Objective: To investigate the distribution of IgM anti-A/B titers among group O whole blood donors in Jiangsu, establish a low-titer threshold, and analyze the demographic characteristics of low-titer donors, so as to provide data for recruiting low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) donors. Methods: Plasma samples from 1 009 group O whole blood donors were tested for IgM anti-A and anti-B titers using the microplate technique. The distribution of antibody titers was analyzed to establish a low-titer threshold. The distribution trends of titers across different demographic groups were also analyzed. Results: The peak titer for anti-A, anti-B were 64 (31.5%), 4 (23.8%), respectively, The proportion of donors with both anti-A and anti-B titers below 64 was 97.3% (982/1 009). The mean anti-A titer was higher than anti-B titer. Anti-A titers were higher in female donors than in male donors (P<0.05). The anti-A titers differed significantly among different age groups (P<0.05). However, no significant difference in titers was observed based on the number of donations (P>0.05). Conclusion: A titer of 64 can be used as the reference threshold of LTOWB in Jiangsu. Male donors of appropriate age are more suitable than female donors for establishing an emergency panel of LTOWB mobile donors.

This study identified 8 members including NjBIN2 of the GSK3 family in Nardostachys jatamansi by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree revealed that the GKS3 family members of N. jatamansi had a close relationship with those of Arabidopsis. RT-qPCR results showed that NjBIN2 presented a tissue-specific expression pattern with the highest expression in roots, suggesting that NjBIN2 played a role in root growth and development. In addition, the application of epibrassinolide or the brassinosteroid(BR) synthesis inhibitor(brassinazole) altered the expression pattern of NjBIN2 and influenced the photomorphogenesis(cotyledon opening) and root development of N. jatamansi, which provided direct evidence about the functions of NjBIN2. In conclusion, this study highlights the roles of BIN2 in regulating the growth and development of N. jatamansi by analyzing the expression pattern and biological function of NjBIN2. It not only enriches the understanding about the regulatory mechanism of the growth and development of N. jatamansi but also provides a theoretical basis and potential gene targets for molecular breeding of N. jatamansi with improved quality in the future.
Brassinosteroids/metabolism* ; Steroids, Heterocyclic/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Nardostachys/metabolism* ; Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology* ; Plant Roots/drug effects*

This study aims to integrate data mining techniques of single cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics, along with animal experiment validation, so as to systematically characterize the protective effects of Jianpi Tongluo Formula(JTF) on the cartilage in knee osteoarthritis(KOA) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Single cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844 and GSE255460) of the cartilage tissue obtained from KOA patients were analyzed to map the single cell-spatial heterogeneity and identify key pathogenic factors. After that, a KOA rat model was established via knee joint injection of papain. The intervention effects of JTF on the expression features of these key factors were assessed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. As a result, the integrated single cell and spatial transcriptomics data identified distinct cell subsets with different pathological changes in different regions of the inflamed cartilage tissue in KOA, and their differentiation trajectories were closely related to the inflammatory fibrosis-like pathological changes of chondrocytes. Accordingly, the expression levels of the two key effect targets, namely nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) were significantly reduced in the articular surface and superficial zone of the inflamed joints when JTF effectively alleviated various pathological changes in KOA rats, thus reversing the abnormal chondrocyte autophagy level, relieving the inflammatory responses and fibrosis-like pathological changes, and promoting the repair of chondrocyte function. Collectively, this study revealed the heterogeneous characteristics and dynamic changes of inflamed cartilage tissue in different regions and different cell subsets in KOA patients. It is worth noting that NCOA4 and HMGB1 were crucial in regulating chondrocyte autophagy and inflammatory reaction, while JTF could reverse the regulation of NCOA4 and HMGB1 and correct the abnormal molecular signal axis in the target cells of the inflamed joints. The research can provide a new research idea and scientific basis for developing a personalized therapeutic schedule targeting the spatiotemporal heterogeneity characteristics of KOA.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Humans ; Male ; Cartilage, Articular/metabolism* ; Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Female ; Protective Agents/administration & dosage* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Middle Aged ; HMGB1 Protein/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: Pseudomonas aeruginosa( P. aeruginosa) is a prevalent pathogenic bacterium involved in meningitis; however, the virulence factors contributing to this disease remain poorly understood. METHODS: The virulence of the P. aeruginosa A584, isolated from meningitis samples, was evaluated by constructing in vitro blood-brain barrier and in vivo systemic infection models. qPCR, whole-genome sequencing, and drug efflux assays of A584 were performed to analyze the virulence factors. RESULTS: Genomic sequencing showed that A584 formed a phylogenetic cluster with the reference strains NY7610, DDRC3, Pa58, and Pa124. Its genome includes abundant virulence factors, such as hemolysin, the Type IV secretion system, and pyoverdine. A584 is a multidrug-resistant strain, and its wide-spectrum resistance is associated with enhanced drug efflux. Moreover, this strain caused significantly more severe damage to the blood-brain barrier than the standard strain, PAO1. qPCR assays further revealed the downregulation of the blood-brain barrier-associated proteins Claudin-5 and Occludin by A584. During systemic infection, A584 exhibited a higher capacity of brain colonization than PAO1 (37.1 × 10 ⁶ CFU/g brain versus 2.5 × 10 ⁶ CFU/g brain), leading to higher levels of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α. CONCLUSION This study sheds light on the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa involved in meningitis.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics* ; Virulence Factors/metabolism* ; Animals ; Virulence ; Mice ; Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology* ; Blood-Brain Barrier/microbiology* ; Humans ; Female

Objective To evaluate the reliability and validity and perform cost-consequence analysis of the brief version of the Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)for identifying cognitive impairment in a community-based population ≥50 years of age.Methods The internal consistency and retest reliability of the brief version of the MoCA were analyzed,and the area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity,and specificity were determined to discriminate mild cognitive impairment(MCI)and dementia with the clinical dementia rating(CDR)as the diagnostic criterion.The consistency between the brief version and the full version was analyzed by the Kappa test and the Bland-Altman method,and the number of individuals entering the diagnostic assessment and the overall assessment time were estimated and compared between the two versions.Results A total of 303 individuals were included in this study,of whom 192,94,and 17 had normal cognitive function,MCI,and dementia,respectively.The Cronbach's α and re-test coefficients of the brief version of MoCA were 0.754 and 0.711(P<0.001),respectively.The brief version showed the AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of 0.889,74.5%,and 93.8% for identifying MCI,and 0.994,100%,and 93.8% for identifying dementia,respectively.When the brief version of MoCA was used to identify 94 patients with MCI in 303 individuals,107 individuals required additional diagnostic assessment,with an overall assessment time of 142.4 h,which represented decreases of 21.3% and 32.7%,respectively,compared with those of the full version.When the brief version of MoCA was used to identify 17 patients with dementia in 303 individuals,35 individuals required additional diagnostic assessment,with an overall assessment time of 70.4 h,a decrease of 29.5% in the time cost compared with the full version.Conclusions The brief version of MoCA can identify cognitively impaired individuals in a community-based middle-aged and elderly population,with diagnostic validity comparable to that of the full version but less time cost and fewer individuals needing additional diagnostic assessment to detect true-positive cases.It could be expanded for use in the community-based primary screening setting.
Humans ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis* ; Male ; Female ; Mental Status and Dementia Tests ; Reproducibility of Results ; Dementia/diagnosis* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cost-Benefit Analysis

The single photon counting imaging detector based on microchannel plate(MCP)has the characteristics of high sensitivity and low dark count rate,and has been applied to the optical remote sensing detection of weak ultraviolet spectral signals in space.In this work,by using planar array single photon counting imaging detector as the detector,flat-field concave grating as the splitter,and electrodeless discharge lamp(EDL)as the excitation light source,a dispersion detection system suitable for hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry(HG-AFS)was developed.The wavelength calibration of the system was carried out,and the negative high pressure and EDL stability time of the planar array single photon counting imaging detector were analyzed and optimized.The characteristic emission spectral lines of As and Bi elements excited in the wavelength range of 180-320 nm were analyzed,and the scattering interference in the wavelength range of 257.3-306.7 nm was discussed.The results showed that the AFS dispersion detection system based on the planar array single photon counting imaging detector could detect and analyze the HG-AFS fluorescence signal initially,and the influence of scattering interference on the detection results was effectively avoided.The system had the advantages including simple structure,no refrigeration and temperature control,no moving parts and simultaneous measurement of multi-band.

Objective To investigate the effects of varying durations of overwork on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in mice.Methods A total of 24 SPF KM mice were randomly divided into four groups(n=6)using a random number table:control group,2-week overwork(W2)group,4-week overwork(W4)group,and 6-week overwork(W6)group.Mice in control group were normally raised,while those in W2,W4,and W6 groups were forced to stand in water for 8 h and then restrained for 3 h daily for 2,4,6 weeks,respectively.The general condition and weekly weight changes of the mice were observed.After modeling,blood samples were collected,and hearts were excised.Myocardial histopathological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The localization of gasdermin D(GSDMD)protein in myocardial tissue was detected through immunohistochemical staining,and the expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins[NOD-like protein receptor 3(NLRP3),Caspase-1,GSDMD]in myocardial tissue were analyzed using Western blotting.The contents of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-18(IL-18)in serum and myocardial tissues were measured using ELISA.Results(1)The weight of control group mice increased steadily within 2 weeks.In W2 group,there was no significant weight change within 2 weeks,while in W4 and W6 groups,the body weights were higher than their initial values from the 2nd to 6th week.Compared with control group,the body weights of W2,W4,and W6 groups were lower than those of control group in the 1st and 2nd week,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The activity levels of the mice in W2,W4,and W6 groups initially increased and then decreased,with their fur becoming dull and falling out,and their mental state deteriorating.(2)In control group,cardiomyocytes were neatly arranged,and the nuclear morphology was normal.Compared with control group,in W2 group,cardiomyocyte arrangement was less regular,and capillary congestion was increased.In W4 group,the vascular congestion in the myocardium was significantly increased,the interstitial tissue was hyperplastic,and vacuolization appeared around the nuclei.In W6 group,the myocardial interstitium was loose,fat infiltration was increased,vacuolization around the nuclei was increased,and myocardial fibers were swollen,and the arrangement was disordered.(3)GSDMD was mainly located in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes.Compared with control group,the expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and GSDMD proteins in W2,W4,and W6 groups were significantly increased,and the expression levels were in the order of W6 group>W4 group>W2 group,with significant differences(P<0.05).(4)Compared to control group,the levels of IL-1β in serum and myocardial tissues of W2,W4,and W6 groups were significantly increased.In serum,the level of IL-1β in W6 group was higher than those in W2 and W4 groups,and in myocardial tissue,the levels in W4 and W6 groups were higher than those in the W2 group,with significant differences(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in IL-1β levels in serum among W2 and W4 groups,nor were there significant differences in myocardial tissue between W4 and W6 groups(P>0.05).Compared with control group,the levels of IL-18 in serum and myocardial tissue of W4 and W6 groups were significantly increased(P<0.05).In serum,the levels of IL-18 in W4 and W6 groups were higher than that in W2 group,and in myocardial tissue,the level in W6 group was higher than those in W2 and W4 groups,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusions Overwork can cause structural damage to mouse myocardial tissue,increase the expression of pyroptosis proteins NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and aggravate myocardial inflammatory responses in overworked mice.Cardiomyocyte pyroptosis may be one of the factors contributing to sudden cardiac death induced by overwork.

AIM To investigate the effects of α-hederin on proliferation,migration and apoptosis of 4T1 breast cancer cells.METHODS MTT assay was applied in the detection of proliferation of 4T1 cells treated with different concentrations of α-hederin(0,10,20,30,40,50,60 μmol/L).4T1 cells treated with different concentrations of α-hederin(0,10,20,30,40 μmol/L)had their morphologies observed;their ability of cell clone formation detected by clone formation experiment;their apoptosis detected by Hoechst 33342 staining;their apoptosis rate detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method;their cellular migration ability observed by cell scratch test;and their expressions of PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bax,Bcl-2,cleaved Caspase3,cleaved PARP,E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin detected by Western blot.RESULTS Within the range of 10～60μmol/L α-hederin inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner(P＜0.01),with an IC50 value of 29.8 μmoL/L within 24 h.Compared with the control(0 μmol/L)group,the groups intervened with 30 μmol/L or 40 μmnol/L α-hederin displayed significantly changed morphologies;decreased cellular clone-forming ability(P＜0.01);increased apopt otic cells counts(P＜0.01);increased apoptosis rate(P＜0.01);decreased cellular migration ability(P＜0.01);decreased p-PI3K,p-Akt,Bcl-2,N-cadherin and Vimentin protein expressions(P＜0.01);and increased protein expressions of Bax,cleaved Caspase3,cleaved PARP and E-cadherin(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION α-Hederin may induce the apoptosis of 4T1 cells through inhibiting their proliferation and migration via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Siwu decoction(SWD)on immune injury induced by 60Coγ-rays in mice and the related mechanism.Meth-ods C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups:Control group(Control),Model group(Mod-el),Siwu decoction low-dose group(SWD-L),Siwu decoction medium-dose group(SWD-M),Siwu decoc-tion high-dose group(SWD-H)and resveratrol positive group(Resveratrol,Res).The drug was continued to be administered 11 days before and after irradiation,with a single whole-body irradiation of 4 Gy,and all in-dexes were detected three days after irradiation.The changes of peripheral blood and organ indexes were de-tected.Serum levels of cytokine interferon gamma(IFN-γ),interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β),IL-2,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,IL-17,transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and immunoglobulin A(IgA),IgG,IgM,and complement protein 3(C3),C4 content were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).B lymphocytes,T lymphocytes,NK cells in spleen and T lymphocytes in thymus were de-tected by flow cytometry.The pathological changes of spleen and thymus were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The expression of Sirt 1 protein in spleen after radiation was detected by immunofluores-cence staining.The protein contents of Sirt1,PI3K,Akt,p-Akt and mTOR in spleen were detected by Western blot assay.Results SWD could significantly increase LYMPH％and reduce pathological injury of spleen and thymus.Flow cytometry showed that SWD could significantly increase the percentage of CD19+B lymphocytes in spleen,decrease the percentage of NK lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+in spleen and thymus.ELISA results showed that SWD signifi-cantly inhibited the expression of IL-1 β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17,IFN-γ,TGF-β,TNF-α,and increased the content of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10.At the same time,SWD significantly inhibited the increase of IgA,IgG,IgM,C3 and C4 induced by radiation.The results of immunofluorescence staining and Western blot showed that SWD could decrease the expression of PI3K,Akt,p-Akt and mTOR protein,and enhance the expression of Sirt1 protein.Conclusions SWD has obvious preventive effect on immune damage induced by 60Co gamma radiation in mice.The mechanism may be related to Sirt1-PI3K-Akt-mTOR.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical efficacy of integrating pharmacists into family health teams （FHTs） for long-term medication therapeutical management （MTM） in stroke patients， and empirically evaluate the service model. METHODS A pharmacist team， jointly established by clinical and community pharmacists from the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University （hereinafter referred to as “our hospital”）， developed a pharmacist-supported MTM model integrated into FHTs. Using a prospective randomized controlled design， 170 stroke patients discharged from our hospital （July 2022-December 2023） and enrolled in FHTs at Suzhou Runda Community Hospital were randomly divided into trial group （88 cases） and control group （82 cases） according to random number table. The control group received routine FHTs care （without pharmacist involvement in the team collaboration）， while the trial group xhz8405@126.com received 12-month MTM services supported by pharmacists via an information platform. These services specifically included innovative interventions such as personalized medication regimen optimization based on the MTM framework， dynamic medication adherence management， medication safety monitoring， a home medication assessment system， and distinctive service offerings. Outcomes of the 2 grousp were compared before and after intervention， involving medication adherence （adherence rate， adherence score）， compliance rates for stroke recurrence risk factors [blood pressure， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）]， and incidence of adverse drug reactions （ADR）. RESULTS After 12 months， the trial group exhibited significantly higher medication adherence rates， improved adherence scores， higher compliance rates for blood pressure and LDL-C targets compared to the control group （P＜0.05）. The incidence of ADR in the trial group （4.55%） was significantly lower than that in the control group （8.11%）， though the difference was not statistically significant （P＞ 0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacist involvement in FHTs to deliver MTM services significantly enhances medication adherence and optimizes risk factor for stroke recurrence， offering practical evidence for advancing pharmaceutical care in chronic disease management under the family doctor system.