Background/Aims: Data from Asia regarding the short-term and long-term outcomes for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) are limited. We assessed the outcomes of ASUC, identified the risk factors for colectomy, and compared colectomy rates between the pre-biologics and post-biologics eras in Taiwan. Methods: The patients with an ASUC diagnosis between January 2013 and March 2022 at 5 tertiary medical centers were retrospectively analyzed. Results: In total, 98 patients were enrolled, with 68.4% diagnosed in the post-biologics era. In 78.6% of the ASUC patients initially received intravenous steroid therapy, for which the success rate was 74.1%. As for rescue therapy, 15 patients (93.8%) received biologics and 1 (6.3%) received cyclosporin. Biologics rescue therapy had a 93.3% success rate. One (1%) mortality due to septic shock occurred. The colectomy rate for index ASUC admission was 11.2%. Patients receiving colectomy were predominantly male (P= 0.012) and at older age (P= 0.016). Higher C-reactive protein (P= 0.035), lower albumin (P= 0.017), and hemoglobin (P= 0.023) levels were associated with colectomy risk. During a median follow-up of 24 months, 13 patients (15.1%) had recurrent ASUC and 23.1% of patients received colectomy. The accumulated colectomy rate at 3 years did not differ between the pre- and post-biologics eras (16.1% vs. 13.4%, P= 0.270). Conclusions This is the first Asian study on ASUC to compare colectomy rates between the prebiologics and post-biologics eras, revealing no significant difference. The recurrent ASUC had a higher colectomy rate than the index ASUC.

Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.

The compilation explanation for the Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Ruyi Zhenbao pills systematically expounds the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of this consensus. In response to the weak clinical application evidence and ambiguous indications of Ruyi Zhenbao pills， the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， and Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine invited 39 experts from 31 medical institutions across China to complete the compilation through multi-disciplinary collaboration. The compilation strictly adheres to the World Health Organization （WHO） guidelines for guideline development and the GRADE evidence grading system. The work process covered the construction of clinical questions （a total of 30 clinical questions were determined based on expert voting results）， evidence retrieval （covering Chinese and English databases and gray literature）， safety assessment （integrating drug monitoring data and clinical research）， and the formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions （18 recommendation opinions were reached through the GRADE grid method， and 22 consensus suggestions were reached through majority voting rules）. The results show that the consensus clearly states that this medicine is suitable for knee osteoarthritis， gouty arthritis， rheumatoid arthritis， neuropathic pain， and sequelae of stroke. In terms of safety， the adverse reactions are mainly gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea， vomiting， and abdominal pain. Pregnant women and those allergic to the ingredients of this medicine are contraindicated. The compilation process underwent three rounds of expert reviews and adopted methods such as nominal group technique and Delphi method to ensure the rigor of the consensus compilation process. It provides a paradigm for the formulation of expert consensus on clinical application of Tibetan medicine through the academic promotion and dynamic revision.

Objective To explore the bioactive components in Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills(JWXYP)and their mechanisms for alleviating depression-like behaviors.Methods The active compounds,key targets,and pathways of JWXYP were identified using TCMSP and TCMIP databases.Thirty-six SD rats were randomized equally into 6 groups including a control group and 5 chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression groups.After modeling,the 5 model groups were treated with daily gavage of normal saline,1.8 mg/kg fluoxetine hydrochloride(positive control drug),or JWXYP at 1.44,2.88,and 4.32 g/kg.The depression-like behaviors of the rats were evaluated using behavioral tests,and pathological changes in the liver and hippocampus were examined with HE staining.The biochemical indicators in the serum and brain tissues were detected using ELISA.Serum metabolomics analysis was performed to identify the differential metabolites using OPLS-DA,and gut microbiota changes were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing.Results Network pharmacology revealed that menthone and paeonol in JWXYP were capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier to regulate inflammatory pathways and protect the nervous system.In the rat models subjected to CUMS,treatment with JWXYP significantly improved body weight loss,sucrose preference and open field activities,reduced liver inflammation,alleviated structural changes in the hippocampal neurons,decreased serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and LBP,and increased 5-HT and VIP concentrations in the serum and brain tissue,and these effects were the most pronounced in the high-dose group.Metabolomics analysis showed changes in such metabolites as indole-3-acetamide and acetyl-L-carnitine in JWXYP-treated rats,involving the pathways for bile acid biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism.16S rDNA analysis demonstrated increased gut microbiota diversity and increased abundance of Lactobacillus species in JWXYP-treated rats.Conclusion JWXYP alleviates depression-like symptoms in rats by regulating the neurotransmitters,inhibiting inflammation and oxidation,and modulating gut microbiota.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of a case with RhD-- phenotype. METHODS: A proband with RhD-- phenotype who attended the clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on January 29, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband (8 mL) and her close relatives (father, mother and brother; 3 mL each) for Rh phenotyping and irregular antibodies testing with gel card and test tube methods. Direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test were used to detect the c antigen on the red blood cells of the proband. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) typing and gene sequencing were used to determine the RHCE gene of the proband and her relatives. The origin of the proband's variant was traced by pedigree analysis. Three-dimensional structural models of the wild-type RhCE*cE protein and the RhD-- phenotype protein were constructed to predict the alterations of the RhD-- phenotype protein caused by the variant. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-0870-003). RESULTS: The red blood cells of the proband did not agglutinate with anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e. The result of the serum irregular antibody test was negative. The results of direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test of the proband were both negative. Her Rh blood group was identified as RhD--. The results of the Rh blood grouping of her close relatives were normal. PCR-SSP detection showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were cE/cE and Ce/cE, respectively. Gene sequencing analysis showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were RHCE*cE (c.365C>A)/RHCE*cE (c.365C>A) and RHCE*Ce/RHCE*cE (c.365C>A), respectively. Pedigree analysis revealed that the variants in the proband were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Homology modeling of RhCE*cE protein showed that the RhD-- type peptide chain with a significantly shortened C-terminal was encoded by only 121 amino acid resides, which was 296 amino acid resides shorter compared to the wild-type RhCE*cE peptide chain encoded by 417 amino acid residues. CONCLUSION Above results revealed the molecular biological mechanism of a RhD-- phenotype. The c.365C>A variant in the RHCE gene has rendered the RHCE*cE alleles invalid, which ultimately led to the RhD-- phenotype.
Humans ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/chemistry* ; Female ; Phenotype ; Male ; Alleles ; Pedigree ; Base Sequence ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Adult

OBJECTIVE To explore the epidemiological characteristics of the children with acute respiratory tract in-fection and analyze the changes of peripheral blood prealbumin(PA),serum amyloid protein A(SAA)and pro-calcitonin(PCT)so as to provide bases for the clinical diagnosis.METHODS A total of 177 children with acute re-spiratory tract infection who were treated in Qingdao Haici Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University from Nov.2021 to Nov.2023 were assigned as the infection group,meanwhile,195 healthy children who received physical examination were chosen as the healthy group.The distribution of pathogens isolated from the patients of the in-fection group was statistically analyzed.The levels of PA,SAA,CRP and PCT were compared between the two groups.The values of the indexes in diagnosis of the acute respiratory tract infection were analyzed.RESULTS The total positive rate of isolation of pathogens was 31.07％(55/177)among the children with acute respiratory tract infection,and Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the predominant species of pathogen.There was significant difference in the isolation rate of pathogens among the different age groups of children with acute respiratory tract infection(x2=8.270,P=0.041);the children of the preschool age group were dominant.There was significant difference in the isolation rate of pathogens from the children with acute respiratory tract infection among the different sea-sons(x2=9.557,P=0.023);the isolation rates were relatively high in spring and winter.There were significant differences in the levels of serum PA,SAA,CRP and PCT between the infection group and the healthy group(P＜0.05);the CRP level was(13.48±4.25)mg/L in the infection group,(7.85±2.51)mg/L in the healthy group,with the difference value maximum(t=15.724,P＜0.001).The area under the curve(AUC)value of the joint detection of the four indexes was higher than that of the single detection in diagnosis of the acute respiratory tract infection in the children(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS M.pneumoniae is dominant among the pathogens isolated from the children with acute respiratory tract infection,the preschool age children are in the majority.The infec-tion is prevalent in spring and winter.The children with the infection show the abnormal expressions of PA,SAA,CRP and PCT,and the joint detection of the four indexes has high value in diagnosis of the infection.

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of a case with RhD-phenotype.Methods:A proband with RhD-phenotype who attended the clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on January 29, 2024 was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband (8 mL) and her close relatives (father, mother and brother; 3 mL each) for Rh phenotyping and irregular antibodies testing with gel card and test tube methods. Direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test were used to detect the c antigen on the red blood cells of the proband. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) typing and gene sequencing were used to determine the RHCE gene of the proband and her relatives. The origin of the proband′s variant was traced by pedigree analysis. Three-dimensional structural models of the wild-type RhCE*cE protein and the RhD-phenotype protein were constructed to predict the alterations of the RhD-phenotype protein caused by the variant. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-KY-0870-003). Results:The red blood cells of the proband did not agglutinate with anti-C, anti-c, anti-E, and anti-e. The result of the serum irregular antibody test was negative. The results of direct agglutination reaction and absorption-elution test of the proband were both negative. Her Rh blood group was identified as RhD-. The results of the Rh blood grouping of her close relatives were normal. PCR-SSP detection showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were cE/cE and Ce/cE, respectively. Gene sequencing analysis showed that the RHCE genotypes of the proband and her close relatives were RHCE* cE (c.365C>A)/ RHCE* cE (c.365C>A) and RHCE* Ce/ RHCE* cE (c.365C>A), respectively. Pedigree analysis revealed that the variants in the proband were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Homology modeling of RhCE*cE protein showed that the RhD-type peptide chain with a significantly shortened C-terminal was encoded by only 121 amino acid resides, which was 296 amino acid resides shorter compared to the wild-type RhCE*cE peptide chain encoded by 417 amino acid residues. Conclusion:Above results revealed the molecular biological mechanism of a RhD-phenotype. The c. 365C>A variant in the RHCE gene has rendered the RHCE* cE alleles invalid, which ultimately led to the RhD-phenotype.

In modern society, sugary foods have become an integral part of many people′s lives. However, excessive sugar consumption has adverse effects on both overall health and oral health, serving as a contributing factor to the global increasing incidence in oral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity, and diabetes. In response to the health risks related to high-sugar diets, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Dental Federation (FDI) have proposed initiatives and recommendations, with various governments implementing different policies and strategies to reduce sugar intake. Chinese government has also taken proactive measures. The "Healthy China Action (2019-2030)" initiative introduced by the State Council in 2019 established a crucial benchmark in limiting the average daily intake of added sugar to 25 g per person forward to 2030. Experts from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the field of oral health have meticulously examined the impacts of sugar reduction on oral health, as well as strategies, methods, and practical considerations related to reducing sugar intake through several meeting and wrote the "Expert consensus: reducing free-sugar for caries prevention", which was subsequently reviewed and revised based on the feedback from multiple stakeholders. They have conducted thorough analyses of global trends in sugar reduction and best practices to provide valuable insights to China for crafting effective policies and strategies on sugar reduction. This consensus mainly includes the classification of free sugars, the latest scientific evidence on dental caries, recommendations from WHO on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, nutrition labeling, advertising, food reform, adjusting supply systems, education, and promotion strategies, as well as sugar reduction actions taken by various governments around the world. Combining the actual situation in China, policy recommendations and authoritative popular science knowledge on sugar reduction for caries prevention to public are proposed to advocate for experts in multiple fields to focus on sugar reduction for caries prevention, promote the work process, and provide the scientific basis for oral health educators.

Objective:To construct an infectious clone of a Chinese HIV-1 CRF01_AE epidemic strain with strong replication capacity，and comprehensively identify its viral phenotype and replication capacity.Methods:Using the CRF01_AE clinical isolate GX2005002，which was previously isolated from whole blood of an HIV-1-infected individual in China by our laboratory，as the parental strain，the full-length genome of the virus（9.7 kb）was divided into 5' half fragment（5.1 kb）and 3' half fragment（4.6 kb）for amplification. The proviral DNA was used as a template to amplify the virus genome，which was then ligated into the eukaryotic expression vector pEASY-T1. The consistency of its sequence with the parental strain sequence was identified through full-length genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The replication capacity，syncytium inducibility，and cell tropism were experimentally identified to determine its phenotypic consistency with the parental strain.Results:An infectious clone of the CRF01_AE strain was successfully constructed，and its genome sequence exhibited high consistency with the sequence of the parental strain. By transfecting target cells，a derivative virus with infectious activity and replication capability was successfully rescued. The derived virus maintained phenotypic characteristics consistent with the parental strain，such as cell tropism and syncytium inducibility.Conclusion:This study successfully constructed an infectious clone of a Chinese HIV-1 CRF01_AE epidemic strain with clear background and distinct phenotype. The genomic sequence and viral phenotypic characteristics of the derived virus are basically consistent with the parental strain，providing strong representation of the original isolate and serving as a powerful tool for research on the correlation between the genetic characteristics，viral phenotype，and pathogenicity of HIV-1 CRF01_AE strains.

Objective:To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia caused by COMP gene variants in pediatric patients.Methods:This retrospective study concluded 15 pediatric patients with COMP-related pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from July 2013 to August 2024. This paper analyzed clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and genetic testing.Results:This cohort comprised 15 pediatric patients (8 males and 7 females) with a diagnostic age of 5.3 (1.8,9.3) years. The major clinical presentations included abnormal gait (15/15), brachydactyly (11/15), genu varum (12/15), irregular metaphyseal changes (14/14) and epiphyseal dysplasia (14/14). Genetic analysis revealed 13 cases of pseudoachondroplasia and 2 multiple epiphyseal dysplasias cases associated with COMP gene variants. Fifteen variants were identified (8 pathogenic and 7 likely pathogenic), including 2 novel variants (c.1223A>G, c.1378G>C). Thirteen of these patients had variations clustered in exons 8-14 encoding the calmodulin-like domains, with c.1414_1419dupGACGAC emerging as a hotspot variant.Conclusions:COMP-related pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia predominantly manifest with gait abnormalities and skeletal deformities. COMP gene pathogenic variations were mainly located in calmodulin-like domains.