Organ transplantation is a vital means of saving patients with end-stage diseases, and organ donation serves as its foundation. China’s cadaveric organ donation system adopts a dual model that recognizes both individual autonomy and next-of-kin decision-making rights. However, in practice, the next-of-kin decision-making rule faces multiple challenges, including a narrow scope of eligible decision-makers, inefficient decision-making processes, the misuse of revocation rights and the absence of disqualification mechanisms. This article explores the legal nature of next-of-kin decision-making rights and reflects on the existing rules. By integrating the principles respect, ‘non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice’ in medical ethics, it proposes three pathways for reform: hierarchical ordering of decision-makers, limitation of revocation rights, and legal codification of disqualification grounds. The aim is to balance individual autonomy, family ethics and public interest, realign the cadaveric organ donation system with its altruistic essence and public-oriented mission, and promote the development of organ donation in China.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ² = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ² = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ² = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.

Objective Through integrative bioinformatics analysis of multi-source transcriptomic data, potential biomarkers to asthma epithelial cells were identified. The expression of these candidate target was subsequently validated in lung tissues and epithelial cells from asthma models. Methods The gene expression profile data of epithelial cells from three asthma patient cohorts and corresponding healthy controls were integrated from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis and gene co-expression network analysis were performed to identify key genes and biological pathways associated with asthma. The key genes were validated in lung tissues and epithelial cells in asthma animal models. Results Differential gene expression analysis revealed 1121 upregulated and 1484 downregulated genes in epithelial cells from asthma patients compared with healthy controls. The biological pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were mainly involved in glycosylation processes, whereas the downregulated genes were mainly associated with immune cell differentiation process. The gene co-expression network analysis revealed that module 9, enriched in glycosylation-related pathways, was significantly positively correlated with asthma, whereas module 17, associated with insulin and other signaling pathways, showed a significant negative correlation with asthma. We identified the genes of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 5 (GALNT5), pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) as key genes within module 9, all of which were significantly upregulated in asthma. Finally, we validated that the expression levels of GALNT5, PYCR1, and CEACAM5 were significantly upregulated in epithelial cells from asthmatic lung tissue. Additionally, using a rat asthma model, we further confirmed that the protein levels of these three genes were significantly upregulated in lung tissues of the model group. Conclusion Through data integration and experimental validation, this study identified key genes and biological pathways closely associated with asthma pathogenesis. These findings provide a novel theoretical basis and potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
Asthma/metabolism* ; Humans ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism* ; Animals ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Rats ; Computational Biology

Ferroptosis of chondrocytes is a significant contributor to osteoarthritis (OA), for which there is still a lack of safe and effective therapeutic drugs targeting ferroptosis. Here, we screen for anti-ferroptotic drugs in Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library via a high-throughput manner in chondrocytes. We identified a group of FDA-approved anti-ferroptotic drugs, among which vitamin K showed the most powerful protective effect. Further study demonstrated that vitamin K effectively inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of vitamin K inhibited ferroptosis and alleviated OA phenotype in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model. Mechanistically, transcriptome sequencing and knockdown experiments revealed that the anti-ferroptotic effects of vitamin K depended on growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6). Furthermore, exogenous expression of Gas6 was found to inhibit ferroptosis through the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT) axis. Together, we demonstrate that vitamin K inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates OA progression via enhancing Gas6 expression and its downstream pathway of AXL/PI3K/AKT axis, indicating vitamin K as well as Gas6 to serve as a potential therapeutic target for OA and other ferroptosis-related diseases.

Sini Decoction (SNT) is a traditional formula recognized for its efficacy in warming the spleen and stomach and dispersing cold. However, elucidating the mechanism of action of SNT remains challenging due to its complex multiple components. This study utilized a synergistic approach combining two-dimensional fluorescence difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)-based drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) with label-free quantitative proteomics techniques to identify the direct and indirect protein targets of SNT in myocardial infarction. The analysis identified 590 proteins, with 30 proteins showing significant upregulation and 51 proteins showing downregulation when comparing the SNT group with the model group. Through the integration of 2D-DIGE DARTS with proteomics data and pharmacological assessments, the findings indicate that protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3) may serve as a potential protein target through which SNT provides protective effects on myocardial cells during myocardial infarction.
Myocardial Infarction/genetics* ; Proteomics/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Animals ; Protein Disulfide-Isomerases/genetics* ; Male ; Two-Dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis/methods* ; Humans ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional

Objective To explore the effect of task-oriented training of intelligent mirror gloves combined with low-frequency repeti-tive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)on hand function recovery in stroke patients. Methods From October 1st,2022 to June 30th,2023,136 stroke patients in Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital were ran-domly divided into control group,mirror group,rTMS group and combination group,with 34 patients in each group.All the groups received routine rehabilitation treatment.In addition,the mirror group received task-orient-ed training of intelligent mirror gloves,rTMS group received low-frequency rTMS,and the combination group received task-oriented training combined with low-frequency rTMS,for four weeks.The Fugl-Meyer Assess-ment-Upper Extremities(FMA-UE)score,Wolf Motor Function Test(WMFT)score,and surface electromyo-graphic root mean square(RMS)of forearm extensor and flexor muscle groups on the affected/healthy side be-fore and after treatment were compared.And the differences of transcranial magnetic stimulation-motor-evoked potentials(MEP)between rTMS group and combination group before and after treatment were also compared. Results Four cases in the control group,seven in the mirror group,five in rTMS group and six in the combination group dropped off.The intra-group effect(F>996.656,P<0.001),inter-group effect(F>20.333,P<0.001)and inter-action effect(F>72.796,P<0.001)were significant in the scores of FMA-UE and WMFT,and the RMS ratio of forearm extensor and flexor muscle groups among four groups,in which the combination group was the best.After treatment,the amplitude of MEP increased in rTMS group and combination group(|t|>3.842,P<0.05),and was higher in the combination group than in rTMS group(t=-3.060,P<0.01). Conclusion The task-oriented training of intelligent mirror gloves combined with low-frequency rTMS could effectively promote the recovery of hand function in stroke patients.

Objective To investigate the mechanism and clinical significance of miR-18a-5p and retinoid acid receptor-related orphan receptor-α(RORA)in the proliferation and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC)cells.Methods The expressions of miR-18a-5p and RORA in CRC cells and tissues were detected via qRT-PCR,FISH,and IHC.Cell proliferation capability was detected through EdU and CFSE assay,cell apoptosis by flow cytometry assay,and cell migration and invasion abilities by cell scratch and Transwell invasion assays,respectively.The targeted regulation of miR-18a-5p on RORA was further verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay,cell function rescue test,RT-PCR,and Western blot assay.Finally,bioinformatics was used to explore the molecular mechanism of miR-18a-5p promoting malignant proliferation,invasion,and progression of CRC via regulating RORA.Results miR-18a-5p exhibited a high expression in CRC tissues and cells(P<0.05)and promoted the proliferation,migration,and invasion of CRC cells(P<0.05).In addition,RORA served as the target gene of miR-18a-5p,and its overexpression effectively reduced the promoting function of miR-18a-5p in the malignant biological phenotype of CRC cells(P<0.05).The expression of RORA in CRC tissues showed a significantly positively correlation with the infiltration of CD8+T cells and the expression of its surface marker protein CD8A.Conclusion The targeted regulation of RORA by miR-18a-5p promotes the proliferation and progression of CRC.The miR-18a-5p/RORA regulatory pathway possibly contributes to the immune microenvironment of CRC,which can be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of C-TI-RADS 3 thyroid nodules with a diameter greater than 2 cm and explore their correlation with gender,nodule ingredient,contralateral cancer presence,diffuse echo changes,TPOAB and TGAB.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical and pathological information of 94 patients with thyroid nodules who were admitted to our department from September 2022 to March 2023.All the patients underwent cytological and/or histopathological examinations.The proportions of TBS I category,benign tumors,low-risk tumors,and malignant tumors were calculated.The proportion of TBS type Ⅰ,benign tumors,low-risk tumors,and malignant tumors was quantified.Subsequently,a comparative analysis was conducted among the benign,low-risk,and malignant groups in terms of clinical characteristics including gender distribution,nodule composition,contralateral cancer occurrence,diffuse echo changes presence,as well as TPOAB and TGAB levels.Results Seven cases in TBS I category were excluded.Among the remaining 87 cases with confirmed pathology results for nodules,there were 72 benign cases(38 cytology cases and 34 histology cases),5 low-risk thyroid tumors(2 cytology cases and 3 histology cases),10 malignant cases(8 PTC cases,1 FTC case,and 1 MTC case).There was a significant difference in nodule ingredient(cystic/solid)between different pathological types(x2=10.369,P=0.006).However,no statistical significance was found in terms of gender,diffuse echo changes,contralateral cancer presence,TPOAB or TGAB(P＞0.05).Further analysis showed that the proportion of solid component was higher in low-risk tumors than in benign nodules(x2=9.571,P=0.002).No statistical significance was found between malignant nodules and low-risk nodules(x2=2.143,P=0.143),or between malignant nodules and benign nodules(x2=2.165,P=0.141).Conclusion Although TI-RADS 3 nodules are generally considered as potentially benign according to various versions of thyroid imaging reporting and data system,malignant nodules still account for a certain proportion.Attention should be paid to thyroid nodules with a typical ultrasonic signs,such as cystic nodules,thyroid follicular tumors and medullary thyroid carcinoma.Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytopathology is necessary for evaluating benign and malignant nodules.It is necessary to pay attention to unsatisfactory or undiagnosable specimens to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

Objective To observe the effect of Jiawei Jianshen prescription on idiopathic membranous nephropathy(IMN)with spleen-kidney deficiency and its influence on phospholipase A2 receptor(PLA2R)titer.Methods A total of 60 patients with IMN who were hospitalized or outpatients in Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital from January 2021 to July 2022 were selected and divided into control group and treatment group by simple random sampling method,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was given basic treatment alone,and the treatment group was given Jiawei Jianshen prescription + basic treatment.Blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),serum albumin(ALB),24h urinary protein quantitative and PLA2R titer were compared between two groups before and after treatment.The therapeutic effect of two groups was evaluated.Results The total effective rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group(χ2=60.000,P<0.001).After treatment,the scores of edema,abdominal distension,fatigue,soreness and weakness of waist and knees in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group(P<0.05).24h urinary protein and PLA2R titer in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group,and ALB was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Jiawei Jianshen prescription can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of IMN patients with spleen-kidney deficiency,increase serum ALB level,reduce 24h urinary protein quantity and PLA2R titer.

Objective Based on the epidemic situation of hepatitis B and liver cancer patients in Nantong from 2019 to 2022, to analyze the trend of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) changes and provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and liver cancer. Methods The data of patients with hepatitis B and liver cancer in Nantong Cancer Hospital were collected, and the general data, the time of infection with hepatitis B and the results of quantitative HBV-DNA test were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 487 patients with hepatitis B and liver cancer were collected, including 395 males and 92 females. Among them, patients aged 51-60 were the most common, accounting for 28.34%, followed by those aged 41-50 and 61-70, accounting for 23.00% and 21.56% respectively. In addition to 84 patients with unknown infection time, most of the patients with hepatitis B infection time distributed in 11 to 20 years, followed by 21 to 30 years and 1 to 10 years. Except for 126 patients with unknown levels of HBV DNA, the positive rate of HBV DNA in 361 patients was 64.82%. Between 2019 and 2022, except for patients with unknown levels of HBV-DNA, the proportion of patients with HBV-DNA<500 copies/mL showed an upward trend, while the proportion of patients with HBV-DNA (103-106) copies/mL showed a downward trend. Conclusion Sex and the time of infection with hepatitis B are high risk factors for hepatitis B liver cancer. Most patients with liver cancer are positive for HBV-DNA, which needs to be tested regularly to guide antiviral treatment.