Objective To construct a predictive model for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) MRI burden based on β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], analyze its predictive value, and validate the model. Methods A total of 138 CSVD patients admitted to Anhui No.2 Provincial People’s Hospital from February 2023 to August 2024 were enrolled. Patients were divided into a low-burden group (n=63) and a moderate/severe burden group (n=75) according to the CSVD MRI burden scoring criteria. The related clinical data were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors for CSVD moderate/severe MRI burden. A nomogram predictive model was constructed based on these factors and its performance was evaluated. Results The proportions of male patients, as well as those with a history of diabetes or hypertension, were significantly higher in the moderate/severe burden group than those in the low burden group. Additionally, the age of patients in the moderate/severe burden group was significantly older, and the levels of β2-MG, Lp(a), and homocysteine (Hcy) were higher than those in the low burden group (P＜0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension, diabetes, β2-MG, and Lp(a) were independent factors for CSVD moderate/severe MRI burden (P＜0.05). The nomogram predictive model based on these four factors had a cut-off value of 0.467 0, with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.838 7 (95%CI 0.760 8-0.916 6) in the training set (n＝97) and 0.854 1 (95%CI 0.742 1-0.966 1) in the internal validation set (n＝41) . The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement between predicted and observed values. Decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that the nomogram model had good clinical utility. Conclusions The nomogram model based on β2-MG and Lp(a) has high predictive performance in assessing the risk of CSVD moderate/severe MRI burden, with good discrimination and calibration.

This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

Objective： To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy for the treatment of diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction. Methods： China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP, Chinese Biomedical Database(CBM), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception until October 20th of 2024，for randomized controlled trials of Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy for the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction were carried out in accordance with relevant standards. The software of RevMan5.4 was used for the analysis of publication bias. And meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of this therapy on IIEF-5, total effective rate, adverse reactions. The evidence levels according to the analysis results were evaluated. Results: Totally 19 RCTs were included, involving 1 612 patients. The result of meta-analysis indicated that Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy had advantages on the improvement of IIEF-5 scores (MD=3.59，95%CI［2.14，5.03］，P<0.01)，total effective rate (OR=4.30，95%CI［3.29，5.32］，P<0.000 01）. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions(OR=0.98，95%CI［0.48，2.01］，P=0.96) between the two groups. Conclusions： Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy can improve the clinical efficacy and IIEF-5 score for the patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction. But considering the limited quantity of included studies, more high-quality studies still be needed to validate the therapeutic effect.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Kidney ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Diabetes Complications/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a hospital-made resuscitation pack, a Chinese medicinal herbal compound formula designed to enhance recovery in post-bronchoscopy patients. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to either the treatment or control groups. The patients in the treatment group applied the resuscitation pack, which contained aromatic compounded Chinese herbs. The patients in the control group applied a hospital-made, single herb placebo pack. Packs were placed on the Tiantu (CV 22) acupuncture point for 4 h as soon as the bronchoscopy finished. Efficacy indicators, such as recovery time, patients' symptoms including nausea and dizziness, and adverse events (AEs) were observed and compared. The outcome indices were evaluated at baseline, 1 and 24 h after the bronchoscopy. Subgroup analysis was further performed by patients' age and depth of sedation. RESULTS: When applying generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the intensity of post-bronchoscopy nausea and vomiting, the intensity was lower in the treatment group (163 cases) compared with the control group (162 cases; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.099, P=0.03]. Also, significantly lower intensity of nausea was observed in the 60-70 years of age subgroup (95% CI: 0.029, 0.169, P=0.006) and deep sedation subgroup (95% CI: 0.002, 0.124; P=0.04). There was no significant difference in dizziness between two groups by GEE (95% CI: -0.134, 0.297; P=0.459). In addition, no serious AEs were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that the resuscitation pack markedly improved patients' symptoms by reducing nausea and vomiting after bronchoscopy without AEs, compared with placebo in the perioperative period. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2000038299).
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Bronchoscopy/adverse effects* ; Single-Blind Method ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Treatment Outcome ; Resuscitation ; Adult ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining albumin-bound paclitaxel (abpaclitaxel) and anlotinib for ovarian cancer. In this study, 44 patients diagnosed with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer were enrolled. Patients received ab-paclitaxel along with anlotinib until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Efficacy was assessed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria or Rustin's criteria. The primary endpoint was the investigator-evaluated objective response rate (ORR). 44 patients were enrolled between January 2021 and March 2023 with a median age of 49 years. Twenty-nine had measurable lesions and 15 had non-measurable lesions. Overall, the investigator-evaluated ORR was 56.8% (25/44; 95% CI 0.411-0.713) in intention-to-treat population and 58.1% (25/43; 95% CI 0.422-0.726) in per-protocol population. The median progression-free survival was 9.8 months, and the median duration of response was 7.4 months. For safety, grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) included leukopenia, gum pain, hypertension, and hand-foot syndrome. The response rates were 55.0% (11/20) in patients with previous use of antiangiogenic reagents and who had previous use of PARP inhibitors. The combination of ab-paclitaxel and anlotinib showed promising anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Patients with previous use of antiangiogenic drugs or PARP inhibitors still benefited from this protocol.
Humans ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Indoles/therapeutic use* ; Quinolines/therapeutic use* ; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial/drug therapy* ; Adult ; Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage* ; Aged ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel/therapeutic use* ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy* ; Progression-Free Survival ; Paclitaxel/administration & dosage* ; Treatment Outcome

Dental treatments for children and adolescents have unique clinical characteristics that differ from dental care for adults in terms of children's physiology, psychology, and behavior. These differences impose specific requirements on the application of local anesthesia in pediatric dental procedures. This article presents expert consensus on the principles of local anesthesia techniques in pediatric dental therapies, including the use of common anesthetic drugs and dosage control, safety and efficacy evaluation, and prevention and management of complications. The aim is to improve the safety and quality of pediatric dental treatments and offer guidance for clinical application by dentists.
Humans ; Child ; Anesthesia, Local/methods* ; Consensus ; Anesthesia, Dental/methods* ; Adolescent ; Anesthetics, Local/administration & dosage* ; Dental Care for Children

Objective To investigate the expression of serum microRNA-29b(miR-29b),microRNA-199a(miR-199a),and microRNA-19a-3p(miR-19a-3p)in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI)and their relationship with disease severity and prognosis.Methods(1)Rats were randomly divided into a control group(Control group)and a model group(Model group),with 6 rats in each group.ACI was induced in the model group using the modified Longa suture method;the expression levels of miR-29b,miR-199a,miR-19a-3p in rat serum and brain tissue were detected and analyzed.(2)A total of 106 ACI patients diagnosed at Tangshan People's Hospital from June 2023 to June 2024 were enrolled as the study group,and 108 healthy individuals who underwent physical check-ups at the same hospital during the same period were chosen as the control group.According to the NIHSS evaluation results,the study group patients were assigned into mild(42 cases),moderate(34 cases),and severe(30 cases)groups.Based on the mRS evaluation results,the patients were assigned into good prognosis(68 cases)and poor prognosis(38 cases)groups.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was applied to measure the expression levels of serum miR-29b,miR-199a,and miR-19a-3p.Pearson correlation analyzed the correlation between serum miR-29b,miR-199a,miR-19a-3p levels and NIHSS score and mRS score in ACI patients.The risk factors for poor prognosis in ACI patients were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.ROC curves were used to analyze the predictive value of serum miR-29b,miR-199a,miR-19a-3p levels and NHISS scores in poor prognosis of ACI patients.Results(1)Compared with the Control group,the levels of miR-199a and miR-19a-3p in the serum and brain tissue of the Model group rats were significantly increased,while the level of miR-29b was significantly decreased(P<0.05);(2)Compared with the control group,as the severity of ACI patients gradually increased,the levels of serum miR-199a and miR-19a-3p unusually increased in the mild,moderate,and severe groups,while the level of miR-29b was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The NHISS score,miR-199a and miR-19a-3p levels in the poor prognosis group were significantly higher than those in the good prognosis group,while miR-29b was significantly lower than that in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).The levels of serum miR-199a and miR-19a-3p were positively correlated with NIHSS score;the level of miR-29b was negatively correlated with NIHSS score(P<0.05).Elevated serum miR-199a and miR-19a-3p levels and increased NHISS score were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in ACI patients,and elevated serum miR-29b levels were protective factors for poor prognosis in ACI patients(P<0.05).The combined prediction of poor prognosis in ACI patients using serum miR-29b,miR-199a,miR-19a-3p levels and NHISS scores yielded an ACI of 0.988,which was superior to individual predictions(Z=2.878,3.551,3.300,3.452,P<0.05).Conclusion The serum expression levels of miR-199a and miR-19a-3p were significantly up-regulated,while miR-29b levels significantly down-regulated,which were related to the disease severity and prognosis.The the combination of the three miRNAs had certain value in predicting the poor prognosis of patients.MiR-29b,miR-199a,and miR-19a-3p can be used as important predictors to evaluate the progression and prognosis of ACI patients.

ObjectiveAlveolar macrophages (AMs) are critical for maintaining the homeostasis of pulmonary microenvironment. They process surfactants to ensure alveoli patency, and also serve as the first line of immune defense against pathogen invasion. Available studies have shown that monocyte-derived AMs continuously release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, recruiting other immune cells to the damaged area during pulmonary fibrosis. These monocyte-derived AMs maintains and amplifies inflammation, playing a negative role in pulmonary fibrosis progression. Current researches have predominantly focused on the gene expression levels of AMs in pulmonary fibrosis microenvironment, with less emphasis on the function and regulation of proteins. This study aims to investigate the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of AMs under normal physiological conditions and after pulmonary fibrosis, in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role of AMs in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. MethodsFirstly, the construction of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse models was evaluated through using measurements such as body mass, lung coefficient, lungwet-to-dry mass ratio, H&E staining and Masson staining. Subsequently, AMs from both the saline controls and the pulmonary fibrosis models (2.5×10⁵ cells per sample) were collected using FACS sorting, and protein expression profiles of these cells were obtained through label-free proteomics approach. The quality of the proteomic data was assessed by comparing our saline control proteomic data with public proteomic data of physiological AMs. Thirdly, DEPs analysis between the saline controls and the bleomycin groups was carried out using R package Prostar. Functional enrichment analyses of significantly upregulated DEPs were performed using R package Clusterprofiler for GO and KEGG pathways. Finally, the STRING database was used to explore the protein-protein interaction networks related to phagocytosis regulation, inflammatory response regulation, andI-κB/NF-κB signaling pathway. The expression levels of Tlr2 and Pycard were detected respectively by FACS and western blotting. ResultsCompared to the saline controls, mice in the bleomycin groups exhibited a lower average body mass, extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells, and deposition of collagen in the lungs. This indicates that bleomycin successfully induced pulmonary fibrosis in mouse models. The proteomic data of AMs obtained from these models was of high quality and fulfilled the research requirements. A comprehensive analysis showed that 778 proteins were upregulated in pulmonary fibrosis groups compared with control groups. Moreover, the signal pathways enriched in up-regulated DEPs were related to the I‑κB/NF‑κB pathway, inflammatory response regulation, phagocytosis regulation, TGF-β signaling, and HIF-1 pathway, indicating that AMs in pulmonary fibrosis microenvironment exerted pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic functions. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of the DEPs suggested that the interactions between Tlr2 and Pycard were control nodes for the pro-inflammatory phenotype of AMs, thereby contributing to pulmonary fibrosis progression. Further validation by FACS and Western blotting respectively confirmed that the expression levels of Tlr2 and Pycard in AMs were significantly increased after pulmonary fibrosis. ConclusionThis study investigates the changes in the protein expression profile of AMs in the pulmonary fibrosis microenvironment. The results show that AMs notably enhanced the activity of various pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting that the interaction between Tlr2 and Pycard serves as a key control node for the highly pro-inflammatory behavior of AMs.

DNA genetic markers have always played important roles in individual identification, kinship analysis, ancestry inference and phenotype characterization in the field of forensic medicine. DNA methylation has unique advantages in biological age inference, body fluid identification and prediction of phenotypes. The majority of current studies independently examine DNA and DNA methylation markers using various workflows, and they use various analytical procedures to interpret the biological information these two markers present. Integrated methods detect DNA and DNA methylation markers simultaneously through a single experimental workflow using the same preparation of sample. Therefore, they can effectively reduce consumption of time and cost, streamline experimental procedures, and preserve valuable DNA samples taken from crime scenes. In this paper, the integrated detection approaches of DNA and DNA methylation markers on different detection platforms were reviewed. In order to convert methylation modifications to detectable forms, several options were available for pretreatment of genomic DNA, including digestion with methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme, affinity enrichment of methylated fragments, conversion of methylated or unmethylated cytosine. Multiplexed primers can be designed for DNA markers and converted DNA methylation markers for co-amplification. The schemes of using capillary electrophoresis platform for integrated detection add the pretreatment of genomic DNA on the basis of detecting DNA genetic markers. DNA and DNA methylation markers are then integrated by co-amplification. But the limited number of fluorescent options available and the length of amplicons restrict the type and quantity of markers that can be integrated into a panel. Pyrophosphate sequencing also supports integrated detection of DNA and DNA methylation markers. On this platform, due to the conversion of unmethylated cytosine to thymine after treatment with bisulfite, the methylation level of CpG site can be directly calculated using the peak height ratio of cytosine bases and thymine bases. Therefore, the methylation levels and SNP typing can be simultaneously obtained. However, due to the limited read length of sequencing, the detection of markers with longer amplicons is restricted. It is not conducive to fully interpret the complete information of the target sequence. Next-generation sequencing also supports integrated detection of DNA and DNA methylation markers. A preliminary experimental process including DNA extraction, pretreatment of genomic DNA, co-preparation of DNA and DNA methylation library and co-sequencing, has been formed based on the next-generation sequencing platform. It confirmed the feasibility of next-generation sequencing technology for integrated detection of DNA and DNA methylation markers. In field of biomedicine, various integrated detection schemes and corresponding data analysis approaches of DNA and DNA genetic markers developed based on the above detection process.Co-analysis can simultaneously obtain the genomic genetic and epigenetic information through a single analytic process. These schemes suggest that next-generation sequencing may be an effective method for achieving more accurate and highly integrated detection, helping to explore the potential for application in forensic biological samples. We finally explore the impact of interactions between sites and different pretreatment methods on the integrated detection of DNA and DNA methylation markers, and also propose the challenge of applying third-generation sequencing for integrated detection in forensic samples.