Echinococcosis is categorized into alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis, a potentially fatal zoonotic disease that seriously damages the host. MicroRNA is a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA that binds specifically to the target gene mRNA sequence to promote mRNA degradation, or combines with other non-coding RNA to regulate or inhibit translation. Echinococcus-derived microRNA participates in various biological processes in the Echinococcus lifecycle and in the interaction and pathogenesis between Echinococcus and host through extracellular vesicle transport. This article reviews the research progress of parasite-derived microRNA in regulating the growth and development of echinococcosis and cross-species regulation of hosts, providing a reference for diagnosing and treating echinococcosis.

Organ fibrosis is a chronic tissue injury caused by multiple causes,and the continuous dynamic progression will lead to abnormal organ structure and function.Recent studies have shown that Chinese materia medica can inhibit organ fibrosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway,which holds potential significance for developing anti-fibrosis strategies.This article systematically reviewed the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the entire process of fibrosis,and summarized the potential mechanisms of Chinese materia medica monomers,drug pairs and compounds that can target and intervene in PI3K/Akt signaling transduction in preventing and treating organ fibrosis,in order to provide reference for the intervention of Chinese materia medica in the PI3K/Akt pathway for the treatment of organ fibrosis.

Objective:To prepare decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composite hydrogels and to study their effects on hepatocyte proliferation.Methods:Hepatic dECM was prepared by elution, and GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels were prepared by pepsin solubilization. The morphology of normal liver and dECM liver was observed by eyes and scanning electron microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red and periodate-Schiff staining, respectively. The internal structure of the dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the pore diameter was measured. Liver HL-7702 cells were co-cultured with GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels, and the cell proliferation viability was determined by cell counting kit-8. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Wnt family protein 5a (Wnt5a), β-catenin, extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test or one-factor analysis of variance. Results:After decellularization, the hepatocyte morphology showed rounded depressions, and the extracellular matrix structure was intact. The GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels showed inernally porous structures. The pore diameter increased from (3.06±1.35) μm in the GelMA hydrogel to (16.01±4.02) μm in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel. On the 3rd, 5th and 7th day, the relative cell proliferation was higher in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group than that in the GelMA hydrogel group (1.89±0.04 vs 1.53±0.01, 9.36±0.04 vs 3.89±0.09, 7.15±0.27 vs 4.89±0.15, all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of PCNA, Wnt5a, β-catenin, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 proteins in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group were higher than those in the GelMA hydrogel group (2.14±0.04 vs 1.00±0.03, 2.36±0.09 vs 1.00±0.08, 1.45±0.03 vs 1.00±0.04, 1.43±0.04 vs 1.00±0.01, all P<0.05). Conclusions:A dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel can be prepared, which may promote hepatocyte proliferation by upregulating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective:To prepare heparin (Hep)-modified gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microspheres and to investigate their application in liver-targeted delivery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs).Methods:GelMA microspheres were modified with Hep to obtain GelMA-Hep microspheres. The surface morphology of the GelMA-Hep microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The changes of carbon atoms, nitrogen atoms and sulfur atoms on the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface chemical group composition of the GelMA-Hep microspheres was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The swelling properties of the GelMA-Hep microspheres were detected by water absorption swelling experiment. Human liver HL-7702 cells transfected with lentivirus were co-cultured with GelMA, GelMA-dopamine (GelMA-dop) and GelMA-Hep microspheres. The effects of microspheres on cell proliferation activity were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 method and live/dead cell staining experiment. The adhesion of microspheres to cells was observed by confocal microscopy. The GelMA-Hep microspheres loaded with ADSCs were injected into C57BL/6 mice through the tail vein, and its efficiency of liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs was observed by a small animal in vivo imaging system. The data were compared by independent sample t test or one-way analysis of variance. Results:The GelMA-Hep microspheres were prepared by modifying the GelMA microspheres with Hep. Compared with the GelMA microspheres, the size of the GelMA-Hep microspheres did not change significantly, and the surface did not collapse and showed some crystalline particles. The binding energy of sulfur atoms on the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres increased from 166 eV to 168 eV. On the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres, the characteristic peaks of sulfonic acid and sulfate groups of Hep were detected at 1 490 cm ?1 and from 1 135 cm ?1 to 1 050 cm ?1, respectively. The swelling rate of the GelMA-dop microspheres was uniform, while the swelling rate of the GelMA microspheres and the GelMA-Hep microsphere was quite different, but the final swelling mass of the three microspheres tended to be consistent at 5 min. After 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of culture, the relative proliferation of cells in the GelMA-Hep group (1.61±0.29, 1.78±0.05, 2.27±0.08, 2.26±0.33) were higher than those in the negative control group (1.00±0.00, 1.28±0.06, 1.39±0.02, 1.41±0.04) (all P<0.05). After 36 h of culture, the relative proliferation of cells in the GelMA-Hep group was higher than that in the GelMA-dop group (1.63±0.21), with significant difference ( P<0.05). Live/dead cell staining experiment showed that after 12 h of cell culture in the GelMA-Hep group, only a few microspheres had cell adhesion; at 24 h, the cells were densely distributed on the surface of the microspheres. After 36 h, the number of cells increased further. At 48 h, live cells were distributed throughout the microspheres. Confocal microscopy showed that after 24 h of culture, cells adhered to the surface of the microspheres in the GelMA-Hep group and showed a stretched morphology. The liver of the GelMA-Hep+ADSCs group showed strong fluorescence at 0.5 h, and the fluorescence brightness continued to 48.0 h. The number of ADSCs reaching the liver was more than that of ADSCs group and GelMA+ADSCs group. Conclusions:GelMA-Hep microspheres were successfully prepared, which can improve the efficiency of liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of residents in areas endemic for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and the factors influencing these aspects, to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of SFTS among residents in endemic areas.Methods:A multi-stage sampling method was used to select subjects for a questionnaire survey, and the collected data were analyzed and compared.Results:The awareness rate of SFTS-related knowledge among residents in the endemic areas of Qingdao was 14.38%, while the awareness rate of tick-related knowledge was 69.78%. The mean score for protective attitudes among residents in the endemic areas was 24.50±4.09, and the mean score for protective behaviors was 11.20±2.76. Among residents of different ages, occupations, and educational levels, comparisons of SFTS-related knowledge awareness rates ( χ2=293.553, P<0.001; χ2=495.216, P<0.001; χ2=677.272, P<0.001), tick-related knowledge awareness rates ( χ2=29.986, P<0.001; χ2=23.239, P=0.002; χ2=41.003, P<0.001), protective attitude scores ( H=52.094, P<0.001; H=33.446, P<0.001; H=81.715, P<0.001), and protective behavior scores ( H=52.344, P<0.001; H=28.465, P<0.001; H=67.061, P<0.001) showed statistically significant differences. Comparisons of these same factors among residents of different genders showed no statistically significant differences ( χ2=1.159, P=0.282; χ2=0.298, P=0.585; t=-0.808, P=0.419; t=-1.229, P=0.219). Comparisons of tick-related knowledge awareness rates among residents with different frequencies of outdoor work showed no statistically significant differences ( χ2=5.367, P=0.147); however, comparisons of SFTS-related knowledge awareness rates, protective attitude scores, and protective behavior scores among residents with different frequencies of outdoor work showed statistically significant differences ( χ2=117.010, P<0.001; F=4.127, P=0.006; H=56.280, P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that older age, lower educational level, and less frequent outdoor work were associated with lower protective behavior scores ( t=-3.479, P<0.001; t=4.861, P<0.001; t=-7.753, P<0.001). Conclusions:Residents in the epidemic areas of SFTS have a low level of knowledge, attitude and practice. Factors influencing protective behaviors include age, occupation, educational level, and frequency of outdoor work. Farmers are a group that requires particular attention.

Objective:To assess the effect of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) with liposomal bupivacaine and general anesthesia on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients with prior novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).Methods:In this randomized double-blind controlled study, 416 patients of either sex, aged 65-90 yr, weighing 50-90 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, diagnosed as having COVID-19 within 6 months prior to surgery, who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery under combination of elective TAPB and combined intravenous-inhalational general anaesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital from June 2023 to December 2024, were selected. The patients were divided into liposomal bupivacaine group ( n=208) and bupivacaine hydrochloride group ( n=208) using the random number table method. After induction of anaesthesia, bilateral TAPB was performed with liposomal bupivacaine injectio 266 mg (40 ml) in liposomal bupivacaine group and with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride 40 ml in bupivacaine hydrochloride group. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of POD within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included severity of POD, pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and consumption of morphine, duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. The occurrence of complications such as death, reoperation, atelectasis and pneumonia was recorded at 30 days after surgery. Results:Compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride group, the incidence of POD was significantly decreased (21.5% [43/200]versus 12.0% [24/200]), pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation were decreased, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and consumption of morphine were decreased, and the duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were shortened in liposomal bupivacaine group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the severity of POD and the case fatality rate and related complications within 30 days after surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Liposomal bupivacaine TAPB combined with general anesthesia can reduce the development of POD in elderly patients with prior COVID-19.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between preoperative concentrations of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty.Methods:Six hundred and twenty-five patients of either sex, aged 50-90 yr, weighing 50-80 kg, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰor Ⅱ, with the preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination score > 23, who underwent elective knee/hip arthroplasty under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023, were selected. The CSF specimens 2 ml were withdrawn from the subarachnoid space after successful subarachnoid puncture for determination of the concentrations of sTREM2, Amyloid beta protein (Aβ 42), total tau protein (T-tau), and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. POD was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method. Patients were divided into POD group and non-POD group based on whether POD occurred. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk and protective factors for POD. The performance of CSF sTREM2 concentration combined with CSF biomarker levels in predicting POD was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and clinical decision curve. The mediating effect of CSF biomarker concentrations in the relationship between CSF sTREM2 concentration and POD was analyzed. Results:Five hundred and nineteen patients were finally included, with 112 patients in POD group and 407 patients in non-POD group. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the elevated preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF was the risk factor for POD after adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, years of education, Mini-Mental State Examination score, history of smoking, history of drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. The area under the ROC curve of the preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF in predicting POD was 0.716, and the area under the ROC curve of the preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF combined with CSF biomarkers in predicting POD was 0.796. This model had high clinical application value and predictive efficacy. The relationship between the preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF and POD was partially mediated by the CSF p-tau concentration (proportion of mediated effect 24.67%) and t-tau protein concentration (proportion of mediated effect 17.33%).Conclusions:The elevated preoperative concentration of sTREM2 in CSF is a risk factor for POD in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty, and concentrations of t-tau and p-tau in CSF play a mediating role in the relationship between the preoperative CSF sTREM2 concentration and POD.

Objective:To evaluate the association between postoperative delirium (POD) and preoperative frailty in elderly patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty.Methods:This nested case-control study utilized medical records from elderly patients who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital between September 2021 and May 2023. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on clinically diagnosed POD: POD group ( n=53) and non-POD group ( n=256). Univariate analysis was conducted on suspected influencing factors, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the risk factors for POD. Receiver operating characteristic and clinical decision curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive performance of these risk factors for POD. Mediation analysis was performed, and a clinically applicable nomogram was constructed to achieve visual prediction of outcomes. Results:There were statistically significant differences in age, preoperative frailty, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification, Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale scores, and concentrations of Aβ 42, Aβ 40, phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau protein) and tau protein, Aβ 42/tau ratio and Aβ 42/p-tau ratio in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between non-POD group and POD group ( P<0.05). Preoperative frailty was a risk factor for POD ( P<0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that the association between preoperative frailty and POD was mediated by CSF tau protein concentrations. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of preoperative frailty and CSF biomarker concentrations in predicting POD was 0.974 ( P<0.05). The clinical decision curve demonstrated that the model combining the preoperative frailty and CSF biomarker concentrations predicted a higher net benefit ( P<0.05). The clinical decision curve showed that the model combining preoperative frailty and CSF biomarker concentrations predicted a higher net benefit. Conclusions:Preoperative frailty is a risk factor for POD in elderly patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty, and its combination with CSF biomarker concentrations can effectively predict the occurrence of POD. CSF tau concentration mediates the association between preoperative frailty and development of POD.

Objective:To evaluate the association between the preoperative aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio and postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty.Methods:In this nested case-control study, medical records from patients, aged ≥55 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale score >24 on preoperative day 1, scheduled for elective total knee/hip arthroplasty under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital between November 2021 and December 2023, were collected. POD was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method. Patients were categorized into POD and non-POD groups based on the occurrence of POD. Logistic regression was employed to identify protective and risk factors for POD. The predictive performance of preoperative AST/ALT ratio alone and its combination with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker concentrations for POD was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, and the clinical utility of the prediction models was assessed using decision curve analysis. Mediation analysis was conducted to examine the mediation role of CSF biomarkers in the relationship between the preoperative AST/ALT ratio and POD. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess the nonlinear relationship between the preoperative AST/ALT ratio and POD.Results:A total of 460 patients were finally included, with 49 in POD group and 411 in non-POD group. After adjustment for multiple confounding factors including age, sex, educational level, MMSE score, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, history of smoking and history of alcohol use, multivariable logistic regression identified that the higher preoperative AST/ALT ratio, CSF total tau protein (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) concentrations were independent risk factors for POD, whereas lower CSF β-amyloid 42 (Aβ 42) concentration, Aβ 42/t-tau ratio and Aβ 42/p-tau ratio served as protective factors ( P<0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the preoperative AST/ALT ratio combined with CSF biomarkers in predicting POD was 0.939 ( P<0.001), demonstrating high clinical efficacy. After adjusting for age, educational level, sex, MMSE score, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, history of smoking, history of alcohol use and body mass index, restricted cubic splines revealed a nonlinear relationship between preoperative AST/ALT levels and the probability of POD, and the probability of POD increased with rising ratios when the preoperative AST/ALT ratio ranged from 1.09 to 1.40 ( Poverall < 0.05, Pnonlinear <0.05). After stratification by sex, the preoperative AST/ALT ratio demonstrated a linear relationship with the probability of POD ( Poverall <0.05, Pnonlinear>0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between the preoperative AST/ALT ratio and POD was partially mediated by CSF p-tau concentration (proportion mediated 18.1%), CSF t-tau concentration (proportion mediated 12.0%), and the Aβ 42/t-tau ratio (proportion mediated 15.4%). Conclusions:A higher preoperative AST/ALT ratio is an independent risk factor for POD in total knee/hip arthroplasty patients. The concentrations of CSF t-tau and p-tau and Aβ 42/t-tau ratio have a mediating role in the relationship between the preoperative AST/ALT ratio and POD.