ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Ditan tang on genes related to the transcription-translation feedback loop （TTFL） of biorhythm in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） and its mechanism for prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsSixty-five healthy SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned into blank （n=20）， model （n=15）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （2.68， 5.36， and 10.72 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively） modified Ditan tang （n=10） groups. Other groups except the blank group were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The modified Ditan tang groups were treated with the decoction at corresponding doses by gavage， and the blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline from the 9th week for 4 weeks. The levels of triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） in the serum were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. TG and non-esterified fatty acid （NEFA） assay kits were used to measure the levels of TG and NEFA in the liver. The pathological changes in the hypothalamus and liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining， and the lipid deposition in the liver was observed by oil red O staining. The levels of brain-muscle ARNT-like protein 1 （BMAL1/ARNTL） in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein levels of BMAL1， circadian locomotor output cycles kaput （CLOCK）， period circadian clock 2 （PER2）， and cryptochrome1 （Cry1） in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot， respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， AST， and ALT （P<0.01） and a lowered level of HDL-C （P<0.05） in the serum， elevated levels of TG and NEFA in the liver （P<0.01）， pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells， and a large number of vacuoles in the brain area. In addition， the model group showed lipid deposition in the liver， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 （P<0.01） in the hypothalamus and liver. Compared with the model group， all the three modified Ditan tang groups showed lowered levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， ALT， and AST （P<0.05， P<0.01） and an elevated level of HDL-C （P<0.05） in the serum， and lowered levels of TG and NEFA （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the liver. Furthermore， the three groups showed alleviated pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells， reduced lipid deposition in the liver， down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the hypothalamus and liver. ConclusionModified Ditan tang can reduce lipid deposition in the liver and regulate the expression of CLOCK， BMAL1， Cry1， and PER2 in the TTFL of NAFLD rats.

Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Atractylodes/microbiology* ; Rhizome/microbiology* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Colorimetry/instrumentation* ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVE: Recombination events are common and serve as the primary driving force of diverse human adenovirus (HAdV), particularly in children with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Therefore, continual monitoring of these events is essential for effective viral surveillance and control. METHODS: Respiratory specimens were collected from children with ARIs between January 2022 and December 2023. The penton base, hexon, and fiber genes were amplified from HAdV-positive specimens and sequenced to determine the virus type. In cases with inconsistent typing results, genes were cloned into the pGEM-T vector to detect recombination events. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed to characterize the recombinant HAdV genomes. RESULTS: Among 6,771 specimens, 277 (4.09%, 277/6,771) were positvie for HAdV, of which 157 (56.68%, 157/277) were successfully typed, with HAdV-B3 being the dominant type (91.08%, 143/157), and 14 (5.05%, 14/277) exhibited inconsistent typing results, six of which belonged to species B. The penton base genes of these six specimens were classified as HAdV-B7, whereas their hexon and fiber genes were classified as HAdV-B3, resulting in a recombinant genotype designated P7H3F3, which closely resembled HAdV-B114. Additionally, a partial gene encoding L1 52/55 kD was identified, which originated from HAdV-B16. CONCLUSION A novel recombinant, P7H3F3, was identified, containing sequences derived from HAdV-B3 and HAdV-B7, which is similar to HAdV-B114, along with additional sequences from HAdV-B16.
Humans ; Adenoviruses, Human/isolation & purification* ; Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology* ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Recombination, Genetic ; Male ; Beijing/epidemiology* ; Infant ; Female ; Phylogeny ; Adenovirus Infections, Human/epidemiology* ; Acute Disease ; Genome, Viral

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

In order to judge the future development trend of science and technology, plan ahead and lay out the frontier technology fields and directions, China Association of Chinese Medicine(CACM) has launched consultation projects for collecting "major scienti-fic issues and engineering technology difficulties in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" for the industry for three consecutive years since 2019. Up to now, 18 projects have been selected as major issues for research, and some experience and achievements have been made. These projects have been applied in important scientific and technological work such as scientific and technological planning and deployment at all levels of national, local, and scientific research institutions, the selection and cultivation of major national scientific and technological projects, and the construction of innovation bases, giving full play to the role of the think tank advisory committee of CACM. This study reviewed the selection of major issues for the first time, systematically combed its application in the national layout of science and technology, and put forward the existing problems and improvement suggestions, aiming to provide new ideas for further improving the selection of major issues and research direction, providing a theoretical basis and decision support for the national scientific and technological layout in the field of TCM, and promoting scientific and technological innovation to facilitate the high quality development of TCM.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Inventions ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Objective: To provide a new solution for the digital design of nasal prostheses, this study explores the three-dimensional (3D) facial morphology completion method for external nasal defects based on the non-rigid registration process of 3D face template. Methods: A total of 20 male patients with tooth defect and dentition defect who visited the Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from June to December 2022 were selected, age 18-45 years old. The original 3D facial data of patients were collected, and the 3D facial data of the external nose defect was constructed in Geomagic Wrap 2021 software. Using the structured 3D face template data constructed in the previous research of the research group, the 3D face template was deformed and registered to the 3D facial data of external nose defect (based on the morphology of non-defective area) by non-rigid registration algorithm (MeshMonk program), and the personalized deformed data of the 3D face template was obtained, as the complemented facial 3D data. Based on the defect boundary of the 3D facial data of the external nose defect, the complemented external nose 3D data can be cut out from the complemented facial 3D data. Then the nasofacial angle and nasolabial angle of the complemented facial 3D data and the original 3D facial data was compared and analyzed, the ratio between the nose length and mid-face height, nose width and medial canthal distance of the complemented facial 3D data was measured, the edge fit between the edge curve of the complemented external nose 3D data and the defect edge curve of the 3D facial data of external nose defect was evaluated, and the morphological difference of the nose between the complemented external nose 3D data and the original 3D facial data was analyzed. Results: There was no significant statistically difference (t=-0.23, P=0.823; Z=-1.72, P=0.086) in the nasofacial angle (28.2°±2.9°, 28.4°±3.5° respectively) and nasolabial angle [95.4°(19.2°), 99.9°(9.5°) respectively] between the 20 original 3D facial data and the complemented facial 3D data. The value of the ratio of nose length to mid-face height in the complemented facial 3D data was 0.63±0.03, and the value of the ratio of nose width to medial canthal distance was 1.07±0.08. The curve deviation (root mean square value) between the edge curve of the complemented external nose 3D data and the defect edge curve of the 3D facial data of external nose defect was (0.37±0.09) mm, the maximum deviation was (1.14±0.32) mm, and the proportion of the curve deviation value within±1 mm was (97±3)%. The distance of corresponding nose landmarks between the complemented facial 3D data and the original 3D facial data were respectively, Nasion: [1.52(1.92)] mm; Pronasale: (3.27±1.21) mm; Subnasale: (1.99±1.09) mm; Right Alare: (2.64±1.34) mm; Left Alare: (2.42± 1.38) mm. Conclusions: The method of 3D facial morphology completion of external nose defect proposed in this study has good feasibility. The constructed complemented external nose 3D data has good facial coordination and edge fit, and the morphology is close to the nose morphology of the original 3D facial data.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is the dried root of Sophora flavescens Ait. and Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. The two drugs are both from the same genus Sophora, having similar and different compositions and efficacies, however, their differences are not fully demonstrated in current standard. In this study, the high-performance thin-layer chromatography with multi-dimensional and multi-level features combined with electric spray mass spectrometry (HPTLC-ESI-MS) was used to discover and identify the characteristic zones in extracts of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma, after optimizing the preparation method of the test solution and chromatographic parameters. As a result, 17 main characteristic zones were found on HPTLC chromatograms of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma, among them, besides 3 known chemicals, another 12 unknown components were identified by HPTLC-ESI-MS, they are 1 alkaloid and 11 flavonoids. The identification results were verified by the reference standards partially and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra after guided-isolation. Finally, a unified HPTLC specific identification method with different markers was established to identify Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma simultaneously. Thanks to abundant chemical information provided when using diverse polarity mobile phases and derivatization reagents, the HPTLC technology offers a convenient strategy for discovery, quality evaluation, and identification of target chemicals when connecting with mass spectrometry.

Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.
Male ; Humans ; Cushing Syndrome/complications* ; Hydrocortisone ; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/surgery* ; Feasibility Studies ; Blood Glucose ; Hyperplasia/complications* ; Hypertension/complications* ; Adenoma/complications* ; Body Weight ; Catheters/adverse effects*

The target gene sequences of the novel coronaviruses obtained by sequencing were compared with the reference sequences to analyze the genetic variation of the two cases of the novel coronaviruses from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2022 and to explore the sources of infection. The results showed that the two sequences belonged to different evolutionary branches, Delta (AY.122) and Omicron (BA.1.1), respectively. hCoV-19/Inner Mongolia/IVDC-591/2022 had 48 single nucleotide polymorphisms on the genome sequences, sharing 40 nucleotide mutation sites with a Mongolian strain; hCoV-19/Inner Mongolia/IVDC-592/2022 genome shared 57 nucleotide mutation sites with a UK strain, and the nucleotide mutation site identity was 100% (57/57). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the target gene sequences were not directly related to domestic novel coronavirus sequences during the same period, but were related to isolates from Europe and Mongolia.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Viral ; Nucleotides ; Sequence Analysis