OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Erzhu Jiedu Decoction (EZJDD) Granules in treating mid-advanced hepatitis B virus-associated primary liver cancer (HBV-PLC) patients with Pi (Spleen)-deficiency and dampness-heat syndrome. METHODS: From January 2021 to June 2023, a cohort of 132 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a control group or a EZJDD group according to the random numbers, with 66 patients in each group. The patients in the control group received conventional treatment for 3 months, followed by a 3-month follow-up. In addition to the conventional treatment, patients in the EZJDD group were administered EZJDD Granules (10.9 g/pack, 2 packs twice per day) orally for same duration. Progression-free survival (PFS) as primary outcome was evaluated by Kaplan Meier method. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores were used to assess the quality of life in two groups before and after treatment, and survival rates were determined as well. The efficacy of Chinese medicine syndrome was calculated with Nimodipine method. Liver function, tumor indicators and T lymphocyte subsets were measured, respectively. Safety indicators were recorded and assessed. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients who completed the study, 57 were in the control group and 59 in the EZJDD group. The median PFS was 3.53 months (106 days) in the EZJDD group compared to 2.33 months (70 days) in the control group (P=0.005). Six-month survival rate was 52.63% (30/57) in the control group and 69.49% (41/59) in the EZJDD group (P=0.039). The median KPS score in the EZJDD group [70(63, 90)] was higher than that in the control group [70(60, 80)] (P=0.013). The total effective rate of CM syndrome was 52.63% (30/57) in the control group and 77.97% (46/59) in the EZJDD group (P=0.005). The levels of alpha fetoprotein, alpha fetoprotein-L3, alpha-L-fucosidase and protein induced by Vitamin K absence or antagonist- II in the EZJDD group increased less than the control group (P>0.05). CD8⁺ levels were decreased, while CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ levels, as well as CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio were significantly increased in the EZZJD group (P<0.05). No treatment-related adverse reactions were observed during the study. CONCLUSION EZJDD Granules significantly prolonged the median PFS and improved 6-month survival rate in patients with mid-advanced HBV-PLC (Registration No. ChiCTR2200056922).
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Liver Neoplasms/complications* ; Hepatitis B virus/physiology* ; Hepatitis B/complications* ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Spleen/drug effects* ; Quality of Life ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Aged ; Syndrome

The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Spermatids/metabolism* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Thioredoxins/genetics*

Objective： The aim of this study is to explore the predictive value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L and establish a nomogram. Methods： The imaging data and clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, and a nomogram of the clinical prediction model was established. Calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Results： Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed extrocapusular extension (OR=8.08,95%CI=2.62－24.97, P<0.01), enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes (OR=4.45,95%CI=1.16－17.11,P=0.030), and biopsy ISUP grade(OR=1.97,95%CI=1.12－3.46, P=0.018)were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.834, which indicated that the model had a good prediction ability. The actual value of the model calibration curve and the prediction probability of the model fitted well, indicating that the model had a good accuracy. Further analysis of DCA curve showed that the model had good clinical application value when the risk threshold ranged from 0.05 to 0.70.Conclusion： For prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L, bpMRI has a good predictive value for the pelvic lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer with extrocapusular extension, enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes and ISUP grade≥4.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Pelvis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostatectomy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Risk Factors ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the patterns of fasting blood glucose (FBG) trajectories and analyze the relationship between various occupational hazard factors and FBG trajectories in male steelworkers. METHODS: The study cohort included 3,728 workers who met the selection criteria for the Tanggang Occupational Cohort (TGOC) between 2017 and 2022. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify the FBG trajectories. Environmental risk scores (ERS) were constructed using regression coefficients from the occupational hazard model as weights. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of occupational hazard factors using the ERS on FBG trajectories. RESULTS: FBG trajectories were categorized into three groups. An association was observed between high temperature, noise exposure, and FBG trajectory ( P < 0.05). Using the first quartile group of ERS1 as a reference, the fourth quartile group of ERS1 had an increased risk of medium and high FBG by 1.90 and 2.21 times, respectively (odds ratio [ OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.17-3.10; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.09-4.45). CONCLUSION An association was observed between occupational hazards based on ERS and FBG trajectories. The risk of FBG trajectory levels increase with an increase in ERS.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; China ; Prospective Studies ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Steel ; Fasting/blood* ; Metal Workers ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

Objective To analyze the literature in the field of body fluid identification collected in the Web of Science Core Collection(WoSCC)database from 2000 to 2023,and explore the research sta-tus,hotspots and development trends in this field.Methods The CiteSpace software was utilized to conduct a visual analysis of the literature in the field of body fluid identification included in the WoSCC database from 2000 to 2023.Meanwhile,a bibliometric analysis of the annual publication vol-ume,journal distribution,national contribution,research institutions,author collaboration,and keywords of the literature was conducted.Results A total of 715 papers on forensic body fluid identification were included,and the annual publication volume showed a continuous and stable growth.Among the 55 countries(regions)that published papers,the United States ranked first with 174 papers,followed by China with 107 papers.In terms of journal distribution,Forensic Science International:Genetics had the largest number of papers,which accounted for 20%of the total papers.In terms of author collaboration,a total of 2 079 authors participated in body fluid identification research,and the author collaboration network showed a clearly clustered distribution.The keywords analysis revealed that re-search hotspots focused on traditional methods,specific RNA molecular markers,DNA methylation,spectroscopy,and the application of microbiomics.Conclusion Research in the field of forensic body fluid identification is thriving,and research institutions and teams should strengthen their collaboration.Establishing unified result interpretation standards and systems and exploring the multiple biomarkers combined application methods will be the research hotspots and important directions for future research in this field.

Objective:To carry out differential study for clinical application of the domestic and imported electrode of plasma surgery by using real world data,so as to provide data support for clinical selection of electrode products in plasma surgery.Methods:An observational study was adopted,and a total of 384 patients who underwent adenoidectomy by using domestic electrode of plasma surgery(domestic electrode)or imported electrode of plasma surgery(imported electrode)at Children's Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine between March and October 2024 were selected.The data of patients who received domestic or imported electrode were recorded,respectively.The indicators of safety and effectiveness,and economic indicator of surgeries adopted respectively two kinds of electrodes for patients were compared,and the differences of clinical application of the two kinds of electrodes were analyzed.Results:The average hospitalization cost of patients who adopted imported electrode was(11,300±2,500)CNY,which was higher than(7,600±1700)CNY,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-17.546,P<0.05).The surgical duration,postoperative heart rate,postoperative hypotension and hypertension of patients who adopted domestic electrode to conduct adenoidectomy were higher than those of patients who adopted imported electrode,while there were not significant differences between them(P>0.05).The incidences of damage and infection of eustachian cushion of patients who adopted domestic electrode to conduct adenoidectomy were higher than those of patients who adopted imported electrode,and the incidence of bleeding was lower than that of patients who adopted imported electrode,while the differences were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:Domestically plasma surgical electrode can effectively save patients'medical costs,which is safe and reliable in clinical use,and it can be mutually replaceable with the imported plasma surgical electrode..

AIM To investigate the effects of Wenyang Jiedu Tongluo Recipe(WYJDTLR)on macrophage recruitment and polarization function in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD).METHODS 50 db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group,the valsartan group(10.29 mg/kg)and the high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose WYJDTLR groups(26.52,13.26 and 6.63 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group,in contrast to another 10 db/m mice of the blank group.After 8 weeks of administration,the mice had their levels of fasting blood glucose,24-hour urinary protein quantity(24h-UTP),serum creatinine(Scr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)observed;their morphological changes of renal tissues observed by HE staining;their degree of renal glycogen deposition observed by PAS staining;their degree of renal fibrosis observed by Masson staining;their levels of MCP-1 and MCF-1 in serum and TNF-α and IL-1 β in renal tissue detected by ELISA;their renal protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 detected by IHC and Western blot;and their renal expressions of CD86 and CD206 detected by IF.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the WYJDTLR groups displayed decreased levels of fasting blood glucose,24h-UTP,Scr and BUN(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);improved degree of glomerular hypertrophy,mild proliferation of mesangial cells,dilatation of renal tubular,vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells,deposition of glomerular glycogen,and fibrosis of renal tissues(P＜0.01);decreased levels of MCP-1 and MCF-1 in serum and TNF-α and IL-1β in renal tissue(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased renal protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),thus reduced the recruitment of macrophages to the kidney;decreased renal CD86 protein expression(P＜0.01);and increased CD206 protein expression(P＜0.01),thus inhibited M1-type polarization of macrophages and promoted M2-type polarization of macrophages.CONCLUSION WYJDTLR can delay the DKD progression in mice by reducing the occurrence of inflammatory reactions through reducing the level of macrophage recruitment factor,inhibiting the M1-type polarization,and promoting the M2-type polarization.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the independent risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae （CRKP） infection， develop a nomogram prediction model and validate it. METHODS Clinical data of hospitalized patients infected with CRKP between April 2020 and May 2023 at Kunming First People’s Hospital were retrospectively collected and matched 1∶1 with patients infected with carbapenem-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae （CSKP） during the same period as the modeling group. Using the same criteria， data from patients hospitalized and infected with CRKP and matched CSKP between June 2023 and June 2024 were collected as the validation group. Univariate analysis， LASSO regression and multivariate Logistic regression were conducted to identify independent risk factors for CRKP infection and to develop a nomogram prediction model. Internal validation of the model was performed using Bootstrap resampling， and external validation was carried out using the data of validation group. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves and calibration plots. RESULTS A total of 530 patients were enrolled， with 372 in the modeling group and 158 in the validation group. Cerebrovascular disease， indwelling gastric tube， mechanical ventilation， exposure to carbapenem antibiotics， and exposure to β-lactamase inhibitor compound agents were identified as independent risk factors for CRKP infection （P＜0.05）. The nomogram predicting CRKP infection risk achieved an area under ROC of 0.729 and 0.803 in internal and external validations， respectively. Calibration curves indicated a high degree of consistency between predicted and observed probabilities. CONCLUSIONS Cerebrovascular disease， indwelling gastric tube， mechanical ventilation， exposure to carbapenem antibiotics， and exposure to β-lactamase inhibitor compound agent are independent risk factors for CRKP infection. The developed nomogram model for predicting CRKP infection risk demonstrates good predictive performance and can aid in the early identification of patients at high risk for CRKP infection.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between relative grip strength and hyperuricemia (HUA) levels in university freshmen, and to explore the potential value of muscle function indicators in HUA prevention among young populations, so as to provide new scientific evidences for HUA control in the demographic. Methods: Utilizing health examination data from 1 744 freshmen enrolled in a Shaanxi Province university in September 2024, absolute grip strength was measured using CAMRY electronic dynamometers, with relative grip strength subsequently calculated. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to examine relationships between student characteristics and relative grip strength, and binary Logistic regression models assessed the association strength between relative grip strength and HUA. Results: The overall HUA detection rate among freshmen was 29.8%, with significant gender differences (male:43.1%; female:24.0%; χ 2=64.62, P <0.01). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between relative grip strength, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and HUA in both genders (boys: r =-0.27, 0.54, 0.11 , 0.53; girls: r =-0.18, 0.33, 0.08, 0.33, all P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression demonstrated that each standard deviation increase in relative grip strength reduced HUA risk by 77% in males ( OR=0.23, 95%CI =0.14-0.37) and 80% in females ( OR=0.20, 95%CI =0.11-0.36) (both P <0.01). Conclusions Relative grip strength represents a significant factor associated with HUA in university students. Incorporating muscle strength training into HUA prevention programs and establishing muscle function based HUA risk warning systems should be considered.