Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic islet β cells. Pancreatic islet transplantation provides a treatment method for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus to restore endogenous insulin secretion. However, some problems limit the widespread application of islet transplantation, such as the shortage of donors and post-transplantation rejection damage. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome (MSC-Exo) has become a potential tool for islet transplantation therapy due to their immunomodulatory and tissue repair capabilities. MSC-Exo shows great promise for application, because of low immunogenicity, easily being stored and transported, and the potential as drug delivery vehicles. However, challenges such as preparation, purification, standardization and safety verification need to be overcome before converting MSC-Exo into clinical practice. Therefore, this article reviews the application and potential advantages of MSC-Exo in islet transplantation, aiming to providing more effective and safer treatment options for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening the prevention and control of brucellosis. Methods: Data on brucellosis cases and surveillance in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the annual brucellosis surveillance reports from the Jiande Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual summaries of brucellosis prevention and control efforts. The epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. Results: A total of 1 125 individuals were monitored in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024, with 18 seropositive cases identified and the seropositivity rate of 1.60%. The average annual seropositivity rate from 2015 to 2024 was 3.35%, which was significantly higher than that of 0.57% from 2005 to 2014 (P<0.05). There were 10 confirmed brucellosis cases and 8 asymptomatic infections, with no reported deaths. The peak incidence occurred between March and August. Among the 16 towns (streets) in Jiande City, 8 reported brucellosis cases. Of the brucellosis cases, 14 were male and 4 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5∶1. The majority of cases (13 cases) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Occupational exposure was identified in 16 cases, all of whom were infected through direct hand contact with the excreta, secretions, or animal products of infected sheep or cattle. The primary source of infection was sheep, followed by cattle. Five strains of Brucella were isolated and cultured, all identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions The brucellosis epidemic in Jiande City remained at a sporadic and low prevalence level from 2005 to 2024, with an increasing trend observed from 2015 to 2024. Male occupational groups aged 40 to 60 years were the key population for brucellosis prevention and control, and sheep were the primary source of infection.

Chronic heart failure （CHF）， as the terminal stage of various cardiovascular diseases， is characterized by a prolonged clinical course and recurrent exacerbations. The coexistence of CHF with anxiety and depression falls under the category of psycho-cardiological diseases. Studies have demonstrated that anxiety and depression are closely associated with adverse outcomes including elevated risks of cardiovascular events and increased mortality in CHF patients. The complex pathogenesis poses challenges to modern medical treatments， which often face limited efficacy and concurrent side effects. According to the theory of Shaoyang Pivot in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， this paper elucidates that obstructed Shaoyang Pivot—manifested as Qi transformation disorder， dysregulated fluid metabolism， and abnormal distribution of ministerial fire-serves as a critical pathological basis for CHF with anxiety and depression. Bupleuri Radix-based Formulas， such as Xiao Chaihu Tang， Chaihu Guizhi Tang， and Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang， aim to harmonize lesser Yang to restore the Qi transformation， activate Yang to promote water excretion， and redistribute ministerial fire， thus effectively alleviating pathological states such as Qi stagnation， blood stasis， water retention， and phlegm-fire disturbing the heart in CHF patients with anxiety and depression. Consequently， they mitigate symptoms of this psycho-cardiological disease. Mechanism studies have revealed that Bupleuri Radix-based formulas exhibit multi-target effects， including modulation of neurotransmitters， suppression of inflammatory responses， regulation of lipid metabolism， protection of cardiomyocytes， and improvement of the endothelial function. By interpreting the TCM pathogenesis of CHF with anxiety and depression from the theory of Shaoyang Pivot， this paper delves into the therapeutic principles and mechanisms of Bupleuri Radix-based formulas， providing a theoretical foundation for optimizing TCM diagnosis and treatment strategies for psycho-cardiological diseases.

Background With economic development and globalization, shift work has become prevalent across industries. Its relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attracts increasing attention. Objective To thoroughly explore the relationship between shift work and T2DM, and analyze the impacts of specific shift patterns on T2DM, so as to provide a basis for formulating reasonable shift schedules. Methods We conducted a 1:2 matched case-control study among adults (20-60 years) who ordered occupational health examinations at the Wuxi No.8 People's Hospital from November to December 2023. The case group comprised 200 T2DM patients, while the controls were 400 age-stratified matched non-diabetic individuals. General demographic characteristics, behavioral habits, medical history, and shift work exposure data (including shift patterns, frequency, and length of service) 5 years prior to diagnosis were collected through standardized questionnaires. Logistic regression adjusted for selected confounders was employed to evaluate the association between shift work and T2DM. Results The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that shift work was associated with an increased risk of T2DM. After adjusting for confounding factors, shift workers had a 3.55 times higher risk of being diagnosed T2DM compared to non-shift workers (OR=3.55, 95%CI: 1.026, 12.263). The risk varied across different shift patterns, and the three-shift two-rotation system showed the highest risk (OR=4.17, 95%CI: 1.921, 9.035), followed by the two-shift system (OR=2.94, 95%CI: 2.016, 4.281) and four-shift three-rotation system (OR=2.66, 95%CI: 1.611, 6.093). Workers with more than 3 monthly shift days had a 2.74-fold increased risk (95%CI: 1.658, 4.512) compared to non-shift workers. Additionally, working more than 8 h daily (OR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.185, 2.562) and having more than 20 years of service (OR=2.51, 95%CI: 1.581, 3.976) were both significantly associated with a higher T2DM risk. The trend tests revealed that each incremental increase in monthly shift days and length of service elevated T2DM risk by 2.61 times (95%CI: 1.813, 3.765) and 1.49 times (95%CI: 1.147, 1.931), respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion Shift work is an independent risk factor for T2DM, with three-shift two-rotation system posing the highest risk. Shift frequency, daily working hours, and length of service are all significant factors affecting the risk of T2DM. These findings support industry-specific shift policy reform and targeted glucose monitoring and health interventions are recommended for workers engaged in high-risk shift patterns (e.g., three-shift two-rotation system, frequent shifts) and those with prolonged shift work history (>20 years).

OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab in the treatment of advanced non- small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. METHODS Computerized searches were conducted in PubMed， Embase， the Cochrane Library， CNKI， Wanfang and other Chinese and English databases to collect randomized controlled trials （RCTs） on tislelizumab for advanced NSCLC. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to December 2024. After strictly screening the literature， extracting data and conducting quality evaluations in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria， a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software. RESULTS A total of 18 RCTs involving 2 337 patients were included， with 1 283 in the experimental group and 1 054 in the control group. The meta-analysis results showed that the objective response rate [RR＝1.61， 95%CI （1.48， 1.75）， P＜0.000 01]， disease control rate [RR＝1.21， 95%CI （1.13， 1.29）， P＜0.000 01]， progression free survival [HR＝0.55， 95%CI （0.45， 0.66）， P＜0.000 01]， and overall survival [HR＝0.78， 95%CI（0.62， 0.97）， P＝0.03] were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups [RR＝1.00， 95%CI （0.73， 1.37）， P＝1.00]； among the common adverse reactions， only the incidence of liver function impairment was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group [RR＝1.30， 95%CI （1.10， 1.54）， P＜0.01]. CONCLUSIONS Tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy or targeted drugs significantly improves the efficacy in patients with advanced NSCLC without increasing the risk of adverse reactions overall. However， liver function should be closely monitored during treatment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease accompanied by various complications, and the exact etiology remains unclear. Treatments for SLE encompass hormone therapy, plasma exchange and immunoadsorption, and targeted biological therapies. Berbamine (BBM), a cellular immunopotentiator with diverse biological functions, has not been reported to have immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects on SLE. The mice were divided into control group, model group, positive control group, low, medium and high BBM groups. In control group, C57BL/6J wild mice received intraperitoneal injection of saline. In model group, MRL/lpr lupus mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of saline. In positive control group, MRL/lpr lupus mice received intragastric administration of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets [Plaquenil, 150 mg/(kg·d)]. In BBM groups, MRL/lpr lupus mice received intragastric administration of different concentration of BBM respectively [20 mg/(kg·d), 50 mg/(kg·d), 100 mg/(kg·d)]. After 8 weeks of treatment, blood was collected from the retro-orbital venous plexus, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and anti-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein/Sm (snRNP/Sm) antibodies. Spleen tissues were collected for analysis of Th1/Th2 ratio by flow cytometry. The RNA and protein of spleen were extracted, and the levels of T-box transcription factor T-bet and GATA3 (GATA binding protein 3) mRNA and protein were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation of white blood cells in the blood was tested by blood routine test. The histopathological changes of kidneys of each group were detected by HE staining. Compared with the model group, the levels of ANA, anti-dsDNA, and anti-snRNP/Sm antibodies were significantly reduced in the BBM-treated groups. The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly decreased in the model group, but reversed by BBM. Compared with the control group, T-bet expression was significantly downregulated, while GATA3 expression was significantly upregulated in the model group. After BBM intervention, T-bet expression significantly increased, while GATA3 expression decreased compared with the model group. The number of white blood cells significantly decreased in the model group, and increased in the BBM-treated groups. In the model group, the glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells showed significant hyperplasia, clear thrombus was observed in the dilated capillaries, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the renal interstitium. In medium and high BBM groups, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and capillary thrombosis were significantly decreased. In conclusion, BBM exhibits certain immunomodulatory effects on SLE and promotes the proliferation of white blood cells.
Animals ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr ; Female ; Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology*

Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Animals ; Male ; Liver/injuries* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Mice ; Rats

OBJECTIVE: By analyzing the correlation between genotypes and phenotypes, we explored the impact of the variant c.917T>C (p.L306P) in the ABO*B.01 allele on the expression and function of B-glycosyltransferase (GTB). This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of this subtype. METHODS: The study subjects included a blood donor specimen with incompatible forward and reverse ABO typing results. ABO phenotyping was determined using ABO blood group serology and GTB activity testing. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing and third-generation sequencing based on the PacBio platform were employed to sequence the ABO gene, resulting in the determination of haplotype sequences. Mutations were identified through sequence alignment. An in vitro cell expression system was established to assess the impact of the mutation site on antigen expression. RESULTS: The index case in this study was identified as B subtype with the allelic genotype c.917T>C in ABO*B.01/ABO*O.01.01 , which has not been previously reported. in vitro expression results revealed decreased levels of GTB expression and overall GTB activity in the mutant cells. Furthermore, the expression of the B antigen on the cell membrane was weaker in the mutant cells compared to the wild-type cells. CONCLUSION The p.L306P variation caused by the c.917T>C mutation in the ABO*B.01 allele may be a genetic factor contributing to the reduced expression of B antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
Humans ; ABO Blood-Group System/genetics* ; Alleles ; Genotype ; Mutation ; Glycosyltransferases/genetics* ; Haplotypes ; Phenotype

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Lentivirus-modified autologous hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSCGT) has recently been approved for clinical use in pre and early symptomatic children with MLD to increase ARSA activity. Unfortunately, this advanced therapy is not available for most patients with MLD who have progressed to more advanced symptomatic stages at diagnosis. Patients with late-onset juvenile MLD typically present with a slower neurological progression of symptoms and represent a significant burden to the economy and healthcare system, whereas those with early onset infantile MLD die within a few years of symptom onset. We conducted a pilot study to determine the safety and benefit of HSCGT in patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD and report preliminary results. The safety profile of HSCGT was favorable in this long-term follow-up over 9 years. The most common adverse events (AEs) within 2 months of HSCGT were related to busulfan conditioning, and all AEs resolved. No HSCGT-related AEs and no evidence of distorted hematopoietic differentiation during long-term follow-up for up to 9.6 years. Importantly, to date, patients have maintained remarkably improved ARSA activity with a stable disease state, including increased Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and decreased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion score. This long-term follow-up pilot study suggests that HSCGT is safe and provides clinical benefit to patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD.
Humans ; Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics* ; Pilot Projects ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Male ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Lentivirus/genetics* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Cerebroside-Sulfatase/metabolism* ; Adolescent