OBJECTIVE: To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development. METHODS: A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected. RESULTS: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ ² = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Infant, Newborn ; Viremia/virology* ; Hepatitis C ; Hepacivirus/physiology* ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology* ; Young Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/blood*

The current study aimed to clarify the roles of apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) and milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (Mfge8) in regulating myocardial lipid deposition and the regulatory relationship between them. The serum levels of ApoA5 and Mfge8 in obese and healthy people were compared, and the obesity mouse model induced by the high-fat diet (HFD) was established. In addition, primary cardiomyocytes were purified and identified from the hearts of suckling mice. The 0.8 mmol/L sodium palmitate treatment was used to establish the lipid deposition cardiomyocyte model in vitro. ApoA5-overexpressing adenovirus was used to observe its effects on cardiac function and lipids. The expressions of the fatty acid uptake-related molecules and Mfge8 on transcription or translation levels were detected. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to verify the interaction between ApoA5 and Mfge8 proteins. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the co-localization of Mfge8 protein with ApoA5 or lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2). Recombinant rMfge8 was added to cardiomyocytes to investigate the regulatory mechanism of ApoA5 on Mfge8. The results showed that participants in the simple obesity group had a significant decrease in serum ApoA5 levels (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in Mfge8 levels (P < 0.05) in comparison with the healthy control group. The adenovirus treatment successfully overexpressed ApoA5 in HFD-fed obese mice and palmitic acid-induced lipid deposition cardiomyocytes, respectively. ApoA5 reduced the weight of HFD-fed obese mice (P < 0.05), shortened left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), increased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and significantly reduced plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CHOL) (P < 0.05). In myocardial tissue and cardiomyocytes, the overexpression of ApoA5 significantly reduced the deposition of TG (P < 0.05), transcription of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) (P < 0.05), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) (P < 0.05), and fatty acid transport protein (FATP) (P < 0.05), and protein expression of Mfge8 (P < 0.05), while the transcription levels of Mfge8 were not significantly altered (P > 0.05). In vitro, the Mfge8 protein was captured using ApoA5 as bait protein, indicating a direct interaction between them. Overexpression of ApoA5 led to an increase in co-localization of Mfge8 with ApoA5 or LAMP2 in cardiomyocytes under lipid deposition status. On this basis, exogenous added recombinant rMfge8 counteracted the improvement of lipid deposition in cardiomyocytes by ApoA5. The above results indicate that the overexpression of ApoA5 can reduce fatty acid uptake in myocardial cells under lipid deposition status by regulating the content and cellular localization of Mfge8 protein, thereby significantly reducing myocardial lipid deposition and improving cardiac diastolic and systolic function.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Obesity/physiopathology* ; Male ; Apolipoprotein A-V/blood* ; Lipid Metabolism/physiology* ; Milk Proteins/blood* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Diet, High-Fat ; Antigens, Surface/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cells, Cultured ; Female

Anxiety disorder is a highly prevalent psychological illness, and research has shown that obesity is a significant risk factor for its development. This study explored the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of saponins from Panax japonicus(SPJ) on anxiety disorder in mice fed a high-fat diet(HFD). Fifty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal control diet(NCD) group, HFD group, and low-and high-dose SPJ groups. At week 12, six mice from the HFD group were further divided into a control group(treated with DMSO) and an exogenous fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21) group(administered rFGF21). The anxiety-like behavior of the mice was assessed using the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining were performed to observe pathological changes in the liver and adipose tissue. Glucose metabolism was evaluated through the glucose tolerance test(GTT) and insulin tolerance test(ITT). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of FGF21 and its downstream-related proteins in the liver and cortex, along with the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), disks large homolog 4(DLG4), and synaptophysin(SYP) in the cortex. Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of FGF21 and its receptor genes in the liver and cortex. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to examine the expression of neuronal activator c-Fos, FGF21, and the FGF21 co-receptor β-klotho in the cerebral cortex. The results showed that SPJ significantly improved the frequency of activity in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and the central area of the open field in HFD mice, up-regulated the expression of BDNF, DLG4, and SYP, and effectively alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in HFD mice. Compared with the NCD group, HFD mice exhibited up-regulated expression of FGF21 in the liver and cerebral cortex, while the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1) and β-klotho was significantly down-regulated, suggesting that HFD mice exhibited FGF21 resistance. SPJ markedly up-regulated the β-klotho levels in HFD mice, reversing FGF21 resistance. Further comparison with exogenously administered FGF21 revealed that SPJ activates brain cortical regions in a consistent manner, and additionally, SPJ promotes the number and colocalization of c-Fos and β-klotho positive cells in the brain cortex. In summary, SPJ effectively alleviates anxiety-like behaviors in HFD mice. Its mechanism is associated with up-regulation of β-klotho expression in the brain, reversal of FGF21 resistance, and subsequent activation of neurons in the cerebral cortex and amygdala.
Animals ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects* ; Fibroblast Growth Factors/genetics* ; Mice ; Male ; Panax/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Anxiety/etiology* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics* ; Humans ; Liver/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*

To clarify the occurrence and distribution of broad bean wilt virus 2(BBWV2) on Rehmannia glutinosa, this study collected 87 R. glutinosa samples with typical symptoms of viral disease such as chlorosis and crumple from Wenxian county and Wuzhi county in Jiaozuo city, Henan province and Qiaocheng district in Bozhou city, Anhui province. The BBWV2 CP target band was amplified from 37 R. glutinosa samples by RT-PCR technology. The total detection rate reached 42.5%, among which 43.0% was detected in samples from Henan province. The detection rate in samples from Anhui province was 37.5%. 37 BBWV2 CP sequences were obtained by cloning and sequencing of BBWV2 positive samples(data has been submitted to GenBank, accession numbers: PP407959-PP407995), and the sequence analysis of these CP sequences with 91 other BBWV2 isolates in GenBank showed a high genetic diversity with a consistency rate of 70.8%-100%. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis showed that BBWV2 could be divided into three groups according to CP sequences, among which the BBWV2 in R. glutinosa isolates obtained in this study were all located in group 3. This study identified the differences in the occurrence, distribution, and genetic diversity of BBWV2 in R. glutinosa from Henan province and Anhui province and provided a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of BBWV2.
Rehmannia/virology* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Diseases/virology* ; China ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Fabavirus/classification*

This article aims to explore the effect and mechanism of Liujunzi Pills on the intestinal microbiota of rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome. The raw Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract(1 g·mL~(-1)) was used to prepare spleen Qi deficiency rat models. A total of 44 SD male rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, Liujunzi Pills groups at high(3.24 g·kg~(-1)), medium(1.62 g·kg~(-1)), low(0.81 g·kg~(-1)) doses, and Shenling Baizhu San(2.50 g·kg~(-1)) group. The drug effect was evaluated by observing the following aspects: spleen index, fecal water content, body weight, and intestinal propulsion index. Gut microbiota analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were conducted on feces. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and UV spectrophotometry were used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) levels in small intestine tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe changes in intestinal pathology and microstructure. The results show that, compared with the control group, fecal moisture content is significantly increased while spleen index, body weight, and intestinal propulsion index are significantly reduced in rats of the model group, indicating the successful establishment of the model. The above symptoms can be improved by both Shenling Baizhu San and Liujunzi Pills. Compared with the control group, in the model group, the gut microbiota abundance is changed with an unbalanced development: the abundance of beneficial bacteria within the Bacteroidetes phylum is reduced, accompanied by a significantly decreased Shannon index, and reduced signal levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-related enzymes relevant to mitochondria. However, Liujunzi Pills and Shenling Baizhu San can significantly improve the Bacteroidetes phylum abundance in gut microbiota, microbial diversity, and NADPH activity in the model group. Additionally, compared with the control group, the ATP level is decreased and the IL-1β level is increased in small intestinal tissues of the model group, with shorter small intestinal epithelial villi and decreased mitochondrial number. The above symptoms can be improved by Liujunzi Pills and Shenling Baizhu San. In conclusion, Liujunzi Pills can treat spleen Qi deficiency syndrome by enhancing mitochondrial function to regulate gut microbiota balance and diversity.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Qi ; Spleen/metabolism* ; Splenic Diseases/metabolism* ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Bacteria/drug effects* ; Feces/microbiology* ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of the Focused Solution Model Nursing intervention on quality of life, negative emotions of the patients with prostate cancer. Methods： A total of 82 prostate cancer patients who were diagnosed and treated at the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command between September 2022 and September 2024 were included and randomly divided into study group and control group by the method of random number table, with 41 patients in each group. The patients in the study group were treated with Focused Solution Model Nursing intervention. And the routine care was used in the control group The quality of life and negative emotions were compared between the two groups by using the scales of World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), HAMA and HAMD. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the patients in the study group exhibited significantly higher scores in the physiological, psychological, environmental, and social relationship domains of the WHOQOL-BREF scale (P<0.05). The scores of HAMA and HAMD in study group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, all subscales of the Social Impact Scale including social exclusion, internalized shame, social isolation and economic discrimination were significantly lower than those of the study group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Focused Solution Model Nursing intervention can effectively improve the quality of life and negative emotions of the prostate cancer patients in the clinical treatment.
Humans ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Prostatic Neoplasms/nursing* ; Emotions ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND: The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and cognitive impairment in older adults with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. METHODS: The present study used a prospective cohort study design and included 3244 participants aged ≥ 65 years in Beijing, China. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess cognitive function. Serum HbA1c was detected at admission. All patients were divided into high HbA1c group (≥ 6.5 mmol/L) and low HbA1c group (< 6.5 mmol/L) based on their HbA1c levels. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between HbA1c and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: In this study of 3244 participants, 1201 (37.0%) patients were in high HbA1c group and 2045 (63.0%) patients were in a state of cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that HbA1c was an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment regardless of whether the HbA1c was a continuous or categorical variable (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15-1.40, P < 0.001; OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.41-2.26, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The restricted cubic spline curve exhibited that the relationship between the HbA1c and cognitive impairment was linear (p for non-linear = 0.323, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Elevated levels of HbA1c were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older patients with CHD. These insights could be used to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of cognitive screening in these patient populations.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular genetic characteristics of TFE3-rearranged perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa).Methods:Eight cases of PEComa with TFE3 rearrangement diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2014 to July 2022 were collected. Three were consultation cases and 5 were collected from our hospital; 7 cases were resection specimens and 1 case was a needle biopsy specimen. Routine histolopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the next-generation sequencing were performed. Clinical data were collected and the prognosis was assessed.Results:The 8 patients consisted of 5 females and 3 males with a median age of 45 years (ranged from 25 to 65 years). The tumor location included 1 uterus, 1 liver, 1 urachus, 2 kidneys, 1 abdominal cavity, 1 colon, and 1 retroperitoneum (3 subsequent recurrences in the abdominal cavity, pelvis and ovary, and abdominal cavity, respectively). Morphologically, the tumor cells were uniform and epithelioid with translucent or eosinophilic cytoplasm. They were arranged in nests or sheets, most of which were separated by thin-walled blood vessels. There were no papillary structures, and no overt smooth muscle or fat components. Atypical features were seen in 3 cases, with bizarre nuclei and tumor giant cells. Large areas of necrosis were visible, and mitosis was common (up to 28/50 HPF). Melanin deposition was present in 3 cases. Immunohistochemical staining showed diffuse and strong positivity for TFE3 in 8/8 cases and for HMB45 in 6/8 cases; focal positivity for Cathepsin K and Melan-A in 6/8 cases and for SMA in 2/8 of cases. All cases were negative for CKpan, PAX8 and Desmin. TFE3 gene break-apart was detected by FISH in all 8 cases, 4 of which underwent next-generation sequencing, and it revealed that 2 cases presented with SFPQ::TFE3 fusion, 1 case with ASPSCR1::TFE3 fusion, and 1 case with no chimeric fusion. Seven cases were followed up for 4—94 months. All cases were alive; 4 cases were disease-free, 2 cases showed recurrence, and 1 case had metastasis at initial diagnosis.Conclusions:TFE3-rearranged PEComa has unique histomorphological, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics. The biological behavior is aggressive, which could lead to recurrence and metastasis, and warrants close clinical follow-up.

Objective To investigate the cumulative incidence of recurrence(CIR)in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL)after treatment with the Chinese Children's Cancer Group ALL-2015(CCCG-ALL-2015)protocol and the risk factors for recurrence.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 852 children who were treated with the CCCG-ALL-2015 protocol from January 2015 to December 2019.CIR was calculated,and the risk factors for the recurrence of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL)were analyzed.Results Among the 852 children with ALL,146(17.1%)experienced recurrence,with an 8-year CIR of 19.8%±1.6%.There was no significant difference in 8-year CIR between the B-ALL group and the acute T lymphocyte leukemia group(P>0.05).For the 146 children with recurrence,recurrence was mainly observed in the very early stage(n=62,42.5%)and the early stage(n=46,31.5%),and there were 42 children with bone marrow recurrence alone(28.8%)in the very early stage and 27 children with bone marrow recurrence alone(18.5%)in the early stage.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis showed that positive MLLr fusion gene(HR=4.177,95%CI:2.086-8.364,P<0.001)and minimal residual disease≥0.01%on day 46(HR=2.013,95%CI:1.163-3.483,P=0.012)were independent risk factors for recurrence in children with B-ALL after treatment with the CCCG-ALL-2015 protocol.Conclusions There is still a relatively high recurrence rate in children with ALL after treatment with the CCCG-ALL-2015 protocol,mainly bone marrow recurrence alone in the very early stage and the early stage,and minimal residual disease≥0.01%on day 46 and positive MLLr fusion gene are closely associated with the recurrence of B-ALL.