A high-performance liquid chromatography method using pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate was developed to determine the content of 15 amino acids in the medicinal snakes Bungarus Parvus, Agkistrodon, and Zaocys. The results showed that the total amino acid(TAA) content ranged from 277.13 to 515.05 mg·g~(-1), with the top four amino acids in all three species being glutamic acid(Glu), glycine(Gly), aspartic acid(Asp), and lysine(Lys). The essential amino acid(EAA) content ranged from 74.56 to 203.94 mg·g~(-1), with Agkistrodon exhibiting the highest content. The non-essential amino acid(NEAA), semi-essential amino acid(semi-EAA), and medicinal amino acid(MAA) content ranged from 189.06 to 318.23, 12.89 to 33.53, and 179.83 to 342.33 mg·g~(-1), respectively, with Zaocys having the highest content in these categories. Amino acid nutritional value was evaluated using the amino acid ratio(RAA), amino acid ratio coefficient(RCAA), and amino acid ratio coefficient score(SRCAA), and the results indicated that all three medicinal snakes possessed good nutritional value. The amino acid composition was similar across the species, though significant differences in content were observed. Based on these differences, an orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) model was established, which could clearly distinguish between the three medicinal snake species. The key differences in amino acid content included Gly, tyrosine(Tyr), Glu, and serine(Ser), which may be related to the observed clinical application differences among the species. Further research into the mechanisms of these differential amino acids is expected to provide more insights into the clinical application disparities of these three medicinal snake species.
Amino Acids/chemistry* ; Animals ; Nutritive Value ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Snakes/classification* ; Bungarus

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing results of patients with clinically isolated Ralstonia pickettii(R.pickettii),and provide basis for the rational use of antimi-crobial agents.Methods Inpatients with R.pickettii infection who were treated at the Tianjin First Central Hospi-tal from January 2014 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Clinical characteristics and antimicrobial sus-ceptibility testing results were analyzed.Results A total of 80 strains of Ralstonia spp.were isolated over 10-year period,including 42(52.5％)non-repetitive strains of R.pickettii.Among 42 R.pickettii strains,64.3％were isolated from male patients.The strains isolated from sputum,catheter,blood,throat swabs,and drainage fluid specimens accounted for 38.1％,28.6％,19.0％,4.8％,and 2.4％,respectively.The clinical distribution of R.pickettii was highest in the intensive care unit(ICU),with a proportion of 52.4％.The number of infected patients first increased and then decreased with the years,followed by a slight fluctuation.There was no statistically signifi-cant difference in the number of infected patients in each department over the years(P＞0.05).R.pickettii had higher susceptibility rates to doxycycline,levofloxacin,ciprofloxacin,and minocycline,susceptibility rates were 78.3％-90.9％,but was completely resistant to compound sulfamethoxazole and cefazolin(100％),it also had higher resistance rates to aztreonam,colistin,cefotetan,tobramycin,amikacin,ceftazidime,and gentamicin(80.0％-97.4％).There was no statistically significant difference in the resistance rates to 21 antimicrobial agents among different years(all P＞0.05).Conclusion R.pickettii is mainly from ICU,and the majority of the infected population are adult males.Most strains are isolated from sputum and catheter.R.pickettii presents multidrug re-sistance.Attention should be paid to the changes in the resistance rates of antimicrobial agents,strengthen the dy-namic monitoring of bacterial resistance and guide the rational selection of antimicrobial agents in clinic,implement early and effective treatment to improve the prognosis of the patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored whether thyroglobulin and thyroid disease prevalence rates were higher in pregnant Chinese women with a median urinary iodine concentration of 100-149 µg/L, compared with those with a median urinary iodine concentration of 150-249 μg/L maintained through sustainable universal salt iodization. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 812 healthy pregnant women were enrolled to collect samples of their household edible salt, urine, and blood during their routine antenatal care in the 18 counties in Fujian Province, China. The levels of salt iodine concentration, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroid hormone (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody were assessed during the routine antenatal care visits. RESULTS: The median UIC (mUIC) in pregnant women was 130.8 μg/L (interquartile range = 91.5-198.1 μg/L) in the counties with an mUIC of 100-149 μg/L (Group I), and 172.0 μg/L (interquartile range = 123.5-244.4 μg/L) in the counties with an mUIC of 150-249 μg/L (Group II). Goiter prevalence and thyroid nodule detection rates showed no difference between Group I and Group II ( P > 0.05). Except for FT4 values, the TSH, FT4, FT3, Tg and Tg values > 40 (μg/L) and the thyroid diseases prevalence rate (TDR) showed no significant differences between Group I and Group II ( P > 0.05), whether or not iodine supplementation measures were taken. CONCLUSION Compared with an mUIC of 150-249 μg/L, not only there was no difference in thyroid morphology, but also the Tg value, rate of Tg values > 40 µg/L, and TDR were not higher in pregnant women in the counties with an mUIC of 100-149 μg/L achieved through sustainable universal salt iodization in Fujian Province, China.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Iodine/urine* ; Pregnant Women ; Sodium Chloride, Dietary ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyrotropin ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of "Tianji" orthopedic robot-assisted percutaneous vertebro plasty(PVP) surgery in the treatment of upper thoracic osteoporotic fracture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 patients with upper thoracic osteoporotic fracture who underwent PVP surgery in Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2016 to June 2022. There were 8 males and 24 females, ranging in age from 58 to 90 years old, with a mean of (67.75±12.27) years old. Fifteen patients were treated with robot-assisted PVP surgery (robot group), including 3 males and 12 females, with an average age of (68.5±10.3) years. Fracture location:1 case of T₂ fracture, 1 case of T₃ fracture, 3 cases of T₄ fracture, 3 cases of T₅ fracture, and 7 cases of T₆ fracture. The follow-up period ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 months, with a mean of (1.6±0.7) months. Seventeen patients underwent routine PVP surgery (conventional group), including 5 males and 12 females, with an average age of (66.8±11.6) years old. Fracture location:1 case of T₁ fracture, 5 cases of T₄ fracture, 2 cases of T₅ fracture and 9 cases of T₆ fracture. The follow-up period ranged from 0.5 to 4.0 months, with a mean of (1.5±0.6) months. Preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI) scores were compared between the two groups, and the number of punctures, perspective times, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, bone cement distribution, bone cement leakage, and intraoperative radiation dose were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Number of punctures times, perspective times, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, bone cement distribution, bone cement leakage and intraoperative radiation dose in the robot group were all significantly better than those in the conventional group(P<0.05). VAS of 2.03±0.05 and ODI of (22.16±4.03) % in the robot group were significantly better than those of the robot group before surgery, which were (8.67±0.25) score and (79.40±7.72)%(t=100.869, P<0.001;t=25.456, P<0.001). VAS of 2.17±0.13 and ODI of (23.88±6.15)% in the conventional group were significantly better than those before surgery, which were (8.73±0.18) score and (80.01±7.59)%(t=121.816, P<0.001;t=23.691, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in VAS and ODI between the two groups after operation (t=-3.917, P=0.476;t=-0.922, P=0.364). CONCLUSION Robot-assisted PVP in the treatment of upper thoracic osteoporotic fractures can further improve surgical safety, reduce bone cement leakage, and achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Robotics ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Bone Cements ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Vertebrae/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block on perioperative analgesia and postoperative complications in geriatric patients with hip fractures. METHODS: A total of 127 elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery from January 2021 to September 2021 were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided continuous fascia iliaca compartment block(group F) either intravenous analgesia control group(group C). There were 62 cases in group F, including 19 males and 43 females with an average age of (82.4±7.2) years old ranging from 66 to 95 years old, involving 25 femoral neck fractures and 37 femoral intertrochanteric fractures. There were 65 cases in control group, including 18 males and 47 females, with an average age of (81.4±8.7) years old ranging from 65 to 94 years old, involving 29 femoral neck fractures and 36 femoral intertrochanteric fractures. The visual analogue scale(VAS), minimental state examination (MMSE), observer's assessment of alertness/sedation(OAA/S) scale, modified Bromage score, postoperative complications and general conditions during hospitalization in two groups were observed. RESULTS: The resting and exercise VAS at 30 min after block, anesthesia placement and 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery were lower than those in group C(P<0.05). In group F, MMSE scores at 12 h before surgery, and 1, 3 d after surgery and OAA/S scores at 3 d after surgery were higher than those in group C(P<0.05). The incidence of adverse effects and the number requiring additional analgesia were lower than those in group C(P<0.05). Group F had better perioperative analgesia satisfaction and hospital stay than group C(P<0.05). But there was no significant difference regarding Bromage score and 30-day mortality between two group(P>0.05). CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided continuous fascia iliacus space block was safe and effective for elderly patients with hip fracture, and could significantly reduce perioperative pain, improve postoperative cognitive function, and reduce postoperative complications, thereby shortening hospital stay and improving the quality of life during hospitalization.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Pain Management ; Nerve Block ; Quality of Life ; Hip Fractures/surgery* ; Pain/surgery* ; Femoral Neck Fractures/surgery* ; Femoral Fractures/surgery* ; Ultrasonography, Interventional ; Postoperative Complications/surgery* ; Fascia ; Pain, Postoperative

Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloids (SZ-A) are a group of polyhydroxy alkaloids extracted and isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine mulberry twig, which is mainly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to acting as a glycosidase inhibitor in the small intestine after oral administration, SZ-A can also be absorbed into blood and widely distributed to target organs related to diabetes, exerting multiple pharmacological effects. It is important to elucidate the possible pharmacokinetic influences of SZ-A for its clinical rational applications, such as drug interactions, the effects of food and alcohol on the absorption of SZ-A. However, studies in this area are limited. Therefore, the pharmacokinetic interactions between orally administrated SZ-A (50 mg·kg^-1) and metformin hydrochloride (Met, 200 mg·kg^-1) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were examined. Then, the effect of food (standard feed) on the pharmacokinetics of SZ-A was investigated using fasting administration of SZ-A (50 mg·kg^-1) in rats as a control. Finally, we investigated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of SZ-A (50 mg·kg^-1) in different concentrations alcohol solutions using aqueous solution of SZ-A administered to rats as a control to evaluate the effect of alcohol on the bioabsorption of SZ-A. The results showed no significant pharmacokinetic interactions between SZ-A and Met after combination treatment. The standard feed had little effect on the pharmacokinetic profile of SZ-A. Alcohol retarded the absorption of SZ-A, resulting in a significant decrease in the C_max of SZ-A. The decrease was greater at higher alcohol concentrations; however, no significant difference was observed in the AUC_0-t. These results support the clinical rational applications of SZ-A. All animal protocols were approved by the Ethics Committee of Kangtai Medical Laboratory Service Hebei Co., Ltd. (Hebei, China) (No. MDL2022-01-17-1).

Objective: To analyze the difference in depression symptoms and influencing factors between urban and rural elderly people aged ≥65 years old in Anhui Province. Methods: Based on the data from a survey of 68 communities in Anhui Province that implemented the National Elderly Psychological Care Project from 2019 to 2020, the current status of depression symptoms in the elderly was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The difference in the detection rate of depression symptoms between urban and rural elderly people with different characteristics was compared by using the χ² test. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the relevant factors of depression symptoms in urban and rural elderly people. Results: A total of 15 532 elderly people aged≥65 years old were included in the survey. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 7.12%, which was higher in rural areas (9.08%) than in urban areas (6.48%). Logistic regression showed that chronic diseases were risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people from both urban and rural areas. Positive attitudes towards aging and good mental resilience were protective factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people. Having hobby (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.45-0.91), good relationship with children (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.41-0.76), good relationship with spouse (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.37-0.71), and having at least 6 friends (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.32-0.71) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in urban elderly people. A good relationship with neighbors (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.41-0.82) and having 1-2 friends (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.25-0.64) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Women (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.06-2.10) and higher education level (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.19-2.74, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in primary school; OR=2.94, 95%CI: 1.82-4.76, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in junior high school and above) were the risk factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Conclusion: There are differences between urban and rural areas in depressive symptoms among elderly people in Anhui Province. The detection rate of depression symptoms among rural elderly people is higher, and the influencing factors of depressive symptoms between urban and rural elderly people are also different, which should be treated specifically in the implementation of intervention measures.
Child ; Aged ; Humans ; Female ; Depression/epidemiology* ; Logistic Models ; Risk Factors ; Schools

Krüppel-like transcription factor 2 (KLF2) plays a key regulatory role in endothelial inflammation, thrombosis, angiogenesis and macrophage inflammation and polarization, and up-regulation of KLF2 expression has the potential to prevent and treatment atherosclerosis. In this study, trichostatin C (TSC) was obtained from the secondary metabolites of rice fermentation of Streptomyces sp. CPCC 203909 as a KLF2 up-regulator by using a high throughput screening model based on a KLF2 promoter luciferase reporter assay. TSC significantly inhibited the adhesion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) induced monocytes (THP-1) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Western blot results showed that TSC decreased TNFα induced the protein expression increase of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and thereby inhibited endothelial inflammation. The results of histone deacetylase (HDAC) overexpression and molecular docking experiments showed that TSC upregulated the expression of KLF2 by inhibiting subtypes of HDAC 4/5/7. In conclusion, this study suggests that TSC up-regulates the expression of KLF2 through inhibiting HDAC 4/5/7 and thus inhibits TNFα induced endothelial inflammation, and it has the potential to prevent and treat atherosclerosis.

Objective: To analyze the difference in depression symptoms and influencing factors between urban and rural elderly people aged ≥65 years old in Anhui Province. Methods: Based on the data from a survey of 68 communities in Anhui Province that implemented the National Elderly Psychological Care Project from 2019 to 2020, the current status of depression symptoms in the elderly was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The difference in the detection rate of depression symptoms between urban and rural elderly people with different characteristics was compared by using the χ² test. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the relevant factors of depression symptoms in urban and rural elderly people. Results: A total of 15 532 elderly people aged≥65 years old were included in the survey. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 7.12%, which was higher in rural areas (9.08%) than in urban areas (6.48%). Logistic regression showed that chronic diseases were risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people from both urban and rural areas. Positive attitudes towards aging and good mental resilience were protective factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people. Having hobby (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.45-0.91), good relationship with children (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.41-0.76), good relationship with spouse (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.37-0.71), and having at least 6 friends (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.32-0.71) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in urban elderly people. A good relationship with neighbors (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.41-0.82) and having 1-2 friends (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.25-0.64) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Women (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.06-2.10) and higher education level (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.19-2.74, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in primary school; OR=2.94, 95%CI: 1.82-4.76, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in junior high school and above) were the risk factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Conclusion: There are differences between urban and rural areas in depressive symptoms among elderly people in Anhui Province. The detection rate of depression symptoms among rural elderly people is higher, and the influencing factors of depressive symptoms between urban and rural elderly people are also different, which should be treated specifically in the implementation of intervention measures.
Child ; Aged ; Humans ; Female ; Depression/epidemiology* ; Logistic Models ; Risk Factors ; Schools

Humans ; Gallbladder Neoplasms/pathology* ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Immunotherapy