factors(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with endometriosis due to Congealing Cold with Blood Stasis,Supplemented Jiao'ai Decoction combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can safely and effectively regulate sexhormone levels,endometrial hemodynamics,inhibit inflammatory responses,and alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms.

Objective:To quantitatively evaluate the effects of left bundle branch block（LBBB）on left ventricular structure，function and myocardial perfusion using left ventricular pressure-strain loop and single photon emission computed tomography（SPECT），and to investigate the relationship between myocardial work，myocardial perfusion and pathological changes of left ventricular remodeling in left bundle branch block induced cardiomyopathy（LBBB-CM）.Methods:Fourteen male beagle dogs were selected，and the main trunk of the left bundle branch was ablated to create an LBBB dog model. Electrocardiogram（ECG），transesophageal echocardiography and arterial blood pressure data of LBBB dogs were collected before and 12 months after the ablation of left bundle branch trunk. Global and segmental myocardial work parameters were obtained by left ventricular pressure-strain loop. The differences of above parameters between baseline and 12 months after the ablation of left bundle branch were compared. SPECT was performed in LBBB dogs 12 months after the creation of LBBB. The hearts were harvested for anatomy observation and histopathological analysis in LBBB dogs and another 7 male beagle dogs（normal control group）matched by age and weight. The correlation between myocardial perfusion（percentage of regional tracer uptake）and myocardial work parameters，myocardial fibrosis in LBBB dogs were analyzed.Results:Compared with baseline，the left ventricular end-diastolic volume of 12 months after the ablation increased［（20.78 ± 5.32）ml vs（26.71 ± 7.94）ml， P = 0.003］，left ventricular ejection fraction decreased［（59.17 ± 5.67）% vs（47.69 ± 5.45）%， P<0.001］；left ventricular global/segmental longitudinal strain，global/segmental constructive work and global/segmental work efficiency decreased（all P<0.05），left ventricular global/segmental wasted work increased（all P<0.001）. Heterogenous perfusion defect was observed in LBBB dogs by SPECT，compared with lateral wall segments，the percentage of regional tracer uptake of septum was decreased（all P<0.05）. Gross anatomical and myocardial pathological changes were manifested as cardiomegaly，flaky or focal grayish thickening of endocardium，cardiomyocyte degeneration and fibrosis. Compared with normal control group，the collagen fiber volume fraction（CVF）in all segmental endocardium and partial segmental myocardium of LBBB dogs were significantly increased（all P<0.05）. Percentage of regional tracer uptake was positively correlated with segmental myocardial work（SMW）and segmental myocardial efficiency（SWE）（ r s = 0.49，0.31；both P<0.001），and negatively correlated with CVF and segmental wasted work（SWW）（ r s = -0.51，-0.49；both P<0.001）. Conclusions:Isolated LBBB is not benign，which can result in left ventricular remodeling，decreased cardiac constructive function，abnormal myocardial perfusion，endocardial fibrosis and myocardial fibrosis.The parameters of myocardial work assecsed by echocardiograpgy and myocardial perfusion，as non-invasive examination，can to some extent reflect the degree of left ventricular remodeling in LBBB-CM.

SARS-CoV-2 has posed a significant threat to a subset of the patient population.The occurrence of hematological malignancies and tumor treatment can lead to immunosuppression in patients,which significantly increases the risk of serious complications,severe incidence and mortality after SARS-CoV-2 infection.The treatment of a patient with follicular lymphoma infected with SARS-CoV-2 was described in detail.The patient remained positive for RT-PCR tests during the hospitalization for nearly 90 days.After undergoing 5 rounds of antiviral treatment,along with glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory therapy,low-molecular-weight heparin for anticoagulation,antibiotics for infection control,and respiratory support through the use of a ventilator,the patient eventually obtained negative result of the RT-PCR test.Subsequently,the patient was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged.By summarizing the treatment process of this case,we hoped to provide reference and experience for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Bushen Yijing Decoction for the treatment of xerophthalmia of kidney yang deficiency type and to observe its effect on serum Th1/Th17 cytokines.Methods From January 2021 to January 2023,a total of 96 patients with xerophthalmia of kidney yang deficiency type were selected as the study objects.According to the treatment methods,the patients were divided into observation group and control group,with 48 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops externally,and the observation group was given oral use of Bushen Yijing Decoction together with Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops externally.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 21 days.The changes of tear film break-up time(BUT),corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,SchirmerⅠtest(SIT)value,serum Th1/Th17 cytokines,Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire scores,and 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire(NEI-VFQ-25)score in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 21 days of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 95.83%(46/48),and that of the control group was 70.83%(34/48).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.01).(2)After treatment,the ocular surface function indicators of BUT and SIT values in the two groups were higher and the FL values were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The increase of BUT and SIT values and the decrease of FL values in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the levels of serum cytokines of interleukin 17(IL-17),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of serum IL-17,TNF-α and IFN-γ levels in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the questionnaire scores of OSDI in the two groups were lower and the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were higher than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The decrease of OSDI scores and the increase of NEI-VFQ-25 scores in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.01).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 4.17%(2/48),and that in the control group was 8.33%(4/48).There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Bushen Yijing Decoction can enhance the clinical efficacy of xerophthalmia of kidney yang deficiency type,and the decoction is effective on alleviating the eye discomforts,improving the ocular surface function of patients,regulating the levels of Th1/Th17 cytokines,and relieving the inflammatory response without inducing severe adverse reactions while with high safety.

Objective To monitor the antifungal resistance of clinical isolates of Candida spp.in the East China region.Methods MALDI-TOF MS or molecular methods were used to re-identify the strains collected from January 2018 to December 2022.Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution method.The susceptibility test results were interpreted according to the breakpoints of 2022 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)documents M27 M44s-Ed3 and M57s-Ed4.Results A total of 3 026 strains of Candida were collected,65.33％of which were isolated from sterile body sites,mainly from blood(38.86％)and pleural effusion/ascites(10.21％).The predominant species of Candida were Candida albicans(44.51％),followed by Candida parapsilosis complex(19.46％),Candida tropicalis(13.98％),Candida glabrata(10.34％),and other Candida species(0.79％).Candida albicans showed overall high susceptibility rates to the 10 antifungal drugs tested(the lowest rate being 93.62％).Only 2.97％of the strains showed dose-dependent susceptibility(SDD)to fluconazole.Candida parapsilosis complex had a SDD rate of 2.61％and a resistance rate of 9.42％to fluconazole,and susceptibility rates above 90％to other drugs.Candida glabrata had a SDD rate of 92.01％and a resistance rate of 7.99％to fluconazole,resistance rates of 32.27％and 48.24％to posaconazole and voriconazole non-wild-type strains(NWT),respectively,and susceptibility rates above 90％to other drugs.Candida tropicalis had resistance rates of 29.55％and 26.24％to fluconazole and voriconazole,respectively,resistance rates of 76.60％and 21.99％to posaconazole and echinocandins non-wild-type strains(NWT),and a resistance rate of 2.36％to echinocandins.Conclusions The prevalence and species distribution of Candida spp.in the East China region are consistent with previous domestic and international reports.Candida glabrata exhibits certain degree of resistance to fluconazole,while Candida tropicalis demonstrates higher resistance to triazole drugs.Additionally,echinocandins resistance has emerged in Candida albicans,Candida glabrata,Candida tropicalis,and Candida parapsilosis.