Peganum harmala L. (P. harmala) is a significant economic and medicinal plant. The seeds of P. harmala have been extensively utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, Uighur medicine, and Mongolian medicine, as documented in the Drug Standard of the Ministry of Health of China. Twelve novel tryptamine-derived alkaloids (1-12) and eight known compounds (13-20) were isolated from P. harmala seeds. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first reported instances of tryptamine-derived heteromers, comprising tryptamine and aniline fragments with previously undocumented C-3-N-1' linkage and C-3-C-4' connection, respectively. Compounds 3-5 were identified as indole-quinazoline heteromers, exhibiting a novel C-3 and NH-1' linkage between indole and quinazoline-derived fragments. Compound 6 demonstrates the dimerization pattern of C-C linked tryptamine-quinazoline dimer. Compound 8 represents a tryptamine-derived heterodimer with a distinctive carbon skeleton, featuring an unusual spiro-tricyclic ring (7) and conventional bicyclic tryptamine. Compounds 9-11 constitute novel 6/5/5/5 spiro-tetracyclic tryptamine-derived alkaloids presenting a unique ring system of tryptamine-spiro-pyrrolizine. Compounds 1-3 and 6-11 were identified as racemates. Compounds 2, 7, 9, 10, and 12 were confirmed via X-ray crystallographic analysis. All isolated compounds (1-20) exhibited varying degrees of antiviral efficacy against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Notably, the anti-RSV activity of compound 12 (IC₅₀ 5.01 ± 0.14 μmol·L^-1) surpassed that of the positive control (ribavirin, IC₅₀ 6.23 ± 0.95 μmol·L^-1), as validated through plaque reduction and immunofluorescence assays. The identification of anti-RSV compounds from P. harmala seeds may enhance the development and application of this plant in antiviral therapeutic products.
Antiviral Agents/isolation & purification* ; Tryptamines/isolation & purification* ; Peganum/chemistry* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Humans ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses/drug effects* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

Objective To investigate the distribution and seasonal fluctuations of visceral leishmaniasis vectors sandflies in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province, so as to provide insights into assessment of the visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk and formulation of visceral leishmaniasis control measures. Methods A total of 12 natural villages were sampled from Shilou County, Lishi District, Lanxian County, Linxian County and Wenshui County in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province from June to September, 2023, and sandflies were captured using light traps from 7 breeding habitats, including farmers’ houses, sheep pens, cattle pens, chicken coops, pig pens, mule and horse pens, and loess-cave dwellings. Following morphological identification of the sandfly species, the distribution of sandflies and the seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density were analyzed. In addition, the Leishmania was detected in sandflies using a real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Results A total of 2 831 sandflies were captured with 156 light traps in Lüliang City from June to September, 2023, including 2 638 female sandflies (93.18%) and 193 male sandflies (6.82%), and the average density was 16.91 sandflies/(light-night). The seasonal fluctuations of the sandfly density all appeared a unimodal distribution in all survey sites, and the sandfly density peaked in July and then declined rapidly. Among all types of breeding habitats, the greatest sandfly density was found in sheep pens [39.04 sandflies/(light-night)]. In addition, 4.08% (2/49) of the sandfly samples were tested positive for Leishmania nucleic acid as revealed by the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Conclusions Sandflies were widely distributed in Lüliang City, Shanxi Province in 2023, and the peak of the sandfly density was observed in July, which had a visceral leishmaniasis transmission risk. Intensified surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis and sandfly vectors is required and targeted vector control is recommended.

Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in 16 provinces of China from 2009 to 2023.Methods:The data of this study were collected from the ARI surveillance data from 16 provinces in China from 2009 to 2023, with a total of 28 278 ARI cases included in the study. The clinical specimens from ARI cases were screened for HRSV nucleic acid from 2009 to 2023, and differences in virus detection rates among cases of different age groups, regions, and months were analyzed.Results:A total of 28 278 ARI cases were enrolled from January 2009 to September 2023. The age of the cases ranged from<1 month to 112 years, and the age M ( Q1, Q3) was 3 years (1 year, 9 years). Among them, 3 062 cases were positive for HRSV nucleic acid, with a total detection rate of 10.83%. From 2009 to 2019, the detection rate of HRSV was 9.33%, and the virus was mainly prevalent in winter and spring. During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the detection rate of HRSV fluctuated between 6.32% and 18.67%. There was no traditional winter epidemic peak of HRSV from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, and an anti-seasonal epidemic of HRSV occurred from April to May 2023. About 87.95% (2 693/3 062) of positive cases were children under 5 years old, and the difference in the detection rate of HRSV among different age groups was statistically significant ( P<0.001), showing a decreasing trend of HRSV detection rate with the increase of age ( P<0.001). Among them, the HRSV detection rate (25.69%) was highest in children under 6 months. Compared with 2009-2019, the ranking of HRSV detection rates in different age groups changed from high to low between 2020 and 2023, with the age M (Q1, Q3) of HRSV positive cases increasing from 1 year (6 months, 3 years) to 2 years (11 months, 3 years). Conclusion:Through 15 years of continuous HRSV surveillance analysis, children under 5 years old, especially infants under 6 months old, are the main high-risk population for HRSV infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and patterns of HRSV in China have changed.

Objective:To evaluate knee biomechanics of patients about 12 months after anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction during cutting and determine the abnormal biomechanical characteristics.Methods:Sixteen males about 12 months after ACL reconstruction were recruited for this study.Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected during cutting movement.Knee joint angles and moments were calculated.Paired t-tests were used to compare the differences in knee biomechanics be-tween the surgical leg and nonsurgical leg.Results:The peak posterior ground reaction force(surgical leg:0.380±0.071;nonsurgical leg:0.427±0.069,P=0.003)and vertical ground reaction force(surgical leg:1.996±0.202,nonsurgical leg:2.110±0.182,P=0.001)were significantly smaller in the surgical leg than in the nonsurgical leg.When compared with the uninjured leg,the surgical leg demonstrated a smaller knee flexion angle(surgical leg:38.3°±7.4°;nonsurgical leg:42.8°±7.9°,P＜0.001)and larger external rotation angle(surgical leg:10.3°±2.4°;nonsurgical leg:7.7°±2.1°,P=0.008).The surgical leg also demonstrated a smaller peak knee extension moment(surgical leg:0.092±0.031;nonsurgical leg:0.133±0.024,P＜0.001)and peak knee external rotation moment(surgical leg:0.005±0.004;nonsurgical leg:0.008±0.004,P=0.015)when com-pared with the nonsurgical leg.Conclusion:The individuals with ACL reconstruction mainly showed asymmetrical movements in the sagittal and horizontal planes.The surgical leg demonstrated a smaller peak knee flexion angle,knee extension moment,and knee external rotation moment,with greater knee external rotation angle.

Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases in 16 provinces of China from 2009 to 2023.Methods:The data of this study were collected from the ARI surveillance data from 16 provinces in China from 2009 to 2023, with a total of 28 278 ARI cases included in the study. The clinical specimens from ARI cases were screened for HRSV nucleic acid from 2009 to 2023, and differences in virus detection rates among cases of different age groups, regions, and months were analyzed.Results:A total of 28 278 ARI cases were enrolled from January 2009 to September 2023. The age of the cases ranged from<1 month to 112 years, and the age M ( Q1, Q3) was 3 years (1 year, 9 years). Among them, 3 062 cases were positive for HRSV nucleic acid, with a total detection rate of 10.83%. From 2009 to 2019, the detection rate of HRSV was 9.33%, and the virus was mainly prevalent in winter and spring. During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the detection rate of HRSV fluctuated between 6.32% and 18.67%. There was no traditional winter epidemic peak of HRSV from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, and an anti-seasonal epidemic of HRSV occurred from April to May 2023. About 87.95% (2 693/3 062) of positive cases were children under 5 years old, and the difference in the detection rate of HRSV among different age groups was statistically significant ( P<0.001), showing a decreasing trend of HRSV detection rate with the increase of age ( P<0.001). Among them, the HRSV detection rate (25.69%) was highest in children under 6 months. Compared with 2009-2019, the ranking of HRSV detection rates in different age groups changed from high to low between 2020 and 2023, with the age M (Q1, Q3) of HRSV positive cases increasing from 1 year (6 months, 3 years) to 2 years (11 months, 3 years). Conclusion:Through 15 years of continuous HRSV surveillance analysis, children under 5 years old, especially infants under 6 months old, are the main high-risk population for HRSV infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence and patterns of HRSV in China have changed.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(BE-LIF)in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis complicated with osteoporosis.Methods From June 2021 to June 2022,36 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis complicated with osteoporosis were treated with BE-LIF,including 9 males and 27 females,aged(65.94±6.83)years(range:51～76 years).All were single segment,and the responsible segment was L3/4 in 4 cases,L4/5 in 26 cases,and L5/S1 in 6 cases.Imagingexamination showed 1 and 2 degree of spondylolisthesis in 28 and 8 cases,and degenerative and ischemic spondylolisthesis in 24 and 12 cases respectively.Preoperative average bone mineral density T value of the lumbar spine was(-3.19±0.82)SD,and T value of the femur(-2.26±0.86)SD.Oswestry disability index(ODI)was used to evaluate lumbar spine function;visual analogue scale(VAS)to evaluate low back pain and leg pain.ODI,VAS of low back and leg pain were recorded respectively before the operation,at discharge and at the last follow-up.MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the surgical efficacy at the last follow-up.The anterior and posterior disc height,segmental lordotic angle and percentage of slip were measured on the lateral lumbar X-ray films before and after the operation.All patients received standard anti-osteoporosis treatment after surgery.Results All patients completed the opera-tion in one stage.The average operation time was(160.97±35.01)min(range:105～245 min),and the average intraoperative blood loss was(72.50±47.53)ml(range:20～150 mL).The mean follow-up time was(15.17±6.53)months(range:6～26 months).There were statistically significant differences in both VAS score of back and leg and ODI score at discharge and last follow-up when compared with those before the surgery(F=107.48,103.66,55.52,P<0.001).Macnab criteria of the last follow-up showed excellent in 21 cases,good in 12 cases,fair in 3 cases,and the excellent and good rate was 91.7%.Radiographic results showed that the height of the ante-rior and posterior disc height,segmental lordotic angle and percentage of slip were all improved immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up when compared with those before operation,but the anterior and posterior disc height,segmental lordotic angle at the last follow-up were decreased comparing with those immediate after the operation;the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).The fusion rate at the last follow-up was 91.7%(33/36).The complication rate was 13.8%(5/36),including 1 case of intraoperative endplate injury,1 case of nerve root cuff tear,1 case of delayed postoperative wound infection,and 2 cases of posterior cage migration.Conclusion BE-LIF for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis complicated with osteoporosis can achieve better immediate reduction effect,good clinical outcomes and high fusion rate in short-term follow-up,but the anterior and posterior disc height,segmental lordotic angle are partially lost at the last follow-up.There are still complications,and beginners should be cautious when performing the operation.Postoperative standardized anti-osteoporosis treatment is still an important measure to ensure the curative effect of surgery.

Objective To explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Caryopteris incana decoction in a rat model of primary dysmenorrhea with cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty healthy specific pathogen-free SD female rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten rats each:normal group,model group,ibuprofen group,C.incana high-dose group,C.incana medium-dose group,and C.incana low-dose group.All groups except the normal group were treated with cold stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to establish a rat model of primary dysmenorrhea with cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.On the fifth day of modeling,the rats were intragastrically administered the study drugs for 10 days.Their symptoms were observed and recorded.The writhing response and hemorheological indices were measured.The serum levels of TXB2,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-Keto-PGF1α),estradiol(E2),and progesterone(PROG)were measured.Additionally,the levels of prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),nitric oxide(NO),and calcium(Ca2+)in the uterine tissues were measured.The organ indices of the uterus and ovary were calculated,and histopathological changes were observed.Results Compared with the normal group,the rats in the model group showed obvious symptoms of cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome and writhing reaction.The morphology of uterus and ovary showed obvious hyperplasia,inflammation,edema and other lesions.The plasma viscosity,packed cell volume and whole blood viscosity were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The serum levels of thromboxane B2 and E2 and the E2/PROG ratio were significantly increased(P＜0.01),the levels of 6-Keto-PGF1α and PROG were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The uterine index and ovarian index were significantly increased(P＜0.01).The levels of PGF2α and Ca2+and the PGF2α/PGE2 ratio in uterine tissue were significantly increased(P＜0.01),while the levels of PGE2 and NO were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,Caryopteris incana significantly improved the symptoms of model rats,improved the morphological lesions of the uterus and ovary,prolonged the latency time of the writhing reaction,and reduced the number of writhing episodes(P＜0.01);significantly reduced the plasma viscosity,packed cell volume,and whole blood viscosity(P＜0.01);significantly reduced the serum levels of TXB2 and E2 and the E2/PROG ratio,increased the serum levels of 6-Keto-PGF1αand PROG,and reduced the uterine and ovarian indices(P＜0.01,P＜0.05);significantly reduced the levels of PGF2αand Ca2+and the PGF2α/PGE2 ratio in uterine tissue(P＜0.01,P＜0.05);and significantly increased the levels of PGE2 and NO in the uterine tissue(P＜0.01).Conclusions Caryopteris incana decoction can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome,and it has a good control effect.Its mechanism may be correlated with the levels of TXB2,6-Keto-PGF1α,E2,and PROG in serum and PGF2α,PGE2,NO,and Ca2+in uterine tissue.

Objective:To explore chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs) and pregnancy outcomes in fetuses with mild to moderate isolated ventriculomegaly (IVM), but without other indications for invasive prenatal diagnosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 215 singleton pregnancies with mild to moderate IVM (lateral ventricular width≥10-<15 mm) who underwent chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), not indicated by advanced age, high risk in serum screening or abnormal history of pregnancy, at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between June 2016 and March 2023. The 215 fetuses were grouped into mild ( n=167) and moderate ( n=48) IVM;unilateral ( n=142) and bilateral ( n=73) IVM; first diagnosis of IVM before 28 weeks ( n=138) and thereafter ( n=77). Anomalies other than IVM were excluded via three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound examination between 22 and 26 weeks of gestation. Out of these cases, 129 were confirmed by fetal cranial MRI, 191 underwent chromosomal karyotype analysis, and 202 cases received cytomegalovirus DNA quantification test for amniotic fluid. The detection rates of pathogenic CNVs in various groups were compared using Fisher's exact test. Results:Among the 215 fetuses, 11 cases (5.1%) of chromosomal abnormalities were detected through CMA, including one trisomy 21, five pathogenic CNVs, and five CNVs of uncertain clinical significance. Within the pathogenic CNVs, there were two de novo mutations with 16p11.2 microdeletion and one de novo mutation with 16p11.2 microduplication, while one 16p11.2 microduplication and one Xp22.31 microdeletion were inherited maternally. Of the CNVs of uncertain significance, there were two 16p13.11 microduplications, each inherited from a different parent, one paternally and one maternally; meanwhile, family validation was refused in the other three cases with 3p22.1 microdeletion, 3p26.3 microdeletion, and 9q21.33q22.31 microduplication. The detection rate of pathogenic CNVs in the moderate IVM group was higher than that in the mild IVM group [6.3% (3/48) vs. 1.2% (2/167)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.083). Similarly, no significant difference was found in the detection rate of pathogenic CNVs when comparing the unilateral IVM group [2.1% (3/142)] with the bilateral IVM group [2.7% (2/73)], nor between the group diagnosed with VM before 28 weeks gestation [2.2% (3/138)] and that diagnosed ≥28 weeks [2.6% (2/77)] (both P>0.05). After the exclusion of fetuses with chromosomal pathogenic abnormalities ( n=11), cytomegalovirus infection( n=1), and additional ultrasound anomalies ( n=7), and several cases with missing data intrauterine outcomes were followed up in 169 IVM fetuses, including 104 (61.5%) improved, 60 (35.5%) unchanged, and five (3.0%) progressed. Follow-ups were successful for 194 women, of which eight pregnancies were terminated (including one trisomy 21, four pathogenic CNVs, one fetal cytomegalovirus infection, and two progressed to severe IVM). Among the 186 newborns, one was diagnosed with X-linked ichthyosis, and one child who progressed to severe IVM before born was followed until 20 months of age without notable phenotypic abnormalities. The rest 184 babies, including those with CNVs of uncertain clinical significance, exhibited no developmental abnormalities during follow-up between the ages of three months and six years. Conclusions:For those fetuses with isolated mild to moderate IVM, but without indications for prenatal diagnosis such as advanced maternal age, high risk in serum screening or abnormal history of pregnancy, remain having the risk for chromosomal aberrations, and 16p11.2 microdeletion/microduplication might be a frequent CNV associated with this condition. Aside from those with pathogenic chromosomal aberrations, fetal cytomegalovirus infection, or progressive enlargement of the lateral ventricles, most fetuses with isolated mild to moderate IVM have a good prognosis.

Cytopharmaceutical based on macrophages is a breakthrough in the field of targeted drug delivery. However, it remains a challenge to localize and control drug release while retaining macrophage activity and exerting its immunotherapeutic effect. Herein, a localized light-triggered release macrophage cytopharmaceutical (USIP@M) was proposed, which could utilize the tumor targeting and immunotherapy effects of macrophages to reverse the immune suppression of tumor microenvironment (TME). Amphiphilic block copolymers with ultraviolet (UV)-responsive o-nitrobenzyl groups were synthesized and co-loaded with sorafenib (SF), IMD-0354 (IMD), and upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs), which were then taken up by macrophages, and the targeted delivery of drugs was realized by using the tumor tropism of macrophages. UCNPs converted near-infrared light with strong penetrability and high safety into UV light, which promoted the photoresponsive depolymerization of block copolymers and production of exosomes from USIP@M, accelerated drug efflux and maintained the activity of macrophages. IMD simultaneously polarized carrier macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages to exert the antitumor effect of macrophages, enhance T cell immunity, and alleviate the immunosuppressive state of TME. Synergistically with the chemotherapeutic effect of SF, it could effectively kill tumors. In conclusion, based on the localized light-triggered release strategy, this study constructed a novel macrophage cytopharmaceutical that could localize and control drug release while retaining the activity of macrophages and exerting its immunotherapeutic effect, which could effectively treat solid tumors.