Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Atractylodes/microbiology* ; Rhizome/microbiology* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Colorimetry/instrumentation* ; Quality Control

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1 st January 2024 and 1 st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
Humans ; Male ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; DNA Damage ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

Allergen-specific immunotherapy（AIT） remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis（AR）. Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group（CRRCG） convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans ; Allergens/immunology* ; China ; Consensus ; Desensitization, Immunologic ; Immunoglobulin E ; Quality of Life ; Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; East Asian People

Anxiety disorder is a major symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a comorbidity rate of ~40%. However, the neural mechanisms of the emergence of anxiety in ASD remain unclear. In our study, we found that hyperactivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) pyramidal neurons (PNs) in Shank3 InsG3680 knock-in (InsG3680^+/+) mice is involved in the development of anxiety. Electrophysiological results also showed increased excitatory input and decreased inhibitory input in BLA PNs. Chemogenetic inhibition of the excitability of PNs in the BLA rescued the anxiety phenotype of InsG3680^+/+ mice. Further study found that the diminished control of the BLA by medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and optogenetic activation of the mPFC-BLA pathway also had a rescue effect, which increased the feedforward inhibition of the BLA. Taken together, our results suggest that hyperactivity of the BLA and alteration of the mPFC-BLA circuitry are involved in anxiety in InsG3680^+/+ mice.
Animals ; Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism* ; Basolateral Nuclear Complex/metabolism* ; Mice ; Anxiety/metabolism* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; Pyramidal Cells/physiology* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neural Pathways/physiopathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Microfilament Proteins

Objective:To analyze the impact of adolescent pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 5 765 parturbirths in Jining Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The parturbirths were divided into adolescent group (maternal age<20 years, 280 cases), age group 1 (maternal age 20-24 years, 1 733 cases) and age groups 2 (maternal age 25-34 years, 3 752 cases). All information was collected through the hospital′s electronic case system. General data, pregnancy characteristics and outcomes were compared among the three groups by analysis of variance (ANOVA), χ 2 tests and binary logistics regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of adolescent pregnancy on maternal and infant outcomes. Results:In the adolescent group, the proportion of women with an education of junior high school or below, rural residence, no fixed income, unmarried, and no history of induced abortion were all significantly higher than those in age group 1 and age group 2 (82.50% vs 17.37%, 14.37%; 59.29% vs 42.70%, 43.36%; 80.71% vs 15.52%, 14.71%; 75.71% vs 12.23%, 9.97%; 82.50% vs 71.84%, 71.91%) (all P<0.05); there was no significant differences in age at menarche, body mass index before pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy among the three groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of preterm birth, low birth weight infants and transferring to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the adolescent group were all significantly higher than those in age group 1 and age group 2 (5.36% vs 1.10%, 1.57%; 5.00% vs 0.23%, 0.05%; 21.79% vs 6.12%, 15.17%); the incidence of anemia in pregnancy in the adolescent group was significantly higher than that in age group 1 (15.36% vs 9.75%), and the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was significantly higher than that in the age group 2 (10.71% vs 6.08%). The incidence of failed vaginal trials leading to cesarean section, amniotic fluid contamination, and episiotomy was significantly lower in the adolescent group than those in age group 2 (8.57% vs 15.22%, 10.71% vs 18.10%, 33.95% vs 40.01%) (all P<0.05). The incidence of failed vaginal trials leading to cesarean section was inversely associated with gestational age (adolescent group, OR=0.252, 95% CI: 0.123-0.515; age group 1, OR=0.673, 95% CI: 0.567-0.799) (both P<0.05); the risks of low birth weight infants (adolescent group, OR=7.440, 95% CI: 3.426-16.156; age group 1, OR=0.103, 95% CI: 0.032-0.330) and transferring to the NICU (adolescent group, OR=1.661, 95% CI: 1.120-2.463; age group 1, OR=0.360, 95% CI: 0.290-0.448) showed a U-shaped distribution in different pregnancy age groups, they were both higher in the adolescent group than those in the age group 2 (both P<0.05); the risk of episiotomy (adolescent group, OR=0.002, 95% CI: 0-0.016; age group 1, OR=1.308, 95% CI: 1.151-1.485) showed an inverted U-shape distribution across the different pregnancy age groups, it was lower in the adolescent group than that in age group 2 (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Adolescent pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of conversion to cesarean section and episiotomy due to failed vaginal delivery, but may increase the risk of low birth weight infants and transferring to NICU.

OBJECTIVE To clarify the components of volatile oil in branches and leaves of Rhododendron anthopogonoides, Rhododendron capitatum, Rhododendron thymifolium and Rhododendron przewalskii. METHODS The total volatile oil in leaves and branches of these plants were obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. After that, the chemical composition of the total volatile oil was analyzed and identified by GC-MS, and the contents of different parts and varieties were compared. RESULTS The results showed that the highest oil yield of leaves was Rhododendron thymifolium(6.97%), and the highest oil yield of branches was Rhododendron anthopogonoides(20.53%). Thirty-five, eighty, fifty-eight and forty compounds were detected in the branch oil of Rhododendron anthopogonoides, Rhododendron capitatum, Rhododendron thymifolium and Rhododendron przewalskii respectively, among which Rhododendron capitatum was rich in compounds. Forty-eight, fifty-seven, sixty-two and fifty compounds were detected in the leaf oil, among which the compounds of Rhododendron anthopogonoides were the richest. Among the detected components, squalene(34.92%, 26.90%) was the highest content in the branches and leaves of Rhododendron anthopogonoides. 1-Eicosanol(26.79%) was the highest content in the branch oil of Rhododendron capitatum, and octadecyl acetate(42.32%) was the highest content in the leaf oil. The highest content of bisabola-3,10-diene-2-one(34.66%, 28.20%) was found in the branches and leaves of Rhododendron thymifolium, and 15-oxoETE(38.20%, 40.40%) was the highest content in the branches and leaves of Rhododendron przewalskii. The results showed that the contents of oil in branches and leaves of Rhododendron capitatum were quite different in different parts. In the comparison of different varieties, the compounds with the highest content of four rhododendrons were all different. CONCLUSION According to the difference of the content of active components of different rhododendrons and parts, the appropriate species and parts for purposeful development and utilization should be selected. The research results can provide scientific basis for rational development and utilization of Rhododendron resources.

Purpose::Cerebral edema (CE) is the main secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs). It is challenging to be predicted timely. In this study, we aimed to develop a prediction model for CE by identifying its risk factors and comparing the timing of edema occurrence in TBI patients with varying levels of injuries.Methods::This case-control study included 218 patients with TBI caused by RTAs. The cohort was divided into CE and non-CE groups, according to CT results within 7 days. Demographic data, imaging data, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Quantitative variables that follow normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation, those that do not follow normal distribution were presented as median (Q 1, Q 3). Categorical variables were expressed as percentages. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for CE. Logistic curve fitting was performed to predict the time to secondary CE in TBI patients with different levels of injuries. The efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic curve. Results::According to the study, almost half (47.3%) of the patients were found to have CE. The risk factors associated with CE were bilateral frontal lobe contusion, unilateral frontal lobe contusion, cerebral contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and abbreviated injury scale (AIS). The odds ratio values for these factors were 7.27 (95% confidence interval ( CI): 2.08 -25.42, p = 0.002), 2.85 (95% CI: 1.11 -7.31, p = 0.030), 2.62 (95% CI: 1.12 -6.13, p = 0.027), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.25 -4.76, p = 0.009), and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.10 -2.04, p = 0.009), respectively. We also observed that patients with mild/moderate TBI (AIS ≤ 3) had a 50% probability of developing CE 19.7 h after injury (χ 2= 13.82, adjusted R2 = 0.51), while patients with severe TBI (AIS > 3) developed CE after 12.5 h (χ 2= 18.48, adjusted R2 = 0.54). Finally, we conducted a receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of CE time, which showed an area under the curve of 0.744 and 0.672 for severe and mild/moderate TBI, respectively. Conclusion::Our study found that the onset of CE in individuals with TBI resulting from RTAs was correlated with the severity of the injury. Specifically, those with more severe injuries experienced an earlier onset of CE. These findings suggest that there is a critical time window for clinical intervention in cases of CE secondary to TBI.

The treatment strategy for blast injuries is closely linked to the clinical outcome of blast injury casualties. However, the application of military surgery experience to blast injuries caused by production safety accidents is relatively uncommon. In this study, the authors present 2 cases of blast injuries caused by one gas explosion, both cases involved individuals of the same age and gender and experienced similar degree of injury. The authors highlight the importance of using a military surgery treatment strategy, specifically emphasizing the need to understand the concept of damage control and disposal. It is recommended that relevant training in this area should be strengthened to improve the clinical treatment of such injuries. This study provides a valuable reference for healthcare professionals dealing with blast injuries.

Nanozymes, a groundbreaking discovery by Chinese scientists, represent a novel and remarkable property of nanomaterials. They not only exhibit catalytic activity comparable to natural enzymes, but also boast exceptional stability, tunable reactivity, and the ability to catalyze reactions under mild conditions. The identification of nanozymes has unveiled the biocatalytic potential of inorganic nanomaterials. In parallel, inorganic minerals have long been regarded as pivotal catalysts in the origin of life, driving the synthesis of early biomolecules. These minerals not only facilitate redox reactions that convert simple inorganic compounds into organic molecules but also enable chiral selection, the synthesis of biomacromolecules, and radioprotective functions via their surface structures. Recent advances suggest that inorganic nanomaterials can delicately catalyze the formation of biomolecules, aid in macromolecular assembly, and provide radiation shielding. Furthermore, nanominerals are found in abundance across Earth and extraterrestrial environments. This paper seeks to explore the potential of nanozymes as catalytic agents in the processes that gave rise to life, integrating the catalytic roles of inorganic minerals with the unique attributes of nanozymes, which will provide a new perspective for research of origin of life.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to observe the impact of sinomenine hydrochloride on the proliferation of fibroblasts and the mRNA expression of related genes in knee joint adhesion and contracture in rabbits. Additionally, we sought to explore its potential mechanisms in combating knee joint adhesion and contracture. MethodsFibroblasts were cultured in vitro, and experimental groups with varying concentrations of sinomenine hydrochloride were established alongside a control group. Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Changes in the mRNA expression of fibroblast-related genes following sinomenine hydrochloride treatment were evaluated using RT-qPCR. The impact of the drug on serum levels of inflammatory cytokines was determined using the ELISA method, and the expression of related proteins was assessed using Western blot. ResultsSinomenine hydrochloride was found to inhibit fibroblast viability, with viability decreasing as the concentration of sinomenine hydrochloride increased. The effects of sinomenine hydrochloride in all experimental groups were highly significant (P<0.05). At the mRNA expression level, compared to the control group, sinomenine hydrochloride led to a significant downregulation of inflammatory cytokines in all groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins significantly increased, while Bcl-2 mRNA expression decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the PI3K/mTOR/AKT3 signaling pathway also decreased (P<0.05). At the protein expression level, in comparison to the control group, the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TGF-β were significantly downregulated in the middle and high-dose sinomenine hydrochloride groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of cleaved-PARP, cleaved caspase-3/7, and Bax increased and were positively correlated with the dose, while the expression levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the PI3K/AKT3/mTOR signaling pathway were negatively correlated with the dose. Sinomenine hydrochloride exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the viability of rabbit knee joint fibroblasts, which may be associated with the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β, promotion of apoptosis-related proteins cleaved-PARP, cleaved caspase-3/7, and Bax, suppression of Bcl-2 expression, and inhibition of gene expression in the downstream PI3K/AKT3/mTOR signaling pathway. ConclusionSinomenine hydrochloride can inhibit the inflammatory response of fibroblasts in adhesive knee joints and accelerate fibroblast apoptosis. This mechanism may offer a novel approach to improving and treating knee joint adhesion.