ObjectiveTo investigate the T lymphocyte subset levels and viral loads in newly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody-confirmed positive cases in Suzhou (2021‒2024), and to analyze potential influencing factors by integrating their demographic characteristics, immune status, and viral replication patterns, thereby providing evidence for HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control. MethodsPeripheral whole blood samples were collected from newly confirmed HIV-positive cases in Suzhou from 2021 to 2024. T lymphocyte subset analysis and viral load testing were performed, and influencing factors were identified in combination with demographic characteristics. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with CD4⁺T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·μL^-1, and Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between logarithmic value of viral load and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio. ResultsAmong the 3 022 confirmed HIV-positive samples, the median CD4⁺T lymphocyte count was 298.00 cells·μL^-1, with 882 cases (29.19%) showing CD4⁺ T lymphocyte counts <200 cells·μL^-1. The median CD8⁺T lymphocyte count was 1 011.00 cells·μL^-1. The median CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was 0.28, with 32.46% of cases exhibiting CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratios <0.20, and there were statistically significant differences in CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio among different genders, age groups, marital status, and sample sources (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals aged ≥20 years, those who were divorced or widowed, and cases identified through medical institutions had a significantly higher proportion of CD4⁺T lymphocyte counts ≤350 cells·µL⁻¹ compared to those aged <20 years, unmarried individuals, and cases sourced from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics, respectively. The mean logarithmic value of viral load was (4.29±1.15) copies·mL^-1. The logarithmic value of viral load demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with both CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (r=-0.43, P<0.001) and CD4⁺T lymphocyte count (r=-0.37, P<0.001). ConclusionA substantial proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Suzhou are late presenters with high viral load levels. Targeted interventions should prioritize high-risk populations through enhanced active surveillance and the implementation of combined T lymphocyte subsets analysis and viral load testing, which can enable earlier case-finding and timely antiretroviral therapy initiation.

Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lobectomy and segmentectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lobectomy or segmentectomy between July and September 2024. The surgeries were performed collaboratively by Shanghai Chest Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Perioperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Ten patients were included, comprising 4 anatomic lobectomies and 6 segmentectomies. The median age was 61.0 (56.0, 72.0) years. The median intraoperative bi-directional network latency was 52.5 (39.0, 54.0) ms. There were no instances of network interruption, robot-related adverse events, or conversions to open thoracotomy. The median postoperative chest tube drainage volume was 500.0 (375.0, 600.0) mL, and the median hospital stay was 5.5 (4.0, 6.0) days. No complications of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅱor higher occurred. All patients were recurrence-free and alive during the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. Conclusion 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery demonstrates high safety and operational stability. This technology shows promising potential for clinical application and is worthy of further development and utilization.

ObjectiveTo genotype the specimens from hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province in 2023 by gene sequencing, and to analyze the genetic characteristics of Coxsackievirus A4 (CVA4), CVA6, CVA10, CVA16 and enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), so as to clarify the serotypes of enteroviruses causing endemic HFMD and the genotype composition of CVA4, CVA6, CVA10, CVA16 and EV-A71 prevalent in HFMD, and to provide baseline genotype data for monitoring the dynamic changes of the five virus genotypes. MethodsStool specimens from HFMD cases in Dehong Prefecture in 2023 that tested positive for EV-A71, CVA16 and other enteroviruses by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were first subjected to gene sequencing and typing of the VP4/VP2 junction region to determine the viral types. Subsequently, the complete VP1 gene of each virus was amplified in two segments using group-specific VP1 gene primers corresponding to enterovirus groups (i.e., enterovirus group A, B, and C) and sequenced (group A virus: primers 486/488 and 487/489, group B virus: primers 490/492 and 491/493, group C virus: primers 494/496 and 495/497). The representative reference sequences of VP1 genes for CVA4, CVA6, CVA10, CVA16 and EV-A71 were downloaded from the literature, and the VP1 gene phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 6.0 software for genetic characterization. ResultsA total of 256 stool specimens were collected from HFMD cases in Dehong Prefecture in 2023, of which 94 tested positive for nucleic acid by RT-qPCR, yielding a positive rate of 36.72%. Of the 94 positive specimens, 83 were identified as group A viruses, and were classified into 5 serotypes (17 strains of CVA4, 3 of CVA6, 6 of CVA10, 49 of CVA16, and 8 of EV-A71). Nine strains were group B viruses, comprising 2 serotypes: 2 strains of echovirus type 3 (E3) and 7 strains of Coxsackievirus B type 5 (CVB5). The remaining 2 strains were group C viruses, both identified as poliovirus type 3 (PV3). Genetic analyses of the VP1 region showed that all 17 CVA4 strains were identified as subgenotype C2, all 3 CVA6 strains as subgenotype D3a, all 6 CVA10 strains as genotype C. Among the 49 CVA16 strains, 46 were identified as subgenotype B1a and 3 as subgenotype B1b, and all 8 EV-A71 strains were identified as subgenotype C4a. ConclusionIn 2023, group A viruses dominated the pathogenic spectrum of HFMD in Dehong Prefecture. Among them, CVA16 had the highest positivity rate. Genetic characteristic analyses showed that CVA4, CVA6, CVA10 and EV-A71 were each composed of a single genotype (subgenotype), while CVA16 was composed of two subgenotypes (B1a and B1b), with B1a being the predominant one. It is recommended that molecular epidemiological surveillance of HFMD pathogens, particularly group A viruses, be continuously strengthened in Dehong Prefecture.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） compound Chaiqin Xiaoyong Decoction （柴芩消痈饮， CXD） combined with Jinhuang Ointment （金黄膏， JO） in treating the nodular stage of acne mastitis of liver meridian heat accumulation type. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 108 patients with liver meridian heat accumulation type acne mastitis in the nodular stage were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group， with 54 patients in each group. Both groups received topical application of JO once daily at a thickness of 3~5 mm for 8 hours， along with standard nursing care. On this basis， the treatment group received oral CXD granules， while the control group received placebo granules， administered twice daily， 3 sachets per dose， for 14 consecutive days. Clinical efficacy， TCM symptom scores， nodule size， visual analogue scale （VAS） pain scores， white blood cell （WBC） count， C-reactive protein （CRP） level， and systemic immune-inflammation index （SII） were compared. At the end of treatment， efficacy and safety indicators were evaluated. A 6-month follow-up was conducted to compare the proportion of patients undergoing surgical treatment. ResultsThe total clinical efficacy rate in the treatment group was 90.38% （47/52）， significantly higher than 32.00% （16/50） in the control group （P＜0.01）. The treatment group also showed significantly lower TCM symptom scores， VAS scores， nodule size， WBC count， CRP level， and SII （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. During follow-up， the surgical intervention rate in the treatment group was 5.77% （3/52）， lower than 14.00% （7/50） in the control group， with a statistically significant difference （P＜0.01）. No significant abnormalities were observed in safety indicators before and after treatment in either group. ConclusionCXD effectively reduces nodule size and alleviates symptoms such as redness and pain in patients with acne mastitis of liver meridian heat accumulation type， improves TCM symptom scores， enhances overall clinical efficacy， and demonstrates good safety.

Background: Bone cancer pain (BCP) is not adequately addressed by current treatment methods, making the exploration of effective management strategies a topic of significant interest. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seem to be a potential way for managing BCP, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this potential treatment. Methods: We established the male C57BL/6 mice BCP models. Behavioral tests, X-ray, bone histology, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were used to verify the analgesic effect of BMSCs. Results: Intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femur successfully generated the mice BCP models. The number of c-Fos-positive neurons and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins in the spinal dorsal horn of the BCP mice increased. Intrathecal injection of BMSCs temporarily improved the BCP mice’s mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to inhibiting spinal microglia and p-p38 MAPK activation. The analgesic effect of BMSCs may be related to the homing effect mediated by CXCR4. Conclusions Intrathecal injection of BMSCs can temporarily inhibit mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP mice without affecting motor function. This effect may be related to the inhibition of p-p38 protein expression and the inhibition of microglia but not to p-ERK and p-JNK.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is crucial for regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance, while clock genes are essential for sustaining biological rhythms and regulating metabolism. There exists a complex interplay between RAAS and clock genes that may significantly contribute to the development of various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although current literature has identified correlations between these two systems, the specific mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. Moreover, the interaction patterns under different physiological and pathological conditions need further investigation. This review summarizes the synergistic roles of the RAAS and clock genes in cardiovascular diseases, explores their molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological connections, discusses the application of chronotherapy, and highlights potential future research directions, aiming to provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
Humans ; Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics* ; CLOCK Proteins/physiology* ; Animals

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a perennial herb of the genus Salvia(Lamiaceae). As one of the earliest medicinal plants to undergo molecular biology research, it has gradually become a model plant for molecular biology of medicinal plants. With the gradual analysis of the genome of S. miltiorrhiza and the biosynthetic pathways of its main active components tanshinone and salvianolic acids, the transcriptional regulation mediated by transcription factors and related regulatory proteins has gradually become a new research focus. Due to the lack of scientific and unified naming of transcription factors and different research indexes in different literature, this paper systematically sorted out the transcription factors in different literature with the genomes of DSS3 from selfing for three generations and bh2-7 from selfing for six generations as reference. In total, 73 transcription factors and related regulatory proteins belonging to 13 gene families were identified. The effects of overexpression or gene silencing experiments on tanshinone and salvianolic acids were also analyzed. This study unified the identified transcription factors, which laid a foundation for further constructing the regulatory networks of secondary metabolites and insect or stress resistance and improving the quality of medicinal materials by using global transcriptional regulation engineering.
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Abietanes/metabolism*