Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, remarkable achievements have been gained in infectious disease prevention and control, and rich practical experiences have been accumulated. If these experiences are shared with developing countries, it will greatly contribute to global infectious disease control and global health security. Under the framework of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, a series of China-Africa public health capacity training programs have been recently held in China, in order to help improve the capability of infectious disease control in African countries. This article summarized and refined good design concepts and practices from these programs, so as to provide insights into sustainable optimization of China-Africa public health capacity training and improvements of the training effectiveness.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in discriminating fumarate hydratase-deficient (FH-d) uterine leiomyomas (ULs) from FH-preserved ULs. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of three stages, with independent cohorts recruited for each stage: 1) sample-size estimation was retrospectively performed on UL specimens (diameter ≥3 cm; age, 20–40 years) from our database with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 2-succinocysteine (2-SC) as the reference, without genetic testing, 2) MRS sequence optimization in confirmed FH germline mutation participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm), without IHC analysis, and 3) prospective diagnostic test accuracy was evaluated in consecutive participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm;age, 20–40 years), using IHC for 2-SC for determining the FH status and subsequent genetic testing in those with positive 2-SC results to identify whether FH mutations were germline or somatic in origin. The choline and fumarate peaks in MRS were classified as positive, negative, or technical failure (TF). TFs were analyzed separately and excluded from the primary diagnostic accuracy calculations. T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images were interpreted as hyperintense or hypointense. The enhancement rate and apparent diffusion coefficient were also acquired. Diagnostic performance was compared between MRS and various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. Results: The optimal MRS parameters for the fumarate peak were echo time (TE) = 140 ms and an average of 256. Among the 360 prospective participants, 37 were confirmed to have FH-dULs. MRS showed positive fumarate peaks in 35 of 37 FH-dULs.After excluding six TFs, the positive fumarate peak on MRS showed 94.6% (35/37) sensitivity, 99.7% (316/317) specificity, and 99.2% (351/354) accuracy, all of which were significantly superior to those of other MRI features (P ≤ 0.002). Conclusion A positive fumarate peak on MRS may be a useful imaging biomarker for diagnosing FH-dULs.

Objective To predict and preliminarily validate potential shared key genes involved in cardiac complications caused by influenza A virus(IAV)and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infections.Methods Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)associated with cardiac complications were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.A hierarchical intersection strategy was applied.First,cardiac complication related DEGs were overlapped with 2 independent virus related gene sets:3 454 human genes linked to IAV infection in GeneCards and 333 human protein-coding genes interacting with SARS-CoV-2 in the Human Protein Atlas.The 2 overlap results were then intersected to yield 22 hub genes.Lasso regression,random forest(RF)and support vector machine algorithms(SVM)were employed to refine this list.Predicted genes were validated in vitro in H1N1-infected human cardiomyocyte AC16 cells and in vivo in IFITM3 knockout mice challenged with H1N1,assessing transcriptional changes.Results A total of 22 hub genes were identified through integrative bioinformatics analysis.Application of the 3 machine learning algorithms resulted in 5 common key genes:ACE2,TBK1,NUP210,PUSL1,and MEPCE.In vitro infection of AC16 cells with H1N1 revealed dynamic transcriptional changes in all 5 genes post-infection(P<0.05).In vivo experiments using H1N1-infected IFITM3 knockout mice confirmed the dynamic mRNA expression changes of these 5 genes,consistent with the in vitro results(P<0.05).Conclusion By combining multilayered bioinformatics analysis with 3 machine learning approaches,5 common key genes are identified:ACE2,TBK1,NUP210,PUSL1 and MEPCE.Validation in H1N1 infection models confirms their relevance to IAV-induced cardiac complications.

In the quality control of Chinese medicine， the detection of active components and toxic and harmful components are two important links. Although conventional methods such as high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry can accurately quantify the above substances， they have shortcomings such as complicated operation， high costs， inability of detection at any time， difficult detection of insoluble and macromolecular substances. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） can adsorb antigens or antibodies on the surface of solid carriers and realize qualitative or quantitative analysis of targets by using the specific reactions of antigens and antibodies. This method is praised for the simple operation， high sensitivity， strong specificity， simple requirements for experimental equipment， a wide application range， and low costs. In recent years， ELISA has been widely used in the quality control of Chinese medicine， especially in the content determination of mycotoxins represented by aflatoxin and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of active components. ELISA plays an increasingly important role with its unique advantages， providing new methods and ideas for the rapid quality examination of large quantities of Chinese medicines. This paper reviews the research progress in ELISA for the quality control of Chinese medicine in recent years and prospects its technical development and application prospects， aiming to provide reference and research ideas for further using this method to ensure the quality， safety， and controllability of Chinese medicine.

ObjectiveTo establish an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method for identifying Scolopendra dispensing granules， so as to ensure the quality and therapeutic effects of Scolopendra and its preparations. MethodThe primer interval suitable for the PCR was selected based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3（COX-3） gene sequence of Scolopendra， and the single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Scolopendra and its adulterants were mined from the interval for the design of specific primers. The samples of Scolopendra and its adulterants were collected. The PCR system was established and optimized regarding the annealing temperature， cycles， Taq enzymes， DNA template amount， PCR instruments， and primer concentrations， and the specificity and applicability of this method were evaluated. ResultThe PCR system was composed of 12.5 μL 2×M5 PCR Mix， 0.4 μL forward primer （10 μmol·L^-1）， 0.4 μL reverse primer （10 μmol·L^-1）， 2.5 μL DNA template， and 9.2 μL sterile double distilled water. PCR parameters： Pre-denaturation at 94 ℃ for 3 min， 30 cycles （94 ℃ for 20 s， 62 ℃ for 20 s， 72 ℃ for 45 s）， and extension at 72 ℃ for 5 min. After PCR amplification with the system and parameters above， the electrophoresis revealed a bright band at about 135 bp for Scolopendra and no band for the adulterants. ConclusionThe established allele-specific PCR method can accurately identify the medicinal materials， decoction pieces， and standard decoction freeze-dried powder of Scolopendra， as well as the intermediates and final products of Scolopendra dispensing granules， which is of great significance for ensuring the quality and clinical efficacy of Scolopendra and its preparations.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy,safety and economy of teriparatide in the treatment of osteoporosis.Methods PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP databases and websites related to health technology evaluation were systematically searched to collect high-quality clinical evidence and economic evaluation literature of teriparatide in the treatment of osteoporosis from the inception to January 20,2023.Two researchers independently identified studies,extracted data,assessed the quality of included studies,and descriptive analyzed and summarised the results.Results A total of 25 literatures were included,involving 3 HTA reports,15 systematic review/Meta-analyses and 7 economic studies were included.In terms of effectiveness,the evaluation results showed that teriparatide could improve bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis,reduce the incidence of vertebral/non-vertebral fractures in primary and secondary osteoporosis and prevent the fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis compared to bisphosphonates and placebos.In terms of safety,teriparatide was proven to be safe with no elevated risk of adverse drug reactions.In terms of economic cost,teriparatide has a higher cost and economic disadvantage compared with bisphosphonates,however,for people with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis and high risk of fracture,teriparatide can be considered as a potential cost-effect treatment option.Conclusion Teriparatide is effective and safe in the treatment of osteoporosis,but it is not cost-effective advantages compared with the existing other anti-osteoporosis medications.

Background: SM-like (LSM) genes a family of RNA-binding proteins, are involved in mRNA regulation and can function as oncogenes by altering mRNA stability. However, their roles in B-cell progression and tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. Methods: We analyzed gene expression profiles and overall survival data of 123 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The LSM index was developed to assess its potential as a prognostic marker of MCL survival. Results: Five of the eight LSM genes were identified as potential prognostic markers for survival in MCL, with particular emphasis on the LSM.index. The expression levels of these LSM genes demonstrated their potential utility as classifiers of MCL. The LSM.index-high group exhibited both poorer survival rates and lower RNA levels than did the overall transcript profile. Notably, LSM1 and LSM8 were overexpressed in the LSM.index-high group, with LSM1 showing 2.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) and LSM8 depicting 1.8-fold increase (p < 0.01) than those in the LSM.index-low group.Furthermore, elevated LSM gene expression was associated with increased cell division and RNA splicing pathway activity. Conclusions The LSM.index demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with MCL. Elevated expression of LSM genes, particularly LSM1 and LSM8, may be linked to poor survival outcomes through their involvement in cell division and RNA splicing pathways. These findings suggest that LSM genes may contribute to the aggressive behavior of MCL and represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Background: SM-like (LSM) genes a family of RNA-binding proteins, are involved in mRNA regulation and can function as oncogenes by altering mRNA stability. However, their roles in B-cell progression and tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. Methods: We analyzed gene expression profiles and overall survival data of 123 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The LSM index was developed to assess its potential as a prognostic marker of MCL survival. Results: Five of the eight LSM genes were identified as potential prognostic markers for survival in MCL, with particular emphasis on the LSM.index. The expression levels of these LSM genes demonstrated their potential utility as classifiers of MCL. The LSM.index-high group exhibited both poorer survival rates and lower RNA levels than did the overall transcript profile. Notably, LSM1 and LSM8 were overexpressed in the LSM.index-high group, with LSM1 showing 2.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) and LSM8 depicting 1.8-fold increase (p < 0.01) than those in the LSM.index-low group.Furthermore, elevated LSM gene expression was associated with increased cell division and RNA splicing pathway activity. Conclusions The LSM.index demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with MCL. Elevated expression of LSM genes, particularly LSM1 and LSM8, may be linked to poor survival outcomes through their involvement in cell division and RNA splicing pathways. These findings suggest that LSM genes may contribute to the aggressive behavior of MCL and represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Background: SM-like (LSM) genes a family of RNA-binding proteins, are involved in mRNA regulation and can function as oncogenes by altering mRNA stability. However, their roles in B-cell progression and tumorigenesis remain poorly understood. Methods: We analyzed gene expression profiles and overall survival data of 123 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The LSM index was developed to assess its potential as a prognostic marker of MCL survival. Results: Five of the eight LSM genes were identified as potential prognostic markers for survival in MCL, with particular emphasis on the LSM.index. The expression levels of these LSM genes demonstrated their potential utility as classifiers of MCL. The LSM.index-high group exhibited both poorer survival rates and lower RNA levels than did the overall transcript profile. Notably, LSM1 and LSM8 were overexpressed in the LSM.index-high group, with LSM1 showing 2.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) and LSM8 depicting 1.8-fold increase (p < 0.01) than those in the LSM.index-low group.Furthermore, elevated LSM gene expression was associated with increased cell division and RNA splicing pathway activity. Conclusions The LSM.index demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with MCL. Elevated expression of LSM genes, particularly LSM1 and LSM8, may be linked to poor survival outcomes through their involvement in cell division and RNA splicing pathways. These findings suggest that LSM genes may contribute to the aggressive behavior of MCL and represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Objective:To investigate the effect of adjusting density exposure steps on image quality and radiation dose in digital mammography.Methods:Using the automatic exposure control (AEC) mode of the digital mammography machine, five different gland thicknesses of 4.3, 5.3, 6.3, 7.3, and 8.3 cm were simulated by attaching 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 PMMA plexiglass plates under the RMI-156 modal body, and the density exposure steps were adjusted to -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 for each thickness. The target/filter combination, tube voltage, tube current, incident body surface dose (ESD), incident surface air kerma (ESAK), half-value layer (HVL) and the average glandular dose displayed by the device (displayed AGD) were recorded at each step and thickness, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), figure of merit (FOM) and the calculated average glandular dose (calculated AGD) were calculated. Then, the display effects of simulated fibers, simulated calcifications and simulated masses within the modal body were scored subjectively, and the changes in image quality and radiation dose at different steps were analyzed, and the relationships between ESD and ESAK, displayed AGD and calculated AGD, and displayed AGD/ESD and calculated AGD/ESAK were analyzed. A linear fit was used for the steps with SNR, CNR, and FOM, and an exponential function curve fit was used for the steps with mAs, ESAK, and calculated AGD. The differences between ESD and ESAK, displayed AGD and calculated AGD, and displayed AGD/ESD and calculated AGD/ESAK were analyzed by paired-samples t test. Results:The CNR and SNR of mammographic images rose and fell by about 8% with each increase or decrease of one step. The scores of image simulated fibers, simulated calcifications, and simulated masses showed an overall upward trend with increasing steps, but there were still cases where the scores decreased with increasing grades. FOM varied from 97% to 104% at each grade with little variability. ESD, ESAK, displayed AGD, and calculated AGD, which could measure radiation dose, showed an exponential trend of increasing function with increasing steps, with a variation of about 63% to 165%. There were statistically significant differences ( t=-9.61, P=0.001) between ESD (15.14±10.08) and ESAK (16.66±11.07). However, there were no statistically significant differences ( t=1.20, P=0.240) between displayed AGD and calculated AGD, which were 3.66±2.18 and 3.61±1.99, respectively. Conclusions:The adjustment of density exposure steps can make the image quality change linearly and the radiation dose change exponentially with increasing speed, and the mode and magnitude of the adjustment are appropriately stable with high application value.