[Objective] To analyze the infection status of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in Zhengzhou, so as to provide data support for formulating local blood screening strategies. [Methods] Random samples from blood donors from January to December 2022 were tested for HEV RNA using PCR technology. Reactive samples were sequenced for gene analysis, and the donors were followed up. [Results] Among 21 311 samples, 3(0.14‰) were reactive for HEV RNA, all of whom were male. Genetic sequencing results revealed that one strong positive sample was genotype 4, while sequencing failed for the other two due to low viral load. A follow-up of 25 strong positive donors showed that ALT significantly increased on day 7 after donation, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG turned positive. On day 21, ALT returned to normal, and on day 35, HEV RNA turned negative. Notably, anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG persisted until day 482. [Conclusion] There is HEV infection among blood donors in Zhengzhou, and it is necessary to expand the screening scope to comprehensively explore the prevalence and genotype distribution of HEV among blood donors.

Flowering and bolting are important agronomic traits in cruciferous crops such as Brassica juncea. Timely flowering can ensure the crop organ yield and quality, as well as seed propagation. The WRKY family plays an important role in regulating plant bolting and flowering, while the function and mechanism of WRKY12 in B. juncea remain unknown. To explore its function and mechanism in bolting and flowering of B. juncea, we cloned and characterized the BjuWRKY12 gene in B. juncea and found that its expression levels were significantly higher in flowers and inflorescences than in leaves. BjuWRKY12 belonged to the Ⅱc subfamily of the WRKY family, and subcellular localization indicated that the protein was located in the nucleus. Ectopic overexpression of BjuWRKY12 in transgenic lines promoted bolting and flowering, leading to significant increases in the expression levels of flowering integrators SOC1 and FUL. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase reporter system assays confirmed that BjuWRKY12 directly bound to the promoters of BjuSOC1 and BjuFUL, undergoing protein-DNA interactions. This discovery gives new insights into the regulation network and molecular mechanisms of BjuWRKY12, laying a theoretical foundation for the breeding of high-yield and high-quality varieties of B. juncea.
Mustard Plant/metabolism* ; Flowers/growth & development* ; Plant Proteins/physiology* ; Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; MADS Domain Proteins/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the distribution and seasonal fluctuations of visceral leishmaniasis vectors sandflies in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province, so as to provide insights into assessment of the visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk and formulation of visceral leishmaniasis control measures. Methods A total of 12 natural villages were sampled from Shilou County, Lishi District, Lanxian County, Linxian County and Wenshui County in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province from June to September, 2023, and sandflies were captured using light traps from 7 breeding habitats, including farmers’ houses, sheep pens, cattle pens, chicken coops, pig pens, mule and horse pens, and loess-cave dwellings. Following morphological identification of the sandfly species, the distribution of sandflies and the seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density were analyzed. In addition, the Leishmania was detected in sandflies using a real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Results A total of 2 831 sandflies were captured with 156 light traps in Lüliang City from June to September, 2023, including 2 638 female sandflies (93.18%) and 193 male sandflies (6.82%), and the average density was 16.91 sandflies/(light-night). The seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density all appeared a unimodal distribution in all survey sites, and the sandfly density peaked in July and then declined rapidly. Among all types of breeding habitats, the greatest sandfly density was found in sheep pens [39.04 sandflies/(light-night)]. In addition, 4.08% (2/49) of the sandfly samples were tested positive for Leishmania nucleic acid as revealed by the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Conclusions Sandflies were widely distributed in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province in 2023, and the peak of the sandfly density was observed in July, which had a visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk. Intensified surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis and sandfly vectors is required and targeted vector control is recommended.

Objective The Network Enhancement Fusion(ne-SNF)method had no denoising strategy for the networks from each omics data type,which would weaken the power of network fusion.To address this problem,we proposed an improved Network Enhancement Fusion(improved ne-SNF)model,and further applied the method to subtype identification of papillary renal cell carcinoma.Methods We conducted simulation studies to compare the performances of the improved ne-SNF method with the ne-SNF and SNF method,and applied improved ne-SNF method to integrate multi-omics data of PRCC.Cox regression model was performed to evaluate the prognostic risk of different subtypes.Differentially expressed mRNAs(DEmRNAs),miRNAs(DEmiRNAs)and differentially methylated genes(DMGs)with different subtypes were screened.KEGG pathway analysis was performed for the overlapping genes of three gene sets.Finally,the immune cell infiltration analysis was performed for patients with different subtypes.Results The improved ne-SNF method outperformed both SNF and ne-SNF approach in various simulation scenarios.In subsequent subtyping application,PRCC patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups,and the risk of death was 7.727 times higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group.A total of 3511 DEmRNAs,96 DEmiRNAs and 3426 DMGs were identified.Among them,649 overlapping genes yielded 42 KEGG pathways with statistical differences.In addition,3 immune filtrating cells showed statistical significance.Conclusion The improved ne-SNF performed better than SNF and ne-SNF,and the identified subtypes of PRCC may provide important clues and basis for treatment of PRCC patient.

Objective:To compare the prognostic values of different classification by using transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG), diastolic pressure gradient (DPG) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD), and investigated hemodynamic and clinical factors associated with mortality in patients with PH-LHD.Methods:This was a single-center prospective cohort study. In-hospital patients diagnosed with PH-LHD via right heart catheterization at the Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from September 2013 to December 2019 were enrolled. Patients were divided according to TPG (cutoff value 12 mmHg; 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), DPG (cutoff value 7 mmHg), PVR (cutoff value 3 Wood Units), and the combination of TPG and PVR. Baseline characteristic was recorded. All patients were followed up until the occurrence of endpoint event, defined as all-cause death that occurred during the follow-up period, or until April 18, 2022. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the predictive value of 3 classification methods for all-cause death in PH-LHD patients. The optimal cutoff values were calculated using Jorden index. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and log-rank test was used to compare the predictive efficacy of classification methods based on optimal cutoff values or guidance-recommended thresholds for the survival of PH-LHD patients. Variables showing statistical significance in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Cox regression model to analyze the independent risk factors for all-cause mortality.Results:A total of 243 patients were enrolled, aged (54.9±12.7) years old, including 169 (69.5%) males. During a median follow-up of 57 months, there were 101 (41.6%) deaths occurred. Grouping results were as follows: (1) TPG: TPG≤12 mmHg group 115 patients, TPG>12 mmHg group 128 patients; (2) DPG: DPG<7 mmHg group 193 patients, DPG≥7 mmHg group 50 patients; (3) PVR: PVR≤3 Wood Units group 108 patients, PVR>3 Wood Units group 135 patients; (4) TPG and PVR: TPG≤12 mmHg and PVR≤3 Wood Units group 89 patients, TPG>12 mmHg and PVR>3 Wood Units group 109 patients. PVR ( AUC=0. 698,95% CI:0.631-0.766) had better predictive value for all-cause mortality than TPG ( AUC=0.596, 95% CI: 0.523-0.669) and DPG ( AUC=0.526, 95% CI: 0.452-0.601) (all P<0.05). The optimal cutoff values for TPG, DPG, and PVR were13.9 mmHg, 2.8 mmHg, and 3.8 Wood Units, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis based on the optimal cutoff values or guidance-recommended thresholds showed that PVR and TPG were the predictors of survival ( P<0.05), while DPG did not showed significance ( P>0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, PVR and log 2N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in PH-LHD patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Classification according to PVR was most valuable in predicting all-cause death in PH-LHD patients, while TPG showed moderate predictive ability and DPG had no predictive value.

Objective To analyze and clarify the concept of intrinsic capacity of the elderly.Methods We searched studies on intrinsic capacity of the elderly from websites and databases,including PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,CINAHL,China Biomedical Literature Service System databases,CNKI,WanFang databases and VIP.We selected relevant papers from the inception of databases to July 2023 according to inclusion criteria.Rodgers evolutionary method of concept analysis was used.Results A total of 30 articles were retrieved.4 attributes were identified on intrinsic capacity,including:guided by the goal of achieving healthy aging,inherent physiological reserve capacity of individuals,rich and interactive dimensions,and a dynamic and reversible development trajectory.Its prerequisites include demographic factors,socio-economic factors,health-related charac-teristics,external environment,and other factors;post effects include early identification of declining intrinsic abilities in the elderly and timely adoption of targeted intervention measures,which are of great significance for improving the quality of life of the elderly and promoting healthy aging.The decline in intrinsic capabilities is closely related to various adverse health outcomes,posing a serious threat to the health status of the elderly.Conclusion The concept attributes of intrinsic capacity were identified by concept analysis method.In the future,research and clinical practice should be carried out based on the concept of intrinsic capacity.

Objective:Based on the specific cleavage and non-specific "trans-cleavage" activities of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein(CRISPR/Cas13), we established a visually amplification-free rapid detection technique of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. This technique is easily processed with a low detection limit and good specificity.Methods:According to the 2019-nCoV gene sequence, specific CRISPR RNAs were screened and designed by bioinformatics analysis, and then synthesized as universal signal-strained RNA transcription targets in vitro to establish and optimize the reaction system. Moreover, the 2019-nCoV pseudoviral nucleic acid was used as a standard substance to evaluate the detection limit. A total of 65 positive samples were collected from various 2019-nCoV variants, while 48 negative samples included other clinically common respiratory pathogens, such as influenza A virus, influenza B virus, human parainfluenza virus, Klebsiella pneumonia, etc. All samples were tested by quantitative PCR (qPCR), digital PCR, and the method established in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of the newly established method were analyzed and evaluated. Results:With the newly established technique, the detection time for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid could be minimized to 6 minutes. In addition, the detection limit was 14 copies/μl when assisted by the displaying instrument, whereas it increased to 28 copies/μl with the naked eye. This technique had a sensitivity and specificity of 98.5% (66/67) and 100% (46/46) respectively, showing no statistically significant difference compared to the gold standard qPCR( P=1). Conclusions:This study has successfully established a CRISPR/Cas13a-based visually rapid detection technique for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid. This technique offers the advantages of a simple process, convenient operation, low environmental operating requirements, a detection limit close to qPCR, and a strong potential for on-site testing applications.

Objective To investigate the application of intra pelvic pressure(IPP)in ultramicro-channel percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.Methods From January 2022 to January 2023,60 patients with urinary calculi who needed Super mini-PCNL(SMP)in The First Hospital of Jiaxing selected as the study objects.According to random number method,the patients were divided into control group and experimental group,with 30 cases.Both groups were treated with ultra-micro channel percutaneous nephrolithotripsia,while the experimental group was monitored and regulated IPP in real time during the operation,and observed and compared clinical indicators,IPP,fever,urinary protein,renal function,hemoglobin(Hb)and adverse reactions between the two groups.Results Compared with the control group,the hospitalization time of experimental group was shortened and the stone clearance rate was increased(P<0.05).The IPP levels of experimental groups at 6min,12min,24min and 36min were lower than those of control group(P<0.05).The fever of experimental group was lower than that of control group at 2d,3d,4d and 5d after operation(P<0.05).The urinary protein level of experimental group was lower than that of control group at 1d,2d,3d and 4d after operation(P<0.05).Compared with control group,blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and serum creatinine(SCr)levels of experimental group were decreased,and Hb levels were increased(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in experimental group was lower than that in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Monitoring and adjusting intrapelvic pressure during super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy is beneficial in reducing postoperative fever in patients with urolithiasis,reducing urinary protein expression and kidney function damage,and controlling the occurrence of adverse reactions.It is worth recommending.

Objective To explore the potential mechanism of artemisinin in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods The corresponding targets of natural product artemisinin were obtained from PubChem, Swiss Target Prediction and PharmMapper databases, targets related to PCOS were obtained through GeneCards and DisGeNET databases; the intersection target genes of Artemisinin and PCOS were screened by Draw Venn diagram. Then the protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed according to the intersection target genes through the STRING Database, and the core targets were screened by Cytoscape. Besides, gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was performed by DAVID Database, and finally the data were analyzed visually by the online platform. Molecular docking of artemisinin and core targets were performed by Chemdraw, Pymol, Auto Dock Tools and RCSB PDB database. Results A total of 229 targets of artemisinin and 1292 targets of PCOS were screened out, 90 overlapping targets were obtained by Draw Venn diagram, and 5 potential core targets, AKT1, ESR1, MMP9, PPARG, MMP2, were mainly act on PI3K Akt, MAPK, RAS, endocrine resistance and other signal pathways. Molecular docking results showed that there were molecular binding sites between artemisinin and core targets. Conclusion It is preliminarily analyzed that artemisinin may play a therapeutic role in PCOS through multiple targets and mechanisms.

【Objective】 To explore the factors affecting NAT reactive blood donors re-entry, so as to provide data support for formulation of scientific and reasonable strategy. 【Methods】 The basic data and laboratory test results of 174 NAT reactive returning blood donors from January 2019 to August 2021 were collected and statistically analyzed by logistic regression. 【Results】 Among 174 HBV DNA reactive blood donors applying for re-entry, 81 (46.6%) were eligible for re-entry. Blood donation type and deconstructed Ct value were independent influencing factors of blood donors’ re-entry (P<0.05). The Ct value of minipool and deconstruction test showed significant affection on the re-entry (P<0.05). Donors with minipool-Ct-value exceeding deconstructed-Ct-value had a low likelihood of success with re-entry(P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in Ct values of deconstruction test, first re-entry test and second re-entry test (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 In view of the low re-entry rate of NAT reactive blood donors, it is necessary to establish a set of safety criteria to lessen workloads. Donors with exceeding minipool-Ct-values, repeat reactive by two NAT reagents, failure in the first re-entry test are suggested to be deferred permanently.