Objective: In in vitro systems for differentiating and expanding natural killer (NK) cells, feeder cells provide essential cell-cell contact and paracrine signals that drive precursor proliferation and terminal maturation. However, existing xenogeneic feeder cells or tumor-derived genetically modified feeder cells pose risks of residual immunogenicity and malignant transformation, limiting clinical use. This study aims to develop a humanized mesenchymal-like stromal cell (hematopoietic organoid-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells, HO-hMSCs) derived from iPSC-based hematopoietic organoids, and elucidate its mechanisms of NK-supportive activity to enable a safe, efficient platform for clinical-grade NK cell production. Methods: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were differentiated into hematopoietic organoids, from which HO-hMSCs were isolated. Flow-cytometric phenotyping and bulk RNA-sequencing were performed to compare HO-hMSCs with umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-hMSCs). The effect of HO-hMSCs on NK cell differentiation efficiency (CD3 CD56 ) and effector maturation (CD16 expression) were assessed by co-culture experiments, using UC-hMSCs as control. Results: 1) Hematopoietic organoid induction and NK differentiation: iPSCs were induced to form hematopoietic organoids using cytokine cocktails, which further differentiated into high-purity CD45 CD56 NK cells [(82.8%±12.07)% efficiency on day 21]. 2) HO-hMSC characteristics: HO-hMSCs exhibited upregulated expression of Notch pathway ligands (DLL4, JAG1, 4.06-8.04-fold), homeobox genes (HOXA3, HOXA5, log FC=1.28 and 1.44), and key regulators of NK development (GATA3, BCL11A) and cytokine receptors (IL7R, IL27RA, 6.76 to 13.34-fold increase). 3) Functional validation: Compared to UC-hMSCs, HO-hMSCs co-culture significantly enhanced NK cell proportion by 30.5% (P<0.05) and increased CD16 positivity (+20.5%). Conclusion: This study for the first time reveals that human hematopoietic organoid-derived HO-hMSCs possess potent hematopoietic niche-supportive activity. It provides a humanized, feeder-free platform for robust clinical-grade NK cell production and expands the translational utility of organoid technologies in cell therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) complicated by hyperuricemia (HUA) and explore their potential as novel diagnostic molecular markers and their target genes. METHODS: This study was conducted among 30 CHF patients with HUA (observation group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) enrolled between September, 2020 and September, 2023. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 CHF patients with HUA for analyzing exosomal miRNAs by high-throughput sequencing, and the results were validated in the remaining 24 patients using qRT-PCR. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to predict the the target genes of the identified differential miRNAs. We also validated the differentially expressed miRNAs by animal experiment. RESULTS: A total of 42 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were detected in observation group by high-throughput sequencing; among them, miR-27a-5p was significantly upregulated (P=0.000179), and miR-139-3p was significantly downregulated (P=0.000058). In the 24 patients with both CHF and PUA, qRT-PCR validated significant upregulation of miR-27a-5p (P=0.004) and downregulation of miR-139-3p (P=0.005) in serum exosomes. When combined, miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p had a maximum area under the curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% CI: 0812-0.987) for predicting CHF complicated by HUA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggested that the differential expressions of miR-27a-5p and miR-139-3p was associated with the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway to activate the autophagic response. We obtained the same conclusion from animal experiment. CONCLUSIONS Upregulated exosomal miR-27a-5p combined with downregulated exosomal miR-139-3p expression can serve as a novel molecular marker for diagnosis of CHF complicated by HUA, and their differential expression may promote autophagy in cardiomyocytes by activating the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.
Humans ; Hyperuricemia/diagnosis* ; Heart Failure/genetics* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Animals

OBJECTIVE To improve the quality evaluation method of Platycodonis Radix, to study the differences in the quality of three-years-old Platycodonis Radix under different harvesting periods, and to determine the optimal harvesting period of Platycodonis Radix. METHODS The leachate, ash, moisture, refractive index and the content of six saponins were used as the quality evaluation indexes. The differences between the herbs of Platycodonis Radix at different harvesting periods were characterized with the help of mathematical and statistical methods. And link the entropy weight method, gray correlation analysis and TOPSIS method were combined to obtain the statistical analysis of the relevant indexes and the quality ranking information of the herbs in different harvesting periods. RESULTS There were significant differences between the quality evaluation indexes of three-years-old Platycodonis Radix at different harvesting periods. The added multi-indicator testing had improved the quality evaluation system of Platycodonis Radix and enhanced the "Drug properties-Effectiveness" linkage of the herbs. And the results of the comprehensive quality evaluation model showed that the herbs harvested around October 21 (Frost’s Descent) were ranked best in terms of comprehensive index. CONCLUSION In order to ensure the quality of Platycodonis Radix, the best harvesting period for three-years-old Platycodonis Radix is determined around the "Frost’s Descent" season, taking into account the characteristics of the herbs' appearance and the material basis of herbs.

Objective Utilizing a specially engineered miR-144-GFP-H1 human embryonic stem cell(hESC)reporter line,this study leverages GFP fluorescence as an indicator of miR-144 expression to gauge the progression of erythropoiesis.The investigation is aimed at elucidating the potential roles of lncRNAs within the erythropoietic framework and conducting an initial assessment of their functional impact.Methods The miR-144/451-GFP-H1 cell line(hereafter referred to as 144-H1)was utilized for in vitro erythrocyte induction culture.The subpopulations of cells entering the erythropoiesis stage were characterized by the surface molecules CD71 and GPA.The GFP reporter gene of miR-144 served as a critical determi-nant to distinguish between GFP-positive cells(with a high propensity for erythropoiesis)and GFP-negative cells(with a low propensity for erythropoiesis).Transcriptome sequencing was performed on both groups to identify differentially ex-pressed long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs).LncRNA entries with potential for validation were selected for preliminary func-tional verification.The CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique was employed to design functional interference strategies for the targeted lncRNAs,obtaining 144-H1 cell lines with knocked-out function of the specific lncRNAs.These knockout cell lines,along with non-knockout 144-H1 cell lines,were used for parallel erythrocyte induction culture to identify differential nodes.This approach preliminarily verified their impact on erythropoiesis in an in vitro development model.Results 1)The constructed 144-H1 cell line was capable of expressing GFP fluorescence upon entering the stage of in vitro erythrocyte in-duction,indicating the activation of miR-144/451.2)Within the CD71,GPA double-positive group,significant differences in lncRNA expression were observed between the GFP-positive and GFP-negative subpopulations.3)Gene editing strategies involving the deletion of sequence segments capable of effectively interfering with the function of multiple lncRNA entries were designed and verified for successful editing.In the knockout cell lines,parts of the lncRNA sequences were directly de-leted.4)In parallel validation experiments of erythrocyte induction culture,cell lines with LINC01569 knocked out exhibited significant differences in flow cytometric subpopulations and cell proliferation capabilities compared to the non-knockout cell lines:①The knockout cell lines showed sustained high expression of GFP fluorescence.②The proportion of the CD71-GPA double-positive group in the knockout cell lines continuously decreased during erythrocyte maturation.③No significant ex-pression of hemoglobin was observed in the knockout cell lines,lacking the characteristic red color.④The cell proliferation capability of the knockout cell lines was significantly lower than that of the non-knockout cell lines(P＜0.05).Conclusion The successful employment of the 144-H1 cell line facilitated an exploration into the potential functions of lncRNAs in e-rythropoiesis.This enables the design of more refined in vitro developmental experiments to enhance the precision in captu-ring lncRNA functions.Among the differentially expressed lncRNA entries,LINC01569 was preliminarily validated to play a regulatory role in erythropoiesis.The functional absence of LINC01569 severely impacts the normal differentiation and prolif-eration of erythrocytes.The specific regulatory mechanism of LINC01569 in erythropoiesis warrants further investigation and research.

Objective:To investigate the potential effect and mechanism of docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) protein in rats with subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH).Methods:Forty eight SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, sham group, model group and DHA intervention group according to the random number table method, with 12 rats in each group.The rats in model group and DHA group were injected with autologous blood(0.3 mL) into the optic chiasma to establish the SAH model.Rats in model group were intraperitoneally injected with DHA(35 mg/kg) 3 hours after SAH model establishment, rats in sham operation group were injected with 0.3 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution into the optic chiasma, and rats in control group were fed normally.Neurobehavioral function of all rats was evaluated after 24 hours.The apoptosis of neuron was observed by TUNEL staining, and the expression of phosphorylated JNK(p-JNK)and apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 was observed by Western blot.Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 7.0 software.One-way ANOVA was used for comparison among multiple groups, and Tukey test was used for further pairwise comparison.Results:(1)The differences in neurobehavioral function scores among the 4 groups of rats were statistically significant( F=103.60, P<0.05), the neurobehavioral function scores in model group(8.67±1.37) and DHA intervention group(13.67±1.51) were lower than that in control group(18.00±0.00) and sham group(17.67±0.52)( all P<0.05), while the neurobehavioral function score in DHA intervention group was higher than that in the model group( P<0.05).(2)The results of TUNEL staining showed that there were statistical differences in the number of hippocampal neuron apoptosis among the 4 groups( F=30.76, P<0.05), the number of hippocampal neuron apoptosis in model group(55.67±5.28) was higher than those in control group(25.83±7.06) and sham group(25.50±6.72) (both P<0.05), the number of hippocampal neuron apoptosis in DHA intervention group(35.17±5.78) was lower than that in model group.(3)The results of Western blot showed that there were no statistical differences in the Bax protein levels among the four groups( F=2.00, P>0.05).There were statistical differences in the expression levels of Bcl-2, p-JNK and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio among the 4 groups( F=8.48, 5.69, 5.39, all P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in Bcl-2, p-JNK protein levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio between the control group and sham group(all P>0.05).The p-JNK protein levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in model group ((1.93±0.25), (2.05±0.86)) were higher than those in sham group ((1.42±0.33), (1.05±0.26)) (both P<0.05), the Bcl-2 protein level in model group (1.04±0.23) was lower than that in sham group (1.61±0.16) ( P<0.05).The p-JNK protein level and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in DHA intervention group((1.43±0.33), (1.19±0.30)) were lower than those in model group(both P<0.05), the Bcl-2 protein level in DHA intervention group(1.42±0.28) was higher than that in model group( P<0.05). Conclusion:DHA can reduce neuronal apoptosis, inhibit the activation of p-JNK and improve neurological function of SAH model rats.

Objective To standardize nursing management on postoperative patients with a left ventricular assist-ant device(LVAD).Methods The first draft of the Consensus was formed on the basis of literature review.2 rounds of expert consultations and a round of online meeting discussion were held for adjustments and modifications the draft of the Consensus.Results The recovery rate of the inquiry questionnaire was 93.75%.The authority coefficients of the 2 rounds of inquiry experts were 0.927 and 0.920.The concentration degree of expert opinions for each indicator was greater than 3.5 score,and the coefficient of variation was less than 0.25.The Kendall harmony coefficients for 2 rounds of correspondence were 0.402 and 0.407(P<0.01).The final Consensus formed through expert consultations and meetings includes 7 themes:hemodynamic monitoring,LVAD function monitoring,coagulation function monitoring,percutaneous cable and wound care,exercise rehabilitation care,health education and guidance,and pre-discharge assessment.Conclusion The Consensus is scientific,rigorous,and authoritative.The Consensus covers all aspects of postoperative care for patients with LVAD,and it will benefit to clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of sodium fluorescein-guided microsurgery in children with medulloblastoma,and to analyze the surgical efficacy and prognosis.Among them,12 cases underwent unilateral telovelar approach,2 cases underwent bilateral telovelar approach,and 6 cases underwent telovelar approach combined with transvermian approach.The intraoperative dose of sodium fluorescein was 2 mg/kg.Methods The clinical data of 20 patients with medulloblastoma treated with fluorescein sodium assisted microsurgery from January 2018 to August 2023 in Xinjiang Autonomous Region People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Results Of the 20 patients,12 were male and 8 were female.The mean age of onset was(7.9±3.7)years.In all cases,there was clear tumor fluorescence,none of the cases had adverse reaction associated with the use of sodium fluorescein.There were 16 cases of gross-total resection,3 cases of near-total resection,1 case of partial resection,1 case of intracranial infection,2 case of subcutaneous effusion,2 cases of cerebellar mutism.The follow-up time was from 3 to 72 months.5 cases did not receive sufficient radiotherapy and chemotherapy,and 9 cases died due to tumor progression or recurrence.In all cases,the longest overall survival was 72 months,the mean survival time was 39.2 months,and the median survival time was 41.2 months.Conclusion Fluorescein sodium assisted microsurgery is safe and effective in pediatric medulloblastoma surgery.

Objective To establish a three-dimensional visualization model of complex anal fistula based on high-resolution mag-netic resonance imaging(HR-MRI),and to explore its feasibility and clinical application value.Methods The clinical and imaging data of 26 patients with complex anal fistula were analyzed retrospectively,and a three-dimensional visualization model based on HR-MRI images was established.The Parks typing,internal orifice,external orifice,branch fistula and abscess were evaluated by radiolo-gists and anorectal surgeons in HR-MRI images and the three-dimensional visualization model,and the SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the assessment results against the clinical surgery one by one.Results A total of 26 patients had 17 trans sphincteric fis-tulas,7 inter sphincteric fistulas,and 2 suprasphincteric fistulas,and the accuracy of Parks typing based on HR-MRI images and three-dimensional visualization model was 100％;26 patients had a total of 33 internal orifices,and the evaluation of internal orifices based on HR-MRI images was better than that of three-dimensional visualization model(P=0.180 vs P=0.022);15 patients had a total of 32 external orifices,and the evaluation of external orifices based on three-dimensional visualization model was better than that of HR-MRI images(P=0.791 vs P=0.049);20 patients had perianal abscesses,and the evaluations based on HR-MRI images and three-dimensional visualization model were both highly accurate(P=0.549 vs P=0.625);18 patients with branch fistula,the evaluation of branch fistula based on three-dimensional visualization model was significantly better than that of HR-MRI images(P=1.000 vs P＜0.001).Conclusion Based on three-dimensional visualization model of HR-MRI,the evaluation of complex anal fistula Parks typing,external orifice,branch fistula and abscess is more accurate,which is worthy of further research and promotion.

BACKGROUND: Patients with mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP) or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presented similar clinical symptoms, but required different treatment approaches and had different survival outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in differentiating MFP from PDAC. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu (VIP), and WanFang databases to identify original studies published from inception to August 20, 2021. Studies reporting the diagnostic performances of CEUS and CECT for differentiating MFP from PDAC were included. The meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.0 software. The outcomes included the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (-LR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves of CEUS and CECT. Meta-regression was conducted to investigate heterogeneity. Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to indirectly compare the overall diagnostic performance. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies with 2115 pancreatic masses were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for MFP were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73%-88%; I2  = 0.00%) and 95% (95% CI, 90%-97%; I2  = 63.44%), respectively; the overall +LR, -LR, and DOR values were 15.12 (95% CI, 7.61-30.01), 0.19 (95% CI, 0.13-0.29), and 78.91 (95% CI, 30.94-201.27), respectively; and the area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-92). However, the overall sensitivity and specificity of CECT were 81% (95% CI, 75-85%; I2  = 66.37%) and 94% (95% CI, 90-96%; I2  = 74.87%); the overall +LR, -LR, and DOR values were 12.91 (95% CI, 7.86-21.20), 0.21 (95% CI, 0.16-0.27), and 62.53 (95% CI, 34.45-113.51), respectively; and, the SROC AUC was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90-0.94). The overall diagnostic accuracy of CEUS was comparable to that of CECT for the differential diagnosis of MFP and PDAC (relative DOR 1.26, 95% CI [0.42-3.83], P  > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CEUS and CECT have comparable diagnostic performance for differentiating MFP from PDAC, and should be considered as mutually complementary diagnostic tools for suspected focal pancreatic lesions.
Humans ; Contrast Media ; Bayes Theorem ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/diagnostic imaging* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Pancreatitis/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography/methods*

Objective:To establish a risk prediction model for prolonged mechanical ventilation in adult heart transplant recipients.Methods:This study used structured language to query hospital electronic medical record systems. From January 2004 to December 2021, 957 adult recipients undergoing cardiac transplantation at Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were selected as the study subject using a convenience sampling. This study collected basic information, past history, preoperative blood creatinine, preoperative total bilirubin, preoperative ventilation assistance, and intraoperative donor heart cold ischemia time. The enrolled patients were divided into a training group ( n=717) and a validation group ( n=240) in a ratio of 3∶1. Based on the training group data, a risk prediction model was constructed using two-way stepwise Logistic regression. The prediction performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity based on the validation group data. Results:A total of 957 adult heart transplant recipients were included, and 18.39% (176/957) of them experienced prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) after surgery. Based on the model established by the training group data, 7 independent risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation after surgery were clarified, including age ≥ 60 years old ( OR=1.820), history of blood transfusion ( OR=5.237), previous cardiac surgery ( OR=2.826), preoperative total bilirubin≥ 34.2 μmol/L ( OR=1.861), preoperative ventilator assistance ( OR=9.421), preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump assistance ( OR=1.826), intraoperative donor heart cold ischemia time≥ 360 min ( OR=2.093) ( P<0.05). The area under the curve of the model was 0.676 (95% confidence interval was 0.581 to 0.770), with a sensitivity of 0.500, and a specificity of 0.796. Conclusions:Based on the data of adult heart transplant recipients from a single center, this study established a relatively simple and objective risk prediction model that can predict the prolonged mechanical ventilation in adult heart transplant recipients, and has good clinical value.