T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

Objective At present, the grading evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is still a focus and difficulty in related fields. Electroencephalogram (EEG) can directly read and continuously reflect scalp electrical activity generated by brain tissue structure, with high temporal resolution. Auditory stimulation is easy to operate and has broad application prospects in clinical detection of DOC. The causal network can intuitively reflect the direction of information transmission through the causal relationship between time series, helping us better understand the information interaction between different regions of the brain of patients. This paper combines EEG and causal networks to explore the differences in brain functional connectivity between patients with unresponsive arousal syndrome (VS) and those with minimum state of consciousness (MCS) under auditory stimulation. MethodsA total of 23 DOC patients were included, including 11 MCS patients and 12 VS patients. Based on the Oddball paradigm, auditory naming stimulation was performed on DOC patients and EEG signals of DOC patients were synchronously collected. The brain functional networks were constructed using multivariate Granger causality method, and the differences in node degree, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and causal flow of the brain networks between MCS patients and VS patients were calculated. The differences in network characteristics of patients with different levels of consciousness under auditory stimulation were compared from the perspective of cooperation between brain regions. ResultsThe causal connectivity between most brain regions in MCS patients was stronger than that in VS patients, and MCS patients had more brain network connectivity edges than VS patients. The average degree (P<0.05), average clustering coefficient, and global efficiency (P<0.05) of MCS patients under naming stimulation were higher than those of VS patients. The difference in out-degree between each node of VS patients was larger, and the difference in in-degree between each node of MCS patients was smaller. The difference in in-degree of MCS patients was more significant than that of VS patients, and the inflow and outflow of information in the brain functional network of MCS patients were stronger than those of VS patients. MCS and VS patients had differences of causal flow in the frontal and temporal lobes, the direction of information transmission in the parietal lobe and central region was not the same, and MCS patients had more electrodes as causal sources than VS patients. ConclusionThe information transmission ability of MCS patients is stronger than that of VS patients under auditory naming stimulation. Compared with VS patients, MCS patients have an increase in the number of electrode channels as the causal source, an increase in information output to other brain regions, and also an increase in the information output within brain regions, which may indicate a better state of consciousness in patients. MCS patients have more electrode channels for information output in the frontal lobe than VS patients, and the number of electrode channels for changing the direction of information transmission in the frontal lobe is the highest. The frontal lobe is closely related to the level of consciousness in patients with consciousness disorders. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the grading evaluation of consciousness levels in DOC patients.

Objective To investigate the impacts of wogonin on cardiac inflammation in pregnant hypertensive rats by regulating the monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)/CC chemokine receptor 2(CCR2)signaling pathway.Methods Pregnancy hypertensive rat model was established by intragastric administration of nitroso L-arginine methyl ester.The rats were randomly divided into control group(0.9％NaCl),model group(0.9％NaCl),experimental-L,-H groups(3.33 and 13.32 mg·kg-1 Wogonin),magnesium sulfate group(intrabitoneal injection 100 mg·kg-1magnesium sulfate),recombinant rat MCP-1 protein(rRMCP-1)group(intraperitoneal injected 0.026 mg·kg-1 rRMCP-1),experimental-H+rRMCP-1 group(gavage 13.32 mg·kg-1 Wogonin+0.026 mg·kg-1 rRMCP-1),each group consisted of 12 animals.Each group was administered once a day for 7 days.The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;the expression of M1 and M2 macrophages in rat myocardium was detected by immunofluorescence staining;the expression of MCP-1 protein in rat myocardium was detected by Western blot.Results Serum TNF-α levels in control group,model group,experimental-L,-H groups,magnesium sulfate group,rRMCP-1 group,experimental-H+rRMCP-1 group were(10.06±0.41),(23.39±0.57),(19.89±0.62),(13.64±0.51),(12.97±0.48),(28.84±1.05)and(17.15±0.69)pg·mL-1;the fluorescence intensities expressed by M1 type macrophages were 32.26±1.43,58.84±2.11,50.66±1.89,36.69±1.57,35.87±1.59,67.73±2.01 and 48.53±1.86;the fluorescence intensities expressed by M2 type macrophages were 31.15±1.20,46.56±1.03,51.92±1.04,59.11±0.82,59.26±0.83,40.26±1.12 and 45.53±1.65;the expression of MCP-1 protein were 0.58±0.03,1.86±0.11,1.62±0.09,0.76±0.07,0.78±0.06,2.16±0.13 and 1.34±0.12,respectively.The above indicators in the model group were compared with those in the control group,compare the above indicators with the model group in the experimental-L,-H groups,magnesium sulfate group and rRMCP-1 group,the above indicators in the experimental-H group were compared with those in the experimental-H+rRMCP-1 group,the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Wogonin may inhibit cardiac inflammatory response in pregnant hypertensive rats by inhibiting the MCP-1/CCR2 signaling pathway.

Tuberculosis （TB） and human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immune deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS） are both serious global public health threats. Early detection of infected persons and/or patients through TB/HIV bi-directional screening is crucial for prevention and control strategy in China and globally. In recent years， with the promotion and application of new TB and HIV detection technologies worldwide， TB/HIV bi-directional screening technologies and strategies have made remarkable changes. This expert consensus introduces the significance and challenges of TB/HIV bi-directional screening， summarizes important progress of research and applications， and makes recommendations on screening measures and procedures to further strengthen TB/HIV bi-directional screening in China.

ObjectiveTo understand the characteristics of PM_2.5 pollution in the air of Pearl River Delta city in Guangdong Province under the COVID-19 epidemic and the health risks of inhaling elements in PM_2.5. MethodsIn 2022， 10 PM_2.5 monitoring points were set up in 10 districts in Guangzhou， Shenzhen， Foshan and Zhuhai， and air samples were collected for 7 consecutive days every month to analyze the concentration of PM_2.5 and the 12 elements in PM_2.5. The classic "four-step" method was used to evaluate the carcinogenic risk and chronic non-carcinogenic risk of the elements in air PM_2.5 on health. The age-sensitive characteristics of metal elements were combined in the carcinogenic risk assessment， and age-sensitive factors were introduced to analyze the impact of air pollution on population health. ResultsA total of818 samples were collected. and the average annual PM_2.5 concentration in the four cities of the Pearl River Delta was 30.17 （1.00-166.00， s=21.06） μg·m^-3， which was lower than the concentration limit of the secondary standard of the Ambient Air Quality Standard （GB 3095-2012）. The difference of PM_2.5 concentration in the four cities was statistically significant. The PM_2.5 concentrations in Zhuhai and Shenzhen， which were located near the sea， were lower than those in Guangzhou and Foshan. The monthly mean concentration of PM_2.5 in the four cities was the lowest at 13.70 （4.00-34.00， s=5.93） μg·m^-3 in July and the highest at 57.73 （14.00-146.00， s=27.96） μg·m^-3 in January， showing a low concentration from May to October and a high concentration from November to April of the following year. The average daily PM_2.5 concentration exceeded the secondary standard for 29 days， mainly distributed in January and November. The average annual mass concentration of elements in PM_2.5 in the four cities was Al>Mn>Pb>As>Ni>Cr>Se>Sb>Cd>Tl>Be>Hg. AS and Mn have chronic non-carcinogenic risk in population， while Cr， AS， Cd， Be and Ni have carcinogenic risk in population. ConclusionThe PM_2.5 pollution levels of the four cities in the Pearl River Delta are low and variable. Coastal cities are lower than non-coastal cities， which shows the characteristics of first decreasing and then increasing throughout the year. The order of mass concentration of metal elements of PM_2.5 in four cities is basically the same except Be and Ni. As and Mn in PM_2.5 show a certain degree of chronic non-carcinogenic risk， and As， Cr， Cd， Ni and Be have a certain degree of carcinogenic risk. The four cities need to take effective intervention measures to continue to strengthen the pollution control and health protection of Cr， As， Cd and Mn in the air， and control the health burden caused by air pollution.

Objective To explore the factors affecting the use of medical sutures in medical institutions based on the autore-gressive integrated moving average(ARIMA)model so as to provide basis and optimization strategy for the rational use of medical sutures in medical institutions.Methods The monthly usage amount of medical sutures in some hospital from January 2014 to November 2023 was used as the research subject.An ARIMA model was established by R language,with the data on medical suture usage amount from January 2014 to December 2018 used as the training set;the reliability of the ARIMA model was verified with the data on medical suture usage amount from January to December 2019 as the validation set.The monthly usage amount of medical sutures from January 2021 to November 2023 was predicted with the validated ARIMA model,then the predictive value was compared with the actual one to evaluate the benefits of implementing the medical suture optimization policy in January 2021.Results The established ARIMA model passed the white noise test(P＞0.05),and the difference between the predicted and actual values for the whole year of 2019 was not statistically significant(P＞0.05);after the implementation of the medical suture optimization policy,the actual usage amount of medical sutures in some hospital decreased.The actual value from January 2021 to November 2023 was much lower than the predicted value,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The ARIMA model-based medical suture usage data prediction and configuration optimization scheme contributes to clarifying the law of medical suture usage in some hospital,and provides references for optimization and precision managment of medical suture configuration.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(8):73-77]

Objective:To perform molecular diagnosis and pedigree analysis for one case with α-thalassemia who does not conform to the genetic laws,and explore the effects of a newly discovered rare mutation(HBA2:c.*12G＞A)on clinical phenotypes.Methods:Blood samples of the proband and her family members were collected for blood routine analysis,and the hemoglobin components were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis.The common α-and β-globin gene loci in Chinese population were detected by conventional techniques(Gap-PCR,RDB-PCR).The α-globin gene sequences(HBA1,HBA2)were analyzed by Sanger sequencing.Results:By analyzing the test results of proband and her family members,the genotype of the proband was-α3,7/HBA2:c.*12G＞A,her father was HBA2:c.*12G＞A heterozygous mutation carrier.Conclusion:This study identifies a rare α-globin gene mutation(HBA2:c.*12G＞A)that has not been reported before.It is found that heterozygous mutation carriers present with static α-thalassemia.

Objective:To investigate the genotype,mutation type,and ethnic distribution characteristics of thalassemia in the population of Hechi area,Guangxi,and to provide a reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.Methods:Gap-polymerase chain reaction(gap-PCR)and reverse dot blot(RDB)were used for genetic testing on suspected thalassemia persons,and the results were analyzed.Results:Among 29 136 samples,a total of 17 016(58.40％)positive samples for thalassemia genes were detected,with a higher detection rate in males than in females(X2=49.917,P＜0.001).The detection rates of thalassemia genes were significant different among Zhuang,Han,Yao,Mulao,and Maonan ethnic groups(x2=546.121,P＜0.001).The α-thalassemia genotypes were mainly--SEA/αα(16.67％),-α3.7/αα(8.90％),αCSα/αα(6.00％).Additionally,four rare genotypes were detected,including--THAI/αα(47 cases),HKαα/αα(2 cases),--SEA/-α21.9(2 cases),and--THAI/αcsα(1 case).The β-thalassemia genotypes were mainly βCD17/βN(7.49％),βCD41-42/βN(6.70％),βCD71-72/βN(0.44％).108 cases of moderate and severeβ-thalassemia were detected,of which 81 cases had a history of blood transfusion,the transfusion frequency of 60 cases was more than 10 times/year,and 10 cases received bone marrow transplantation.Conclusion:Thalassemia in Hechi area is predominantly deletion type--SEA/αα,the detection rate of thalassemia in ethnic minorities is higher than that in Han population.In this area,moderate and severe β-thalassemia have certain incidence,these patients mostly need regular blood transfusion and iron removal treatment,and very few patients have received bone marrow transplantation.This study provides a certain reference basis for prevention and control of thalassemia and eugenic counseling in the region.

Objective:To explore the genotypes and frequency distribution of thalassemia in Lingui District,Guilin City,and provide reference for the prevention and control of thalassemia in this area. Methods:The results of genetic testing for thalassemia in 1501 suspected cases at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. The deletional mutations of α-thalassemia were detected by gap-PCR,the non-deletional mutations of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia mutations were detected by PCR-reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB). Results:In 1501 samples,a total of 678 cases of thalassemia carriers were detected,with a detection rate of 45.17％. Among them,379 cases were α-thalassemia (including deletional α-thalassemia and non-deletional α-thalassemia),with a detection rate of 25.25％,the most common genotype was--SEA/αα (227 cases,15.12％),followed by-α3.7/αα (53 cases,3.53％). 270 cases of β-thalassemia were detected,with a detction rate of 17.99％,and βCD41-42/βN (144 cases,9.59％) was the main genotypes,followed by βCD17/βN (66 cases,4.40％) . In addition,there were 29 cases of αβ compound thalassemia,accounting for 1.93％,and the most common genotype was--SEA/αα complex βCD41-42/βN (5 cases,0.33％). Conclusion:Lingui District in Guilin City is a high-incidence area of thalassemia,and the genotypes of carriers are complex and diverse,with genetic heterogeneity. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in this area.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the transcriptomal charactersistics of the striatum in the chronic social defeat stress(CSDS)model mice by using spatial transcriptome analysis and to address the underlying mechanism of the striatum in regulating depressive states.METHODS The CSDS para-digm was employed to establish a depression-like mouse model.The depressive indicators of behavioral despair,anhedonia,and social disorders were assessed through a battery of tests,including the tail suspension test,forced swim test,sucrose preference test,and social interaction experiments.The control mice and the mice exhibiting CSDS-sensitive depression-like behaviors were selected for spatial tran-scriptome sequencing of the striatal region.This sequencing aimed to identify highly expressed genes,followed by KEGG and GO enrichment analyses using the DAVID database.RESULTS The CSDS mouse model effectively induced behavioral despair,anhedonia and social avoidance(P<0.05,P<0.01).Spatial transcriptome analysis revealed 193 differentially expressed genes in the striatum of normal mice.KEGG and GO analyses indicated that these genes were primarily associated with striatal devel-opment,locomotor behaviors,and drug addiction.They were strongly implicated in signaling pathways such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate,cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G,calcium signaling,Ras-related protein 1,and mitogen-activated protein kinase,and synaptic linked to GABAergic and dopaminergic neurons.In contrast,CSDS modeling mice led to the identification of 298 differentially expressed genes in the striatum compared with the normal control mice.These genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases,including Huntington disease,Alzheimer disease,and Parkinson disease.CONCLUSION Depressive states induced by CSDS are associated with the pathological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases in the striatum.