POEMS syndrome is a rare condition associated with plasma cell disorders， and it often involves multiple systems and has diverse clinical manifestations. This article reports two cases of POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation. During the course of the disease， the patients presented with lower limb weakness， hepatosplenomegaly， lymph node enlargement， ascites， hypothyroidism， positive M protein， and skin hyperpigmentation， and ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT imaging revealed bone lesions mainly characterized by osteolytic changes and plasma cell tumors. There was an increase in the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor. The patients were finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome， and the symptoms were relieved after immunomodulatory treatment.

Objective: To examine the associations of pet ownership and daily outdoor activity duration with depressive symptoms in middle school students, so as to provide evidence for targeted prevention strategies of depressive symptoms in middle school students. Methods: Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 83 601 middle and high school students from 103 districts and counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected in 2024. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect demographic data, household pet ownership, outdoor activity duration, and depressive symptoms of the research subjects. The comparison of reporting rates of depressive symptoms among different groups of middle school students was conducted using a χ 2 test. The association between pet ownership and outdoor activity duration and depressive symptoms among middle school students was evaluated using a Logistic regression model, and stratified analysis was conducted among different genders and regions to control for potential confounding factors and evaluate the stability of the association. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among middleschool students in Inner Mongolia was 17.2%. Significant differences in depressive symptom reporting rates were observed across sex, grade, ethnicity, surveillance site, parental education, menarche/spermarche status, boarding status, smoking and alcohol use, daily breakfast consumption, school bullying, continuous 30 minute headphone use in a noisy environment, and often use the Internet ( χ 2=8.07-2 672.57, all P <0.01). Both pet ownership ( OR =0.78, 95% CI =0.75-0.81) and ≥2 h/d of outdoor activity( OR =0.81, 95% CI =0.78-0.84) were inversely associated with depressive symptoms;compared to the without owning pets and < 2 h of outdoor activity daily group, students who both owned pets and engaged in ≥2 h of outdoor activity daily had an even lower risk ( OR =0.83, 95% CI =0.78-0.87)(all P <0.05). Conclusion Pet ownership and increased daily outdoor activity duration may help mitigate depressive symptoms among middle school students.

Objective:To assess the safety and efficacy of thiotepa, busulfan, and etoposide (TBE) conditioning followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (TBE auto-HSCT) in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients.Methods:Clinical data from 27 PCNSL patients who received TBE auto-HSCT at the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between November 1, 2021, and April 30, 2024, were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Twenty-seven patients [16 males, 11 females; median age 57 (23–72) years] were included, with 12 (44.4%, 12/27) over 60. Twenty-five had newly diagnosed PCNSL and 2 were relapsed. Median time from diagnosis to transplantation was 6.9 (5.0–10.0) months. TBE auto-HSCT increased complete remission (CR) rate from 63.0 to 96.3% ( P= 0.005), and 9 of 10 patients in partial remission achieving CR post-transplant. Median follow-up was 24.5 months (range 2.0–36.0). Two-year progress-free and OS rates were (87.2±6.9) % and (88.6±6.2) %, respectively. Common grade 3 nonhematologic adverse events were diarrhea (18.5%, 5/27) and bacterial infections (14.8%, 4/27). One patient (64 years old) died from carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection within 2 months post-transplant, yielding a 100-day treatment-related mortality of 3.7% (1/27) . Conclusion:TBE-conditioned high-dose chemotherapy with auto-HSCT is effective, safe, and well-tolerated in PCNSL patients, including the elderly.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide(PSP)is a polysaccharide with multiple pharma-cological activities that has been widely studied and used in the human body.However,there is cur-rently a lack of research investigating the potential advantages of PSP in poultry farming.This study investigated the effects of adding PSP to drinking water on the growth performance,antioxi-dant status,serum biochemical indicators,ileal tissue morphology,immune organs,and intestinal function of chicks.88 Hailan brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 22 hens in each group,namely the blank control group(CON),and fed with basic feed;The low-dose PSP group(250 mg/L),the medium dose PSP group(500 mg/L),and the high-dose PSP group(1 000 mg/L)were fed with corresponding doses of PSP through drinking water on the basis of basic feed,and the experimental period was 21 d.The initial and final body weight and immune or-gan relative quality of chicks,serum biochemical indicators,the activities of SOD,CAT,and GSH-Px,as well as the contents of T-AOC and MDA in the serum of chicks were measured;HE stai-ning method was used to observe the pathological changes of intestinal tissue slices in the ileum;Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology was used to detect the mRNA expression lev-els of cytokines ZO-1,Claudin-1,Occludin,Mucin-2,IL-1β,TNF-a,IFN-γ,IL-4,IL-8,and IL-10 in the ileum.The results showed that compared with the blank control group,the addition of medium dose PSP significantly increased the final relative quality(P＜0.01),the final body weight and ADG of PSP500 group chicks significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the F/G of PSP250 and PSP500 groups significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The villus height of the jejunum in the 200,500,and 1 000 mg/L PSP groups of chicks significantly increased(P＜0.05).The SOD ac-tivity significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the CAT activity in the PSP1000 group significantly increased(P＜0.01).The PSP500 and PSP1000 groups significantly reduced the mRNA expression of cytokines IL-1β,IL-4,and IFN-γ in the ileum(P＞0.05);PSP did not show significant changes in serum total protein(TP),albumin(ALB),glucose(GLU),cholesterol(T-CHO)content,and immune organ index(P＜0.05).In summary,PSP can improve growth performance,enhance an-tioxidant capacity,improve ileal morphology and epithelial barrier function,and regulate mucosal immune status.Considering the overall economic benefits,the recommended level of PSP addition is 500 mg/L.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents. Despite ongoing research efforts, the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years, highlighting the critical need for novel drug development to enhance current treatment protocols. Ziyuglycoside II (ZYG II), a triterpenoid saponin extracted from S. officinalis, has recently demonstrated antitumor properties. This study evaluates the antitumor effect of ZYG II on osteosarcoma and elucidates its mechanism of action through the co-regulation of p53 and estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG), which inhibits disease progression. The research employs in vitro experiments using multiple established osteosarcoma cell lines, as well as in vivo studies utilizing a nude mouse model of orthotopic xenograft osteosarcoma. Additionally, ESRRG shRNA was used to construct stable ESRRG-reducing OS cell lines to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ZYG II exerts its anti-osteosarcoma effects through the co-regulation of ESRRG and p53. Results indicate that ZYG II administration led to decreased OS cell viability and reduced tumor volumes. Furthermore, cell cycles were arrested at the G₀/G₁ phase, while the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. Expression of p53, ESRRG, p21, Bax, Cleaved Caspase-9, and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins increased, while expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 proteins decreased. Multiple ZYG II and ESRRG docking patterns were simulated through molecular docking. Comparing the pharmacodynamic response of ZYG II to OS cell lines with reduced ESRRG and normal expression demonstrated that ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through the coordination of p53 and ESRRG. In conclusion, ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, leads to cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through synergistic regulation of p53 and ESRRG.
Osteosarcoma/physiopathology* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Saponins/chemistry* ; Bone Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Receptors, Estrogen/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Female ; Male ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is ubiquitous in the food and feed fields. It has strong hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, seriously threatening the health of humans and animals. Enzymatic degradation of mycotoxins is considered to be a promising method to control mycotoxin contaminations. In this study, a new ochratoxin A amidohydrolase from Microbulbifer thermotolerans (MiADH) was obtained. After heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and purification, the recombinant protein was studied regarding the hydrolysis activity, hydrolysis products, enzymatic properties, and substrate binding mode. MiADH can degrade OTA into ochratoxin α (OTα) and phenylalanine, demonstrating a detoxifying ability. It demonstrated the best performance at 70 ℃ and pH 8.0, and Cu²⁺ had the strongest inhibitory effect on the activity of MiADH. MiADH with good thermal stability exhibited huge potential for industrial application. Rational design guided by three-dimensional structural models and substrate docking analysis revealed the important amino acids affecting substrate binding and obtained multiple mutants with improved activity. Among these mutants, V324A had the highest activity, which was 4.2-fold that of the wild type. The identification of MiADH enriches the ochratoxin A degradation enzyme library and provides a new candidate enzyme for the biological detoxification of ochratoxin A in the food and feed industry.
Amidohydrolases/chemistry* ; Ochratoxins/metabolism* ; Substrate Specificity ; Escherichia coli/metabolism* ; Recombinant Proteins/metabolism* ; Actinomycetales/genetics*

This study aims to explore protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)on intestinal damage caused by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)in chicks.Network pharmacology was initially employed to determine the target proteins of wolfberry in the prevention and treatment of IBD.Following this,protein-protein interaction analy-sis,GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,and molecular docking studies were conducted.Subsequently,an animal study was conducted:a total of 100 one-day-old male Hy-line brown lay-ing hens were randomly divided into five groups:a blank control group(CON),an LPS treatment group(LPS),a low-dose LBP group(LPS+LBP 0.25 g/L,L-LBP),a medium-dose LBP group(LPS+LBP 0.5 g/L,M-LBP),and a high-dose LBP group(LPS+LBP 1 g/L,H-LBP).Upon reac-hing 21 days old,duodenal,jejunal,ileal,and cecal tissues were collected to determine SOD and GSH-Px levels.Furthermore,the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,IL-6,IL-1β and TP53 in the intestinal tissues were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.The results demonstrated that network pharmacology identified 45 active ingredients in wolfberry that target 116 key protein sites,including TNF,AKT1 and IL6.The primary objectives focus on signaling pathways including AGE-RAGE,IL-17,TNF,HIF-1,and NF-κB.Molecular docking showed excellent ligand-receptor docking scores,with stable binding facilitated by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.Compared to the LPS group,the 0.5 g/L LBP exhibited notably higher levels of SOD and T-AOC.In comparison with the LPS group,the medium and high-dose LBP experimental groups showed notably decreased the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,AKT1,IL-6,and IL-1β,while TP53 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated(P＜0.01).In summary,wolfberry exerts preventive and therapeutic effects on IBD through a multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway mecha-nism.

Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Ordos City and provide reference and theoretical guidance for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:The surveillance data of human brucellosis cases and the serological surveillance data of key occupational populations reported by the Ordos City Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2013 to 2022 were collected and analyzed descriptively. ArcGIS 10.8 software was used to draw a spatial distribution map of human brucellosis in Ordos City, and SPSS 26.0 software was used to conduct Spearman correlation analysis to further explore the impact of economic factors on human brucellosis.Results:From 2013 to 2022, a total of 8 676 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Ordos City, with an average annual incidence rate of 40.93/100 000. In 2022, 2 570 cases were reported, with an incidence rate of 116.78/100 000, reaching the peak in the past 10 years. The cases were mainly distributed in Dalad Banner, Hangjin Banner, and Otog Front Banner, with a total of 6 415 cases, accounting for 73.94% of the total number of cases. The spatial distribution spread from north to south and from north to east. The majority of cases were in the age group of 40 to 65 years old (6 061 cases, accounting for 69.86%), male (6 089 cases, accounting for 70.18%), and farmers and herdsmen (7 367 cases, accounting for 84.91%). The median time interval between onset and diagnosis was 16 days. The positive rate of serological surveillance in key occupational groups was 5.38% (7 058/131 229). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the number of agricultural legal entities, the number of animal husbandry legal entities, regional gross domestic product, per capita disposable income of rural and pastoral residents, total agricultural output value, the number of cattle and sheep at the end of the year, milk production, and mutton production were important factors affecting the incidence of brucellosis ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of brucellosis in Ordos City is on the rise, and the epidemic situation is severe. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and joint prevention and control of human brucellosis to prevent the spread and expansion of the epidemic.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide(PSP)is a polysaccharide with multiple pharma-cological activities that has been widely studied and used in the human body.However,there is cur-rently a lack of research investigating the potential advantages of PSP in poultry farming.This study investigated the effects of adding PSP to drinking water on the growth performance,antioxi-dant status,serum biochemical indicators,ileal tissue morphology,immune organs,and intestinal function of chicks.88 Hailan brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 22 hens in each group,namely the blank control group(CON),and fed with basic feed;The low-dose PSP group(250 mg/L),the medium dose PSP group(500 mg/L),and the high-dose PSP group(1 000 mg/L)were fed with corresponding doses of PSP through drinking water on the basis of basic feed,and the experimental period was 21 d.The initial and final body weight and immune or-gan relative quality of chicks,serum biochemical indicators,the activities of SOD,CAT,and GSH-Px,as well as the contents of T-AOC and MDA in the serum of chicks were measured;HE stai-ning method was used to observe the pathological changes of intestinal tissue slices in the ileum;Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology was used to detect the mRNA expression lev-els of cytokines ZO-1,Claudin-1,Occludin,Mucin-2,IL-1β,TNF-a,IFN-γ,IL-4,IL-8,and IL-10 in the ileum.The results showed that compared with the blank control group,the addition of medium dose PSP significantly increased the final relative quality(P＜0.01),the final body weight and ADG of PSP500 group chicks significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the F/G of PSP250 and PSP500 groups significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The villus height of the jejunum in the 200,500,and 1 000 mg/L PSP groups of chicks significantly increased(P＜0.05).The SOD ac-tivity significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the CAT activity in the PSP1000 group significantly increased(P＜0.01).The PSP500 and PSP1000 groups significantly reduced the mRNA expression of cytokines IL-1β,IL-4,and IFN-γ in the ileum(P＞0.05);PSP did not show significant changes in serum total protein(TP),albumin(ALB),glucose(GLU),cholesterol(T-CHO)content,and immune organ index(P＜0.05).In summary,PSP can improve growth performance,enhance an-tioxidant capacity,improve ileal morphology and epithelial barrier function,and regulate mucosal immune status.Considering the overall economic benefits,the recommended level of PSP addition is 500 mg/L.

Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Ordos City and provide reference and theoretical guidance for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:The surveillance data of human brucellosis cases and the serological surveillance data of key occupational populations reported by the Ordos City Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2013 to 2022 were collected and analyzed descriptively. ArcGIS 10.8 software was used to draw a spatial distribution map of human brucellosis in Ordos City, and SPSS 26.0 software was used to conduct Spearman correlation analysis to further explore the impact of economic factors on human brucellosis.Results:From 2013 to 2022, a total of 8 676 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Ordos City, with an average annual incidence rate of 40.93/100 000. In 2022, 2 570 cases were reported, with an incidence rate of 116.78/100 000, reaching the peak in the past 10 years. The cases were mainly distributed in Dalad Banner, Hangjin Banner, and Otog Front Banner, with a total of 6 415 cases, accounting for 73.94% of the total number of cases. The spatial distribution spread from north to south and from north to east. The majority of cases were in the age group of 40 to 65 years old (6 061 cases, accounting for 69.86%), male (6 089 cases, accounting for 70.18%), and farmers and herdsmen (7 367 cases, accounting for 84.91%). The median time interval between onset and diagnosis was 16 days. The positive rate of serological surveillance in key occupational groups was 5.38% (7 058/131 229). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the number of agricultural legal entities, the number of animal husbandry legal entities, regional gross domestic product, per capita disposable income of rural and pastoral residents, total agricultural output value, the number of cattle and sheep at the end of the year, milk production, and mutton production were important factors affecting the incidence of brucellosis ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of brucellosis in Ordos City is on the rise, and the epidemic situation is severe. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and joint prevention and control of human brucellosis to prevent the spread and expansion of the epidemic.