Objective: To design and establish a new method for flow cytometry-based detection of commonly observed highly expressed antigens on red blood cells, and to further evaluate the differences and distribution characteristics of antigen expression levels between ABO blood type homozygotes and heterozygotes in healthy individuals. Methods: Residual blood samples after donor blood type identification by Shanghai Blood Center in April 2024 were collected. Among them, samples of 19 homozygous and 19 heterozygous individuals of type A and type B were selected. Then the expression level of ABO antigen on red blood cells were detected using the new method established in this study and the traditional aldehyde fixed red blood cell method. Both methods were tested independently three times and the results were compared. Results: The mean values of the three detection results of the new method was (×10 /RBC): AA homozygous 3.3±0.5, AO heterozygous 2.8±0.3, BB homozygous 3.6±0.3, BO heterozygous 3.1±2.8. The mean values of the three detection results of the aldehyde fixation method were AA homozygous 5.9±0.9, AO heterozygous 5.0±1.4, BB homozygous 3.8±0.6, and BO heterozygous 3.3±0.4. The average antigen distribution of each genotype followed a normal distribution. Comparing the average antigen expression levels of homozygotes and heterozygotes, both methods showed that A/B homozygotes had higher antigen levels than heterozygotes, with AA being 1.17 to 1.18 times that of AO and BB being 1.15 to 1.16 times that of BO. Comparing the inter batch differences in the three test results of two methods, the new method showed no significant difference in the three test results for four genotypes (P>0.05). The aldehyde fixation method showed significant differences in the test results for all three genotypes (P<0.01) except for BB homozygotes (P>0.05). The reliability and reproducibility of the new method were better than those of the traditional aldehyde fixation method. Conclusion: The antigen expression level of ABO homozygotes is higher than that of heterozygotes, and the difference in antigen level between type A homozygotes and heterozygotes is slightly higher than that of type B. The new method is superior to traditional aldolization fixation methods.

Objective: To summarize the laboratory findings of a case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by Rh system anti-c antibodies and to review the literature, so as to explore the characteristics of anti-c HDFN. Methods: The ABO blood type, Rh blood type, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) results, and the presence of unexpected antibodies and their titers were determined by serological methods. The cases of anti-c HDFN in our laboratory in China and abroad were statistically analyzed, and the incidence of severe HDFN caused by anti-c, anti-D and anti-E was compared. Results: The blood type of the child was B (Rh CcDee) with a positive DAT. Anti-c antibody was detected in both serum and eluate, with a serum antibody titer of 4. The mother’s blood type was AB (Rh CCDee) with a negative DAT, and anti-c antibody was detected in the serum with a titer of 128. Among 20 cases of anti-c HDFN, 17 were DAT positive, and 9 (45%, 9/20) underwent blood transfusion or exchange transfusion. The incidence of severe HDFN was 47.60% (10/21) for anti-c, 47.60% (10/21) for anti-D and 31.30% (5/16) for anti-E. Conclusion: Maternal pregnancy and/or blood transfusion are the main reasons for the production of Rh alloantibodies such as anti-c. The prevention and management of anti-c should be similar to that of anti-D. Rh antigen-matched (five antigens of Rh blood group) transfusion is necessary for women of childbearing age to avoid antibody production, and Rh typing and antibody screening during prenatal examination is recommended to ensure early detection, intervention and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Centella asiatica formula (CCA) for alleviating Schistosoma japonicum (Sj)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS: The active components and targets of CCA were identified using the TCMSP database with cross-analysis of Sj-related liver fibrosis targets. A "drug-component-target-pathway-disease" network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1. Functional enrichment analysis (GO/KEGG) was performed using DAVID. Molecular docking study was carried out to validate interactions between the core targets and the key compounds. For experimental validation of the results, 36 mice were divided into control group, Sj-infected model group, and CCA-treated groups. In the latter two groups, liver fibrosis was induced via abdominal infection with Sj cercariae for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of daily treatment with CCA decoction or saline. Hepatic pathology of the mice was assessedwith HE and Masson staining, and hepatic expressions of collagen-I and collagen-III were detected using immunohistochemistry; serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were determined with ELISA. Hepatic expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 proteins were analyzed with Western blotting. RESULTS: We identified a total of 107 bioactive CCA components and 791 targets, including 37 intersection targets linked to Sj-induced fibrosis. The core targets included TNF, TP53, JUN, MMP9, and CXCL8, involving the IL-17 signaling, lipid metabolism, TLR4/MyD88 axis, and cancer pathways. Molecular docking study confirmed strong binding affinity between quercetin (a primary CCA component) and TNF/TP53/JUN/MMP9. In Sj-infected mouse models, CCA treatment significantly attenuated hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced collagen-I and collagen-III deposition, improved tissue architecture, reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and downregulated TLR4 and MyD88 expressions in the liver. CONCLUSIONS CCA mitigates Sj-induced liver fibrosis by targeting TNF, TP53, JUN, and MMP9 to modulate the TLR4/MyD88 pathway, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine release, inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing collagen deposition, and preventing granuloma formation in the liver.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Mice ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism* ; Schistosoma japonicum ; Liver Cirrhosis/parasitology* ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; Signal Transduction ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Inflammation ; Centella/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

Image 1.

Narrow leaf 1 (NAL1) plays an important role in plant branching, while little is known about the roles of this gene in petunias. In this study, PhNAL1b was cloned from Petunia×hybrida cv. Mitchell Diploid, with a total length of 1 767 bp, encoding a protein composed of 588 amino acid residues and containing the peptidase S64 domain. The PhNAL1b promoter region contained several elements involved in the responses to auxin, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and light. The expression analysis showed that PhNAL1b had the highest expression level in roots and the lowest expression level in flowers, and its transcription could be inhibited by decapitation and cytokinin. The subcellular localization analysis showed that PhNAL1b was located in the nucleus and was a nuclear protein. Virus-induced gene silencing was employed to downregulate the expression of PhNAL1b, which resulted in significant increases in branch number and plant height. The results indicated that PhNAL1b played an important role in regulating the branching of petunias. This study lays a foundation for revealing the mechanism of NAL1 in regulating branch development and provides genetic resources for plant architecture improvement.
Petunia/growth & development* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Diploidy ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Cloning, Molecular ; Promoter Regions, Genetic

To study the carriage status of drug susceptibility, clonal complex groups, serotypes, surface proteins and virulence genes of Streptococcus agalactiae from respiratory specimen sources. A total of 35 strains of S.agalactiae meeting the criteria were collected from 3 hospitals in 2 locations, Tangshan and Jinan. The age span of the patients was 3 days-92 years, and the percentage of elderly patients≥60 years was 71.5%.The susceptibility to 9 antimicrobial drugs was measured and analyzed using the micro broth dilution method. The strains were 100.0% sensitive to penicillin, linezolid, vancomycin, and ceftriaxone; However, it exhibits high resistance rates to erythromycin, clindamycin and levofloxacin, at 97.1%, 85.7% and 82.9% respectively; and the resistance rates to tetracycline and chloramphenicol were 34.3% and 14.2%, respectively. Genome sequence determination and analysis showed that 16 resistance genes were detected in 35 strains, among which: macrolide and lincosamide resistance genes were mainly ermB, with a carrying rate of 74.2%; tetracycline resistance genes were mainly tetM, with a carrying rate of 25.7%; in addition, the mutation rates of the quinolone resistance determinants gyrA and parC were 88.5% and 85.7%, respectively. 35 strains belonged to 6 ST types and 4 clonal groups, with CC10/ST10 as the main one, accounting for 62.8%; they contained 4 serotypes of Ⅰb, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴ, as well as 1 untyped strain, with serotype Ⅰb as the main one, accounting for 65.7%. The strains carried three pilus types, PI1+PI2a, PI2a and PI2b types, respectively, and detected five surface proteins, alpha, alp1, rib, srr, and r df_0594, and seven virulence factors, cba, cfb, cylE, fbsA, hylB, l mb, and pavA. Overall, S.agalactiae isolated from respiratory tract specimens is predominantly sourced from elderly patients, with CC10 strains being most prevalent. These strains harbor multiple drug-resistant and virulence genes, demonstrating elevated resistance rates to macrolides, lincosamides, and quinolones. This emphasizes the necessity for vigilant attention to the health threat posed by S. agalactiae from respiratory tract speciments of elderly patients.

Objective To explore the significance of serum β-nerve growth factor(β-NGF)and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL)testing in clinical diagnosis and prognosis assessment in patients with pulmonary heart disease(PHD)complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH).Methods A 1:1 case-control study was conducted in Daxing District People's Hospital of Beijing from January 2019 to June 2022,in which 86 patients with PHD complicated with PAH and 86 patients with isolated PHD were selected as case group and control group.Retrospective analysis was conducted.The case group was divided into mild PAH group(n=39),moderate PAH group(n=25)and severe PAH group(n=22)according to pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP).Meanwhile,the case group was divided into good prognosis group(n=75)and poor prognosis group(n=11)based on the outcomes after one year of discharge.Demographic data and laboratory examination indicators of study subjects were collected,and serum β-NGF and TRAIL levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship among β-NGF,TRAIL and PASP.Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing PAH in patients with PHD.ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of β-NGF and TRAIL for PAH.Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was carried out to assess the relationship among β-NGF,TRAIL and poor prognosis in patients with PHD complicated with PAH,and ROC curve was used to evaluate its predictive value for poor prognosis.Result Compared with control group,the duration of PHD in case group was longer(8.63±1.27 years vs 5.49±1.15 years),and serum β-NGF level(26.97±8.25 ng/ml vs 22.14±7.32 ng/ml)and TRAIL level(2.83±0.76 ng/ml vs 1.71±0.68 ng/ml)were increased,with significant differences(t=17.006,4.064,10.183,all P＜0.05).Serum β-NGF and TRAIL had certain diagnostic values for PAH in PHD patients,with AUC of 0.842 and 0.838,respectively.And the combined diagnostic AUC was 0.920,which was higher than that of single indicators(Z=3.416,3.508,all P＜0.05).Serum β-NGF(23.26±5.13 ng/ml,27.83±5.57 ng/ml,32.57±6.02 ng/ml)and TRAIL(2.24±0.65 ng/ml,2.89±0.71 ng/ml,3.81±0.90 ng/ml)levels among patients with mild PAH,moderate PAH,severe PAH were sequentially elevated,and the differences were significant(F=20.624,31.972,all P＜0.05).Serum β-NGF and TRAIL were positively associated with PASP(r=0.673,0.659,P＜0.05).Serum β-NGF(36.34±8.05 ng/ml)and TRAIL(3.49±1.01 ng/ml)levels in poor prognosis group were higher compared to good prognosis group(25.59±7.28 ng/ml,2.73±0.89 ng/ml),and the differences were significant(t=4.516,2.604,all P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that,the PHD duration[OR(95％CI):1.784(1.135～2.806)],β-NGF[OR(95％CI):1.976(1.108～3.523)]and TRAIL[OR(95％CI):1.866(1.123～3.101)]were independent risk factors for occurrence of PAH in patients with PHD(all P＜0.05).Multivariate COX proportional risk regression results showed that PHD duration[OR(95％CI):1.167(1.082～1.364)],β-NGF[OR(95％CI):1.322(1.134～1.649)],TRA-IL[OR(95％CI):1.259(1.087～1.590)]were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with PHD complicated with PAH(all P＜0.05).Serum β-NGF and TRAIL could predict the poor prognosis in patients with PHD complicated with PAH,with AUC of 0.863 and 0.881,respectively.The combined diagnostic AUC was 0.907,which was higher than that of single indicators(Z=2.905,3.128,all P＜0.05).Conclusion Elevated serum β-NGF and TRAIL were independent risk factors for PAH and were associated with severity of PAH.Early combined detection of β-NGF and TRAIL can improve the diagnostic value for PAH and predict poor prognosis of patients.

The gut microbiota of infants is crucial for the establishment and development of immune system tolerance and responsiveness, as well as long-term health.Breast milk, as the only recommended source of nutrition for infants under 6 months old, possesses all the necessary nutrients and functional components for their growth, development, and health promotion.Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), as distinctive functional components that distinguish human milk from other mammalian milk, possess natural targeting properties to reach the colorectum in its intact form and are essential for the maturation of the gut microbiota, development of the digestive system and maintenance of the immune system function in infants, providing natural protection for the digestive and immune systems of newborns.This article reviews the latest research on how HMOs affect the development of the immune system and homeostasis in infants, and focuses on the mechanism by which HMOs control the gut microbiota and influence the immune system′s response through the gut microbiota-immune axis.

To study the carriage status of drug susceptibility, clonal complex groups, serotypes, surface proteins and virulence genes of Streptococcus agalactiae from respiratory specimen sources. A total of 35 strains of S.agalactiae meeting the criteria were collected from 3 hospitals in 2 locations, Tangshan and Jinan. The age span of the patients was 3 days-92 years, and the percentage of elderly patients≥60 years was 71.5%.The susceptibility to 9 antimicrobial drugs was measured and analyzed using the micro broth dilution method. The strains were 100.0% sensitive to penicillin, linezolid, vancomycin, and ceftriaxone; However, it exhibits high resistance rates to erythromycin, clindamycin and levofloxacin, at 97.1%, 85.7% and 82.9% respectively; and the resistance rates to tetracycline and chloramphenicol were 34.3% and 14.2%, respectively. Genome sequence determination and analysis showed that 16 resistance genes were detected in 35 strains, among which: macrolide and lincosamide resistance genes were mainly ermB, with a carrying rate of 74.2%; tetracycline resistance genes were mainly tetM, with a carrying rate of 25.7%; in addition, the mutation rates of the quinolone resistance determinants gyrA and parC were 88.5% and 85.7%, respectively. 35 strains belonged to 6 ST types and 4 clonal groups, with CC10/ST10 as the main one, accounting for 62.8%; they contained 4 serotypes of Ⅰb, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴ, as well as 1 untyped strain, with serotype Ⅰb as the main one, accounting for 65.7%. The strains carried three pilus types, PI1+PI2a, PI2a and PI2b types, respectively, and detected five surface proteins, alpha, alp1, rib, srr, and r df_0594, and seven virulence factors, cba, cfb, cylE, fbsA, hylB, l mb, and pavA. Overall, S.agalactiae isolated from respiratory tract specimens is predominantly sourced from elderly patients, with CC10 strains being most prevalent. These strains harbor multiple drug-resistant and virulence genes, demonstrating elevated resistance rates to macrolides, lincosamides, and quinolones. This emphasizes the necessity for vigilant attention to the health threat posed by S. agalactiae from respiratory tract speciments of elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of Erdong Xiaoke Formula in the treatment of type 2 diabetes dry eyes with yin deficiency and heat excess syndrome and its effect on serum interleukin 17(IL-17)and interleukin 1β(IL-1β),and to ex-plore the therapeutic mechanism of Erdong Xiaoke Formula.METHODS 110 cases of type 2 diabetes patients with dry eyes of yin deficiency and heat excess syndrome from Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine were enrolled and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,55 cases each.5 cases dropped out of the treatment group and 4 cases dropped out of the control group.The control group was given a basic hypoglycemic regimen combined with topical sodium hyaluronate eye drops.The treatment group was given Erdong Xiaoke Formula in addition to the treatment in the control group.The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks.Changes in TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients were observed before and after treatment,and the clinical effica-cy of TCM was evaluated.Blood glucose and pancreatic islet function-related indicators[fasting blood glucose(FBG),fasting insulin(FINS),fasting C-peptide(FCP),postprandial 2 h blood glucose(PBG),insulin secretion function index(HOMA-β),insulin re-sistance index(HOMA)-IR)],ocular surface indicators[tear break up time(BUT),corneal sodium fluorescein staining(FL),Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠT)],and inflammation-related indicators(IL-17,IL-1β)were detected.The occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups of patients was observed during the treatment period.RESULTS After treatment,the total scores of TCM syn-dromes in both groups were significantly reduced(P＜0.01),the treatment group was better than the control group(P＜0.01),and the total effective rate of TCM syndromes in the treatment group was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.01);SⅠT and BUT of pa-tients in both groups increased significantly(P＜0.01),and the treatment group was better than the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);the FL of patients in both groups significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and there was no significant difference between the groups;the ser-um IL-17 and IL-1β of the patients in the treatment group decreased significantly(P＜0.01),which was significantly better than that of the control group(P＜0.05).There were no significant changes in blood glucose and pancreatic islet function-related indicators in the two groups before and after treatment(P＞0.05).During the treatment,no obvious adverse reactions were observed in the two groups.CONCLUSION Erdong Xiaoke Formula can improve SⅠT,BUT,FL and eye symptoms in patients with diabetic dry eye,effectively treat diabetic dry eye,and reduce ocular surface inflammation.Its mechanism may be related to reducing serum inflammato-ry factors IL-17 and IL-1β.