Chronic, unresolved inflammation correlates with persistent hepatic injury and fibrosis, ultimately progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) demonstrates therapeutic potential against HCC, yet its mechanism in preventing hepatic "inflammation-carcinoma transformation" remains incompletely understood. In the current research, clinical HCC specimens underwent analysis using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate the expression of fibrosis markers, M2 macrophage markers, and CXCL12. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced LX-2 cells and a co-culture system of LX-2, THP-1, and HCC cells were established. Cell functions underwent assessment through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and Transwell assays. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence evaluated the differential expression of molecules. The interaction between β-catenin/TCF4 and CXCL12 was examined using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), dual luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. A DEN-induced rat model was developed to investigate BDMC's role in liver fibrosis-associated HCC (LFAHCC) development in vivo. Our results showed that clinical HCC tissues exhibited elevated fibrosis and enriched M2 macrophages. BDMC delayed liver fibrosis progression to HCC in vivo. BDMC inhibited the inflammatory microenvironment induced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, BDMC suppressed M2 macrophage-induced fibrosis and HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, BDMC repressed TCF4/β-catenin complex formation, thereby reducing CXCL12 transcription in LX-2 cells. Moreover, CXCL12 overexpression reversed BDMC's inhibitory effect on macrophage M2 polarization and its mediation of fibrosis, as well as HCC proliferation and metastasis. BDMC significantly suppressed LFAHCC development through CXCL12 in rats. In conclusion, BDMC inhibited LFAHCC progression by reducing M2 macrophage polarization through suppressing β-catenin/TCF4-mediated CXCL12 transcription.
Animals ; Liver Neoplasms/etiology* ; Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications* ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Male ; Rats ; Chemokine CXCL12/genetics* ; Diarylheptanoids/pharmacology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; beta Catenin/genetics*

OBJECTIVE To study the prevention and control strategies for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB)infection through inves-tigating an outbreak of CRAB infection in an intensive care unit(ICU),and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of such hospital-acquired infections.METHODS Epide-miological investigations were conducted on patients with CRAB infection in the ICU of a hospital from Jul.7 to Jul.29,2023,and microbial sampling,identification and drug sensitivity testing were conducted on suspected con-taminated environments and items.Targeted prevention and control measures were taken to control the outbreak.RESULTS Within a short period,8 patients in this hospital developed CRAB hospital-acquired infection,among whom,the drug resistance profiles of CRAB isolated from the specimens of 7 patients in bed A4,A14,B18,B19,B20,B21 and B22 were consistent.Through environmental hygiene monitoring,CRAB isolated from patient clothing,isolation gowns and medical staff uniforms matched the drug resistance profiles of the seven patient iso-lates.After taking targeted measures,no new CRAB infection cases occurred in Oct.,and CRAB was no longer i-solated from the environment and medical fabrics.CONCLUSIONS The suspected outbreak of CRAB infection may be related to the inadequate management and contamination of medical fabrics.Therefore,in addition to strictly implementing the routine prevention and control measures for multidrug-resistant bacteria,it is also crucial to strengthen the standardized management of medical fabrics for the prevention and control of hospital-acquired in-fections and outbreaks.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Guanxinning Tablets(composed of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Chuangxiong Rhizoma)in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)presenting with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Eighty AMI patients who underwent PCI and were diagnosed with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were enrolled from Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between January 2024 and December 2024.Patients were randomly divided into a control group(n=40)and an observation group(n=40)using a random number table.The control group received standard post-PCI treatment(Aspirin 0.1 g qd+Clopidogrel 75 mg qd),while the observation group received additional Guanxinning Tablets for 8 weeks.Serum myocardial injury markers[troponin I(TnI),N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)],novel inflammatory indices[systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),systemic inflammation response index(SIRI)],and Seattle Angina Questionnaire(SAQ)scores were assessed before and after treatment.Clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.Results(1)Efficacy:After 8 weeks,the total effective rate was 97.50％(39/40)in the observation group versus 92.50％(37/40)in the control group,showing a non-significant trend favoring the observation group(P＞0.05,by chi-square test).(2)Myocardial injury markers:Both groups exhibited significant improvements in TnI and NT-proBNP levels(P＜0.05),with greater improvements in the observation group(P＜0.05).(3)Inflammatory indices:SII and SIRI levels were significantly improved in both groups(P＜0.05),with superior reductions in the observation group(P＜0.01).(4)Quality of life:SAQ scores in the dimensions of physical limitation,angina stability,angina frequency,treatment satisfaction,and disease perception were improved in both groups(P＜0.05),and the observation group showed significantly better outcomes(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)Safety:No severe cardiovascular adverse events or allergic reactions occurred in either group.Mild adverse events(e.g.,dizziness,gastrointestinal discomfort)occurred in 5.00％(2/40)of both groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Guanxinning Tablets combined with conventional post-PCI therapy significantly improve clinical symptoms,cardiac function,inflammatory response,and quality of life in AMI patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome,with excellent safety and tolerability.

Objective:To explore the factors influencing the success rate of culturing patient-derived gastric and colorectal cancer organoids.Methods:From Feb 2022 to Oct 2023, 398 tumor tissue specimens from patients who underwent gastric cancer and colorectal cancer resection at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, were used for organoid culture. The clinicopathological factors affecting the success rate of organoid culture were analyzed.Results:The overall success rate of organoid culture in this group was 75.1% (299/398), with the success rate of gastric cancer organoid culture being 79.8%(154/193) and that of colorectal cancer being 70.7% (145/205). Different clinicopathological T stage ( χ2=4.765, P<0.05),histological type ( χ2=11.248, P<0.05), and tumor regression grade (TRG) grade after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( χ2=7.797, P<0.05) were related to the success rate of organoid culture . Multivariate analysis showed that the TRG grade was an independent influencing factor( P=0.040). For colorectal cancer, different pathological T stage ( χ2=5.108, P<0.05), histological type ( χ2=11.270, P<0.05), and TRG grade after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( χ2=6.797, P<0.05) were related to the success rate of organoidculture . Different from gastric cancer, the results of multivariate analysis of colorectal cancer showed that the histological type was an independent influencing factor ( P=0.018). Conclusions:The pathologic T stage, histological type of tumors, and TRG of cancer patients all have a significant impact on the success rate of establishing tumor organoids. Among them, the TRG grade is an independent influencing factor for the culture of gastric cancer organoids, and the histological type is an independent influencing factor for colorectal cancer organoids.

Background and purpose:Modified radical mastectomy is an important approach for treating breast cancer,but the risk of postoperative incision infection rate is relatively high,which can seriously affect the treatment outcome and prognosis of these patients.This study aimed to investigate the etiological characteristics,related risk factors and changes of serum inflammatory factors such as procalcitonin(PCT),C reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.Methods:The clinical data of breast cancer patients admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Zhengzhou from February 2019 to February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.The pathogenic bacteria distribution and related risk factors of postoperative incision infection and the changes of serum inflammatory factors such as PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 were explored.This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third People's Hospital of Zhengzhou(No.:2025-04-014-K01)and acquired the informed consent.The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology(STROBE)checklist was followed for this case control study.Results:A total of 128 patients were enrolled in this study.All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy were divided into infected group(n=22)and non-infected group(n=106)according to whether incision infection occurred after surgery.The incision infection rate after modified radical mastectomy was 17.19%(22/128).Twenty-six strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated and cultured from 22 patients with postoperative incision infection.Among these,16 strains were Gram-positive,accounting for 61.54%(16/26),mainly staphylococcus aureus and enterococcus faecalis.There were 10 Gram-negative strains,accounting for 38.46%(10/26),mainly escherichia coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa.The influencing factors of incision infection after modified radical mastectomy included preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,intraoperative blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,drainage time≥7 d,albumin＜35 g/L,and white blood cell count＜4×109/L(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,duration of drainage time≥7 d,albumin＜35 g/L and white blood cell count＜4×109/L were the independent influencing factors of incision infection after modified radical mastectomy(P＜0.05).The peripheral blood levels of PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 in both groups increased compared with those before surgery,and those in the infected group were higher than those in the non-infected group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli were the main pathogens after modified radical breast mastectomy.Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,drainage time≥7 d,albumin＜35 g/L and white blood cell count＜4×109/L were the independent influencing factors.The levels of serum PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 could be used as effective indicators to predict postoperative incision infection.

Background and purpose:Modified radical mastectomy is an important approach for treating breast cancer,but the risk of postoperative incision infection rate is relatively high,which can seriously affect the treatment outcome and prognosis of these patients.This study aimed to investigate the etiological characteristics,related risk factors and changes of serum inflammatory factors such as procalcitonin(PCT),C reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.Methods:The clinical data of breast cancer patients admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Zhengzhou from February 2019 to February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.The pathogenic bacteria distribution and related risk factors of postoperative incision infection and the changes of serum inflammatory factors such as PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 were explored.This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third People's Hospital of Zhengzhou(No.:2025-04-014-K01)and acquired the informed consent.The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology(STROBE)checklist was followed for this case control study.Results:A total of 128 patients were enrolled in this study.All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy were divided into infected group(n=22)and non-infected group(n=106)according to whether incision infection occurred after surgery.The incision infection rate after modified radical mastectomy was 17.19%(22/128).Twenty-six strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated and cultured from 22 patients with postoperative incision infection.Among these,16 strains were Gram-positive,accounting for 61.54%(16/26),mainly staphylococcus aureus and enterococcus faecalis.There were 10 Gram-negative strains,accounting for 38.46%(10/26),mainly escherichia coli and pseudomonas aeruginosa.The influencing factors of incision infection after modified radical mastectomy included preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,intraoperative blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,drainage time≥7 d,albumin＜35 g/L,and white blood cell count＜4×109/L(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,duration of drainage time≥7 d,albumin＜35 g/L and white blood cell count＜4×109/L were the independent influencing factors of incision infection after modified radical mastectomy(P＜0.05).The peripheral blood levels of PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 in both groups increased compared with those before surgery,and those in the infected group were higher than those in the non-infected group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli were the main pathogens after modified radical breast mastectomy.Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy,blood loss≥300 mL,postoperative drainage volume≥800 mL,drainage time≥7 d,albumin＜35 g/L and white blood cell count＜4×109/L were the independent influencing factors.The levels of serum PCT,CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 could be used as effective indicators to predict postoperative incision infection.

OBJECTIVE To study the prevention and control strategies for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB)infection through inves-tigating an outbreak of CRAB infection in an intensive care unit(ICU),and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of such hospital-acquired infections.METHODS Epide-miological investigations were conducted on patients with CRAB infection in the ICU of a hospital from Jul.7 to Jul.29,2023,and microbial sampling,identification and drug sensitivity testing were conducted on suspected con-taminated environments and items.Targeted prevention and control measures were taken to control the outbreak.RESULTS Within a short period,8 patients in this hospital developed CRAB hospital-acquired infection,among whom,the drug resistance profiles of CRAB isolated from the specimens of 7 patients in bed A4,A14,B18,B19,B20,B21 and B22 were consistent.Through environmental hygiene monitoring,CRAB isolated from patient clothing,isolation gowns and medical staff uniforms matched the drug resistance profiles of the seven patient iso-lates.After taking targeted measures,no new CRAB infection cases occurred in Oct.,and CRAB was no longer i-solated from the environment and medical fabrics.CONCLUSIONS The suspected outbreak of CRAB infection may be related to the inadequate management and contamination of medical fabrics.Therefore,in addition to strictly implementing the routine prevention and control measures for multidrug-resistant bacteria,it is also crucial to strengthen the standardized management of medical fabrics for the prevention and control of hospital-acquired in-fections and outbreaks.

Objective:To explore the factors influencing the success rate of culturing patient-derived gastric and colorectal cancer organoids.Methods:From Feb 2022 to Oct 2023, 398 tumor tissue specimens from patients who underwent gastric cancer and colorectal cancer resection at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, were used for organoid culture. The clinicopathological factors affecting the success rate of organoid culture were analyzed.Results:The overall success rate of organoid culture in this group was 75.1% (299/398), with the success rate of gastric cancer organoid culture being 79.8%(154/193) and that of colorectal cancer being 70.7% (145/205). Different clinicopathological T stage ( χ2=4.765, P<0.05),histological type ( χ2=11.248, P<0.05), and tumor regression grade (TRG) grade after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( χ2=7.797, P<0.05) were related to the success rate of organoid culture . Multivariate analysis showed that the TRG grade was an independent influencing factor( P=0.040). For colorectal cancer, different pathological T stage ( χ2=5.108, P<0.05), histological type ( χ2=11.270, P<0.05), and TRG grade after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( χ2=6.797, P<0.05) were related to the success rate of organoidculture . Different from gastric cancer, the results of multivariate analysis of colorectal cancer showed that the histological type was an independent influencing factor ( P=0.018). Conclusions:The pathologic T stage, histological type of tumors, and TRG of cancer patients all have a significant impact on the success rate of establishing tumor organoids. Among them, the TRG grade is an independent influencing factor for the culture of gastric cancer organoids, and the histological type is an independent influencing factor for colorectal cancer organoids.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution increases mortality among older adults, particularly those residing in low-level air pollution locations, remains scarce. This study investigated the potential links between long-term low-level air pollution exposure and mortality among Chinese older adults. METHODS: A population-based study with 317,464 individuals aged ≥ 65 years was conducted in Shenzhen, China during 2018 and 2020. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and all-cause mortality, as the primary outcome, as well as non-accidental, cancer and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: Significant associations of PM ₁, PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, SO ₂, CO, and O ₃ exposures with a higher risk of all-cause mortality were found. Adjusted odds ratio ( OR) for each 1 µg/m ³ increment was 1.49 [95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.46, 1.53] for PM ₁, 1.30 (1.27, 1.32) for PM _2.5, 1.05 (1.04, 1.06) for PM ₁₀, 5.84 (5.39, 6.32) for SO ₂, 1.04 (1.04, 1.05) for CO, and 1.02 (1.00, 1.03) for O ₃, respectively. Long-term PM ₁, PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, SO ₂, and CO exposures also elevated the risks of non-accidental, cancer and cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION Long-term low-level air pollution exposure was associated with an increased mortality risk among Chinese older adults.
Humans ; Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Air Pollution/adverse effects* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality* ; Mortality ; Neoplasms/mortality* ; East Asian People

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for human growth and development. It is crucial for neural development in fetuses and newborns in the early postnatal period, including neural migration, glial differentiation, and myelin formation in the central nervous system. Mothers must consume sufficient iodine during pregnancy to maintain fetal growth and development. However, the results of current researches on the potential effects of maternal iodine intake imbalance during pregnancy on offspring iodine nutrition, neurological and physical development are not completely consistant. This article reviews the research in recent years on the effects of maternal iodine intake imbalance during pregnancy on the iodine nutrition and development of offspring, aiming to provide scientific basis for improving offspring development from the perspective of maternal iodine nutrition.