Abstract In April 2021, type Ⅰ vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was detected from two fecal samples of a male infant with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Zhejiang Province when he was admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, with 12 and 14 nucleotide mutations in the VP1 region, respectively. The case had a history of immunization with three doses of poliovirus vaccines, and grade Ⅲ proximal muscle strength and grade Ⅱ distal muscle strength of the right lower limb. After symptomatic treatment, the activity of the right lower limb and the muscle strength was significantly restored, thus he was discharged. VDPV was not detected from subsequent (the 8th to 12th) fecal samples of the case and fecal samples of close contacts. No similar cases were found in medical institutions in the county, surrounding areas, neighboring villages or towns. Since the case did not exhibit clinical symptoms of poliomyelitis caused by VDPV, poliomyelitis was excluded, and the case was diagnosed with hemophilia type A based on the epidemiological investigation, laboratory tests, and the history of poliomyelitis vaccination. This event involved cross-provincial (municipal) cooperation and was responsed promptly, preventing further spread of the virus. It suggested that the sensitivity of the AFP case surveillance system should be maintained, environmental monitoring methods should be increased, and the poliomyelitis vaccination should be promoted to prevent the spread of the virus.

Objective To investigate the effects of exosomes (Exo) derived from high glucose-stimulated glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) on the kidneys of C57BL/6 mice and the intervention mechanism of Tongluo Yishen Formula (TLYSF). Methods The rat GMC were divided into a normal glucose group (NG, with 5.6 mmol/L glucose) and a high glucose group (HG, with 30 mmol/L glucose). After 24 hours of culture, the supernatant was collected, and exosomes were extracted using the ultracentrifugation method. The exosomes were then identified by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot analysis. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: NO-Exo group, NG-Exo group, and HG-Exo group. These groups were respectively administered tail vein injections of PBS buffer, exosomes derived from GMC cultured in normal glucose, and exosomes derived from GMC cultured in high glucose, three times a week for a total of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the mice in the HG-Exo group were randomly divided into three subgroups: the HG-Exo group [gavaged with saline], the HG-Exo+TLYSF group [gavaged with TLYSF at 34.32 g/(kg.d)], and the HG-Exo + VAL group [gavaged with valsartan suspension at 10.4 mg/(kg.d)], and the intervention lasted for 4 weeks. Urinary microalbumin (mALb), urinary N-acetyl-β-D-aminoglucosidase (NAG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of renal tissues. TUNEL was used to detect the DNA damage of renal tissue cells. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and wilms tumor 1(WT-1). RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), miR-200c-3p and miR-148a-3p. Western Blot was employed to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1 and IL-1β. Results Compared with the NG-Exo group, mice in the HG-Exo group exhibited significantly increased levels of mALb, urinary NAG, Scr and BUN. Transmission electron microscopy revealed ruptured podocyte membranes and swollen mitochondria. The positive rate of cells stained by the TUNEL increased, with elevated optical density of NLRP3 and decreased optical density of WT-1. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the level of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β mRNA, as well as miR-200c-3p and miR-148a-3p. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β also increased. Compared with HG-Exo group, mice in the HG-Exo+TLYSF group showed decreased levels of mALb, urinary NAG, Scr, and BUN. The podocyte membranes were relatively intact, and mitochondrial damage was alleviated. The positive rate of cells stained by the TUNEL decreased, along with a reduction in the optical density of NLRP3 and an increase in the optical density of WT-1. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, miR-200c-3p, and miR-148a-3p were all downregulated to varying degrees. The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β also decreased. Conclusion Exosomes derived from GMC stimulated by high glucose can damage the kidneys of mice and induce podocyte pyroptosis. TLYSF may ameliorate podocyte pyroptosis by downregulating the expression of exosomal miR-200c-3p and miR-148a-3p and inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 pathway.
Animals ; Exosomes/ultrastructure* ; Glucose/pharmacology* ; Male ; Podocytes/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Mesangial Cells/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Rats ; MicroRNAs/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate pharmacologically active components of Yiqi Zishen Formula (YZF) and their mechanisms for alleviating airway inflammation in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the chemical components in YZF and YZF-medicated rat serum. A compound-disease target network was constructed based on serum components of YZF to screen the key pathways and targets using enrichment analysis. A mouse model of cigarette smoke-induced COPD was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of YZF and validate the expression of key proteins in network pharmacology-enriched pathways. Fifty male C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group, COPD model group, high- and low-dose YZF treatment groups, and N-acetylcysteine treatment group. Pulmonary function of the mice was assessed using whole-body plethysmography, and lung histopathology, alveolar structure, and airway remodeling were analyzed using HE staining. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF‑α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined with ELISA, and pulmonary expressions of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), p65, and phosphorylated p65 (p-p65) were detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We identified a total of 156 chemical components (including 26 flavonoids or flavonoid glycosides, 27 alkaloids, and 11 saponins) in YZF and 43 prototype components in medicated rat serum. Network pharmacology revealed 704 YZF-related targets and 1199 COPD-associated targets. Integrated analysis suggested that the anti-COPD effects of YZF were associated with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In mouse models of COPD, YZF treatment significantly increased mean alveolar number and peak expiratory flow (P<0.05), reduced mean linear intercept, bronchial wall thickness, lung coefficient, and BALF cytokine levels, and suppressed the expressions of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, p65, and p-p65 in the lung tissues. CONCLUSIONS YZF alleviates COPD symptoms and airway inflammation in mice possibly by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF‑κB pathway through its multiple components that interact with multiple targets.
Animals ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Rats

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum microRNA(miR)-24-3p,microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4(MARK4)level expression and cardiac function in serum of patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease(CHD).Methods From August 2021 to April 2023,138 CHD patients who visited Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were collected as the study subjects(CHD group).According to the New York Heart Association(NYHA)grading,patients in the CHD group were separated into grade Ⅱ(n=39),grade Ⅲ(n=68),and grade Ⅳ(n=31).Additionally,123 individuals who underwent physical examinations were selected as the health group during the same period.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)method was applied to detect the expression levels of miR-24-3p and MARK4.Cardiac function indicators in the CHD and health groups were detected.Pearson method was applied to analyze the correlation among serum miR-24-3p,MARK4,and cardiac function indicators.Results Compared with the healthy group,the levels of MARK4(1.19±0.21 vs 1.00±0.20),left ventricular end-systolic dimension(LVESd),left ventricular enddiastolic dimension(LVEDd),interventricular septal thickness(IVS),left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDv),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESv),and left ventricular mass(LV mass)in the CHD group were increased(t=7.462,18.242,23.888,9.941,2.812,12.520,11.029),while the levels of miR-24-3p(0.62±0.11 vs 1.00±0.18),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and cardiac output(CO)were reduced(t=20.821,10.212,18.188),and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).As cardiac function grading increased,MARK4 expression levels(1.09±0.19,1.18±0.17,1.32±0.22),LVESd,LVEDd,IVS,LVEDv,LVESv and LV mass were increased(F=13.025,10.606,11.920,57.956,29.680,21.253,12.954),and miR-24-3p expression levels(0.84±0.15,0.61±0.11,0.37±0.08),LVEF and CO were decreased(F=139.227,9.720,13.411),and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between miR-24-3p and MARK4 expression in the serum of patients with CHD(r=-0.540,P＜0.05).The relative expression of miR-24-3p in the serum of patients with CHD was negatively correlated with LVESd,LVEDd,IVS,LVEDv,LVESv and LV mass(r=-0.656,-0.636,-0.617,-0.576,-0.492,-0.687,all P＜0.05),but positively correlated with LVEF and CO(r=0.570,0.683,all P＜0.05).The relative expression level of MARK4 was positively correlated with LVESd,LVEDd,IVS,LVEDv,LVESv,and LV mass(r=0.503,0.542,0.508,0.624,0.516,0.560,all P＜0.05),but negatively correlated with LVEF and CO(r=-0.594,-0.525,all P＜0.05).Conclusion The expression of miR-24-3p in the serum of CHD patients was decreased,while the expression of MARK4 was increased.There was an obvious correlation between the two and cardiac function indicators.

Objective:To establish and validate reference intervals of serum vitamin K for healthy children in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2023, involving 807 healthy children aged 0 to 14 years, selected by stratified random sampling based on the population distribution of children in eastern, central, western, and northeastern China. Sample collection was carried out in 16 hospitals across 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Basic information of the children was collected using a standardized self-design questionnaire. Serum levels of vitamin K 1 and vitamin K 2 (menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7)) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals was established by direct approach. The children were divided into different groups by age. Inter-group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, and the reference intervals ( P2.5- P97.5) were determined using non-parametric methods. Screening 40 healthy children for small sample validation based on age groups within the reference range(25 from eastern, 10 from central, and 5 from western regions). Results:The age of the 807 children was 5.00 (2.00, 9.81) years, and 495 (61.3%) were males and 312 (38.7%) females. Reference intervals were established for 795 children, of whom 303 children were aged 1 month to 3 years and 492 were aged 4 to 14 years. The reference intervals for serum vitamin K 1 were 0.09-4.54 μg/L for children aged 1 month to 3 years, and 0.10-1.73 μg/L for 4-14 years. For MK-7, the intervals were 0.07-1.42 μg/L for 1 month to 3 years and 0.19-2.03 μg/L for 4-14 years. The reference intervals for MK-4 in children aged 1 month to 14 years were 0-0.42 μg/L. The measured values of serum vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in the validation samples did not exceed the reference limit in more than 2 samples. Conclusion:Reference intervals for vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in healthy children aged 1 month to 14 years have been established and validated, and can be used to assess vitamin K nutritional status in children.

Background::Homoharringtonine (HHT) is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor protein synthesis inhibitor that has been applied clinically. Here, we explored the therapeutic effects of HHT in a mouse heart transplant model.Methods::Healthy C57BL/6 mice were used to observe the toxicity of HHT in the liver, kidney, and hematology. A mouse heart transplantation model was constructed, and the potential mechanism of HHT prolonging allograft survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, immunostaining, and bulk RNA sequencing analysis. The HHT-T cell crosstalk was modeled ex vivo to further verify the molecular mechanism of HHT-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation. Results::HHT inhibited the activation and proliferation of T cells and promoted their apoptosis ex vivo. Treatment of 0.5 mg/kg HHT for 10 days significantly prolonged the mean graft survival time of the allografts from 7 days to 48 days ( P <0.001) without non-immune toxicity. The allografts had long-term survival after continuous HHT treatment for 28 days. HHT significantly reduced lymphocyte infiltration in the graft, and interferon-γ-secreting CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in the spleen ( P <0.01). HHT significantly increased the number of peripheral Tregs (about 20%, P <0.001) and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels. HHT downregulated the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway-related genes ( CD4, H2-Eb1, TRAT1, and CD74) and upregulated the expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β pathway-related genes and Treg signature genes ( CTLA4, Foxp3, CD74, and ICOS). HHT increased CD4 + Foxp3 + cells and Foxp3 expression ex vivo, and it enhanced the inhibitory function of inducible Tregs. Conclusions::HHT promotes Treg cell differentiation and enhances Treg suppressive function by attenuating the TCR signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of Treg signature genes and IL-10 levels, thereby promoting mouse heart allograft acceptance. These findings may have therapeutic implications for organ transplant recipients, particularly those with viral infections and malignancies, which require a more suitable anti-rejection medication.

Objective To observe the effects of minimally invasive puncture and drainage combined with urokinase on the severity of cerebral edema,serum malondialdehyde(MDA),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)after cerebral hemorrhage.Methods A total of 82 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH)admitted to our hospital were retrospectively enrolled between January 2020 and September 2022.According to different treatment methods,they were divided into two groups:observation group(44 cases,control group combined with UK)and control group(38 cases,control treatment).The cerebral edema volume,nerve function[National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)]and serological indexes(MDA,MMP-9,ICAM-1)in both groups were observed.The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded.The prognosis[scores of Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS)and activity of daily living scale(ADL),death]in the two groups was compared at 3 months after surgery.Results At 14d after surgery,peripheral cerebral edema volume in the observation group was smaller than that in the control group[(14.76±2.39)ml vs(16.87±2.24)ml,P＜0.05],NIHSS score was lower than that in the control group[(11.12±1.96)points vs(11.96±1.65)points,P＜0.05].The levels of serum MDA,MMP-9 and ICAM-1 in the observation group were(8.65±1.16)nmol/ml,(96.17±19.34)ng/ml and(624.31±32.76)μg/ml,respectively,which were lower than those in the control group[(16.14±2.16)nmol/ml,(120.47±21.32)ng/ml,(661.24±35.21)μg/ml,P＜0.05].There was no significant difference in incidence of postoperative complications between the observation group and the control group(9.09％vs 18.42％,P＞0.05).There was no death in either group within 3 months after surgery.At 3 months after surgery,GOS and ADL scores in the observation group were(4.03±0.92)points and(71.21±12.65)points,which were higher than those in the control group[(3.52±1.12)points,(62.98±15.58)points,P＜0.05].Conclusion The control combined with UK can effectively control cerebral edema,down-regulate MDA,MMP-9 and ICAM-1 levels,protect nerve function and improve prognosis in HICH patients.

Objective To explore the chain mediating effect of interpersonal promotion and calling on work autonomy and work engagement of medical staff.Methods From June to July 2023,a total of 310 medical staff from 5 tertiary public hos-pitals in Hangzhou were selected by convenience sampling.The questionnaire included work autonomy scale,interpersonal promo-tion scale,calling scale and work engagement scale for accurate and effective investigation,and data analysis was conducted using SPSS2 6.0 and AMOS 26.0.Results A total of 310 questionnaires were distributed and 257 were recovered with a recovery rate of 82.90％.There were statistically significant differences in work engagement among medical staff with different ages,marital status,working time,titles and positions(all P＜0.05).Calling partially mediated the effect of work autonomy on work engage-ment(95％CI[0.090,0.291],P＜0.001),and interpersonal promotion and calling played a partially chain mediating role be-tween work autonomy and work engagement(95％CI[0.016,0.103],P＜0.001).Conclusion Interpersonal promotion and calling play a partially chain mediating role between work autonomy and work engagement of medical staff.Work autonomy of medical staff not only has an indirect effect on work engagement through the mediating role of calling,but also enhances calling through interpersonal promotion and ultimately affects work engagement.

Objective To build a comprehensive evaluation system for the operating benefit of clinical departments in cancer hospitals,so as to provide data support for the fine operation management of hospitals.Methods Literature review and semi-structured interview were used to form the index pool.Two rounds of Delphi expert consultation were used to determine the index of the evaluation system,and the analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the index weight.Finally,the weighted TOPSIS was used for empirical case analysis.Results The positive coefficient in the two rounds of Delphi expert consultation were 82.6％and 100％,the authority coefficient was 0.808,and the coordination coefficient was between 0 and 1.All indexes at all levels passed the consistency test.Finally,a comprehensive evaluation system consisting of 4 dimensions,19 indexes in surgery,16 indicators in radiotherapy and 16 indicators in internal medicine was constructed.Indicators at all levels were tested for consistency,resulting in the construction of a comprehensive evaluation system consisting of 4 dimensions,19 indicators for surgery and 16 indicators each for radiotherapy and internal medicine departments.Conclusion The comprehensive evaluation system of operating benefit of clinical departments in cancer hospitals can help hospitals and departments to find out the shortcomings of operation,build the path of operating benefit improvement,and realize the connotation improvement and high-quality development of hospitals.