ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Rehmanniae Radix iridoid glycosides （RIG） on the kidney tissue of streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic mice and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsTwelve of 72 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 60 mice were fed with a high-fat diet for six weeks combined with injection of 60 mg·kg^-1 STZ for 4 days to model type 2 diabetes mellitus. The successfully modeled mice were randomized into model， metformin （250 mg·kg^-1）， catalpol （100 mg·kg^-1）， low-dose RIG （RIG-L， 200 mg·kg^-1） and high-dose RIG （RIG-H， 400 mg·kg^-1） groups （n=11）. Mice in each group were administrated with corresponding drugs， while those in the normal group and model group were administrated with the same dose of distilled water by gavage once a day. After 8 weeks of intervention， an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed， and the area under the curve （AUC） was calculated. After mice were sacrificed， both kidneys were collected. The body weight， kidney weight， and fasting blood glucose （FBG） were measured. Biochemical assays were performed to measure the serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， serum creatinine （SCr）， and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to determine the serum level of fasting insulin （FINS）， and the insulin sensitivity index （ISI） and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） were calculated. The pathological changes in kidneys of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The immunohistochemical method （IHC） was employed to assess the expression of interleukin-1 （IL-1）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）， transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）， and collagen-3 （ColⅢ） in the kidney tissue. The protein levels of TGF-β₁， cell signal transduction molecule 3 （Smad3）， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， and ColⅢ in kidneys of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showcased decreased body weight and ISI （P<0.01）， increased kidney weight， FBG， AUC， FINS， HOMA-IR， TC， TG， SCr， and BUN （P<0.01）， glomerular hypertrophy， capsular space narrowing， and collagen deposition in the kidney， up-regulated protein levels of IL-1， IL-6， TNF-α， TGF-β₁， ColⅢ， and Smad3 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein level of MMP-9 （P<0.01） in the kidney tissue. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups had no significant difference in the body weight and decreased kidney weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The FBG level declined in the RIG-H group after treatment for 4-8 weeks and in the metformin， catalpol， and RIG-L groups after treatment for 6-8 weeks （P<0.01）. The AUC in the RIG-L， RIG-H， and metformin groups decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of TC， SCr， and BUN in the serum of mice in each treatment group became lowered （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The level of TG declined in the RIG-L， RIG-H， and metformin groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The serum level of FINS declined in the catalpol， RIG-L， and metformin groups （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups showed decreased HOMA-IR （P<0.01）， increased ISI （P<0.01）， alleviated pathological changes in the kidney tissue， and down-regulated expression of IL-1 and TGF-β₁. In addition， the protein levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and ColⅢ in the RIG-H and metformin groups and IL-6 and TNF-α in the RIG-L group were down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and ColⅢ in the catalpol group and ColⅢ in the RIG-L group showed a decreasing trend without statistical difference. The protein levels of TGF-β₁， Smad3， and ColⅢ in the RIG-H and metformin groups were down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the model group， the protein level of MMP-9 was up-regulated in each treatment group （P<0.01）. ConclusionRIG can improve the renal structure and function of diabetic mice by regulating the TGF-β₁/Smads signaling pathway.

Objective: To validate the analytical performance, operational performance, and process control measures of a domestic fully automatic nucleic acid testing (NAT) system, thereby ensuring an efficient and orderly blood screening workflow. Methods: The concordance rate and sensitivity of WanTag-Vortex Plus system were verified using WHO standard reference panels of HIV-1, HCV and HBV, while precision was assessed using weak positive samples of HIV-1, HCV and HBV. As for its operational performance evaluation, cross-contamination resistance was assessed using strong positive samples, and throughput and stress testing were conducted using negative samples. Reagent stability was verified using weak positive samples, and inter-system performance consistency was assessed using verification panels. In addition, the process control measures were verified using the laboratory quality control demand scale. Results: 1) Verification of concordance rate: The detection results of negative and positive samples of HIV-1, HCV and HBV by WanTag-Vortex Plus system were all consistent with expectations, and the concordance rate was 100%. 2) Precision verification: the repeatability and intermediate precision were extremely high, and the coefficient of variation was less than 5%. 3) Verification of analytical sensitivity: The detection limit of 95% for standard strains of HIV-1, HCV and HBV by WanTag-Vortex Plus system in our laboratory was consistent with the analytical sensitivity provided by reagent manufacturers. 4) Verification of cross-contamination resistance: Five strong positive samples and 87 negative samples were placed according to the actual working conditions and equipment operation design, and the test results were consistent with expectations, with no cross-contamination in the testing system. 5) Throughput and stress testing: Each system completed the individual donor-nucleic acid amplification testing (ID-NAT) of 276 samples in three batches within 12 hours, and successfully completed the ID-NAT test of 828 samples in three consecutive days. 6) Verification of reagent stability: After extreme storage (unsealed storage for 1 week with 4 freeze-thaw cycles), the reagents maintained 100% detection rate in the weak positive samples of HIV-1, HCV, and HBV, showing no significant differences from the control group (Kappa=1). 7) Verification of inter-system performance consistency: The system has stable operation performance, and the performance comparison results across the four devices were consistent (Kappa=1). 8) Process control measures: WanTag-Vortex Plus system software accurately controlled the equipment operation process with strict quality control measures, and correctly interpreted and safely reported the test results. Conclusion: The analytical and operational performance of the WanTag-Vortex Plus system complies with manufacturer design standards and essential laboratory workflow requirements. Integrated with laboratory information system (LIS), the system's control software meets standard process control requirements, yet requires further improvement.

Objective: To validate the analytical performance, operational performance, and process control measures of a domestic fully automatic nucleic acid testing (NAT) system, thereby ensuring an efficient and orderly blood screening workflow. Methods: The concordance rate and sensitivity of WanTag-Vortex Plus system were verified using WHO standard reference panels of HIV-1, HCV and HBV, while precision was assessed using weak positive samples of HIV-1, HCV and HBV. As for its operational performance evaluation, cross-contamination resistance was assessed using strong positive samples, and throughput and stress testing were conducted using negative samples. Reagent stability was verified using weak positive samples, and inter-system performance consistency was assessed using verification panels. In addition, the process control measures were verified using the laboratory quality control demand scale. Results: 1) Verification of concordance rate: The detection results of negative and positive samples of HIV-1, HCV and HBV by WanTag-Vortex Plus system were all consistent with expectations, and the concordance rate was 100%. 2) Precision verification: the repeatability and intermediate precision were extremely high, and the coefficient of variation was less than 5%. 3) Verification of analytical sensitivity: The detection limit of 95% for standard strains of HIV-1, HCV and HBV by WanTag-Vortex Plus system in our laboratory was consistent with the analytical sensitivity provided by reagent manufacturers. 4) Verification of cross-contamination resistance: Five strong positive samples and 87 negative samples were placed according to the actual working conditions and equipment operation design, and the test results were consistent with expectations, with no cross-contamination in the testing system. 5) Throughput and stress testing: Each system completed the individual donor-nucleic acid amplification testing (ID-NAT) of 276 samples in three batches within 12 hours, and successfully completed the ID-NAT test of 828 samples in three consecutive days. 6) Verification of reagent stability: After extreme storage (unsealed storage for 1 week with 4 freeze-thaw cycles), the reagents maintained 100% detection rate in the weak positive samples of HIV-1, HCV, and HBV, showing no significant differences from the control group (Kappa=1). 7) Verification of inter-system performance consistency: The system has stable operation performance, and the performance comparison results across the four devices were consistent (Kappa=1). 8) Process control measures: WanTag-Vortex Plus system software accurately controlled the equipment operation process with strict quality control measures, and correctly interpreted and safely reported the test results. Conclusion: The analytical and operational performance of the WanTag-Vortex Plus system complies with manufacturer design standards and essential laboratory workflow requirements. Integrated with laboratory information system (LIS), the system's control software meets standard process control requirements, yet requires further improvement.

Objective: To investigate the basic situation of pre-analytical quality management in blood station laboratories in North China, and to provide baseline data for promoting the homogenization and standardization of these pre-analytical processes in each blood station laboratory. Methods: A cross-sectional status survey was designed based on the quality management regulations of blood stations, ISO15189 standards and relevant quality management requirements. This survey covering various aspects including laboratory general situation, sample collection and temporary storage, transportation, reception, and quality continuous improvement situations. Data analysis was performed on the survey results of each laboratory. Results: All the 38 blood station laboratories in North China had established a pre-analytical quality management system framework and implemented basic pre-analytical quality control activities; however, there were differences in implementation. 1) Among the 12 basic quality items, 3 items were monitored by all the investigated laboratories (100%), 6 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 60%). There were no significant differences in the monitoring index among the three regions and among different types of laboratories (P>0.05). 2) Among the total of 26 items in the three key processes before testing (sample collection and storage, transportation, reception and processing), 12 items were monitored by all laboratories (100%), 11 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 75%). There were no significant differences in monitoring index among different regions and types of laboratories (P>0.05). Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for the gap analysis of the pre-analytical process quality management in 38 blood station laboratories across North China. It facilitates laboratories in identifying pre-analytical quality problems, resolving problems, preventing errors, and ensuring that the quality of blood samples before testing meets the established requirements. It lays a foundation for the homogenization of pre-analytical quality management in regional blood stations.

Objective: To determine the frequency and main reasons of unqualified samples by analyzing the quality of pre-analytical samples in blood stations in North China, thereby providing a reference and basis for gap analysis in the implementation of pre-analytical process quality management for participating laboratories and ensuring that only high-standard and high-quality blood samples proceed to testing. Methods: Data on the quality of pre-analytical samples from blood station laboratories in North China was collected via questionnaire. Statistical analysis were performed on: 1) the basic information of samples quality monitoring in the laboratories; 2) the distribution of the overall pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples and the pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples in each laboratory; 3) the distribution of reasons for sample disqualification. Results: 1) The overall pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples in blood station laboratories in North China was 4.55, with a total sigma level of 5.39σ. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles (P25, P50, P75) for the total unqualified rate were 0.00, 1.10 and 5.96, respectively. The corresponding percentiles for the Sigma level were 5.34σ, 5.71σ, and 6.00σ, respectively. The pre-analytical unqualified rate of serological and nucleic acid samples (4.89 vs 4.22) showed a significant difference (χ =9.575, P<0.05). 2) The average unqualified rate of samples in region A, B and C was 1.71, 9.50 and 12.64 (χ =1 590.721, P<0.05), and the sigma level was 5.66σ, 5.21σ and 5.16σ, respectively. 3) The main reasons for unqualified serological samples were chylous blood (72.65%), hemolysis (17.39%), abnormal hematocrit (5.80%), and insufficient volume (3.50%). The main reasons for the unqualified nucleic acid samples were chylous blood (78.26%), hemolysis (8.84%), failure to centrifuge as required (5.01%), abnormal hematocrit (4.66%), and insufficient volume (1.92%). Conclusion: In North China, the quality indicators for the pre-analytical processes in blood station laboratories are generally well-managed. Laboratories in region A outperformed the national average in pre-analytical specimen quality control. However, participating laboratories exhibit gaps in implementing pre-analytical quality management. Through effective analysis of pre-analytical process quality metrics and inter-laboratory comparisons, laboratories can identify discrepancies and address shortcomings. By establishing clear quality objectives, they can achieve continuous improvement and ensure the validity of test results.

Objective: To investigate the assessment criteria and subsequent handling practices of hemolytic and lipemic blood samples before testing in blood screening laboratories in North China, and to provide data to support the standardization of their management in blood station laboratories. Methods: Data on the preanalytical management of hemolytic and lipemic samples from 38 laboratories were collected. The details of management on the criteria and verificatioon for assessment, the assessment methods, and subsequent handling procedures of hemolytic and lipemic samples in blood station laboratories were analyzed. Results: 1) All 38 blood station laboratories monitored serological and nucleic acid samples for hemolysis and lipemia in pre-analytical phase. 2) The criteria and methods for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples varied among the laboratories of the 38 blood stations. 15 laboratories (39.47%) followed manufacturer's instructions, 9 laboratories (23.68%) formulated their own criteria, and 14 laboratories (36.84%) referred to the criteria of other laboratories. 16 laboratories (42.11%) verified the criteria for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples, with significant variations in verification rate across laboratories from different regions (P<0.05). For the assessment methods, visual inspection was used by 28 laboratories (73.68%) for hemolytic samples and by 27 laboratories (71.05%) for lipemic samples; the colorimetric card method was used by 10 laboratories (26.32%) for assessing both hemolytic and lipemic samples; the instrumental method was used by 1 laboratory (2.63%) for assessing lipemic samples.3) The handling procedures for hemolytic and lipemic samples varied significantly and followed a gradient distribution pattern among 38 laboratories (including accepting samples for testing, accepting samples for concession testing, re-collecting samples, and rejecting samples and halting testing). With increasing severity of hemolysis and lipemia, more laboratories halted testing, and relatively fewer laboratories accepted samples for normal testing. 5 laboratories (13.16%) applied different handling procedures on serological and nucleic acid samples. Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for analyzing gaps in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples during the preanalyical phase in blood station laboratories in North China. It enables laboratories to identify the problems and deficiencies in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples, to ensure preanalytical samples quality meets the established requirements, and to lay a foundation for promoting the homogenization and standardization of the regional sample quality management mode.

Objective To explore the effect of controlled low central venous pressure(CLCVP)on venous congestion and postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).Methods A total of 137 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under general anes-thesia with CPB were selected,including 73 males and 64 females,aged 18 to 70 years,with a BMI of 20 to 28 kg/m2,and ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were randomly assigned into two groups:the controlled low central venous pressure group(group CL,n=68)and the control group(group C,n=69).In group CL,CLCVP was applied by pumping nitroglycerin to reduce CVP to below 10 mmHg after 20 minutes of CPB cessation until the end of surgery.If necessary,norepinephrine was applied to maintain MAP&ge;65 mmHg.Patients in group C received standardized anesthesia management.Urine samples were collected before anesthesia induction and 12 hours postoperatively to detect the concentration of kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1).Urine samples were also collected before anesthesia induction and 2 hours postopera-tively to detect the concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL).Cumulative time a-bove 10,12,16,and 20 mmHg and time-weighted average CVP were used to assess venous congestion.The occurrence of postoperative AKI,stage 2 or above AKI,renal replacement therapy(CRRT),postoperative low cardiac output syndrome(LCOS),acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery(AKICS)score when arriving in ICU,in-hospital mortality,ICU stay,and postoperative hospital stay were recorded.Results Compared with group C,the cumulative time of CVP above 10,12,16,and 20 mmHg after CPB in group CL was significantly shorter,and the time-weighted average CVP was significantly lower(P＜0.05).AKI occurred in 9 patients(13.2%)in group CL and 15 patients(21.7%)in group C postoperatively,and there was no significant difference between the two groups.One case(1.5%)of stage 2 or above AKI oc-curred in group CL and 2 patients(2.9%)in group C,with one patient in group C requiring CRRT.Com-pared with group C,the concentrations of KIM-1 at 12 hours postoperatively and NGAL at 2 hours postoper-atively were significantly lower in group CL(P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in LCOS,AKICS score,in-hospital mortality,ICU stay,and postoperative hospital stay.Conclusion Controlled low central venous pressure in cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass can reduce venous congestion and decrease the occurrence of postoperative renal injury,thereby exerting a certain renal protective effect.

Objective To assess the impact of intravenous esketamine administered prior to car-diopulmonary bypass(CPB)initiation on ventricular function and internal carotid artery blood flow in pa-tients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery.Methods Sixty patients underwent elective CPB heart valve replacement,38 males and 22 females,aged 18-75 years,BMI 18.5-30.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ,NYHA cardiac function classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ,and a left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)of&ge;45％,were selected.The patients were randomly divided into two groups:esketamine group(group E)and normal saline group(group C),30 patients in each group.Total intravenous anesthesia was used during the operation.Following the initiation of CPB,group E received an intravenous infusion of es-ketamine at a rate of 0.5 mg·kg-1·h-1 until the conclusion of the procedure,while group C received an equivalent volume of normal saline concurrently at the same rate.HR,MAP,CVP,and cardiac output index(CI)were recorded before anesthesia induction,during skin resection,and within 60 minutes after stopping CPB.LVEF,left ventricular global longitudinal strain(GLS),global longitudinal time-to-peak strain standard deviation(GLTSD),global circumferential strain(GCS),global circumferential time-to-peak strain standard deviation(GCTSD),right ventricular ejection fraction(RVEF),right ventricular GLS,and GLTSD were obtained during skin resection,within 40 minutes of CPB,and 60 minutes after stopping CPB.rScO2,BIS,concentrations of Hb and lactic acid(Lac),peak systolic flow velocity(SPV),quantity of flow-internal carotid artery(Q-ICA),and blood flow resistance index(RI)were recorded before anesthesia induction,during skin resection,within 40 minutes of CPB,and within 60 minutes after stopping CPB.Concentrations of cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),creatinine(Cr),and neuron-specific enolase(NSE)were recorded before anesthesia induction and 6 hours after operation.Spon-taneous resuscitation after CPB,postoperative extubation time,duration of ICU stay,total hospital stay,in-cidence of adverse cardiac events,and 30-day postoperative mortality were recorded.Results Compared with group C,group E exhibited a significant increase in CI within 60 minutes after stopping CPB(P＜0.05).The LVEF,RVEF,and right ventricular GLS demonstrated significant increases within 60 minutes after stopping CPB in group E compared with group C(P＜0.05).The left ventricular GLS and left ven-tricular GCTSD displayed significant increases 30 minutes after stopping CPB in group E compared with group C.The RI exhibited a significant increase within 40 minutes of CPB in group E compared with group C(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in cTnⅠ,ALT,Cr,NSE,spontaneous resuscitation affter CPB,postoperative extubation time,duration of ICU stay,total hospital stay,incidence of cardiac adverse events,and 30-day postoperative mortality between the two groups.Conclusion Administration of esket-amine following the onset of CPB in patients undergoing cardiac surgery demonstrates a significant elevation in CI post-CPB cessation.Furthermore,it may augment ventricular longitudinal strain,thereby enhancing myocardial contraction,leading to increased postoperative ventricular ejection fraction,and sustaining hemo-dynamic stability.

【Objective】 To analyze the effect of sample hemolysis on ELISA test results in blood screening laboratory, so as to determine the acceptable tolerance of hemolysis specific to laboratory test items and detection system, and provide reference for the formulation of tolerance standard of sample hemolysis. 【Methods】 Negative and weakly positive (S/CO was about 2) samples with different hemolysis degrees were tested by several commonly used domestic reagents for HBsAg, HIV Ag/Ab, anti-HCV and anti-TP, respectively. The effects of various degrees of hemolysis on the test results of negative and weakly positive samples for each item were analyzed. 【Results】 1) Hemolysis had no effect on the test results (reactive/non-reactive) of negative and weakly positive samples for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-TP ELISA items; 2) Hemolysis affected the test results (reactive/non-reactive) of negative and weakly positive samples for HIV Ag/Ab ELISA item. A tolerance of Hb 2 g/L was taken as the acceptable hemolysis degree for HIV Ag/Ab ELISA item. 【Conclusion】 In this study, the acceptable tolerance of hemolytic samples for corresponding test items and detection system in our laboratory were determined. The influence of hemolysis on ELISA test result is related to the reagent, equipment, environment and other factors, therefore the acceptable tolerance of hemolysis should be determined scientifically and reasonably based on the specific evaluation of each laboratory.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of pecto-intercostal fascial plane (PIFP) block versus transversus thoracic muscle plane (TTP) block under ultrasound guidance in coronary artery bypass grafting with general anesthesia.Methods:Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱor Ⅲ patients of either sex, aged 50-79 yr, scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: PIFP block combined with general anesthesia group (PG group), TTP block combined with general anesthesia group (TG group), and general anesthesia group (G group). After anesthesia induction, bilateral PIFP block was performed under ultrasound guidance in group PG, TTP block was performed under ultrasound guidance in group TG. Three groups used the same general anesthesia method and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after surgery. Visual analog scale scores (cough, position change, etc) at rest and during activity were recorded at 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after operation. The total consumption of intraoperative sufentanil, extubation time, length of stay in intensive care units, rate of rescue analgesia, effective pressing times of patient-controlled analgesia, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, skin pruritus and nerve block-related adverse events were recorded. The operation time of nerve block was recorded and ultrasound-guided needle visibility score was assessed in PG group and TG group. Results:Compared with group G, the total consumption of intraoperative sufentanil was significantly reduced, the extubation time and length of stay in intensive care units were shortened, visual analog scale scores at rest and during activity were decreased at 6, 12 and 18 h after operation, the rate of rescue analgesia was decreased, and the effective pressing times of patient-controlled analgesia were decreased in group PG and group TG ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the aforementioned parameters in PG and TG groups ( P> 0.05). Compared with group TG, the operational time of nerve block was significantly shortened, and the ultrasound-guided needle visibility score was increased in group PG ( P<0.05). No nerve block-related adverse events were found in PG and TG groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and skin pruritus among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:PIFP block can provide good perioperative analgesia and promote the rapid recovery in the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with general anesthesia. Although the analgesic effect of PIFP blockade is similar to that of TTP blockade, PIFP blockade is more clinically valuable due to its simpler operation and less relative risk.