Objective To compare the imaging characteristics and surgical methods of pulmonary nodules in the external 1/3 group and internal 2/3 group. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients who underwent thoracoscopic preoperative CT-guided lung nodule localization at the Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from September 2020 to April 2022 was conducted. Results A total of 215 patients were enrolled (247 pulmonary nodules), including 70 males and 145 females, with a median age of 48 years. Based on the location of the nodules under CT guidance, those located in the external 1/3 area of the lung were classified into an external 1/3 group, while those located in the middle 1/3 and inner 1/3 areas were classified into an internal 2/3 group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of general clinical data, nature of pulmonary nodules, distribution of pulmonary nodules in lobes, localization time, or localization complications (P>0.05). However, there were statistical differences in the distance of pulmonary nodules from the pleura [0.6 (0.0-1.9) cm vs. 1.8 (0.0-4.5) cm, P<0.001], size of pulmonary nodules [0.7 (0.2-1.8) cm vs. 1.0 (0.2-2.0) cm, P<0.001], and surgical methods (P=0.002). In the external 1/3 group, 92.1% of nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection, while fewer patients underwent other procedures; in the internal 2/3 group, 77.1% of nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection, and 19.3% underwent segmentectomy. Conclusion The diameter of pulmonary nodules, the distance of pulmonary nodules from the pleura, and surgical methods differ between the external 1/3 group and internal 2/3 group. Thoracic surgeons can develop more precise surgical plans based on the location and size of pulmonary nodules.

Background With the large-scale production and application of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), occupational and general exposure is obviously increasing. Related studies have shown that exposure to CBNPs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Objective To establish a CBNPs-induced malignant transformation (C-BEAS-2B) model of human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and explore the role and mechanism of circCCDC138 in the malignant transformation process. Methods At 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs concentrations, cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. BEAS-2B cells were exposed to 20 mg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs for three months, and a malignant transformation model of BEAS-2B induced by CBNPs was constructed. The migration and invasion abilities of the cells were detected by cell scratch and Transwell assays. The expressions of circ-CCDC138 in BEAS-2B and C-BEAS-2B were detected by qRT-PCR, and its stability was verified by a digestive resistance test. A cell model with interference or overexpression of circCCDC138 was constructed, and the expression of circCCDC138 in the cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of p53 protein. Results The CBNPs used in the experiment were spherical particles with a chain-like structure. In the 20 μg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs group, the reduction in the viability of BEAS-2B cells was relatively small (10%). Compared with the control cells, the 20 μg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs group showed more obvious cell migration and invasion at 24 h and 48 h, indicating that the exposure to CBNPs induced early malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells (P<0.01). The circCCDC138 expression in C-BEAS-2B was upregulated in a time-dependent manner after exposure to CBNPs. Compared with the C-BEAS-2B cells, the C-BEAS-2B cells over-expressing circCCDC138 exhibited arrested S phase progression (36.9%) and apoptosis resistance (P<0.01), along with down regulation of p53 protein expression in the cells (P<0.01), while the C-BEAS-2B cells interfering with circCCDC138 showed the opposite results (P<0.01). Conclusion BEAS-2B cells exposed to CBNPs (20 μg·mL⁻¹) have significantly enhanced migration and invasion abilities, showing early malignant transformation characteristics. In addition, circCCDC138 is highly expressed in C-BEAS-2B cells with RNase R digestive resistance and increases in a time-dependent manner with CBNPs exposure. More importantly, circCCDC138 may promote the induction of malignant transformation of cells by inhibiting p53 protein expression.

Objective To obtain the protective performance parameters of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays, provide reference data for precise shielding calculations, and guide the design, evaluation, and construction of radiation shielding. Methods The FLUKA program was used to build a model for simulating the dose equivalent rate variation around points of interest under the irradiation of the most commonly used positron nuclide ¹⁸F with changes in the thicknesses of lead and barium sulfate mortar. The transmission curves of lead and barium sulfate mortar were fitted, and the half-value layer (HVL) and lead equivalence of barium sulfate mortar were calculated based on the fitted curves. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate coefficient of positron nuclide ¹⁸F was 1.339 4×10⁻¹ μSv·m²/MBq·h and the HVL for lead was 4.037 mm, with deviations of 0.043% and 1.53% compared to the values provided in the AAPM Report No. 108, respectively. The HVLs for γ-rays produced by ¹⁸F, using barium sulfate mortar with apparent densities of 4.20, 4.00, and 3.90 g/cm³ mixed with 35.2-grade cement in a 4∶1 mass ratio, were 2.914, 2.969, and 3.079 cm, respectively. The lead equivalences were 0.1385, 0.1360, and 0.1311 mmPb/mm, respectively. Conclusion The three types of barium sulfate mortar can provide good protection against γ-rays in positron imaging locations. As the apparent density of barium sulfate increases, its protective effect improves slightly but remains significantly better than common construction materials like concrete and solid bricks.

Objective: To investigate the precise detection methods for weak partial D type 15 and evaluate their implications for blood transfusion safety, along with the development of corresponding strategies. Methods: A combination of serological methods, including the microplate method, indirect antiglobulin tube method, and microcolumn gel card method, was employed to identify RhD-negative and RhD variant samples. RhD-negative samples were screened for the presence of RHD genes using whole-blood direct PCR amplification. Subsequently, RhD variant samples and RhD-negative samples containing RHD genes underwent full-coding-region sequencing of the RHD gene to confirm their genotypes. The genotyping results were further correlated with the serological test findings for comprehensive analysis. Results: Among 615 549 first-time healthy blood donors, 3 401 samples with an RhD-negative phenotype and 156 samples with RhD variant were identified. Of the 3 401 RhD-negative samples, 1 054 were found to harbor RHD genes. Gene sequencing analysis of the 156 RhD variants and the 1 054 serological negative samples revealed that 89 samples contained the RHD 15 (c. 845G>A) allele. Conclusion: The integration of serological testing methods and genotyping technologies for the precise determination of RhD blood type plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions.

Background China is a major coal producer and consumer country in the world. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a primary factor endangering the occupational health of coal miners. Research on the disease burden of CWP and its changing trend is significant for disease prevention & control and associated policies. Objective To analyze the disease burden of CWP in China from 1990 to 2021 and its changing trend, and predict the disease burden from 2022 to 2035. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database of 2021, numbers ofincident cases, prevalent cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) as well as crude and age-standardized rates of CWP in China were retrieved. Linear regression model was used to calculate the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of the age-standardized rates. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend of disease burden and the disease burden of different sexes and age groups, and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to forecast the trend of CWP disease burden. Results In 1990, the incident, prevalent, and deaths cases of CWP in China were 3266, 18872, and 1561, respectively, and the DALYs of CWP were 44614.718 person-years. In 2021, the incident, prevalent, and deaths cases of CWP were 3446, 23975, and 1229, respectively, and the DALYs of CWP were 29610.754 person-years. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of CWP in China all showed a downward trend, with the EAPCs of −3.121%, −2.532%, −4.018%, and −4.268%, respectively. The disease burden of CWP in China was mainly concentrated in the male population. The annual average percent change analysis indicated that each standardized rate showed a fluctuating downward trend in different periods. The BAPC model showed that from 2022 to 2035, the age-standardized rates of CWP in China would continue to decline steadily. In 2035, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of CWP would be reduced to 0.10 per 100000, 0.74 per 100000, 0.03 per 100000, and 0.74 per 100000, respectively. Conclusion The disease burden contributed by CWP in China generally show a downward trend from 1990 to 2021, and it is expected that the age-standardized rates will continue to decline steadily from 2022 to 2035.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by complex pathogenesis, with its development closely linked to immune dysregulation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), as specialized immunomodulatory cells, play a pivotal role in negatively regulating immune responses and maintaining autoimmune tolerance. In recent years, extensive research has focused on the relationship between Tregs and RA pathogenesis, with the functional role of CD8⁺ Tregs as a critical area of investigation. This review summarizes the alterations in CD8⁺ Tregs during RA progression and their potential mechanisms of action. By elucidating the diversity of CD8⁺ Treg subsets and their intricate roles in modulating immune responses, this analysis provides novel insights and therapeutic strategies for RA diagnosis and treatment.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology* ; Humans ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology* ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Animals

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of Schistosoma japonicum cystatin (rSj-Cystatin) in a mouse mode of "two-hit" sepsis. METHODS: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice randomized equally into sham-operated group, protein group, "two-hit" modeling group, and protein intervention group. In the former two groups, the mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS followed by exposure of the cecum and then by intraperitoneal injection of 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin 30 min later; In the latter two groups, 100 μL PBS containing LPS (5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 24 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and 100 μL PBS or 25 μg rSj-Cystatin were injected 30 min after CLP. At 12 h after rSj-Cystatin treatment, 6 mice from each group were sacrificed for detection of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, iNOS and Arg-1 in the serum, spleen, liver, lung and kidney tissues using ELISA, for examinations of liver, lung and kidney pathologies with HE staining, and for analysis of CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell percentage in the spleen using flow cytometry. The remaining mice were observed for general condition and 72-h survival. RESULTS: The 72-h survival rates in the 4 groups were 100%, 100%, 0% and 20%, respectively, showing significant differences between the latter two groups. The mouse models of "two-hit" sepsis exhibited obvious tissue pathologies and significant elevations of TNF-α and IL-6 in both the serum and tissue homogenate, which were significantly ameliorated by rSj-Cystatin treatment. Treatment with rSj-Cystatin also increased IL-10 and TGF-β levels and spleen CD3⁺CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell percentage. The septic mouse models also showed increased iNOS levels in all the detected tissues and a decreased Arg-1 level in the kidney, and these changes were obviously improved by rSj-Cystatin treatment. CONCLUSIONS rSj-Cystatin has a protective effect against "two-hit" sepsis in mice by regulating the inflammatory microenvironment.
Animals ; Mice ; Sepsis/drug therapy* ; Male ; Schistosoma japonicum/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cystatins/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism*

Objective The current article aimed to explore the previous focuses,highlight the latest progresses and analyze the future trends on the research of medicinal Pteridophyes.Methods 794 scientific names and 414 Chinese names of medical used ferns and lycopods were established as search term from five public documentary libraries(i.e.,Web of Science,PubMed,CNKI,WangFang and Cqvip),respectively.After data cleaning,5465 publications in English and 8918 publications in Chinese were refined as effective datasets.Subsequently,the up-to-date bibliometric methods and visualization software packages were employed to fulfill the graphical bibliometric analyses.Results The yearly publication numbers in both English and Chinese showed fluctuating upward patterns,and each of them has undergone three phases with distinct rates of rise(i.e.,embryonic stage,smoothly-rising stage and sharply-rising stage).Significant national and territorial discrepancies exist in the various types of literature.The topics in English literature on medicinal Pteridophyes mainly included ontogenetic process and phylogeny,plant-environment interactions,and the pharmacological activities of various metabolites(e.g.alkaloids).The Chinese literature is not only concerned with individual development and pharmacological effects,but also focuses on the application of new technologies,emphasizes the application of them in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Chinese and Western medicine.Moreover,our results pointed out rising hotspot medicinal Pteridophyes species such as Drynaria roosii and Huperzia serrata.Conclusion Our present study implied that the medicinal Pteridophyes have aroused wide attention in domestic and foreign scholar and will be continuous concerned for a long time in the future.Currently,4 different aspects(i.e.,phytoremediation,phylogenetic analysis,pharmacological activity and clinical application)are the main research focal points towards this clade of medical plant species,and it is an important emerging tendency that we should apply the multi-omics technology to investigate the Pteridophyes species and unravel their medical values.

Objective To investigate the serological characteristics and molecular mechanism of an individual with Am phenotype.Methods The sample with ABO blood group discrepancy was confirmed by serological techniques.The full cod-ing and flanking regions of the ABO gene including intron 1 transcription factor binding site were identified through direct se-quencing of PCR-amplified products.PCR products of exon 6-7 were validated to isolate the ABO gene haplotypes by clo-ning and sequencing individual colonies.Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the structure of the mutant protein.Re-sults The serologic characteristics of ABO blood typing showed the rare Am phenotype.The c.467C/T and c.912C/A heter-ozygous sites in exon 7 were identified by direct sequencing analysis.Further TA cloning and sequencing revealed that the patient carried an ABO*O.01.01 allele and a novel ABO*A allele.The new allele sequence had one nucleotide alteration(C＞A)at position 912 on the background of the ABO*A1.02 allele.The new allele sequence has been included in the Gen-Bank database with the entry number JX489776.The c.912C＞A mutation was predicted to be"probably damaging"and"deleterious"by PolyPhen2 and PROVEAN algorithms,respectively.The free energy change(ΔΔG)value predicted it to have a destabilizing effect on the GTA protein.Meanwhile,modeling of the 3D structure predicted that the p.S304R amino acid substitution may alter the hydrogen bond of the GTA protein.Conclusion The p.S304R substitution of α-1,3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase gene may reduce the antigen expression owing to a greatly destabilizing effect on the structure and function of the GTA protein.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingke tablets in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children with the syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung. MethodA randomized， open， parallel controlled， and multi-center clinical study was conduted. Children with acute bronchitis （syndrome of phlegm-heat obstructing lung） were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The control group received routine basic treatment， and the observation group was treated with Lianhua Qingke Tablets on the basis of routine basic treatment. After 7 days of treatment， the clinical efficacy， TCM efficacy， time to symptom disappearance， time to cough disappearance， and clinical safety were compared between the two groups. ResultA total of 248 children were included （124 in the observation group and 124 in the control group）. After 7 days of treatment， the total response rate in terms of clinical efficacy in the observation group was 96.8% （120/124）， which was higher than that （90.3%， 112/124） in the control group （Z=-5.034， P<0.01）. The total response rate in terms of TCM syndrome in the observation group was 97.6% （121/124）， which was higher than that （93.5%， 116/124） in the control group （χ²=-5.326， P<0.01）. The scores of physical signs and TCM symptoms in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at the time of taking medicine for 3 days and 7 days （P<0.01）. The time to symptom disappearance and the time to cough disappearance in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group （P<0.01）. Drug-related adverse reactions occurred in neither group. ConclusionLianhua Qingke tablets demonstrate a definite effect on acute bronchitis in children with the syndrome of phlegm-heat blocking lung. The tablets can significantly shorten the course of disease and relieve cough and TCM symptoms， with high safety， which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.