1.On-site calibration of measurement equipment in state-controlled atmosphere radiation environment automatic monitoring stations
Shaoting LI ; Lixiang XIAO ; Shuyu JIANG ; Chuanbo DAI ; Wenxiang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):402-407
Objective To perform on-site calibration of high-pressure ionization chambers and NaI(Tl) γ spectrometers in state-controlled atmospheric radiation environment automatic continuous monitoring stations and verify the reliability of the online radiation environment monitoring system. Methods 137Cs, 60Co, and 241Am were used as γ reference radiation sources to measure the metrological performance of high-pressure ionization chambers in nine state-controlled atmospheric radiation environment automatic monitoring stations in Hubei Province, China. The performance metrics included background radiation, response, and repeatability. Additionally, the correlation between dose rate and humidity was analyzed, and the energy resolution and activity response of NaI(Tl) γ spectrometers were measured. Results Among the nine state-controlled atmospheric radiation environment automatic monitoring stations, the background radiation of high-pressure ionization chambers ranged from 58.2 nGy/h to 82.6 nGy/h. The response of the high-pressure ionization chambers ranged from 0.94 to 1.08, fulfilling the requirement of 1.0 ± 0.2. The repeatability of high-pressure ionization chambers ranged from 0.43% to 3.80%, satisfying the requirement of not exceeding 10%. A significant correlation was observed between dose rate and humidity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.4476. For NaI(Tl) γ spectrometers, the energy resolution ranged from 6.8% to 7.9%, fulfilling the requirement of not exceeding 9% for the 661.7 keV energy peak of 137Cs. The NaI(Tl) γ spectrometers showed 1.4% to 1.8% s−1·Bq−1 activity response to 241Am and 6.6‰ to 8.4‰ s−1·Bq−1 activity response to 60Co. Conclusion The online monitoring systems in the nine state-controlled atmospheric radiation environment automatic monitoring stations are stable and reliable, providing accurate radiation environment monitoring data for public awareness.
2.Investigation of an outbreak of group A human G9P [8] rotavirus infectious diarrhea among adults in Chongqing
Yang WANG ; Yuan KONG ; Ning CHEN ; Lundi YANG ; Jiang LONG ; Qin LI ; Xiaoyang XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Hong WEI ; Jie LU ; Quanjie XIAO ; Yingying BA ; Wenxi WU ; Qian XU ; Ju YAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):663-668
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates (P<0.05). Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r0=5, α=0.3, β1=0.08, β2=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (rt≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.
3.Anemoside B4 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo.
Mingyue XIAO ; Ronghua LUO ; Qinghua LIANG ; Honglv JIANG ; Yanli LIU ; Guoqiang XU ; Hongwei GAO ; Yongtang ZHENG ; Qiongming XU ; Shilin YANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2024;16(1):106-112
OBJECTIVE:
Anemoside B4 (AB4), the most abundant triterpenoidal saponin isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis, inhibited influenza virus FM1 or Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia. However, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect of AB4 has not been unraveled. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antiviral activity and potential mechanism of AB4 in inhibiting human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in vivo and in vitro.
METHODS:
The cytotoxicity of AB4 was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. SARS-CoV-2 infected HEK293T, HPAEpiC, and Vero E6 cells were used for in vitro assays. The antiviral effect of AB4 in vivo was evaluated by SARS-CoV-2-infected hACE2-IRES-luc transgenic mouse model. Furthermore, label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatic analysis were performed to explore the potential antiviral mechanism of action of AB4. Type I IFN signaling-associated proteins were assessed using Western blotting or immumohistochemical staining.
RESULTS:
The data showed that AB4 reduced the propagation of SARS-CoV-2 along with the decreased Nucleocapsid protein (N), Spike protein (S), and 3C-like protease (3CLpro) in HEK293T cells. In vivo antiviral activity data revealed that AB4 inhibited viral replication and relieved pneumonia in a SARS-CoV-2 infected mouse model. We further disclosed that the antiviral activity of AB4 was associated with the enhanced interferon (IFN)-β response via the activation of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-1) like receptor (RLP) pathways. Additionally, label-free quantitative proteomic analyses discovered that 17 proteins were significantly altered by AB4 in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections cells. These proteins mainly clustered in RNA metabolism.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicated that AB4 inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication through the RLR pathways and moderated the RNA metabolism, suggesting that it would be a potential lead compound for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
4.Analysis of risk factors for severe illness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 in Fuzhou city
Xiao-Yan ZHENG ; Yi-Mei WANG ; Chen-Ping GUAN ; Ying JIANG ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(3):297-301
Objective To analyze the risk factors for severe illness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 in Fuzhou city.Methods The data of 4081 confirmed cases with current address in Fuzhou was collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention from January 1 to June 30,2023.The epidemiological data of those cases was investigated such as the demographic characteristics,clinical manifestations and past medical history,etc.The risk factors of severe cases were analyzed by using the logistic regression.Results 4081 confirmed cases had been reported including 671 severe cases and 3410 non-severe cases.The demographic characteristics of severe cases,such as the proportion of male,age and current address in community were higher than that of non-severe cases,vaccination rate was lower than non-severe cases(59.02%vs.80.12%),the differences are statistically significant(P<0.001).The clinical manifestations such as interval time between onset and visit(P=0.001),fever(P=0.002),difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath(P=0.001)were the factors related to severe illness.The past medical histories such as history of chronic lung disease,history of heart cerebrovascular disease of severe cases,were higher than that of non-severe cases(P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression showed that the male,the higher age,current address in community,no vaccination,the longer interval time between onset and visit,fever,difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath,the history of chronic lung disease,the history of heart cerebrovascular disease raised the risk of becoming severe cases.The healing time for severe cases was longer than that for non-severe cases(P<0.001).Conclusion Sex,age,current address,vaccination,interval time between onset and visit,fever,difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath,history of chronic lung disease,and history of heart cerebrovascular disease are the influencing factors for severe illness.
5.Pharmacokinetics of Cordycepin and Its Metabolite 3′-Deoxyinosine in Rats
Nan HU ; Zhenwei JIANG ; Minyan QIAN ; Wenting ZHANG ; Lujun CHEN ; Xiao ZHENG ; Han-Jie YING ; Jingting JIANG
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(3):345-351
Objective To establish a method of LC-MS/MS for determining cordycepin(Cor)and 3′-deoxyinosine(3′-Deo)concentration in rat plasma,and to study their pharmacokinetics in rats.Methods Protein was precipitated with methanol using 2-chloadenosine(2-Chl)as an internal standard.The chromatography was performed on Kinetex C18(3 mm×100 mm,2.6 μm,Phenomenex,USA)with gradient elution in aqueous(5 mmol·L-1 ammonium acetate)-methanol solution as mobile phase.ESI ion source was used for mass spectrometry,and positive ion multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)was used for scanning detection.The pharmacokinetics of Cor and 3′-Deo after oral administration of Cor(10 mg·kg-1)were studied in rats.Results Cor at 0.5-100 ng·mL-1 and 3′-Deo at 1-200 ng·mL-1 had good linearity,and the lower limits of quantification were 0.5 and 1 ng·mL-1,respectively.After oral administration of Cor in rats,the plasma concentration of Cor was low,which was mainly converted into the metabolite 3′-Deo.The Cmax of Cor and 3′-Deo were(5.4±3.4)and(142.0±50.0)ng·mL-1,and AUC0-360min min were(658.4±459.3)and(18 034.9±4 981.1)ng·min·mL-1,respectively.Conclusion The method is simple,sensi-tive,and accurate,which is suitable for determining Cor and 3′-Deo concentration in plasma and the pharmacokinetic study.
6.A multicenter retrospective cohort study on the attributable risk of patients with Acinetobacter baumannii sterile body fluid infection
Lei HE ; Dao-Bin JIANG ; Ding LIU ; Xiao-Fang ZHENG ; He-Yu QIU ; Shu-Mei WU ; Xiao-Ying WU ; Jin-Lan CUI ; Shou-Jia XIE ; Qin XIA ; Li HE ; Xi-Zhao LIU ; Chang-Hui SHU ; Rong-Qin LI ; Hong-Ying TAO ; Ze-Fen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):42-48
Objective To investigate the attributable risk(AR)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)infection in criti-cally ill patients.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients in inten-sive care unit(ICU).Patients with AB isolated from sterile body fluid and confirmed with AB infection in each cen-ter were selected as the infected group.According to the matching criteria that patients should be from the same pe-riod,in the same ICU,as well as with similar APACHE Ⅱ score(±5 points)and primary diagnosis,patients who did not infect with AB were selected as the non-infected group in a 1:2 ratio.The AR was calculated.Results The in-hospital mortality of patients with AB infection in sterile body fluid was 33.3%,and that of non-infected group was 23.1%,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.069).The AR was 10.2%(95%CI:-2.3%-22.8%).There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between non-infected pa-tients and infected patients from whose blood,cerebrospinal fluid and other specimen sources AB were isolated(P>0.05).After infected with AB,critically ill patients with the major diagnosis of pulmonary infection had the high-est AR.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients in the infected and non-infec-ted groups(P>0.05),or between other diagnostic classifications.Conclusion The prognosis of AB infection in critically ill patients is highly overestimated,but active healthcare-associated infection control for AB in the ICU should still be carried out.
7.Efficacy of tibiofibular-based reconstruction technique with single femoral tunnel for Fanelli type C posterolateral complex injury
Qian ZHAO ; Wenjin HU ; Jiang WU ; Xiao CHEN ; Fuji REN ; Huifeng ZHENG ; Jingmin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(2):154-161
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of tibiofibular-based reconstruction technique with single femoral tunnel for Fanelli type C posterolateral complex (PLC) injury.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 16 patients with Fanelli type C PLC injury admitted to Tianjin Hospital from July 2016 to July 2019, including 10 males and 6 females, aged 20-61 years [(36.5±13.9)years]. PLC reconstruction was performed by tibiofibular-based technique with single femoral tunnel using gracilis tendon and semi-tendinosus autografts. If the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments (PCL/ACL) rupture were combined, arthroscopic single bundle reconstruction was performed simultaneously. If the posteromedial corner (PMC) injury was combined, PMC repair or reconstruction surgery was performed simultaneously. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. When the bone needle and tunnel for PLC were drilled during the operation, the interference of the femoral tunnel through the cruciate ligament was observed under the arthroscope. Before and at 6 and 12 months after operation, the varus stability of the knee joint was evaluated with the difference of lateral joint space width of both knees and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective classification of varus stability of the knee joint; the external rotation stability was evaluated with the difference of external rotation angle of both knees and the IKDC objective classification of external rotation stability of the knee joint. Before, at 6 and 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up, IKDC 2000 subjective score and Lysholm score were compared. The occurrence of complications was observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-36 months [24(15, 33)months]. The operation time was 100-220 minutes [175.0(111.3, 200.0)minutes], with intraoperative blood loss of 30-150 ml [(84.3±36.5)ml]. Intraoperative arthroscopy showed no interference of perforation between PLC and cruciate ligament femoral tunnel. The differences of lateral joint space width of both knees at 6 and 12 months after operation were 0.5(0.2, 1.4)mm and 0.6(0.2, 1.5)mm respectively, which were both significantly improved compared with 12.1(10.8, 12.6)mm before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). The IKDC objective classification of varus stability of the knee joint was grade A in 13 patients, grade B in two and grade C in one at 6 or 12 months after operation, and showed statistical difference from grade D in all the patients before operation ( P<0.01). At 6 and 12 months after operation, the difference of external rotation angle of both knees was -2.0(-3.2, 1.3)° and -1.4(-3.0, 1.7)° respectively, which were significantly improved compared with 16.8(13.9, 18.4)° before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). IKDC objective classification of external rotation stability of the knee joint was grade A in 14 patients, grade B in one and grade C in one at 6 or 12 months after operation, and showed statistical difference from grade C in 14 patients and grade D in 2 before operation ( P<0.01). At 6 and 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up, the IKDC 2000 subjective scores [(76.3±4.7)points, (80.3±4.4)points, (79.9±3.8)points respectively] and the Lysholm scores [(76.1±3.9)points, (81.1±4.3)points, (82.8±3.2)points respectively] were significantly improved compared with those before operation [(48.6±3.7)points and (52.6±2.4)points] ( P<0.05). The IKDC 2000 subjective scores and Lysholm scores were significantly improved at 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up than those at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the IKDC 2000 subjective scores and Lysholm scores at 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). There were no complications such as wound infection, vascular and nerve injury, joint stiffness or ectopic ossification. Conclusion:For Fanelli type C PLC injury, tibiofibular-based reconstruction technique with single femoral tunnel reduces the interference between the lateral femoral tunnels, significantly improves the varus and external rotation stability and the function of the knee joint, and has few complications and satisfactory short-term clinical efficacy.
8.Prevalence of Echinococcus infections in small rodents in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023
Gengcheng HE ; Shusheng WU ; Xianglan QIN ; Jilong MA ; Tingjun YU ; Chengxi SONG ; Xiaojin MO ; Xiao MA ; Jianfeng BA ; Guirong ZHENG ; Bin JIANG ; Tian TIAN ; Shijie YANG ; Ting ZHANG ; Xiaonong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(2):169-173
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into precision echinococcosis control. Methods One or two quadrats, each measuring 50 m × 50 m, were randomly assigned in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Township, Yushu City, Qinghai Province on June 2023, respectively, and 300 plate-type mouse traps, each measuring 12.0 cm × 6.5 cm, were assigned in each quadrat. Small rodents were captured during the period between 10 : 00 and 18 : 00 each day for 4 days. Then, all captured small rodents were identified and dissected, and liver specimens with suspected Echinococcus infections were subjected to pathological examinations. The Echinococcus cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene was amplified using PCR assay, and the sequence of the amplified product was aligned to that was recorded in the GenBank to characterize the parasite species. In addition, a phylogenetic tree of Echinococcus was generated based on the cox1 gene sequence using the neighbor-joining method. Results A total of 236 small rodents were captured in Shanglaxiu and Longbao townships, Yushu City, including 65 Qinghai voles and 51 plateau pikas in Shanglaxiu Township, and 62 Qinghai voles and 58 plateau pikas in Longbao Township, and there was no significant difference in the constituent ratio of small rodents between the two townships (χ2 = 0.294, P > 0.05). Seven plateau pikas and 12 Qinghai voles were suspected to be infected with Echinococcus by dissection, and pathological examinations showed unclear structure of hepatic lobules and disordered hepatocyte arrangement in livers of small rodents suspected of Echinococcus infections. PCR assay identified E. shiquicus DNA in 7 Qinghai voles, which were all captured from Shanglaxiu Township. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the cox1 gene sequence of Echinococcus in small rodents was highly homologous to the E. shiquicus cox1 gene sequence reported previously. Conclusion Plateau pika and Qinghai vole were predominant small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, and E. shiquicus infection was detected in Qinghai voles.
9.Youguiwan Reduces Airway Inflammation in COPD Rats with Syndrome of Kidney-Yang Deficiency by Inhibiting Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Lan ZHENG ; Zeyuan LUO ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Yuhao MENG ; Siyi CHEN ; Jing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):17-26
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Youguiwan on the leptin/Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the lung tissue of the rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to kidney-Yang deficiency. MethodForty rats were modeled for COPD with the syndrome of kidney-Yang deficiency by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide on day 1 and day 14 and continuous fumigation for 6 weeks, during which hydrocortisone was injected intramuscularly at an interval of 3 days. The modeled rats were randomized into model, high- (11.7 g·kg-1), medium- (5.85 g·kg-1), and low-dose (2.93 g·kg-1) Youguiwan, and aminophylline (0.054 g·kg-1) group. In addition, 8 SD rats were set as the blank group. After the completion of modeling, the rats in each group were administrated with the corresponding drug by gavage for 28 consecutive days. After the last administration, samples were collected. A lung function analyzer was used to evaluate the lung function of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the lung tissue, and Masson staining was employed to observe the deposition of blue collagen fibers around bronchi in the lung tissue and calculate the inflammation score. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to measure the protein content of collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the bronchi. The protein and mRNA levels of leptin, IL-17A, JAK2, and STAT3 in the lung tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased lung function (P<0.01), elevated levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α in the BALF (P<0.01), and increased lung inflammation score, deposition of subcutaneous collagen fibers in the airway, and ColⅠ and α-SMA proteins (P<0.01). Furthermore, the modeling up-regulated the proteins and mRNA levels of leptin, IL-17A, JAK2, and STAT3 in the lung tissue (P<0.01) and enhanced the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Youguiwan improved the lung function, decreased the inflammation score, reduced collagen fiber deposition and ColⅠ and α-SMA proteins, lowered the levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α in the BALF, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of leptin, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-17A, and weakened the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The aminophylline group had higher IL-17A and TNF-α levels than the high-dose Youguiwan group, lower IL-17A level than the medium and low-dose Youguiwan groups, and lower TNF-α level than the low-dose Youguiwan group. Compared with the aminophylline group, the high- and medium-dose Youguiwan groups showed reduced deposition of collagen fibers and protein levels of ColⅠ and α-SMA around the bronchi in the lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased inflammation score, and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of leptin, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-17A in the lung tissue. ConclusionYouguiwan can prevent airway remodeling by inhibiting IL-17A to reduce inflammation and collagen deposition in COPD rats, which may be related to the inhibition of the leptin/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
10.The Effect and Mechanism of Fructus lycii on Improvement of Exercise Fatigue Using a Network Pharmacological Approach with in vitro Experimental Verification
Ning Xiao JI ; Ping Zhao LIU ; Zheng Chao ZHANG ; Min CHEN ; Jiang LIANG ; Jiang LU ; Lei ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):42-53
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Fructus lycii in improving exercise fatigue.Methods A network pharmacological approach was used to explore potential mechanisms of action of Fructus lycii. Skeletal muscle C2C12 cells and immunofluorescence were employed to verify the effect and mechanism of the representative components in Fructus lycii predicted by network pharmacological analysis.Results Six potential active components, namely quercetin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, 7-O-methylluteolin-6-C-beta-glucoside_qt, atropine, and glycitein, were identified to have potency in improving exercise fatigue via multiple pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, IL-17, TNF, and MAPK signaling pathways. The immunofluorescence results indicated that quercetin, a significant active component in Fructus lycii, increased the mean staining area of 2-NBDG, TMRM, and MitoTracker, and decreased the area of CellRox compared to the control. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of p-38 MAPK, p-MAPK, p-JNK, p-PI3K, and p-AKT markedly increased after quercetin treatment.Conclusion Fructus lycii might alleviate exercise fatigue through multiple components and pathways. Among these, quercetin appears to improve exercise fatigue by enhancing energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. The PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways also appear to play a role in this process.

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