Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

Objective:To explore the association between frailty index (FI) and the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and provide new evidence for the prevention of CVD in adults in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.Methods:The FI was constructed by using the data from a prospective cohort with a sample size of 25 055 individuals in 6 years of follow-up, and the prevalence of frailty in adults in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was described by the FI, and Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the association between the FI and the incidence of CVD in adults in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.Results:The FI of the study population was 0.24±0.09. The population in the pre-frail (FI: 0.21-0.27) and frail (FI≥0.28) phases had increased risk for CVD compared to non-frail (FI≤0.20) population [pre-frail: hazard ratio ( HR)=1.232, 95% CI: 1.127-1.347; frail phase: HR=1.418, 95% CI:1.299-1.548]. For every 0.10 increase in FI, the risk for cardiovascular disease increased by 20.3% ( HR=1.203,95% CI:1.156-1.252). Conclusions:In this study, we constructed a FI, which can suggest the risk for CVD. As the increase of frailty degree, the risk for CVD increases.

Objective:To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021.Methods:This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions:With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.

Objectives:To evaluate the application of several comprehensive evaluation methods in the evaluation of scientific and technological impact of cardiovascular disease. Methods:According to the comprehensive evaluation system of global and China's scientific and technological influence and the weights,the standardized processing method,the extreme value processing method,the rank evaluation method,and the hierarchical multi-dimensional comprehensive evaluation method were used to evaluate the scientific and technological influence in cardiovascular diseases from 2016 to 2021. Results:The results of the four evaluation methods were consistent.The results of the standardized processing method and the extreme value processing method were similar.The rank evaluation method has a high similarity with the hierarchical multi-dimensional index comprehensive evaluation method.The hierarchical multi-dimensional index comprehensive evaluation can better highlight the importance of high-quality scientific and technological achievements. Conclusions:The hierarchical multi-dimensional index comprehensive evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation process that integrates the hierarchical index system,the echelon evaluation rules and the rank evaluation method.It can highlight the high-quality scientific and technological achievements and respond to the orientation of the classified and multi-dimensional evaluation of scientific and technological achievements.It is operable and generalizable,and provides a certain reference for the comprehensive evaluation practice of domestic medical institutions.

Objective:To investigate the impact of various mutations in the gD protein of PRV-2022 strain on its binding to the Nectin-1 receptor.Methods:We employed PCR, RT-qPCR and gene sequencing techniques for identification of the PRV-2022 strain. Furthermore, bioinformatics method were utilized to analyze the genetic evolution of the gD gene in PRV-2022 strain. Recombinant expression plasmid containing mutations at amino acids positions 69 and 82 within the extracellular domain of gD protein from PRV-2022 strain was constructed and expressed in vitro. The binding ability between different mutant forms of recombinant gD protein and Nectin-1 receptor was compared using His-pull down and biolayer interference techniques. Results:The gD gene of the PRV-2022 strain was obtained, and genetic evolution analysis revealed that the PRV-2022 strain belonged to the same branch as strains isolated prior to 2011, with a close genetic distance. The expression plasmids for gD extracellular domain containing A69V and S82N amino acid mutations were successfully constructed, enabling the expression and purification of recombinant PRV gD extracellular domain protein. Interaction studies demonstrated that gD-69, gD-82, gD-2022, and gD-Bartha proteins interacted with human Nectin-1. Notably, compared to the classical PRV vaccine strain Bartha, double mutation of amino acids 69 and 82 in the gD protein exhibited the highest affinity to human Nectin-1 receptor, whereas individual mutations at either site decreased this affinity.Conclusions:Introduction of A69V and S82N mutations in the gD protein significantly affected its binding ability to human Nectin-1 receptor. Simultaneous occurrence of A69V and S82N mutations resulted in the highest affinity towards human Nectin-1 receptor.

Cornus officinalis,a medicinal and edible plant known for its liver-nourishing properties,has shown promise in inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),crucial indicators of hepatic fibrosis,especially when processed by high pressure wine steaming(HPWS).Herein,this study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of cornus officinalis,both in its raw and HPWS forms,on inflammation and apoptosis in liver fibrosis and their underlying mechanisms.In vivo liver fibrosis models were established by subcutaneous injection of CCl4,while in vitro HSCs were exposed to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).These findings demonstrated that cornus officinalis with HPWS conspicuously ameliorated his-topathological injury,reduced the release of proinflammatory factors,and decreased collagen deposition in CCl4-induced rats compared to its raw form.Utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer(UHPLC-QTOF-MS)combined with network analysis,we identified that the pharmacological effects of the changed components of cornus officinalis before and after HPWS,primarily centered on the adenosine phosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)pathway.Of note,cornus officinalis activated AMPK and sirtuin 3(SIRT3),promoting the apoptosis of activated HSCs through the caspase cascade by regulating caspase3,caspase6 and caspase9.small interfering RNA(siRNA)experiments showed that cornus officinalis could regulate AMPK activity and its mediated-apoptosis through SIRT3.In conclusion,cornus officinalis exhibited the ability to reduce inflammation and apoptosis,with the SIRT3-AMPK signaling pathway identified as a potential mecha-nism underlying the synergistic effect of cornus officinalis with HPWS on anti-liver fibrosis.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a porcine herpesvirus that exhibits cross-species infectivity, primarily affecting pigs as its natural host. Since its initial discovery, PRV has rapidly disseminated worldwide and inflicted substantial economic losses on the swine industry. In recent years, sporadic cases of human infections with PRV have been reported, highlighting the potential risk of interspecies transmission to humans. With further analysis of the pathogenic characteristics of PRV and a deeper understanding of its pathogenic mechanism, preventing PRV from becoming a human infectious disease has become a focus of current research and prevention and control work. To comprehensively understand the variant characteristics of PRV, this study presents an overview of cutting-edge advancements in terms of its genetic variations and epidemiological characteristics, aiming to establish a foundation for more effective implementation of relevant prevention and control work.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether aldo-keto reductases(AKRs)can act as a nitrore-ductase(NR)and bioactivate aristolochic acid Ⅰ(AA-Ⅰ)to produce AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts.METHODS① Human-induced hepatocytes(hiHeps)and human bladder RT4 cells were used as tool cells and treated with AA-Ⅰ0,0.5,1.0 and 2 μmol·L-1 for 24 h.Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method,and the half maximal inhibition concentration(IC50)was calculated using the CCK-8 method and the level of DNA adduct production was calculated.②hiHeps and RT4 cells were treated with AKR inhibitor luteotin(0,5,10 and 25 μmol·L-1)+AA-Ⅰ 0.2 and 1.0 μmol·L-1 for 24 h,respectively,and the levels of DNA adducts were detected by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(LC-MS/MS).③hiHeps cells were incubated with 80 nmol·L-1 small interfering RNAs(si-AKRs)for 48 h and treated with AA-Ⅰ1.0 μmol·L-1 for 24 h.Real-time qualitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the mRNA expression of AKRs gene and LC-MS/MS technology was used to investigate the effect of specific AKR gene knockdown on DNA adduct levels.④500 nmol·L-1 human AKR recombinant proteins AKR1A1 and AA-Ⅰwere incubated in vitro under anaerobic conditions and the formation of AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts was detected.RESULTS ①The IC50 of AA-Ⅰto hiHeps and RT4 cells was 1.9 and 0.42 μmol·L-1,respec-tively.The level of DNA adduct production of the two cell lines was significantly different(P<0.01).② Luteolin≥5 μmol·L-1 significantly inhibited the production of AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts in both cells(P<0.05),and there was a concentration-dependent effect in hiHeps cells(P<0.01,R=0.84).③In the AKR family,the knockdown of AKR1A1 gene up to 80%inhibited the generation of AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts by 30%-40%.④The AA-Ⅰ-DNA adducts were detected in the incubation of recombinant protein AKR1A1 and AA-Ⅰ under anaerobic conditions in vitro,approximately 1 adduct per 107 nucleotides.CONCLU-SION AKR1A1 is involved in AA-Ⅰ bioactivation,providing a reference for elucidation of the carcino-genic mechanism of AA-Ⅰ.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a porcine herpesvirus that exhibits cross-species infectivity, primarily affecting pigs as its natural host. Since its initial discovery, PRV has rapidly disseminated worldwide and inflicted substantial economic losses on the swine industry. In recent years, sporadic cases of human infections with PRV have been reported, highlighting the potential risk of interspecies transmission to humans. With further analysis of the pathogenic characteristics of PRV and a deeper understanding of its pathogenic mechanism, preventing PRV from becoming a human infectious disease has become a focus of current research and prevention and control work. To comprehensively understand the variant characteristics of PRV, this study presents an overview of cutting-edge advancements in terms of its genetic variations and epidemiological characteristics, aiming to establish a foundation for more effective implementation of relevant prevention and control work.

Adoptive therapeutic immune cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and natural killer cells, have established a new generation of precision medicine based on which dramatic breakthroughs have been achieved in intractable lymphoma treatments. Currently, well-explored approaches focus on autologous cells due to their low immunogenicity, but they are highly restricted by the high costs, time consumption of processing, and the insufficiency of primary cells in some patients. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are cell sources that can theoretically produce indefinite well-differentiated immune cells. Based on the above facts, it may be reasonable to combine the iPSC technology and the CAR design to produce a series of highly controllable and economical "live" drugs. Manufacturing hypoimmunogenic iPSCs by inactivation or over-expression at the genetic level and then arming the derived cells with CAR have emerged as a form of "off-the-shelf" strategy to eliminate tumor cells efficiently and safely in a broader range of patients. This review describes the reasonability, feasibility, superiority, and drawbacks of such approaches, summarizes the current practices and relevant research progress, and provides insights into the possible new paths for personalized cell-based therapies.
Humans ; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics* ; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy ; T-Lymphocytes ; Immunotherapy, Adoptive ; Neoplasms/genetics*