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

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with NRAS and KRAS gene mutations, and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis. METHODS: The clinical data and next-generation sequencing results of 80 newly diagnosed AML patients treated at our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes of NRAS and KRAS , and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis in newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 80 newly diagnosed AML patients, NRAS mutations were detected in 20 cases(25.0%), and KRAS mutations were detected in 9 cases(11.3%). NRAS mutations predominantly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, as well as codon 61 of exon 3, while KRAS mutations were most commonly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, all of which were missense mutations. There were no statistically significant differences observed in terms of age, sex, white blood cell count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet count(PLT), bone marrow blasts, first induction chemotherapy regimen, CR1/CRi1 rates, chromosome karyotype, 2022 ELN risk classification and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) among the NRAS mutation group, KRAS mutation group and NRAS/KRAS wild-type group (P >0.05). KRAS mutations were significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutations (r =0.344), whereas no genes significantly associated with NRAS mutations were found. Survival analysis showed that compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with NRAS mutation had a relatively higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, though the differences were not statistically significant (P =0.097, P =0.249). Compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with KRAS mutation had a lower 5-year OS rate and RFS rate, with no significant differences observed (P =0.275, P =0.442). There was no significant difference in the 5-year RFS rate between the KRAS mutation group and NRAS mutation group (P =0.157), but the 5-year OS rate of patients with KRAS mutation was significantly lower than that of patients with NRAS mutation (P =0.037). CONCLUSION In newly diagnosed AML patients, KRAS mutation was significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutation. Compared to patients with NRAS/KRAS wild-type, those with NRAS mutation showed a more favorable prognosis, while patients with KRAS mutation showed a poorer prognosis; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notably, the prognosis of AML patients with KRAS mutation was significantly inferior compared to those with NRAS mutation.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis* ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged

Sarin(GB)is a typical representative of nerve agents with high toxicity,and very low amount can cause death.GB can cause water and atmospheric environment poisoning,so the detection of GB in water and air is of great significance.In this work,a colorimetric sensor array(CSA)based on GB inhibition of cholinesterase activity was constructed to detect GB with high selectivity.A 4×4 colorimetric array was constructed using acetylcholinesterase(AChE),butyryl cholinesterase(BuChE)and the corresponding substrate acetylthiocholine iodide(S-ACh),butyryl thiocholine iodide(S-BCh),acetylcholine chloride(ACh),butyryl choline chloride(BCh)and 2,6-dichloroindophenol ethyl ester(DCIE).The linear curve of the sensor was Y=131.3×lgC+271.6(R2=0.997),where Y was the array response Euclidean distance,C was the concentration of GB(mg/L),the linear range was 0.03?0.32 mg/L,and the detection limit was 27.6 μg/L.The method could effectively distinguish chemical warfare agents(CWA)such as VX,Soman(GD),mustard gas(HD),Louie reagent(L),and had high anti-interference ability,sensitivity and good repeatability.It was successfully applied to the detection of GB in simulated water and simulated air samples,and the sample recovery rate was 97.2% ?100.9%.This method would be potentially applied to the field rapid detection of nerve agents.

Background and Aims:Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1(NEAT1)is an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes the progression of various cancers through the competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)mechanism.Using the TargetScan database,we previously identified binding sites between NEAT1 and microRNA-124-3p(miR-124-3p),as well as between miR-124-3p and catenin beta-1(CTNNB1).Therefore,this study was conducted to investigate the expression of NEAT1,miR-124-3p,and CTNNB1 in pancreatic cancer and their interactions affecting pancreatic cancer cell functions.Methods:A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the relationships among NEAT1,miR-124-3p,and CTNNB1.The expression levels of NEAT1 and miR-124-3p,as well as CTNNB1 protein expression,were detected in pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues,as well as in pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic epithelial H6C7 cells.PANC-1 cells were transfected with NEAT1 siRNA alone or co-transfected with a miR-124-3p inhibitor.After transfection,changes in PANC-1 cell biological functions,epithelial-mesenchymal transition related protein expression,and tumor growth ability in mice were assessed.Results:The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the targeting relationships between NEAT1 and miR-124-3p,as well as between miR-124-3p and CTNNB1.NEAT1 and CTNNB1 expression levels were significantly upregulated,while miR-124-3p expression was downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues(vs.adjacent tissues)and in PANC-1 cells(vs.H6C7 cells)(all P<0.05).NEAT1 siRNA transfection led to decreased NEAT1 and CTNNB1 expression and increased miR-124-3p expression in PANC-1 cells.However,co-transfection with a miR-124-3p inhibitor suppressed the expression changes in miR-124-3p and CTNNB1(all P<0.05).NEAT1 siRNA transfection significantly reduced PANC-1 cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,while promoting apoptosis.Additionally,E-cadherin protein expression was upregulated,whereas N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression were downregulated.Tumor growth in mice was also significantly inhibited(all P<0.05).These changes were attenuated upon co-transfection with the miR-124-3p inhibitor(all P<0.05).Conclusion:NEAT1 may act as a ceRNA by competitively binding to miR-124-3p,thereby attenuating miR-124-3p-mediated inhibition of CTNNB1.This leads to CTNNB1 upregulation,ultimately promoting the malignant biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells.

Aim To investigate the effect of icariin(ICA)on chronic ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice.Methods Male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were ran-domly divided into the control group,model group,low-dose ICA group,and high-dose ICA group.Except for the control group,the rest of the mice were established as chronic UC models.Expressions of tight junction proteins,inflammatory factors,fibrosis markers,macro-phage markers,and MAPK signaling pathways in the colonic epithelium of each group were determined by Western blot,qPCR,immunohistochemistry;the degree of intestinal damage and fibrosis was detected by HE and Masson staining;the co-localization of different macrophage markers with related factors was examined by immunofluorescence.Results Treatment of ICA significantly improved the general condition of chronic UC mice,decreased the infiltration of M1-type macro-phages and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors,inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway,reduced the co-localization expression of M1-type macrophages with the MAPK signaling pathway,and downregulated the infiltration of M2-type macrophages and the secretion of pro-fibrotic factors in the colon.Conclusion ICA mitigates the inflammatory damage and fibrosis of colon in chronic UC mice.

Aim To investigate the effect of icariin(ICA)on chronic ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice.Methods Male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were ran-domly divided into the control group,model group,low-dose ICA group,and high-dose ICA group.Except for the control group,the rest of the mice were established as chronic UC models.Expressions of tight junction proteins,inflammatory factors,fibrosis markers,macro-phage markers,and MAPK signaling pathways in the colonic epithelium of each group were determined by Western blot,qPCR,immunohistochemistry;the degree of intestinal damage and fibrosis was detected by HE and Masson staining;the co-localization of different macrophage markers with related factors was examined by immunofluorescence.Results Treatment of ICA significantly improved the general condition of chronic UC mice,decreased the infiltration of M1-type macro-phages and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors,inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway,reduced the co-localization expression of M1-type macrophages with the MAPK signaling pathway,and downregulated the infiltration of M2-type macrophages and the secretion of pro-fibrotic factors in the colon.Conclusion ICA mitigates the inflammatory damage and fibrosis of colon in chronic UC mice.

Background and Aims:Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1(NEAT1)is an oncogenic lncRNA that promotes the progression of various cancers through the competing endogenous RNA(ceRNA)mechanism.Using the TargetScan database,we previously identified binding sites between NEAT1 and microRNA-124-3p(miR-124-3p),as well as between miR-124-3p and catenin beta-1(CTNNB1).Therefore,this study was conducted to investigate the expression of NEAT1,miR-124-3p,and CTNNB1 in pancreatic cancer and their interactions affecting pancreatic cancer cell functions.Methods:A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the relationships among NEAT1,miR-124-3p,and CTNNB1.The expression levels of NEAT1 and miR-124-3p,as well as CTNNB1 protein expression,were detected in pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues,as well as in pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic epithelial H6C7 cells.PANC-1 cells were transfected with NEAT1 siRNA alone or co-transfected with a miR-124-3p inhibitor.After transfection,changes in PANC-1 cell biological functions,epithelial-mesenchymal transition related protein expression,and tumor growth ability in mice were assessed.Results:The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the targeting relationships between NEAT1 and miR-124-3p,as well as between miR-124-3p and CTNNB1.NEAT1 and CTNNB1 expression levels were significantly upregulated,while miR-124-3p expression was downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues(vs.adjacent tissues)and in PANC-1 cells(vs.H6C7 cells)(all P<0.05).NEAT1 siRNA transfection led to decreased NEAT1 and CTNNB1 expression and increased miR-124-3p expression in PANC-1 cells.However,co-transfection with a miR-124-3p inhibitor suppressed the expression changes in miR-124-3p and CTNNB1(all P<0.05).NEAT1 siRNA transfection significantly reduced PANC-1 cell proliferation,migration,and invasion,while promoting apoptosis.Additionally,E-cadherin protein expression was upregulated,whereas N-cadherin and vimentin protein expression were downregulated.Tumor growth in mice was also significantly inhibited(all P<0.05).These changes were attenuated upon co-transfection with the miR-124-3p inhibitor(all P<0.05).Conclusion:NEAT1 may act as a ceRNA by competitively binding to miR-124-3p,thereby attenuating miR-124-3p-mediated inhibition of CTNNB1.This leads to CTNNB1 upregulation,ultimately promoting the malignant biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells.

Objective:To analyze the related factors of treatment failure in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)in real-world.Methods:The clinical data of 1414 newly diagnosed children with ALL admitted to five hospital in Fujian province from April 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Treatment failure was defined as relapse,non-relapse death,and secondary tumor.Results:Following-up for median time 49.7 (0.1-136. 9)months,there were 269 cases (19.0％)treatment failure,including 140 cases (52.0％)relapse,and 129 cases (48.0％)non-relapse death.Cox univariate and multivariate analysis showed that white WBC≥50 ×109/L at newly diagnosis,acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL),BCR-ABL1,KMT2A-rearrangement and poor early treatment response were independent risk factor for treatment failure (all HR>1.000,P<0.05).The 5-year OS of 140 relapsed ALL patients was only 23.8％,with a significantly worse prognosis for very early relapse (relapse time within 18 months of diagnosis).Among 129 patients died from non-relapse death,71 cases (26.4％)were died from treatment-related complications,56 cases (20.8％)died from treatment abandonment,and 2 cases (0.7％)died from disease progression.Among them,treatment-related death were significantly correlated with chemotherapy intensity,while treatment abandonment were mainly related to economic factors.Conclusion:The treatment failure of children with ALL in our province is still relatively high,with relapse being the main cause of treatment failure,while treatment related death and treatment abandonment caused by economic factors are the main causes of non-relapse related death.

Patient 1,a 12-day-old female infant,presented with fever,cough,dyspnea,and elevated infection markers,requiring respiratory support.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed Legionella pneumophila(LP),leading to diagnoses of LP pneumonia and LP sepsis.The patient was treated with erythromycin for 15 days and azithromycin for 5 days,resulting in recovery and discharge.Patient 2,an 11-day-old female infant,presented with dyspnea,fever,elevated infection markers,and multiple organ dysfunction,requiring mechanical ventilation.mNGS of blood and cerebrospinal fluid indicated LP,leading to diagnoses of LP pneumonia,LP sepsis,and LP intracranial infection.The patient was treated with erythromycin for 19 days and was discharged after recovery.Neonatal LP pneumonia lacks specific clinical symptoms,and azithromycin is the preferred antimicrobial agent.The use of mNGS can provide early and definitive diagnosis for severe neonatal pneumonia of unknown origin.

Objective:To explore the effect of exosomes released by Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb) Rv1983-stimulated macrophages on tuberculosis infection and its potential mechanism. Methods:Exosomes (Rv1983-M-Exo) released by macrophages following Mtb Rv1983 stimulation were extracted by hypervelocity centrifugation and then co-cultured with uninfected macrophages. Macrophage activity was detected by prodium iodide (PI) staining. The level of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by lipid peroxidation fluorescence probe. The expression of ferrous ions (Fe 2+ ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by colorimetry assay. The protein expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in Rv1983-M-Exo was detected by Western blot. Exosomes (Rv1983-M+ siACSL4-Exo) were isolated from Rv1983-stimulated macrophages with interfered ACSL4 expression Rv1983 and co-cultured with uninfected macrophages. The effect of exosomes on the polarization of macrophages was detected by flow cytometry and Western blot. The effects of exosomes on phagocytosis and killing ability of macrophages were analyzed by plate colony assay and BCG-phagocytosis lysosome co-localization assay. Results:Compared with macrophage-derived exosomes (M-Exo), Rv1983-M-Exo promoted ferroptosis in uninfected macrophages, manifested by increased levels of intracellular lipid ROS, MDA and Fe 2+, which were significantly inhibited by ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1. Rv1983 induced macrophages to release exosomes with high expression of ACSL4. Interfering the expression of ACSL4 in macrophages, the concentration of ACSL4 in the Rv1983-M+ siACSL4-Exo was significantly reduced. When the Rv1983-M+ siACSL4-Exo was co-cultured with uninfected macrophages, the ferroptosis of macrophages was significantly reduced. Rv1983-M-Exo promoted M2 macrophage polarization which showed up-regulation of CD206 and Arg1 expression, and decreased the phagocytosis and killing ability of macrophages, while Rv1983-M+ siACSL4-Exo or Fer-1 in combination with Rv1983-M-Exo reduced the expression of CD206 and Arg1 in macrophages, and promoted the phagocytosis and killing ability. Conclusions:Mtb Rv1983 protein up-regulates the level of ACSL4 in the exosomes secreted by macrophages, thereby inducing ferroptosis in uninfected macrophages, causing M2 polarization of macrophages, weakening phagocytosis and killing ability, and promoting Mtb infection.