To compare the clinical efficacy of intralesional corticosteroid injection combined with topical corticosteroids versus topical corticosteroids alone in patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM).

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Chaihu Shugansan on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ（CaMKⅡ）/cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） signaling pathway in the hippocampus and heart tissue of a rat model with myocardial ischemia and depression and explore the mechanism by which this formula prevents and treats coronary heart disease combined with depression. MethodsThe model of myocardial ischemia combined with depression was established by high-fat diet， intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol （ISO）， and chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. A total of 108 SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， high （23.4 g·kg^-1）， medium （11.7 g·kg^-1）， and low （5.85 g·kg^-1） dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan， CaMKⅡ inhibitor （KN93） group， and KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan， with 12 rats in each group. From the first day of modeling to the end of modeling， drugs were administered once a day. In the seventh and eighth weeks， the KN93 group and the KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan were intraperitoneally injected with KN93 three times weekly. At the end of the eighth week， behavioral tests including sucrose preference， open field， and elevated plus maze were conducted. Electrocardiogram （ECG） lead Ⅱ changes were observed in each group of rats， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe changes in heart tissue. Serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， low-density lipoprotein （LDL）， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） were measured by using an enzyme-labeled instrument. Creatine kinase （CK） and creatine kinase-MB （CK-MB） were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry， while serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB in hippocampal and heart tissue， and Western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CaMKⅡ， phosphorylated （p）-CaMKⅡ， CREB， and p-CREB. ResultsCompared to the normal group， the model group showed significant reductions in sucrose preference rate， total activity distance in the open field， number of entries into the center area of the open field， and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze （P<0.01）. The ECG showed ST-segment elevation， and HE staining showed serious degeneration of myocardial fibers， disordered arrangement， and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. In addition， serum TC and LDL levels increased （P<0.01）， and HDL level decreased （P<0.01）. CK， CK-MB， LDH， and MCP-1 levels significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB decreased in the hippocampal tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， but those increased in the heart tissue （P<0.01）. Compared to the model group， the high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed improvements in these abnormalities. The KN93 group had reduced sucrose preference， total activity distance in the open field， number of entries into the center area of the open field， and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze （P<0.01）， as well as decreased serum CK， CK-MB， LDH， and MCP-1 levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. KN93 also reduced ST-segment elevation， alleviated the degeneration degree of myocardial fibrosis， and lowered inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB in both the hippocampal and heart tissue were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed further improvements in these abnormalities compared to the KN93 group. ConclusionThe modified Chaihu Shugansan exerts antidepressant and myocardial protective effects in rats with myocardial ischemia and depression， possibly related to bidirectional regulation of the CaMKⅡ/CREB signaling pathway， with the high-dose modified Chaihu Shugansan showing the best effects.

OBJECTIVES: Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal ectasia disorder, arising from a myriad of causes including genetic predispositions, environmental factors, biomechanical influences, and inflammatory reactions. This study aims to identify potential pathogenetic gene mutations in patients with sporadic KC in the Han Chinese population. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with primary KC as well as 50 unrelated population-matched healthy controls, were included in this study to identify potential pathogenic gene mutations among sporadic KC patients in the Han Chinese population. Sanger sequencing and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were used to analyze mutations in the zinc finger protein 469 (ZNF469) gene. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the potential role of ZNF469 in KC pathogenesis. RESULTS: Five novel heterozygous missense variants were identified in KC patients. Among them, 2 compound heterozygous variants, c.8986G>C (p. E2996Q) with c.11765A>C (p. D3922A), and c.4423C>G (p. L1475V) with c.10633G>A (p. G3545R), were determined to be possible pathogenic factors for KC. CONCLUSIONS Mutations in the ZNF469 gene may contribute to the development of KC in the Han Chinese population. These mutation sites may provide valuable information for future genetic screening of KC patients and their families.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Case-Control Studies ; China/ethnology* ; Exome Sequencing ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Keratoconus/genetics* ; Mutation ; Mutation, Missense ; Transcription Factors/genetics* ; East Asian People/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major chronic respiratory condition with high morbidity and mortality, imposing a serious economic and public health burden. The World Health Organization ranks COPD among the top 4 chronic diseases worldwide. Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture (ZSWQF), a novel Tibetan herbal formulation independently developed by our research team, has shown therapeutic potential for chronic respiratory diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effects of aerosolized ZSWQF on cigarette smoke-induced COPD in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty C57 mice were randomly divided into a Control group, a COPD group, and a ZSWQF group. The Control group received saline aerosol inhalation without cigarette smoke exposure; both the COPD group and the ZSWQF group were exposed to cigarette smoke, with the former receiving saline inhalation and the latter treated with ZSWQF aerosol. White blood cell (WBC) count was performed using a fully automatic blood cell analyzer. Serum, alanine transaminase (ALT), and serum creatinine (SCr), as well as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BALF cell classification was determined using a hematology analyzer. Lung function was assessed with a small animal pulmonary function system, including airway resistance (RI) and cyclic dynamic compliance (CyDN). Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and mean linear intercept (MLI) and destruction index (DI) were calculated to evaluate morphological changes. Network pharmacology was applied to identify disease-related and ZSWQF-related targets, followed by intersection and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and enrichment analysis of biological functions and pathways. Primary type II alveolar epithelial cell (AEC II) from SD rats were isolated and divided into a Control group, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, a normal serum group, a water extract of ZSWQF (W-ZSWQF) group, a ZSWQF containing serum group, and a MLN-4760 [angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 inhibitor]. Western blotting was performed to assess protein expression of ACE, p38 [a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)], phospho (p)-p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), p-ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-JNK, inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B alpha (IκBα), p-IκBα, and p-p65 subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κBp65). RESULTS: WBC counts were significantly higher in the COPD group than in controls (P<0.01) and decreased following ZSWQF treatment (P<0.05). No significant intergroup differences were found in organ weights, ALT, or SCr (all P>0.05). Serum and BALF levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, as well as total BALF cells, neutrophils, and macrophages, were elevated in the COPD group compared with controls and reduced by ZSWQF treatment (P<0.05). COPD mice exhibited increased RI, decreased CyDN, marked alveolar congestion, inflammatory infiltration, thickened septa, and higher MLI and DI values versus controls (P<0.05); ZSWQF treatment significantly reduced MLI and DI (P<0.05). Network pharmacology identified 151 potential therapeutic targets for ZSWQF against COPD, with key nodes including TNF, IL-6, protein kinase B (Akt) 1, albumin (ALB), tumor protein p53 (TP53), non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT) 3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and beta-catenin (CTNNB1). Enrichment analysis indicates involvement of cancer-related, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, calcium, and MAPK signaling pathways. Western blotting results showed that compared with the LPS group, AEC II treated with ZSWQF-containing serum exhibited decreased expression of ACE, p-p38/p38, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-NF-κBp65, while ACE2 expression was upregulated, consistent with the MAPK/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway regulation predicted by network pharmacology. CONCLUSIONS Aerosolized ZSWQF provides protective effects in COPD mice by reducing airway inflammation and remodeling.
Animals ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/etiology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Network Pharmacology ; Smoke/adverse effects* ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Administration, Inhalation ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Lung/drug effects* ; Interleukin-6/blood*

Objective:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a significant global public health issue.Modern medical treatments have both benefits and limitations,prompting increasing attention from scholars worldwide on traditional ethnic medicine,and the Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture is a newly developed formula derived from the effective components of classical Tibetan medicine to treat chronic respiratory diseases.This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture combined with conventional treatment in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD). Methods:Sixty AECOPD patients admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from May 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups,with 30 patients in each group.The control group received conventional treatment,including bronchodilators,anti-infection agents,expectorants,and oxygen therapy.The experimental group received the Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture in addition to conventional treatment.The treatment duration was 7 d for both groups.Baseline data such as gender,age,body mass index(BMI),smoking status,Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease(GOLD)classification,COPD course,and the number of COPD exacerbations in the past year were collected.The primary efficacy indicators were assessed using the modified Medical Research Council(mMRC)dyspnea scale and the modified Borg scale.Secondary indicators included arterial lactic acid(LAC)and serum tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)levels.Safety indicators included liver and kidney function[alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),serum creatinine(SCr),serum uric acid(SUA)],coagulation function[activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin time(PT),fibrinogen(FIB),and D-dimer].The generalized linear mixed model(GLMM)was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture. Results:Before treatment,there were no statistically significant differences in general baseline data,grading of mMRC dyspnea scale,score of modified Borg scale,arterial LAC,ALT,AST,SCr,SUA,APTT,FIB,and D-dimer between the 2 groups(all P＞0.05).However,serum TNF-α and PT levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(both P＜0.05).GLMM analysis showed that after adjusting for pre-and post-treatment,gender,age,BMI,smoking status,GOLD classification,COPD course,and the number of COPD exacerbations in the past year,the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower grading of mMRC dyspnea scale(coefficient=-0.329,P=0.036),score of modified Borg scale(coefficient=-1.077,P=0.001),serum TNF-α level(coefficient=-14.378,P＜0.001),and arterial LAC level(coefficient=-0.409,P=0.012)compared to the control group.The Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture had no significant effect on liver,kidney,or coagulation function indicators(all P＞0.05). Conclusion:The Zangsiwei Qingfei Mixture combined with conventional treatment can improve clinical symptoms and promote homeostasis in AECOPD patients,demonstrating safety and reliability.Combining modem medicine with traditional ethnic medicine offers a feasible approach to treating chronic respiratory diseases in the future.

Objective:To investigate the value of fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR), creatinine to albumin ratio (CAR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in predicting the poor prognosis of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP).Methods:Clinical data of HLAP patients admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to January and December 2023 were retrospectively collected. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into two groups: good prognosis group and poor prognosis group.The independent risk factors of HLAP in different prognostic groups were obtained by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the prognostic value of FAR, CAR and PLR alone and in combination.Results:A total of 118 patients with HLAP were included, including 69 patients with good prognosis and 49 patients with poor prognosis.The difference of heart rate, lymphocyte, triglyceride, albumin, creatinine, urea nitrogen, blood calcium, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, fibrinogen, FAR, CAR, PLR, Bedside indicator of acute pancreatitis Severity score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health status score, hospitalization time assessment between the two groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that FAR (odds ratio ( OR) = 25.949, 95% confidence interval (95% CI):3.190 ~ 211.080, P = 0.002), CAR ( OR = 1.453, 95% CI:1.095 ~ 1.928, P = 0.010) and PLR ( OR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.001 ~ 1.009, P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in HLAP patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of FAR, CAR and PLR to predict poor prognosis of HLAP patients were 0.823, 0.781 and 0.652, respectively.The AUC of FAR combined with CAR, FAR combined with PLR and CAR combined with PLR were 0.840, 0.845 and 0.849, respectively.The combined ability of FAR, CAR and PLR to predict poor prognosis in HLAP patients was (AUC=0.875,95% CI:0.814 ~ 0.937). When the cut-off value was 0.387, the sensitivity was 83.7%, and the specificity was 79.7%. Conclusions:The prognostic value of FAR, CAR and PLR in HLAP patients is better than that of single or pairwise combination.

Abstract On October 13 2023, the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention recAAAAAeived a report from a school indicating an outbreak of fever among students in Class 2, Grade 4. An on-site epidemiological investigation was immediately conducted. A total of 14 cases were reported, all of whom were students, with an attack rate of 34.15%. The onset of illness was concentrated between October 6 and 15, with the main clinical symptoms being fever, cough and fatigue. There were no cases of hospitalization, severe illness or death. Seven cases tested positive for Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1-Ⅱ. Based on the on-site investigation and laboratory test results, it was an outbreak of influenza-like illness caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. The likely cause of the spread was cases infecting other classmates through respiratory droplets while attending class. The outbreak occurred only in one class and did not spread to neighboring classes. Schools should actively carry out health education to raise awareness among parents for reporting infectious diseases, and strengthen morning and afternoon screenings to improve the sensitivity of identification.

OBJECTIVE To study the pharmacokinetics of Esketamine hydrochloride nasal spray in rats and ciliary toxicity to maxillary mucosa of bullfrog. METHODS The plasma concentration of esketamine hydrochloride in rats was determined by LC-MS/ MS after intravenous injection of esketamine hydrochloride solution and nasal administration of esketamine hydrochloride； the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1.0 software. Using the maxillary mucosa of isolated bullfrog as a model， the morphological changes of maxillary mucosa were investigated， and the duration and recovery of ciliary oscillation were recorded after nasal administration of esketamine hydrochloride. RESULTS The peak of blood concentration occurred 2 min after nasal administration of esketamine hydrochloride； cmax was （814.58±418.80） ng/mL， AUC0－∞ was （203.75± 92.76） ng·h/mL， and the absolute bioavailability was 60.68%. After nasal administration of esketamine hydrochloride， it was observed that the cilia of bullfrog were arranged neatly， the edges were clear， the cilia tissue structure was complete and the cilia moved actively. The cilia movement time was （178.17±13.30） min for the first time， and after the cilia moved again， the ciliary movement time measured again was （24.50±9.19）min with a relative movement percentage of 53.56%. CONCLUSIONS Esketamine hydrochloride nasal spray has a rapid onset of action， high bioavailability， and low ciliary toxicity.

Objective:To develop the Postoperative Subdelirium Syndrome Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire for Surgical Nurses and test its reliability and validity.Methods:Based on the theory of knowledge, attitude, and practice, the preliminary Postoperative Subdelirium Syndrome Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire for Surgical Nurses was developed through literature search and analysis, Delphi expert consultation, and pre-survey. From February to April 2022, convenience sampling was used to select 375 surgical nurses from five Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals and three Class Ⅲ Grade B hospitals in Zhejiang Province for questionnaire item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and reliability testing.Results:The final Postoperative Subdelirium Syndrome Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire for Surgical Nurses consisted of 33 items in three dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and practice. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three common factors with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 67.016%. The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.931, and the Cronbach's α coefficients for each dimension were 0.972, 0.906, and 0.932, respectively. The overall test-retest reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.999, and the test-retest reliability coefficients for each dimension were 0.997, 0.994, and 0.998. The questionnaire-level content validity index was 0.889, and the item-level content validity index was 0.833 to 1.000.Conclusions:The Postoperative Subdelirium Syndrome Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire for Surgical Nurses has good reliability and validity, and can be used to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of postoperative subdelirium syndrome among surgical nurses.

Objective To evaluate the differences in chemical composition and pharmacological effects between Angelica-Astragalus medicine pair decoction(DGD)and traditional decotion,and to provide a reference for the rational clinical application of Danggui Buxue decoction.Methods With the two comparison methods of unified and non-uniform raw material source batches,we set up different sample groups,established characteristic maps by HPLC,and evaluated the chemical components based on the similarity of characteristic maps,component types,index component content,common peak area,and other factors.The efficacy of the drug was evaluated in the hemorrhagic blood deficiency model mice.Results ①The similarity of the feature map between the DGD and TD was high(similarity was greater than 0.87).②The number of chromatographic peaks was inconsistent.Traditional decoction from self-purchased decoction pieces,or traditional decoction-Factory A decoction pieces had a total of 12 chromatographic peaks each.The DGD of Factory A had a total of 15 chromatographic peaks.There were 10 chromatographic peaks in the DGD of Factory B.③The contents of ferulic acid and calycosin 7-O-glucoside(CG)in DGD of Factory A were higher than those in traditional decoction(P<0.05,n=3).There was no significant difference between DGD and TD ferulic acid content in Factory B,but the content of CG was lower than that in traditional decoction(P<0.05).④The total area of common peaks in DGD was different from that in TD.The relative total ratios of the contents of the components in the self-purchased traditional decoction pieces,the traditional decoction pieces of Factory A,the formula granules of Factory A,and the formula granules of Factory B were 1.00,0.96,2.14,0.60,respectively.⑤Both DGD and traditional decoction could significantly promote the recovery of hemoglobin and red blood cells in hemorrhagic anemia model mice(P<0.01);Compared with the model control group,there was a significantly difference(P<0.05)except for the DGD group of Plant B.There was no significant difference between DGD and TD of Plant A,but there was a very significant difference between DGD and TD of Plant B(P<0.01).Conclusion Whether the raw material source batch is consistent or not,DGD and TD have certain differences in chemical composition.In terms of pharmacological effect,DGD,prepared from a unified batch of decoction pieces,has similar efficacy to traditional decoction in alleviating hemorrhagic anemia.There are certain differences in the pharmacological effects between DGD prepared from different batches of decoction pieces and traditional decoctions.The differences caused by the different preparation processes of the same source batch of prepared slices were compared,and the quality differences of the formula granules from different manufacturers were caused by the different source batches of prepared slices and different preparation processes,indicating the necessity and urgency of the country to formulate a unified quality standard for formula granules and related process specifications.