The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a leading cause of encephalitis, exists as quasispecies in clinical isolates. Using a limiting dilution method combined with immunohistochemistry to detect viral antigens, 10 biological clones were isolated and purified from a clinical JEV isolate (CNS138/9) derived from an autopsy brain. These biological clones were tested for neurovirulence in SK-N-MC and NIE-115 neuronal cells, and a 2-week-old, footpad-infected, JE mouse model. Nine clones were found to be neurovirulent; one clone neuroattenuated. Although further studies are needed to determine genotypic differences, if any, in these clones, the limiting dilution purification and neurovirulence testing methods described herein should be useful for phenotypic studies of quasispecies of neurotropic viruses in general, and JEV and other flaviviruses in particular.

OBJECTIVETo explore the safety and efficacy of frameless stereotactic brain biopsy.

METHODSDiagnostic accuracy was calculated by comparing biopsy diagnosis with definitive pathology in 62 patients who underwent frameless stereotactic brain biopsy between January 2008 and December 2010 in Xiamen University Southeast Hospital. Preoperative characteristics and histological diagnosis were reviewed and then information was analysed to identify factors associated with the biopsy not yielding a diagnosis and complications.

RESULTSDiagnostic yield was 93.5%. No differences were found between pathological diagnosis and frozen pathological diagnosis. The most common lesions were astrocytic lesions, included 16 cases of low-grade glioma and 12 cases of malignant glioma. Remote hemorrhage, metastasis, and lymphoma were following in incidence. Multiple brain lesions were found in 17 cases (27.4%). Eleven cases were frontal lesions (17.7%), 8 were frontotemporal (12.9%), 6 were frontoparietal (9.7%), and 5 each were temporal, parietal, and parietotemporal lesions (8.1%). Postoperative complications occurred in 21.0% of the patients after biopsies, including 10 haemorrhages (16.1%) and 3 temporary neurological deficits (1 epilepsy, 1 headache, and 1 partial hemiparesis). No patient required operation for hematoma evacuation.

CONCLUSIONFrameless stereotactic biopsy is an effective and safe technique for histologic diagnosis of brain lesions, particularly for multifocal and frontal lesions.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biopsy ; methods ; Brain ; pathology ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stereotaxic Techniques ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the types and frequencies of variants in Amelogenin gene in Chinese population and to explore the mutations' influence to the sex test.

METHODSThe Amelogenin gene of 8850 unrelated Chinese individuals was typed with PowerPlex 16 system. The samples with abnormal typing results were calculated directly, validated with different primer sets, Y-STR typing and sequencing.

RESULTSTwo samples with X chromosomal Amelogenin (AMELX) allelic dropout and 2 samples with Y chromosomal Amelogenin (AMELY) allelic dropout were observed in male individuals, the total rate of mutation was 0.045% and the rate in the male was 0.085%. Two types of point mutation which may result in null allele were observed in the primer binding region of the plostq AMELX alleles, and the mutation rate in the male was 0.042%. The mutation rate of AMELY allele was also 0.042%. One sample failed to amplify 10 Y-STR loci out of 12 loci, which could be speculated that large interstitial deletion of the Y chromosome encompassing the AMELY and other Y-STR loci occurred.

CONCLUSIONAMELX or AMELY allelic dropout may occur due to the mutation of Amelogenin gene, which may interfere with the sex test and induce wrong gender identification.

Alleles ; Amelogenin ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; DNA ; analysis ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Population Groups ; genetics

To understand the history development and changes of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and initially establish its standard system after exploring the historical origins and modern development of Citri Grandis Exocarpium. In CNKI, Wanfang database and other academic search platforms were searched for literature on Citri Grandis Exocarpium and Chinese medicine standard system； the books related to its modern cultivation techniques and processing technology were also accessed, and after combining with the actual situation analysis, the prospective design of the standard system of Citri Grandis Exocarpium was finally established with research conclusion. The earliest records of the Citri Grandis Exocarpium were documented in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, but its medicinal value was discovered in the Song Dynasty. Its drug use was developed on the basis of Jupi（orange peel） and Citri Exocarpium Rubrum. In 21st century, a number of large-scale, intensive Citri Grandis Exocarpium bases have been formed due to high price, good planting efficiency, and rapid growth of cultivation areas. The standard system includes the technical specifications of seed selection and seedling cultivation of Citri Grandis Exocarpium, technical norms of cultivation, technical specifications of fertilizing and weeding, technical specifications of irrigation and drainage, technical standard of pest and disease control, standard of medicinal materials grade, standard of processing technology of sliced pieces and the quality standard of slices, etc.

Objective: To investigate hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) diagnosis and treatment plan. Methods: 24 cases diagnosed with PEComa clinical manifestations, serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), imaging findings, surgical methods, postoperative hospital stay, pathological results and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively from September 2015 to September 2020. Results: Majority of patients were females (79.2%), aged 41.5±11.4 years. Tumors were predominantly located in the right liver (50.0%). 76.7% of the cases were mostly clinically asymptomatic. AFP, CEA and CA199 indices were all negative. CT mostly showed low density tumor in the plain scan phase, enhanced in the enhancement phase, and enhanced and weakened in portal venous and equilibrium phase (66.7%). MRI manifestations of most tumors were hypointense on T₁WI and hyperintense on T₂WI (72.7%). B-ultrasound mostly showed hyperechoic mass in the tumor area with punctate vascular shadow (52.9%). Postoperative hospital stay was 9.0±2.4 days for laparoscopic surgery patients (n=13), 13.4±6.3 days for traditional laparotomy (hereinafter referred to as laparotomy, n=10), and 3 days for 1 patient with microwave ablation. All postoperative pathological results were positive for HMB45 and Melan-A. Follow-up results: 21 cases survived normally, with no tumor recurrence in the recent physical examination; two cases had tumor recurrence and they died two and three years after surgery, and one case was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Hepatic PEComa more commonly occurs in middle-aged women, with no specific features for tumor markers and clinical manifestations. Some imaging findings are specific, so its features can be combined as a basis for diagnosis. Postoperative pathological examination results can confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, surgery remains the initial treatment plan. Microwave ablation and laparoscopic surgery are recommended as the preferred option because of shorter hospital stays and less trauma than open surgery.
Adult ; Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis* ; Carbohydrates ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Female ; Humans ; Liver/pathology* ; MART-1 Antigen ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; alpha-Fetoproteins

Drug problem is a major social and public security problem in the world. Drug abuse poses a great threat to economic development, social stability and public health. In recent years, synthetic drugs represented by methamphetamine have surpassed traditional drugs such as morphine, heroin, ketamine and become one of the most abused drugs in the world. In order to solve the problem of drug abuse, it is of great theoretical value and practical significance to carry out all-round and multi-level scientific research on drug-related issues. Based on the current situation of drug abuse, this article reviews research progresses on the epidemiology of methamphetamine abuse, the monitoring technology, the basic researches on toxicity damage, the withdrawal drug screening, the related clinical comorbidity and the testing technologies, comprehensively presenting the development trend of methamphetamine abuse related issues.
Amphetamine-Related Disorders/epidemiology* ; Heroin ; Humans ; Illicit Drugs ; Methamphetamine/adverse effects* ; Substance Abuse Detection

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and healthy life expectancy loss, ranking first in causing the global burden of disease. In addition to the traditional CVD risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes, environmental chemical pollutants may also play a role in the development of CVD. This paper summarizes the evidence regarding the relation of exposures to metal or metalloid and persistent organic pollutants with risk for CVD and introduces the research progress in the relation between the exposures to two environmental chemical pollutants and CVD risk. The study aims to provide scientific evidence for the effective prevention of CVD through the management of chemical pollutants in environment.
Humans ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Persistent Organic Pollutants ; Metalloids ; Hypertension ; Environmental Pollutants

In ancient times, the original plants of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium had experienced succession and change, including tangerine(Citrus reticulata), pomelo(C. grandis), and Huazhou pomelo(C. grandis 'Tomentosa'), a specific cultivar of C. grandis produced in Huazhou, Guangdong. Before the Qing Dynasty, tangerine was the main original plant, while Huazhou pomelo came to the fore in the Qing Dynasty. In the 1950 s and 1960 s, the producing area of Huazhou pomelo was destroyed, and thus it had to be supplemented with pomelo. From then on, C. grandis 'Tomentosa' and C. grandis were both listed as the original plants of Citri Grandis Exocarpium in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. This paper reviewed the historical evolution of the collection, processing, and efficacy of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium. The research showed that:(1)The harvest time of the original plants of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and Citri Grandis Exocarpium had changed from maturity to immaturity. The collection and processing of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum was first recorded in the Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica in the Song Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the mesocarp of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum needed to be removed completely, and Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' was processed into different specifications such as seven-piece, five-piece, and single piece. Furthermore, processed young fruits of Huazhou pomelo appeared.(2)Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium were processed with carp skin for the first time in the Master Lei's Discourse on Medicinal Processing. It was suggested that carp skin might be helpful for eliminating bones stuck in throat. During the Song, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties, some other processing methods such as ba-king, stir-frying, and salt-processing appeared. Honey, soil, ginger juice, and alum were firstly used as adjuvants for the processing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Citri Exocarpium Rubrum was mainly prepared with salt in order to improve the effect of lowering Qi, while it was unnecessary for Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' because of its obvious effect of lowering Qi and eliminating phlegm. The stir-frying and honey-frying methods helped reduce the strong effect of Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa'.(3)According to the application of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium in history, their medicinal use began in Han and Tang Dynasties, developed in Song, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties, and matured in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' was originally applied in Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it still plays an important in role treating COVID-19 nowadays. Moreover, Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis had cold medicinal property, while Citri Grandis Exocarpium from C. grandis 'Tomentosa' had warm medicinal property, and thus they should not be treated the same. At present, Huazhou pomelo has a certain production scale. Therefore, it is recommended that in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, only C. grandis 'Tomentosa' should be included as the original plant of Citri Grandis Exocarpium, and C. grandis should be deleted. The results are conducive to the further development and utilization of Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Grandis Exocarpium, and support the rational use of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and its processed products.
COVID-19 ; Citrus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Materia Medica ; SARS-CoV-2

In ancient times, there were two types of "Juhong" came from the tangerines(Citrus reticulata) and the pomelos(C. grandis and its cultivars), which corresponded to Juhong and Huajuhong recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia respectively. In different periods, Juhong basically came from the same species and the same medicinal parts, but there were also some differences. This article sorted out the ancient and modern literature, under the guidance of "Succession theory of Medicinal materials varieties" and "Change theory of Medicinal materials varieties"(XIE Zong-wan), and combined with field investigation, the evolution and reasons of the original plants and medicinal parts of Juhong were analyzed. In the Han Dynasty and before, the peel of tangerines and pomelos were both used as medicine. In the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the way tangerine peel was used was dried and aged, and then "soaked in hot water and scraped off the mesocarp", which had the essence of only using exocarp as medicine of Juhong already, and its original plant was C. reticalata. In the Song Dynasty, the name of "Juhong" and its medicinal usage were recorded in book on materia medica, and the species and medicinal parts of tangerine were inherited from the previous dynasties. The way tangerine peel was used was only dried and aged without removing the mesocarp. The medicinal material obtained by the way was called Chenpi(dried and aged tangerine peel). The item "Juhong" listing as a separate medicinal material was first recorded in the Collected Discussions from Materia Medica(Bencao Huiyan) in the Ming Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, the Dao-di habitat of Juhong was recorded as Guangdong province in most books on materia medica, and the original plants probably were C. reticalata and C. grandis 'Tomentosa'(Huazhou pomelo, a special cultivated species of C. grandis produced in Huazhou, Guangdong, which was recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as "Huajuhong"), according to the records in the local chronicles. During the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, the original plants of Juhong were C. reticalata and C. grandis 'Tomentosa'. Of the two, the latter one was considered as the better. As far the medicinal part, it was still the exocarp, while the whole young fruit of C. grandis 'Tomentosa' began to be used as medicine. After the founding of The People's Republic of China, the exocarps of Citrus reticalata, C. grandis and C. grandis 'Tomentosa' were listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia under "Juhong". From the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Republic of China, C. grandis exocarp was a fake of Juhong. Therefore, it was contradictory to historical records that C. grandis exocarp was listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Huajuhong. Juhong had been divided into two types as "Juhong" and "Huajuhong" since 1985. The medicinal part of Huajuhong was only the exocarp of immature and nearly mature fruits, but not the whole young fruit, the actual mainstream medicinal part of Huajuhong. The results are helpful to clarify the historical evolution of species and medicinal parts of Juhong and Huajuhong. It is suggested that in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, only C. grandis 'Tomentosa' should be included as the original plant of Huajuhong, and C. grandis should be deleted, and the young fruit should be added in the medicinal parts besides the exocarp of immature and nearly mature fruit.
China ; Citrus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Fruit ; Materia Medica ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective: Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( Results: Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks. Conclusion Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes.
Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome