Objective:To conduct a comparative analysis of the radiation damage to zebrafish embryos and the associated biological mechanism after ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional dose rate irradiation.Methods:Zebrafish embryos at 4 h post-fertilization were exposed to conventional and FLASH irradiation (9 MeV electron beam). The mortality and hatchability of zebrafish after radiation exposure were recorded. Larvae at 96 h post-irradiation underwent morphological scoring, testing of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and analysis of changes in oxidative stress indicators.Results:Electron beam irradiation at doses of 2-12 Gy exerted subtle effects on the mortality and hatchability of zebrafish embryos. However, single high-dose irradiation (≥ 6 Gy) could lead to developmental malformation of larvae, with conventional irradiation showing the most significant effects ( t = 0.87-9.75, P < 0.05). In contrast, after FLASH irradiation (≥ 6 Gy), the ROS levels in zebrafish and its oxidative stress indicators including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly reduced ( t = 0.42-15.19, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ROS levels in incubating solutions after conventional and FLASH irradiation ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:Compared to conventional irradiation, FLASH irradiation can reduce radiation damage to zebrafish embryos, and this is in a dose-dependent manner. The two irradiation modes lead to different oxidative stress levels in zebrafish, which might be a significant factor in the reduction of radiation damage with FLASH irradiation.

Objective To investigate the status quo of drug resistance and influencing factors of tuberculosis in In-ner Mongolia,and to provide reference for accurate prevention and control of drug-resistant tuberculosis.Methods Random sampling was used in this study.TB patients from Tuberculosis designated hospital in Inner Mongolia were included,according to the rules and drug-resistant strains were identified and tested according to relevant norms.Composition ratio or rate was calculated for statistical description,and Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of drug resistance in TB patients.Results Among 1 321 patients,there were 936 males and 385 females,with an average age of(52.65±18.09)years.The rates of mono-resistant,multidrug-resistant(MDR),extensively drug-resistant(XDR)and total drug resistance were 19.00%,11.58%,11.66%and 42.24%,respectively.The highest resistance rates were observed for streptomycin(7.27%),isoniazid(4.69%),and isoniazid+streptomycin(4.47%).The drug resistance spectrum presented diversity and com-plexity.Compared to females,males had a higher proportion of drug resistance,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).The proportion of patients who were sensitive to anti-tuberculosis drugs increased with age(P<0.05).Among different age groups,the proportion of drug-resistant patients was higher in the 20-40 age group,40-60 age group,and 60 and above age group compared to the 0-20 age group(P<0.05).Addi-tionally,the proportion of drug-resistant patients was higher in the 20-40 age group and 40-60 age group com-pared to the 60 and above age group(P<0.05).Moreover,the proportion of drug-resistant and multi-drug re-sistant patients was higher among patients undergoing retreatment compared to those undergoing initial treatment(P<0.001).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender(OR=1.48,95%CI:1.02-2.14),age 20-40 years(OR=2.64,95%CI:1.05-6.60),retreatment(OR=2.34,95%CI:1.70-3.22),and outpatient follow-up(OR=1.56,95%CI:1.05-2.33)were independent risk factors for drug-resistant tuber-culosis.Conclusion Inner Mongolia has a high prevalence of MDR and overall drug-resistant tuberculosis among patients.The drug resistance profile exhibits diversity and complexity.Risk factors that contribute to drug resist-ance include being male,aged between 20 and 40,undergoing retreatment,and receiving outpatient follow-up.Therefore,it is necessary to further improve clinical diagnosis and treatment,promote rational use of first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs,prioritize individualized treatment,enhance health education,improve the medical insurance system,and optimize patient management approaches in order to enhance patient compliance.

Objective To investigate the nutritional status and dietary structure of tuberculosis patients among dif-ferent populations, analyze the factors influencing the nutritional status of tuberculosis patients, and provide theo-retical basis for improving clinical nutrition and related issues in tuberculosis patients.Methods Tuberculosis pa-tients, non-tuberculosis patients, and healthy individuals were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey.De-scriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS 20.0 software.Statistical description was performed using rates and composition ratios, and qualitative data were described using relative numbers.Chi-square test was used to compare overall rates and composition ratios among different health conditions groups, with a significance level of α=0.05.Independent factors analysis of nutritional status body mass index (BMI) was conducted using multiple Logistic re-gression analysis for variables with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis.Results There were differences in the nutritional status (x2 =62.184, P<0.05) and dietary diversity score (x2 =64.049, P<0.05) among tuberculosis patients, non-tuberculosis patients, and healthy individuals.Univariate analysis of nutri-tional status BMI showed statistically significant differences in gender, smoking, meat-based diet, vegetable-based diet, moderate diet diversity score, and 6 other variables for tuberculosis patients (P <0.05) , and in gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, occupation, education level, smoking, drinking white wine, drinking beer, meat-based diet, moderate diet, and 11 other variables for healthy individuals (P<0.05) .The variables with statisti-cally significant differences in the univariate analysis were included in the multiple ordinal logistic regression analy-sis model for both tuberculosis patients and healthy individuals.The results showed that the level of education, veg-etable intake, moderate food diversity score (DDS) of 4-6 were independent influencing factors of nutritional sta-tus BMI among tuberculosis patients (P<0.05);marital status was an independent influencing factor of nutritional status BMI among non-tuberculosis patients (P<0.05);while gender and occupation were independent influencing factors of nutritional status BMI among healthy individuals (P<0.05).Conclusion The dietary nutritional status of the three population groups varied.Targeted health education should be conducted, especially for tuberculosis patients, to address the issue of uneven dietary intake and promote good dietary habits among local tuberculosis pa-tients.

Objective To investigate the mechanism underlying gasdermin E(GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis in radiation-induced intestinal injury and to find out whether gasdermin(GSDM)family members regulate pyroptosis through similar signaling pathways.Methods Human normal colon epithelial cells(NCM460)and human colon cancer cells(HT-29)were exposed to radiation of different doses and durations before pyroptosis indicators were evaluated by observing pyroptotic bubbles,cell survival,and the cleavage of pyroptosis execution proteins.HT-29 cells overexpressing GSDME were subjected to radiation,followed by enrichment analysis of pyroptosis-related differentially expressed genes using RNA-seq.Results Radiation induced substantial pyroptosis in NCM460 cells.Overexpression of GSDME in HT-29 cells resulted in substantial radiation-induced pyroptosis.The pyroptosis state of human intestinal cells was simulated in the HT-29 model cell line.Overexpressions of GSDME-N and GSDMD-N resulted in the expression of more than 50％ of the differentially expressed genes in the pyroptosis state.Sequencing analysis showed that the genes in the pyroptosis state were mainly overrepresented in immune response,inflammatory response,and Rapl signaling pathway.Conclusion GSDME activation can mediate radiation-induced pyroptosis by producing GSDME-N fragments.GSDM family members participate in pyroptosis in a similar mode of regulation.Furthermore,radiation-induced activation of GSDME/D may regulate pyroptosis through immune response,inflammatory response,and Rap1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of pediatric kidney transplant recipients reinfected with SARS-CoV-2.Method:The relevant clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 191 pediatric kidney transplant recipients at a single center. Based upon whether or not there was a reinfection of SARS-CoV-2, they were assigned into two groups of single infection (group A, 127 cases) and reinfection (group B, 64 cases). Baseline profiles, clinical symptoms, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, markers of disease progression, immune status, respiratory support modalities, comorbidities and transplantation-related data were collected for comparing the inter-group differences during primary infection and between two infections in reinfected group.Result:As compared with group A, group B recipients had a higher proportion of age <12 years (71.9% vs 54.3%) ,unvaccinated (81.2% vs 66.1%) and such symptoms as high fever (34.4% vs 12.6% ), dry cough (43.8% vs 23.6% ) and chest tightness (14.1% vs 3.9 %) during primary infection (all P<0.05). During primary infection, the levels of IL-6 and CRP were higher in group B than in group A and inter-group difference was statistically significant (both P<0.01). The levels of IL-6 ( P<0.01), CRP ( P<0.01) and PCT ( P= 0.023) were lower in group B during reinfection than those during primary infection and the difference was statistically significant. During primary infection, the counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, NK and B lymphocyte of group B were lower than those of group A. And inter-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). During reinfection, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, NK and B lymphocyte counts of group B spiked as compared with those of group A during primary infection and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). The levels of SCr and UA in group B differed insignificantly before and after primary infection with SARS-CoV-2. However, the differences before and after reinfection were statistically significant (both P<0.01) . Conclusion:Symptomatic and immunocompromised pediatric KT recipients during primary infection with SARS-CoV-2 are more prone to reinfection during subsequent epidemics. Though mildly symptomatic, reinfection may exacerbate impairments of graft kidney function in pediatric KT recipients.

Objective:To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of a family of cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) caused by a new locus of HTRA1 mutation. Methods:The medical history and clinical data of a patient with CARASIL were collected, and genetic test was performed on some family members to observe the HTRA1 mutation. Results:The proband presented with cognitive impairment, suspicious lumbar lesions, and alopecia. Cranial imaging revealed extensive blank brain lesions and multiple microbleeding foci. The mother of the proband had psychiatric symptoms and stroke once, and the sixth younger sister had history of dementia and hypertension. Genetic test revealed that the proband and his two sons carried HTRA1 heterogenic mutation c.888C>G (p.I296M), and the two sons had alopecia. Conclusion:The c.888C>G(p.I296M) may be a new pathogenic mutation site of CARASIL.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided selective varices devascularization (EUS-SVD) for the treatment of esophagogastric varices.Methods:A total of 43 cases of liver cirrhosis with esophageal and gastric varices at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from February to December 2021 were included in a retrospective cohort study. The cases were divided into two treatment groups based on endoscopic treatment: EUS-SVD group ( n=22) and conventional endoscopic sclerosant injection group (conventional gastroscopy group, n=21). The doses of sclerosants and tissue glue, effective rate of esophageal varice treatment within 2 months after surgery, rebleeding rate within 3 months after surgery, and adverse reactions were compared. Results:The differences in terms of mean patient age, gender composition, etiology of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classification of liver function, classification of esophageal varices, composition of endoscopic treatment indications, and mean maximum diameter of gastric varices were not statistically significant between the two groups ( P>0.05), indicating the comparability of baseline data. Perforating veins outside the gastric wall of gastric varices could be detected during the procedure in the EUS-SVD group, and disappearance of gastric varices after injection treatment could be determined, while these two indicators could not be detected in the conventional gastroscopy group. The amounts of sclerosing agents and tissue adhesives used in the EUS-SVD group were 7.54±3.10 mL and 1.30±0.57 mL, respectively, while the corresponding amounts in the conventional gastroscopy group were 7.57±3.50 mL ( t=0.026, P=0.980) and 1.38±0.67 mL ( t=-0.452, P=0.654), respectively. The effective treatment rate for esophageal varice within 2 months after surgery was 63.6% (14/22) in the EUS-SVD group and 52.4% (11/21) in the conventional gastroscopy group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=0.559, P=0.455). The rebleeding rate within 3 months after surgery was 4.5% (1/22) in the EUS-SVD group, significantly lower than the rate of 33.3% (7/21) in the conventional gastroscopy group ( P=0.021). Neither group experienced events of ectopic embolism or death. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, or rebleeding rate within 72 hours after surgery ( P>0.05). The incidence of gastric fundus ulcers was 9.1% (2/22) in the EUS-SVD group, significantly lower than the rate of 42.9% (9/21) in the conventional gastroscopy group ( χ2=6.435, P=0.011). Conclusion:EUS-SVD treatment for esophagogastric varices is safe and effective. It can clearly display the deep-seated intramural vessels of the gastric wall, measure the diameter of the blood vessels, accurately inject tissue glue, occlude the varicose veins and perforating vessels, and reduce the occurrence of postoperative ulcers and rebleeding.

Objective:To compare the accuracy of endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) combined with Indian ink marking in locating injection sites for gastric varices, and to explore the influence of the features of gastric varices under endoscopy on the injection sites.Methods:Consecutive patients with gastric varices scheduled for EUS-guided glue injection therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from August 2021 to October 2022 were perspectively included. Firstly, gastric varices were assessed under endoscopy, where the size of the veins were estimated while the injection site was preliminarily judged during the procedure. Then EUS was used to identify perforating feeding veins and mark injection sites with Indian ink. After tissue adhesive was injected into identified varices, the change of varices after injection was observed and the marking was identified under endoscopy again. The clarity of the markinges was confirmed and the consistency between EUS-guided Indian ink mark and that under endoscopy was compared. Patients were divided into anastomosis group and non-anastomosis group based on marking consistency to investigate the effect of gastric varices features on the location of injection sites under endoscopy. Treatment efficacy and postoperative adverse events were counted.Results:Finally, 34 patients were included and all of them underwent successful marking under EUS guidance without complications. A total of 40 marker sites were clearly visible with Indian ink staining under endoscopy. The difference in distribution between the anastomotic group and non-anastomotic group marker points between EUS and endoscopy was statistically significant ( χ2=9.103, P=0.003). Vascular occlusion rate was 100.00% (40/40). There were 13 adverse events after operation, mainly fever, abdominal pain and nausea, and no serious adverse events such as allergy and ectopic embolization occurred. There was significant difference between the blood vessel diameter of the anastomotic group (10.84±4.02 mm) and that of the non-anastomotic group (8.80±1.61 mm, t=1.870, P=0.031). The percentage of raised vessels in the anastomotic group was 88.00% (22/25), higher than that in the non-anastomotic group [53.33% (8/15)], and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.009, P=0.024). Conclusion:Accuracy in positioning under endoscopy is influenced by variceal diameter and bulge shape, being less precise in varices with smaller diameters and less pronounced bulges.

Objective:To explore the clinical features and prognosis of central nervous system involvement in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).Methods:We retrospectively investigated the clinical data of 138 MPA patients hospitalized with MPA in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 1, 2010 to November 1, 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had the central nervous system (CNS) involvement or not and then Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the survival rate between the two groups, Logistic regression model analysis was adopted to analyze risk factors, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:①29 patients (21.0%)among the 138 MPA had CNS-affected, including 13(44.8%) males and 16(55.2%) females. CNS involvement was present at the diagnosis of MPA in 20 cases (69.0%) and after the diagnosis of MPA in 9 cases (31.0%). ②The clinical manifestations were motor impairment in 14 cases (48.3%), sensory impairment in 10 cases (34.5%), speech loss in 9 cases (31.0%), headache in 8 cases (27.6%), consciousness disorder in 7 cases (24.1%), dysphagia and bucking in 4 cases (13.8%), cranial nerves involvement in 3 cases (10.3%). The imaging manifestations of the head included infarction, hemorrhage, infarction with hemorrhage and linear dural thickening. Five patients received lumbar puncture. One patient showed elevation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure, 1 patient had elevated protein and 5 patients showed elevation of LDH.③Eighteen patients received glucocortoid combined with cyclophosphamide. CNS symptoms recurred in 6 patients, four patients had recurrent cerebral infarction. ④Median survival time was 55 months in the CNS affected group [95% CI=(14.215, 95.785)] and 86 months in the N-CNS group [95% CI=(24.378, 147.622)]. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that there was no significant difference in survival rate between the two groups ( χ2=0.07, P=0.794) . Conclusion:The central nervous system involvement of microscopic polyangiitis is not uncommon. The clinical manifestations are various, with motor impairment the most. The most common imaging manifestation is cerebral infarction and the patients mainly presenteas multiple cerebral infarction. However, the CNS involvement of microscopic polyangiitis is not associated with mortality.

Objective : The CRISPR / dCas9-SAM system was used to explore genes related to the proliferation of gastric cancer cells AGS，and their role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer was analyzed． Methods : sgRNA was designed for genes with differential expression between gastric cancer and normal gastric tissue， and a lentiviral library was obtained after packaging was constructed．The AGS cells at different time points after the library was infected with AGS cells were used as the screening pressure，and the AGS cells at three time points on days 0，7 and 14 were collected．High-throughput sequencing analyzed sgRNA enrichment in AGS cells at dif- ferent time points after infection to obtain differential genes related to AGS cell proliferation. Results : Bioinformat- ics showed that compared with the 0 d group，42 and 45 negative screening differential genes and 59 and 40 posi- tive screening differential genes were obtained in the 7 d group and 14 d group，respectively．Among them，the 7 d group and the 14 d group had 11 genes in the negative screening and the positive screening． Conclusion In this study，11 genes inhibiting the proliferation of AGS cells were screened，of which 5 were protein-coding genes and 6 were long non-coding RNA ( lncRNA ) genes． 11 candidate genes that promoted AGS cell proliferation were screened，of which 3 were protein-coding genes and 8 were lncRNA genes．It laid a foundation for further function- al verification and comprehensive analysis of the occurrence and development process of gastric cancer.