AIM:To investigate the effect of Clostridium butyricum on the intestinal barrier of mice with dex-tran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis,and to explore its mechanism related to the regulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide enzymes.METHODS:Forty male C57BL/6J mice(ten per group)were randomly divided into control group,DSS-induced colitis group,and two groups with different doses(1×1010 CFU/L and 1×1011 CFU/L)of Clostridium butyri-cum.To establish the colitis model,mice were given distilled water containing 3.5%DSS.The mice in Clostridium butyri-cum groups received a 10 mL/kg Clostridium butyricum solution by gastric intubation once per day for 14 d.At the end of the experiment,the disease activity index(DAI)and colon length of the mice from each group were recorded.The colon tissue morphology was determined using HE staining,and qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of two endogenous hydrogen sulfide enzymes,cystathionine β-synthase(CBS)and cystathionine γ-lyase(CSE),and the mu-cus marker LY6/PLAUR domain containing 8(Lypd8).The protein levels of CSE,CBS and macrophage migration inhibi-tory factor(MIF)in the colon were measured by Western blot.Finally,the expression of tight junction proteins,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,in the colon were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the mice in DSS-induced colitis group had a significant increase in DAI and a decrease in colon length(P＜0.05).Furthermore,the DSS-induced colitis mice exhibited loss of colonic mucosal epithelium,disordered crypt ar-rangement,and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells.Compared with DSS-induced colitis group,both DAI and co-lon shortening were significantly attenuated in the groups with different doses of Clostridium butyricum(P＜0.05).The mice in Clostridium butyricum groups also exhibited relatively intact colonic mucosal epithelial structure with reduced in-flammatory cell infiltration and reversed crypt disorder.The mRNA expression of CSE and CBS was significantly de-creased,and the mRNA expression of Lypd8 was significantly increased in the colon(P＜0.05).Western blot exhibited down-regulation in the protein expression of CSE,CBS and MIF,whereas immunohistochemical staining showed higher ex-pression of ZO-1 and occludin.CONCLUSION:Clostridium butyricum attenuated DSS-induced colitis in mice,mainly through down-regulating the expression of the endogenous hydrogen sulfide enzymes,CSE and CBS,to promote the intesti-nal mucus barrier and protect the integrity of the intestinal epithelium.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of governor vessel moxibustion on improving cardiopulmonary fitness in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of qi deficiency of lung and kidney. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with stable COPD of qi deficiency of lung and kidney were randomized into an observation group (20 cases) and a control group (20 cases). The routine basic treatment and nursing were adopted in the control group. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, governor vessel moxibustion was applied at the area from Dazhui (GV14) to Yaoshu (GV2) of the governor vessel, 1 hour a time, once a week. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks consecutively. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and Borg score, pulmonary function indexes (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV₁], forced vital capacity [FVC] and ratio of FEV₁ and FVC [FEV₁/FVC]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) score, and TCM syndrome score were observed in the two groups before and after treatment respectively. RESULTS: After treatment, the VO₂max, 6MWT, FEV₁, FVC and FEV₁/FVC were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001, P<0.05), the above indexes in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the Borg, CAT and TCM syndrome scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.001), the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Governor vessel moxibustion can effectively improve the cardiopulmonary fitness, clinical symptoms and the quality of life in patients with stable COPD of qi deficiency of lung and kidney.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Qi ; Lung/physiopathology* ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points

Objective To investigate the effects of hypoxia on the transcriptional phenotype and ultrastructure of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)in glioma.Methods CD14+monocytes were isolated from healthy human peripheral blood samples collected from the Blood Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University,and the cells were induced to differentiate into TAMs through co-culture with glioma cell-conditioned medium.Hypoxic TAM models were established using varying concentrations of cobalt chloride hexahydrate(CoCl2,50～400 μmol/L)or hypoxic conditions(1%,5%,10%O2)for 48 h,while normoxic TAM models(21%O2)served as controls.RT-qPCR and transcriptome sequencing were employed to analyze transcriptional changes in TAMs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was applied to compare the differences in angiogenesis,glycolysis and other hypoxia-responsive pathways between the 2 conditions.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)or immunofluorescence staining was conducted to assess the ultrastructural alterations in cytoskeleton,endoplasmic reticulum(ER),and mitochondria in normoxic and hypoxic TAMs(1%O2).Results Hypoxic TAMs exhibited up-regulated transcription of hypoxia-responsive markers(oxygen transport,glycolysis,pro-angiogenesis),with the effects correlating with hypoxia severity(P<0.05).GSEA revealed significant up-regulation of hypoxia,angiogenesis regulation,glycolysis and gluconeogenesis,and starvation stress pathways,alongside down-regulation of innate immunity,macrophage activation,cytoskeleton,and protein maturation pathways in hypoxic TAMs(P<0.05).TEM and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated obvious ultrastructure changes,including disrupted cytoskeletal organization,shortened rough ER with reduced ribosomes,mitochondrial swelling with cristae damage,and diminished ER-mitochondria contacts in hypoxic TAMs.Conclusion CoCl2 and hypoxia induce a hypoxic transcriptional phenotype in TAMs,which may potentially associated with ultrastructural remodeling of the cytoskeleton,ER,and mitochondria.

Objective:To analyze the temporal distribution of other infectious diarrhea (OID) in Shenzhen and provide evidence for the prevention and control of OID.Methods:The incidence data of OID in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2023 were collected. The seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL), seasonal index method, concentration degree and circular distribution method were used to analyze the incidence trend and temporal distribution of OID.Results:A total of 477 611 cases of OID were reported in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 260.19/100 000 showing a fluctuating upward trend. The seasonal index method indicated that October-January was period with high incidence of OID in Shenzhen and the seasonal intensity began to decrease in 2020. STL revealed an obvious incidence peak in winter. The concentration method showed that OID had a certain seasonality before 2018 except 2016, but the seasonality was not obvious after 2018. The circular distribution results showed that r was 0.05, mean angle ā was 1.92° and angular standard deviation s was 141.93° ( Z=1 033.37, P<0.001), with the peak on January 1 st and the high incidence period from August 11 th to May 25 th. Conclusions:OID had a certain degree of seasonality in Shenzhen, with an obvious incidence peak in winter. Since the seasonal intensity of OID decreased after 2018, the surveillance, early warning and risk assessment of OID should be continued, and prevention and control measures should be adjusted timely according to the change in the characteristics of the epidemic.

Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of three breast MRI measurement methods—RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and three-dimensional(3D)volumetric assessment—in assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in breast cancer patients,with the objective of identifying the most clinically practical approach.Methods A total of 110 breast cancer patients who underwent NAC followed by surgical treatment between 2019 and 2023 were included in the study.Breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was conducted within one week before and after the completion of NAC.Tumor response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria,widely recognized as the optimal method,as well as 3D volume measurement.Pathological response was determined according to the Miller-Payne grading system.Sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were computed and compared using the DeLong test.Results The AUC values for RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and 3D volumetric assessment were 0.768,0.795,and 0.883,respectively.The 3D volumetric assessment exhibited significantly better discriminative performance(P＜0.05),with the highest sensitivity(98.9％),specificity(77.8％),and accuracy(95.5％).Additionally,the optimal method demonstrated superior performance over RECIST 1.1 across multiple parameters.Conclusions 3D volumetric mea-surement demonstrates superior performance compared to RECIST 1.1 and the optimal method in evaluating the response to NAC,offering a more accurate and comprehensive assessment tool.Additionally,the optimal method shows advantages over RECIST 1.1 and may serve as a practical alternative in settings where 3D software is not available.

Objective To compare the diagnostic performance of three breast MRI measurement methods—RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and three-dimensional(3D)volumetric assessment—in assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in breast cancer patients,with the objective of identifying the most clinically practical approach.Methods A total of 110 breast cancer patients who underwent NAC followed by surgical treatment between 2019 and 2023 were included in the study.Breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was conducted within one week before and after the completion of NAC.Tumor response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria,widely recognized as the optimal method,as well as 3D volume measurement.Pathological response was determined according to the Miller-Payne grading system.Sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)were computed and compared using the DeLong test.Results The AUC values for RECIST 1.1,the optimal method,and 3D volumetric assessment were 0.768,0.795,and 0.883,respectively.The 3D volumetric assessment exhibited significantly better discriminative performance(P＜0.05),with the highest sensitivity(98.9％),specificity(77.8％),and accuracy(95.5％).Additionally,the optimal method demonstrated superior performance over RECIST 1.1 across multiple parameters.Conclusions 3D volumetric mea-surement demonstrates superior performance compared to RECIST 1.1 and the optimal method in evaluating the response to NAC,offering a more accurate and comprehensive assessment tool.Additionally,the optimal method shows advantages over RECIST 1.1 and may serve as a practical alternative in settings where 3D software is not available.

Objective:To analyze the temporal distribution of other infectious diarrhea (OID) in Shenzhen and provide evidence for the prevention and control of OID.Methods:The incidence data of OID in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2023 were collected. The seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL), seasonal index method, concentration degree and circular distribution method were used to analyze the incidence trend and temporal distribution of OID.Results:A total of 477 611 cases of OID were reported in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 260.19/100 000 showing a fluctuating upward trend. The seasonal index method indicated that October-January was period with high incidence of OID in Shenzhen and the seasonal intensity began to decrease in 2020. STL revealed an obvious incidence peak in winter. The concentration method showed that OID had a certain seasonality before 2018 except 2016, but the seasonality was not obvious after 2018. The circular distribution results showed that r was 0.05, mean angle ā was 1.92° and angular standard deviation s was 141.93° ( Z=1 033.37, P<0.001), with the peak on January 1 st and the high incidence period from August 11 th to May 25 th. Conclusions:OID had a certain degree of seasonality in Shenzhen, with an obvious incidence peak in winter. Since the seasonal intensity of OID decreased after 2018, the surveillance, early warning and risk assessment of OID should be continued, and prevention and control measures should be adjusted timely according to the change in the characteristics of the epidemic.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology,scatterplot and leukocyte cell population data(CPD)in patients with severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS),infec-tious mononucleosis(IM)and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS),and to explore their differences.METHODS Blood routine examination data were collected,including microscopic cell images,scatter-plots and leukocyte CPD study parameters from 44 patients diagnosed with SFTS,17 with IM and 11 with HFRS at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from Mar.2023 to May 2024.These data were compared with those of healthy controls to explore specific differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood leu-kocyte.RESULTS All 3 viral infections exhibited a left shift in the nucleus under the microscope,yet the blood routine scatterplot and microscopic leukocyte characteristics differed.SFTS commonly presented with a plasmacy-toid reactive lymphocyte with scattered points appearing in the upper reactive lymphocyte area of the scatterplot.IM showed a predominant irregular fried-egg-like reactive lymphocyte under the microscope,with the scatterplot typically presenting a rocket-like shape,in patients with HFRS,there was a significant increase in im-mature granulocytes in peripheral blood and plasmacytoid reactive lymphocyte scatter points with blue immature granulocyte scatter points visible.The fluorescence distribution width(MO-WY)of monocytes in the SFTS group was lower than those in the IM,HFRS and healthy control groups(P＜0.05).Compared to SFTS,IM and healthy control groups,the lateral scattered light distribution width(NE-WX)and fluorescence distribution width(NE-WY)of neutrophils in the HFRS group were both increased(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS There are signifi-cant differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology,scatterplot and CPD study param-eters among three viral infection diseases SFTS,IM and HFRS.These differences can provide early clinical advice and assist in clinical differentiation.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology,scatterplot and leukocyte cell population data(CPD)in patients with severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS),infec-tious mononucleosis(IM)and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS),and to explore their differences.METHODS Blood routine examination data were collected,including microscopic cell images,scatter-plots and leukocyte CPD study parameters from 44 patients diagnosed with SFTS,17 with IM and 11 with HFRS at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from Mar.2023 to May 2024.These data were compared with those of healthy controls to explore specific differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood leu-kocyte.RESULTS All 3 viral infections exhibited a left shift in the nucleus under the microscope,yet the blood routine scatterplot and microscopic leukocyte characteristics differed.SFTS commonly presented with a plasmacy-toid reactive lymphocyte with scattered points appearing in the upper reactive lymphocyte area of the scatterplot.IM showed a predominant irregular fried-egg-like reactive lymphocyte under the microscope,with the scatterplot typically presenting a rocket-like shape,in patients with HFRS,there was a significant increase in im-mature granulocytes in peripheral blood and plasmacytoid reactive lymphocyte scatter points with blue immature granulocyte scatter points visible.The fluorescence distribution width(MO-WY)of monocytes in the SFTS group was lower than those in the IM,HFRS and healthy control groups(P＜0.05).Compared to SFTS,IM and healthy control groups,the lateral scattered light distribution width(NE-WX)and fluorescence distribution width(NE-WY)of neutrophils in the HFRS group were both increased(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS There are signifi-cant differences in the characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte morphology,scatterplot and CPD study param-eters among three viral infection diseases SFTS,IM and HFRS.These differences can provide early clinical advice and assist in clinical differentiation.

AIM:To investigate the effect of Clostridium butyricum on the intestinal barrier of mice with dex-tran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced colitis,and to explore its mechanism related to the regulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide enzymes.METHODS:Forty male C57BL/6J mice(ten per group)were randomly divided into control group,DSS-induced colitis group,and two groups with different doses(1×1010 CFU/L and 1×1011 CFU/L)of Clostridium butyri-cum.To establish the colitis model,mice were given distilled water containing 3.5%DSS.The mice in Clostridium butyri-cum groups received a 10 mL/kg Clostridium butyricum solution by gastric intubation once per day for 14 d.At the end of the experiment,the disease activity index(DAI)and colon length of the mice from each group were recorded.The colon tissue morphology was determined using HE staining,and qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of two endogenous hydrogen sulfide enzymes,cystathionine β-synthase(CBS)and cystathionine γ-lyase(CSE),and the mu-cus marker LY6/PLAUR domain containing 8(Lypd8).The protein levels of CSE,CBS and macrophage migration inhibi-tory factor(MIF)in the colon were measured by Western blot.Finally,the expression of tight junction proteins,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,in the colon were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the mice in DSS-induced colitis group had a significant increase in DAI and a decrease in colon length(P＜0.05).Furthermore,the DSS-induced colitis mice exhibited loss of colonic mucosal epithelium,disordered crypt ar-rangement,and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells.Compared with DSS-induced colitis group,both DAI and co-lon shortening were significantly attenuated in the groups with different doses of Clostridium butyricum(P＜0.05).The mice in Clostridium butyricum groups also exhibited relatively intact colonic mucosal epithelial structure with reduced in-flammatory cell infiltration and reversed crypt disorder.The mRNA expression of CSE and CBS was significantly de-creased,and the mRNA expression of Lypd8 was significantly increased in the colon(P＜0.05).Western blot exhibited down-regulation in the protein expression of CSE,CBS and MIF,whereas immunohistochemical staining showed higher ex-pression of ZO-1 and occludin.CONCLUSION:Clostridium butyricum attenuated DSS-induced colitis in mice,mainly through down-regulating the expression of the endogenous hydrogen sulfide enzymes,CSE and CBS,to promote the intesti-nal mucus barrier and protect the integrity of the intestinal epithelium.