Objective To clarify the role and underlying mechanism of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in renal fibrosis that develops after acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods Mouse AKI model was generated by renal ischemia-reperfusion. Animals were randomized into control (Con), sham operated (Sham), and IRI groups sacrificed at 1 d (IRI 1 d), 3 d (IRI 3 d) and 14 d (IRI 14 d) after reperfusion (n = 5). Renal injury was assessed by renal coefficient, serum creatinine (Scr) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was used to evaluate tubular damage and inflammatory infiltration. Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were employed to quantify collagen deposition, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL I). Flow cytometry was used to determine macrophage infiltration and phenotype. MMT was identified by flow cytometry plus immunofluorescence. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 pathway proteins were examined by Western blotting. Results Compared with Sham group, renal coefficient, Scr and KIM-1 rose in IRI 1 d group, renal coefficient and KIM-1 remained elevated in IRI 3 d group. Compared with the IRI 1 d group, the renal coefficient and KIM-1 decreased in the IRI 14 d group. Compared with the IRI 3 d group, the renal coefficient, Scr and KIM-1 decreased in the IRI 14 d group (all P < 0.05). PAS revealed the most severe tubular injury at IRI 3 d. Masson staining showed progressively increasing collagen deposition, while immunohistochemistry demonstrated α-SMA and COL I rising from day 1 and persisting to day 14 (all P < 0.05). Macrophage infiltration increased from day 1 and lasted to day 14 (P < 0.05). M1 macrophages peaked at day 1 then declined, whereas M2 macrophages increased at day 3 and remained high through day 14 (P < 0.05). MMT began to rise at day 3 and continued to day 14 and M2 macrophages were the predominant source of MMT cells (all P < 0.05). Compared with Sham group, TGF-β1 protein was up-regulated and p-Smad3/Smad3 ratio was elevated in all IRI groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusions M2 macrophages promote post-IRI-AKI renal fibrosis via MMT, a process closely linked to activation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effect of ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 (USP22) on the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) under hypoxic conditions, and its regulatory relationship with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Methods Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the differences in USP22 protein and mRNA expression between normal esophageal epithelial cells HEEC and ESCC cell lines KYSE30, KYSE150, EC9706, and TE-1 under normoxic (5% CO2, 20% O2, 75% N2) and hypoxic (5% CO2, 1% O2, 94% N2) conditions. By transfecting USP22 plasmid or siUSP22, ESCC cells were divided into a normoxia control group, a normoxia+USP22 group, a normoxia+siUSP22 group, a hypoxia control group, a hypoxia+USP22 group, and a hypoxia+siUSP22 group. The proliferation and migration abilities of cells in each group were detected. The expression of USP22 and HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions after up-regulating or down-regulating USP22 was detected, and their regulatory relationship was verified. The interaction between USP22 and HIF-1α was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) technique. Results Compared with HEEC cells, the expression of USP22 in ESCC cells was significantly increased (P<0.05). Up-regulation of USP22 expression promoted the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, while silencing USP22 inhibited the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells (P<0.05). Under hypoxic conditions, the expression of USP22 and HIF-1α increased, and with the up-regulation of USP22 expression, the expression of HIF-1α also significantly increased (P<0.05). Co-IP experiment confirmed the binding between USP22 and HIF-1α. Conclusion Up-regulation of USP22 expression promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. Hypoxia microenvironment can induce the increase of USP22 expression in ESCC. USP22 may participate in the regulation of the occurrence and development of ESCC by directly binding to HIF-1α.

[Objective] To investigate the factors associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) abnormalities in multi-ethnic blood donors across five Zang autonomous prefectures in the plateau regions of Qinghai Province, and to provide evidence for ensuring blood safety and formulating screening strategies. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on the ALT abnormal test results of blood donors in the Zang autonomous prefectures of Qinghai from 2022 to 2024. The correlations between ALT levels and factors including gender, age, altitude, and infectious markers were investigated. [Results] The overall ALT unqualified rate among blood donors in this region was 9.01%. Significant differences in ALT levels were observed across genders and age groups (P<0.05). Variations in ALT abnormality rates were also noted among different plateau regions (P<0.05). Overall, ALT values exhibited an increasing trend with rising altitude. The average ALT unqualified rates were 11.19% in Zang donors, 7.96% in Han donors, and 4.79% in donors from other ethnic groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant association was observed between ALT abnormality and the presence of HBV/HCV infectious markers (P>0.05). [Conclusion] In the plateau areas of Qinghai, multi-ethnic blood donors have a relatively high ALT levels and ALT unqualified rates, showing distinct regional characteristics. ALT elevation in voluntary blood donors is related to non-pathological factors such as gender, age, and dietary habits, but not to infectious indicators.

Hepatitis E is an acute and self-limiting viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It has a higher mortality rate among immunosuppressed patients and pregnant women infected with HEV. Although HEV infections in humans are mostly caused by contaminated water or food worldwide, the incidence of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E is continuously rising. Additionally, the prevalence of serum anti-HEV IgG in the blood donors in China is at a relatively high level, making it worth considering screening blood donors for HEV. This article briefly reviews the globally reported cases of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E and the HEV screening strategies for blood donations.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of action of Zangjiangzhi capsule (ZJZC) in treating hyperlipidemia (HLP). Methods: The components of ZJZC were analyzed and identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS). Network pharmacology analysis was used to explore the mechanism of action of ZJZC in HLP treatment. The SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict compound targets, and GeneCards, DisGeNet, OMIM, and DRUGBANK databases were used to identify HLP-related targets. Protein–protein interaction diagrams were constructed using the STRING database. The targets were subjected to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The “herb-ingredient-target” network was visualized using Cytoscape. Preliminary validation was performed using molecular docking and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Ninety compounds were identified in ZJZC, including 34 flavonoids, 12 phenols, 10 terpenoids, 10 alkaloids, 8 organic acids, 8 anthraquinones, and 9 other compounds. In total, 904 targets were identified for these compounds. Among them, 158 targets intersected with the HLP target network. Network pharmacology analysis showed that MAPK1, PPAR-α, RXRA, HSP90AA1, PIK3R1, AKT1, PIK3CA, IL6, TNF, and ESR1 are the key targets of action. KEGG enrichment analysis identified 164 pathways. Among these, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, lipid and atherosclerosis pathways, regulation of lipids in adipocytes, and insulin resistance are related to HLP. Molecular docking showed good affinity between the key targets and ingredients. Further, ZJZC treatment in mice resulted in lower expression of MAPK1 protein and increased expression of PPAR-α protein, which have been shown to be strongly associated with HLP. Conclusions This study showed that ZJZC contains various active ingredients and can modulate multiple targets and pathways associated with HLP, providing evidence at the molecular level for its clinical application in the treatment of HLP.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of flow diverter (FD) in the treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) dissection aneurysms.Methods:Patients with MCA dissection aneurysm received FD treatment at the Department of Neurosurgery, Jinjiang Hospital and the Cerebrovascular Disease Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023 were included retrospectively. The success rate of procedure, incidence of complications, occlusion rate of aneurysms, and clinical outcome were evaluated.Results:A total of 23 patients were included, with a success rate of 100% for FD implantation and a periprocedural complication rate of 8.7%. Nineteen patients (82.6%) completed angiography follow-up within an average of 7.2 months, of which the aneurysms of 16 patients (84.2%) were completely occluded, 3 (15.8%) were partial occluded, and 2 (10.5%) experienced in-stent restenosis; 14 (73.7%) showed stenosis of covered branch openings, of which 2 (10.5%) had branch occlusions, with no relevant clinical symptoms. The median clinical follow-up time was 23.2 months, with 95.7% of patients achieving good outcome (modified Rankin scale score ≤2).Conclusion:FD is safe and effective in the treatment of MCA dissection aneurysms, and precise device selection and release is the key to improving procedural safety.

Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP＜20 ng/mL, DCP＜40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P＜0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P＜0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.

Objective: Data on syncopal donation-related vasovagal reaction (DRVR) collected from 74 blood centers between 2020 and 2023 was statistically analyzed to provide a reference for developing preventive strategies against syncopal DRVR. Methods: Data on blood donation adverse reactions and basic information of donors from 2020 to 2023 were collected through the information management system at monitoring sentinel sites. Statistical analysis was performed on the following aspects of syncopal DRVR: characteristics of donors who experienced syncope, reported incidence, triggers, duration, presence and occurrence time of syncope-related trauma, clinical management including outpatient and inpatient treatment, and severity grading. Results: From 2020 to 2023, 45 966 donation-related adverse reactions were recorded. Of these, 1 665 (3.72%) cases were syncopal DRVR. The incidence of syncopal DRVR decreased with age, being the highest in the 18-22 age group. Incidence was significantly higher in female donors than male donors, in first-time donors than repeat donors, and in university and individual donors than group donors (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among different blood donation locations (P>0.05). The top three triggers were tension, fatigue, and needle phobia or fear of blood. Among syncopal DRVR cases, 60.36% occurred during blood collection, 87.63% lasted for less than 60 seconds, and 5.05% were accompanied by trauma. Notably, 57.14% of these traumas occurred after donor had left the blood collection site. Syncope severity was graded based on required treatment: grade 1 (fully recovered without treatment, 95.50%); grade 2 (recovered after outpatient treatment, 4.02%); and grade 3 (recovered after inpatient treatment, 0.48%). Conclusion: By analyzing the data of syncopal DRVR cases, it is possible to provide a reference for formulating blood donor safety policies.

Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), a non-radioactive immunoassay technology that has developed rapidly over the past three decades, has increasingly demonstrated its application value in blood screening due to its advantages such as high sensitivity, high specificity, rapid detection, and high degree of automation. This article systematically reviews the application status, technical characteristics, differences from traditional methods, influencing factors for promotion and application of CLIA in blood screening at home and abroad, and looks forward to its development prospects. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan have widely adopted CLIA in the screening of pathogens like HBV, HCV, and HIV, predominantly using "1 CLIA test + 1 nucleic acid testing (NAT) test" model. Some regions have also expanded testing items to include anti-HBc and HTLV. In China, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) combined with NAT remains the primary method. CLIA is still in the stage of detection performance comparison. However, domestic reagents have gradually been approved, and more enterprises are accelerating their layout in this field. CLIA is superior to ELISA in terms of sensitivity, detection range, and automation adaptability, which can reduce missed detection and shorten the window period. But it is limited by factors such as high cost, closed system characteristics, and domestic batch release supervision. In the future, CLIA is expected to complement existing technologies, expand the detection of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and combine with fully automated assembly lines to improve screening quality, providing more comprehensive protection for clinical blood transfusion safety.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSCs) mod- ified by bone morphogenetic protein ( BMP) -2 gene combined with nano-hydroxyapatite ( nHA) / polyamide 66 ( PA66) on femoral nonunion in rats． Methods : Rat BMSCs were isolated and divided into the stent + BMSCs group，stent + BMSCs + rhBMP-2 group，and stent + BMSCs + Ad-BMP-2 group; human recombinant BMP-2 ( rh- BMP-2) or adenovirus-infected BMP-2 ( Ad-BMP-2) vector was transfected into BMSCs and loaded onto nHA / PA66 stent materials．Flow cytometry was used to detect that BMSCs expressed specific surface markers．Cell pro- liferation was detected by MTT assay，related bioactive factors［platelet-derived growth factor ( PDGF) ，transfor- ming growth factor-β ( TGF-β) ，vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) ，fibroblast growth factor ( FGF) ，os- teocalcin ( OCN) ，osteonectin ( ON) ］were detected by ELISA，alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) activity was detec- ted，and cell growth and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) ．In the atrophic nonun- ion model of SD rats，the stent + BMSCs + rhBMP-2 or stent + BMSCs + Ad-BMP-2 complex was implanted into the defect area，which was divided into the rhBMP-2 group and the Ad-BMP-2 group，and the therapeutic effect was e- valuated by X-ray and MicroCT． Results: The surface of the nHA / PA66 stent was smooth and porous，and BMSCs adhered well．Flow cytometry showed high expression of CD29 and CD90 and low expression of CD45 and CD34 in BMSCs．MTT showed that the cells proliferated rapidly after 72 h．Compared with the stent + BMSCs group and the stent + BMSCs + rhBMP-2 group，the ALP activity，the expressions of PDGF，TGF-β , VEGF，FGF，OCN，and ON in the stent + BMSCs + Ad-BMP-2 group were significantly up-regulated ( P＜0. 05) ．12 weeks after surgery， the stent complex in the Ad-BMP-2 group of rats was completely wrapped by newly formed cortical bone，and the surface was smooth and intact．X-ray showed that the complex in the Ad-BMP-2 group was completely wrapped by newly formed cortical bone，and the recovery degree was better than that in the rhBMP-2 group．Micro-CT results showed that compared with the rhBMP-2 group，the bone volume fraction，trabecular thickness，trabecular num- ber，bone mineral density，and bone mineral content in the Ad-BMP-2 group all increased 12 weeks after surgery ( P＜0. 05) ，and the trabecular separation level decreased ( P＜0. 05) ． Conclusion Ad-BMP-2-transfected BM- SCs combined with nHA / PA66 stent material can express bioactivity more effectively，provide a continuous and good microenvironment for the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs，which is beneficial to promoting local os- teogenic activity and bone defect repair．