Objective To evaluate the radiation impact of a self-developed digital miniature CT on the human body and the environment under simulated scanning conditions, and verify its safety and regulatory compliance. Methods Under typical head scanning conditions with the digital miniature CT (70 kV/10 mA), the equivalent doses received at the body surface sites corresponding to the thyroid, breast, stomach, liver, kidney, and gonads of the phantom were measured without protection and with 0.5 mmPb equivalent protection using LiF (Mg, Cu, P) thermoluminescent dosimeters. The ambient dose equivalent rates at the bed level inside the CT room at different directions and distances from the scanning center were measured using a model AT1121 X/γ dosimeter. The equivalent doses of organs on both sides of the phantom and the ambient equivalent dose rates on the left and right sides of the longitudinal axis of the bed in the CT room were compared. The Mann-Whitney test was used at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results During a single scan of the head with the digital miniature CT, the equivalent doses at the body surface sites corresponding to the thyroid, breast, stomach, liver, kidney, and gonads without protection were 1.04, 0.95, 0.55, 0.57, 0.40, and 0.12 mSv, respectively, which were only 0.84% to 8.24% of the doses inside the irradiation field. With 0.5 mm Pb equivalent protection, the equivalent dose of the thyroid decreased from 8.24 mSv to 3.27 mSv with a reduction of 60.3%, and the doses of the other organs were reduced to 1.5-11.5 μSv with the maximum reduction of 14 times. In the longitudinal axis direction of the CT bed, the ambient dose equivalent rate at a distance of 2 m from the scanning center was reduced to 0.066 mSv/h, which was only 9.6% of the ambient equivalent dose rate at a distance of 50 cm from the scanning center. Conclusion The digital miniature CT has advantages in ensuring patient safety, optimizing imaging quality, and promoting technological development, demonstrating promising application potential. However, the radiation protection of personal and CT room should not be ignored.

RNA editing, an essential post-transcriptional reaction occurring in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), generates informational diversity in the transcriptome and proteome. In mammals, the main type of RNA editing is the conversion of adenosine to inosine (A-to-I), processed by adenosine deaminases acting on the RNAs (ADARs) family, and interpreted as guanosine during nucleotide base-pairing. It has been reported that millions of nucleotide sites in human transcriptome undergo A-to-I editing events, catalyzed by the primarily responsible enzyme, ADAR1. In hematological malignancies including myeloid/lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma, dysregulation of ADAR1 directly impacts the A-to-I editing states occurring in coding regions, non-coding regions, and immature miRNA precursors. Subsequently, aberrant A-to-I editing states result in altered molecular events, such as protein-coding sequence changes, intron retention, alternative splicing, and miRNA biogenesis inhibition. As a vital factor of the generation and stemness maintenance in leukemia stem cells (LSCs), disordered RNA editing drives the chaos of molecular regulatory network and ultimately promotes the cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition and drug resistance. At present, novel drugs designed to target RNA editing(e.g., rebecsinib) are under development and have achieved outstanding results in animal experiments. Compared with traditional antitumor drugs, epigenetic antitumor drugs are expected to overcome the shackle of drug resistance and recurrence in hematological malignancies, and provide new treatment options for patients. This review summarized the recent advances in the regulation mechanism of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing events in hematologic malignancies, and further discussed the medical potential and clinical application of ADAR1.

Objective:To investigate whether long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) AW112010 can improve insulin resistance in aging adipocytes through the miR-204/POU2F2 signaling pathway.Methods:In vivo experiment: C57BL/6 mice were divided into young control group(4 months old) and aging model group(18 months old) based on body weight. The expression levels of AW112010, miR-204-5p, POU2F2, aging related indicators(p16, p21), and insulin signaling pathway genes [insulin receptor(INSR), insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1), phosphatidylinositol kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT)] in epididymal adipose tissue were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. In vitro experiment: Using adriamycin(ADR) to induce 3T3-L1 aging adipocyte model, β-gal staining was used to observe cellular senescence, and miR-204 inhibitor and miR-204 mimic small interfering RNA were successfully constructed and transfected into 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results:RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the young group, the expression of AW112010 in the adipose tissue of aging mice was increased, while the expression of miR-204-5p was decreased. The expressions of POU2F2, p16, and p21 in the adipose tissue of aging mice were increased, while the expressions of INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 mRNA and protein were decreased. The β-gal stainging results showed that the number of 3T3-L1 senescent adipocytes induced by ADR was significantly increased, and the expression levels of AW112010, POU2F2, p16, and p21 in ADR-induced senescent adipocytes were increased compared with the control group, while the expression levels of miR-204-5p, INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 were decreased, and remaining glucose in the culture medium was increased. Compared with control, overexpression of miR-204 resulted in decreased expressions of aging indicators p16, p21, and target gene POU2F2 while the expressions of INSR and GLUT4 were increased.Conclusion:Upregulation of lncRNA AW112010 in adipocytes of aging mice may induce insulin resistance by targeting miR-204-5p/POU2F2/IRS1.

In this study, the effective substance group and molecular mechanism of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma-Persicae Semen combination (RRR-PS) in activating blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis were investigated by integrating efficacy experiments, network pharmacology and HPLC. The rat model of blood stasis syndrome was established, and the blood rheology index and coagulation four comprehensive evaluation were carried out. The results showed that compared with the model group, the whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and erythrocyte aggregation index of the rats in the RRR-PS group were significantly callback (P < 0.01). Network pharmacology found that RRR-PS combination exerted the effect of activating blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis by acting on calmodulin-1 (CALM1), nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) and other targets, regulating platelet activation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) and other signaling pathways, and found key components: sennoside B, (+)-catechin, emodin, physcion, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, gallic acid. HPLC was used to explore the dissolution rate of key components. The results showed that the contents of catechin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion were significantly increased after RRR-PS combination (P < 0.01). In summary, RRR-PS has a significant effect on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and its mechanism of action is related to promoting angiogenesis, anti-coagulation, anti-thrombosis and anti-inflammation. The efficacy is related to the change of solvent system and the large dissolution of catechin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion after the RRR-PS combination. The results of the study can further provide a reference for the follow-up study on the active substances and mechanism of the RRR-PS combination. Animal experiments have been approved by the Experimental Animal Committee of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. SUCMDL20210309002).

Background::Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Methods::The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4 +) T-cell counts, CD8 + T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed. Results::The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6-6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log 10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8-16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log 10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA ( r = 0.76, P <0.0001). Meanwhile, both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8 + T-cell counts. Conclusions::This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity. It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades, and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC),a zoonotic foodborne pathogen,can induce severe and prolonged di-arrhea,thus substantially affecting global public health safety.To understand the pathogenicity of EPEC and its potential risk to human health,this study investigated the antimicrobial resistance and genome-wide characteristics of EPEC originating from ducks.After identification of EPEC with the plate method and PCR,antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was examined with the microbroth dilution method.In addition,analyses of serotype,sequence type(ST),and plasmid incompatibility groups were conducted with whole-genome sequencing(WGS)and bioinformatic methods.Ten EPEC isolates were identified,including serotypes O71∶H40 and O3∶H21.All EPEC strains exhibited multiple drug resistance.The highest proportion of resistance(100％)was observed to ciprofloxacin,streptomycin,tetracycline,and polymyxin B.In contrast,the isolates showed susceptibility to cefoxitin,amikacin,and imipenem.Furthermore,all strains carried the tetracycline resistance gene tet(A)and extended-spectrum β-lactamase(ESBL)resistance genes,including blaOXA-10,blaTEM-1A,and blaTEM-1B.Various virulence genes,associated primarily with the secretory system,were de-tected in the isolates.However,no bf p genes or per ARC genes were identified,thus indicating that the EPEC isolates were atypical EPEC(aEPEC).The results demonstrated the presence of multiple antimicrobial resistance,multiple resistance and viru-lence genes,and various plasmid incompatibility groups,thus in-dicating potential pathogenicity to humans.Strengthened monitoring of duck-derived EPEC is crucial to effectively control the spread of the pathogen and safeguard public health.

Objective:To compare the short-term effect and adverse reaction of venetoclax(VEN)combined with azacitidine(AZA)versus"7+3"regimen in newly diagnosed elder patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML).Methods:From January 2021 to January 2022,the clinical data of seventy-nine newly diagnosed elder patients with AML at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and the Shanxi Bethune Hospital were retrospectively analyzed,including VEN+AZA group(41 cases)and"7+3"group(38 cases).The propensity score matching(PSM)method was used to balance confounding factors,then response,overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS)and adverse reactions between the two groups were compared.Results:The ORR of VEN+AZA group and"7+3"group was 68％and 84％,respectively,and the CRc was 64％and 72％,respectively,the differents were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).In the VEN+AZA group,there were 5 non-remission(NR)patients,4 with chromosome 7 abnormality(7q-/-7),and 1 with ETV6 gene mutation.Median followed-up time between the two groups was 8 months and 12 months,respectively,and the 6-months OS was 84％vs 92％(P=0.389),while 6-months PFS was 84％vs 92％(P=0.258).The main hematological adverse reactions in two groups were stage Ⅲ-Ⅳmyelosuppression,and the incidence rate was not statistically different(P＞0.05).The median time of neutrophil recovery in two groups was 27(11-70)d,25(14-61)d(P=0.161),and platelet recovery was 27(11-75)d,25(16-50)d(P=0.270),respectively.The infection rate of VEN+AZA group was lower than that of"7+3"group(56％vs 88％,P=0.012).The rate of lung infections of two groups was 36％and 64％,respectively,the difference was statistically significant(P=0.048).Conclusion:The short-term effect of VEN+AZA group and"7+3"regimens in eldrly AML patients are similar,but the VEN+AZA regimen had a lower incidence of infection.The presence of chromosome 7 abnormality(7q-/-7)may be a poor prognostic factor for elderly AML patients treated with VEN+AZA.

Objective To compare the effects of visual rigid laryngoscope and visual laryngoscope in nasotracheal intubation(NTI)for patients with cervical spine immobilization simulated difficult airway.Methods Ninety patients scheduled for selective surgery under general anesthesia requiring NTI,52 males and 38 females,aged 18-64 years,BMI 18.5-25.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,were scheduled for selective surgery under general anesthesia requiring NTI.Before anesthesia induction,the spinal surgeon selected an appropriate cervical collar and adjusted it to fix patient's neck to establishing difficult airway sim-ulation model.All patients were randomly assigned into two groups:visual rigid laryngoscope(group R)and common visual laryngoscope(group C),45 patients in each group.NTI was performed using either visual rigid laryngoscope or visual laryngoscope in groups R and C,respectively.The nasal passage time,glottic exposure time,intubation time,number of successful first intubation attempts,and intubation attempts were recorded.Glottic exposure was assessed using the Cormack-Lehane(C-L)grading system,and the intuba-tion condition was quantitatively evaluated using the modified nasal intubation difficulty scale(NIDS).The blood pressure and heart rate were measured at baseline(T1),immediately after intubation(T2),and at 1 minute(T3)and 3 minutes(T4)after intubation.The occurrence of intubation-related complications(nasal bleeding,sore throat,hoarseness)was recorded.Results Compared with group C,the nasal passage time and proportion of successful intubations without difficulty were significantly increased in group R,and the glottic exposure time and intubation time were significantly decreased in group R(P<0.05).Compared with group C,the HR and MAP at T2 and T3 were significantly decreased in group R(P<0.05).Com-pared with group C,group R had significantly lower incidence rates of nasal bleeding,sore throat,and hoarseness(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the first intubation success rate,number of intubation attempts,or C-L grade between the two groups.Conclusion Patients with cer-vical spine immobilization simulated difficult airway,both visual rigid laryngoscope and visual laryngoscope can be performed safely and effectively in NTI.Compared with visual laryngoscope,visual rigid laryngoscope can provide faster glottic exposure,shorter intubation time,lower intubation difficulty,less hemodynamic impact,and lower incidence of complications.

Background: Triglyceride glucose (TyG) and TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are reliable surrogate indices of insulin resistance and used for risk stratification and outcome prediction in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Here, we inserted estimated average glucose (eAG) into the TyG (TyAG) and TyG-BMI (TyAG-BMI) as derived parameters and explored their clinical significance in cardiovascular risk prediction. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of 9,944 Chinese patients with ASCVD. The baseline admission fasting glucose and A1C-derived eAG values were recorded. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) that occurred during an average of 38.5 months of follow-up were recorded. We stratified the patients into four groups by quartiles of the parameters. Baseline data and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Distribution of the TyAG and TyAG-BMI indices shifted slightly toward higher values (the right side) compared with TyG and TyG-BMI, respectively. The baseline levels of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary severity increased with quartile of TyG, TyAG, TyG-BMI, and TyAG-BMI (all P<0.001). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for CVEs when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared from low to high were 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.36; TyG), 1.29 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.73; TyAG), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.58; TyG-BMI), and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.16 to 3.15; TyAG-BMI). The latter two showed statistical significance. Conclusion This study suggests that TyAG and TyAG-BMI exhibit more information than TyG and TyG-BMI in disease progression among patients with ASCVD. The TyAG-BMI index provided better predictive performance for CVEs than other parameters.

Background: Triglyceride glucose (TyG) and TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are reliable surrogate indices of insulin resistance and used for risk stratification and outcome prediction in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Here, we inserted estimated average glucose (eAG) into the TyG (TyAG) and TyG-BMI (TyAG-BMI) as derived parameters and explored their clinical significance in cardiovascular risk prediction. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of 9,944 Chinese patients with ASCVD. The baseline admission fasting glucose and A1C-derived eAG values were recorded. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) that occurred during an average of 38.5 months of follow-up were recorded. We stratified the patients into four groups by quartiles of the parameters. Baseline data and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Distribution of the TyAG and TyAG-BMI indices shifted slightly toward higher values (the right side) compared with TyG and TyG-BMI, respectively. The baseline levels of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary severity increased with quartile of TyG, TyAG, TyG-BMI, and TyAG-BMI (all P<0.001). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for CVEs when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared from low to high were 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.36; TyG), 1.29 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.73; TyAG), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.58; TyG-BMI), and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.16 to 3.15; TyAG-BMI). The latter two showed statistical significance. Conclusion This study suggests that TyAG and TyAG-BMI exhibit more information than TyG and TyG-BMI in disease progression among patients with ASCVD. The TyAG-BMI index provided better predictive performance for CVEs than other parameters.