Objective: To observe the efficacy of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis and observe the influence of this method on lumbar functions and inflammatory factors in patients with this condition. Methods: A total of 120 LDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups, including a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a Western medication group, with 40 patients in each group. The patients in the Western medication group were treated with diflunisal tablets, 0.5 g per dose, 2 doses a day. Those in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with additional herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group at Back-Shu Points and Jiaji (EX-B2) Points once a day. Those in the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with the same methods as in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, except that the herbal cake was replaced by a flour cake. All the patients were treated for 10 d. After treatment, the scores of the visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and the changes of the interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and substance P (SP) levels were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. Results: After treatment, the VAS score and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SP were lower than those before treatment, and the JOA score was higher than that before treatment in the three groups, indicating intra-group statistical significance (P<0.05). The VAS score and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SP of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were lower than those of the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medication group, while the JOA score of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was higher than that of the other two groups, indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was 92.5％, higher than that of the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group (80.0％) and the Western medication group (72.5％), indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of Western oral medication, additional herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can alleviate the pain and improve the lumbar functions in patients with LDH due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis. The efficacy of the integrated method is better than that of either flour cake-partitioned moxibustion or Western medication alone, which may be related to the reduction of serum inflammatory factors.

Objective:To investigate the impact of switching to low iodine drinking water in areas with high water iodine levels on the iodine nutritional status and thyroid function of pregnant women.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Gaoqing County, Zibo City, Shandong Province. Pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations at the Obstetrics Clinic of Gaoqing County People's Hospital from 2019 to 2021 were selected as the survey subjects. With reference to the Criteria for the Classification of Water Source High Iodine Areas and High Iodine Disease Areas (GB/T 19380-2016), pregnant women with drinking water iodine > 100 μg/L were considered as the high water iodine group and ≤100 μg/L was the non-high water iodine group. Basic information, one random urine sample, fasting blood sample, 24-hour urine sample and drinking water sample of pregnant women were collected, and thyroid ultrasound examination was performed on pregnant women. Urinary iodine (UI) concentration (UIC) and drinking water iodine concentration (WIC) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and 24-hour urinary iodine excretion (UIE) and daily iodine intake (TII) of pregnant women were calculated. Serum thyroid hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT 3), free thyroxine (FT 4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and anti-thyroid autoantibodies (TgAb) were determined by automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay. Creatinine (CR) was determined using deproteinized endpoint microplate method and UI/CR was calculate. Results:A total of 797 pregnant women were included, and the UIC was 150.2 (88.1, 281.3) μg/L, the iodine nutrition was generally at an appropriate level. Among them, 584 pregnant women in the non-high water iodine group had a UIC of 120.9 (74.9, 191.5) μg/L, which was at the iodine deficiency level; 213 pregnant women in the high water iodine group had a UIC of 321.1 (201.9, 569.1) μg/L, which was at the iodine super-appropriate level; the differences in WIC, UIC, UIE, TII, and UI/CR between the two groups were statistically significant ( Z = 21.63, 13.34, 15.14, 15.14, 11.81, P < 0.001). After stratification by different gestational periods, the differences were statistically significant when comparing WIC and TSH in pregnant women in the non-high water iodine group and UI/CR in pregnant women in the high water iodine group by gestational period ( H = 59.13, 7.30, 13.60, P < 0.05). A total of 744 pregnant women were tested for thyroid function, and 128 cases of TSH > 2.5 mU/L, 15 cases of hypothyroxemia, and 19 cases of subclinical hypothyroidism were detected, with detection rates of 17.2%, 2.0%, and 2.6%, respectively. The differences were statistically significant when comparing TSH and TPOAb levels and the proportion of pregnant women with TSH > 2.5 mU/L in the high water iodine and non-high water iodine groups ( Z = 3.04, - 2.17, χ 2 = 6.94, P = 0.002, 0.030, 0.008). The thyroid glands of pregnant women were examined in 720 cases, and 30 cases of goiter and 150 cases of thyroid nodules were detected, with detection rates of 4.2% and 20.8%, respectively. The median thyroid volume was 8.92 ml in the high water iodine group and 8.60 ml in the non-high water iodine group, which were both within the normal range, with no statistically significant difference between the groups ( Z = - 0.75, P = 0.455). Conclusions:After changing to low iodine water, the overall iodine nutrition of pregnant women in Gaoqing County is now at an appropriate level, and the reduction of water iodine effectively reduces the risk of TSH abnormalities in local pregnant women. However, pregnant women in the non-high water iodine group are iodine deficiency, and pregnant women in the high water iodine group are at iodine super-appropriate, and the iodine nutrition level of pregnant women in this area is highly variable, which causes the "illusion" that the overall iodine level of local pregnant women is suitable.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive concise health index (CHI) for evaluating adolescents, so as to provide a basis for determining the overall health status of adolescents in China. Methods: On the basis of a literature review and consensus among core researchers, adolescent CHI indicators in the following five dimensions were assessed:physical growth, physical fitness, common diseases, mental health and behavioral health. A total of 24 experts used an analysis hierarcgy process (AHP) to calculate the indicators subjective weights. In addition, from October to December of 2021, two regions, A and B were selected to conduct empirical research, and the CRITIC method was used to calculate the objective weights of the indicators. Finally, the weight coefficients were determined through the AHP-CRITIC combination weight method, and comprehensive evaluation was performed with the TOPSIS method. Results: Across academic period and genders, the combined weighted coefficients of the health indicators were as follows:BMI, 0.081-0.095; waist circumference, 0.070-0.081; relative grip strength, 0.101-0.108; myopia, 0.110-0.128; dental caries, 0.055-0.070; psychological symptoms, 0.240-0.262; physical exercise, 0.085-0.115; screen time, 0.097-0.111; and sleep duration, 0.086-0.103. The health index of middle school students in city A (0.626±0.065) was significantly higher than that in city B(0.613±0.066)( t=6.34, P <0.01). Conclusion The comprehensive adolescent CHI evaluation method has good consistency and application value, and may serve as a reference for adolescent health monitoring.

Objective:To investigate the incidence and risk factors of renal injury in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with poor immune reconstitution.Methods:The HIV infection/AIDS patients with poor immune reconstitution who were visited Second Department of Infection of Hangzhou Xixi Hospital from January to December 2021 were enrolled. The clinical data and laboratory examinations of the patients were collected, and the relevant risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression.Results:Among 303 HIV infection/AIDS patients with poor immune reconstitution, 59(19.5%) patients had renal injury. Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension (odds ratio ( OR)=0.200, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.065 to 0.618, P=0.005), taking tenofovir ( OR=0.275, 95% CI 0.130 to 0.580, P=0.001), hypoproteinemia ( OR=1.045, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.086, P=0.022), and low CD4 + T lymphocytes level ( OR=1.009, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.014, P=0.001) were risk factors for renal injury. Conclusions:The incidence of renal injury in HIV infection/AIDS patients with poor immune reconstitution is high. Hypertension, taking tenofovir, hypoproteinemia, and low CD4 + T lymphocytes level are risk factors for renal injury in patients.

Objective:To evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, and immune persistence of the sequential booster with the recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cell) in healthy people aged 18-84 years.Methods:An open-label, multi-center trial was conducted in October 2021. The eligible healthy individuals, aged 18-84 years who had completed primary immunization with the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine 3 to 9 months before, were recruited from Shangyu district of Shaoxing and Kaihua county of Quzhou, Zhejiang province. All participants were divided into three groups based on the differences in prime-boost intervals: Group A (3-4 months), Group B (5-6 months) and Group C (7-9 months), with 320 persons per group. All participants received the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cell). Blood samples were collected before the vaccination and after receiving the booster at 14 days, 30 days, and 180 days for analysis of GMTs, antibody positivity rates, and seroconversion rates. All adverse events were collected within one month and serious adverse events were collected within six months. The incidences of adverse reactions were analyzed after the booster.Results:The age of 960 participants was (52.3±11.5) years old, and 47.4% were males (455). The GMTs of Groups B and C were 65.26 (54.51-78.12) and 60.97 (50.61-73.45) at 14 days after the booster, both higher than Group A′s 44.79 (36.94-54.30) ( P value<0.05). The GMTs of Groups B and C were 23.95 (20.18-28.42) and 27.98 (23.45-33.39) at 30 days after the booster, both higher than Group A′s 15.71 (13.24-18.63) ( P value <0.05). At 14 days after the booster, the antibody positivity rates in Groups A, B, and C were 91.69% (276/301), 94.38% (302/320), and 93.95% (295/314), respectively. The seroconversion rates in the three groups were 90.37% (272/301), 93.75% (300/320), and 93.31% (293/314), respectively. There was no significant difference among these rates in the three groups (all P values >0.05). At 30 days after the booster, antibody positivity rates in Groups A, B, and C were 79.60% (238/299), 87.74% (279/318), and 90.48% (285/315), respectively. The seroconversion rates in the three groups were 76.92% (230/299), 85.85% (273/318), and 88.25% (278/315), respectively. There was a significant difference among these rates in the three groups (all P values <0.001). During the sequential booster immunization, the incidence of adverse events in 960 participants was 15.31% (147/960), with rates of about 14.38% (46/320), 17.50% (56/320), and 14.06% (45/320) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The incidence of adverse reactions was 8.02% (77/960), with rates of about 7.50% (24/320), 6.88% (22/320), and 9.69% (31/320) in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. No serious adverse events related to the booster were reported. Conclusion:Healthy individuals aged 18-84 years, who had completed primary immunization with the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine 3 to 9 months before, have good immunogenicity and safety profiles following the sequential booster with the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cell).

Objective:To investigate the association of serum fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23) level with insulin resistance(IR) and sex hormone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A retrospective study was performed in eighty-seven patients with PCOS, fifty-seven patients with simple IR, and sixty-one healthy women who were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University during October 2021 and November 2022. According to the homeostasis model assessment-IR index, all subjects were divided into normal control group( n=61), IR group( n=57), PCOS without IR group(PCOS group, n=15), and PCOS+ IR group( n=72). The levels of serum FGF23, adiponectin, and sex hormones in all groups were compared, and their correlations with glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were analyzed. Results:The FGF23 level was significantly elevated in the IR group, while markedly reduced in the PCOS group and PCOS+ IR group, with the PCOS group showing a significantly lower concentration. The adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in the IR group, PCOS group, and PCOS+ IR group(all P<0.05). The correlation analysis showed that FGF23 level was positively correlated with adiponectin and sex hormone binding globulin, and negatively correlated with luteinizing hormone, luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone, and free testosterone index(all P<0.05). Logistic regression results indicated that both FGF23 and adiponectin could be used as good indicators for the diagnosis of PCOS and PCOS with IR(all P<0.05). Conclusion:FGF23 is closely related to IR and androgen as well, and under certain conditions, it can reflect the severity of IR and hyperandrogenemia in PCOS patients. The cutoff value of FGF23 obtained in this study can provide a good reference for the diagnosis of PCOS diseases.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of capsaicin on cognitive dysfunction in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and its possible mechanism. MethodTwelve SD male rats were randomly selected as a sham operation group， and the remaining rats were sutured to replicate the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. The successfully modeled rats were divided into a model group， a SB203580 ［p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） inhibitor， 1 mg·kg^-1］ group， capsaicin low- and high-dose （50， 100 mg·kg^-1） groups ， and anisomycin （p38 MAPK agonist， 2 mg·kg^-1） + capsaicin （100 mg·kg^-1） group， with 12 rats in each group. After reperfusion and administration， the rats were scored for neurological deficits. Morris water maze and new object recognition experiments were used to test the learning and cognitive abilities of rats. The hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus of the brain tissue. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the activation of microglia in the hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and prostaglandin E₂ （PGE₂） inflammatory factors in the brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of transient receptor potential vanillin subfamily 1 （TRPV1）， p38 MAPK， p-p38 MAPK， and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） in the hippocampal tissue. ResultAs compared with the sham group， the neurological deficit score， escape latency， the number of Iba-1 positive microglia in the hippocampal CA1 area， the IL-1β， TNF-α， and PGE₂ levels in the brain tissue， and the p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and COX-2 expression in the hippocampus tissue was significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. In the model group， the number of crossing the platform position， the novel object discrimination index （DI）， and the TRPV1 expression in the hippocampus tissue was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， the number of hippocampal nerve cells was reduced， and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated. As compared with the model group， the neurological deficit score， escape latency， the number of Iba-1 positive microglia in the hippocampal CA1 area， the IL-1β， TNF-α， and PGE₂ levels in the hippocampus tissue， and the p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and COX-2 expression in the hippocampus tissue were significantly reduced in the capsaicin low-dose and high-dose groups （P<0.05，P<0.01）. In the capsaicin low-dose and high-dose groups， the number of crossing the platform position， the DI， and the TRPV1 expression in the hippocampus tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， a small amount of inflammatory cells were infiltrated， and the number of nerve cells was significantly increased. The use of anisomycin， an activator of p38 MAPK， increased the expression of COX-2， and significantly weakened the inhibitory effect of capsaicin on the activation of microglia. ConclusionCapsaicin has a protective effect on the cognitive function of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of p38 MAPK/COX-2 signaling pathway， thereby inhibiting the excessive activation of microglia.

A fundamental challenge that arises in biomedicine is the need to characterize compounds in a relevant cellular context in order to reveal potential on-target or off-target effects. Recently, the fast accumulation of gene transcriptional profiling data provides us an unprecedented opportunity to explore the protein targets of chemical compounds from the perspective of cell transcriptomics and RNA biology. Here, we propose a novel Siamese spectral-based graph convolutional network (SSGCN) model for inferring the protein targets of chemical compounds from gene transcriptional profiles. Although the gene signature of a compound perturbation only provides indirect clues of the interacting targets, and the biological networks under different experiment conditions further complicate the situation, the SSGCN model was successfully trained to learn from known compound-target pairs by uncovering the hidden correlations between compound perturbation profiles and gene knockdown profiles. On a benchmark set and a large time-split validation dataset, the model achieved higher target inference accuracy as compared to previous methods such as Connectivity Map. Further experimental validations of prediction results highlight the practical usefulness of SSGCN in either inferring the interacting targets of compound, or reversely, in finding novel inhibitors of a given target of interest.
Drug Delivery Systems ; Proteins ; Transcriptome