OBJECTIVE To establish the high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） fingerprint of Sagina japonica ， and to establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker （QAMS） method for simultaneous determination of six componen ts in S. japonica ， aiming to provide references for the quality control of this medicinal herb. METHODS HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 12 batches （No. S1-S12） of S . japonica according to Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine . The similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks were conducted， followed by cluster analysis （CA） and principal component analysis （PCA） for 12 batches of samples. Using vicenin-2 as internal reference， the contents of p-hydroxy cinnamic acid， apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside， isoorientin， vitexin and 20-hydroxyecdysone were determined by QAMS method. The results were then compared with those obtained by the external standard method. RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 12 batches of S . japonica ranged from 0.828-0.998. A total of 17 common peaks were calibrated， and 6 common peaks were identified. Specifically， peak 5 was identified as vicenin-2， peak 7 as p-hydroxycinnamic acid， peak 10 as apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside， peak 11 as isoorientin， peak 13 as vitexin， and peak 15 as 20-hydroxyecdysone. The results of CA showed that S1-S5， S7 and S9-S11 were clustered into one category， S6 was clustered into one category， and S8 and S12 were clustered into one category. The results of PCA revealed that the accumulative contribution rate of the four main components was 89.430%. The content ranges measured by QAMS method for p-hydroxy cinnamic acid， apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside， isoorientin， vitexin and 20-hydroxyecdysone were 0.017 4-0.269 4， 0.568 8-4.240 3， 0.503 2-5.040 3， 0.024 0-0.132 0 and 2.551 3-4.881 1 mg/g， respectively. There was no significant difference in the contents of components measured between QAMS method and the external standard method （ P ＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC fingerprint and QAMS method can be used for quality evaluation and quality control of S . japonica.

Objective:To detect the expression levels of 12 cytokines in the plasma of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and explore their association with PBC disease activity and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapeutic response.Methods:This study enrolled 127 patients with PBC who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 2021 and November 2023 (PBC group) and 32 healthy controls who underwent physical examinations during the same period (control group). The expression of 12 cytokines was measured using flow cytometry, and compared between groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between cytokine levels and five laboratory indicators reflecting PBC disease activity [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bile acid (TBA)]. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of cytokines in distinguishing between patients who responded to UDCA treatment and those who did not.Results:The plasma interleukin (IL)-8 levels between the PBC group and healthy controls showed no significant differences, and the plasma IFN-γ levels in PBC patients were significantly higher than those in health controls ( P<0.05). Spearman analysis showed that IL-8 was positively correlated with ALP, GGT, TBil, AST, and TBA ( R2=0.348, 0.401, 0.406, 0.495, 0.417; all P<0.01), and negative correlation was observed between IFN-γand ALP, GGT, and TBA levels ( R2=-0.265, -0.253, -0.232; all P<0.05). The plasma IL-8 level in 52 PBC patients who did not respond to UDCA treatment was significantly higher, while the IFN-γ level was significantly lower than those in 56 PBC patients who responded to UDCA treatment (both P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve for distinguishing plasma IL-8 and IFN-γlevels between PBC patients responding to UDCA treatment and not is 0.631 and 0.783, respectively. The sensitivities were 87.5% and 90.5%, and the specificities were 44.2% and 57.9%, respectively. Conclusion:The levels of plasma IL-8 and IFN-γ are correlated with the disease activity of PBC and can be used to reflect the therapeutic responses to UDCA in PBC patients.

Objective:The performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), DNA isothermal amplification fluorescence assay (DNA isothermal amplification) and RNA simultaneous amplification and testing (SAT-TB) were evaluated by detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the pus samples of superficial tuberculous lymphadenitis and skeletal tuberculosis, two common extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Methods:Cross-sectional study. A total of 242 patients with suspected superficial tuberculous lymphadenitis and skeletal tuberculosis admitted to Shaanxi Provincial Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Hospital were collected from January 2022 to December 2023 and pus samples were taken from the lesions for examination. Among them, 210 patients were laboratory confirmed or clinically diagnosed with tuberculosis, 108 patients with superficial tuberculous lymphadenitis and 102 patients with skeletal tuberculosis. 32 patients without tuberculosis. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis culture, Xpert, DNA isothermal amplification, and SAT-TB detection were performed on the pus samples of all patients. The detection results were statistically analyzed using SPSS26.0 and MedCalc software. The detection effectiveness of several different detection methods for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pus samples was compared, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significan. Results:The sensitivity of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis culture, Xpert, DNA isothermal amplification and SAT-TB in TB patients were 25.2% (53/210), 88.6% (186/210), 81.9% (172/210) and 61.0% (128/210), respectively. The area under curve (AUC) values of the four detection methods in the diagnosis of tuberculosis were 0.626, 0.943, 0.910 and 0.805, respectively. The AUC value of tuberculosis culture in the diagnosis of tuberculosis was significantly lower than that of the three molecular diagnostic techniques ( P<0.05). The AUC value of DNA isothermal amplification was significantly higher than that of SAT-TB detection method ( P<0.05). The positive tuberculosis culture was used as a reference standard where the sensitivity of Xpert, DNA isothermal amplification and SAT-TB reached 96.2%(51/53), 90.6%(48/53) and 86.8%(46/53), respectively. There was no significant difference in sensitivity among the three molecular diagnostic techniques ( P>0.05). In Xpert MTB positive patients, the positive rate of DNA isothermal amplification was 90.3% (168/186), and there was good consistency between DNA isothermal amplification and Xpert MTB detection results ( Kappa=0.765, P<0.001). Xpert detected 27 cases of rifampicin resistance, the resistance rate was 12.9% (27/210). Conclusion:GeneXpert and DNA isothermal amplification have high sensitivity and specificity in the samples of extrapulmonary tuberculosis pus, and the results of DNA isothermal amplification and GeneXpert MTB/RIF detection are highly consistent. In tuberculosis screening, DNA isothermal amplification fluorescence detection can be used for preliminary screening to reduce the detection cost.

Objective To discuss the correlation between free prostate specific antigen(fPSA),serum ferritin(SF),blood uric acid(SUA)levels and Gleason grading in patients with prostate cancer(PCa).Methods The clinical data of 61 patients with prostate biopsy treated in 411 Hospital of Shanghai University from January to December of 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of puncture,the patients were divided into benign prostatic hyperpla-sia(BPH)group(31 cases)and PCa group(30 cases).The levels of fPSA,SF and SUA in patients and Gleason grade in biopsy cases were analyzed.The correlation between fPSA,SF and SUA levels and Gleason grade was analyzed by the method of Spearman.And the diagnostic efficacy of fPSA,SF and SUA levels on PCa was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).Results The levels of fPSA,SF and SUA in PCa group were significantly higher than those in BPH group(P＜0.05).There were statistically significant differences in levels of fPSA SF and SUA in PCA patients with different Gleason grades(P＜0.05).With the specificity reaching 96.08％and sensitivity reaching 94.35％,the ar-ea under the curve(AUC)of the combined fPSA,SF and SUA levels in the diagnosis of PCa was 0.982,which was higher than that of the single fPSA,SF and SUA levels(P＜0.05).SF and SUA levels in PCa patients were positively correlated with Gleason grade(P＜0.05),while fPSA levels were not correlated with Gleason grade(P＞0.05).Conclusion The levels of SF and SUA in PCa patients are positively correlated with Gleason grade,which can be used as an important index to predict Gleason grade in PCa patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of chromosomal abnormalities in amniotic fluid among pregnant women in Liangshan Prefecture and explore strategies for optimizing prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 024 amniocentesis samples collected at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Liangshan Prefecture Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between February 2022 and December 2024. Chromosome karyotyping analysis (3 cases had failed culture, 1 021 valid samples) was combined with high-throughput chromosome sequencing analysis (CNV-seq) for the detection. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 2023-07). RESULTS: The overall detection rate of chromosomal karyotype abnormalities in the amniotic fluid cells was 4.02% (41/1 021), with numerical abnormalities accounting for 80.49% (33/41) and structural abnormalities for 19.51% (8/41). Numerical abnormalities were primarily trisomy 21 (16/41, 39.02%) and 47,XXY (6/41, 14.63%). Structural abnormalities included translocations (6 cases) and mosaicism (2 cases). CNV-seq detected 22 pathogenic or likely pathogenic copy number variations, whilst the undetection rate for balanced translocations reached 100% (7/7). The combined application of karyotyping and CNV-seq, leveraging complementary strengths, can enhance the overall detection rate. CONCLUSION The distribution characteristics of chromosomal abnormalities in amniotic fluid from pregnant women in Liangshan exhibit regional specificity. A combined testing strategy significantly optimizes prenatal diagnosis efficacy, providing crucial evidence for enhancing the effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis in ethnic minority regions.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Amniotic Fluid ; Karyotyping ; Amniocentesis ; Chromosome Disorders/genetics* ; China ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics*

The long service life and high reliability of SiC sliding bearings are crucial for the long-term normal operation of aerospace power equipment.In response to the fracture phenomenon observed in the sliding bearing assembly of a certain delivery pump during operation,this paper analyzes the issue from the perspectives of stress characteristics and thermal expansion effects,proposing a structural optimization design method based on temperature coefficient compensation.The research indicates that the primary cause of bearing fracture is the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the bearing and the metal rotor under elevated temperatures,leading to axial loosening of the bearing.Additionally,the gap between the bearing and the pin,combined with unstable lubrication of the friction pair,exacerbates bearing stalling and pin impact,ultimately causing cracks and localized chipping.By optimizing the bearing structure and employing a rubber pad for torque transmission,this issue has been successfully resolved.The improved structure demonstrated high reliability and stability in bench tests,providing important theoretical and technical references for the design of bearings under similar extreme operating conditions.

Objective To introduce an innovative technique, the "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" and its application in the subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for anterior mediastinal masses resection. Methods Patients who underwent single-port thoracoscopic assisted anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the xiphoid process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to June 2024 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 7 patients were included, with 3 males and 4 females, aged 28-72 years. The diameter of the tumor was 1.9-17.0 cm. The operation time was 62-308 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-100 mL, postoperative chest drainage tube retention time was 0-9 days, pain score on the 7th day after surgery was 0-2 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days. All patients underwent successful and complete resection of the masses and thymus, with favorable postoperative recovery. Conclusion The "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" effectively expands the retrosternal space, providing surgeons with satisfactory surgical views and operating space. This technique significantly enhances the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgery for anterior mediastinal masses, reduces trauma and postoperative pain, and accelerates patient recovery, demonstrating important clinical significance and application value.

Objective This study aims to explore the efficacy of tetrahydrocurcumin(THC),the major active metabolite of curcumin,on high glucose(HG)-induced human platelet aggregation and activation as well as to clarify the underlying mechanisms in vitro.Methods Purified platelets prepared from healthy subjects were pre-incubated with various concentrations of THC(0.5 μmol/L,1 μmol/L or 10 μmol/L)or vehicle control(0.05％DMSO)for 40 min at 37℃,followed by the stimulation of normal glucose(NG,5 mmol/L)or HG(25 mmol/L)for additional 90 min.The maximal aggregation rate was determined by an aggregometer.Flow cytometry was used to measure platelet surface expression of CD62P(a typical marker of platelet activation)and generation of total intraplatelet reactive oxygen species(ROS).Meanwhile,the phosphorylation level of platelet p53 was detected by Western blot assay.Results Compared with NG group,HG intervention significantly increased platelet aggrega-tion(P<0.05)and CD62P expression(P<0.001),which were greatly inhibited by different concentrations of THC(P<0.05).Mechanistically,when compared with solvent control,THC significantly decreased the level of total ROS production(P<0.001)and p53 phosphorylation(P<0.05).In addition,HG-induced total intraplatelet ROS generation(P<0.001)and p53 phosphorylation(P<0.05)were greatly attenuated by adding a ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine(NAC).The combination of NAC with THC(10 μmol/L)showed no additive inhibitory effects(P>0.05).Moreover,platelet aggregation and activation induced by HG were greatly decreased by NAC and a p53 specific inhibitor PFT-μ(P<0.05).The combination of THC(10 μmol/L)and NAC resulted no additive inhibitory effects on HG-increased platelet aggregation and activation(P>0.05).THC(10 μmol/L)exhibited additive inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation(P<0.05)but no additive inhibitory effects on platelet activation when combined with PFT-μ(P>0.05).Conclusions THC exerts a protective effect on HG-induced platelet aggregation and activation possibly through down-regulating ROS/p53 signaling pathway in human platelets in vitro.The current study may provide potential value for THC to improve thrombosis in diabetes mellitus and the related chronic metabolic diseases.

Objective To explore the changes in ability to cope with ethical conflicts in palliative care in neonatal intensive care units(NI CU)before and after ethical sensitivity theory training.Methods A descriptive phenomenological research method was employed.Using purposive sampling,we recruited 16 NICU nurses from a tertiary general comprehensive hospital in the city.After ethical sensitivity theory training between January and March 2025,the nurses participated in a semi-structured interview.Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.Results All participants completed the interview.The data were abstracted to three main themes encompassing eight sub-themes:experiences of ethical conflict dilemmas before ethical sensitivity theory training(conflicts between treatment decision-making and family expectations,trust crises triggered by family cognitive biases),the changes of strategy to cope with ethical conflicts after ethical sensitivity theory training(individualized coping strategies,teamwork and communication,introduction and support of external resources),and the role of ethical sensitivity theory training in enhancing coping ability(improving the ability to identify ethical issues,optimizing the decision-making process,and promoting effective communication).Conclusion Palliative care nurses in the NICU face various ethical conflicts,and ethical sensitivity training can enhance their ability to manage these conflicts.

Objective To compare the clinical value of TruScreen,an artificial intelligence-based real-time cervical cancer screening system,combined with high-risk human papillomavirus(hr-HPV)test and Thinprep cytology test(TCT)combined with hr-HPV test in cervical cancer screening.Methods A total of 297 women undergoing cervical cancer screening at Panzhihua Central Hospital between June 2020 and December 2023 were enrolled.All participants underwent hr-HPV testing,TCT,and TruScreen test.The diagnostic performance of TruScreen combined with hr-HPV test and TCT combined with hr-HPV test for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion positive(LSIL+)and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion positive(HSIL+)cervical lesions was evaluated.Results Among the 297 enrolled women,pathology analysis identified 128(43.10%)LSI+cases and 67(22.56%)HSIL+cases.Additionally,there were 110(37.04%)HPV16/18 positive cases,177(59.60%)cases with TCT results≥atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance(ASCUS),and 176(59.26%)cases with abnormal TruScreen results.The area under the curve(AUC)of TruScreen combined with hr-HPV test in diagnosing LSIL+and HSIL+cervical lesions was higher than that of TCT combined with hr-HPV test(P<0.05).Conclusion TruScreen combined with hr-HPV test demonstrates superior performance in cervical cancer screening compared with TCT combined with hr-HPV test.TruScreen combined with hr-HPV test may serve as an alternative to conventional cytology-based methods for cervical cancer screening in China.