OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foam macrophages (FMs) on the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and identify the molecular mechanisms influencing MTB survival. METHODS: An in vitro FM model was established using oleic acid induction. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify the key molecular pathways involved in FM-mediated MTB survival. RESULTS: Induced FMs effectively restricted MTB survival. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed distinct changes in gene and metabolite expression in FMs during MTB infection compared with normal macrophages. Integrated analyses identified significant alterations in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, indicating that its activation contributes to the FM-mediated restriction of MTB survival. CONCLUSIONS FMs inhibit MTB survival. The cAMP signaling pathway is a key contributor. These findings enhance the understanding of the role of FMs in tuberculosis progression, suggest potential targets for host-directed therapies, and offer new directions for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology* ; Transcriptome ; Metabolomics ; Foam Cells/microbiology* ; Humans ; Metabolome ; Tuberculosis/microbiology* ; Gene Expression Profiling

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem composed of many bacteria and their metabolites.It plays an irreplaceable role in human digestion,nutrient absorption,energy supply,fat metabolism,im-mune regulation,and many other aspects.Exploring the structure and function of the gut microbiota,as well as their key genes and metabolites,will enable the early diagnosis and auxiliary diagnosis of disea-ses,new treatment methods,better effects of drug treatments,and better guidance in the use of antibiot-ics.The identification of gut microbiota plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and treatment,as well as in drug research and development.Therefore,it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive review of this rapidly evolving topic.Traditional identification methods cannot comprehensively capture the di-versity of gut microbiota.Currently,with the rapid development of molecular biology,the classification and identification methods for gut microbiota have evolved from the initial phenotypic and chemical identi-fication to identification at the molecular level.This review integrates the main methods of gut microbiota identification and evaluates their application.We pay special attention to the research progress on molec-ular biological methods and focus on the application of high-throughput sequencing technology in the iden-tification of gut microbiota.This revolutionary method for intestinal flora identification heralds a new chapter in our understanding of the microbial world.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg or 200 mg combined with yiqibuvir for 12 weeks in patients with various genotypes of chronic hepatitis C, without cirrhosis or compensated stage cirrhosis.Methods:Patients with chronic hepatitis C (without cirrhosis or compensated stage cirrhosis) were randomly assigned to the antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg group (100 mg group) or the antaitasvir phosphate 200 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg group (200 mg group) in a 1∶1 ratio. The drugs were continuously administered once a day for 12 weeks and observed for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. The drug safety profile was assessed concurrently with the observation of the sustained virological response (SVR12) in the two patient groups 12 weeks following the drug cessation. The intention-to-treat concept was used to define as closely as possible a full analysis set, including all randomized cases who received the experimental drug at least once. The safety set was collected from all subjects who received the experimental drug at least once (regardless of whether they participated in the randomization group) in this study. All efficacy endpoints and safety profile data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The primary efficacy endpoint was SVR12. The primary analysis was performed on a full analysis set. The frequency and proportion of cases were calculated in the experimental drug group (antaitasvir phosphate capsules combined with yiqibuvir tablets) that achieved "HCV RNA

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection posed a huge threat and burden to public healthcare in late 2022. Non-drug measures of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion, are commonly used as adjuncts in China to help in severe cases, but their effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: To observe the clinical effect of TCM non-drug measures in improving respiratory function and symptoms among patients with severe COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: This study was designed as a multicenter, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. The treatment group received individualized TCM non-drug measures in combination with prone position ventilation, while the control group received prone position ventilation only for 5 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were the percentage of patients with improved oxygen saturation (SpO₂) at the end of the 5-day intervention, as well as changes of patients' respiratory rates. The secondary outcome measures included changes in SpO₂ and total score on the self-made respiratory symptom scale. The improvement rate, defined as a 3-day consecutive increase in SpO₂, the duration of prone positioning, and adverse events were recorded as well. RESULTS: Among the 198 patients included in the intention-to-treat analysis, 159 (80.3%) completed all assessments on day 5, and 39 (19.7%) patients withdrew from the study. At the end of the intervention, 71 (91%) patients in the treatment group had SpO₂ above 93%, while 61 (75.3%) in the control group reached this level. The proportion of participant with improved SpO₂ was significantly greater in the intervention group (mean difference [MD] = 15.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4, 27.1; P = 0.008). Compared to the baseline, with daily treatment there were significant daily decreases in respiratory rates in both groups, but no statistical differences between groups were found (all P ≥ 0.05). Compared to the control group, the respiratory-related symptoms score was lower among patients in the treatment group (MD = -1.7; 95% CI: -2.8, -0.5; P = 0.008) after day 3 of treatment. A gradual decrease in the total scores of both groups was also observed. Thirty-one adverse events occurred during the intervention, and 2 patients were transferred to the intensive care unit due to deterioration of their illness. CONCLUSION: TCM non-drug measures combined with prone positioning can effectively treat patients with severe COVID-19. The combined therapy significantly increased SpO₂ and improved symptom scores compared to prone positioning alone, thus improving the patients' respiratory function to help them recover. However, the improvement rate did not differ between the two groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300068319). Please cite this article as: Yin X, Jin Z, Li F, Huang L, Hu YM, Zhu BC, Wang ZQ, Li XY, Li JP, Lao LX, Mi YQ, Xu SF. Effectiveness and safety of adjunctive non-drug measures in improving respiratory symptoms among patients with severe COVID-19: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(6): 637-644.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; China ; COVID-19/complications* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Moxibustion/methods* ; Oxygen Saturation ; Prone Position ; Respiration, Artificial ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To access the efficacy and safety of the double-ProGlide technique for the femoral vein access-site closure in cryoballoon ablation with uninterrupted oral anticoagulants (OAC), and its impact on the electrophysiology laboratory time as well as hospital stay after the procedure in this observational study. METHODS: Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon ablation with uninterrupted OAC at Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from May 2019 to May 2021 were enrolled in this study. From October 2020, double-ProGlide technique was consistently used for hemostasis (ProGlide group), and before that conventional manual compression was utilized (manual compression group). The occurrence of vascular and groin complications was accessed during the hospital stay and until the three-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 140 participants (69.30% of male, mean age: 59.21 ± 10.29 years) were evaluated, 70 participants being in each group. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all the patients with ProGlide closure. No major vascular complications were found in the ProGlide group while two major vascular complications were occurred in the manual compression group. The incidence of any groin complication was obviously higher in subjects with manual compression than patients with ProGlide devices (15.71% vs. 2.86%, P = 0.009). In addition, compared with the manual compression group, the ProGlide group was associated with significantly shorter total time in the electrophysiology laboratory [112.0 (93.3-128.8) min vs. 123.5 (107.3-158.3) min, P = 0.006], time from sheath removal until venous site hemostasis [3.8 (3.4-4.2) min vs. 8.0 (7.6-8.5) min, P < 0.001], bed rest time [8.0 (7.6-8.0) h vs. 14.1 (12.0-17.6) h, P < 0.001] and hospital stay after the procedure [13.8 (12.5-17.8) h vs. 38.0 (21.5-41.0) h, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Utilization of the double-ProGlide technique for hemostasis after cryoballoon ablation with uninterrupted OAC is feasible and safe, which has the clinical benefit in reducing the total electrophysiology laboratory time and the hospital stay length after the procedure.

Objective:To understand the change trend of people's condition in tea drinking endemic fluorosis area of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.Methods:From 2009 to 2018, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 30 villages of 6 banners (counties) of drinking tea type of endemic fluorosis of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The tea drinking habits of residents were investigated. Ten families were selected from each monitoring village to collect brick tea samples, and the fluorine content in brick tea was detected for health risk assessment. In each monitoring village, one water sample was collected from each drinking water source. Fluoride ion selective electrode method was used to detect fluorine in tea and water. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in children aged 8-12 years old was examined and the X-ray examination and analysis were carried out for all the permanent residents aged 36-45 years and living in the local area for more than 5 years.Results:From 2009 to 2018, a total of 3 000 brick tea samples were collected. The geometric mean value of tea fluorine was 522.01 mg/kg, and the annual per capita consumption of brick tea by permanent residents was 2.52 kg. The average daily intake of fluorine in brick tea was 4.11 mg. According to the standard of "Total Fluoride Intake of Population" (WS/T 87-2016), there were 6 years of risk quotient > 1 in 10 years, while according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend standard, there were 5 years of risk quotient > 1. From 2012 to 2018, 210 water samples were detected, and the geometric mean value of fluorine in water was 0.90 mg/L, and the qualified rate was 84.76% (178/210). A total of 5 384 children aged 8-12 years old were examined and 1 562 dental fluorosis patients were detected. The total detection rate of dental fluorosis in children was 29.01% (1 562/5 384), and the dental fluorosis index was 0.62 (very mild). A total of 1 890 adults aged 36 to 45 years old were examined by X-ray. The detection rate of skeletal fluorosis was 18.10% (342/1 890). There were 77 patients with moderate and severe skeletal fluorosis.Conclusions:The brick tea fluorine content of residents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is high, and there are health risks. The dental fluorosis of children aged 8-12 years old is very mild, and there are still moderate and severe skeletal fluorosis patients in adults. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the supervision of brick tea market and strengthen health education for residents.

Objective:To understand the current situation of water improvement and the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children aged 8 to 12 in drinking-water-type endemic fluorosis (referred to as drinking-water-type fluorosis) areas in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (referred to as Inner Mongolia), and to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and control measures, and provide a basis for timely adjustment of prevention and control strategies.Methods:In 2019, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the situation of water improvement and water fluoride content in all villages of 85 drinking-water-type fluorosis banners (counties) in Inner Mongolia, and all the children aged 8 to 12 were examined for dental fluorosis.Results:Among the 9 623 disease affected villages in the region, the water improvement projects were completed in 8 547 villages, and the water improvement rate was 88.82%. There were 7 145 water improvement villages whose water fluoride content met the national drinking water hygiene standard, which accounted for 83.60% (7 145/8 547) of the total villages with water improvement projects. A total of 118 857 children aged 8 to 12 were examined, and 9 123 cases of dental fluorosis were detected. The detection rate of dental fluorosis was 7.68%, which was lower than the upper limit of the dental fluorosis detection rate of fluorosis area standards (30%).Conclusions:The accomplishment rate of water improvement projects in drinking-water-type fluorosis areas of Inner Mongolia is high, and the condition of children's dental fluorosis has been effectively controlled. However, it is still necessary to strengthen the water quality monitoring, improve the qualified rate of water improvement projects, and effectively implement various comprehensive prevention and control measures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence rate of infectious diseases during hospitalization in late preterm infants in Beijing, China, as well as the risk factors for infectious diseases and the effect of breastfeeding on the development of infectious diseases. METHODS: Related data were collected from the late preterm infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal wards of 25 hospitals in Beijing, China, from October 23, 2015 to October 30, 2017. According to the feeding pattern, they were divided into a breastfeeding group and a formula feeding group. The two groups were compared in terms of general status and incidence rate of infectious diseases. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for infectious diseases. RESULTS: A total of 1 576 late preterm infants were enrolled, with 153 infants in the breastfeeding group and 1 423 in the formula feeding group. Of all infants, 484 (30.71%) experienced infectious diseases. The breastfeeding group had a significantly lower incidence rate of infectious diseases than the formula feeding group (22.88% vs 31.55%, CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding can significantly reduce the incidence of infectious diseases and is a protective factor against infectious diseases in late preterm infants. Breastfeeding should therefore be actively promoted for late preterm infants during hospitalization.
Beijing/epidemiology* ; Breast Feeding ; China/epidemiology* ; Communicable Diseases/epidemiology* ; Female ; Hospitalization ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Male ; Pregnancy

Objective:To investigate the distribution of arsenic content in drinking water of residents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and to provide a scientific basis for formulation of detailed prevention and control measures for endemic arsenic poisoning.Methods:From 2017 to 2019, water arsenic survey was carried out in all natural villages in 103 banners (counties, districts) of 12 leagues (cities) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and drinking water samples were collected according to different water supply modes (engineering water supply, physical and chemical water purification, decentralized water supply). Among them, engineering water supply: one factory water sample was collected from each water modification project in dry season and wet season; and one terminal water sample was collected in historical arsenism area/high arsenic exposed villages covered by the project. Physical and chemical water purification: one water sample was collected from each household. Decentralized water supply: in historical arsenism area/high arsenic exposed villages, one water sample was collected from each household; in the villages with historical qualified water arsenic, one household was selected according to the five directions of east, south, west, north and middle, and one water sample was collected from each household. The content of arsenic in water was detected by atomic fluorescence spectrometry and a distribution map of water samples with excessive arsenic was drawn using ArcGIS 10.2 software.Results:A total of 90 455 water samples were collected, including 31 617 water samples for engineering water supply, 2 702 water samples for physical and chemical water purification, and 56 136 water samples for decentralized water supply. The medians of water arsenic content of engineering water supply, physical and chemical water purification, and decentralized water supply were 1.00, 1.00 and 0.50 μg/L, respectively, and the differences among different water supply modes were statistically significant (χ 2 = 1 147.831, P < 0.05). A total of 486 water samples with excessive arsenic were detected, the detection rate was 0.54% (486/90 455). The detection rates of water samples with excessive arsenic in engineering water supply and decentralized water supply were 1.48% (469/31 617) and 0.03% (17/56 136), the detection rate of water samples with excessive arsenic in engineering water supply was higher than that in decentralized water supply (χ 2 = 775.401, P < 0.05); there was no water samples with excessive arsenic in physical and chemical water purification. The top three areas with the detection rates of water samples with excessive arsenic were Bayannaoer [15.38% (343/2 230)], Hohhot [2.00% (86/4 293)], and Ordos [0.85% (50/5 848)]. ArcGIS 10.2 software showed that the water samples with excessive arsenic were mainly distributed in the western region in the shape of focal and block, and only existed sporadically in the eastern region. Conclusions:The detection rate of water samples with excessive arsenic in engineering water supply in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is high, the water samples with excessive arsenic are mainly distributed in the western region in the shape of focal and block, and sporadically in the eastern region. The management and supervision of engineering water supply should be strengthened, in areas where the water arsenic exceeds the standard, we should take physical and chemical water purification measures, such as change water sources, increase water purification equipment, and improve water purification technology to reduce arsenic hazards, so as to ensure that residents can drink qualified water.

Objective: To investigate the effect of varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol(PEG)400 in receiving solution on in vitro transdermal test of drugs. Method: 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU) was selected as a model drug,by preparing different concentrations of PEG400-phosphate buffer solution(PBS) as the receiving solution,the receiving chamber did not add drug,the excised rat skins were treated with various additives for 12 h,then replaced by PBS and added the saturated model drug into the donor compartment to determine the transdermal parameters of the drug.Meanwhile,scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was employed to monitor the effect of PEG400 with different concentration on the stratum corneum of rat skin. Result: The 10%,15% and 40% PEG400-PBS groups had no significant effect on in vitro transdermal absorption parameters of the 5-FU.The steady transdermal rate and cumulative penetration rate of the drug in 20% and 30% PEG400-PBS groups were significantly higher than that in the PBS group(P<0.01,P<0.05).SEM indicated that wrinkle of the intact rat skin gradually disappeared and a number of flakes were desquamated from the skin when the concentration of PEG400 was above 20% in receiving solution.Meanwhile,30% PEG400-PBS group and 40% PEG400-PBS group were extremely wrinkled. Conclusion: In the rat skin transdermal test,the concentration of PEG400 in receiving solution should be controlled below 20%.