Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus tapeworms, posing a severe threat to patients' health. Its diagnostic techniques play a vital role in clinical diagnosis and treatment, surgical planning, and prognostic evaluation. Currently, the diagnostic methods for echinococcosis mainly include etiological, immunological, imaging, and molecular biological diagnostic techniques. This article comprehensively reviews existing diagnostic techniques for echinococcosis, analyzes the advantages and limitations of various methods, and explores their application prospects. With continuous advancements in scientific technology, emerging diagnostic approaches are expected to substantially enhance the efficiency and accuracy of echinococcosis diagnosis. These research findings will provide valuable references for the development of rapid clinical diagnostic detection products at the current stage, potentially improving cure rates, alleviating patients' disease burden, and offering robust support for the prevention, control, and treatment of echinococcosis.

Objective To investigate the correlation of solute carrier protein 17 family member 1 (SLC17A1) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to hyperuricemia (HUA) in automotive manufacturing workers. Methods A total of 192 Han male workers diagnosed with HUA were selected as the case group, 192 Han male workers without HUA from the same enterprises were selected as the control group. These workers were determined by the matching factor of age, total length of service, and body mass index by the 1∶1 case-control study method. Peripheral venous blood from the workers was collected for DNA extraction. Two SNPs of SLC17A1 were genotyped by MassArray system. Results The gene frequency distributions of SLC17A1 rs2096386 and rs1183201 of workers in the control group were in consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (both P>0.05). The allele frequency distribution of rs2096386, and the genotype and allele frequency distribution of rs1183201 were significantly different between workers in the two groups (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in genotype frequency distribution of rs2096386 between workers in the two groups (P>0.05). The results of conditional logistic regression analysis showed that workers with G allele at rs2096386 increased the risk of HUA [odds ratio (OR)=1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-2.04], workers with T allele at rs1183201 increased the risk of HUA (OR=2.03, 95%CI =1.29-3.19), after adjusting for confounding factors such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanin aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. While workers with TA and TA+AA genotypes at rs1183201 had a lower risk of HUA than those with TT genotype (OR=0.51, 95%CI =0.30-0.85; OR=0.50, 95%CI =0.30-0.83), workers with TA genotype at rs1183201 had a lower risk of HUA than those with TT+AA genotype (OR=0.53, 95%CI =0.32-0.88). Conclusion The polymorphisms at rs2096386 and rs1183201 of SLC17A1 gene may be correlated with HUA susceptibility among automobile manufacturing workers in Guangzhou City.

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition is about to be officially released. Based on multiple meetings and extensive consultations the vaccine products professional committee of the 12th pharmacopoeia commission, has revised and formed the general chapter 0237 for the preparation of national biological reference standards in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition volume Ⅲ. General chapter 0237, integrating the cutting-edge concepts from WHO’s related guidelines and the practical experience of biological reference standards both domestically, has revised the names of this chapter, updated and improved the technical requirements for candidate reference materials, collaborative calibration and value assignment, as well as stability research and monitoring. It also newly proposes the calculation of uncertainty of biological reference materials and emphasizes to pay attention to commutability. The implementation of general chapter 0237 will play a guiding role in improving the research and application level of biological reference materials in China. This article, by interpreting the revised content of general chapter 0237, aims to provide a reference for the researchers of biological reference materials.

To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P＜0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P＜0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P＜0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P＜0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition is about to be officially released.Based on multiple meetings and extensive consultations the vaccine products professional committee of the 12th pharmacopoeia commission,has revised and formed the general chapter 0237 for the preparation of national biological reference standards in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition volume Ⅲ.General chapter 0237,integrating the cutting-edge concepts from WHO's related guidelines and the practical experience of biological reference standards both domestically,has revised the names of this chapter,updated and improved the technical requirements for candidate reference materials,collabo-rative calibration and value assignment,as well as stability research and monitoring.It also newly proposes the cal-culation of uncertainty of biological reference materials and emphasizes to pay attention to commutability.The im-plementation of general chapter 0237 will play a guiding role in improving the research and application level of bio-logical reference materials in China.This article,by interpreting the revised content of general chapter 0237,aims to provide a reference for the researchers of biological reference materials.

Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.

Objective:To prepare decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composite hydrogels and to study their effects on hepatocyte proliferation.Methods:Hepatic dECM was prepared by elution, and GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels were prepared by pepsin solubilization. The morphology of normal liver and dECM liver was observed by eyes and scanning electron microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red and periodate-Schiff staining, respectively. The internal structure of the dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the pore diameter was measured. Liver HL-7702 cells were co-cultured with GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels, and the cell proliferation viability was determined by cell counting kit-8. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Wnt family protein 5a (Wnt5a), β-catenin, extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test or one-factor analysis of variance. Results:After decellularization, the hepatocyte morphology showed rounded depressions, and the extracellular matrix structure was intact. The GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels showed inernally porous structures. The pore diameter increased from (3.06±1.35) μm in the GelMA hydrogel to (16.01±4.02) μm in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel. On the 3rd, 5th and 7th day, the relative cell proliferation was higher in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group than that in the GelMA hydrogel group (1.89±0.04 vs 1.53±0.01, 9.36±0.04 vs 3.89±0.09, 7.15±0.27 vs 4.89±0.15, all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of PCNA, Wnt5a, β-catenin, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 proteins in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group were higher than those in the GelMA hydrogel group (2.14±0.04 vs 1.00±0.03, 2.36±0.09 vs 1.00±0.08, 1.45±0.03 vs 1.00±0.04, 1.43±0.04 vs 1.00±0.01, all P<0.05). Conclusions:A dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel can be prepared, which may promote hepatocyte proliferation by upregulating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective:To prepare heparin (Hep)-modified gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microspheres and to investigate their application in liver-targeted delivery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs).Methods:GelMA microspheres were modified with Hep to obtain GelMA-Hep microspheres. The surface morphology of the GelMA-Hep microspheres was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The changes of carbon atoms, nitrogen atoms and sulfur atoms on the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface chemical group composition of the GelMA-Hep microspheres was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The swelling properties of the GelMA-Hep microspheres were detected by water absorption swelling experiment. Human liver HL-7702 cells transfected with lentivirus were co-cultured with GelMA, GelMA-dopamine (GelMA-dop) and GelMA-Hep microspheres. The effects of microspheres on cell proliferation activity were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 method and live/dead cell staining experiment. The adhesion of microspheres to cells was observed by confocal microscopy. The GelMA-Hep microspheres loaded with ADSCs were injected into C57BL/6 mice through the tail vein, and its efficiency of liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs was observed by a small animal in vivo imaging system. The data were compared by independent sample t test or one-way analysis of variance. Results:The GelMA-Hep microspheres were prepared by modifying the GelMA microspheres with Hep. Compared with the GelMA microspheres, the size of the GelMA-Hep microspheres did not change significantly, and the surface did not collapse and showed some crystalline particles. The binding energy of sulfur atoms on the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres increased from 166 eV to 168 eV. On the surface of the GelMA-Hep microspheres, the characteristic peaks of sulfonic acid and sulfate groups of Hep were detected at 1 490 cm ?1 and from 1 135 cm ?1 to 1 050 cm ?1, respectively. The swelling rate of the GelMA-dop microspheres was uniform, while the swelling rate of the GelMA microspheres and the GelMA-Hep microsphere was quite different, but the final swelling mass of the three microspheres tended to be consistent at 5 min. After 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of culture, the relative proliferation of cells in the GelMA-Hep group (1.61±0.29, 1.78±0.05, 2.27±0.08, 2.26±0.33) were higher than those in the negative control group (1.00±0.00, 1.28±0.06, 1.39±0.02, 1.41±0.04) (all P<0.05). After 36 h of culture, the relative proliferation of cells in the GelMA-Hep group was higher than that in the GelMA-dop group (1.63±0.21), with significant difference ( P<0.05). Live/dead cell staining experiment showed that after 12 h of cell culture in the GelMA-Hep group, only a few microspheres had cell adhesion; at 24 h, the cells were densely distributed on the surface of the microspheres. After 36 h, the number of cells increased further. At 48 h, live cells were distributed throughout the microspheres. Confocal microscopy showed that after 24 h of culture, cells adhered to the surface of the microspheres in the GelMA-Hep group and showed a stretched morphology. The liver of the GelMA-Hep+ADSCs group showed strong fluorescence at 0.5 h, and the fluorescence brightness continued to 48.0 h. The number of ADSCs reaching the liver was more than that of ADSCs group and GelMA+ADSCs group. Conclusions:GelMA-Hep microspheres were successfully prepared, which can improve the efficiency of liver-targeted delivery of ADSCs.

Colorectal adenoma is a definite precancerous lesion,and the"inflammation-cancer transformation"is a key pathological link in the process of colorectal adenoma-cancer evolution.Under the guidance of the theory of"preventive treatment of diseases"in TCM,prevention before disease onset and preventing the development of the occurred disease has become the consensus and the important subject of clinical research to block the"inflammation-cancer transformation"and prevent the precancerous lesions of colorectal cancer.This article discussed the effectiveness of TCM in preventing and treating the"inflammation-cancer transformation"from different aspects.Its advantages are reflected in improving the symptoms of TCM and improving the quality of life,etc.Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of cancer-promoting signals,regulating inflammation,maintaining intestinal microbial homeostasis,and protecting the intestinal barrier.By explaining the pathogenesis of adenoma-cancer transformation in TCM,this article discussed the efficacy and advantages of TCM to block"inflammation-cancer transformation",analyzed its intervention targets and pathways,providing references for the intervention of TCM in the management of precancerous lesions of colorectal cancer and the synergistic prevention and treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

[Objective]To analyze the clinical characteristics,efficacy of growth hormone(GH)therapy,and follow-up of a child with Rauch-Steindl syndrome(RAUST)caused by NSD2 gene mutation,aiming to enhance pediatricians'understanding of this disorder.[Methods]We summarized the clinical features,gene test results,outcomes of GH therapy,and follow-up data of a child with RAUST syndrome caused by NSD2 mutation admitted to the Pediatric Endocrinology Department of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital in April 2017,and then conducted a comparative analysis with relevant literature.[Results]The 2.9-year-old boy at initial visit was born prematurely at 36 weeks of gestation,with a birth weight of 1.7 kg and a body length of 42.0 cm.Clinical manifestations included intrauterine growth retardation,delayed language and motor development,extreme short stature(82.0 cm,-3.7 SD),emaciation,and distinctive facial features(triangular face,narrow jaw,prominent forehead,arched eyebrows,sparse eyebrows,high anterior hairline,crowded dentition),accompanied by bilateral cryptorchidism.Bone age was delayed by 1.4 years.Karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis were normal.GH therapy initiated at 3.8 years old yielded annual growth rates of 4.9-6.6 cm/year.When the treatment was discontinued at the age of 8.0,the boy's height was 113.7 cm(-3.0 SD),with subsequent decline in growth velocity.Whole exome sequencing in July 2024 identified a frameshift variant c.4028del(p.Pro1343Glnfs*49)in NSD2,which was confirmed as de novo pathogenic variation by parental Sanger sequencing.[Conclusions]This study reports the clinical features of RAUST syndrome caused by NSD2 mutation and explores the long-term efficacy of GH therapy.The findings contribute to a better understanding of this rare syndrome and further optimize its diagnosis and management.