OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) in inhibiting Erastin-induced ferroptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 8-week-old Spragur Dawley rats and identified [cell surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD45 were analyzed by flow cytometry, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities were assessed by alizarin red S (ARS) and oil red O staining, respectively]. Cells of passage 3 were used for the Erastin-induced ferroptosis model, with different concentrations of VPA for intervention. The optimal drug concentration was determined using the cell counting kit 8 assay. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: group A, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 24 hours; group B, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin for 24 hours; group C, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA for 24 hours; group D, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA, and 8 μmol/L EX527 for 24 hours. The mitochondrial state of the cells was evaluated, including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Osteogenic capacity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and ARS staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins [Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN)], ferroptosis-related proteins [glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)], and pathway-related proteins [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)]. RESULTS: The cultured cells were identified as BMSCs. VPA inhibited Erastin-induced ferroptosis and the decline of osteogenic ability in BMSCs, acting through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. VPA significantly reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in Erastin-treated BMSCs and significantly increased GSH levels. Additionally, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11) significantly decreased. VPA also upregulated the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins (RUNX2 and OPN), enhanced mineralization and osteogenic differentiation, and increased the expressions of pathway-related proteins (AMPK and SIRT1). These effects could be reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. CONCLUSION VPA inhibits ferroptosis in BMSCs through the AMPK/SIRT1 axis and promotes osteogenesis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Valproic Acid/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sirtuin 1/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Cells, Cultured ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Piperazines/pharmacology* ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Humans ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/pathology* ; Genetic Markers ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics* ; Urothelium/pathology*

Objective:To investigate the feasibility,safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted laparo-scopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty in the treatment of complex long proximal ureteral stricture.Methods:The clinical data of 20 patients with proximal ureteral stricture undergoing robot-assisted lapa-roscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty admitted to the Department of Urology,Peking University First Hospital and Beijing Jiangong Hospital from July 2022 to January 2023 were prospectively collected and analyzed.Intraoperative conditions,postoperative complications and follow-up data were also recorded and analyzed.Results:The operations under robot-assisted laparoscopy were performed successfully in all the 20 patients without conversion to traditional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.The study in-cluded 14 males and 6 females with a mean age of(41±11)years(range:19 to 60 years)and a mean body mass index of(24.3±3.6)kg/m2(range:18.2 to 31.8 kg/m2).There were 9 cases on the left side and 11 cases on the right side.The strictures of all the patients were located in the proximal segment of the ureter(including the ureteropelvic junction).The mean preoperative serum creatinine was(92.2±23.3)μmol/L(range:49.2 to 138.9 μmol/L),and the mean length of ureteral stricture was(2.8±0.9)cm(range:1.0 to 4.0 cm).Ten patients had previously undergone unsuccessful reconstructive surgery.During the operation,12 patients received posteriorly augmented anastomosis with ventral onlay.The mean length of the buccal mucosa graft harvested during the operation was(3.1±0.6)cm(range:2.0 to 4.3 cm),and the median width was 1.5 cm(range:1.0 to 2.0 cm).The omentum flap was used to wrap the reconstructed ureteral segment in all the 20 cases.The median operative time was 154 min(range:113 to 300 min),and the median estimated blood loss was 45 mL(range:0 to 100 mL).The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 d(range:4 to 14 d).The mean postoperative follow-up time was(15.0±1.7)months(range:12.5 to 17.9 months),and the surgical success rate was 100.0％in this study.After surgery,11 patients reported mild discomfort at the oral donor site,2 patients deve-loped urinary tract infection,and no postoperative complications were reported in the other 7 patients.The mean serum creatinine was(90.9±23.9)μmol/L(range:60.0 to 153.0 μmol/L)six months after surgery.Conclusion:Robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty for the treatment of complex long proximal ureteral stricture has satisfactory efficacy without severe complications,which has shown good feasibility,safety and effectiveness.However,large sample studies and long-term follow-up are still needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy.

Objective:To summarize the clinical features, electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetoencephalogram (MEG) of patients with pure paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) and PKD with epilepsy, so as to better distinguish them and guide the treatments.Methods:The clinical data of 200 patients diagnosed with PKD in the Outpatient Department of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2000 to 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups: pure PKD (174 cases) and PKD with epilepsy (26 cases) according to whether accompanied by epilepsy. The differences in clinical features, drug therapy, EEG and MEG were compared between the 2 groups.Results:The clinical features of the 2 groups were essentially similar, and the proportion of PKD dyskinesia induced by emotional stress in the pure PKD group (54/174, 31.03%) was higher than that in the PKD with epilepsy group (2/26, 7.69%; χ 2=5.010, P=0.025). In terms of pharmacological response, carbamazepine was the most commonly used medication in both groups, but patients with PKD with epilepsy may need a higher therapeutic dosages (0.2-0.4 g/d, and gradually increased to 0.8 g/d) to effectively manage both dyskinesia and seizures. Regarding the EEG and MEG, the proportion of EEG abnormalities was higher in PKD patients with epilepsy, mainly manifested as focal spikes [1/70(1.43%) vs 9/21(42.86%), χ 2=24.268, P<0.001], together with aberrant MEG discharge (4/18 vs 3/5, χ 2=1.155, P=0.282). The MEG dipoles were mainly distributed in the brain regions close to the frontal lobe and central region. Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of motor symptoms of pure PKD and PKD with epilepsy are similar, and carbamazepine remains the most effective treatment. PKD patients with epilepsy have a higher proportion of abnormal EEG, mainly manifested as focal spikes, and are more likely to show abnormal discharge of MEG, which could be used to distinguish them.

Background and purpose:Epidermal growth factor receptor exon 20 T790M(EGFR T790M)mutation is one of the acquired resistance mechanisms in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)against first-/second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR TKIs).Additionally,EGFR T790M mutation can also be observed in NSCLC patients who have not undergone EGFR TKIs treatment.This study aimed to compare the clinical pathological characteristics and prognostic differences between NSCLC patients with de novo and acquired EGFR T790M mutation,and further explore the immune microenvironment features of acquired T790M mutation in NSCLC.Methods:This study retrospectively included 3 762 cases of NSCLC diagnosed at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from April 2020 to September 2022.Among them,2 070 cases(55.02%)exhibited EGFR mutations,and 556 cases(14.77%)received EGFR TKIs treatment.Specifically,there were 119 cases(3.16%)of NSCLC with EGFR T790M mutation,including 51 cases(1.35%)of de novo T790M mutation and 68 cases(1.81%)of acquired EGFR T790M mutation.Clinical data of the patients were collected for comparative analysis between NSCLC patients with de novo and acquired T790M mutation.Multiple immunofluorescence histochemistry(mIHC)was employed to explore the immune microenvironment characteristics of NSCLC patients with acquired T790M mutation.Results:The proportion of de novo and acquired T790M mutations was higher in female patients compared to males.Patients with de novo T790M mutation tended to be younger.Both de novo and acquired T790M mutations were more commonly found in poorly differentiated carcinomas.Among NSCLC patients with de novo T790M mutation,there was a higher rate of programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1)expression(60.00%).In contrast,among NSCLC patients with acquired T790M mutation,the rate of PD-L1 expression was lower(22.39%).Acquired T790M mutation in NSCLC was often accompanied by TP53 alterations(39.7%).Cox regression analysis results indicated that mesenchymal to epithelial transition(MET)factor alteration was a risk factor for the occurrence of acquired T790M mutation(P=0.000 5).The average overall survival(OS)showed no significant difference between de novo and acquired T790M mutations(35.4 and 37.3 months respectively).However,patients with acquired T790M mutation exhibited a higher proportion of recurrence and metastasis.In acquired T790M mutation,there was a higher presence of immune cell infiltration within the stromal compartment,such as CD20+B cells,CD23+B cells,CD8+T cells,CD8+PD-1-/+cells,CD20+PD-1-/+cells and CD23+PD-1-/+cells.Additionally,the study found that when EGFR was accompanied by tumor suppressor gene(TSG)alterations,the average distance between tumor cells and CD8+T cells,CD20+B cells,CD8+PD-1+cells,CD20+PD-1+cells and CD23+PD-1+cells was closer compared to cases with only EGFR mutations.Conclusion:In comparison to patients with de novo T790M mutation,patients with acquired T790M mutation exhibit a lower rate of PD-L1 positivity.Acquired T790M mutation often accompanies TP53 alterations,and MET alteration is identified as a risk factor triggering acquired T790M mutation.Although patients with acquired T790M mutation face higher risk of recurrence and metastasis,their average OS does not significantly differ from those with de novo T790M mutation.In cases of acquired T790M mutation,the presence of TSG mutations can alter the spatial distribution of immune cells,potentially leading to benefits from immunotherapy.

Objective: We used polysomnography (PSG) monitoring and neuropsychological scales to explore the characteristics of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Wuhan, two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 42 patients in the Sleep Medicine Center were diagnosed with insomnia between December 2021 and May 2022; they were divided into the PTSD group (patients with PTSD diagnosed with insomnia after COVID-19 infection) and the non-PTSD group (patients with insomnia without PTSD). A healthy control group was simultaneously included. Results: The PTSD group was more significant than the non-PTSD group in partial manifestations of sleep disorders, neuropsychological clinical symptoms, and partial PSG data. Patients with different COVID-19 subtypes showed significant differences in the course of disease, sleep disorders, neuropsychological clinical symptoms, relevant scale scores, and PSG data analysis. Conclusion The emotional anxiety and depression of COVID-19 patients diagnosed with PTSD two years after the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan are more significant, and will not be self-alleviated with the passage of time. It is necessary to continue to pay attention to the PTSD symptoms and sleep psychology of COVID-19 infected patients, and take appropriate measures. Patients with severe and critical COVID-19 have more severe sleep and mental disorders, and there is a significant correlation between the duration of the disease and the severity of mental and mental disorders and sleep disorders after recovery.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug delivery systems (DDSs) have garnered significant attention in cancer research because of their potential for precise spatiotemporal drug release tailored to high ROS levels within tumors. Despite the challenges posed by ROS distribution heterogeneity and endogenous supply constraints, this review highlights the strategic alliance of ROS-responsive DDSs with photodynamic therapy (PDT), enabling selective drug delivery and leveraging PDT-induced ROS for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This review delves into the biological importance of ROS in cancer progression and treatment. We elucidate in detail the operational mechanisms of ROS-responsive linkers, including thioether, thioketal, selenide, diselencide, telluride and aryl boronic acids/esters, as well as the latest developments in ROS-responsive nanomedicines that integrate with PDT strategies. These insights are intended to inspire the design of innovative ROS-responsive nanocarriers for enhanced cancer PDT.

Natural killer (NK) cells are an important part of the body's innate immune system. As the first line of defense against pathogens, they need to be transformed into a mature state under the control of various cell signaling molecules and transcription factors to play cytotoxic and immune regulatory roles. Under the interaction of activated receptors and inhibitory receptors, NK cells are activated to perform a direct cell killing effect by secreting perforin and granzyme, or indirectly eliminate pathogenic microorganisms in the body by secreting various cytokines, such as type I and type II interferons. These functions of NK cells play a very important role in antiviral and anti-autoimmune diseases, especially in anti-tumor.
Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Interferon-gamma ; Apoptosis ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Cytokines

Objective:To study the distribution and antibiotics resistance of the main pathogens of neonatal purulent meningitis in different regions of China.Methods:A retrospective descriptive clinical epidemiological study was conducted in children with neonatal purulent meningitis which admitted to 18 tertiary hospitals in different regions of China between January 2015 to December 2019. The test results of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and drug sensitivity test results of the main pathogens were collected. The distributions of pathogenic bacteria in children with neonatal purulent meningitis in preterm and term infants, early and late onset infants, in Zhejiang Province and other regions outside Zhejiang Province, and in Wenzhou region and other regions of Zhejiang Province were analyzed. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 210 neonatal purulent meningitis cases were collected. The common pathogens were Escherichia coli ( E. coli)(41.4%(87/210)) and Streptococcus agalactiae ( S. agalactiae)(27.1%(57/210)). The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria in preterm infants (77.6%(45/58)) with neonatal purulent meningitis was higher than that in term infants (47.4%(72/152)), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=15.54, P=0.001). There were no significant differences in the constituent ratios of E. coli (36.5%(31/85) vs 44.8%(56/125)) and S. agalactiae (24.7%(21/85) vs 28.8%(36/125)) between early onset and late onset cases (both P>0.05). The most common pathogen was E. coli in different regions, with 46.7%(64/137) in Zhejiang Province and 31.5%(23/73) in other regions outside Zhejiang Province. In Zhejiang Province, S. agalactiae was detected in 49 out of 137 cases (35.8%), which was significantly higher than other regions outside Zhejiang Province (11.0%(8/73)). The proportions of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in other regions outside Zhejiang Province (17.8%(13/73) and 16.4%(12/73)) were both higher than those in Zhejiang Province (2.9%(4/137) and 5.1%(7/137)). The differences were all statistically significant ( χ2=14.82, 12.26 and 7.43, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of Gram-positive bacteria in Wenzhou City (60.8%(31/51)) was higher than that in other regions in Zhejiang Province (38.4%(33/86)), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.46, P=0.011). E. coli was sensitive to meropenem (0/45), and 74.4%(32/43) of them were resistant to ampicillin. E. coli had different degrees of resistance to other common cephalosporins, among which, cefotaxime had the highest resistance rate of 41.8%(23/55), followed by ceftriaxone (32.4%(23/71)). S. agalactiae was sensitive to penicillin, vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions:The composition ratios of pathogenic bacteria of neonatal purulent meningitis are different in different regions of China. The most common pathogen is E. coli, which is sensitive to meropenem, while it has different degrees of resistance to other common cephalosporins, especially to cefotaxime.

Objective:To compare the detection and amplitude of epileptiform discharges (EDs) between surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode in patients with interictal EDs in the temporal region, and to explore the value of surface sphenoidal electrode.Methods:A total of 1 356 outpatients with epilepsy who underwent 2-hour video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring in Xuanwu Hospital from October to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients were hooked up with scalp electrode according to the international 10-20 system as well as surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode. The EEGs with EDs recorded by surface sphenoidal electrode and/or anterior temporal electrode were selected for analysis. The detection rate and the amplitude of EDs by surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode were compared.Results:Seventy-three EEGs were collected and 250 EDs were counted. The detection rate of the anterior temporal electrode and surface sphenoidal electrode were 88.0% (220/250) and 98.4% (246/250) respectively. The difference in detection rate was statistically significant (χ 2=18.38, P<0.001). For the EDs from anterior temporal regions (taking the discharges recorded by anterior temporal electrode as "gold standard"), the detection rate of surface sphenoidal electrode was 98.2% (216/220). There was no statistically significant difference in detection rate between the anterior temporal electrode and surface sphenoidal electrode (χ 2=2.27, P=0.132). There were 216 EDs recorded by these two kinds of electrode simultaneously. The average amplitude of the EDs on surface sphenoidal electrode and anterior temporal electrode was (77.1±38.9) μV and (80.2±44.9) μV, respectively. The difference was statistically significant ( t=2.28, P=0.031). Conclusions:The detection rate of surface sphenoid electrodes was higher than that of anterior temporal electrodes for the EDs in the temporal region, and surface sphenoidal electrodes can be used routinely in outpatient. The surface sphenoidal electrode had more chance to detect EDs originating from regions out of the anterior temporal regions.