ObjectiveTo explore the dose-effect relationship and safety of high， medium， and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in the modified Huangqi Chifengtang （MHCD） for treating proteinuria in immunoglobulin A （IgA） nephropathy， and to provide scientific evidence for the clinical use of high-dose Astragali Radix in the treatment of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. MethodsA total of 120 patients with IgA nephropathy， diagnosed with Qi deficiency and blood stasis combined with wind pathogen and heat toxicity， were randomly divided into a control group and three treatment groups. The control group received telmisartan combined with a Chinese medicine placebo， while the treatment groups were given telmisartan combined with MHCD containing different doses of raw Astragali Radix （60， 30， 15 g）. Each group contained 30 patients， and the treatment period was 12 weeks. Changes in 24-hour urinary protein （24 hUTP）， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， effective rate， and renal function were observed before and after treatment. Safety was assessed by monitoring liver function and blood routine. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment， 24 hUTP significantly decreased in the high， medium， and low-dose groups， as well as the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The TCM syndrome scores in the high， medium， and low-dose groups also significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Comparisons between groups showed that the 24 hUTP in the high-dose group was significantly lower than in the medium， low-dose， and control groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the 24 hUTP in the medium-dose group was significantly lower than in the control group （P<0.05）. The TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly lower than in the low-dose and control groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The total effective rates for proteinuria in the high， medium， low-dose， and control groups were 92.59% （25/27）， 85.19% （23/27）， 60.71% （17/28）， and 57.14% （16/28）， respectively. The effective rates in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly higher than in the low-dose and control groups （χ²=13.185， P<0.05， P<0.01）. The effective rates for TCM syndrome scores in the high， medium， low-dose， and control groups were 88.89% （24/27）， 81.48% （22/27）， 71.43% （20/28）， and 46.43% （13/28）， respectively. The efficacy of TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups was significantly higher than in the control group （χ²=14.053， P<0.01）. Compared with pre-treatment values， there was no statistically significant difference in eGFR and serum creatinine in the high and medium-dose groups. However， eGFR significantly decreased in the low-dose and control groups after treatment （P<0.05）， and serum creatinine levels increased significantly in the control group （P<0.05）. No statistically significant differences were observed in urea nitrogen， uric acid， albumin， total cholesterol， triglycerides， liver function， and blood routine before and after treatment in any group. ConclusionThere is a dose-effect relationship in the treatment of IgA nephropathy with high， medium， and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in MHCD. The high-dose group exhibited the best therapeutic effect and good safety profile.

Objective This study aimed to explore the heterogeneity and gene ontology of Wnt1-Cre-marked and Pax2-Cre-marked first branchial arch cranial neural crest cells(CNCs)in mice.Methods The embryos of Wnt1-Cre;R26RmTmG and Pax2-Cre;R26RmTmG at embryonic day(E)8.0-E9.25 were collected for histological observation.We per-formed immunostaining to compare green fluorescent pro-tein(GFP)-positive CNCs in Pax2-Cre;R26RAi9 and Wnt1-Cre;R26RAi9 mice at E15.5.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)was used to analyze the first branchial arch GFP-positive CNCs from Wnt1-Cre;R26RmTmG and Pax2-cre;R26RmTmGmice at E10.5.Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q-PCR)was performed to val-idate the differential genes.Results Wnt1-Cre-marked and Pax2-Cre-marked CNCs migrated from the neural plateto first and second branchial arches and to the first branchial arch,respectively,at E8.0.Although Wnt1-Cre-marked and Pax2-Cre-marked CNCs were found mostly in cranial-facial tissues,the former had higher expression in palate and tongue.The results of scRNA-seq showed that Pax2-Cre-marked CNCs specifically contributed to osteoblast differentia-tion and ossification,while Wnt1-Cre-marked CNCs participated in limb development,cell migration,and ossification.The q-PCR data also confirmed the results of gene ontology analysis.Conclusion Pax2-Cre mice are perfect experimen-tal animal models for research on first branchial arch CNCs and derivatives in osteoblast differentiation and ossification.

Objective The occurrence of chickenpox in rapidly developing areas poses substantial seasonal risk to children.However,certain factors influencing local chickenpox outbreaks have not been studied.Here,we examined the relationship between spatial clustering,heterogeneity of chickenpox outbreaks,and socioeconomic factors in Southern China. Methods We assessed chickenpox outbreak data from Southern China between 2006 and 2021,comprising both relatively fast-growing parts and slower sub-regions,and provides a representative sample of many developing regions.We analyzed the spatial clustering attributes associated with chickenpox outbreaks using Moran's I and local indicators of spatial association and quantified their socioeconomic determinants using Geodetector q statistics. Results There were significant spatial heterogeneity in the risk of chickenpox outbreaks,with strong correlations between chickenpox risk and various factors,particularly demographics and living environment.Furthermore,interactive effects among specific are factors,such as population density and per capita residential building area,percentage of households with toilets,percentage of rental housing,exhibited q statistics of 0.28,0.25,and 0.24,respectively. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of chickenpox outbreaks in rapidly developing regions,revealing the socioeconomic factors affecting disease transmission.These implications extend the formulation of effective public health strategies and interventions to prevent and control chickenpox outbreaks in similar global contexts.

Objective:To investigate the status quo of psychological distress among parents of children with cancer and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:Totally 334 parents of pediatric oncology patients meeting the inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling from Hunan Children's Hospital between June and October 2022. A questionnaire survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, Distress Thermometer, Social Support Rating Scale, and Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Family Member Form.Results:A total of 334 questionnaires were distributed, with 298 valid responses received, making the effective response rate 89.22%. The DT score of the 298 parents of pediatric oncology patients was (7.58±2.85). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that parental gender, the impact of caregiving on income, economic pressure, uncertainty in illness, and social support were significant influencing factors of the parents' psychological distress ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The psychological distress of parents of children with cancer is at a relatively high level and is influenced by multiple factors. Medical professionals can implement targeted interventions based on specific circumstances to alleviate the psychological distress of these parents.

Objective:To clarify the effects of microwave radiation on anxiety-like behavior, the histomorphology of the secondary visual cortex, and calcium activity in neurons.Methods:36 C57BL/6N mice were selected and divided into control group and microwave radiation group according to the random number table method. In the simple behavioral testing, there were 8 mice in the control group and 7 mice in the radiation group. Combining fiber optic recording with behavioral experiments, there were 8 mice in the control group and 7 mice in the radiation group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted with 3 mice in each group. A high-power microwave simulated source in the X-band with a center frequency of 9.875 GHz and an average power density of 12 mW/cm 2 was used to irradiate the mice for 15 minutes, establishing a microwave radiation animal model. Then, anxiety-like behavior changes in the radiation group were identified using the open-field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. The effects of microwave radiation on the histomorphology of the secondary visual cortex were investigated using HE staining and optical microscopy. Based on the genetically encoded calcium imaging technique, as well as optical fiber recording combined with behavioral paradigms in the open field and the EPM, the changes of calcium activity in neurons in the V2M region of the secondary visual cortex were detected. Results:Compared to the control group, the radiation group showed a significant decrease in the frequency of exploring the central region of the open field and the open arm of the EPM ( t = 2.24, 3.10, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the radiation group exhibited the degeneration and apoptosis of some neurons in the secondary visual cortex, primarily manifested as pyknosis and deep staining, cell body shrinkage, and the slightly widening of perivascular space. Fiber optic recordings and behavioral experiments indicated that compared to the control group, mice in the radiation group exhibited significantly increased calcium activities in neurons of the secondary visual cortex when exploring the central region of the open field ( t = -2.75, P < 0.05) or the open arm of the EPM ( t = -2.77, -3.41, P < 0.05) compared to those before radiation after microwave exposure. Conclusions:Microwave radiation can induce anxiety-like behaviors and histopathological changes in the secondary visual cortex. Increased calcium activity in neurons of the secondary visual cortex is proved to be an important mechanism underlying the changes in anxiety-like behavior due to microwave radiation.

Objective:To explore the application of effect of healthcare failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) in emergency waiting risk management.Methods:From May 2020 to April 2021, totally 87 902 emergency waiting patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were assigned to control group by cluster sampling method. From May 2021 to April 2022, 80 594 emergency waiting patients were assigned to observed group. The patients in the control group received routine emergency waiting of itinerant management mode. In contrast, the patients in the observed group received emergency waiting risk management mode based on HFMEA. The process risk priority number (RPN) and waiting risk management index between two groups were compared.Results:The mean RPN of the observed group was (98.48 ± 8.27) points, significantly lower than that of the control group (251.27 ± 16.95) points. The nurses′ pre-identification rates of changes in the condition and adverse reaction in the observed group were 10.77%(8680/80 594) and 13.37%(10 775/80 594), which were higher than those in the control group, 5.77%(5072/87 902) and 8.12%(7134/87 902), the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 1402.32 and 1221.66, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of HFMEA to optimize the emergency waiting management process can effectively reduce the risk of emergency waiting and improve the quality of emergency waiting management.

Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergency events (PHEE) of varicella in China from 2006 to 2021 and related response performances.Methods:The data of varicella PHEE in 31 provinces of China from 2006 to 2021 were collected through the Public Health Emergency Management Information System, Microsoft Excel 2019 software and SPSS 26.0 statistical software were used to conduct descriptive epidemiological, statistical analysis on the time, area, location distribution, scale and epidemic management.Results:A total of 11 443 PHEE involving 341 048 related cases were reported from 2006 to 2021, with an annual attack rate of 1.78%-3.80% and a total attack rate of 2.33% (341 048/14 624 042). The number of PHEE and related cases of varicella decreased from 1 107 (35 349) in 2007 to 262 (6 884) in 2012 ( Z=-2.40, P<0.001), then increased year by year to 1 318 (42 649) in 2019 ( Z=2.58, P<0.001), with a significant decline since 2020. The varicella PHEE in China presents the seasonal characteristics,the peak is from April to June and from October to December, respectively. The sub-peak of varicella PHEE in eastern China generally appears 1-2 months earlier than in central and western China. Varicella PHEE reports are mainly distributed in eastern China, the attack rate is relatively high in western China, school-reported varicella PHEE was 88.26% of the total reports (10 099/11 443). The epidemic scale of varrcella PHEE typically range from 10 to 29 cases per year among the given outbreaks. The M ( Q1, Q3) of average number of cases, average duration, and average reporting interval of PHEE were 23 (16,35), 20 (14, 26) days, and 9 (5,19) days, respectively, and the reporting interval was positively correlated with the duration ( r=0.854, P<0.001). Conclusions:The varicella PHEE in China from 2006 to 2021 has not been effectively controlled. Schools are the key places to prevent and control varicella PHEE. Improving the sensitivity of varicella PHEE monitoring, strengthening the timely disposal of varicella epidemic, and promoting varicella vaccination are effective measures to prevent and control varicella PHEE.

Objective:To understand the progress, maternal morbidity, and maternal and infant outcomes in pregnant women with non-severe primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) during two consecutive pregnancies.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 40 patients with non-severe ITP who had two pregnancies and were treated at Peking University People's Hospital between June 2010 and June 2020. Platelet counts at different stages of pregnancy, treatments, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes were compared with Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, paired sample t-test, non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test, independent sample t-test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results:Among the 40 patients, 18 were diagnosed before and 22 were first diagnosed during the first gestation. Platelet counts and treatments in the 18 patients prior to their first conception were not significantly different from those in the 40 patients before their second pregnancy (all P>0.05). No significant difference in the average platelet count and thrombocytopenia severity at each stage of pregnancy, and maternal bleeding score or drug treatment was observed between the two pregnancies (all P>0.05), neither in the incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, premature rupture of membranes, premature delivery, or anemia (all P>0.05). The incidences of postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage in the second pregnancy were 30.0%(12/40) and 22.5%(9/40), respectively, which were both higher than those in the first gestation [(7.5%(3/40) and 5.0%(2/40); χ2=6.64, 5.17; P=0.010, 0.023]. The amount of postpartum hemorrhage was higher in the second pregnancy than in the first [500 ml(213-795 ml) vs 300 ml(163-400 ml), Z=－2.34, P=0.019]. There was no significant difference in birth weight, the incidence of passive ITP or intracranial hemorrhage, or mortality between the neonates of the first and second pregnancy group (all P>0.05). The lowest platelet count in neonates within one week after birth in the second pregnancy group was (202.2±106.7)×10 9/L, which was lower than that of the first [(222.5±91.8)×10 9/L, Z=－2.04, P=0.041]. Conclusions:Non-severe ITP is not worse in the second pregnancy than in the first. In women with non-severe ITP, the incidence of maternal complications is not increased in the second pregnancy, but the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and the incidence of neonatal passive immune thrombocytopenia are raised.

Objective:To analyze the prevalence of anemia and its influencing factors in the elderly population dwelling in urban communities in Beijing.Methods:A random cluster sampling method was adopted to select the elderly people of communities in Beijing, and cross-sectional research was conducted through questionnaire surveys, field tests and blood sample collection.The criteria for diagnosing anemia were from WHO standards, and the health evaluation indicators in the questionnaire survey included demographic data and eating habits, socio-economic information, information on enjoying health services, health and physical fitness and other information.Blood samples were drawn for routine blood tests and biochemical tests.Results:A total of 1 947 elderly people aged 65 years and above were investigated, including 789 males(40.5%)and 1 158 females(59.5%). Among the 1 947 survey subjects, 288 elderly people had anemia, with the prevalence of anemia of 14.79%(288/1 947). The prevalence of anemia was 16.35%(129/789)in males and 13.73%(159/1 158)in females.There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of anemia between male and female( χ2=2.760, P=0.097). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors affecting anemia.The results showed that the higher age( OR=1.055, P=0.000), the higher frequency of meat-eating( OR=1.353, P=0.046), the lower frequency of fruit-eating( OR=0.759, P=0.048), the worse health status of cohabitants( OR=0.757, P=0.037), the lower BMI( OR=0.905, P=0.001)and the lower exercise frequency( OR=0.769, P=0.012)were correlated to the higher anemia risk in the elderly population dwelling in urban communities in Beijing. Conclusions:The prevalence of anemia is relatively high in the elderly in Beijing communities.According to our findings, older people should reduce the frequency of eating meat, while ensuring nutritional intake, increase the intake of fruits and take appropriate exercises to reduce the prevalence of anemia.

Objective To collect the serum samples of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to investigate the changes in serum metabolic biomarkers before and after lifestyle intervention. Methods A total of 23 patients who were diagnosed with NAFLD in Department of Gastroenterology and Inpatient Department, Putuo District Central Hospital of Shanghai, from January 2019 to January 2020 were enrolled, and all patients received the intervention with aerobic exercise and equicaloric low-carbohydrate high-protein diet. A total of 13 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination in Physical Examination Center were enrolled as control group. For the patients with NAFLD, basic information was collected before and after intervention, blood samples were collected twice to measure liver function, blood glucose, and blood lipids, and part of serum was used for serum metabolomics analysis. The serum samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry. The data collected were processed in Compound Discover, and then principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to establish the profile of differentially expressed blood metabolites between patients and healthy people and perform the enrichment analysis of differentially expressed metabolic pathways. The independent samples t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Wilcoxon non-parametric test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. Results After lifestyle intervention, the patients had significant reductions in body mass index ( P < 0.01), body weight ( P < 0.01), and serum biochemical parameters alkaline phosphatase, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alanine aminotransferase (all P < 0.05), as well as a significant reduction in total protein ( P < 0.01), while there were no significant improvements in cholinesterase, aspartate aminotransferase, and glucose. As for the four items for blood lipids, there was a significant reduction in triglyceride ( P < 0.01), while there were no significant improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol. The metabolomics analysis showed that 33 serum metabolites changed significantly after lifestyle intervention. In addition, PCA results showed that after intervention, the level of metabolites in patients tended to be normal. The signaling pathway analysis showed that exercise and diet mainly affected the pathways of bile acid, unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. Conclusion Lifestyle intervention can achieve varying degrees of reduction in the body weight of patients with NAFLD, improve serum biochemical parameters, and regulate the abnormal metabolic pathway in patients with NAFLD, which has important clinical value and significance for guiding clinicians to formulate reasonable diet and exercise strategies for patients with NAFLD and prevent the progression of NAFLD.