ObjectiveTo construct an interleukin-9 （Il9） gene knockout mouse model on a C57BL/6N background， establish a reliable genotyping method， and provide a standardized animal model for investigating Il9-related immune mechanisms and diseases. MethodsIl9 knockout mouse strain （C57BL/6N-Il9^em1Cya） was generated using conventional gene knockout technology. The method for DNA extraction from mouse tails was optimized to ensure template quality. Two sets of specific primers （F1/R1 and F1/R2） were designed to amplify target fragments by PCR， and mouse genotypes were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. Specifically， primer pair F1/R1 targeted the knockout sequence with an expected product of 465 bp， while F1/R2 targeted the wild-type sequence with an expected product of 703 bp. Subsequently， Western blot was performed to verify the knockout efficiency of Il9 in primary immune cells and key organs of the offspring mice， and flow cytometry was used to assess the effects of Il9 deficiency on the function of the immune system in major immune cell populations. ResultsIl9 knockout mice were successfully bred and genotyped. PCR identification showed that homozygous mice （-/-） exhibited only a 465 bp band， wild-type mice （+/+） displayed only a 703 bp band， and heterozygous mice （+/-） showed both bands simultaneously. Meanwhile， Western blot analysis revealed significantly decreased IL-9 expression in various organs of the offspring mice （P<0.001）. Flow cytometric results demonstrated that Il9 deficiency exerted no obvious effects on the proportions of peripheral blood lymphocytes， splenic lymphocytes， and peritoneal macrophages. ConclusionAn Il9 gene knockout mouse model on a C57BL/6N background is successfully constructed. The established PCR genotyping system is highly efficient and accurate， which can effectively distinguish mice of different genotypes. This model provides a stable and reliable experimental basis for subsequent functional studies of Il9 and exploration of the mechanisms underlying Il9-related diseases.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder with complex etiologies, manifests through a cascade of pathological changes before clinical symptoms become apparent. Among these early changes, alterations in the expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal events. In this study, we focused on the aberrant expression of ncRNAs and revealed that Lamr1-ps1, a pseudogene of the laminin receptor, significantly exacerbates early spatial learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Through a combination of bioinformatics prediction and experimental validation, we identified the miR-29c/Bace1 pathway as a potential regulatory mechanism by which Lamr1-ps1 influences AD pathology. Importantly, augmenting the miR-29c-3p levels in mice ameliorated memory deficits, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-29c-3p in early AD intervention. This study not only provides new insights into the role of pseudogenes in AD but also consolidates a foundational basis for considering miR-29c as a viable therapeutic target, offering a novel avenue for AD research and treatment strategies.
Animals ; Alzheimer Disease/pathology* ; Pseudogenes/genetics* ; Mice ; Memory Disorders/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Spatial Learning/physiology* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Presenilin-1/genetics* ; Male ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting 30-day mortality among elderly patients with sepsis-associated liver dysfunction (SALD), to identify high-risk patients and improve prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database for elderly patients with SALD who were first admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between 2008 and 2019, including basic characteristics, severity scores, underlying diseases, infection foci, 24-hour vital signs, initial laboratory indicators, 24-hour complications, and prognosis related indicators. Patients were randomly assigned to training group and validation group in a ratio of 7 : 3. The training group used the LASSO regression analysis, as well as multivariate Logistic regression analysis to screen for independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. A nomogram prediction model was constructed, and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the model, and validate the model using the validation cohort. RESULTS: A total of 630 elderly patients with SLAD were included in the study, including 441 in the training group and 189 in the validation group. Oxford acute severity of illness score (OASIS) for training group [odds ratio (OR) = 1.060, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.034-1.086], 24-hour pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂; OR = 0.876, 95%CI was 0.797-0.962), initial mean corpuscular volume (MCV; OR = 1.043, 95%CI was 1.009-1.077), initial red blood cell distribution width (RDW; OR = 1.237, 95%CI was 1.123-1.362), initial blood glucose (OR = 1.008, 95%CI was 1.004-1.013), and initial aspartate aminotransferase (AST; OR = 1.000, 95%CI was 1.000-1.001) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients (all P < 0.05). Based on the above variables, a nomogram model was constructed, and the ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the model in the training group was 0.757 (95%CI was 0.712-0.803), with a sensitivity of 65.05% and a specificity of 74.90%; the AUC of the model in the validation group was 0.712 (95%CI was 0.631-0.792), with a sensitivity of 58.67% and a specificity of 81.58%. The calibration curves of the training and validation groups show that both the fitted curves were close to the standard curves. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test: the training group (χ ² = 6.729, P = 0.566), the validation group (χ ² = 13.889, P = 0.085), indicating that the model can fit the observed data well. The DCA curve shows that when the threshold probability of the training group was 16% to 94% and the threshold probability of the validation group was 27% to 99%, the net benefit of the model was good. CONCLUSIONS OASIS, 24-hour SpO₂, initial MCV, initial RDW, initial blood glucose and initial AST are independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in elderly patients with SALD. The nomogram based on these six variables demonstrates good predictive performance.
Humans ; Sepsis/complications* ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Aged ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Liver Diseases/mortality* ; Intensive Care Units ; ROC Curve ; Male ; Female ; Logistic Models

Objective:To evaluate the application efficiency of the artificial prenatal sonography quality assurance system（PSAIS）in the quality control of fetal image quality during the first trimester（11-14 weeks），and to assist the quality control of fetal ultrasound examinations in the first trimester in Liaoning Province using this system.Methods:One hundred fetuses（2 757 ultrasound images）from early pregnancy ultrasound screenings at the Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University in November 2022 were retrospectively randomly selected as the test set. The performance of PSAIS were evaluated by 3 obstetric ultrasound experts. First，the experts' sectional classification was used as the gold standard，the accuracy of PSAIS in classifying standard sections was assessed；the consistency between PSAIS and expert ratings was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient（ICC）. The difference of time between PSAIS and expert quality control was analyzed. Finally，PSAIS was used to evaluate the quality of early pregnancy fetal ultrasound examinations at various levels of hospitals in Liaoning province，involving a total of 35 hospitals. Ten early pregnancy fetal ultrasound screening cases were randomly selected from each hospital. The specific evaluation content included the number of stored ultrasound images per examination，the completion rate of standard sections，image quality scores for each examination and individual images，excellence rates and pass rates. The assessment results were statistically described and analyzed.Results:The accuracy rate of PSAIS classification reached to 88.25%（706/800）；the ICC between PSAIS and expert ratings was 0.978. PSAIS analysis showed that the time for each early pregnancy fetal ultrasound examination was less than the average time required by experts（3.0 s vs. 63.5 s， P<0.05）.Quality control checks revealed statistically significant differences among hospitals at various levels in terms of the number of stored images，completeness of sections，scoring，excellence rate，and pass rate（all P<0.05）. Among them，tertiary hospitals performed better than secondary hospitals，private hospitals outperformed public ones，and specialized hospitals excelled over general hospitals. In the evaluation of section standardization，the fetal median sagittal plane had the highest completion rate［99.43%（348/350）］，while the umbilical cord abdominal wall entry transverse plane scan had the lowest completion rate［31.14%（109/350）］. Conclusions:PSAIS can reliably assess the quality of early pregnancy fetal ultrasound examinations，significantly enhancing the efficiency of quality control. There are noticeable differences among hospitals at various levels in Liaoning Province regarding the image quality of early pregnancy fetal ultrasounds，and there are also some common issues in standardizing sections. The quality of obstetric ultrasound images still needs further improvement.

Objective To explore the characteristics of oropharyngeal metabolites of postoperative pneumonia(POP)and non-POP patients with gastric cancer by non-targeted metabolomics,and to provide reference for revea-ling the pathogenesis as well as clinical prevention and control.Methods Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric cancer in the department of gastrointestinal surgery of a tertia-ry hospital in Fujian Province from January 2022 to December 2023,nested case-control study was adopted,with 30 cases in POP group and non-POP group,respectively,ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS)technique was adopted for detection,and multivariate statistical analysis was per-formed.Results The metabolites of POP group and non-POP group preoperatively,POP group and non-POP group postoperatively,POP group preoperatively and postoperatively,as well as non-POP group preoperatively and post-operatively did not show a clear trend of separation on the score graph of principal component analysis(PCA),par-tial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA),and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA),but the screening of the differential metabolites revealed that the relative abundances of ascorbic acid and lipoic acid in the POP group preoperatively were lower than non-POP group preoperatively.The relative abundance of 5'-adenylic acid in the POP group preoperatively was lower than postoperatively,while the relative abundances of suc-cinic acid and phenylacetaldehyde were higher.There were differences in metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine.Conclusion Alteration of metabolite level due to abnormalities in specific metabolic pathways presents in the deve-lopment of gastric cancer POP and may be related to the development of POP.

Objective::To examine the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on offspring metabolomics.Methods::We searched five databases: PubMed, Ovid Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and included studies that reported metabolomics among human offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies.Results::Database search yielded 4054 articles, and after full-text screening, ten observational studies met inclusion criteria. Half of the studies had a sample size of less than 100 and were all observational studies in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension.Neonates were the most focused group in all included studies. Offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies exhibited statistically significant variations in blood metabolomics compared to their counterparts, characterized by amino acids, lipids, carnitine, and others (e.g., 1α,25-(OH) 2-D). Most studies reported a significant increase in differential metabolites of offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies. Four studies ( n = 1109) measured lipids-related metabolites, and all consistently showed that offspring born to PE-complicated pregnancies had significantly higher concentrations than non-PE exposed offspring. Conclusion::The existing evidence suggests an intergenerational effect of HDP on offspring metabolomics. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to advance the health effects of related adverse health outcomes and inform the prevention of offspring’s health.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy of endoscopic-laparoscopic regional gastric resection combined with sentinel lymph node basin dissection in patients with early-stage gastric cancer.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Data of 17 consecutive early gastric cancer patients from a prospective cohort at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University were analyzed between August 2023 and August 2024. Sixteen cases were from the department of general surgery and 1 from the department of gastroenterology. The cohort included 9 males and 8 females,with a mean age of 61.4 years (range: 46 to 79 years). Clinical data,including demographics,pathological features,surgical procedures,and follow-up outcomes,were collected through medical records and databases. All patients were followed for over 3 months,with follow-up ending on December 5,2024.Results:A total of 17 patients were involved. Among them, 5 patients underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) combined with laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection (LSBD),and another 3 patients who underwent complete ESD resection received LSBD due to pathological stage meeting the expanded indications. 6 patients who underwent non-curative ESD resection received laparoscopic gastric regional resection (LRG) combined with LSBD,and another 3 patients directly received LRG combined with LSBD. The average number of sentinel lymph nodes dissected before surgery ( M(IQR)) was 8.9 (4.5) (range: 4 to 21),and the detection rate and accuracy rate were both 100%. Postoperative pathology confirmed that there was no metastasis in the sentinel lymph nodes of 5 patients who underwent ESD combined with LSBD and 3 patients who underwent LSBD after complete ESD resection. The vertical and horizontal margins of ESD were all negative. One patient was an absolute indication for ESD. For the 6 patients who underwent non-curative ESD resection combined with LRG and LSBD,the horizontal margins were all negative. Two patients showed 1 metastasis in each of the 21 and 9 sentinel lymph nodes during the operation,and additional distal gastrectomy was performed during the operation. Postoperatively,73 and 39 lymph nodes were retrieved respectively. The former had 1 additional metastasis,while the latter had no metastasis. Among the 3 patients who underwent direct LRG combined with LSBD,the horizontal margins were negative. One patient was confirmed as an absolute indication for ESD by postoperative pathology,and one patient had 1 metastasis in 8 sentinel lymph nodes during the operation,and additional distal gastrectomy was performed. Postoperatively,there was no metastasis in 54 lymph nodes. All patients had no complications such as infection,bleeding,perforation,or death after surgery. Among the 14 patients who did not receive additional radical surgery,they were able to pass gas and defecate within 3 days after surgery,with an average hospital stay of 6 days. The nutritional indicators and gastric radionuclide emptying imaging half-emptying time were similar to those before surgery at 3 months after surgery. Conclusions:Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative regional gastrectomy with sentinel lymph node basin dissection has the advantages of minimal invasiveness,preservation of gastric function,and precise treatment. It maybe suitable for patients with early-stage gastric cancer at high risk of lymph node metastasis and has good short-term efficacy.

Objective::To examine the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on offspring metabolomics.Methods::We searched five databases: PubMed, Ovid Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and included studies that reported metabolomics among human offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies.Results::Database search yielded 4054 articles, and after full-text screening, ten observational studies met inclusion criteria. Half of the studies had a sample size of less than 100 and were all observational studies in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension.Neonates were the most focused group in all included studies. Offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies exhibited statistically significant variations in blood metabolomics compared to their counterparts, characterized by amino acids, lipids, carnitine, and others (e.g., 1α,25-(OH) 2-D). Most studies reported a significant increase in differential metabolites of offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies. Four studies ( n = 1109) measured lipids-related metabolites, and all consistently showed that offspring born to PE-complicated pregnancies had significantly higher concentrations than non-PE exposed offspring. Conclusion::The existing evidence suggests an intergenerational effect of HDP on offspring metabolomics. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to advance the health effects of related adverse health outcomes and inform the prevention of offspring’s health.

Objective To investigate the intervention effect of Xiao'er Zhixiao Pingchuan Granules(XEZXPCG)on ovalbumin(OVA)-induced airway remodeling in asthmatic mice and its potential mechanism by regulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)and inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 96 SPF-grade male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank,model,XEZXPCG low/medium/high-dose groups(2.05,4.10,and 8.20 g/kg),adeno-associated virus(AAV)NC shRNA,AAV MIF shRNA(MIF gene silencing),and LY294002(PI3K/Akt inhibitor,1 mg/kg)groups(12 mice in each group).Asthma models were established through OVA sensitization and challenge.Airway resistance and the proportions of inflammatory cells(eosinophils and macrophages)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were detected.Serum inflammatory factor(OVA-IgE,interleukin[IL]-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,and interferon-gamma)levels and BALF were quantified.Hematoxylin and eosin,Masson,and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to evaluate airway wall thickness(Wat/Phm),smooth muscle area(Wam/Phm),collagen deposition,and goblet cell metaplasia.Western blotting,immunofluorescence,and real-time fluorescence-qPCR were used to detect MIF protein and mRNA expressions,as well as activation markers of the PI3K/Akt pathway and cell cycle-related proteins(including cyclin-dependant kinase 6[CDK6],Cyclin D1,Cyclin D3,and p21),in lung tissues.Results Compared to the model group,a XEZXPCG medium or high-dose significantly reduced airway resistance(P<0.05),improved the imbalance of eosinophil and macrophage proportions in BALF,and decreased inflammatory factor levels in serum and BALF(P<0.05).XEZXPCG medium or high-dose alleviated airway epithelial damage,goblet cell hyperplasia,and collagen fiber deposition,and reduced the Wat/Phm and Wam/Phm(P<0.05),with effects comparable to those of the AAV MIF shRNA and LY294002 groups.XEZXPCG medium and high-inhibited MIF protein/mRNA expression(P<0.05),downregulated Akt phosphorylation(P<0.05),upregulated p21 protein expression,and downregulated Cyclin D1,Cyclin D3,and CDK6 expressions(P<0.05).Conclusion XEZXPCG alleviates airway inflammation and improves airway remodeling in OVA-induced asthmatic mice by inhibiting MIF expression,downregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and regulating cell cycle progression.XEZXPCG enhances airway remodeling through MIF-mediated PI3K/Akt pathway regulation.

Objective : To construct a humanized mouse model of the interleukin-9 receptor(IL-9R) coding DNA sequence(CDS) gene and to verify the genotype and IL-9R expression in mice. Methods : The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology was used to replace the exon 2-7 fragment of the il-9r gene in mouse embryonic stem cells with the corresponding human IL-9R sequence. After verifying the completion of the gene fragment replacement, tetraploid embryos were constructed and microinjected back into the oviducts of surrogate mice. Through surrogacy by female mice, homozygous humanized mice were obtained. DNA was extracted from the homozygous humanized mice IL-9R CDS gene, and their genotypes were identified by agarose gel electrophoresis after PCR amplification. Western blot was used to detect the expression of IL-9R in the spleen and thymus of homozygous humanized mice with either wild-type(WT) or IL-9R gene humanization. Results : Gel electrophoresis after PCR amplification showed that mice with only a 1 805 bp band amplified using WT primers were wild-type, while mice with 2 553 bp and 2 340 bp bands amplified using 5KI and 3KI primers, respectively, were homozygous humanized mice with IL-9R CDS gene. Western blot results indicated that the tissues of homozygous humanized mice model with IL-9R CDS gene expressed IL-9R significantly. Conclusion The humanized mouse model with IL-9R CDS gene has been successfully constructed and characterized.