Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Tic Disorders/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS) is characterized by a persistent abnormally high stress exerted on the lateral articular surface of the patella due to lateral patellar tilt without dislocation and lateral retinaculum contracture, leading to anterior knee pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of lateral retinaculum release (LRR) combined with chondroplasty in the treatment of LPCS. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 40 patients who underwent LRR combined with chondroplasty for LPCS between 2020 and 2021. The assessment included improvement in postoperative tenderness and knee joint function. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scoring systems, as well as the visual analog scale, both preoperatively and postoperatively, with the paired comparisons analyzed using a t-test. Additionally, intraoperative observations were made regarding knee joint lesions, including cartilage damage and osteophyte formation, with analysis by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The visual analog scale score for tenderness showed a significant decrease after surgery (p < 0.001). Evaluation of knee joint function also indicated significant improvements, as demonstrated by increased Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scores postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, all LPCS patients included in the study presented with cartilage injuries and osteophyte formation. Significant differences were noted in the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation at different locations within the knee among patients with LPCS. CONCLUSION LRR combined with chondroplasty is an effective surgical approach for treating patients with LPCS, with satisfactory recovery observed at the 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation in LPCS patients varies significantly depending on the specific location within the knee joint.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Patella/surgery* ; Knee Joint/physiopathology* ; Recovery of Function ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Cartilage, Articular/surgery* ; Adolescent

Individuals with type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes suffer insufficient insulin secretion, leading to symptoms of hyperglycemia. To maintain the normal blood glucose levels, those people with diabetes must administer insulin multiple times a day. However, insulin requirements are influenced by several factors such as diet, exercise, and illness, combined with the narrow therapeutic index, making accurate insulin dosage challenging. Excessive insulin administration can even pose life-threatening risks. In addition, frequent daily insulin injections place considerable physiological and psychological burdens on patients. To tackle these challenges, researchers have embarked on the development of closed-loop insulin delivery systems. These systems adjust insulin dosages in real-time changes based on the patient’s blood glucose levels, therefore enhancing both the safety and effectiveness of insulin therapy. This review categorizes closed-loop insulin delivery systems into two types: electronic-based and material-based systems, based on their compositional attributes. The exploration of both types covers their components, developmental history, clinical applications, current pros and cons, and future directions. The relative strengths and limitations of these two categories of closed-loop insulin delivery systems are also compared and discussed.

Background::Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Methods::The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4 +) T-cell counts, CD8 + T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed. Results::The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6-6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log 10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8-16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log 10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA ( r = 0.76, P <0.0001). Meanwhile, both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8 + T-cell counts. Conclusions::This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity. It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades, and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and cardiorespiratory fitness following acute exposure to high altitude.Methods Forty-six subjects were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in June 2022,including 19 males and 27 females.After completing cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET),serological detection of myocardial cell-related markers,and multiple metabolites at a plain altitude(300 meters above sea level),all subjects flew to a high-altitude location(3900 meters above sea level).Biomarker testing and CPET were repeated on the second and third days after arrival at high altitude.Changes in serum biomarker and key CPET indicators before and after rapid ascent to high altitude were compared,and the correlation between serum levels of various myocardial cell-related markers and metabolites and high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed.Results Compared with the plain altitude,there was a significant decrease in maximal oxygen uptake after rapid ascent to high altitude[(25.41±6.20)ml/(kg.min)vs.(30.17±5.01)ml/(kg.min),P<0.001].Serum levels of NT-proBNP,Epinephrine(E),plasma renin activity(PRA),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)and leptin(LEP)significantly increased,with all differences being statistically significant(P<0.05)after acute high altitude exposure.In contrast,no statistically significant differences were observed for creatine kinase MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),myoglobin(Myo)and norepinephrine(NE)(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP at plain altitude(r=-0.768,P<0.001)and at high altitude(r=-0.791,P<0.001)with maximal oxygen uptake at high altitude.Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that maximal oxygen uptake at plain altitude(t=2.069,P=0.045),NT-proBNP at plain altitude(t=-2.436,P=0.020)and at high altitude(t=-3.578,P=0.001)were independent influencing factors of cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude.Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness significantly decreases after rapid ascent to high altitude,and the baseline NT-proBNP level at plain altitude is closely related to cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude,making it a potential predictor indicator for high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness.

To understand the distribution of ticks in the Wuwei Region,enrich tick species data,and provide a basis for the prevention of tick-borne diseases,tick were collected using flagging and tick-picking methods during the highest activity period from April to September in 2021 and 2022 in the mountainous areas of Wuwei City.The ticks were identified based on morpho-logical and molecular biological characteristics,and characteristic sequences were obtained.A systematic evolutionary tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method in MEGA 11.0 software.In total,7 342 ticks collected in Wuwei,which be-longed to 5 species from 4 genera with in the Ixodidae family,which included Dermacentor nuttalli,Hyalomma asiaticum,Ixodes canisuga,Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haema-physalis danieli.Ticks of the same species clustered together into the same branch of an evolutionary tree.In the Wuwei Re-gion,five common tick species are found across various habi-tats,with each habitat featuring different distributions of tick species and populations.The Dermacentor nuttalli is the dom-inant tick species in this area.

Objective:To investigate the effect of CD8+CD28-T cells on acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD)after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(haplo-HSCT).Methods:The relationship between absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells and aGVHD in 60 patients with malignant hematological diseases was retrospectively analyzed after haplo-HSCT,and the differences in the incidence rate of chronic graft-versus host disease(cGVHD),infection and prognosis between different CD8+CD28-T absolute cells count groups were compared.Results:aGVHD occurred in 40 of 60 patients after haplo-HSCT,with an incidence rate of 66.67％.The median occurrence time of aGVHD was 32.5(20-100)days.At 30 days after the transplantation,the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells of aGVHD group was significantly lower than that of non-aGVHD group(P=0.03).Thus the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells at 30 days after transplantation can be used to predict the occurrence of aGVHD to some extent.At 30 days after transplantation,the incidence rate of aGVHD in the low cell count group(CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count＜0.06/μl)was significantly higher than that in the high cell count group(CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count ≥0.06/μl,P=0.011).Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed that the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells at 30 days after transplantation was an independent risk factor for aGVHD,and the risk of aGVHD in the low cell count group was 2.222 times higher than that in the high cell count group(P=0.015).The incidence of cGVHD,fungal infection,EBV infection and CMV infection were not significantly different between the two groups with different CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count.The overall survival,non-recurrent mortality and relapse rates were not significantly different between different CD8+CD28-T cells absolute count groups.Conclusion:Patients with delayed CD8+CD28-T cells reconstitution after haplo-HSCT are more likely to develop aGVHD,and the absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells can be used to predict the incidence of aGVHD to some extent.The absolute count of CD8+CD28-T cells after haplo-HSCT was not associated with cGVHD,fungal infection,EBV infection,and CMV infection,and was also not significantly associated with the prognosis after transplantation.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of intracavernous sinus spring coil+Onyx gel embolization combined with proximal spring coil occlusion of the ophthalmic vein in cavernous sinus-dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF).Methods:Thirty-seven patients with CS-DAVF accepted intracavernous sinus spring coil+Onyx gel embolization combined with proximal spring coil occlusion of ophthalmic vein in Department of Radiology and Interventional Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected. The clinical data and therapeutic efficacy of these patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results:All 37 patients had different degrees of ocular symptoms at the time of treatment: 31 (83.8 %) had conjunctival congestion, 16 (43.2 %) had exophthalmos, and 14 (37.8 %) had obvious periorbital vascular murmur. Endovascular intervention was performed in all patients via venous routes, including inferior petrous sinus approach ( n=34), ophthalmic vein approach ( n=2), and facial vein approach ( n=1). Immediate postoperative DSA showed that 31 patients had complete occlusion of the fistula, and 6 patients had near-total occlusion (disappeared drainage of the thickened ophthalmic vein or obviously slowed down drainage). Thirty-five patients had ocular oedema of varied degrees and then gradually reduced (lasting for 1-2 weeks), and all the ocular congestion and vascular murmurs disappeared before discharging from the hospital. Four patients had postoperative palsy of the motor and abducens nerves, which improved significantly after 1-5 months; 1 patient had diplopia in combination with abducens nerve palsy; all symptoms alleviated after 2 months of nutritional nerve medication. Follow up in Outpatient Clinic or telephone was performed for (12.1±4.4) months, ranged for 6.5-21.3 months; symptoms of ocular congestion and edema disappeared in all patients at the last follow-up. Followed-up DSA at 6 months showed no recurrence of CS-DAVF. Conclusion:Intracavernous sinus spring coil+Onyx gel embolisation combined with proximal spring coil occlusion of the ophthalmic vein is safe and effective in CS-DAVF.

Polymyxin antibiotics,particularly polymyxin B and polymyxin E(colistin),are often considered a last line of defense against penicillin carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE),because of their favorable clinical antibacterial effects.However,the emergence and spread of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes(mcr),and their multiple isoforms,have posed a substantial threat to public health in recent years.The mcr-1 genes exhibit complexity in both host and transmis-sion routes,and diversity in both the genetic environment and ecological locus distribution.Herein,we discuss the prevalence,transmission routes,drug resistance and transmission mechanisms of mcr-1 positive isolates,on the basis of epidemiological studies of Enterobacteriaceae carrying mcr-1 worldwide.to provide a theoretical reference for researchers.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Liraglutide improves the inflammatory response in metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)by regulating the interferon gene stimulating factor(STING)signaling pathway.Methods 20 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal diet group(NC),Liraglutide intervention group(NC+Lir group),high fat diet group(HFD group)and Liraglutide intervention high fat diet group(HFD+Lir group),with 5 in each group.Mouse primary hepato-cytes(MPHs)were divided into normal control(Con)group,Liraglutide intervention group(Con+Lir group),palmitic acid group(PA group)and Liraglutide intervention PA group(PA+Lir group).The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in serum and triglyceride(TG)contents in liver were detected.HE and oil red O staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the liver and to calculate the MAFLD activity score(NAS).The mRNA expression levels of STING,IL-1β and TNF-α in tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR.The protein expression levels of STING,p-IRF3 and IFN-β were detected by Western blot.Results Body weight,liver tissue weight,serum ALT,AST,liver TG,steatosis,lobular inflammation and balloon-like NAS in HFD group were higher than those in NC group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Body weight,liver tissue weight,serum ALT,AST,liver TG,steatosis,lobular inflammation and balloon-like NAS in HFD+Lir group were lower than those in HFD group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The mRNA expressions of STING,IL-1β,TNF-α and the protein expressions of STING,p-IRF3 and IFN-β in liver of HFD group were higher than those of NC group(P＜0.05).The mRNA expressions of STING,IL-1β,TNF-α and the protein expressions of STING,p-IRF3 and IFN-β in HFD+ Lir group were lower than those in HFD+ Lir group(P＜0.05).The mRNA expressions of STING,IL-1β,TNF-α and the protein expressions of STING,p-IRF3 and IFN-β in PA group were higher than those in Con group(P＜0.01).The mRNA expressions of STING,IL-1β,TNF-α and the protein expressions of STING,p-IRF3 and IFN-β in PA+Lir group were lower than those in PA group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion Liraglutide ameliorates the high-fat-induced inflammation responses in MAFLD by regulating the STING signaling pathways.