Objective To construct a dynamic prediction model for JC polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation after kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 128 recipients who met the inclusion criteria and received kidney transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, from June 2021 to December 2024. Dynamic Cox regression and dynamic restricted mean survival time (RMST) regression based on the landmark method were adopted to establish the dynamic prediction models, and Monte Carlo cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance. Results The dynamic models could predict the incidence and onset time of JCV reactivation within the subsequent 3 months according to covariates at each landmark time point from the 1st to the 6th month after transplantation. Remuzzi score, body mass index and warm ischemia time were independent risk factors for JCV reactivation, while a history of urinary BK polyomavirus reactivation served as a protective factor. The median values of the area under the curve, C-index and Brier score of the dynamic Cox model were 0.873, 0.851 and 0.065 respectively, and the C-index of the dynamic RMST model was 0.829, all of which were superior to those of the static model. Conclusions The landmark-based dynamic models exhibit excellent predictive performance, which may integrate baseline data and post-transplant follow-up information to realize dynamic assessment of the risk and time window of JCV reactivation, thereby providing evidence for optimizing post-operative monitoring and individualized intervention strategies.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Paragonimus infection in freshwater crabs from selected areas of Yunnan Province, and to perform molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the isolated parasites based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Methods Freshwater crabs were collected from both local markets and natural streams in Zhaotong City, Pu’er City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Baoshan City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Lincang City of Yunnan Province from May to August 2025. Paragonimus metacercariae were isolated using a sieve and sedimentation method. After morphological identification of the metacercariae, the infection rate and infection intensity of Paragonimus in freshwater crabs were calculated. Then genomic DNA was extracted from an individual metacercaria, and ITS2 and COI gene fragments were amplified using a PCR assay and sequenced. The obtained sequences were aligned with those available in the GenBank database. Genetic distances were calculated with the software MEGA 11.0 based on the Kimura 2-parameter model, and phylogenetic trees were built using the neighbour-joining method. Results A total of 600 freshwater crabs were collected, with 18 positive for Paragonimus metacercariae. The prevalence of Paragonimus infection was 12.00% (18/150) in freshwater crabs from Zhaotong City, while no Paragonimus infection was detected in crabs from other five prefectures (cities). Twenty metacercariae were recovered, with an overall infection intensity of 1.11 metacercariae per crab. Morphological observation revealed two types of Paragonimus metacercariae, including 19 resembling P. skrjabini, and 1 resembling P. paishuihoensis. Ten metacercariae of distinct morphotypes were randomly selected for molecular identification, and sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of ITS2 and COI genes identified 9 as P. skrjabini and 1 as P. paishuihoensis. The nine ITS2 gene sequences shared 98.34% to 100.00% homology with the reference sequence of P. skrjabini (GenBank accession number: KX129924.1), and the single ITS2 gene sequence showed 100.00% homology with the reference sequence of P. paishuihoensis (GenBank accession number: OM401939.1), while its COI sequence showed 98.80% homology with the reference sequence of P. paishuihoensis (GenBank accession number: AB679288.1). Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the 10 sequences were clustered separately into the clades of P. skrjabini and P. paishuihoensis. Conclusions This study reports the first detection of P. paishuihoensis in freshwater crabs from Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, and confirms P. skrjabini as the dominant Paragonimus species in this region. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 and COI genes are effective to distinguish Paragonimus species, which provides the scientific evidence for precise control of paragonimiasis in Yunan Province.

It is proposed that although allergic rhinitis manifests primarily in the nasal orifices， its root lies in deficiency of the lung and spleen and insecurity of the lung defensive qi， while deficiency of healthy qi with latent pathogen， triggering by external stimuli， and constraint of defensive yang constitute the key pathogenesis. The onset of disease is not caused solely by newly contracted external pathogens. Rather， on the basis of insecurity of the lung-defense qi， external stimuli such as wind-cold and abnormal qi， dust mites， pollen， and sudden climatic changes， activate the latent pathogen， resulting in constraint of defensive yang， disharmony between nutritive and defensive qi， impaired diffusion of lung qi， failure to contain body fluids， and dysfunction of the nasal orifices. The disease progression can be summarized as following steps， deficiency of healthy qi with latent pathogen， activation by external stimuli， constraint of defensive yang， dysfunction of the nasal orifices， incomplete elimination of the pathogen and incomplete recovery of healthy qi. The general therapeutic principle is to consolidate the defensive qi and vent the latent pathogen while regulating the lung and nasal orifices simultaneously. The empirical prescription Xingui Fangzhi Decoction （辛桂防芷汤） is used as the basic formula and modified dynamically according to the attack and remission stages. During the attack stage， treatment focuses on dispelling wind and cold， regulating defensive qi， and venting the latent pathogen； during the remission stage， it emphasizes supplementing qi， consolidating the defensive exterior， and reinforcing the spleen to resolve the latent pathogen.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitors (AI) combined with recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) in improving the final height (FH) of boys in late puberty.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of antimicrobial stewardship scientific(AMS)of antimicrobial agents on special antibiotics so as to provide evidence-based bases for reasonable use of antibiotics.METHODS A retro-spective survey was conducted for the status of use of special antibiotics in Zhongnan Hospital,Wuhan University.The utilization rate of intravenous infusion of antibiotics,antimicrobials use density(AUD)of special grade antibi-otics,defined daily doses(DDDs),etiological submission rate of microorganisms before use of antibiotics and drug resistance rates of major gram-negative bacteria to special grade antibiotics were observed and compared be-fore and after the AMS was carried out.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,severity of dis-ease and spectrum of infectious diseases before and after the AMS was carried out.The utilization rate of intrave-nous infusion of antibiotics was(55.64±1.63)％among the hospitalized patients after the AMS was carried out,the AUD of special grade antibiotics was 2.08±0.57,and the DDDs was 2406.53±292.16,showing generally downward trends(P＜0.05).The drug resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii strains to cefepime and imi-penem were 89.15％and 90.21％,respectively,showing upward trends(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The AUD and DDDs of the special grade antibiotics can be remarkably reduced through powerful means such as carrying out AMS,setting up AMS task group for special grade antibiotics,developing guidance documents for scientific use of special antibiotics,taking full advantage of reasonable drug administration surveillance system,implementing closed-loop management of the special antibiotics,and completing early warning mechanisms for bacterial drug re-sistance as well as information construction to boost management.

Cysteine protease inhibitor SN(Cystatin SN , CST1), a member of the type 2 cystatins superfamily, regulates tumor biological activities by modulating cysteine protease activity. CST1 is abnormally expressed in digestive system neoplasms, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. CST1 influences tumor cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through signaling pathways including Wnt, STAT3, and PI3K-AKT. Its expression levels significantly correlated with tumor stage, metastasis, and patient prognosis, suggesting its potiential as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, and prognosis in digestive system neoplasms. This article systematically reviews the molecular characteristics of CST1, its mechanisms of action in digestive system neoplasms, clinical significance, and explores its potential as a therapeutic target.

Hydroxyectoine, a vital compatible solute, is widely utilized in cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical industries, and biologics. However, the current microbial fermentation methods for hydroxyectoine production face challenges including insufficient precursor supply and low yields. Therefore, developing engineering microbial strains capable of efficiently synthesizing hydroxyectoine is of great significance. In this study, we first constructed a high-yield ectoine-producing strain ECT04 by multi-copy integration of the ectoine synthesis genes ectABC into the pseudogene loci of Escherichia coli MG1655(DE3), achieving an ectoine titer of 6.03 g/L. Subsequently, we employed plasmids with varying copy numbers to express ectD from Chromohalobacter salexigens to enable the conversion for hydroxyectoine production. We further investigated the effects of promoter, co-substrate ɑ-ketoglutarate, Fe²⁺ concentration, and dissolved oxygen on hydroxyectoine synthesis. Through fed-batch fermentation in a 7-L bioreactor, we significantly enhanced the hydroxyectoine production efficiency, attaining a final titer of 8.58 g/L and a productivity of 0.24 g/(L·h). This work successfully achieved the de novo synthesis of hydroxyectoine in E. coli, laying a foundation for the efficient bioproduction of this compound.
Escherichia coli/genetics* ; Fermentation ; Amino Acids, Diamino/biosynthesis* ; Bioreactors/microbiology* ; Metabolic Engineering/methods* ; Chromohalobacter/genetics* ; Plasmids/genetics*

Objective:To study the effect of angiopoietin-1(Ang-1)and tyrosine kinase receptor 2(Tie2)inhibitor on glucose transportation in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)cultured under high glucose conditions,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:The HUVECs were cultured in high glucose(30 mmol·L?1)in vitro and treated with 0,200,500,1 000,and 2 000 μg·L?1 Ang-1 and 0,2 500,5 000,and 7 500 nmol·L?1 Tie2 inhibitor;cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to detect the cell activity to screen the optimal concentrations of Ang-1 and Tie2 inhibitor.Glucose kit was used to detect the glucose level in the supernatant of the HUVECs after Ang-1 intervention.The HUVECs were randomly divided into blank control group(NG group),high glucose group(HG group),HG+Tie2 inhibitor group(HG+In-Tie2 group),HG+Ang-1 group,HG+Ang-1+Tie2 inhibitor group(HG+Ang-1+In-Tie2 group),and HG+Ang-1+phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor group(HG+Ang-1+LY294002 group).5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)method was used to detect the proliferation activities of the cells in various groups;YO-PRO-1/PI method was used to detect the apoptotic rates of the cells in various groups;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of Ang-1 mRNA and Tie2 mRNA in the cells in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Tie2,glucose transporter 1(GLUT1),and glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)proteins and the ratios of phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K)/PI3K and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT)/AKT in the cells in various groups.Results:The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with 0 μg·L?1 Ang-1 group,the activity of the HUVECs was significantly increased after treated with 200 μg·L?1 Ang-1 for 48 h(P<0.01);compared with 0 nmol·L?1 Tie2 inhibitor group,the activity of the HUVECs was significantly decreased after treated with 2 500、5 000 and 7 500 nmol·L?1 Tie2 inhibitor(P<0.01);the optimal concentrations of Ang-1 and Tie2 inhibitor were 200 μg·L?1 and 2 500 nmol·L?1,respectively.Compared with NG group,the glucose level in the supernatant of the HUVECs in HG group was significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with HG group,the glucose level in the supernatant of the HUVECs in Ang-1 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The EdU assay results showed that compared with NG group,the proliferation activity of the HUVECs in HG group was significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with HG group,the proliferation activity of the HUVECs in HG+In-Tie2 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the proliferation activity of the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1 group was significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with HG+Ang-1 group,the proliferation activities of the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1+In-Tie2 group and HG+Ang-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The YO-PRO-1/PI assay results showed that compared with NG group,the apoptotic rate of the HUVECs in HG group was significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with HG group,the apoptotic rate of the HUVECs in HG+In-Tie2 group was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the apoptotic rate of the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with HG+Ang-1 group,the apoptotic rates of the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1+In-Tie2 group and HG+Ang-1+LY294002 group were significantly increased(P<0.01).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with NG group,the expression levels of Ang-1 mRNA and Tie2 mRNA in the HUVECs in HG group and HG+In-Tie2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with HG group,the expression levels of Ang-1 mRNA and Tie2 mRNA in HG+In-Tie2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of Ang-1 mRNA and Tie2 mRNA in the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1 group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with HG+Ang-1 group,the expression levels of Ang-1 mRNA and Tie2 mRNA in the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1+In-Tie2 group and HG+Ang-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with NG group,the expression level of Tie2 protein in the HUVECs in HG group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with HG group,the expression levels of Tie2,GLUT1,and GLUT4 proteins in the HUVECs in HG+In-Tie2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression level of Tie2 protein in the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1 group was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with HG+Ang-1 group,the expression levels of Tie2,GLUT1,and GLUT4 proteins in the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1+In-Tie2 group and HG+Ang-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with NG group,the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios in the HUVECs in HG group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with HG group,the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios in the HUVECs in HG+In-Tie2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios in the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with HG+Ang-1 group,the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios in the HUVECs in HG+Ang-1+In-Tie2 group and HG+Ang-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:Ang-1 down-regulates the expressions of GLUT1 and GLUT4 in the HUVECs cultured under high glucose conditions;the binding of Ang-1 to Tie2 may down-regulate GLUT1 and GLUT4 via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to participate in the glucose transportation in the HUVECs cultured under high glucose conditions.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the regulatory role of the NLRP3 signaling pathway in hepatocyte pyroptosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) under hypoxia. METHODS: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized equally into hypoxic control (A), hypoxic NASH model (B), hypoxic NASH+NLRP3 inhibitor (C), and hypoxic NASH+caspase-1 inhibitor (D) groups. In groups B-D, the mice were fed a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet under hypoxic conditions (to simulate a 5000 m altitude) for 6 weeks; the mice in groups C and D received intraperitoneal injections of the respective inhibitors every other day. RESULTS: Compared with those in group A, the mice in group B showed significantly elevated serum levels of FBG, TC, TG, ALT and AST, increased liver lipid content, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, and enhanced hepatic expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and GSDMD proteins, with obvious swelling, cristae breakage, vacuolization, and outer membrane disruption of the mitochondria, ribosome loss in the cytoplasm, destruction of the nuclear membrane, and pathological changes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Treatment with NLRP3 inhibitor and caspase-1 inhibitor both significantly lowered serum levels of TC, TG, ALT and AST (but without significantly affecting FBG) in the mouse models, and reduced liver lipid content, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD and IL-1β. The treatments also significantly improved pathological changes in the mitochondria, ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum in liver tissues of the mice. CONCLUSIONS NLRP3 signaling pathway plays a key role in promoting hepatocyte pyroptosis in NASH mice under hypoxic condition, and inhibiting this pathway can effectively reduce liver inflammation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for NASH treatment.
Animals ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Hepatocytes/pathology* ; Signal Transduction ; Mice ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of chicken-claw needling with blade needle for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). METHODS: A total of 30 patients with PHN were treated with chicken-claw needling with blade needle, the most painful area, costal angle on the same side with the affected intercostal nerve and the midpoint of the line connecting the first two points along the intercostal nerve were selected as treatment points, without needle retained, once a week, a total of 2 times were required. Before and after treatment, the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. The recurrence rate of neuralgia was evaluated on the 60th day after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of VAS and DLQI were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Of 30 patients, 4 cases were cured, 20 cases showed markedly efficacy, 4 cases were improved, 2 cases were ineffective, the total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30). The recurrence rate of neuralgia was 6.7% (2/30). CONCLUSION Chicken-claw needling with blade needle could effectively relieve the pain in patients with PHN, improve the quality of life and reduce the recurrence rate of neuralgia.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Neuralgia, Postherpetic/therapy* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Needles ; Adult