Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Cuproptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death triggered by excess intracellular copper, has emerged as a promising cytotoxic strategy for cancer therapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of copper ionophores such as elesclomol (ES) is often hindered by cellular copper homeostasis mechanisms that limit copper influx and cuproptosis induction. To address this challenge, we developed a nanoagent utilizing outer membrane vesicle (OMV) derived from Akkermansia muciniphila (Akk) for co-delivery of antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (Atox1)-targeting siRNA and ES (siAtox1/ES@OMV) to tumors. In vitro, we demonstrated that Atox1 knockdown via siRNA significantly disrupted copper export mechanisms, resulting in elevated intracellular copper levels. Simultaneously, ES facilitated efficient copper influx and mitochondrial transport, leading to Fe-S cluster depletion, increased proteotoxic stress, and robust cuproptosis. In vivo, siAtox1/ES@OMV achieved targeted tumor delivery and induced pronounced cuproptosis. Furthermore, leveraging the immunomodulatory properties of OMVs, siAtox1/ES@OMV promoted T-cell infiltration and the activation of tumor-reactive cytotoxic T cells, enhancing tumor immune responses. The combination of siAtox1/ES-induced cuproptosis and immunogenic cell death synergistically suppressed tumor growth in both subcutaneous breast cancer and orthotopic rectal cancer mouse models. This study highlights the potential of integrating copper homeostasis disruption with a copper ionophore using an immunomodulatory OMV-based vector, offering a promising combinatorial strategy for cancer therapy.

Senecavirus A (SVA) is a major viral pathogen causing disease in pigs, and effective monitoring of SVA infection is critical for disease control. In this study, we aimed to develop a reliable ELISA method for rapidly detecting neutralizing antibodies against SVA. We used HEK293F cells to express an SVA-specific porcine Fab antibody and verified the biological activity of the Fab antibody by indirect ELISA, immunofluorescence assay, virus neutralization test, and Western blotting. The Fab antibody was biotinylated and used as a competitive antibody to establish a competitive ELISA (C-ELISA) for detecting neutralizing antibodies against SVA. We then evaluated the C-ELISA in terms of sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and result agreement rate with the VNT. The results showed that we successfully prepared an SVA-specific porcine Fab antibody, which showed high affinity for SVA. We named this antibody 1M33Fab and designated it as Bio-1M33Fab after biotin labeling. The assay conditions were optimized as follows: the coating concentration of SVA particles being 1 μg/mL, the working concentration of Bio-1M33Fab being 0.5 μg/mL, the optimal serum dilution of 1:10, and the optimal dilution of enzyme-labeled avidin being 1:30 000. At a percent inhibition (PI) of 47%, the assay demonstrated the highest sensitivity (96.88%) and specificity (100%), with no cross-reactivity observed with the positive sera of major porcine viral diseases. The intra-assay coefficient of variation ranged from 1.12% to 7.34%, while the inter-assay coefficient of variation ranged from 1.10% to 8.97%, indicating good repeatability. In the detection of 224 clinical pig serum samples, C-ELISA and VNT showed a result agreement rate of 93.75%. In conclusion, we successfully develop a C-ELISA method for detecting neutralizing antibodies against SVA by using a porcine-derived Fab antibody, which lays a foundation for the development of detection kits.
Animals ; Swine ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods* ; Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments/immunology* ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology* ; Picornaviridae/immunology* ; Humans ; HEK293 Cells ; Swine Diseases/diagnosis* ; Picornaviridae Infections/diagnosis*

This study aims to enhance the activation level and efficiency of second-generation chimeric antigen receptor-T(CAR-T)cells in killing tumor cells by modifying the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase(LCK)structure of second-generation CAR,so as to lay the foundation for the preparation of novel second-generation CAR-T cells.Using genetic engineering techniques,lentiviral vectors for CD137-LCK2 CAR and CD137-PYAP2 CAR targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)were constructed,and CD137-LCK2 and CD137-PYAP2 CAR-T cells were prepared by lentiviral packaging and infection of activated T cells.The differences between them in terms of CAR expression level,activating molecule CD 137 expression,phenotypic distribution,cytokines secretion,and killing effect on HER2-expressing tumor cells were detected and compared using flow cytometry,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and cytotoxicity assay,respectively.Compared with the second-generation CD137 CAR-T cells,the structurally modified CD137-LCK2 and CD137-PYAP2 CAR-T cells targeting HER2 can increase the expression of activating molecule CD 137,increase the secretion of cytokine IFN-γ,and enhance the killing ability of target antigens;at the same time,these cells can be maintained in the memory state and can rapidly activate proliferation and differentiation after stimulation by antigen.In conclusion,CD137-LCK2 and CD137-PYAP2 CAR-T cells targeting HER2 are expected to activate and exert anti-tumor effects more effectively than second-generation CD 137 CAR-T cells.

Three 2,3-diketoquinoxaline alkaloids were isolated from Heterosmilax yunnanensis Gagnep. Their structures were determined through 1D and 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, UV, and IR as 1-[5′-(3″-hydroxy-3″-methyl) glutaryl] ribityl-2,3-diketo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethylquinoxaline (1), 1-[2′-(3″-hydroxy-3″-methyl) glutaryl]ribityl-2,3-diketo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethylquinoxaline (2), and 1-ribityl-2,3-diketo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethylquinoxaline (3). Compounds 1 and 2 are novel compounds, and 3 was isolated from H. yunnanensis for the first time. The hepatoprotective activity of these three compounds was evaluated, with compound 3 showing promising hepatoprotective activity.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 8 458 EC patients who were admitted to Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. There were 6 923 males and 1 535 females, aged (64±9)years. There were 3 187 patients undergoing surgical treatment, and 5 271 cases undergoing non-surgical treatment. Observation indicators: (1) incidence of VTE in EC patients; (2) treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Results:(1) Incidence of VTE in EC patients. Of 8 458 EC patients, 175 cases developed VTE, with an incidence rate of 2.069%(175/8 458). Among 175 VTE patients, there were 164 cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 4 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), 7 cases of DVT and PE. There were 59 surgical patients and 116 non-surgical patients. There was no significant difference in thrombus type between surgical and non-surgical EC patients with VTE ( χ2=1.95, P>0.05). Of 3 187 surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 1.851%(59/3 187), including an incidence of 0.157%(5/3 187) of PE. PE accounted for 8.475%(5/59) of surgical patients with VTE. Of 5 271 non-surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 2.201%(116/5 271), including an incidence of 0.114%(6/5 271) of PE. PE accounted for 5.172%(6/116) of non-surgical patients with VTE. There was no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or PE between surgical patients and non-surgical patients ( χ2=1.20, 0.05, P>0.05). (2) Treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Among 175 EC patients with VTE, 163 cases underwent drug treatment, and 12 cases did not receive treatment. Among 163 cases with drug therapy, 158 cases underwent anticoagulant therapy, 5 cases were treated with thrombolysis. All the 163 patients were improved and discharged from hospital. Conclusions:The incidence of VTE in patients with EC is relatively low, as 2.069%. There is no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or thrombus type between surgical EC patients and non-surgical EC patients.

Further evidence is needed to explore the impact of high-altitude environments on the neurologic function of neonates.Non-invasive techniques such as cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography can provide data on cerebral oxygenation and brain electrical activity.This study will conduct multiple cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy and amplitude-integrated electroencephalography monitoring sessions at various time points within the first 3 days postpartum for healthy full-term neonates at different altitudes.The obtained data on cerebral oxygenation and brain electrical activity will be compared between different altitudes,and corresponding reference ranges will be established.The study involves 6 participating centers in the Chinese High Altitude Neonatal Medicine Alliance,with altitude gradients divided into 4 categories:800 m,1 900 m,2 400 m,and 3 500 m,with an anticipated sample size of 170 neonates per altitude gradient.This multicenter prospective cohort study aims to provide evidence supporting the impact of high-altitude environments on early brain function and metabolism in neonates.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(4):403-409]

Objective:To summarize and analyze the modalities and experience of retrograde distal perfusion with distal perfusion catheter (DPC) via cannulation of the posterior tibial artery in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(V-A ECMO).Methods:The clinical data of 15 patients who were treated with V-A ECMO and underwent DPC placement via the posterior tibial artery in our hospital from January 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The V-A ECMO catheterization method in 15 patients was percutaneous puncture catheterization, and all of them underwent surgical incision to indwelling retrograde DPC through the posterior tibial artery: 6 cases of preventive catheterization, 9 cases of remedial catheterization, the success rate of one-time catheterization was 93.33%, and the type of catheter was mainly 6 F sheath (66.67%). There was no ALI in preventive catheterization, and one case of osteofascial compartment syndrome occurred in remedial catheterization, and the catheterization time was (20.73 ± 3.47) min.Conclusions:In V-A ECMO, placement of DPC via the posterior tibial artery for retrograde distal perfusion is perfectly feasible, and has a high success rate, which can prevent or treat lower extremity ischemia.

Objective:To investigate the effect of gallic acid on the morphology, proliferation and cell cycle of keloid fibroblasts, as well as on collagen contraction and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) /Sma- and Mad-related proteins (Smads) signaling pathway, and to explore the role and mechanisms of action of gallic acid in the treatment of keloids.Methods:From August to December 2022, 3 keloid tissue samples were collected from 3 patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed keloids after surgery in the Department of Dermatologic Surgery, Wuhan No.1 Hospital. Primary fibroblasts were isolated and cultured by using the tissue culture method, and 3- to 8-passage fibroblasts were used for subsequent experiments. Cultured keloid fibroblasts were divided into 4 groups: low-, medium- and high-dose gallic acid groups treated with 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/ml gallic acid respectively, and a control group cultured with Dulbecco′s modified Eagle′s medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum. After 24-, 48-, and 72-hour treatment, cellular proliferative activity was evaluated by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, and collagen contraction by using a three-dimensional culture method. After 24-hour treatment in the above groups, pictures were taken using a differential interference inverted fluorescence microscope, and changes in the cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Some keloid fibroblasts were divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (high-dose gallic acid group) treated with 0.1 mg/ml gallic acid, and a control group cultured with DMEM containing 10% fetal calf serum. After 24-hour treatment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the changes in supernatant concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 in the two groups, real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Statistical analysis was carried out using t test, one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference (LSD) - t test was used for multiple comparisons. Results:Compared with the control group, the gallic acid groups showed gradual changes in the shape of keloid fibroblasts under the microscope as the dose of gallic acid increased, including gradually shrinking cell bodies, enlarged intercellular spaces, cell atrophy, increased number of apoptotic cells, etc. CCK8 assay showed that the cellular proliferative activity changed significantly as the dose of gallic acid increased and the treatment time was prolonged ( Fgroup = 78.31, P < 0.001; Ftime = 4.17, P = 0.037), and the proliferative activity of keloid fibroblasts was significantly lower in the high-dose gallic acid group than in the control group at 24, 48, and 72 hours (all P < 0.05). The three-dimensional culture showed that different degrees of collagen contraction occurred in all groups over time, marked collagen contraction was observed in the control group, and a lower degree of collagen contraction in the gallic acid groups; the collagen contraction indices were significantly lower in the medium- and high-dose gallic acid groups than in the control group at 24, 48, and 72 hours (all P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the cell apoptosis rates were significantly higher in the low-, medium- and high-dose gallic acid groups (38.68% ± 3.05%, 41.82% ± 2.19%, 43.56% ± 3.58%, respectively) than in the control group (12.58% ± 1.56%, all P < 0.001) after 24-hour treatment; compared with the control group, the medium- and high-dose gallic acid groups showed significantly decreased proportions of cells in the G0/G1 phase (both P < 0.01), but significantly increased proportions of cells in the S phase and G2/M phase (all P < 0.05). ELISA revealed that the TGF-β1 concentration was significantly lower in the high-dose gallic acid group (758.58 ± 31.42 pg/ml) than in the control group (1 081.30 ± 44.72 pg/ml, t = 11.81, P<0.001), there was no significant difference in the TGF-β2 concentration between the high-dose gallic acid group (71.05 ± 7.40 pg/ml) and the control group (76.43 ± 6.51 pg/ml, t = 1.09, P = 0.317), while the TGF-β3 concentration was significantly higher in the high-dose gallic acid group (5.70 ± 3.87 pg/ml) than in the control group (0.00 ± 0.00 pg/ml, t = 2.94, P = 0.026). As real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR revealed, the high-dose gallic acid group showed significantly decreased mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and α-SMA (all P < 0.05), but significantly increased mRNA expression level of TGF-β3 ( t = 6.78, P = 0.002) compared with the control group; however, there was no significant difference in the TGF-β2 mRNA expression level between the above two groups ( t = 0.05, P = 0.962) . Conclusion:Gallic acid could change the cell cycle, inhibit the proliferative activity, promote apoptosis and change the shape of keloid fibroblasts, and thus inhibit scar formation and contraction, which may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap in the one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneus osteomyelitis plus skin and soft tissue defects.Methods:From January 2013 to September 2019, 48 patients were admitted to Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Xi'an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University for chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis complicated with skin and soft tissue defects. They were divided into 2 groups according to different bone grafts. In group A of 26 patients treated at one stage by antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, there were 16 males and 10 females with an age of (45.0±11.7) years and an area of skin defect of (56.0±16.7) cm 2. In group B of 22 patients treated at one stage by simple autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, there were 13 males and 9 females with an age of (43.6±9.6) years and an area of skin defect of (53.8±16.2) cm 2. The volume of the ilium harvested, fracture healing time, infection control, donor site complications, pain score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and function recovery of the ankle were compared between the 2 groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The 48 patients were followed up for (15.3±6.0) months. Group A had a significantly smaller volume of the ilium harvested [(67.3±14.1) cm 3] than group B [(90.7±23.5) cm 3], a significantly lower rate of donor site complications [3.8% (1/26)] than group B [31.8% (7/22)], significantly lower VAS pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours than group B, and significantly lower WBC count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein at 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation than group B (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the infection control rate [96.2% (25/26) versus 77.3% (17/22)], the fracture healing time [(6.2±1.9) months versus (6.4±2.1) months], or the ankle-hindfoot score of AOFAS (The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) (83.9±7.2 versus 82.5±8.7) at 6 months after operation (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis complicated with skin and soft tissue defects, compared with simple autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap can reduce the volume of the ilium harvested, pain score of VAS, and incidence of donor site complications, and improve the recovery of inflammatory indicators, leading to fine clinical effects.