Objective: Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study. Methods: Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu. Results: Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site. Conclusion Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are major outer membrane components of Gram-negative bacteria. Unlike most Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii can still survive and acquire polymyxin resistance after complete loss of LPS. Previous studies of LPS-deficient Acinetobacter baumannii mostly focused on LPS-deficient strains induced by polymyxin, whose background was complex and unstable. To investigate LPS loss-mediated polymyxin resistant-Acinetobacter baumannii, this study constructed a stable and clear background LPS-deficient strain by knocking out lpxC gene in Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 with CIRSPR/Cas9, and then studied the phenotypic changes of the lpxC-deficient strain including morphology, growth rate, antibiotic susceptibility, virulence, membrane permeability, and membrane potential. Animal experiments were approved by the Animal Care and Welfare Committee Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, CAMS and PUMC (approval number: IMB-20240119D₉). The results indicated that the lpxC gene of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 was successfully knocked out. After losing the lpxC, the strain underwent the morphological change from rod-shaped to spherical. Furthermore, it leads to reduced growth rate, enhanced membrane permeability, decreased membrane potential, lower virulence, and increased antibiotic susceptibility to β-lactams, quinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolides, glycopeptides. The lpxC deletion results in significant changes in membrane homeostasis and adaptability of Acinetobacter baumannii. Understanding the phenotypic changes of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii mediated by LPS loss is useful for exploring the resistance mechanism of Acinetobacter baumannii and developing new therapeutic strategies.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at Shuigou(DU26)combined with warming-needle moxibustion in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.Methods Nighty-six patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomly divided into observation group and control group,48 cases in each group.Both groups were given routine basic treatment.The control group was treated with warming-needle moxibustion.The observation group was treated with electroacupuncture at Shuigou point on the basis of the control group.The treatment was performed 5 days a week for a total of 3 weeks.After 3 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score,Barthel Index(BI)score and Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment scale score of the two groups were observed before and after treatment.The changes of interleukin-6(IL-6),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and homocysteine(Hey)levels were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.The safety and adverse reactions of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.83％(46/48),and that of the control group was 81.25％(39/48).The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the NIHSS scores,BI scores,and FMA scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the NIHSS scores,BI scores,and FMA scores,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum IL-6,hs-CRP,and Hey levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the serum inflammatory factors of IL-6,hs-CRP,and Hey levels,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(4)Comparing the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group,the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Shuigou point combined with warming-needle moxibustion in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction can significantly promote the recovery of patients'neurological function,thus improving their motor and living ability,effectively reducing the levels of inflammatory factors and homocysteine,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.

Aim To observe the role of salvianolic acid B(Sal B)in enhancing the survival of random skin flaps and to preliminarily explore its potential mecha-nisms.Methods The appearance,degree of edema,color and hair condition of the skin flap were evaluated seven days after operation.The vascular network and blood flow of random flaps were measured by laser Doppler flow measurement.HE staining was used to detect the growth of microvessels in random flaps.The expressions of VEGF and CD34 were detected by im-munohistochemistry,the expressions of RIPK1,2 and LC3 Ⅱ were detected by immunofluorescence,and the effects of autophagy related proteins and signaling path-ways were detected by Western blot.Results The ex-perimental results showed that Sal B induced autophagy in the random skin flaps,promoted angiogenesis,and reduced oxidative stress and necrotic apoptosis,signifi-cantly increasing the survival rate of the flaps.Immu-nohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining,and Western blot confirmed that Sal B induced autophagy in the random skin flaps by activating TFE3 protein.Conclusion Sal B can promote autophagy in cells of random skin flaps and reduce their necrotic apoptosis by activating TFE3 protein.

This study was aimed at characterizing the variations in hemagglutinin(HA)and neuraminidase(NA)genes of influenza virus subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 isolated during the 2022-2023 influenza monitoring year in Shandong Province,to provide a scientific basis for influenza prevention and control.A total of 14 A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype influenza strains were se-lected randomly by city by the influenza monitoring network laboratory.The vaccine strains recommended by the WHO served as references for whole gene sequencing analysis.A fluorescence method was used to conduct neuraminidase inhibition experi-ments to evaluate drug sensitivity.The A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus in Shandong Province,2022-2023 belonged to the 5a.2a evolutionary cluster in the 6B.1A branch.Nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the HA and NA genes were closely re-lated to the Northern Hemisphere vaccine strain A/Victoria/2570/2019 in the years 2021-2023,and showed homology of 98.5％to 98.7％and 98.8％to 99.1％,respectively.Amino acid sequence analysis revealed 20 amino acid sequence mutations in the HA protein,but only one virus strain was found to have antigen drift,and three virus strains showed loss of HA protein glycosylation sites.No mutations were found at important sites affecting NA enzymes.The neuraminidase inhibition experiment indicated viral sensitivity to anti-influenza drugs.In conclusion,the monitored virus strains had high overall homology with vac-cine strains but showed some amino acid variation.In the future,continued monitoring of the genetic variation characteristics of influenza viruses will be necessary to understand the risk of influenza epidemics,and the effectiveness of influenza vaccines and therapeutic drugs.

This study was aimed at understanding the pollution distribution pattern of avian influenza virus in the environ-ment in poultry related places in Shandong Province,to provide a scientific basis for the prevention,control,prediction,and early warning regarding human infection with avian influenza.From 2020 to 2023,6 523 environmental samples were collected in 16 cities in Shandong Province from four types of poultry-related places.Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used for nucleic acid testing of influenza A virus.Positive samples were further identified for the H5,H7,and H9 subtypes of avian influenza virus.The epidemiological characteristics of avian influenza viruses in the poultry related environment of Shandong Province were described,and inter-rate comparisons were performed with the x2 test.During 2020-2023,6 523 environmental samples were collected,and 1 007 cases positive for avian influenza virus were detected,with a positivity rate of 15.44％.H5,H7,and H9 subtypesand mixed infections were detected.H9 was the main subtype(88.48％)in positive specimens.A significant difference in positivity rates was observed among regions(x2=431.956,P＜0.001),and the highest positivity rate was 28.93％.Significant differences in positivity rates were observed among monitoring sites(x2=304.604,P＜0.001),sample types(x2=109.678,P＜0.001),and quarters(x2=64.963,P＜0.001).The positive detection rate was highest at monitoring sites in urban and rural live poultry markets(20.12％),and the positive detection rate of samples collected by wiping meat cut-ting board surfaces was higher than that of other samples(22.56％).The peak positive detection rate occurred in spring(20.31％).Widespread contamination with avian influenza virus was observed in poultry environments in Shandong Prov-ince.The H9 subtype,the main pathogen,coexisted with H5 and H7 subtypes,thus posing a risk of human infection with avian influenza.Therefore,prevention and control of avian influenza must be strengthened in key seasons,areas,places,and links.

The author analyzed the characteristics of phase Ⅰ clinical trials of macromolecular drugs,the characteristics of evaluation indicators of phase Ⅰ clinical trials of macromolecular drugs,such as safety evaluation,pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation,and efficacy evaluation.And the control points of subjects management,management of experimental macromolecule drugs,and identified and potential risk factors of macromolecule drugs in the implementation of risk management for phase Ⅰ clinical trials of macromolecule drugs were discussed in depth based on previous clinical trial research experience.Through discussion and analysis,the author suggests that each research center can formulate risk control strategies according to the actual situation,improve the efficiency of risk control,and facilitate the smooth implementation of clinical trials and improve the quality of clinical trials.

Objective:To characterize and analyze the genetic variation of hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 subtype virus in Shandong Province, and explore the genetic variation patterns for providing reference for influenza monitoring, epidemic prevention and control, and vaccine strain selection.Methods:HA gene sequences of the recommended strains of influenza vaccine from 2009 to 2024 and the representative strains of each branch were downloaded from the GISAID Influenza Data Platform, and were phylogenetically analyzed and characterized in terms of amino acid site variation with the HA gene sequences of 298 influenza A (H1N1) virus strains isolated from Shandong Province. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood (ML) method of the IQ-TREE online tool, and the amino acid site variants were viewed using MegAlign software. The potential glycosylation sites of the HA gene were predicted using the NetNGlyc 1.0 online software.Results:The HA gene homology of the 298 influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated in Shandong Province ranged from 91.2% to 100.0%. The evolutionary branches were gradually distantly related over time, but the direction of evolution was roughly the same as that in other provinces. Amino acid mutations in the HA occurred every year and most were found in the antigenic determinants.Conclusions:The HA genes of influenza viruses isolated in Shandong Province from 2009 to 2024 are still in the process of continuous evolution, and continuous monitoring of the epidemiological trends and the evolutionary directions of influenza viruses is essential for early warning of influenza virus pandemics.

Objective: Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study. Methods: Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu. Results: Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site. Conclusion Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.

Objective: Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study. Methods: Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu. Results: Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site. Conclusion Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.