Objective To investigate the incidence and the types of gene mutations of α-thalassemia in the child-bearing pop-ulation of Conghua District,Guangzhou.Methods Blood samples from 24 083 people of childbearing age were screened by blood cell analysis and hemoglobin electrophoresis,α-globin gene variation was detected by GAP-PCR and PCR reverse dot blot in the positive cases,and 17 common β-globin gene mutations were detected by PCR reverse Dot blot.Results A total of 2 596 cases of α-thalassemia gene abnormality were detected by gene identification,and the abnormal rate was 10.78%.A sum of 170 cases(0.71%)had a compound mutation of α-β gene.There were 2 550 cases(98.23%)of deletion and 46 cases(1.77%)of non-deletion in the mutant genes.There were 14 types of gene mutation,including 5 types of HbH disease(with--SEA/-α3.7 primarily),4 mild types(with 68.61%of--SEA/αα genotype),and 5 quiescent types(the top two genotypes were-α3.7/αα and-α4.2/αα).A total of 23 types of αβ complex gene mutation were detected,and the top six types were--SEA/βCD41-42,-α3.7/βCD41-42,--SEA/β654,--SEA/-28,-α3.7/β654 and-α3.7/βCD17,which accounted for 75.27%of all the complex types.Conclusion The gene abnormality rate of α-thalassemia in Conghua District of Guangzhou City was high.The gene mutation type and constitu-ent ratio,which have their own characteristics,is a special region of α-thalassemia.

Objective:To explore the inhibitory mechanism of herb cake-partitioned moxibustion on tumor growth in colitis-associated colorectal cancer(CAC)based on histone lysine demethylase 4D(KDM4D). Methods:Inbred male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a CAC group,a herb cake-partitioned moxibustion group,and an inhibitor group.Except the normal group,rats in the other three groups were treated with azoxymethane(AOM)combined with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)to make CAC rat models.Rats in the normal group and the CAC group did not receive interventions;rats in the herb cake-partitioned moxibustion group received moxibustion at Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25),2 cones for one point each time,once a day for 30 d with 1-day rest every week;rats in the inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of KDM4D inhibitor,5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline(5-c-8HQ),once a day for 30 d.After intervention,the general condition,colon length,tumor number and volume,and histopathological colon changes were observed.The expression of adenomatous polyposis coli(APC),axis inhibitor(Axin),cyclin D1,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-7 and MMP-9 mRNAs were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cleaved caspase3,KDM4D,APC,and Axin proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results:Compared with the normal group,the general condition was poor,the colon length was significantly shortened(P<0.01),the number and volume of colonic tumors were increased(P<0.01),the structure of glandular duct was obviously disordered with"back-to-back"and cowall phenomenon,and also high-grade adenocarcinoma formed;the protein expression levels of PCNA and KDM4D were significantly increased(P<0.01),while cleaved caspase3,APC,and Axin were significantly reduced(P<0.01);the mRNA expression levels of cyclin D1,MMP-7,and MMP-9 were significantly increased(P<0.01),while APC and Axin were significantly reduced(P<0.01)in the CAC group.Compared with the CAC group,the general condition was improved,the length of colon was significantly increased(P<0.01),the number and volume of the colonic tumors were reduced(P<0.05),and the colon tissues showed epithelial cell proliferation with enlarged and deep staining nuclei,dysplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration;the protein expression levels of PCNA and KDM4D were significantly reduced(P<0.01),while the cleaved caspase3,APC,and Axin were significantly increased(P<0.01);the mRNA expression levels of cyclin D1,MMP-7,and MMP-9 were reduced(P<0.05),while the APC and Axin were increased(P<0.05)in the colon tissues of rats in the herb cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the inhibitor group. Conclusion:Herb cake-partitioned moxibustion regulated abnormally expressed KDM4D in CAC rats,activated APC and Axin,the upstream molecules of Wnt/β-catenin pathway,inhibited abnormally activated downstream molecules of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.This may be a key mechanism of herb cake-partitioned moxibustion in inhibiting CAC tumor growth.

Extracellular vesicles(EVs)are nano-sized bilayer vesicles that are shed or secreted by virtually every cell type.A variety of biomolecules,including proteins,lipids,coding and non-coding RNAs,and mitochondrial DNA,can be selectively encapsulated into EVs and delivered to nearby and distant recipient cells,leading to alterations in the recipient cells,suggesting that EVs play an important role in intercellular communication.EVs play effective roles in physiology and pathology and could be used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.At present,although the mechanisms of exosome biogenesis and secretion in donor cells are well understood,the molecular mechanism of EV recognition and uptake by recipient cells is still unclear.This review summarizes the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of EVs'biological journey in recipient cells,from recognition to uptake and cargo release.Furthermore,we highlight how EVs escape endolysosomal degradation after uptake and thus release cargo,which is crucial for studies applying EVs as drug-targeted delivery vehicles.Knowledge of the cellular processes that govern EV uptake is important to shed light on the functions of EVs as well as on related clinical applications.

Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of electroacupuncture(EA)in treating Parkinson disease(PD)using Tandem mass tag(TMT)quantitative proteomics technology. Methods:Forty-eight PD patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 24 patients in each group.The control group received routine drug treatment,while the observation group received EA in addition to the routine drug treatment.EA was administered for 30 min per session,3 times a week,for a total of 12 weeks.Nine patients from each group were randomly selected to provide peripheral blood serum samples before and after treatment for TMT quantitative proteomics analysis.Differentially expressed proteins between the two groups were compared,and bioinformatics analysis was performed.The screened differentially expressed proteins were validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results:In the observation group,scores on the unified Parkinson disease rating scale(UPDRS),UPDRS Ⅱ,and UPDRS Ⅲ were significantly reduced after treatment(P<0.05).In the control group,these scores tended to increase,but the changes were not statistically significant(P>0.05).After treatment,the UPDRS and UPDRS Ⅲ scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The observation group showed 62 differentially expressed proteins,while the control group had 36.Compared to the control group,the observation group had 142 differentially expressed proteins.These proteins were primarily involved in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)signaling pathway,T helper(Th)1 and Th2 cell differentiation,ATP-binding cassette transporter,vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway,and high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor(FcεRI)signaling pathway.ELISA verification indicated that after EA treatment,the levels of α-Synuclein(αSyn)and heat shock protein beta 1(HSPB1)in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),while the regulator of G-protein signaling 10(RGS10)level was significantly higher(P<0.05). Conclusion:EA,combined with routine drug therapy,can significantly improve clinical symptoms of PD,potentially through the regulation of the cAMP signaling pathway and the contents of differentially expressed proteins of αSyn,HSPB1,and RGS10.

Objective: To analyze the risk factors for complications of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. The indications for EFTR included: (1) SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer and growing out of the cavity or infiltrating the deep part of the muscularis propria layer; (2) SMTs diameter <5 cm; and (3) tumor identified as closely adherent to the serous layer during endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic mucosal resection. This study included patients with SMTs originating from the muscularis propria layer in upper digestive tract, diagnosed preoperatively by endoscopic ultrasonography or computed tomography, who were successfully treated with EFTR. Those with incomplete clinical data were excluded. The clinical data of 154 patients with upper gastrointestinal SMTs who underwent EFTR at the Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2016 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Post-EFTR complications (such as delayed perforation, delayed bleeding, and postoperative infection, including electrocoagulation syndrome) were monitored and the risk factors for them were analyzed. Results: Among the 154 study patients, 33 (21.4%) developed complications, including delayed bleeding in three (1.9%), delayed perforation in two (1.3%), and postoperative infection in 28 (18.2%). One patient with bleeding was classified as having a major complication (hospitalized for more than 10 days because of complication). According to univariate analysis, complication was associated with tumor diameter >15 mm, operation time >90 minutes, defect closure method(purse string suture), and diameter of resected specimen ≥20 mm (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that operation time >90 minutes (OR=6.252, 95%CI: 2.530-15.446, P<0.001) and tumor diameter >15 mm (OR=4.843, 95%CI: 1.985-11.817, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for complications after EFTR in patients with upper gastrointestinal SMTs. The independent risk factors for postoperative infection in these patients were operation time>90 minutes (OR=4.993, 95%CI:1.964-12.694, P=0.001) and purse string suture (OR=7.142, 95%CI: 1.953-26.123, P=0.003). Conclusion: Patients with upper gastrointestinal SMTs undergoing EFTR with tumor diameter >15 mm or operation time >90 minutes have a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications. Postoperative monitoring is important for these patients with SMTs.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery* ; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection/methods* ; Gastroscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Endosonography/adverse effects* ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Treatment Outcome ; Gastric Mucosa/surgery*

【Objective】 To investigate the willingness of whole blood donors to donate apheresis platelets and analyze its influencing factors. 【Methods】 A total of 400 whole blood donors from Kunshan Blood Station and Leshan Blood Station from January to May, 2023 were surveyed by random sampling, and their willingness to donate apheresis platelets were analyzed by univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. 【Results】 A total of 386 valid questionnaires were collected, with a recovery rate of 96.5%. Among the 386 whole blood donors, 177 were willing to donate apheresis platelets, accounting for 45.9%. Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, education level, blood donation times, average blood donation volume, adverse reactions to blood donation, understanding of platelets, and family members' attitude towards blood donation were the main factors affecting the willingness of whole blood donors to donate platelets, and binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, blood donation times, average blood donation volume, understanding of platelets and family members' attitude towards blood donation were the main factors. 【Conclusion】 Targeted recruitment of whole blood donors should be conducted to recruit more apheresis platelet donors, so as to meet clinical demand of apheresis platelets.

Humans ; Brain Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glioma/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities/metabolism* ; Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism* ; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits/metabolism*

The Omicron family of SARS-CoV-2 variants are currently driving the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we analyzed the clinical laboratory test results of 9911 Omicron BA.2.2 sublineages-infected symptomatic patients without earlier infection histories during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Shanghai in spring 2022. Compared to an earlier patient cohort infected by SARS-CoV-2 prototype strains in 2020, BA.2.2 infection led to distinct fluctuations of pathophysiological markers in the peripheral blood. In particular, severe/critical cases of COVID-19 post BA.2.2 infection were associated with less pro-inflammatory macrophage activation and stronger interferon alpha response in the bronchoalveolar microenvironment. Importantly, the abnormal biomarkers were significantly subdued in individuals who had been immunized by 2 or 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 prototype-inactivated vaccines, supporting the estimation of an overall 96.02% of protection rate against severe/critical disease in the 4854 cases in our BA.2.2 patient cohort with traceable vaccination records. Furthermore, even though age was a critical risk factor of the severity of COVID-19 post BA.2.2 infection, vaccination-elicited protection against severe/critical COVID-19 reached 90.15% in patients aged ≽ 60 years old. Together, our study delineates the pathophysiological features of Omicron BA.2.2 sublineages and demonstrates significant protection conferred by prior prototype-based inactivated vaccines.
Humans ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; COVID-19/prevention & control* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics/prevention & control* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control* ; Vaccination

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on phosphatase and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway in the midbrain substantia nigra of Thy1-α synuclein(αSyn)transgenic model mice with Parkinson disease(PD). Methods:Twenty-four Thy1-αSyn transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group,an acupuncture group,an acupuncture + moxibustion group,and a Western medicine group.Six wild-type mice in the same litter were used as the wild-type group.In the acupuncture group,Baihui(GV20)and Yanglingquan(GB34)were selected for acupuncture.In the acupuncture + moxibustion group,Guanyuan(CV4)was added on the basis of the acupuncture group.The Western medicine group was given rapamycin intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 10 mg/(kg·bw).The wild-type group and the model group were fixed without intervention.The overall rod performance(ORP)score of mice was observed in each group.The immunohistochemical method was used to detect the tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons in the substantia nigra of mice in each group.The αSyn was detected by the immunofluorescence chemical method.The expression levels of αSyn,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ,autophagy protein sequestosome-1/protein 62(SQSTM-1/p62),PINK1,Parkin,and ubiquitin-specific protease 30(USP30)proteins were detected by Western blotting assay.The expression levels of LC3B,p62,PINK1,Parkin,and USP30 mRNAs were detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results:Compared with the wild-type group,the ORP score,the p62,PINK1,and Parkin protein expression levels decreased significantly(P<0.01),the PINK1 mRNA expression level decreased(P<0.05),while the protein and mRNA expression levels of USP30 increased(P<0.05)in the model group.Compared with the model group,the ORP score in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + moxibustion group increased(P<0.05);the expression level of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ protein in the acupuncture + moxibustion group and the Western medicine group increased(P<0.05);the protein expression levels of p62,PINK1,and Parkin increased(P<0.05),while the USP30 protein expression level decreased significantly(P<0.01)in the acupuncture group,the acupuncture + moxibustion group,and the Western medicine group;the Parkin mRNA expression level in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + moxibustion group increased(P<0.05);the USP30 mRNA expression level in the acupuncture + moxibustion group decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture and moxibustion regulate the related molecule expression levels of PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway in the Thy1-αSyn transgenic PD model mice and promote the autophagy degradation of αSyn to exert the protective effect of dopaminergic neurons.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) between acupuncture for regulating METHODS: A total of 231 patients with IBS-D were randomized into an acupuncture group (154 cases) and a western medication group (77 cases) at the ratio of 2 to 1. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to acupoint regimen for regulating RESULTS: After treatment and in follow-up, the total scores of IBS-SSS in the patients of the two groups were all reduced as compared with those before treatment ( CONCLUSION Acupuncture for regulating
Acupuncture Therapy ; Diarrhea/therapy* ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy* ; Quality of Life ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics* ; Spleen ; Treatment Outcome