To elucidate the genomic characteristics of Salmonella strains derived from sheep,this study employed various methods,including bacterial isolation and identification,biochemical identi-fication,pathogenicity test,whole-genome sequencing,and BLAST comparison,along with the screening of integrative conjugative elements(ICE)using ICEfinder and EasyFig for comparative analysis,as well as plasmid comparisons utilizing PlasmidBrig.The results revealed the isolation of a Gram-negative,non-spore-forming bacillus from nasal swabs of diseased sheep,which formed gray-white,smooth-surfaced,and neatly edged circular colonies on TSA sheep blood agar.On XLT-4 agar medium,it produced smooth-surfaced,white,circular colonies.The bacterium was identified as Salmonella enterica through 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical identification.This bacteri-um induces hemorrhaging in the intestines of guinea pigs,resulting in their demise within a 48-hour period.The pathogen exhibits high virulence.Whole-genome alignment demonstrated a high degree of homology with Salmonella enterica subsp.diarizonae serotype 61:k:1,5,(7).ICE screen-ing and comparative analysis indicated the presence of a novel ICE in this strain,characterized by a core structural framework that includes an integrative shear module,a mobilizable processing mod-ule,a conjugative pair formation module,and a regulatory module.Notably,ICE from different spe-cies containing the same integrase exhibited identical inverted repeat sequences and insertion sites at tRNAPhe.Plasmid homology comparisons revealed that plasmid sequences from different strains of Salmonella enterica subsp.diarizonae serotype 61:k:1,5,(7)also showed high homology;however,the homology with plasmid sequences from other Salmonella and Escherichia coli strains was only 50％.These findings indicate that the isolated strain is Salmonella enterica subsp.diarizonae serotype 61:k:1,5,(7)and contains a novel ICE as well as a plasmid.This study fur-ther enriches the molecular epidemiology of Salmonella and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of infections caused by this pathogen.

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the analytical performance and clinical application value of an acridinium ester-based chemiluminescence assay for detecting heparin-binding protein (HBP), providing more accurate laboratory evidence for the early diagnosis of infections and sepsis. The analytical performance of the HBP detection kit based on acridinium ester chemiluminescence was verified in Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in January 2024 to June 2024, including limit of blank (LoB), accuracy, precision, linear range, anti-interference ability, and clinical diagnostic concordance. The potential of this assay in early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of sepsis was assessed. HBP levels were measured in 97 patients with sepsis and 160 healthy controls, and intergroup differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The results showed that the LoB of the HBP detection kit based on acridinium ester chemiluminescence was 0.10 RLU, and low-concentration sample testing showed good discrimination. In the accuracy evaluation, the regression equation between the test reagent and the comparator was y=1.015 2 x-2.850 8 (R2=0.995 1). For precision, the CV in intra-assay was ≤3.51%, and the CV in inter-assay was ≤4.18%. Within the linear range of 0.42-493.46 ng/ml, the regression equation was y=0.996 9 x+3.066 0 (R2=0.999 1). In interference experiments, the relative deviation was <3%. Clinically, the median HBP concentration in the sepsis group (median: 121.1 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in the control group (median: 6.3 ng/ml, P<0.000 1), with a diagnostic sensitivity of 98.97% and specificity of 96.25%. Age stratification had no effect on HBP levels ( U=448 ,P=0.780 0). In conclusion,the acridinium ester-based chemiluminescence assay requires only about 10 minutes to complete the detection and deliver results, demonstrating acceptable sensitivity, precision, and anti-interference capability. Its wide linear range and rapid detection meet emergency testing needs. Clinical validation confirms HBP′s extremely high sensitivity and specificity for sepsis diagnosis, supporting its role as a key marker for early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment.

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the analytical performance and clinical application value of an acridinium ester-based chemiluminescence assay for detecting heparin-binding protein (HBP), providing more accurate laboratory evidence for the early diagnosis of infections and sepsis. The analytical performance of the HBP detection kit based on acridinium ester chemiluminescence was verified in Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in January 2024 to June 2024, including limit of blank (LoB), accuracy, precision, linear range, anti-interference ability, and clinical diagnostic concordance. The potential of this assay in early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of sepsis was assessed. HBP levels were measured in 97 patients with sepsis and 160 healthy controls, and intergroup differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The results showed that the LoB of the HBP detection kit based on acridinium ester chemiluminescence was 0.10 RLU, and low-concentration sample testing showed good discrimination. In the accuracy evaluation, the regression equation between the test reagent and the comparator was y=1.015 2 x-2.850 8 (R2=0.995 1). For precision, the CV in intra-assay was ≤3.51%, and the CV in inter-assay was ≤4.18%. Within the linear range of 0.42-493.46 ng/ml, the regression equation was y=0.996 9 x+3.066 0 (R2=0.999 1). In interference experiments, the relative deviation was <3%. Clinically, the median HBP concentration in the sepsis group (median: 121.1 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in the control group (median: 6.3 ng/ml, P<0.000 1), with a diagnostic sensitivity of 98.97% and specificity of 96.25%. Age stratification had no effect on HBP levels ( U=448 ,P=0.780 0). In conclusion,the acridinium ester-based chemiluminescence assay requires only about 10 minutes to complete the detection and deliver results, demonstrating acceptable sensitivity, precision, and anti-interference capability. Its wide linear range and rapid detection meet emergency testing needs. Clinical validation confirms HBP′s extremely high sensitivity and specificity for sepsis diagnosis, supporting its role as a key marker for early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment.

To elucidate the genomic characteristics of Salmonella strains derived from sheep,this study employed various methods,including bacterial isolation and identification,biochemical identi-fication,pathogenicity test,whole-genome sequencing,and BLAST comparison,along with the screening of integrative conjugative elements(ICE)using ICEfinder and EasyFig for comparative analysis,as well as plasmid comparisons utilizing PlasmidBrig.The results revealed the isolation of a Gram-negative,non-spore-forming bacillus from nasal swabs of diseased sheep,which formed gray-white,smooth-surfaced,and neatly edged circular colonies on TSA sheep blood agar.On XLT-4 agar medium,it produced smooth-surfaced,white,circular colonies.The bacterium was identified as Salmonella enterica through 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical identification.This bacteri-um induces hemorrhaging in the intestines of guinea pigs,resulting in their demise within a 48-hour period.The pathogen exhibits high virulence.Whole-genome alignment demonstrated a high degree of homology with Salmonella enterica subsp.diarizonae serotype 61:k:1,5,(7).ICE screen-ing and comparative analysis indicated the presence of a novel ICE in this strain,characterized by a core structural framework that includes an integrative shear module,a mobilizable processing mod-ule,a conjugative pair formation module,and a regulatory module.Notably,ICE from different spe-cies containing the same integrase exhibited identical inverted repeat sequences and insertion sites at tRNAPhe.Plasmid homology comparisons revealed that plasmid sequences from different strains of Salmonella enterica subsp.diarizonae serotype 61:k:1,5,(7)also showed high homology;however,the homology with plasmid sequences from other Salmonella and Escherichia coli strains was only 50％.These findings indicate that the isolated strain is Salmonella enterica subsp.diarizonae serotype 61:k:1,5,(7)and contains a novel ICE as well as a plasmid.This study fur-ther enriches the molecular epidemiology of Salmonella and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of infections caused by this pathogen.

Objective:To observe the ameliorative effects of exogenous miR-146a-5p on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced embryonic resorption and fetal mouse dysplasiamice, and to preliminarily investigate its mechanism of action.Methods:1) After 36 healthy adult female mice were mated with male mice, uterine tissues were collected from females on day (D) 0 (D0/not pregnant), D0.5 (the day of embryo observed), D4.5, D7.5, D9.5 and D13.5 of gestation, and the expression levels of miR-146a-5p and its target gene TRAF6 protein in uterine tissues of mice at different gestation periods were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. 2) The mice on D7.5 of pregnancy were treated with intraperitoneal injection of saline (control, COL group), intraperitoneal injection of 250 μg/kg LPS (named LPS250 group), LPS combined with tail vein injection of 10 nmol miR-146a-5p unrelated sequence (negative control, NC, named LPS250+NC group), or LPS combined with tail vein injection of 10 nmol miR-146a-5p agonist (miR-146a-5p agomir, named LPS250+miR-146a-5p agomir group). The total number of embryos and the number of absorbed embryos in the uterus of pregnant mice were measured and statistically analyzed on D8.5, and the expression levels of TNFα mRNA and TRAF6 protein in uterine tissues were detected by qPCR and Western blotting. 3) Then we reduced the dosage of LPS to 50 μg/kg and treated the same groups, named LPS50+NC group, LPS50+miR-146a-5p agomir group, respectively. The total number of fetal mice/embryos, the number of absorbed embryos, the number of surviving fetal mice, the weight of surviving fetal mice and the weight of the placenta were measured and statistically analyzed on D16.5. 4) Primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were isolated and cultured. Mouse BMDM was inducted to M1 polarization by LPS stimulation, and then was transient transfected miR-146a-5p mimics or their NC fragments. The expression levels of TNFα mRNA and pSTAT1 protein were detected by qPCR and Western blotting. Results:The expression level of miR-146a-5p was significantly higher in the implantation sites of D7.5, D9.5 and D13.5 pregnant mice than in the non-implantation sites ( P=0.013, P=0.012, P=0.003), and the protein expression level of TRAF6 was significantly lower in the implantation site of D13.5 pregnant mice than in the non-implantation site ( P=0.012). After intraperitoneal injection of 250 μg/kg of LPS into D7.5 pregnant mice, the embryo absorption rate of the LPS group on D8.5 was 43.13%±3.31%, which was significantly higher than that of COL group (0%, P=0.002), while the embryo absorption rate of the LPS250+miR-146a-5p agomir group (13.50%±0.87%) was significantly lower than that of the LPS250+NC group (59.33%±4.04%, P=0.001). After intraperitoneal injection of 50 μg/kg of LPS combined with tail vein injection of NC or miR-146a-5p agomir to D7.5 pregnant mice, the fetal mouse weight [(0.29±0.09) g] and placental weight [(0.06±0.02) g] of surviving fetal mice in the LPS50+NC group on D16.5 and the LPS50+miR-146a-5p agomir group were statistically significant [(0.46±0.06) g, P<0.001; (0.07±0.02) g, P=0.021], and the differences in the number of absorbed embryos and embryo uptake rate between the two groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The expression levels of both pSTAT1 protein and TNFα mRNA were significantly downregulated in BMDM transfected with miR-146a-5p mimics compared with those transfected with NC ( P=0.012, P=0.039). Conclusion:miR-146a-5p expression levels were significantly increased at the maternal-fetal interface during the late stage of mouse embryo implantation and placental development. Exogenous miR-146a-5p could effectively improve LPS-induced mouse embryo resorption and fetal mouse dysplasia. miR-146a-5p could inhibit the M1 polarization activity of mouse macrophages, suggesting that miR-146a-5p may inhibit the M1 polarization activity of mouse macrophages by suppressing M1 polarization of mouse maternal-fetal interface macrophages to safeguard the normal establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.

Objective:To observe the ameliorative effects of exogenous miR-146a-5p on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced embryonic resorption and fetal mouse dysplasiamice, and to preliminarily investigate its mechanism of action.Methods:1) After 36 healthy adult female mice were mated with male mice, uterine tissues were collected from females on day (D) 0 (D0/not pregnant), D0.5 (the day of embryo observed), D4.5, D7.5, D9.5 and D13.5 of gestation, and the expression levels of miR-146a-5p and its target gene TRAF6 protein in uterine tissues of mice at different gestation periods were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. 2) The mice on D7.5 of pregnancy were treated with intraperitoneal injection of saline (control, COL group), intraperitoneal injection of 250 μg/kg LPS (named LPS250 group), LPS combined with tail vein injection of 10 nmol miR-146a-5p unrelated sequence (negative control, NC, named LPS250+NC group), or LPS combined with tail vein injection of 10 nmol miR-146a-5p agonist (miR-146a-5p agomir, named LPS250+miR-146a-5p agomir group). The total number of embryos and the number of absorbed embryos in the uterus of pregnant mice were measured and statistically analyzed on D8.5, and the expression levels of TNFα mRNA and TRAF6 protein in uterine tissues were detected by qPCR and Western blotting. 3) Then we reduced the dosage of LPS to 50 μg/kg and treated the same groups, named LPS50+NC group, LPS50+miR-146a-5p agomir group, respectively. The total number of fetal mice/embryos, the number of absorbed embryos, the number of surviving fetal mice, the weight of surviving fetal mice and the weight of the placenta were measured and statistically analyzed on D16.5. 4) Primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were isolated and cultured. Mouse BMDM was inducted to M1 polarization by LPS stimulation, and then was transient transfected miR-146a-5p mimics or their NC fragments. The expression levels of TNFα mRNA and pSTAT1 protein were detected by qPCR and Western blotting. Results:The expression level of miR-146a-5p was significantly higher in the implantation sites of D7.5, D9.5 and D13.5 pregnant mice than in the non-implantation sites ( P=0.013, P=0.012, P=0.003), and the protein expression level of TRAF6 was significantly lower in the implantation site of D13.5 pregnant mice than in the non-implantation site ( P=0.012). After intraperitoneal injection of 250 μg/kg of LPS into D7.5 pregnant mice, the embryo absorption rate of the LPS group on D8.5 was 43.13%±3.31%, which was significantly higher than that of COL group (0%, P=0.002), while the embryo absorption rate of the LPS250+miR-146a-5p agomir group (13.50%±0.87%) was significantly lower than that of the LPS250+NC group (59.33%±4.04%, P=0.001). After intraperitoneal injection of 50 μg/kg of LPS combined with tail vein injection of NC or miR-146a-5p agomir to D7.5 pregnant mice, the fetal mouse weight [(0.29±0.09) g] and placental weight [(0.06±0.02) g] of surviving fetal mice in the LPS50+NC group on D16.5 and the LPS50+miR-146a-5p agomir group were statistically significant [(0.46±0.06) g, P<0.001; (0.07±0.02) g, P=0.021], and the differences in the number of absorbed embryos and embryo uptake rate between the two groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The expression levels of both pSTAT1 protein and TNFα mRNA were significantly downregulated in BMDM transfected with miR-146a-5p mimics compared with those transfected with NC ( P=0.012, P=0.039). Conclusion:miR-146a-5p expression levels were significantly increased at the maternal-fetal interface during the late stage of mouse embryo implantation and placental development. Exogenous miR-146a-5p could effectively improve LPS-induced mouse embryo resorption and fetal mouse dysplasia. miR-146a-5p could inhibit the M1 polarization activity of mouse macrophages, suggesting that miR-146a-5p may inhibit the M1 polarization activity of mouse macrophages by suppressing M1 polarization of mouse maternal-fetal interface macrophages to safeguard the normal establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.

Objective: To explore the intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) model in lung cancer patients with different histopathological subtypes. Methods: A total of 105 patients were recruited, including 68 cases of adenocarcinoma, 22 cases of squamous carcinoma and 15 cases of small cell carcinoma. All patients underwent magnetic resonance examination consisting of axial IVIM-DWI sequence on a 3.0 T whole body scanner, then the standard ADC (sADC), diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient(D^*), perfusion fraction (f), distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) and water diffusion heterogeneity index (α) were calculated for each lesion within the IVIM-DWI model. Results: Mean sADC values were (1.45±0.26) ×10^-3mm²/s, (1.36±0.48) ×10^-3mm²/s and (1.35±0.40) ×10^-3mm²/s for adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, respectively. Mean f values were (59.75±16.37) %, (47.41±18.69) % and (48.96±19.88) % for adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, respectively. Mean α values were 0.72±0.13 for adenocarcinoma, 0.62±0.12 for squamous carcinoma, and 0.63±0.11 for small cell carcinoma, respectively. Statistical analyses indicated that the sADC, f and α values among different histopathological subtypes were significantly different (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in D, D^* and DDC values (P>0.05). Furthermore, the comparison showed that the sADC, f and α values of patients with adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than those with squamous carcinoma or small cell carcinoma (P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between squamous carcinoma group and small cell carcinoma group (P>0.05). Conclusions The sADC, f and α values derived from the IVIM-DWI model can be used for comprehensive non-invasive evaluation of diffusion, perfusion and heterogeneity of microenvironment in lung cancer patients. And the IVIM-DWI model may be a promising tool for predicting histopathological subtypes of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVEThis study aims to assess the effects of desensitizing toothpaste containing stannous fluoride on dentine hypersensitivity by performing Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity with stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste.

METHODSThe study was developed based on the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (Version 5.1.0) and included the following: search strategy, selection criteria, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. We searched electronic databases such as CNKI, CBM, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to January 2015. RCT of treating dentine hypersensitivity with stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste were included. Data extraction and domain-based risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTSSix RCT with 494 patients (247 in the experimental group and 247 in the control group) were included. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the desensitizing effect of stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste was significantly better than that of control in tactile sensitivity test (SMD=1.41, 95% confidence interval 0.74-2.09, P<0.00001) and air blast test (SMD = -1.16, 95% confidence interval -1.84--0.48, P<0.000 01).

CONCLUSIONCurrent evidence shows that stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste is effective in treating dentine hypersensitivity in clinic. However, due to limited sample size and lower quality of the included studies, more high quality and large-sample RCT are needed to further verify the evidence.

Dentin Desensitizing Agents ; therapeutic use ; Dentin Sensitivity ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Sodium Fluoride ; Tin Fluorides ; therapeutic use ; Toothpastes ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To explore the curative effect of the treatment for minor-size tissue defect of forefoot by pedicle fibular side flap of the hallux.Methods The data of 12 patients with minor-size tissue defect of forefoot was retrospectively analyzed who were repaired with fibular side flap of the hallux from September 2003 to June 2012.There were 9 males and 3 females,with an average of 27 years (range,19-55 years).Among them,4 injured on the left,8 on the right side; 3 on the dorsal side and 9 on the plantar.There were 4 cases of traumatic wound,4 of tumor,2 of ulcer,and 2 of scar.Sizes of tissue defect were 1.3 cm×0.5 cm-2.5 cm×2.0 cm,the minimal flap size was 1.5 cm×0.8 cm,and the maximal flap size was 3.0 cm×1.5 cm.All flaps were elevated with fibular side artery and nerve of the hallux,and with width less than 1.5 cm,so wound of donor site could be sutured directly.The postoperative curative effect was assessed from five respects including flap healing,the sensation of the flaps,the flap appearance,the scar and weight-bearing walking.Results This kind of flap all survived successfully in the 12 cases,with satisfying cosmetic effect and sensory,without skin necrosis and blood vessel crisis.Nine patients were followed up for 3-96 months (average,12 months).The flaps were covered with soft and intact normal colored skin,no abrasion or wearing out happened and no subsequent reshaping was needed in the last follow-up.The minor-sized donor site wound could be sutured up directly.Since donor site was selected from non-weight-bearing area,walking and weight-bearing function of the patients were nearly unaffected at all.Sensory of the flaps were normal,with two-point discrimination ranging between 4-10 mm.Conclusion Due to the advantages of thinness,nerve nourishing,constant anatomical position and hidden position of donor site,anterograde fibular side flap of the hallux can be an ideal choice in repairing minor-size tissue defect of forefoot.