Objective: To design HBV DNA proficiency testing and system comparison samples with different concentration gradients, analyze their detection results in PCR detection systems, evaluate the nucleic acid detection capabilities of laboratories and differences between detection systems, and put forward suggestions for continuous quality improvement to participating laboratories. Methods: Three groups of randomly numbered proficiency testing samples (with HBV DNA reference concentrations of <2, 7.5, and 30 IU/mL respectively) were taken as the detection objects. Using nucleic acid test data from 11 provincial blood station laboratories as the source, the samples were grouped by detection system and laboratory successively, and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: Statistical analysis of the detection data of the three groups of samples based on detection systems and laboratories showed that from low to high concentration, the coincidence rate between the detection results of different detection systems and laboratories and the expected results showed an increasing trend: 38.89%, 85.90%, and 100.00%; the same system exhibited certain differences in performance among different laboratories. Conclusion: Through this proficiency testing and system comparison, it is found that there are certain differences in the detection capabilities of different laboratories and different nucleic acid test systems. Blood station laboratories should standardize processes, strengthen quality management and data analysis on the basis of being familiar with the detection performance of their detection systems, and at the same time strengthen the control of laboratory interference factors to continuously improve the nucleic acid detection capabilities of blood station laboratories.

BACKGROUND:Indolepropionic acid has been shown to reduce diabetes-induced central nervous system inflammation.However,there is a lack of research on whether to inhibit microglia M1 polarization for the treatment of spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of indolepropionic acid inhibition of microglial cell M1 polarization for the treatment of spinal cord injury through cell and animal experiments. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiments:BV2 cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,BV2 cells were categorized into control group,administration group(50 μmol/L indolepropionic acid),lipopolysaccharide group(100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide),and treatment group(100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide + 50 μmol/L indolepropionic acid).Nitric oxide content was quantified using the Griess method.Real-time quantitative PCR and western blot assay were employed to measure mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors.Cell immunofluorescence staining was conducted to assess inducible nitric oxide synthase expression.The Seahorse assay was employed to assess glycolytic stress levels in BV2 cells.(2)In vivo experiments:30 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham surgery group,spinal cord injury group,and indolepropionic acid group.Motor function recovery in rats after spinal cord injury was assessed using BBB scoring and the inclined plane test.Immunofluorescence staining of spinal cord tissue was conducted to evaluate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in microglial cells.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in spinal cord tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiments:Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of BV2 cell viability when its concentration exceeded 50 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid achieved this by inhibiting the activation of the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway,thereby suppressing the mRNA and protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α),as well as the M1 polarization marker,inducible nitric oxide synthase,in BV2 cells.Additionally,indolepropionic acid notably reduced the glycolytic level in BV2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharides.(2)In vivo experiments:Following indolepropionic acid intervention in spinal cord injury rats,there was a noticeable increase in BBB scores and the inclined plane test angle.There was also a significant decrease in the number of M1-polarized microglial cells in spinal cord tissue,accompanied by a marked reduction in the protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α).(3)These results conclude that indolepropionic acid promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury by improving the inflammatory microenvironment through inhibition of microglia M1 polarization.

Objective To investigate the distribution and seasonal fluctuations of visceral leishmaniasis vectors sandflies in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province, so as to provide insights into assessment of the visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk and formulation of visceral leishmaniasis control measures. Methods A total of 12 natural villages were sampled from Shilou County, Lishi District, Lanxian County, Linxian County and Wenshui County in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province from June to September, 2023, and sandflies were captured using light traps from 7 breeding habitats, including farmers’ houses, sheep pens, cattle pens, chicken coops, pig pens, mule and horse pens, and loess-cave dwellings. Following morphological identification of the sandfly species, the distribution of sandflies and the seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density were analyzed. In addition, the Leishmania was detected in sandflies using a real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Results A total of 2 831 sandflies were captured with 156 light traps in Lüliang City from June to September, 2023, including 2 638 female sandflies (93.18%) and 193 male sandflies (6.82%), and the average density was 16.91 sandflies/(light-night). The seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density all appeared a unimodal distribution in all survey sites, and the sandfly density peaked in July and then declined rapidly. Among all types of breeding habitats, the greatest sandfly density was found in sheep pens [39.04 sandflies/(light-night)]. In addition, 4.08% (2/49) of the sandfly samples were tested positive for Leishmania nucleic acid as revealed by the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Conclusions Sandflies were widely distributed in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province in 2023, and the peak of the sandfly density was observed in July, which had a visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk. Intensified surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis and sandfly vectors is required and targeted vector control is recommended.

To evaluate the clinical effects and pathological characteristics of gastric tumors of fundic gland type treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), data of 7 patients who treated by ESD and whose postoperative pathology indicated gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type or gastric oxyntic gland adenoma in Endoscopic Center of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital of Capital Medical University from August 2018 to June 2022 were collected. The clinical characteristics, surgical complications, preoperative and postoperative pathological data and follow-up data were evaluated. The lesions of the 7 patients were all located at gastric fundus, and were treated by ESD successfully. No bleeding, perforation or other complications occurred during and after the operation. Postoperative pathology showed that tumor cells originated from deep mucosa with an invasive growth pattern. Most of tumor surfaces were covered with normal concave epithelium. Tumors infiltrated into submucosa in 4 patients, and submucosa infiltration depth was more than 500 μm (550 μm) in 1 patient. Immunohistochemistry showed that MUC-6 was diffusely positive, indicating that the tumor originated from the main cell source. The expressions of MUC-2, MUC-5AC, CDX-2, CD10, and CgA were negative in all cases. With the mean follow-up time of 21 months, the ulcer healed well after the operation, with no recurrence. Gastric tumors of fundic gland type have relatively unique biological characteristics, and ESD is the preferred treatment. In addition, the histological characteristics can be used to differentiate from other gastric tumors by immunohistochemistry.

Some Chinese herbs have been used to prevent and treat diseases, and are also used as common food ingredients. These Chinese herbs are potential resource for research and development of new drugs. Leek roots is a typical medicine of food and medicine continuum. It has a long history of medicinal applications and edible food in China. In this paper, the origin, biological active components, pharmacological action and clinical application of leek roots were introduced. We hope that this review will contribute to the development of leek roots for pharmaceutical research and clinical applications, as well as related health products.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a common and refractory central nervous system infection,with high rates of mortality and disability.The experts of the Society of Infectious Diseases of Chinese Medical Association have reached this consensus after a thorough discussion.Based on the current situation of cryptococcal meningitis in China,the management of cryptococcal meningitis includes 6 aspects:introduction,microorganism identification,clinical manifestations and diagnosis,principles of antifungal therapy,treatment of refractory and recurrent meningitis,treatment of intracranial hypertension.There is not a separate consensus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with cryptococcal meningitis.This article focuses on different antifungal regimens and reducing intracranial pressure by reference to Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines.The importance of early diagnosis,combined long-term antifungal therapy,control of intracranial hypertension are emphasized.

Objective 3D printing has been used in the assistanceof surgical planning and the development of personal-ized prostheses.This study was to determine the feasibility of using a 3D printer for the purpose of producing personalized pros-theses for complex rib fracture fixation .Methods Using data from a high-resolution CT scan of 10 ribs of 3 cases with rib frac-ture, rib moldswere generated with computer software and fabricated with the 3D printer using the fused deposition modeling method.The 3D printing molds were used for custom-designed titanium plate.Results The average length of the 3D models of ribs is 8.45 cm.The mean time of fabricating models was 18.8 minutes and 4.6 gram polylactic acid was consuming on aver-age.The mean error of dimension of 3D models is less than 0.2 mm.Reshaping plates spends 3.3 minutes on average.Radio-logical follow-up for bothcases demonstrated successful fixation at 3 months.Conclusion These cases demonstrate the feasibili-ty of the use of 3D modeling and printing to develop personalizedplates and can ease the difficulty of complex rib fracture .

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate mutations of 41 STR loci. Methods 4546 bloodstain samples were typed from 1932 father–mother–child trios by using AGCU_21+1, AGCU_EX22 and GlobalFiler_ExpressTM amplification Kit. Calculate the mutation rates of STR loci. Results 154 mutations were identified at 32 of the 41 loci. The average mutation rate was 1.0×10-3per locus(95%CI: 0.8~1.1×10-3), and the mutations of SE33 was highest. 152(98.7%) mutation events were one-step mutation, 2(1.3%) events were two-steps. The mutation events occurred in 150 father–mother–child triplets. The mutations in 146(97.3%) triplets occurred at single locus, 8 mutations were observed at two loci in 4(2.7%) triplets simultaneously. 104 paternal and 22 maternal mutations could be determined under 79212 paternal and maternal allelictransfers. The ratio of paternal versus maternal mutations was 4.7:1, and 28 unassigned mutations were observed. Conclusion STR mutation are common in paternity testing, and we should pay more attention to it.

Objective:To comparison of three different beta blockers on murine hemangioma (EOMA cells) cells in vitro and in vivo effects.Preliminary study on the therapeutic effect of propranolol on vascular tumor in mice and possible mechanisms , provide a reference for beta blockers in the treatment of infantile hemangioma .Methods: Comparative study on the effects of three kinds of different β-receptor blockers---metoprolol, propranolol and butoxamine , on the proliferation and apoptosis of Mouse Hemangioendothelioma Endothelial cell (EOMA cells) was conducted in vitro.EOMA cells were cultured in vitro,randomly divided into different groups,propranolol and timolol were added into the medium respectively ,after 24 h intervention.MTT assay and acridine orange staining assay were conducted respectively to detect cell viability and apoptosis level .EOMA cells were transplanted into nude mice in vivo.Tumor volume growth to 100 mm3 ,animals were randomly divided into 4 groups respectively ,the control group ,metoprolol group,Bhutto Samin group and propranolol group ,drug group according to 2 mg/( kg? d) oral gavage ,control group were given an equal volume of saline ( NS ) , every two days measurement tumor volume size .Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) in the end of the experiment.Results:For propranolol,after 24 h treatment,significant differences of cell viability and apoptosis were noted (P<0.05) at the concentration of 50 μmol/L,while continuing to increase to 800 μmol/L,the cell survival rate decreased sharply to close to 10%. Acridine orange staining at the 50 μmol/L group after 24 h revealed many apoptotic cells .For metoprolol and butoxa mine ,significant differences of cell viability and apoptosis were noted ( P<0.05 ) at the concentration of 100 μmol/L,while continuing to increase to 800μmol/L,the cell survival rate decreased sharply to close to 20%.It was significantly higher than propranolol group at the same concentration ( P<0.05 ) .It showed a similar trend in acridine orange staining .In vivo experiments showed that the end of the experiment of metoprolol , butoxamine group and propranolol drugs in mice tumor volume , respectively ( 1 642.8 ±89.3 ) , ( 1 529.3 ± 119.1) and (752.7±46.5)mm3,significantly lower than the control group of mice tumor volume of (2 023.3±123.0) mm3(P<0.001).Metoprolol,butoxamine mice and propranolol drugs group ,serum VEGF levels for (606.5±105.8 ) pg/ml,(534.3±243.2 ) pg/ml and (420.1±123.7) pg/ml, significantly lower than the PBS control group [(825.8±145.7) pg/ml,(P<0.05)],the TNF alpha result was followed by(301.3±62.3) pg/ml,(305.1±53.8) pg/ml and (288.8±59.5) pg/ml,significantly lower than the normal control group [(444±100.4) pg/ml,P<0.05].Conclusion:Three kinds of beta-blockers can effectively inhibit EOMA cells proliferation and induce apoptosis in vitro, the role of propranolol more significantly than butoxamine and metoprolol .Three kinds of beta blockers restrain the growth of the hemangioma in vivo ,in which the inhibitory effect of propranolol is stronger than the metoprolol and butoxa mine.Three kinds of beta blockers can lower the levels of VEGF and TNF-αin vivo.Indicating that propranolol on vascular tumor in mice may be one of the mechanisms of β1 and β2 receptor synergy effect and its mechanism in the treatment of hemangioma may be associated with VEGF and TNF-α.

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of visceral fat area(VFA) on laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and short-term outcome in patients with gastric carcinoma.

METHODSClinicopathological and imaging data of 202 patients with gastric cancer who were treated by laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from May 2011 to July 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. VFA of all the patients were measured by CT, of which more than 10 000 m(2) were found in 104 patients(VFA-L group), less than 10 000 m2 in other 98 patients (VFA-S group). Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss and number of harvested lymph node between the two groups(all P>0.05). As compared to VFA-S group, VFA-L group had a higher incidence of conversion to open surgery[9.6%(10/104) vs. 2.0%(2/98), P=0.023], higher complication rate [22.1%(23/104) vs. 10.2%(10/98), P=0.003], longer postoperative fever time [(3.0±1.3) d vs. (2.4±1.1) d, P=0.000], total length of hospital stay [(18.6±11.8) d vs. (15.8±6.0) d, P=0.039]. There were no significant differences in first flatus passage time and total hospitalization costs between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONElevated VFA can raise the difficulty of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, increase the risk of postoperative complication and prolong the postoperative recovery.

Blood Loss, Surgical ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Nodes ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms