Objective: To analyze the time-related factors influencing daily blood donation attendance at fixed donation sites in Nanjing and the heterogeneity among sites, and to provide evidence for optimizing site layout and operational management. Methods: Based on daily attendance data from 17 fixed donation sites in Nanjing for the full year of 2025, matched with contemporaneous meteorological and air quality data, a two-stage negative binomial generalized linear mixed model (NB-GLMM) was constructed. In the second stage, site-level static characteristics (number of scenic spots, daily operating hours, number of shopping malls, public transport stops, hospitals, universities, and residential buildings) were additionally incorporated. Model comparison was performed using Akaike information criterion (AIC). Significance of random effects was tested by likelihood ratio test, and site-specific random effects were extracted using empirical Bayes estimation. Robustness of the results was verified through residual diagnostics and multiple sensitivity analyses. Results: The first-stage model showed that rainfall was associated with lower attendance (IRR=0.943, P<0.001); holidays were associated with higher attendance (IRR=1.162, P<0.001); Saturdays and Sundays showed higher attendance than Mondays, with the strongest association on Sundays (IRR=1.195, P<0.001). Temperature exhibited a non-linear relationship (linear term P=0.051, quadratic term P=0.036). The joint results of the linear and quadratic terms for temperature suggested a nonlinear relationship between attendance and temperature. After introducing static characteristics in the second stage, the number of scenic spots (IRR=1.372, P=0.008) and daily operating hours (IRR=1.823, P<0.001) were found to be positively associated with attendance, while the numbers of shopping malls, public transport stops, hospitals, universities, and residential buildings showed no significant effects. Conclusion: Daily blood donation attendance at fixed sites in Nanjing is influenced by multiple factors including weather, day of the week, holidays, and site surroundings. Substantial heterogeneity exists among different sites; extended operating hours and more nearby scenic spots are associated with increased attendance.

Objective To explore the relationship between the level of Caveolin-1 and high mobility group protein B1(HMGB-1)in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of sepsis and their predictive value.Methods A total of 102 children with sepsis were selected in a hospital from June 2021 to December 2023.According to neonatal critical case scoring criteria,the children were divided into mild group(n=41)and severe group(n=61).According to the diagnostic criteria of purulent meningitis and the results of cerebrospinal fluid examina-tion,the children were divided into sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis group(n=16)and simple sepsis group(n=86).The clinical data of the children were collected,and the levels of Caveolin-1,HMGB-1 and inflammatory factors[hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)and tumor necro-sis factor-α(TNF-α)]in cerebrospinal fluid of the children were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors affecting the severity of sepsis,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in the severity of sepsis and the prediction value of purulent meningitis in the children.Results Compared with mild group,cerebrospinal fluid levels of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in severe group were signifi-cantly increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of PCT,hs-CRP and TNF-α in severe group were significantly higher than those in mild group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PCT,hs-CRP,TNF-α,Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 levels were all risk factors for the severity of sepsis in children(P<0.05).The combined diag-nosis of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 was significantly better than that of Caveolin-1(Z=2.109,P=0.035),HMGB-1(Z=2.099,P=0.036),PCT(Z=2.487,P=0.013),hs-CRP(Z=2.419,P=0.016)and TNF-α(Z=3.441,P=0.001)were diagnosed alone.Compared with simple sepsis group,cerebrospinal fluid Caveo-lin-1 and HMGB-1 levels in sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis group were significantly increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The combined prediction of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 was significantly better than that of Caveolin-1(Z=2.621,P=0.009)and HMGB-1(Z=1.997,P=0.046)alone.Conclusion There are significant increases in the levels of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in chil-dren with severe sepsis or sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis.Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 have a certain clinical value in evaluating the severity of sepsis in children and predicting whether they are complicated with purulent meningitis.

Objective To construct a model combining with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome for predicting the risk of disease progression in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN)by machine learning methods,thus to quantitatively evaluating the value of TCM syndrome in the prediction of the risk of disease progression in IMN.Methods Monofactor analysis,recursive feature elimination(RFE)and multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent related factors affecting the risk of disease progression of IMN,and then a risk prediction model was constructed.A total of 102 patients with IMN were randomly assigned to the training set and the test set in a ratio of 65∶35,and then the comparison was conducted in the performance indicators of accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,F1 value,and area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)area under the curve(AUC)of the risk prediction model with or without the inclusion of the TCM syndrome information.Results Before the inclusion of TCM syndrome information,12 clinical characteristic variables for patients with MN were obtained after monofactor analysis combined with RFE screening,and they were age,hemoglobin quantification,urinary occult blood,24-hour urine protein quantification,urine protein-creatinine ratio,estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),creatinine,uric acid,alanine transaminase,anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody(PLA2R-Ab),total cholesterol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterd.A risk cholesterol prediction model containing the above variables was constructed.The multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the differences of the clinical variables mentioned above between the training-set group and test-set group were statistically significant,and the risk prediction model presented good sensitivity and predictability.Monofactor analysis combined with RFE screening was performed again after the inclusion of TCM syndrome information,and then 14 variables were obtained,which included blood stasis syndrome and dampness obstruction syndrome.The sensitivity and specificity of the model with the inclusion of the TCM syndrome information were significantly improved when compared with those without the inclusion of TCM syndrome information.Conclusion The results of the study initially indicate that TCM syndrome can be used as an important supplementary variable for predicting the risk of disease progression in IMN,and will provide a reference for intelligent diagnosis through the integration of traditional Chinese and western medicine information,and will supply the guidance for the treatment of IMN with TCM.

Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.

Objective To explore the inhibitory effect of Xinhui tangerine peel polysaccharides on the mouse skin fibroblasts so as to understand the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods We separated and purified the components of tangerine peel polysaccharides from Xinhui tangerine peel.C57BL/6 mouse skin fibroblasts were isolated and cultured for the cellular experimental study.We set up a blank control group(normal culture)and low-,medium-and high-dose experimental groups(50,100 and 200 μg/mL tangerine peel polysaccharides).After 24 hours of treatment,cell survival rate was assessed by CCK-8 assay.The mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ(Col1a1),collagen type Ⅲ(Col1a3),TGF-β1 and ACTA2 in fibroblasts were examined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Smad3 was examined by Western blotting.Results The cell survival rate in the blank control group,the medium-and high-dose experimental groups was 100％,(90.54±6.74)％,and(78.90±4.24)％,respectively.The relative expression level of Col1a1 protein was 1.13±0.15,0.57±0.16,and 0.48±0.05,respectively;the relative expression level of Col3a1 protein was 0.81±0.13,0.49±0.11 and 0.50±0.03;the relative expression level of TGF-β1 protein was 1.11±0.15,0.60±0.13,and 0.33±0.11;the relative expression level of p-Smad3/Smad3 proteins was 0.96±0.05,0.75±0.06 and 0.71±0.03.The mRNA expression level of Col1a1 was 1.01±0.17,0.58±0.11,and 0.52±0.12;the mRNA expression level of Col3a1 was 1.01±0.12,0.56±0.19,and 0.65±0.14;the expression level of ACTA2 mRNA was 1.01±0.13,0.24±0.04,and 0.22±0.07;the mRNA expression level of TGF-β1 was 1.00±0.09,0.50±0.10,and 0.49±0.15.The relative expression levels of p-Smad3/Smad3 proteins were 0.86±0.06,0.66±0.06,0.55±0.13,0.43±0.09,0.35±0.06,and 0.27±0.12,respectively,after time-related treatment with high-dose tangerine peel polysaccharides.The above indicators in medium-and high-dose tangerine peel polysaccharide groups showed statistically significant differences compared to those in the blank control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Tangerine peel polysaccharides can inhibit the cell proliferation and the synthesis of keloid-related genes on fibroblasts by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact in global health,using the member universities of the Chinese Consortium of Universities for Global Health(CCUGH)as a case study.Methods:The study focuses on journal articles in global health field published by 31 CCUGH member universities between 2014 and 2024.Descriptive statistical analysis of international and non-international collaboration publication volumes was conducted using Excel.Regression analysis and chi-square tests were performed using R to examine the relationship between international collaboration papers and academic impact,and the correlation between the breadth of collaboration and the academic impact of the papers.Results:From 2014 to 2023,the total number of publications,the number of non-international collaborationpublications,and the number of internationally collaborated publications all showed a consistent annual increase,with average annual growth rates of 56.7%,68.3%,and 41.4%,respectively.By the first half of 2024,the total number of publications had increased to 1.5 times that of the corresponding period in 2023.International collaboration positively influenced academic impact,with broader collaborative networks correlating with higher academic influence.Conclusion:The global health publication output of CCUGH member universities has steadily increased,but the volume of international collaboration papers and their proportion remain relatively low.Therefore,it is necessary for CCUGH member universities to strengthen international collaboration papers in global health.

Cosmetics may be an important source of human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),posing risks to human health.In this study,a nontarget screening method for PFASs in cosmetics was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS)based on the Kendrick mass defect(KMD).The sample was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction prior to being analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.Acquisition of HRMS data was achieved in both full scan and data-dependent(Full MS/dd MS2)mode.The data collected by HRMS were imported into an in-lab built R script for processing.Samples retained the mass spectra peaks with KMD values in the range of 0.85-1 or 0-0.15 for in-and out-of-library matching;when KMD deviation(δKMD)<0.001 and CF 2 mass error(δMS)<15 ppm,it was considered as a potential PFASs homologues.According to matches of parent ions(MS),fragment ions(MS2)and retention time(RT)with the in-house built PFASs database,the screened and identified potential PFASs were categorized to 5 confidence levels(CL1-CL5).A total of 15 kinds of PFASs homologues with confidence level of CL3 and above were screened from 13 cosmetics products and 8 cosmetic raw materials,including perfluoroalkyl alcohol,hydroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,chloroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,etc.with concentrations ranging from 1.9 ng/g to 98.1 ng/g.The nontarget screening method could be used to screen and identify PFASs homologues feasibly and therefore provided data basis for management and control of PFASs addition in cosmetics.

Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including ²²³Ra, ⁹⁰Y, Lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), ²¹²Pb, and Actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans ; Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use* ; Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Radioisotopes/therapeutic use* ; Animals

PURPOSE: The rate of complications among patients undergoing surgery has increased due to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern. However, Omicron has shown decreased pathogenicity, raising questions about the risk of postoperative complications among patients who are infected with this variant. This study aimed to investigate complications and related factors among patients with recent Omicron infection prior to undergoing orthopedic surgery. METHODS: A historical control study was conducted. Data were collected from all patients who underwent surgery during 2 distinct periods: (1) between Dec 12, 2022 and Jan 31, 2023 (COVID-19 positive group), (2) between Dec 12, 2021 and Jan 31, 2022 (COVID-19 negative control group). The patients were at least 18 years old. Patients who received conservative treatment after admission or had high-risk diseases or special circumstances (use of anticoagulants before surgery) were excluded from the study. The study outcomes were the total complication rate and related factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on complications. RESULTS: In the analysis, a total of 847 patients who underwent surgery were included, with 275 of these patients testing positive for COVID-19 and 572 testing negative. The COVID-19-positive group had a significantly higher rate of total complications (11.27%) than the control group (4.90%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for relevant factors, the OR was 3.08 (95% CI: 1.45-6.53). Patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at 3-4 weeks (OR = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.06-0.59), p = 0.005), 5-6 weeks (OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04-0.59), p = 0.010), or ≥7 weeks (OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.06-1.02), p = 0.069) prior to surgery had a lower risk of complications than those who were diagnosed at 0-2 weeks prior to surgery. Seven factors (age, indications for surgery, time of operation, time of COVID-19 diagnosis prior to surgery, C-reactive protein levels, alanine transaminase levels, and aspartate aminotransferase levels) were found to be associated with complications; thus, these factors were used to create a nomogram. CONCLUSION Omicron continues to be a significant factor in the incidence of postoperative complications among patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. By identifying the factors associated with these complications, we can determine the optimal surgical timing, provide more accurate prognostic information, and offer appropriate consultation for orthopedic surgery patients who have been infected with Omicron.
Humans ; COVID-19/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects* ; Aged ; Nomograms ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Testicular descent occurs in two consecutive stages: the transabdominal stage and the inguinoscrotal stage. Androgens play a crucial role in the second stage by influencing the development of the gubernaculum, a structure that pulls the testis into the scrotum. However, the mechanisms of androgen actions underlying many of the processes associated with gubernaculum development have not been fully elucidated. To identify the androgen-regulated genes, we conducted large-scale gene expression analyses on the gubernaculum harvested from luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor knockout ( Lhcgr KO) mice, an animal model of inguinoscrotal testis maldescent resulting from androgen deficiency. We found that the expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 1 ( Smoc1 ) was the most severely suppressed at both the transcript and protein levels, while its expression was the most dramatically induced by testosterone administration in the gubernacula of Lhcgr KO mice. The upregulation of Smoc1 expression by testosterone was curtailed by the addition of an androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide. In addition, in vitro studies demonstrated that SMOC1 modestly but significantly promoted the proliferation of gubernacular cells. In the cultures of myogenic differentiation medium, both testosterone and SMOC1 enhanced the expression of myogenic regulatory factors such as paired box 7 ( Pax7 ) and myogenic factor 5 ( Myf5 ). After short-interfering RNA-mediated knocking down of Smoc1 , the expression of Pax7 and Myf5 diminished, and testosterone alone did not recover, but additional SMOC1 did. These observations indicate that SMOC1 is pivotal in mediating androgen action to regulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testicular descent.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Testis/growth & development* ; Mice, Knockout ; Androgens/pharmacology* ; Testosterone/pharmacology* ; Receptors, LH/metabolism* ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/metabolism*