With the rapid development of social economy and the continuous improvement of human living standard, the incidence, fatality and recurrence rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing year by year, which seriously affects people's life and health. Conventional therapeutic drugs have limited improvement on the disability rate, so the search for new therapeutic drugs and action targets has become one of the hotspots of current research. In recent years, the therapeutic role of the natural compound rosmarinic acid (RA) in CVD has attracted much attention, which is capable of preventing CVD by modulating multiple signalling pathways and exerting physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, as well as anti-coagulation and endothelial function protection. In this paper, the role of RA in the prevention of CVD is systematically sorted out, and its mechanism of action is summarised and analysed, with a view to providing a scientific basis and important support for the in-depth exploration of the prevention value of RA in CVD and its further development as a prevention drug.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of patients with hepatitis C in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2023, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of hepatitis C. MethodsThe data on patients with hepatitis C, as well as whose current address is in Jinhua City, from 2005 to 2023 were collected from the infectious disease surveillance system of the China Disease Control and Prevention Information Management System. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, spatial and demographic distribution characteristics of hepatitis C. ResultsA total of 2 326 cases of hepatitis C were reported in Jinhua from 2005 to 2023, including 2 death cases, with an average annual incidence rate of 2.19/100 000, showing a trend which rose first and then declined and then rose again. Hepatitis C was reported all the year round without significant seasonal pattern. In terms of the number of reported cases and the average annual incidence rate, Yiwu City ranked the first place. From 2005 to 2023, a total of 1 438 (61.82%) male cases and 888 (38.18%) female cases were reported, and the reported incidence rate was higher for males (2.62/100 000) than that for females (1.74/100 000), showing a statistically significant difference (χ²=92.937, P<0.001). Most cases aged between 30 to <50 years old (1 175, 50.52%), and the incidence rate of hepatitis C among the age group of 40‒<50, 50‒<60, 60‒<70 years old was showing an upward trend, with farmers (1 024, 44.02%) as the main occupation . ConclusionThe prevalence of hepatitis C in Jinhua City is generally at a low level, with an incidence rate of increasing and then decreasing, but rise up again after 2019. Therefore, epidemic surveillance and health education among the male, middle-aged and elderly people and farmers, as well as the key regions where the migrant workers flows in should be enhanced.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Objective: To analyze the nucleic acid load of human parvovirus B19 in major commercially available blood products in China, including human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, human rabies immunoglobulin and various coagulation factor products, aiming to provide evidence for improving blood product manufacturing processes and quality control of source plasma. Methods: A total of 98 batches of coagulation factor products were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, including 42 batches of human prothrombin complex, 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ, and 21 batches of human fibrinogen. Additionally, 6 batches of human albumin, 6 batches of human intravenous immunoglobulin, and 38 batches of human rabies immunoglobulin were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid. Results: Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid were undetectable in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin and human rabies immunoglobulin. Among the 98 batches of coagulation factor products tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid, B19 nucleic acid reactivity rate was 69.0% (29/42) for human prothrombin complex batches, but nucleic acid concentration were all significantly lower than 10 IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ was 48.6% (17/35), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10 IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 21 batches of human fibrinogen was 61.9% (13/21), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10 IU/mL. Conclusion: No human parvovirus B19 has been detected in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, or human rabies immunoglobulin. Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid may exist in commercially available coagulation factor products, highlighting the need for enhanced screening of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in these products. It is also recommended that B19 viral nucleic acid testing be conducted on source plasma, particularly for coagulation factor products.

ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹-¹ and Hcy>15 μmol·L⁻¹ was 1.532 times (95%CI: 1.017‒2.309 times, P=0.041) and 1.738 times (95%CI: 1.119‒2.699 times, P=0.014) higher respectively, compared to T2DM patients with Hcy≤10 μmol·L⁻¹. T2DM patients with TyG>9.074 had 1.396 times higher risk of stroke (95%CI: 1.091‒1.787, P=0.008) compared to those with TyG≤9.074. The study found that urea and α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) were independent risk factors for the incidence of stroke in T2DM patients. For every unit increase in urea andα1-AT, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients increased by 233.6% (HR=3.336, 95%CI: 1.588‒7.009, P=0.001) and 11.3% (HR=1.113, 95%CI: 1.028‒1.205, P=0.008), respectively. Cumulative risk curves showed that Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and TyG>9.074 accelerated the time to stroke occurrence in T2DM patients. ConclusionElevated levels of Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and a higher TyG index are risk factors for stroke in T2DM patients. Effective interventions for Hcy and TyG should be conducted for diabetic patients to reduce the incidence of stroke.

Quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale semiconductor crystals, have emerged as a revolutionary class of nanomaterials with unique optical and electrochemical properties, making them highly promising for applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. Their tunable emission spectra, long-term photostability, high quantum yield, and excellent charge carrier mobility enable precise control over light emission and efficient charge utilization, which are critical for biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the use of quantum dots for disease diagnosis and therapy, highlighting their potential and the challenges involved in clinical translation. Quantum dots can be classified based on their elemental composition and structural configuration. For instance, IB-IIIA-VIA group quantum dots and core-shell structured quantum dots are among the most widely studied types. These classifications are essential for understanding their diverse functionalities and applications. In disease diagnosis, quantum dots have demonstrated remarkable potential due to their high brightness, photostability, and ability to provide precise biomarker detection. They are extensively used in bioimaging technologies, enabling high-resolution imaging of cells, tissues, and even individual biomolecules. As fluorescent markers, quantum dots facilitate cell tracking, biosensing, and the detection of diseases such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and immune-related disorders. Their ability to provide real-time, in vivo tracking of cellular processes has opened new avenues for early and accurate disease detection. In the realm of disease treatment, quantum dots serve as versatile nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Their nanoscale size and surface modifiability allow them to transport therapeutic agents to specific sites, improving drug bioavailability and reducing off-target effects. Additionally, quantum dots have shown promise as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, quantum dots interact with oxygen molecules to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can selectively destroy malignant cells, vascular lesions, and microbial infections. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissues, making PDT a promising strategy for treating complex diseases. Despite these advancements, the translation of quantum dots from research to clinical application faces significant challenges. Issues such as toxicity, stability, and scalability in industrial production remain major obstacles. The potential toxicity of quantum dots, particularly to vital organs, has raised concerns about their long-term safety. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to mitigate these risks, including surface modification, coating, and encapsulation techniques, which can enhance biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. Furthermore, improving the stability of quantum dots under physiological conditions is crucial for their effective use in biomedical applications. Advances in surface engineering and the development of novel encapsulation methods have shown promise in addressing these stability concerns. Industrial production of quantum dots also presents challenges, particularly in achieving consistent quality and scalability. Recent innovations in synthesis techniques and manufacturing processes are paving the way for large-scale production, which is essential for their widespread adoption in clinical settings. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research progress in quantum dot applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and pathogen detection. It also discusses the multiple barriers hindering their clinical use and explores potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of quantum dot research, emphasizing the need for further studies on toxicity mitigation, stability enhancement, and scalable production. By addressing these critical issues, quantum dots can realize their full potential as transformative tools in disease diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing biomedical science.

Objective: To analyze the nucleic acid load of human parvovirus B19 in major commercially available blood products in China, including human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, human rabies immunoglobulin and various coagulation factor products, aiming to provide evidence for improving blood product manufacturing processes and quality control of source plasma. Methods: A total of 98 batches of coagulation factor products were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, including 42 batches of human prothrombin complex, 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ, and 21 batches of human fibrinogen. Additionally, 6 batches of human albumin, 6 batches of human intravenous immunoglobulin, and 38 batches of human rabies immunoglobulin were tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid. Results: Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid were undetectable in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin and human rabies immunoglobulin. Among the 98 batches of coagulation factor products tested for human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid, B19 nucleic acid reactivity rate was 69.0% (29/42) for human prothrombin complex batches, but nucleic acid concentration were all significantly lower than 10 IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 35 batches of human coagulation factor Ⅷ was 48.6% (17/35), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10 IU/mL. The reactivity rate of B19 nucleic acid in 21 batches of human fibrinogen was 61.9% (13/21), with nucleic acid concentration all below 10 IU/mL. Conclusion: No human parvovirus B19 has been detected in human albumin, human intravenous immunoglobulin, or human rabies immunoglobulin. Human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid may exist in commercially available coagulation factor products, highlighting the need for enhanced screening of human parvovirus B19 nucleic acid in these products. It is also recommended that B19 viral nucleic acid testing be conducted on source plasma, particularly for coagulation factor products.

Cervical cancer is a common gynecological malignancy, and radiotherapy plays a crucial role in its treatment. However, conventional radiotherapy for cervical cancer often leads to bone marrow damage, considerably affecting patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes. In recent years, the application of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies has provided novel solutions to this issue. IMRT optimizes dose distribution, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding normal bone marrow tissues and thus considerably reducing damage. MRI allows for accurate tumor localization and monitoring, including organs at risk, such as the bone marrow, and providing precise guidance for radiotherapy. This article analyzes the feasibility and potential benefits of MRI-guided pelvic IMRT for bone marrow protection in cervical cancer, aiming to offer a basis for precise and effective bone marrow protection strategies in cervical cancer radiotherapy.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Th1-type cytokine levels and extraocular muscle-related parameters in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 45 patients diagnosed with TAO in our hospital from January 2023 to December 2024, and 20 normal volunteers during the same period as controls. Venous blood samples of the patients were collected to detect the concentrations of Th1-type cytokines [interferon-γ(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-2(IL-2), and interleukin-12(IL-12)] in the serum. Additionally, the end diastolic velocity(Ved), velocity maximum(Vmax), resistance index(RI)of the central retinal artery, as well as the thickness and left-right diameter of the medial rectus muscle were measured. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of TAO, and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was adopted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each index for the occurrence of TAO.RESULTS: The general information of the two groups was comparable. Compared with the normal control group, the serum concentrations of IFN-γ and TNF-α in TAO patients were significantly increased, Ved and Vmax were lower than those in the control group, and RI and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum IFN-γ concentration, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle were all risk factors for TAO. ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUCs of serum IFN-γ concentration, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle for the diagnostic efficacy of TAO were 0.756, 0.769, 0.732, and 0.642, respectively. The combined detection of IFN-γ, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle had an AUC of 0.840 and a Youden index of 0.59, which was superior to the detection of a single indicator.CONCLUSION: The levels of serum Th1-type cytokines and extraocular muscle-related ultrasound indicators have certain value in the diagnosis of TAO. The combination of IFN-γ, Ved, Vmax, and the thickness of the medial rectus muscle has better diagnosis efficiency in TAO, which can provide a certain reference for the early diagnosis of TAO.

Platycodonis Radix is the dry root of Platycodon grandiflorum of Campanulaceae, which has a variety of pharmacological effects and is a commonly used bulk Chinese medicine. In this study, the chloroplast genome sequences of six P. grandiflorum from different producing areas has been sequenced with Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform. The specific DNA barcodes were screened, and the germplasm resources and genetic diversity were analyzed according to the specific barcodes. The total length of the chloroplast genome of 6 P. grandiflorum samples was 172 260-172 275 bp, and all chloroplast genomes showed a typical circular tetrad structure and encoded 141 genes. The comparative genomics analysis and results of amplification efficiency demonstrated that trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF were the potential specific DNA barcodes for identification the germplasm resources of P. grandiflorum. A total of 305 P. grandiflorum samples were collected from 15 production areas in 9 provinces, for which the fragments of trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF were amplificated and the sequences were analyzed. The results showed that trnG-UCC and ndhG_ndhF have 5 and 11 mutation sites, respectively, and 5 and 7 haplotypes were identified, respectively. The combined analysis of the two sequences formed 13 haplotypes (named Hap1-Hap13), and Hap4 is the main genotype, followed by Hap1. The unique haplotypes possessed by the three producing areas can be used as DNA molecular tags in this area to distinguish from the germplasm resources of P. grandiflorum from other areas. The haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and genetic distance were 0.94, 4.79×10^-3 and 0.000 0-0.020 3, respectively, suggesting that the genetic diversity was abundant and intraspecific kinship was relatively close. This study laid a foundation for the identification of P. grandiflorum, the protection and utilization of germplasm resources, and molecular breeding.