OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect and potential mechanism of chikusetsu saponin Ⅳ a （chsⅣ） on renal function in diabetic nephropathy （DN） model rats. METHODS DN rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Thirty-six model rats were randomly divided into model group （i.g. administration of normal saline， high-fat diet）， chsⅣ low-dose and high-dose groups （i.g. administration of 90， 180 mg/kg chsⅣ， high-fat diet）， with 12 rats in each group. Additionally， 10 normal rats were set as the control group （i.g. administration of normal saline， regular diet）. From the 5th to the 12th week after streptozotocin injection， they were given intragastric administration of relevant drug or normal saline， once a day. After the last medication， the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine and urine protein as well as the levels of reduced glutathione （GSH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissues were measured. Additionally， the insulin resistance index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin， periodic acid-Schiff， and Masson staining techniques were employed to examine the histopathological alterations in the renal tissue. The expressions of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot methods. RESULTS Compared with model group， the histomorphological of renal tissues in the chsⅣ low- and high-dose groups were significantly improved， with significant decreases in renal histological scores， mesangial expansion index， and glomerulosclerosis scores （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine， urine protein and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance， as well as MDA content， the expression levels of Notch1， Notch intracellular domain， hairy and enhancer of Split 1 and Delta-like protein 1 in renal tissue were all significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. The levels of GSH and SOD in renal tissue were significantly elevated （ P ＜0.05）. Moreover， the improvement in these indicators was significantly more pronounced in the chsⅣ high-dose group compared to the chsⅣ low-dose group （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ChsⅣ can ameliorate renal pathological damage and functional impairment in DN rats. Its underlying mechanisms include restoration of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity， attenuation of renal oxidative stress， and suppression of aberrant Notch signaling pathway activation.

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics and variations of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Ma'anshan from 2022 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for local influenza prevention and control. Methods From April 2022 to March 2024, influenza-like illness (ILI) specimens were collected from three national influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Ma’anshan. Samples positive for influenza by real-time PCR were subjected to virus culture and identification. A total of 40 representative A/H3N2 strains with hemagglutination titers ≥8 were selected for whole-genome sequencing. Genetic evolution, homology, amino acid variations, and glycosylation sites were analyzed. Results All H3N2 representative strains from the 2022–2023 influenza season belonged to clade 3C.2a1b.2a.1a.1, while those from the 2023–2024 season fell into clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities of HA and NA between the 40 representative strains and the vaccine strain A/Darwin/6/2021 were all above 97.35%. Compared with the vaccine strain, amino acid mutations were identified in antigenic sites A, B, C, and E, as well as in receptor-binding sites of the HA protein. An I222V substitution was detected in the NA protein. The HA protein contained four additional glycosylation sites compared to the vaccine strain, while the glycosylation pattern of the NA protein remained consistent. Conclusion No antigenic drift was observed in the influenza A/H3N2 viruses in Ma'anshan City from 2022 to 2024, but genetic changes such as branching variations, key amino acid substitutions, and an increase in HA glycosylation sites were observed. These findings underscore the importance of sustained molecular surveillance of local influenza viruses.

Objective: To analyze the compliance status of physical fitness indicator and lifestyle characteristics among secondary vocational school students, as well as their associations, so as to provide a reference for physical fitness promotion among secondary vocational school students. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, a questionnaire survey and physical fitness tests were conducted from September to December 2024 among 5 141 secondary vocational school students recruited from 16 secondary vocational schools across 8 provinces/municipalities in China, including Fujian, Chongqing, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Jiangxi, Shanghai and Zhejiang. Data on lifestyle factors were collected using a self designed questionnaire combined with standardized scales, including dietary habits, unhealthy behaviors, and 24 hour behaviors (physical activity, screen time, and sleep behavior). Multivariable Logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations of individual lifestyle behaviors and clustering of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors with non-compliance in physical fitness indicators among secondary vocational school students. Results: The compliance rates for waist circumference, vital capacity, grip strength, standing long jump, 30 second sit ups, 20 meter shuttle run, 50 meter dash, sit and reach, 20 second side steps among secondary vocational school students were 55.9%, 89.6%, 81.8%, 79.4%, 77.8%, 61.4%, 87.0%, 12.6%, and 63.5%, respectively, with a non-overweight/obesity rate of 78.9%. The reporting rates of daily breakfast consumption, milk consumption, and vegetable consumption were 58.9%, 18.3%, and 37.5%, respectively. The reporting rates of frequent takeout consumption, frequent sugar sweetened beverage consumption, smoking, alcohol drinking, insufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), excessive screen time, and insufficient sleep were 30.0%, 43.8%, 8.4%, 15.8%, 42.9%, 90.8%, and 42.6%, respectively. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that secondary vocational school students with insufficient MVPA had higher risks of non-compliance in vital capacity, grip strength, standing long jump, 30 second sit ups, 20 meter shuttle run, 50 meter dash, and 20 second side steps ( OR =1.22- 1.60 ); secondary vocational school students who consumed breakfast daily had lower risks of non-compliance in vital capacity and overweight/obesity ( OR =0.81, 0.85); daily vegetable consumption was associated with a lower risk of vital capacity non-compliance ( OR =0.72); frequent takeout consumption was associated with an increased risk of non-compliance in the sit and reach test ( OR =1.28); smoking was associated with increased risks of non-compliance in the 20 meter shuttle run and 20 second side steps ( OR =1.38, 1.58) (all P <0.05). Regarding the clustering of unhealthy behaviors, secondary vocational school students with 4- 5 clustered unhealthy behaviors had higher risks of non-compliance in waist circumference and standing long jump; those with≥6 clustered behaviors had higher risks of non-compliance in standing long jump, 20 meter shuttle run, and 20 second side step ( OR = 1.17-1.36, all P <0.05). Conclusions The clustering of unhealthy behaviors is negatively associated with physical fitness status among secondary vocational school students. Secondary vocational schools should prioritize the promotion of comprehensive lifestyle management to improve the physical fitness levels of secondary vocational school students.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide scientific evidence for targeted prevention strategies. Methods: Mumps case data in Shanxi Province were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Prevention and Control. Descriptive epidemiological analysis and age-period-cohort (APC) analysis were carried out on the reported incidence of mumps from 2014 to 2023. Results: A total of 44 360 mumps cases were reported in Shanxi Province from 2014 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 11.78/100 000. The incidence rates were high during 2017-2019, which were 21.00/100 000, 16.76/100 000, and 19.51/100 000, respectively. Males had a higher incidence rate (13.50/100 000) than females (9.98/100 000). Children aged 5-9 years were the most affected group, accounting for 47.29% of total cases. In 2017 and 2019, incidence rates among the 5-15-year-old group were particularly high, reaching 155.08/100 000 and 131.78/100 000, respectively. The APC model age effect, period effect and cohort effect of the reported incidence rate in the high-incidence population aged 0-20 years all had statistical significance ( P <0.05). The age-relative risk ( RR ) decreased from 1.75 in the 0-year-old group to 0.33 in the 20-year-old group, and the birth cohort RR decreased from 2.58 in 1994 to 0.26 in 2023. The morbidity risk of the population aged 0-20 years showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing over time, among which it was the highest in 2017 ( RR =1.23) and the lowest in 2023 ( RR =0.29). Conclusions Shanxi exhibits cyclical mumps epidemics, with school-aged children as the high-risk population. School health management work should be carried out, and the surveillance of mumps in high-risk areas and the routine vaccination of two doses of mumps-containing vaccines for eligible children should be strengthened.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding therapy of regulating governor vessel, dispersing lung, and suppressing reflux for gastroesophageal reflux cough (GERC). METHODS: A total of 120 GERC patients were randomly assigned to an observation group (60 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (60 cases, 1 case was eliminated). The observation group received acupoint thread-embedding treatment at positive response points of governor vessel. If no such points were detected, the following acupoints were used: Dazhui (GV14), Fenghu (Extra), Shendao (GV11), Lingtai (GV10), and Zhiyang (GV9). Treatment was administered once every two weeks. The control group received oral rabeprazole enteric capsules at 20 mg twice daily. All the treatment was given for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using cough symptom score, reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ) score, and Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) score before and after treatment in the two groups. Clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, both groups showed decreased cough symptom scores and the each item scores and total scores of RDQ (P<0.001), and increased LCQ scores (P<0.001) compare with those before treatment. The observation group exhibited lower cough symptom score and chest pain, reflux and total score of RDQ, and higher LCQ score compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 94.9% (56/59), which was higher than 84.7% (50/59) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupoint thread-embedding therapy of regulating governor vessel, dispersing lung, and suppressing reflux could effectively alleviate cough and reflux symptoms in patients with GERC and improve their quality of life.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Gastroesophageal Reflux/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Cough/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Lung/physiopathology* ; Meridians

Objective: To screen the frequency of CD36 antigen expression in platelet donor database in Shaanxi province and analyze the molecular genetic characteristics of samples with CD36 antigen deficiency and low expression. Methods: A total of 525 platelet donors samples were randomly collected during May 2023. CD36-FITC monoclonal antibody was used for immunofluorescence labeling, and flow cytometry was applied to detect the expression of CD36 antigen on platelets. For samples with CD36 antigen deficiency on platelets, the expression of CD36 on monocytes was further detected. Samples with CD36 antigen deficiency and low expression were sequenced and analyzed. Results: Among the 525 blood samples, 99.24% (521/525) showed positive expression of CD36 antigen. There were differences in the expression intensity of CD36 antigen, with low expression accounting for 3.43% (18/525) and CD36 antigen deficiency accounting for 0.76% (4/525), all of which were type Ⅱ deficiency. The exon mutation frequency of CD36 type Ⅱ deficiency and low expression samples was 31.82% (7/22), and the exon mutation types were 121-1_126delGCAAGTT, 329-330delAC, 1142T>G, 1204-1246dupl 43bp, 1221G>A, and 1228-1239delATTGTGCCTATT. All four cases of CD36 type Ⅱ deficiency had a 121-6 T>C mutation in intron 3. All CD36 low expression samples had a mutation of 282-10A>G, and 121-6T>C mutation rate was 61.1%(11/18). Conclusion: There were differences in the expression of CD36 antigen in the platelet donor database in Shaanxi province, which may be caused by multiple molecular genetic variations. The frequency of CD36 antigen deficiency in Shaanxi was lower than that of Han, Zhuang and Yao populations in southern China. This study provides references for solving the CD36 antibody mediated transfusion reaction and auxiliary treatment of diseases caused by CD36 antigen deficiency in the future. It also provides a basis for investigating the molecular mechanisms of CD36 deficiency and low expression.

Objective To analyze the distribution and drug resistance patterns of pathogenic bacteria in bile and blood cultures obtained from patients with biliary stones accompanied by acute biliary tract infection,to evaluate the clinical appropriate-ness of antibiotic use based on drug sensitivity results,and to provide evidence for empirical antibiotic treatment in such patients.Methods The clinical data of 161 patients with biliary calculi complicated by acute biliary tract infection who were admitted to the First People's Hospital of Neijiang from 2017 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The results of microbial culture,drug sensitivity analysis,and patient characteristics were assessed to evaluate the appropriateness of clinical antimicrobial therapy.Results Among the 161 patients with positive cultures,212 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected.The predominant patho-gens were Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies,and Enterococcus faecium.Age and underlying diseases significantly affected the distribution of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies.Within the gram-negative bacterial group,Esche-richia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies exhibited higher drug resistance to commonly used broad-spectrum penicillin,third-generation cephalosporin and quinolones but lower resistance rates to piperacillin and tazobactam;furthermore,elderly indi-viduals aged ≥65 years showed higher resistance rates to ceftriaxone than those under age 65 while people with drug exposure history had higher ceftazidime resistance rates that were statistically significant.In contrast to Enterococcus faecalis which displayed low antimicrobial resistance rates for most drugs tested in this study,Enterococcus faecium demonstrated high levels of antibiotic resistance;however,both Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium exhibited zero-resistance rates against vancomycin and tigecycline although this may be attributed to their small sample size in our study cohort.Finally,we found that empirical anti-in-fective drugs,as well as target anti-infective drugs,were not prescribed rationally among these patients due mainly to inappropriate combinations of antibiotics or incorrect dosages.Conclusions The predominant pathogens in patients with acute biliary tract infection are gram-negative bacteria,Gram-positive bacteria,and fungi;however,the potential involvement of anaerobic bacteria should not be overlooked.Vancomycin exhibits sensitivity against gram-positive bacteria,yet the overall rationality of antibiotic usage remains suboptimal.Enhanced clinical testing for pathogenic microorganisms is imperative in the management of biliary stones accompanied by acute biliary tract infection.In contrast,clinical pharmacists should provide comprehensive training on anti-infective drugs to clinicians to facilitate their judicious selection of antibiotics based on drug sensitivity results and prevent the e-mergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive efficacy of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization due to acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with comorbidities (CO-COPD).Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 259 stable COPD patients with comorbidities from Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between October 2021 and September 2023, all with ≥1-year follow-up. Patients were categorized into hospitalized ( n=75) and non-hospitalized ( n=184) groups based on acute exacerbation events. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and comorbidity indices, including Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), COPD-specific Comorbidity Test (COTE), and comorbidities in chronic obstructive lung disease index (COMCOLD) were compared between two goups. Risk facors of hospitalization due to acute exacerbations were analyzed by Cox regression. Modified indices were developed by incorporating additional respiratory comorbidities (asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer) weighted by hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox reguression. The predictive performance of different comorbidity indices for hospitalization was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results:Hospitalized patients exhibited lower BMI, FEV 1% predicted, and FEV 1/FVC (all P<0.05), alongside higher modified British Medical Research Coucil (mMRC) scores and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores, eosinophil counts, and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, (GOLD)severity ( t=3.73, Z=-3.43, Z=-2.43, Z=-11.10, Z=-11.32, Z=-1.80, χ2=17.62, all P<0.05); and also higher use rates of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and systemic oral corticosteroid (OCS) ( χ2=5.48, 7.15, all P<0.05). The comorbidities of asthma, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, anxiety and depression in hospitalized group were significantly higher ( χ2=22.49, 18.30, 15.63, 5.10, 4.68, 7.46, 5.16, all P<0.05), along with the increased CCI and COTE index ( P<0.05). Comorbid asthma, bronchiectasis, and lung cancer were independent risk factors for hospitalization ( HR=1.841, 2.924, and 2.076, respectively; all P<0.05). Original CCI and COTE showed moderate predictive value ( AUC=0.609 and 0.655), while modified CCI, COTE, and COMCOLD demonstrated improved performance ( AUC=0.730, 0.760, and 0.713, respectively). At optimal cutoffs (modified CCI>3.5, COTE>4.5, COMCOLD>6.5), sensitivities were 61.3%, 76.0%, and 58.7%, with specificities of 70.1%, 61.4%, and 72.3%. Age-stratified analysis revealed enhanced predictive utility of modified indices across age groups. Conclusions:CCI, COTE, and COMCOLD provide modest predictive value for hospitalization in CO-COPD. Modified indices incorporating respiratory comorbidities significantly improve risk stratification, offering clinical utility for identifying high-risk patients in primary care settings.

Objective To report the diagnosis and treatment processes of a fungal keratitis case caused by Lasio-diplodia theobromae(L.theobromae),and enhance the diagnosis and treatment experience on fungal keratitis caused by this rare pathogen.Methods Corneal scraping specimen from a patient with fungal keratitis was collec-ted.Gram-staining and fluorescence staining were conducted on specimen,followed with direct microscopic observa-tion and isolation culture.The strain was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)technology and targeted DNA sequencing.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted.Literatures were summarized and clinical data on fungal keratitis caused by this pathogen were sorted out.Results Septal fungal hyphae could be seen on the corneal scraping specimen microscopically.The strain was identified as L.theobromae by both MALDI-TOF MS and targeted DNA sequencing after culture.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing(microdilution method)showed that the minimal inhibitory concentrations(MICs)of ampho-tericin B,vorionazole,itraconazole,posaconazole,fluconazole,5-fluorocytosine,micafungin,caspofungin,and anidulafungin against this strain were 1,0.25,＞8,0.25,＞256,8,16,2,and 0.25 μg/mL,respectively.Pa-tient recovered well after antifungal treatment plan was adjusted according to antimicrobial susceptibility testing re-sults.Conclusion L.theobromae is a rare pathogen that causes fungal keratitis.Laboratory tests provide rapid mi-croscopic examination results,and take MALDI-TOF MS and targeted DNA sequencing identification techniques as effective means to detect rare pathogen.In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing result can provide reference for clinicians to correctly use antifungal agents for treatment of infection due to this pathogen.

Objective:To explore the association between spicy food intake and the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular diseases.Methods:Data were collected from the China Kadoorie Biobank project conducted in Pengzhou, Sichuan Province. Using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, we analyzed the associations of the frequency of spicy food intake, spicy level, types of spicy food, and the age when regular intake of spicy food began (intake in 1 day/week), with the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease. Furthermore, the associations with the risks for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) were analyzed.Results:A total of 54 859 study participants were included in the study, in whom 49 320 had spicy food intake (89.90%). In these participants, 37 680 (68.69%) had spicy food intake in 6-7 days/week, 5 036 (9.18%) had spicy food intake in 1-5 days/week, and 6 604 (12.03%) had spicy food intake once a week; 5 539 (10.10%) had never/almost never had spicy food intake. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with those who never/almost never had spicy food intake, intake of spicy food was associated with reduced risks for IHD (intake in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.78-0.95), cerebrovascular diseases (intake in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.96), and IS (intak in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95). With the increase of spicy food intake frequency, the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease decreased (intake in 1-5 days/week: HR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.98; intake in 6-7 days/week: HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.94) (trend test P<0.001). However, no statistical association was found between spicy food intake and the risk for HS. In terms of spicy level, after adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with those who never/almost never had spicy food intake, intake of spicy food was associated with reduced risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease (moderate: HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.82-0.90) and cerebrovascular disease (moderate: HR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97). With the increase of spicy level, the risk for IHD decreased (moderate: HR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.93; strong: HR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.74-0.95) (trend test P<0.001). After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with those who never/almost never had spicy food intake, intake of any type of spicy food was associated with reduced risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease, IHD, and cerebrovascular disease. Regulat intake of spicy food from age 0-10 years was associated with reduced risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease, IHD, and cerebrovascular disease. Regular intake of spicy food from age 11-20 years reduced the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular disease and IHD. There was no significant association between the regular intake of spicy food from age 21-79 years and the risks for cardio/cerebrovascular disease, IHD and cerebrovascular disease. Conclusion:The intake of spicy food could reduced the risk for cardio/cerebrovascular diseases, IHD, cerebrovascular diseases and IS in residents aged 30-79 years in Sichuan.