Objective: To validate the performance of the Procleix UltrioPlex E assay (Grifols, Spain) on the Procleix Panther automated nucleic acid detection platform, which employs the TMA method to simultaneously detect HIV-1/HIV-2/HCV/HBV/HEV viruses, and to evaluate its value for screening transfusion-associated infectious diseases. Methods: In accordance with the requirements of ISO15189"Application of the Guidelines for the Accreditation of Quality and Capabilities of Medical Laboratories in the Field of Molecular Diagnostics (CNAS-CL02-A009: 2018)", "Guidelines for Performance Validation of Molecular Diagnostic Testing Procedures (CNAS-GL039: 2019)", and the "Technical Operating Procedures for Blood Banks (2019 Edition)", this study validated the reagent's performance in terms of analytical sensitivity validation, performance consistency validation, interference resistance, and cross-contamination resistance. Results: Probit analysis revealed that the 95% detection limits (95% confidence interval) for HBV, HCV, HIV, and HEV were 2.0 IU/mL, 1.5 IU/mL, 18.0 IU/mL and 3.7 IU/mL, respectively, which were consistent with the minimum detection limits stated in the kit's package insert and were comparable to the Procleix Ultrio Elite kit. Both kits were used to test the performance validation serum plate simultaneously, yielding results consistent with the serum plate (Kappa=1), indicating stable performance. Detection of medium-and low-concentration lipemia and weakly positive hemolysis samples demonstrated good interference resistance. Cross-contamination performance validation showed that the kit exhibited excellent cross-contamination resistance. Conclusion: The Procleix UltrioPlex E nucleic acid detection kit enables combined detection of HIV-1, HIV-2, HCV, HBV, and HEV, allowing single-test screening for multiple viruses in donor blood. The kit's analytical performance is stable and meets basic laboratory requirements, making it suitable for screening transfusion-associated infectious diseases in blood banks.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Jingangteng capsules in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. METHODS Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into normal group and modeling group. The modeling group was fed a high-fat diet to establish a NAFLD model. The successfully modeled rats were then randomly divided into model group， atorvastatin group[positive control， 2 mg/（kg·d）]， and Jingangteng capsules low- and high-dose groups [0.63 and 2.52 mg/（kg·d）]， with 6 rats in each group. The pathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， tumour necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， IL-18. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and metabolomics techniques were applied to explore the effects of Jingangteng capsules on gut microbiota and metabolisms in NAFLD rats. Based on the E-mail：591146765@qq.com metabolomics results， Western blot analysis was performed to detect proteins related to the nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor family protein 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway in the livers of NAFLD rats. RESULTS The experimental results showed that Jingangteng capsules could significantly reduce the serum levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， AST， ALT， TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-18， while increased the level of HDL-C， and alleviated the hepatic cellular steatosis and inflammatory infiltration in NAFLD rats. They could regulate the gut microbiota disorders in NAFLD rats， significantly increased the relative abundance of Romboutsia and Oscillospira， and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Blautia （P＜0.05）. They also regulated metabolic disorders primarily by affecting secondary bile acid biosynthesis， fatty acid degradation， O-antigen nucleotide sugar biosynthesis， etc. Results of Western blot assay showed that they significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor α， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， caspase-1 and ASC （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Jingangteng capsules could improve inflammation， lipid accumulation and liver injury in NAFLD rats， regulate the disorders of gut microbiota and metabolisms， and inhibit NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Their therapeutic effects against NAFLD are mediated through the inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective: To analyze CD36 gene by PacBio Sequel Ⅱ the third-generation sequencing technology (TGS), including non-coding sequence, and to investigate the molecular mechanism of CD36 deficiency. Methods: Flow cytometry was performed in the southern Chinese population to detect the CD36 phenotype. Among them, 15 cases of CD36 type I deficiency, 15 cases of CD36 type Ⅱ deficiency, and 10 positive samples were selected. The TGS of the CD36 gene was performed and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: 40 samples (including 15 cases of type I deficiency, 15 cases of type Ⅱ deficiency, and 10 positive samples) were subjected by TGS of CD36 full-length sequences (except part of intron1). A total of 180 polymorphic loci were identified. Among them, 13 kinds were in the coding region, the rest were in non-coding region, with most mutations located in regulatory regions such as the 5′-UTR and 3′-UTR. Conclusion: The high polymorphism of CD36 non-coding regions, particularly in regulatory sequences, provides mechanistic insights into type Ⅱ CD36 deficiency.

Objective: To prepare platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate (VCR) for targeted delivery to tumor. Methods: Vincristine sulfate liposomes (LIPO) were prepared using the pH-gradient method, followed by the fusion of platelet membranes and subsequent drug loading to obtain platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes (PLM-LIPO). The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of both liposomes were characterized. The tumor-targeting capability was evaluated through in vitro cellular experiments and in vivo biodistribution studies. Results: The optimal preparation conditions for LIPO were determined as follows: DPPC-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 1∶1, internal aqueous phase of 0.3 M pH 4.0 citrate buffer, external aqueous phase of 1 M Na HPO solution, drug-to-lipid ratio of 1∶10, drug loading temperature of 60℃, and loading time of 10 minutes. The LIPO exhibited a mean particle size of (147.3±2.24) nm, PDI of 0.078±0.014, Zeta potential of (-3.54±0.75) mV, and EE% of 91.37±0.47. For PLM-LIPO, prepared via membrane fusion followed by drug loading, the mean particle size was (185.3±3.61) nm, PDI was 0.075±0.022, Zeta potential was (-18.91±1.54) mV, and EE% was 63.36±2.45. In the CD62P validation experiment, the fluorescence intensity of PLM-LIPO was five times higher than that of LIPO. In vitro cellular uptake experiments revealed that PLM-LIPO showed 1.3-fold and 1.2-fold higher uptake rates compared to LIPO at 6 h and 12 h, respectively. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 1h after administration, the accumulation of PLM-LIPO at tumor sites was 4-fold higher than that of LIPO and 6-7 times higher than that in healthy mice. Conclusion: The platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate were successfully developed. Both cellular uptake and tissue distribution studies confirmed the PLM-LIPO enhanced tumor-targeting capability.

BACKGROUND: Based on the China-VHD database, this study sought to develop and validate a Valvular Heart Disease- specific Age-adjusted Comorbidity Index (VHD-ACI) for predicting mortality risk in patients with VHD. METHODS & RESULTS: The China-VHD study was a nationwide, multi-centre multi-centre cohort study enrolling 13,917 patients with moderate or severe VHD across 46 medical centres in China between April-June 2018. After excluding cases with missing key variables, 11,459 patients were retained for final analysis. The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality, with 941 deaths (10.0%) observed during follow-up. The VHD-ACI was derived after identifying 13 independent mortality predictors: cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, low body weight, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, renal insufficiency, moderate/severe hepatic dysfunction, heart failure, cancer, NYHA functional class and age. The index exhibited good discrimination (AUC, 0.79) and calibration (Brier score, 0.062) in the total cohort, outperforming both EuroSCORE II and ACCI (P < 0.001 for comparison). Internal validation through 100 bootstrap iterations yielded a C statistic of 0.694 (95% CI: 0.665-0.723) for 2-year mortality prediction. VHD-ACI scores, as a continuous variable (VHD-ACI score: adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.263 (1.245-1.282), P < 0.001) or categorized using thresholds determined by the Yoden index (VHD-ACI ≥ 9 vs. < 9, adjusted HR (95% CI): 6.216 (5.378-7.184), P < 0.001), were independently associated with mortality. The prognostic performance remained consistent across all VHD subtypes (aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid valve disease, mixed aortic/mitral valve disease and multiple VHD), and clinical subgroups stratified by therapeutic strategy, LVEF status (preserved vs. reduced), disease severity and etiology. CONCLUSION The VHD-ACI is a simple 13-comorbidity algorithm for the prediction of mortality in VHD patients and providing a simple and rapid tool for risk stratification.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture manipulation on treatment of intractable facial paralysis (IFP), and verify the practicality and precision of the Anzhong Facial Paralysis Precision Scale (Eyelid Closure Grading Scale, AFPPS-ECGS). METHODS: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to June 2024. Eighty-nine IFP participants were randomly assigned to an ordinary acupuncture group (OAG, 45 cases) and a characteristic acupuncture group (CAG, 44 cases) using a random number table method. The main acupoints selected included Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Dicang (ST 4), Chengjiang (CV 24), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Jiache (ST 6), Fengchi (GB 20), and Hegu (LI 4). The OAG patients received ordinary acupuncture manipulation, while the CAG received characteristic acupuncture manipulation. Both groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week, with 10 times per course, lasting for 10 weeks. Facial recovery was assessed at baseline and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment course by AFPPS-ECGS and the House-Brackmann (H-B) Grading Scale. Infrared thermography technology was used to observe the temperature difference between healthy and affected sides in various facial regions. Adverse events and laboratory test abnormalities were recorded. The correlation between the scores of the two scales was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: After the 2nd treatment course, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in AFPPS-ECGS scores (P<0.05), with even greater significance after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Similarly, H-B Grading Scale scores demonstrated significant differences between groups following the 3rd treatment course (P<0.05). Regarding temperature measurements, significant differences in temperatures of frontal and ocular areas were observed after the 2nd course (P<0.05), becoming more pronounced after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Additionally, mouth corner temperature differences reached statistical significance by the 3rd course (P<0.05). No safety-related incidents were observed during the study. Correlation analysis revealed that the AFPPS-ECGS and the H-B Grading Scale were strongly correlated (r=0.86, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.91 at baseline, and after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd treatment course, respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is an effective treatment for IFP, and the characteristic acupuncture manipulation enhances the therapeutic effect. The use of the AFPPS-ECGS can more accurately reflect the recovery status of patients with IFP. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200065442).
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged

Objective To investigate the relationships of serum procalcitonin(PCT),α1-acid glycoprotein(α1-AGP)and cluster of differentiation 64(CD64)index with the severity of illness and prognosis in patients with pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer surgery.Methods A pro-spective study was conducted in 120 patients with pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer sur-gery as infection group,and 60 patients without infection after lung cancer surgery in the same period were selected as control group.Baseline characteristics and laboratory indicators were compared be-tween the two groups.Differences in serum PCT,α1-AGP,CD64 index in peripheral blood,and plasma 1,3-β-D glucan test(BG)were compared among patients with different severities of illness and prognoses in the infection group.The relationship between serum indicators and prognosis as well as their predictive efficiencies were analyzed,and external validation was performed.Results The levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,CD64 index in peripheral blood,and plasma BG in the infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).In the infection group,the levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 gradually decreased significantly in patients with severe,moderate,and mild illness,and the levels of these indicators in dead patients were significantly higher than those in surviving patients(P＜0.05).Survival curve analysis showed that patients with low levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index before treatment had higher survival rates than those with high levels of these indicators.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis revealed that the combined prediction of PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index for mortality was superior to individual indicators or their pairwise combinations,and external validation confirmed the good predictive efficacy of the combined prediction.Conclusion PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index are closely related to pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer surgery,and the combined detection of these indicators has certain predictive value for 28-day prognosis.

Objective:To analyze the awareness of HCV infection status and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases in four provinces in China and to provide a reference for adjusting HCV prevention and control strategies.Methods:From September 2021 to September 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified random cluster sampling in four provinces (Jiangsu, Henan, Hubei, and Yunnan) in China, with an estimated sample size of 6 468 participants. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information, HCV infection awareness, willingness for HCV-RNA testing, and history of high-risk behaviors from the survey participants. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with HCV infection awareness and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases. Statistical analysis was performed using R 4.1.3 software.Results:A total of 10 563 hepatitis C cases were surveyed. The awareness rate of HCV infection was 86.74% (9 162/10 563), and the willingness rate for HCV-RNA testing was 85.21% (9 001/10 563). Multivariate logistic regression models analysis showed that the awareness rate of HCV infection was lower among individuals aged ≥60 years, urban residents (with New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance ), those without a history of blood transfusion, those without a history of paid blood donation, those without a history of injection drug use, and those without a family member with hepatitis C case.The awareness rate was higher among individuals with high or technical secondary school education, college education or above, and those married with a spouse (all P<0.05). In terms of willingness for HCV-RNA testing, it was lower among females, individuals aged ≥60 years, and those without a history of blood transfusion, paid blood donation, or injection drug use. The willingness was higher among farmers or migrant workers, employees of enterprises or institutions, and those in other occupations (all P<0.05). Conclusions:There was room for improvement in the awareness proportion of HCV infection and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases in the four provinces of China. More convenient policies and measures should be provided to increase the awareness rate of HCV infection and the willingness to undergo HCV-RNA testing in this population.

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer.Methods Totally 84 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer were enrolled,and the technical success rate,complete ablation rate,complication rate,pain relief rate and survival time,etc.were observed.Results The median age of 84 cases was 61.5 years.Totally 86 tumors,including 44.19％(38/86)at the head/neck and 55.81％(48/86)at the body/tail of pancreas were detected,and a total of 85 ablation sessions were performed with the median ablation energy applied per tumor of 9.90(1.08,21.60)kJ and the complete ablation rate of 42.86％(36/84).The technical success rate was 100％(85/85).Thirty-nine complication events occurred in 25 cases,no ablation-related death.Among 34 patients underwent ablation mainly for pain symptoms,the pain score decreased from(6.22±1.12)points before treatment to(1.94±1.64)points after treatment(P＜0.001).During 6.8(3.3,12.9)months' follow-up,the mean survival time was(8.5±6.7)months,and all 47 patients died due to tumor progression.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation was safe and feasible for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Objective:To develop a deep learning model based on 3D super-resolution reconstruction technology and to analyze its feasibility and effectiveness in predicting paraglottic space invasion in hypopharyngeal cancer.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted involving 382 patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between January 2014 and December 2020. The cohort included 364 males and 18 females, with a mean age of 62±7 years. Patients were divided into a training set ( n=300) and a test set ( n=82) based on enrollment time. A generative adversarial network was used to perform 3D super-resolution reconstruction on contrast-enhanced CT images, improving spatial resolution by 16 times. A 2.5D deep learning strategy was employed to construct Resnet-NR and Resnet-SR models based on conventional and super-resolution images, respectively, to predict whether the paraglottic space was invaded. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). A multi-reader multi-case study was conducted to assess the impact of the artificial intelligence (AI) model on clinicians′ diagnostic capabilities. Results:The super-resolution model Resnet-SR achieved the highest accuracy in both the training set (AUC=0.87, 95% CI: 0.84-0.90) and the test set (AUC=0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96), significantly outperforming traditional clinical indicators (T stage, N stage, tumor diameter, and pathological differentiation degree) (AUC range: 0.55-0.70, all P<0.05). In comparison, the conventional-resolution model Resnet-NR achieved AUCs of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77-0.84, P=0.005) and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71-0.89, P=0.184) in the training and test sets, respectively. Using Resnet-SR to assist clinical decision-making improved the diagnostic accuracy of junior physicians (AUC=0.793 without AI assistance vs. AUC=0.871 with AI assistance, P=0.012) and significantly reduced diagnosis time for clinicians of all experience levels (86.5 s without AI assistance vs. 82.5 s with AI assistance, t=2.01, P=0.032). Conclusion:This study successfully develops a deep learning model based on 3D super-resolution reconstruction technology, which can assist in preoperative prediction of paraglottic space invasion in hypopharyngeal cancer. The AI-assisted tool improves diagnostic accuracy for junior physicians and enhances diagnostic efficiency for clinicians across all experience levels.