Objective To elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota and molecular mechanism of huaier in enhancing the efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC). Methods The effects of huaier on the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier function in MKN45-bearing mice were analyzed by using 16S rRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and IHC. UPLC-MS and network pharmacology, as well as in vivo experimental approaches, were employed to investigate the key bioactive constituents of huaier systematically and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which huaier exerts therapeutic effects against GC. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway was detected in cancer cells and tissues via Western blot analysis. The safety profile of huaier combined with OXA was verified through serum biochemistry and HE-stained tissue section analyses. Results Huaier inhibited the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, reduced lipid droplet deposition, and ultimately enhanced the sensitivity to OXA in the treatment of GC. Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of huaier in gastric cancer treatment by enhancing chemosensitivity and provides novel insights into its systemic therapeutic effects through molecular mechanisms and gut microbiota modulation.

Objective: To evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines or expert consensus on blood transfusion and blood use (BTBU) in China (hereinafter referred to as "guidelines/consensus"), providing reference for the development and updating of future BTBU guidelines/consensus. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Chinese databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Data-base, relevant guideline release platforms, and professional association websites. BTBU-related guidelines/consensus published between January 2006 and December 2025 were included. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after completing literature screening and data extraction, three evaluators independently assessed the quality of the included literature using the Scientificity, Transparency, and Applicability of Guidelines Rating Tool (STAR), the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ), and the International Practice Guideline Reporting Standards (RIGHT). Results: A total of 29 documents were included, including 5 guidelines, 22 consensus statements, and 2 protocols. The results of the STAR assessment showed that the total score was (21.7±8.8)%. The domain score ratios for registration, research protocol, funding, working group, conflict of interest, clinical question, evidence, consensus method, recommendation, accessibility and other domains were (2.2±12.1)%, 0, (36.7±25.1)%, (18.3±7.6)%, (19.2±15.3)%, (16.6±23.1)%, (15.1±6.3)%, (9.6±21.2)%, (54.3±18.4)%, (31.7±10.4)% and (10.3±31.0)%, respectively. For the AGREE Ⅱ assessment, the methodological quality of 26 articles was rated Grade B and 3 articles Grade C. The results of the RIGHT assessment indicated that the overall reporting rate of all guidelines/consensuses was (65.3±4.0)%. Conclusion: The methodological and reporting quality of current expert guidelines/consensus on BTBU in China still need improvement, and guidelines and consensus should be strictly formulated and standardized according to the standards of STAR, AGREE II and RIGHT.

BACKGROUND: Whether adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower risk of developing pneumonia and a better long-term prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate associations of individual and combined lifestyle factors (LFs) with the incidence risk and long-term prognosis of pneumonia hospitalization. METHODS: Using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank study, we used the multistate models to investigate the role of five high-risk LFs, including smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and unhealthy body shape, alone or in combination in the transitions from a generally healthy state at baseline to pneumonia hospitalization or cardiovascular disease (CVD, regarded as a reference outcome), and subsequently to mortality. RESULTS: Most of the five high-risk LFs were associated with increased risks of transitions from baseline to pneumonia and from pneumonia to death, but with different risk estimates. The greater the number of high-risk LFs, the higher the risk of developing pneumonia and long-term mortality risk after pneumonia, with the strength of associations comparable to that of LFs and CVD. Compared to participants with 0-1 high-risk LF, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for transitions from baseline to pneumonia and from pneumonia to death in those with five high-risk LFs were 1.43 (1.28-1.60) and 1.98 (1.61-2.42), respectively. Correspondingly, the respective HRs (95% CIs) for transitions from baseline to CVD and from CVD to death were 2.00 (1.89-2.11) and 1.44 (1.30-1.59), respectively. The risk estimates changed slightly when further adjusting for the presence of major chronic diseases. CONCLUSION In this Chinese population, unhealthy LFs were associated with an increased incidence and long-term mortality risk of pneumonia.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Life Style ; Pneumonia/etiology* ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Smoking

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of anterolateral thigh free fat flap (hereinafter referred to as fat flap) transplantation with vascular anastomosis for reconstructing facial depressed scars.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. Twelve patients (5 males and 7 females, aged 15-67 years) with facial depressed scars who met the inclusion criteria were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2017 to September 2023. Before surgery, the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was used to evaluate the facial scar condition of the patients. Scar depression area was measured ranging from 5 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×7 cm, with a depth from 6 to 12 mm. All cases were reconstructed with fat flaps. The harvested fat flaps ranged 6 cm×5 cm to 15 cm×8 cm in size, with vascular pedicle lengths ranging from 4 to 7 cm. Intraoperatively, the number of perforator vessels observed was as follows: 1 perforator in 2 cases, 2 perforators in 7 cases, and 3 perforators in 3 cases. Fat flaps were transplanted to the recipient sites, with the main trunks of its perforator vessels and accompanying veins anastomosed to the recipient arteries and veins. Donor site wounds were closed primarily. Postoperatively, the survival of fat flap, vascular crisis, and the healing of donor site incision were observed. During follow-up, the facial contour was observed, the long-term reintervention at recipient sites was recorded, and the scars formed at both donor and recipient incisions were observed. The function of donor limb was assessed. At the last follow-up, the scar condition at recipient site was evaluated using the two subscales of POSAS (the observer scale and the patient self-rating scale), respectively.Results:One patient developed a mild hematoma due to bleeding within 24 hours after surgery. After timely removal of the hematoma and enhanced drainage, the fat flap survived. The fat flaps of the other patients survived completely with no vascular crisis occurred. The donor site incision of 1 patient developed infection 7 days after surgery and healed after timely dressing changes, while the donor site incisions of the remaining patients all healed smoothly. During the follow-up of 6-26 months, significant improvement in facial symmetry was observed in all patients, with natural fullness achieved. Autologous microlipofilling was performed in 2 patients at 6 months and 10 months postoperatively, respectively. Local liposuction contouring was conducted in 1 patient at 12 months postoperatively. The scars at the donor and recipient sites were mild. No functional impairment at donor sites was recorded, and the motor and sensory functions of the affected limbs were normal. At the last follow-up, the observer scale assessment showed that the scores for vascularity, thickness, roughness, pliability, pigmentation, and overall assessment of the scars in the recipient areas were 2.1±0.5, 1.9±0.7, 3.0±0.7, 2.1±1.2, 3.8±1.1, and 2.8±0.5, respectively, which were significantly lower than 4.2±0.9, 5.1±1.0, 4.2±1.5, 4.6±1.4, 4.8±1.2, and 5.2±1.0 before surgery (with t values of 7.24, 11.70, 4.31, 9.57, 4.17, and 9.30, respectively, P<0.05). The patient self-rating scale assessment showed that the scores for pain, pruritus, color, stiffness, irregularity, thickness, and overall satisfaction of the scars in the recipient areas were 1.3±0.5, 1.3±0.4, 1.9±1.0, 2.3±1.1, 1.8±0.8, 1.9±0.8, and 1.9±0.7, respectively, which were significantly lower than 2.9±1.0, 2.6±0.9, 4.2±1.5, 5.3±2.0, 4.0±1.2, 4.6±1.3, and 4.8±1.4 before surgery (with t values of 6.09, 5.20, 8.07, 9.17, 8.00, 8.60, and 8.81, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions:Transplantation of the fat flaps with vascular anastomosis can safely and effectively reconstruct facial depressed scars, and significantly improve the aesthetic contour and scar-related symptoms. This technique yields stable long-term outcomes with high patient satisfaction, demonstrating high value of clinical application.

Objective To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of SOX4 in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-mediated gastric mucosal epithelial dysplasia.Methods The expression of SOX4 in gastric tissues and cells was analyzed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining.The effects of SOX4 on gastric epithelial cell proliferation and colony formation were determined with CCK-8 and colony formation assays.A PCR array was used to screen downstream target genes involved in H.pylori-induced dysplasia mediated by SOX4.The transcriptional regulation and binding sites of the target gene MLH3 by SOX4 were elucidated with luciferase reporter assay,promoter truncation assay,and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP).Results SOX4 expression was significantly increased in H.pylori-infected gastric tissues(P<0.05).Overexpression of SOX4 markedly enhanced the proliferation and colony formation abilities of normal gastric epithelial cells(P<0.05).Elevated SOX4 led to the dysregulation of MLH3 and other DNA damage repair-related molecules after H.pylori infection in gastric epithelial cells(|logFC|>1,P<0.05).H.pylori promoted MLH3 expression in gastric epithelial cells through SOX4.SOX4 transcriptionally activated MLH3 expression by binding to the 5th site of the MLH3 promoter.The increased expression of SOX4 and MLH3 is associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients.Conclusion SOX4 is closely associated with H.pylori-induced dysplasia in gastric epithelial cells.Upregulation of SOX4 promotes H.pylori-related dysplasia by transcriptionally activating MLH3,leading to the imbalance of proliferation and colony formation in gastric epithelial cells.

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral 450 nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization enucleation and transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT)in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer(NMIBC).Methods The clinical data of 85 NMIBC patients undergoing surgical treatment at Yingsheng Branch of Taian Central Hospital during Dec.2022 and Feb.2024 were retrospectively collected.The patients were divided into the blue laser group(n=40)and TURBT group(n=45).The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative bladder irrigation time,postoperative catheter indwelling time,postoperative hospital stay,intraoperative complications,wound healing 3 and 6 months after operation,and tumor recurrence 1 year after operation were compared between the two groups.Results Patients in both groups successfully completed the operation without blood transfusion or conversion to open surgery.Compared with the TURBT group,the blue laser group had shorter operation time[(23.68±9.98)min vs.(29.11±14.27)min],less blood loss[(1.43±0.87)g/L vs.(3.27±0.96)g/L],and shorter postoperative bladder irrigation time[0.5(0.5,0.5)d vs.0.5(0.5,1.5)d](P＜0.05).No cases developed obturator nerve reflexes in the blue laser group,but 7 cases in the TURBT group(P＜0.05).Three months after operation,the bladder wounds healed in 24 cases in the blue laser group,but only in 7 cases in the TURBT group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Compared with TURBT,transurethral 450 nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization enucleation for the treatment of NMIBC can shorten the operation time,reduce the amount of bleeding,shorten the postoperative healing time,and cause fewer complications.It is a safe and efficient minimally invasive surgery.

Objective·To determine hyaluronan(HA)expression in the endocrine-resistant microenvironment of estrogen receptor-positive(ER+)breast cancer and elucidate its impact on the acquired resistance.Methods·Chemiluminescent immunoassay was used to quantify HA levels in the culture supernatants of fulvestrant-resistant breast cancer cells.An immunofluorescence(IF)assay was performed to visualize the colocalization of CD44 and HA in MCF7/FulR cells.Using an established adaptive endocrine-resistant breast cancer mouse model,HA expression in resistant breast cancer tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry(IHC)assay.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)and RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)were conducted to examine transcriptomic profiles and alterations in HA-related genes in resistant breast cancer cells.Flow cytometry(FCM)was utilized to measure the proportion of CD44+CD24-cells in MCF7/FulR.The correlation between HA synthesis genes and cell stemness was investigated in clinical ER+breast cancers from GEO data sets.Hyaluronidase(HAase)treatment was applied to remove the"HA coat",and RT-qPCR and Western blotting analysis were carried out to monitor changes in stemness-related molecules.CCK-8 assays,flow cytometry(FCM),and Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to determine changes in apoptosis and fulvestrant efficiency after HAase treatment.Results·IF results revealed that compared with MCF7 cells,the"HA coat"on the surface of MCF7/FulR cells was significantly thickened.IHC demonstrated markedly increased HA retention in fulvestrant-resistant mouse breast cancer tissues.ScRNA-seq and RNA-seq analyses indicated elevated expression of stemness-related genes and HA synthesis-associated genes in fulvestrant-resistant breast cancer cells.Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between HA synthesis and cancer stemness in ER+breast cancer.IF and RT-qPCR results demonstrated that removing the HA coating from the surface of MCF7/FulR cells led to a significant reduction in the expression of stemness-related molecules;concurrently,CCK-8 assays,FCM analysis,and Hoechst 33258 staining revealed that"HA coat"clearance reduced MCF7/FulR'tolerance to fulvestrant and increased apoptosis.Conclusion·Endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells develop an enriched"HA coat",which promotes stemness in fulvestrant-resistant tumors.Disruption of this HA coat through HAase treatment effectively reduces cell stemness,induces apoptosis,and re-sensitizes breast cancer cells to fulvestrant.

Objective:To construct a questionnaire to measure parents′ behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) in administering rotavirus vaccine to their children, and to test the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.Methods:A questionnaire was constructed to investigate the BeSD of rotavirus vaccination among parents based on the WHO BeSD questionnaire. A survey was conducted among parents of children aged 0-3 years old in vaccination clinics from 15 community health service centers in Nanjing City of Jiangsu Province, Yuhuan and Kaihua Counties of Zhejiang Province, Anqing City of Anhui Province, and Yangpu District of Shanghai City from April to May in 2024. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to analyze the reliability (internal consistency reliability, combination reliability and split half reliability) and validity (structural validity, convergence validity and discriminative validity) of the questionnaire.Results:A total of 850 questionnaires were collected, of which 614 were valid, with an effective response rate of 72.20%. The EFA resulted in the refinement of the rotavirus vaccine BeSD questionnaire from 37 to 35 items (including 24 core items), and suggested a five-factor structure including the perceptions of vaccine, confidence in vaccine, social process of vaccination, motivation for vaccination, and practical problems of vaccination. The cumulative variance contribution rate reached 56.27%. The CFA confirmed an ideal five-factor model fit (GFI=0.82,CFI=0.86,PNFI=0.67,RMSEA=0.07). The AVE of each dimension was greater than 0.50. The AVE square root of each dimension of the questionnaire was greater than its correlation coefficient. The Cronbach′s α coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.79.Conclusion:The developed BeSD questionnaire of rotavirus vaccine has good reliability and validity, and can be used to measure parents′ behavioral and social factors in administering rotavirus vaccine to their children.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in pediatric recipients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).Methods:Clinical data of children who underwent first allo-HSCT were retrospectively analyzed from March 2017 to November 2024. A total of 259 pediatric allo-HSCT recipients were analyzed through comparing HCMV infection group (n=115) and Non-HCMV infection group (n=144). Clinical characteristics were compared, and risk factors for HCMV infection were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results:The result of univariate analysis showed that adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), length of hospitalization, duration of antiviral therapy, and bacterial infection were significantly associated with HCMV infection in pediatric allo-HSCT recipients ( P<0.05). The result of multivariate analysis showed that ALD was an independent protective factor against HCMV infection of allo-HSCT recipients ( P<0.05) [OR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.86], while umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) was an independent risk factor for HCMV infection in allo-HSCT recipients ( P<0.05) [OR=6.13, 95% CI: 1.34-28.04]. When the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting post-transplant relapse based on HCMV viral load was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.55-0.94, P=0.014) and at the cutoff value of 3×10 3 copies/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting relapse were 81.13% and 66.67%, respectively. Conclusions:HCMV infection in pediatric allo-HSCT recipients may lead to longer hospitalization and increased risk of relapse.

Objective:To determine the epidemiological characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV) in children with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Bengbu City, Anhui Province, in 2024.Methods:Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from 269 children with ARI in Bengbu City, Anhui Province, in 2024. Seventeen respiratory pathogens were screened using quantitative fluorescence PCR. For HBoV-positive samples, the VP1/VP2 structural gene fragments of HBoV were amplified and sequenced for genetic evolutionary analysis.Results:Among the 269 nasopharyngeal swab samples from children with ARI, the overall detection rate of respiratory pathogens was 48.33% (103/269). The top three pathogens with the highest detection rates were: Influenza A virus (FluA): 10.04% (27/269), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): 8.18% (22/269), Human bocavirus (HBoV): 7.43% (20/269). The age distribution of HBoV-infected children showed that the detection rate was highest in the 0-2 years age group (50%, 10/20), followed by the 3-5 years age group (25%, 5/20) and the over 6 years age group (25%, 5/20). However, there was no statistically significant difference in viral detection rates among the age groups. Genetic evolutionary analysis based on VP1/VP2 revealed that all 13 HBoV strains were of the HBoV-1 genotype.Conclusions:HBoV is one of the major pathogens causing ARI in children in Bengbu City, Anhui Province, in 2024, with HBoV-1 being the predominant genotype. Additionally, infants aged 0-2 years are the most susceptible population to HBoV infection.