ObjectiveTo explore the effect of different drying conditions on the appearance and intrinsic quality indicators of Pinelliae Rhizoma for screening suitable drying conditions， so as to provide reference for its standardized production and quality evaluation. MethodsDifferent dried samples of Pinelliae Rhizoma were prepared by lime-assisted sweating method and intermittent drying method. Visual analysis was employed to measure the color brightness values（L^*） of the surface， cross-section and powder of the samples， texture analyzer was used to determine the hardness of the samples under different drying conditions. The total starch content was calculated by measuring the contents of amylose and amylopectin in the samples with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. High performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） was used to determine the contents of seven nucleoside components（uracil， hypoxanthine， uridine， inosine， guanosine， β-thymidine and adenosine） in the samples. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the external characteristics and intrinsic indicators of the different dried samples. Principal component analysis（PCA） was used to comprehensively rank the data of various indicators， and partial least squares-discriminant analysis（PLS-DA） was used to screen differential components with variable importance in the projection（VIP） value>1. Furthermore， the difference between the optimal drying condition for Pinelliae Rhizoma and the traditional sun-drying method was explored by independent samples t-test. ResultsWith the increase of temperature， the color of the intermittently dried samples gradually deepened， while their hardness gradually decreased. Concurrently， the contents of extract， total starch， uridine and adenosine exhibited an upward trend， whereas the contents of uracil， hypoxanthine and inosine displayed a downward trajectory. Compared with the intermittent drying group， the content of extract in the samples subjected to lime-assisted sweating increased. With the increase of lime dose， the hardness and the total content of nucleoside components in the samples showed a downward trend， while the total starch content showed an upward trend. Correlation analysis showed that the comprehensive score of L^* was negatively correlated with the contents of uracil， hypoxanthine and inosine， and positively correlated with the contents of uridine， guanosine and adenosine. Hardness was negatively correlated with adenosine content， and positively correlated with the contents of inosine， uracil and hypoxanthine. Through comprehensive consideration and comprehensive score of principal components， the method of 5% lime-mixed sweating for 6 days emerged as the top-ranking approach. Except for the extract， the results of independent samples t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the 5% lime-mixed sweating for 6 days and the traditional sun-drying in terms of other content indicators. ConclusionThe whiteness and firmness of Pinelliae Rhizoma exhibit significant correlations with its chemical composition， while uridine， uracil， guanosine， adenosine and inosine are the key constituents responsible for the quality difference of Pinelliae Rhizoma under different drying conditions. The lime-assisted sweating method optimized in this study can be proposed as a viable alternative to the traditional sun-drying method. This method not only ensures the quality of the medicinal material but also effectively reduces the drying time and prevents mold contamination， which provides a valuable reference for the standardization of drying conditions and the establishment of quality evaluation criteria for Pinelliae Rhizoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between the polygenic risks for various psychiatric disorders and clinical and neuropsychological characteristics in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 285 children with ADHD and 107 healthy controls were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for parents, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition, and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Blood samples were collected for genetic data. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for various psychiatric disorders were calculated using the PRSice-2 software. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy controls, the children with ADHD displayed significantly higher PRSs for ADHD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (P<0.05). In terms of daily-life executive function, ADHD-related PRS was significantly correlated with the working memory factor; panic disorder-related PRS was significantly correlated with the initiation factor; bipolar disorder-related PRS was significantly correlated with the shift factor; schizophrenia-related PRS was significantly correlated with the inhibition, emotional control, initiation, working memory, planning, organization, and monitoring factors (P<0.05). The PRS related to anxiety disorders was negatively correlated with total IQ and processing speed index (P<0.05). The PRS related to obsessive-compulsive disorder was negatively correlated with the processing speed index and positively correlated with the stop-signal reaction time index of the stop-signal task (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PRSs for various psychiatric disorders are closely correlated with the behavioral and cognitive characteristics in children with ADHD, which provides more insights into the heterogeneity of ADHD.
Humans ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/genetics* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Multifactorial Inheritance ; Adolescent ; Mental Disorders/etiology* ; Executive Function ; Genetic Risk Score

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers-based prediction of long-term risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is scarce. We aim to develop a risk score integrating clinical routine information (C) and plasma biomarkers (B) for predicting long-term risk of ACS patients. METHODS: We included 2729 ACS patients from the OCEA (Observation of cardiovascular events in ACS patients). The earlier admitted 1910 patients were enrolled as development cohort; and the subsequently admitted 819 subjects were treated as validation cohort. We investigated 10-year risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI) and all cause death in these patients. Potential variables contributing to risk of clinical events were assessed using Cox regression models and a score was derived using main part of these variables. RESULTS: During 16,110 person-years of follow-up, there were 238 CV death/MI in the development cohort. The 7 most important predictors including in the final model were NT-proBNP, D-dimer, GDF-15, peripheral artery disease (PAD), Fibrinogen, ST-segment elevated MI (STEMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), termed as CB-ACS score. C-index of the score for predication of cardiovascular events was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.82) in development cohort and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76-0.78) in the validation cohort (5832 person-years of follow-up), which outperformed GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS risk score. The CB-ACS score was also well calibrated in development and validation cohort (Greenwood-Nam-D'Agostino: P = 0.70 and P = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS CB-ACS risk score provides a useful tool for long-term prediction of CV events in patients with ACS. This model outperforms GRACE 2.0 and ABC-ACS ischemic risk score.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

Objective China is among the 30 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis(TB)worldwide,and TB remains a public health concern.Kashgar Prefecture in the southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region is considered as one of the highest TB burden regions in China.However,molecular epidemiological studies of Kashgar are lacking. Methods A population-based retrospective study was conducted using whole-genome sequencing(WGS)to determine the characteristics of drug resistance and the transmission patterns. Results A total of 1,668 isolates collected in 2020 were classified into lineages 2(46.0%),3(27.5%),and 4(26.5%).The drug resistance rates revealed by WGS showed that the top three drugs in terms of the resistance rate were isoniazid(7.4%,124/1,668),streptomycin(6.0%,100/1,668),and rifampicin(3.3%,55/1,668).The rate of rifampicin resistance was 1.8%(23/1,290)in the new cases and 9.4%(32/340)in the previously treated cases.Known resistance mutations were detected more frequently in lineage 2 strains than in lineage 3 or 4 strains,respectively:18.6%vs.8.7 or 9%,P<0.001.The estimated proportion of recent transmissions was 25.9%(432/1,668).Multivariate logistic analyses indicated that sex,age,occupation,lineage,and drug resistance were the risk factors for recent transmission.Despite the low rate of drug resistance,drug-resistant strains had a higher risk of recent transmission than the susceptible strains(adjusted odds ratio,1.414;95%CI,1.023-1.954;P = 0.036).Among all patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis(DR-TB),78.4%(171/218)were attributed to the transmission of DR-TB strains. Conclusion Our results suggest that drug-resistant strains are more transmissible than susceptible strains and that transmission is the major driving force of the current DR-TB epidemic in Kashgar.

Objective To explore the correlation between lung injury and human neutrophil lipocalin(HNL)in rats with sepsis.Methods 45 rats were randomly divided into a control group,a sham group,and a model group.The model group was to construct a rat sepsis lung injury model,the sham group was to free cecum laparotomy and then close abdomen without ligation and puncture,and the control group was with healthy rats.Serum interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-α),and HNL in each group of rats were detected with reagent kit.Oxygenation index was detected by blood gas analysis system.Lung wet/dry(W/D)ratio was calculated.Patho-logical morphology of lung tissue was observed by HE staining,and lung injury score was calculated.Results There were no significant differences in IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,HNL levels,oxygenation index,lung tissue wet/dry ratio,and lung injury score between the control group and the sham group at 12,24 and 36 hours(all P＞0.05).Compared with the sham group,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,HNL levels,oxygenation index,lung tissue wet/dry ratio,and lung injury score in the model group increased at 12,24 and 36 hours,with significant differences(all P＜0.05).At 12,24 and 36 hours,lung tissue structure of rats was normal in the control group,with no edema ob-served;there were only a few inflammatory cells in the lung tissue of rats from the sham group;while in the model group,lung tissue structure of rats was severely injured,pulmonary alveoli collapsed,and inflammatory cells were severely infiltrated,but pathology improved with time.In rats with sepsis and lung injury,HNL was positively cor-related with IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,lung wet/dry ratio,and lung injury scores(all P＜0.05),while negatively corre-lated with oxygenation index(P＜0.05).Conclusion In rats with sepsis lung injury,HNL increases significantly,with severe inflammation and aggravation in lung tissue wet/dry ratio and lung injury,while oxygenation index de-creases.HNL level is positively correlated with IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α levels,lung tissue wet/dry ratio and lung inju-ry,but negatively correlates with oxygenation index.

Objective:To investigate the effects of ATG5 and ATG7 genes on the sensitivity of multiple myeloma(MM)cell line RPMI-8226 cells to ferroptosis.Methods:CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out the autophagy key genes ATG5 and ATG7 in RPMI-8226 cells.Western blot was used to identify gene knockout cells,and detect the expression changes of autophagy-related proteins P62 and LC3B.Flow cytometry was used to detect the change of sensitivity of gene knockout cells to RSL3.The content of intracellular ferrous ions and reactive oxygen species(ROS)level in gene knockout cells were detected.Results:Western blot result confirmed that ATG5 and ATG7 genes were knocked out successfully in RPMI-8226 cells.The result of flow cytometry showed that the cell viability of RPMI-8226 cells was dose-dependent on different concentrations of RSL3(r=-0.969).RSL3(10 μmol/L)was used to induce ferroptosis in cells of control group and gene knockout groups,then the cell viability in gene knockout groups were both higher than control group after 48 hours(both P＜0.001).After knocking out the ATG5 and ATG7 genes,the content of intracellular Fe2+decreased significantly compared with control group(both P＜0.01),and the ROS level also decreased(both P＜0.001).Conclusion:Knockout of ATG5 and ATG7 genes can inhibit the ferroptosis of MM cells,and LAP pathway may be involved in the regulation.

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of adapalene on the morphology and functions of neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y,as well as its role in inducing cell differentiation and apoptosis.Methods SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group,low concentration(0.1 pM and 1 pM)adapalene groups,and high concentration(10 μM)adapalene group.Time-lapse microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes of SH-SY5Y cells.Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of neuronal specific marker βⅢ-tubulin and mature neuronal marker neurofilament heavy polypeptide(NFH).Multi-electrode array was used to record the electrophysiological features of SH-SY5Y cells.Cell apoptosis was evaluated using a cell apoptosis detection kit.Results Low concentrations of adapalene promoted the formation of neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells,with the neurites interconnected to form a network.Spontaneous discharge activity was observed in SH-SY5Y cells treated with low concentrations of adapalene.Compared to the control group,the expression of βⅢ-tubulin and NFH increased in the 1 μM adapalene group,while the level of cell apoptosis increased in the high concentration adapalene group(P＜0.05).Conclusions Low concentrations of adapalene can induce differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into mature functional neurons,while high concentrations of adapalene can induce apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(3):282-288]

Objective:To explore the effects of Sangqiao Qingfei Prescription combined with Western medicine conventional therapy with mechanical ventilation on lung function and airway inflammation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) respiratory failure; To evaluate clinical efficacy.Methods:A randomized controlled trial study was conducted. Totally 90 AECOPD patients with respiratory failure in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 45 cases in each group. The control group received mechanical ventilation treatment, while the observation group received Sangqiao Qingfei Prescription on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. TCM syndrome scoring was performed before and after treatment, and the time of successful withdrawal from the machine was recorded; a blood gas analyzer was used to detect PaO 2, PaCO 2, blood oxygen saturation (SaO 2) and pH values; the plateau pressure (Pplat), peak airway pressure (Ppeak), airway resistance (Raw) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) were recorded during the ventilator; a pulmonary function meter was used to measure respiratory rate (RR), maximum expiratory flow (PEF), FVC, FEV1, and the percentage of FEV1 to the estimated value (FEV1% estimated value); serum CRP, TNF-α, and Procalcitonin (PCT) were detected using ELISA method. Clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:During the treatment period, there were no cases of detachment in both groups. The mechanical ventilation time in the observation group was (7.16 ± 0.69) d, while in the control group it was (9.88 ± 1.04) d, with statistical significance ( t=14.62, P<0.001); after treatment, the main symptom, secondary symptom scores, and total scores of the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( t values of 13.43, 18.53, 31.21, P<0.001); the PaO 2 [(79.16 ± 7.42) mmHg vs. (67.49 ± 6.88) mmHg, t=8.24], SaO 2 [(95.15 ± 9.93)% vs. (84.59 ± 9.48)%, t=5.16], and pH value (7.35 ± 0.23 vs. 7.26 ± 0.16, t=2.16) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), while PaCO 2 [(49.89 ± 3.65) mmHg vs. (62.39 ± 4.27) mmHg, t=14.93] was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.01); after treatment in the observation group, Pplat [(15.31 ± 2.51) cmH 2O vs. (17.53 ± 2.02) cmH 2O, t=4.62], Ppeak [(22.43 ± 3.16) cmH 2O vs. (25.78 ± 3.17) cmH 2O, t=5.02], Raw [(18.96 ± 3.86) cmH 2O/(S?L) vs. (24.29 ± 4.29) cmH 2O/(S?L), t=6.20] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01), Cdyn [(34.53 ± 3.35) cmH 2O/(S?L) vs. (30.27 ± 3.87) cmH 2O/(S?L), t=5.58] was higher than the control group ( P<0.01); the RR [(19.25 ± 2.43) times/min vs. (23.49 ± 3.07) times/min, t=7.26] in the observation group was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.01), PEF [(4.99 ± 0.40) L/s vs. (4.03 ± 0.34) L/s, t=12.27], FVC [(3.04 ± 0.20) L vs. (2.14 ± 0.22) L, t=20.31], FEV1 [(2.83 ± 0.20) L vs. (2.16 ± 0.13) L, t=18.84], FEV1% estimated value [(42.23 ± 4.66)% vs. (36.43 ± 5.09)%, t=5.64] were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01); serum CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and PCT in the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 18.13, 13.36, 15.97, 30.67, P<0.01). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.33% (42/45), while that of the control group was 77.78% (35/45), with statistical significance ( χ2=4.41, P=0.036). Conclusion:The combination of Sangqiao Qingfei Prescription and conventional Western medicine treatment with mechanical ventilation can effectively improve lung ventilation function, reduce inflammatory cytokine levels, alleviate inflammatory reactions, and improve clinical efficacy in AECOPD patients with respiratory failure.