ObjectiveTo investigate the modifiable areal unit problem （MAUP） in the spatial pattern of Pseudostellaria heterophylla production regions and reveal the impact of statistical scales on the spatial distribution characteristics of this medicinal plant species. MethodsUsing multi-source data （literature records， field surveys， and statistical data）， we systematically analyzed the spatial patterns across three administrative levels （provincial， prefectural， and county scales）. Spatial autocorrelation （Moran's I） analysis， high-low clustering （Getis-Ord General G）， and hot/cold spot analysis （Getis-Ord Gi*） were employed. ResultsThe literature-based analysis showed that the production regions of P. heterophylla presented random distribution on the provincial scale and significant aggregation on the prefectural scale. The field survey data showed that the production regions displayed random distribution on the provincial scale but significant aggregation on both prefectural and county scales. The statistical data revealed that the production regions lacked spatial autocorrelation on the provincial scale but demonstrated significant aggregation on prefectural and county scales. ConclusionMAUP effects have substantive implications for understanding and decision-making in the arrangement of medicinal plant production regions. The county scale proves to be the most sensitive and explanatory level for analyzing the spatial pattern of P. heterophylla production regions， providing a critical foundation for habitat modeling， suitability evaluation， and ecological cultivation planning of medicinal plants.

BACKGROUND: The role of inflammation in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has recently become a focus of research. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), novel indices, reflect the body's chronic immune-inflammatory state. This study aimed to investigate the associations between the SII or SIRI and GDM. METHODS: A prospective birth cohort study was conducted at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from February 2018 to December 2020, recruiting participants in their first trimester of pregnancy. Baseline SII and SIRI values were derived from routine clinical blood results, calculated as follows: SII = neutrophil (Neut) count × platelet (PLT) count/lymphocyte (Lymph) count, SIRI = Neut count × monocyte (Mono) count/Lymph count, with participants being grouped by quartiles of their SII or SIRI values. Participants were followed up for GDM with a 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks of gestation using the glucose thresholds of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG). Logistic regression was used to analyze the odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for the the associations between SII, SIRI, and the risk of GDM. RESULTS: Among the 28,124 women included in the study, the average age was 31.8 ± 3.8 years, and 15.76% (4432/28,124) developed GDM. Higher SII and SIRI quartiles were correlated with increased GDM rates, with rates ranging from 12.26% (862/7031) in the lowest quartile to 20.10% (1413/7031) in the highest quartile for the SII ( Ptrend <0.001) and 11.92-19.31% for the SIRI ( Ptrend <0.001). The ORs (95% CIs) of the second, third, and fourth SII quartiles were 1.09 (0.98-1.21), 1.21 (1.09-1.34), and 1.39 (1.26-1.54), respectively. The SIRI findings paralleled the SII outcomes. For the second through fourth quartiles, the ORs (95% CIs) were 1.24 (1.12-1.38), 1.41 (1.27-1.57), and 1.64 (1.48-1.82), respectively. These associations were maintained in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION The SII and SIRI are potential independent risk factors contributing to the onset of GDM.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Diabetes, Gestational/immunology* ; Prospective Studies ; Adult ; Inflammation/immunology* ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Birth Cohort

Objective:To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of carrier detection for Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by using digital PCR assay.Methods:Peripheral blood samples were collected from 214 pregnant women who were routinely screened for SMA carriers, of which 204 were randomly selected samples and 10 were samples with known copy numbers of SMN1 exons 7 and 8. Samples with known copy numbers of SMN1 exons 7 and 8 were randomly mixed into the experiment to validate the performance of the digital PCR assay. The copy numbers of SMN1 exons 7 and 8 and SMN2 exons 7 and 8 in peripheral blood samples were detected by digital PCR assay. The results of SMN1 exons 7 and 8 were compared with those of the quantitative PCR method to assess the reliability and clinical performance of the digital PCR assay. Results:Among the 204 random samples, digital PCR has detected five samples with simultaneous heterozygous deletion of SMN1 exons 7 and 8, three samples with heterozygous deletion of SMN1 exon 8 only, and 196 samples with no deletion of SMN1 exons 7 and 8. Ten samples with known SMN1 exons 7 and 8 copy numbers were detected with the expected values. The digital PCR test results were fully consistent with that of the quantitative PCR. Conclusion:The results of digital PCR for the detection of copy number variation of SMN1 exons 7 and 8 were consistent with qPCR. Digital PCR assay was able to clearly distinguish the copy number of the target genes, therefore can be used for SMA carrier screening. Moreover, it can also detect copy number of SMN2 exons 7 and 8, which can provide more information for genetic counseling.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on intestinal flora and serum inflammatory factors in rabbit model with rheumatoid arthritis(RA);To explore the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on RA.Methods RA model rabbits were established by ovalbumin induction combined with Freund's complete adjuvant,and the rabbits after successful modeling were randomly divided into model group,probiotic group and electroacupuncture group,with 6 rabbits in each group.Another 6 rabbits were set as the normal group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at the bilateral"Zusanli"and"Dubi"for 30 minutes,the probiotic group was given probiotic capsules solution(14.5 mg/kg)by gavage,once a day,for two consecutive weeks.The knee joint circumference and pain threshold of rabbits were measured,histopathological morphological changes of colonic tissue and synovial tissue ws observed by HE staining,16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze structural changes of intestinal flora,the contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the normal group,the circumference of knee joint of rabbits in the model group increased significantly,the pain threshold was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the colonic mucosal damage was serious,the goblet cells were missing,a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrate;the joint capsule synovial surface was rough,the synovial cell layer was hyperplasia and thickening,the synovial tissue inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious;the number and evenness of gut microbiota species decreased,while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria,Firmicutes,and Bacteroidetes decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the relative abundance of Desulfobacteria increased(P<0.01),while the relative abundance of Campylobacter,Lawsonella,and Pseudomonas increased(P<0.01),while the relative abundance of Heshanomonas and Herbaspirillum decreased(P<0.01);the contents of serum TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the knee joint circumference of the probiotic group and the electroacupuncture group decreased,the pain threshold increased(P<0.01,P<0.05);the degree of intestinal mucosal damage was reduced,the goblet cells were basically arranged neatly,the inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced;synovial cells proliferation and thickening decreased,with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration;the number and evenness of gut microbiota species increased,while the relative abundance of Proteobacteria,Firmicutes,and Bacteroidetes increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the relative abundance of Desulfobacteria decreased(P<0.01),while the relative abundance of Campylobacter,Lawsonella and Pseudomonas decreased(P<0.01),the relative abundance of Heshanomonas and Herbaspirillum increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the contents of serum TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can significantly improve the symptoms of RA rabbits and reduce the inflammatory reaction in synovial tissue of joint,and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of intestinal flora structure.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of static progressive stretch (SPS) with different parameters in the treatment of stiff knee in rats.Methods:Fifty-six male 8-week SD rats were randomly divided into an operation group ( n=48) and a blank group ( n=8, normal feeding rats without any treatment). The knee joints of the rats in the operation group were fixed with Kirschner wire for 4 weeks to create models of right knee flexion stiffness. The 42 rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into 6 groups ( n=7): the model group was executed and sampled after successful modeling, the spontaneous recovery group was not given any treatment after successful modeling, group T1 was given SPS treatment for 20 min once per day, group T2 was given SPS treatment for 30 min once per day, group T3 was given SPS treatment for 20 min once every 2 days, and group T4 was given SPS treatment for 30 min once every 2 days. After 16 days, the range of knee motion, number of myofibroblasts, and positive proportion of transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF- β1) in the joint capsule were detected and compared between groups. Results:The ranges of knee motion in the spontaneous recovery group and the 4 SPS treatment groups were significantly greater than those before treatment ( P<0.05), and the improvements in the range of knee motion in the 4 SPS treatment groups were significantly greater than that in the spontaneous recovery group ( P<0.05). The range of knee motion in group T2 (112.29°±1.89°) was improved the most significantly. The number of myofibroblasts was (23.72±10.75)/HP, which was significantly smaller than that in T3 group [(55.72±33.56)/HP] or in T4 group [(50.72±33.34)/HP] ( P<0.05). The positive proportions of TGF- β1 in the joint capsule in the 4 SPS treatment groups were significantly lower than that in the model group, and the positive proportion of TGF- β1 in the joint capsule in group T2 (0.51%±0.38%) was significantly lower than those in group T3 and T4 ( P<0.05). Conclusions:As SPS treatment can reduce the expression of TGF- β1 in the joint and inhibit the excessive proliferation of myofibroblasts to alleviate the pathological changes in a stiff knee, it has a significant effect on the stiff knee in rats. The SPS treatment for 30 minutes and once per day may lead to the best efficacy.

In order to provide basic information for the utilization and development of famous classical formulas containing Bletillae Rhizoma， this article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name， origin， harvesting and processing of Bletillae Rhizoma by reviewing the ancient materia medica， prescription books， medical books and modern literature. The research results showed that Baiji（白及） was the main name， some scholars took Baiji（白芨） as its main name， and there were many other names such as Baiji（白给）， Baigen（白根）， Baiji（白苙）. The mainstream source of Bletillae Rhizoma was the tubers of Bletilla striata， and drying， large， white， solid， root-free and skin removed completely were the good quality standards. With the promotion of wild to cultivated medicinal materials， there were certain differences between their traits， and the quality evaluation indexes should be adjusted accordingly. The origin of records in the past dynasties was widely distributed， with Guizhou and Sichuan having high production and good quality in modern times. The harvesting period is mostly in spring and autumn， and harvested in autumn was better. The processing and processing technology is relatively simple， and it was used fresh or powdered in past dynasties， while it is mainly sliced for raw use in modern times. Based on the results， it is suggested that the tubers of Bletilla striata of Orchidaceae should be used in the famous classical formulas， and it should be uniformly written as Baiji（白及）. And if the original formula indicates the requirement of processing， it should be operated according to the requirement， if the requirement of processing is not indicated， it can be used in raw form as medicine.

Objective To explore the effect of Lee-Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) on language re-habilitation of dysarthria in Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods A total of 84 patients with PD dysarthria ad-mitted to our hospital from February 2019 to February 2022 were selected as the research objects.According to the random number table method,they were divided into observation group and control group,with 42 cases in each group.The control group received routine speech rehabilitation training,and the observation group re-ceived LSVT for four weeks.The scores of Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and Aphasia Quotient (AQ) be-fore and after intervention were compared between the two groups,and the differences of electroglottographic parameters such as jitter,F0,shimmer,normalized noise energy (NNE) and harmonic noise ratio (HNR) were compared between the two groups.Results Before intervention,there was no significant difference in WAB scores (listening comprehension,repetition,spontaneous speech,naming) and AQ scores between the two groups (P>0.05).After intervention,the above scores of the two groups were significantly improved,and the observation group was higher than the control group,the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Before intervention,the jitter,F0,shimmer,NNE,HNR of vowels "a""i""u" in the two groups were not sta-tistically significant (P>0.05).After intervention,the above-mentioned electroglottic parameters of the two groups were significantly improved.The jitter and NNE of vowels "a""i""u" in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,and the HNR was higher than that in the control group,the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion LSVT can improve the electroglottographic parameters and speech function of patients with PD dysarthria,and the language rehabilitation effect of PD dysarthria is obvious.

Objective:To provide evidence for medical institutions to explore the standardized management in Investigator Initiated Trials (IIT) through understanding the problems and providing suggestions of IIT management in the past 10 years.Methods:The publication year, region, content, existing problems, and suggestions were abstracted and analyzed by Bibliometric analysis.Results:58 studies were included in the analysis from 12 regions, and the top three regions were Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangdong Province. There were 10 items of IIT management, including management status, ethical management, process management, information management, contract management, approval management, human genetic resource management, researcher management, multi-center management, and methodology system management. The problems and suggestions of each item of IIT management were summarized respectively.Conclusions:The imperfect supervision system of IIT has brought great difficulties to the management department. Medical institutions should clarify management points and risk points from the item of IIT management and take targeted measures to actively promote high-quality IIT research.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of methylene blue on diabetic retinopathy in rats. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into blank, control and experimental groups. The control and experimental groups were induced with diabetes by streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection. After 6 weeks of successful modeling, the experimental group received intravitreal injection of methylene blue at a dose of [0.2 mg/(kg.d)], while the control group received an equal amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) intravitreal injection, both continuously injected for 7 days. ELISA was used to detect the levels of retinal superoxide dismutase (SOD), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha (iPF2α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rats. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of retinal extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and PAS staining was used to detect retinal morphological changes. Results Compared with the blank group rats, the retinal SOD activity in the control and experimental group rats was significantly reduced. iPF2α, IL-1β and p-ERK1/2 level increased, while p-AKT level decreased. Compared with the control group, the SOD activity of the experimental group rats increased. iPF2α and IL-1β level went down, while p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT level went up significantly. The overall thickness of the retinal layer and the number of retinal ganglion cells were significantly reduced. Conclusion Methylene blue improves diabetic retinopathy in rats by reducing retinal oxidative stress and enhancing ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation.
Rats ; Animals ; Diabetic Retinopathy/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Methylene Blue/pharmacology* ; Phosphorylation ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Abstract: Objective To construct a shuttle vector pHT315-AaCPR100A with two spore-producing-dependent promoters and the target gene AaCPR100A in Escherichia coli-Bacillus thuringiensis. Methods The forward promoter of Cry3A, named Pro-1 (+), was amplified by PCR using pSVP27A plasmid as the template, and the target gene AaCPR100A was amplified using Aedes aegypti RNA reverse conversion cDNA as the template. The plasmid pHT315 was linearized by digestion with Hind Ⅲ and Sal Ⅰ. The forward promoter and the target gene were inserted into the linearized vector pHT315 successively by in-fusion cloning according to the transcription direction. The synthesized plasmid containing the Cry3A reverse promoter sequence was used as the template, and the Pro-1 (-) reverse promoter was amplified by PCR. The intermediate vector containing the forward promoter and the target gene was linearized by EcoR I restriction enzyme, and the reverse promoter was inserted downstream of the target gene by in-fusion cloning in the direction of transcription. Results By agarose gel electrophoresis, the forward promoter, target gene AaCPR100A and reverse promoter bands were clear and of good quality, which could be used for in-fusion cloning experiments. The two spore-producing-dependent promoters and target gene fragments were connected by In-fusion cloning. The recombinant vector pHT315-AaCPR100A was verified by PCR. The forward promoter, target gene fragment and reverse promoter were successfully amplified in the recombinant vector. Nucleotide sequencing verified that the sequencing results of the bidirectional promoter sequence and the target gene sequence were basically consistent with the sequence alignment results, which met the requirements of the construction of vector elements and proved that the recombinant vector was successfully constructed. Conclusions Based on the above results, this study proves that the recombinant shuttle vector with two spore-producing-dependent promoters can be successfully constructed by in-fusion cloning technology, laying the foundation for the construction of engineered Bacillus thuringiensis expressing dsRNA of AaCPR100A.