Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of Liqingtong (LQT) granules in patients with dampness-heat hyperuricemia. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted at the 983rd Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the People's Liberation Army from March 15, 2023, to August 10, 2023. In total, 119 participants were enrolled in this trial, and participants were given either LQT granules or placebo for 60 days based on a health education. The primary outcome was serum uric acid (SUA) level, and the secondary outcome was the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, measured on days 0, 30, and 60. Safety indicators, including liver function, kidney function, blood routine, glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, and heart rate were tested on days 0 and 60 of the trial. The data were analyzed using Prism 9 software, and the significance level was set at P < .05. Results: Among 119 participants, six in the LQT granule group and seven in the placebo group dropped out, and 106 participants completed clinical observation. Baseline information, including SUA levels, TCM symptom scores, and other clinical characteristics, did not differ between the groups. At the end of the trial, compared with baseline values, the SUA levels in the LQT granule group decreased (P < .001), and no significant change was observed in the placebo group (P = .422); compared with the placebo group, the SUA levels decreased in the LQT granule group (P = .001). Compared with baseline values, the total TCM symptom scores in the LQT granule group decreased (P < .001), with no change in the placebo group (P = .136). Safety indicators did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion The pilot trial demonstrated the potential of LQT granules to lower SUA levels and improve symptoms of dampness and heat.

Objective:Farfarae Flos has the effect of cough suppression and phlegm elimination,with cough suppression as the main function.Studies have revealed that certain components of Farfarae Flos may be related to its cough suppressant effect,and some components have been confirmed to have cough suppressant activity.However,the antitussive material basis of Farfarae Flos has not been systematically elucidated.This study aims to elucidate the group of active ingredients in Farfarae Flos with cough suppressant activity by correlating the high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)fingerprint of Farfarae Flos extract with its cough suppressant activity. Methods:HPLC was used to establish the fingerprint profiles of 10 batches of Farfarae Flos extract and obtain their chemical composition data.Guinea pigs were selected as experimental animals and the citric acid-induced cough model was used to evaluate the antitussive efficacy data of 10 batches of Farfarae Flos extract.SPF-grade healthy male Hartley guinea pigs were randomly divided into the S1 to S10 groups,a positive control group,and a blank control group(12 groups in total),with 10 guinea pigs in each group.The S1 to S10 groups were respectively administered Farfarae Flos extract S1 to S10(4 g/kg),the positive control group was administered pentoverine citrate(10 mg/kg),and the blank control group was administered purified water.Each group received continuous oral administration for 5 days.The guinea pigs were placed in 5 L closed wide-mouth bottles,and 17.5%citric acid was sprayed into the bottle with an ultrasonic atomizer at the maximum spray intensity for 0.5 minutes.The cough latency period and cough frequency in 5 minutes were recorded for each guinea pig.Grey relational analysis(GRA)and partial least squares regression(PLSR)were used to conduct spectral-effect correlation analysis of the chemical composition data of Farfarae Flos extract and the antitussive efficacy data,and predict the group of active ingredients in Farfarae Flos with antitussive activity.The bioequivalence verification was conducted to verify the predicted group of active ingredients in Farfarae Flos with antitussive activity:SPF-grade healthy male Hartley guinea pigs were randomly divided into a S9 group,an active ingredient group,a positive control group,and a blank control group(4 groups in total),with 10 guinea pigs in each group.The S9 group was administered Farfarae Flos extract S9(4 g/kg),the active ingredient group was administered the predicted combination of antitussive active ingredients(dose equivalent to 4 g/kg of Farfarae Flos extract S9),the positive control group was administered pentoverine citrate(10 mg/kg),and the blank control group was administered purified water.Each group received continuous oral administration for 5 days,and animal modeling and observation of efficacy indicators were the same as above. Results:The HPLC fingerprint of 10 batches of Farfarae Flos extract was established,and the peak area data of 14 main common peaks were obtained.The antitussive effect data of 10 batches of Farfarae Flos extract were obtained.Compared with the blank control group,the cough latence in the positive control group and S1,S2,S3,S4,S6,S7,S8,S9,S10 groups was prolonged(all P<0.01),while the cough frequency in 5 minutes in the positive control group and S1,S2,S4,S6,S8,S9,S10 groups was decreased(all P<0.05).The analysis of spectrum-effect relationship revealed that isochlorogenic acid C,isochlorogenic acid A,chlorogenic acid,isochlorogenic acid B,isoquercitrin,and rutin had high contribution to the antitussive effect of Farfarae Flos,and the 6 components were predicted to be the antitussive component group of Farfarae Flos.The verification of bioequivalence showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the antitussive effect between the S9 group and the antitussive component composition group(all P>0.05),which confirmed that isochlorogenic acid C,isochlorogenic acid A,chlorogenic acid,isochlorogenic acid B,isoquercetin,and rutin were the antitussive component group of Farfarae Flos. Conclusion:The analysis of spectrum-effect relationship combined with the verification of bioequivalence could be used to study the antitussive material basis of Farfarae Flos.The antitussive effect of Farfarae Flos is the result of the joint action of many components.

Objective:To observe the application effect of BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation in standardized training of residents for "ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia" (UGRA).Methods:The anesthesiology students enrolled in 2019 for standardized resident training were selected as research objects. A total of 44 students were randomly divided into observation group ( n=22) and control group ( n=22). The control group received traditional teaching and the observation group received the BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation teaching. The differences in comprehensive theoretical knowledge and comprehensive ability of UGRA between the two groups were analyzed through the final assessment. The satisfaction of the two groups of students with teaching process was analyzed using the teaching feedback questionnaire. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used for the t-test, and the non-parametric test was used in cases of unequal variance. Results:Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly higher scores of comprehensive theoretical knowledge [(75.86±9.31) points vs. (64.00±7.76)points] and ultrasonic image interpretation [(37.73±4.60) points vs. (30.86±4.57) points] ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significantly reduced time of ultrasonic localization of target nerve [(92.00±22.67) seconds vs. (107.32±23.35) seconds] and the puncture time of simulated teaching aids [(67.82±17.83) seconds vs. (103.18±19.15) seconds] ( P<0.05). The overall satisfaction of students was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The teaching method of BOPPPS combined with scenario simulation is helpful to improve students' comprehensive ability of UGRA such as comprehensive theoretical knowledge, the interpretation of ultrasound image, and the localization of target nerve.

Objective:To evaluate the performance of key performance indicator (KPI) lean teaching management system in clinical medical laboratory.Methods:Combining lean teaching management in universities with KPI system of enterprises, an innovative KPI lean teaching management system was developed and applied in Clinical Medical Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital (GDPH). A total of 106 teachers, who had worked from January 2021 to December 2022 in GDPH, joined this study. Teachers were divided into 8 professional groups. Firstly, we quantified the teaching workload by class hours, evaluated the teaching outcomes base on national, provincial, school, and college levels to assign different teaching points, and linked the teaching KPI scores to the evaluation, salary, and professional title of teachers. Then, we analyzed the overall teaching points and teaching points for each professional group (2021-2022). Finally, we asked teaching managers, teachers, and colleagues to evaluate the KPI lean teaching management system and compared the effects before and after the implementation of this system.Results:Compared with 2021, the teaching scores of 106 teachers increased significantly from 1.0 (0.2, 2.7) to 3.8 (2.3, 6.0) in 2022 ( Z=8.1, P<0.01). The teaching scores of clinical molecules, clinical coagulation, clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, Huifu laboratory, and clinical biochemistry group were significantly higher in 2022 than the scores they got in 2021 (all P<0.05). Compared with 2021, there were 3 new set up of educational reform projects, 2 submitted teaching articles, 3 new competition awards, 7 outstanding teachers, and 5 outstanding students in 2022. After application of KPI lean teaching management, the evaluation scores of teaching work by teaching managers, teachers, and colleagues are all significantly improved ( P<0.05). Conclusion:KPI lean teaching management system could effectively enhance teachers′ work initiative, improve teaching efficiency and outcome, and promote the teaching quality. Therefore, based on the performance of KPI lean teaching management system in our study, it is possible to realize its potential in terms of lean management in clinical medical laboratory.

Objective:To evaluate the severe occlusal surface wear of implant-supported full-arch prostheses, and to explore the risk factors affecting the severe occlusal surface wear of implant-supported full-arch prostheses.Methods:Five hundred and thirty-five patients who received implant-supported fixed complete dental prostheses or implant-overdentures and completed at least one follow-up 3 months after the delivery of definitive prostheses were enrolled from October 1994 to October 2021 in this retrospective cohort study. The information on demographics, implants, definitive prostheses, and related outcomes was collected. Cox proportional hazard regression model was adopted to analyze the risk factors of the severe wear of occlusal surfaces in implant-supported full-arch prostheses. Univariate analysis was performed on the factors that may affect the severe wear of occlusal surfaces, and the parameters of P<0.10 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis to explore the risk factors affecting the severe wear of occlusal surfaces in implant-supported full-arch prostheses. Results:Severe wear of the posterior occlusal surfaces was detected in 114 prostheses with a duration of 61.4 (33.3, 89.4) months. 13 cases occurred ≤2 years after the delivery of definitive prostheses, 44 cases>2 years and ≤5 years, 44 cases>5 years and ≤10 years, and the other 13 cases>10 years. There was no significant difference in the average time of severe occlusal surface wear between implant-supported fixed complete dental prostheses and implant-overdentures in the maxilla ( Z=-1.03, P=0.303). However, in the mandible, it was 48.2 (31.2, 80.2) and 79.2 (51.3, 119.1) months respectively, which was statistically significant ( Z=-2.93, P=0.003). Cox proportional hazard regression model showed opposed fixed dentition, bruxism, and posterior resin occlusal surfaces were risk factors ( P<0.05) affecting the severe wear of the occlusal surfaces. Conclusions:Severe occlusal surface wear was clinically common with the prolonged application of implant-supported full-arch prostheses. Prostheses opposed to fixed dentition, in patients with bruxism, and made of posterior resin materials were at higher risk of severe occlusal surface wear on the posterior artificial teeth. Regular follow-up, patients′ behavior guidance, and clinicians′ appropriate intervention were necessary to manage this complication.

Licking behavior is important for water intake. The deep mesencephalic nucleus (DpMe) has been implicated in instinctive behaviors. However, whether the DpMe is involved in licking behavior and the precise neural circuit behind this behavior remains unknown. Here, we found that the activity of the DpMe decreased during water intake. Inhibition of vesicular glutamate transporter 2-positive (VGLUT2⁺) neurons in the DpMe resulted in increased water intake. Somatostatin-expressing (SST⁺), but not protein kinase C-δ-expressing (PKC-δ⁺), GABAergic neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) preferentially innervated DpMe VGLUT2⁺ neurons. The SST⁺ neurons in the CeA projecting to the DpMe were activated at the onset of licking behavior. Activation of these CeA SST⁺ GABAergic neurons, but not PKC-δ⁺ GABAergic neurons, projecting to the DpMe was sufficient to induce licking behavior and promote water intake. These findings redefine the roles of the DpMe and reveal a novel CeA^SST-DpMe^VGLUT2 circuit that regulates licking behavior and promotes water intake.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual development in Chinese children. Methods: A nationwide multicenter and population-based large cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on sex, age, height, weight were collected, BMI was calculated and sexual characteristics were analyzed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on age, including ages 3-<6 years, 6-<10 years, 10-<15 years and 15-<18 years. Multiple Logistic regression models were used for evaluating the associations of BMI with sexual development in children. Dichotomous Logistic regression was used to compare the differences in the distribution of early and non-early puberty among normal weight, overweight and obese groups. Curves were drawn to analyze the relationship between the percentage of early puberty and BMI distribution in girls and boys at different Tanner stages. Results: A total of 208 179 healthy children (96 471 girls and 111 708 boys) were enrolled in this study. The OR values of B2, B3 and B4+ in overweight girls were 1.72 (95%CI: 1.56-1.89), 3.19 (95%CI: 2.86-3.57), 7.14 (95%CI: 6.33-8.05) and in obese girls were 2.05 (95%CI: 1.88-2.24), 4.98 (95%CI: 4.49-5.53), 11.21 (95%CI: 9.98-12.59), respectively; while the OR values of G2, G3, G4+ in overweight boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.38), 1.52 (95%CI: 1.36-1.70), 1.88 (95%CI: 1.66-2.14) and in obese boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.37), 1.59 (95%CI: 1.43-1.78), and 1.93 (95%CI: 1.70-2.18) (compared with normal weight Tanner 1 group,all P<0.01). Analysis in different age groups found that OR values of obese girls at B2 stage and boys at G2 stage were 2.02 (95%CI: 1.06-3.86) and 2.32 (95%CI:1.05-5.12) in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, respectively (both P<0.05). And in the age group of 6-10 years, overweight girls had a 5.45-fold risk and obese girls had a 12.54-fold risk of B3 stage compared to girls with normal BMI. Compared with normal weight children, the risk of early puberty was 2.67 times higher in overweight girls, 3.63 times higher in obese girls, and 1.22 times higher in overweight boys, 1.35 times higher in obese boys (all P<0.01). Among the children at each Tanner stages, the percentage of early puberty increased with the increase of BMI, from 5.7% (80/1 397), 16.1% (48/299), 13.8% (27/195) to 25.7% (198/769), 65.1% (209/321), 65.4% (157/240) in girls aged 8-<9, 10-<11 and 11-<12 years, and 6.6% (34/513), 18.7% (51/273), 21.6% (57/264) to 13.3% (96/722), 46.4% (140/302), 47.5% (105/221) in boys aged 9-<10, 12-<13 and 13-<14 years, respectively. Conclusions: BMI is positively correlated with sexual development in both Chinese boys and girls, and the correlation is stronger in girls. Obesity is a risk factor for precocious puberty in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, and 6-<10 years of age is a high risk period for early development in obese girls.
Adolescent ; Body Mass Index ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity/epidemiology* ; Overweight/epidemiology* ; Puberty ; Puberty, Precocious ; Sexual Development

Animals ; Cardiomegaly ; Constriction ; Heart ; Mice

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for simultaneous determination of 15 kinds of vapor state organic acids in workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography.METHODS: A total 15 kinds of vapor state organic acids such as acetic acid, propanoic acid, butyric acid and pentanoic acid in the air of workplace were collected by silica gel, eluted with acetone, separated by DB-FFAP capillary chromatograph column, and detected by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. RESULTS: There was a good linear relationship in the selected range of 15 kinds of organic acids. The coefficient correlation was 0.999 97-0.999 98. The limit of detection of this method was 0.04-0.29 mg/L, and the minimum detection concentration was 0.03-0.19 mg/m~(3 )(collected sample volume was 1.50 L). The average desorption efficiency was 92.9%-98.5%. The within-run and between-run relative standard deviation was 0.3%-1.6% and 1.5%-3.0%, respectively. The samples could be kept for at least 15 days at room temperature. CONCLUSION: The method is simple for operation, with high sensitivity, and good precision, which is suitable for simultaneous determination of 15 kinds of vapor state organic acids in the air of workplace and sites of emergency accident.