To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of bear bile powder (BBP) on acute lung injury (ALI) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The chemical constituents of BBP were analyzed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). After 7 days of adaptive feeding, 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups by a random number table (n=10): normal control (NC), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), dexamethasone (Dex), low-, and high-dose BBP groups. The dosing cycle was 9 days. On the 12th and 14th days, 20 µL of Staphylococcus aureus solution (bacterial concentration of 1 × 10^-7 CFU/mL) was given by nasal drip after 1 h of intragastric administration, and the mice in the NC group was given the same dose of phosphated buffered saline (PBS) solution. On the 16th day, after 1 h intragastric administration, 100 µL of LPS solution (1 mg/mL) was given by tracheal intubation, and the same dose of PBS solution was given to the NC group. Lung tissue was obtained to measure the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the lung wet/dry weight ratio and expressions of CD14 and other related proteins. The lower lobe of the right lung was obtained for pathological examination. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α ) and IL-1β in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the number of neutrophils was counted. The colonic contents of the mice were analyzed by 16 sRNA technique and the contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). RESULTS: UPLC-MS revealed that the chemical components of BBP samples were mainly tauroursodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid sodium salt. BBP reduced the activity of MPO, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the expression of CD14 protein, thus suppressing the activation of NF-κB pathway (P<0.05). The lung histopathological results indicated that BBP significantly reduced the degree of neutrophil infiltration, cell shedding, necrosis, and alveolar cavity depression. Moreover, BBP effectively regulated the composition of the intestinal microflora and increased the production of SCFAs, which contributed to its treatment effect (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BBP alleviates lung injury in ALI mouse through inhibiting activation of NF-κB pathway and decreasing expression of CD14 protein. BBP may promote recovery of ALI by improving the structure of intestinal flora and enhancing metabolic function of intestinal flora.
Animals ; Acute Lung Injury/pathology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Ursidae ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Bile/chemistry* ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors/metabolism* ; Powders ; Male ; Lung/drug effects* ; Mice ; Peroxidase/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cytokines/metabolism*

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of a domestically developed bilateral interventional ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) system in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite antihypertensive medication.Methods:A multicenter, single-arm trial was conducted. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (≥2 antihypertensive drugs) were enrolled from April 2023 to April 2024 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. RDN was performed using the UltraCure? bilateral interventional ultrasound system via femoral or brachial artery access. Multi-segmental "quadrant-based" ablation was performed in bilateral main renal arteries and branches/accessory arteries (diameter≥4 mm). Primary endpoints were changes in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour daytime SBP at 2-and 6-months post-procedure. The primary safety endpoints included the incidence of major adverse events, device-related adverse events, and puncture site complications.Results:Ten patients, mean aged 47.1 years, including 9 male, successfully completed RDN. At 2 and 6 months post-procedure, office SBP decreased by (19.7±15.2) mmHg ( P=0.002, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (13.8±13.9) mmHg ( P=0.013) from baseline, while the 24-hour daytime SBP decreased by (13.4±10.6) mmHg ( P=0.004) and (11.2±9.2) mmHg ( P=0.004). Apart from one case of a limited distal renal artery dissection, no other serious device/procedure-related adverse events were observed. At 6-month follow-up, the estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable ((85.3±18.3) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2 vs. (82.3±19.2) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2, P=0.41). No renal artery stenosis was detected. Conclusions:The domestic interventional ultrasound RDN system could effectively reduce office and ambulatory blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Long-term efficacy requires confirmation through large-scale randomized controlled trials.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Stelmatocrypton khasianum.(Benth.)Baill.and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using thin layer chromatography,silica gel,semi-preparative HPLC and Sephadex LH-20,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by RAW264.7 model,and the cytotoxic activity was determined by CCK-8 method.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as 2α,3β,19α,23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester(1),dalzienoside(2),benzyl-(6-O-α-L-rhanmopyranosyl)O-β-D-glucopyranoside(3),corchorusoside C(4),cyclo(Ala-Tyr)(5),thymidine(6),(4S,5S)-5-hydroxy-4-hexanolide(7),2-methylpyridin-3-ol(8),butyl isobutyl phthalate(9),bis-(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate(10),p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(11),vanilic acid(12),salicylic acid(13),isovanilic acid(14),3-hydroxy-p-anisaldehyde(15).The IC50 values of compounds 1,2 and 4 for NO were(27.69±5.51),(25.82±3.58)and(23.35±7.09)μmol/L,respectively.The IC50 value of compound 1 on MCF-7 cells was(18.15±6.45)μmol/L.The IC50 values of compound 4 on MCF-7 and HCCC-9810 cells were(19.43±2.66)and(21.76±5.81)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 2-11 are isolated from S.khasianum for the first time.Compounds 1,2 and 4 exhibit good in vitro anti-inflammatory activity,and 1,4 have cytotoxic activity.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Stelmatocrypton khasianum.(Benth.)Baill.and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using thin layer chromatography,silica gel,semi-preparative HPLC and Sephadex LH-20,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by RAW264.7 model,and the cytotoxic activity was determined by CCK-8 method.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as 2α,3β,19α,23-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester(1),dalzienoside(2),benzyl-(6-O-α-L-rhanmopyranosyl)O-β-D-glucopyranoside(3),corchorusoside C(4),cyclo(Ala-Tyr)(5),thymidine(6),(4S,5S)-5-hydroxy-4-hexanolide(7),2-methylpyridin-3-ol(8),butyl isobutyl phthalate(9),bis-(2-ethylhexyl)terephthalate(10),p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(11),vanilic acid(12),salicylic acid(13),isovanilic acid(14),3-hydroxy-p-anisaldehyde(15).The IC50 values of compounds 1,2 and 4 for NO were(27.69±5.51),(25.82±3.58)and(23.35±7.09)μmol/L,respectively.The IC50 value of compound 1 on MCF-7 cells was(18.15±6.45)μmol/L.The IC50 values of compound 4 on MCF-7 and HCCC-9810 cells were(19.43±2.66)and(21.76±5.81)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 2-11 are isolated from S.khasianum for the first time.Compounds 1,2 and 4 exhibit good in vitro anti-inflammatory activity,and 1,4 have cytotoxic activity.

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of a domestically developed bilateral interventional ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) system in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite antihypertensive medication.Methods:A multicenter, single-arm trial was conducted. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (≥2 antihypertensive drugs) were enrolled from April 2023 to April 2024 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. RDN was performed using the UltraCure? bilateral interventional ultrasound system via femoral or brachial artery access. Multi-segmental "quadrant-based" ablation was performed in bilateral main renal arteries and branches/accessory arteries (diameter≥4 mm). Primary endpoints were changes in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour daytime SBP at 2-and 6-months post-procedure. The primary safety endpoints included the incidence of major adverse events, device-related adverse events, and puncture site complications.Results:Ten patients, mean aged 47.1 years, including 9 male, successfully completed RDN. At 2 and 6 months post-procedure, office SBP decreased by (19.7±15.2) mmHg ( P=0.002, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (13.8±13.9) mmHg ( P=0.013) from baseline, while the 24-hour daytime SBP decreased by (13.4±10.6) mmHg ( P=0.004) and (11.2±9.2) mmHg ( P=0.004). Apart from one case of a limited distal renal artery dissection, no other serious device/procedure-related adverse events were observed. At 6-month follow-up, the estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable ((85.3±18.3) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2 vs. (82.3±19.2) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2, P=0.41). No renal artery stenosis was detected. Conclusions:The domestic interventional ultrasound RDN system could effectively reduce office and ambulatory blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Long-term efficacy requires confirmation through large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Four pyrazines were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of Hypecoum erectum L. by using various chromatographic methods, including MCI gel, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified as hyperectpyrazin A (1), 1′S-(6-methylpyrazin-2-yl)-ethane-1′,2′-diol (2), 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methylpyrazin (3) and pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (4) by spectroscopy methods (1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.). The absolute configuration of compound 2 was determined by using the Mo₂(OAc)₄ induced CD analysis for the first time. Compound 1 was a new compound, compounds 2-4 were isolated from H. erectum for the first time. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their inhibition against acetylcholinesterase and nitric oxide generation induced by lipopolysaccharide-RAW264.7 macrophage cells. At a concentration of 50 μmol·L^-1, compounds 2 and 4 displayed inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase with the inhibition rates of 44.40% and 43.99%, respectively.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, imaging, myopathology and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 related autoimmune myopathy.Methods:The clinical features, serum creatine kinase (CK), myositis antibodies, muscle magnetic resonance imaging, myopathology and therapy of 5 patients with COVID-19 related autoimmune myopathy diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital from December 2022 to April 2023 were collected. The effects of the therapy after a short term follow up were analyzed.Results:Among the 5 patients, there were 3 males and 2 females, with onset age of 42-86 years. All patients presented with proximal muscle weakness in the recovery term of COVID-19. Myalgia was noted in 3 cases, dysphagia in 1, skin damage in 2, interstitial lung disease in 1. The serum CK of the 5 patients was 1 663-16 000 IU/L, 1 patient had anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase autoantibodies and 1 patient had anti-signal recognition particle autoantibodies. The electromyography showed myogenic lesions in all patients. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse muscle edema in all patients, myofascial edema in 3 and subcutaneous-tissue edema in 3. The muscle biopsies in 4 patients revealed necrotic myopathy,with high P62 expression in muscle fibers. The electromicroscopy of 2 patients revealed vacuolated mitochondria and intranuclear tubulofilamentous inclusions in muscle fibers. Four patients were treated with glucocorticoids, of whom 2 patients combined with intravenous immunoglobulin, tacrolimus or cyclophosphamide. One case had close monitoring without drug therapy. They showed significant improvement, but the CK was still abnormal in 4 patients.Conclusions:COVID-19 leads to immune mediated myopathy. The manifestation of patients is characterized by proximal predominant weakness and high creatine kinase level. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging shows diffuse muscle edema. The muscle biopsies reveal necrotic myopathy. The effectiveness of immunosuppression needs to be further studied.

Tuberculosis （TB） and human immunodeficiency virus infection / acquired immune deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS） are both serious global public health threats. Early detection of infected persons and/or patients through TB/HIV bi-directional screening is crucial for prevention and control strategy in China and globally. In recent years， with the promotion and application of new TB and HIV detection technologies worldwide， TB/HIV bi-directional screening technologies and strategies have made remarkable changes. This expert consensus introduces the significance and challenges of TB/HIV bi-directional screening， summarizes important progress of research and applications， and makes recommendations on screening measures and procedures to further strengthen TB/HIV bi-directional screening in China.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]