OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) in neonates in Guangzhou area, as well as the results of quantitative analysis of Hb in neonatal umbilical cord blood and genetic diagnosis of thalassemia in neonates with abnormal Hb; And to explore the hematological phenotypes and clinical characteristics of neonates with abnormal Hb and their parents, providing a reference for eugenics and childcare. METHODS: 650 neonates born at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital who underwent Hb electrophoresis were included in this study. The results of routine blood test of umbilical cord blood , Hb electrophoresis and α-, β-thalassemia gene detection of the neonates were collected. The genotype distribution of thalassemia in the neonates was analyzed. Additionally, the abnormal Hb content of α and β variants was studied. Furthermore, the differences in hematological parameters between abnormal Hb neonates and normal neonates and α-thalassemia neonates, as well as between the parents of abnormal Hb neonates and normal adults were compared. RESULTS: Among the 650 neonates, 332 (51.08%) were diagnosed with thalassemia, including 235 cases of α-thalassemia (36.15%), 79 cases of β-thalassemia (12.15%), and 18 cases of compound αβ-thalassemia (2.77%). Among all the α-thalassemia genotypes, the most prevalent one was -- ^SEA/αα (48.94%), followed by -α^3.7/αα (20.00%), -α^4.2/αα (11.06%), and αα^CS/αα (8.94%). The four most common genotypes of β-thalassemia were β^CD41-42 (32.91%), β^IVS-Ⅱ-654 (26.58%), β^-28 (21.52%), and β^E (10.13%), respectively. 275 cases of abnormal bands were found in Hb electrophoresis of umbilical cord blood, with a detection rate of 42.31%. The abnormal Hb content of α-variant in the neonates was significantly higher than that of β-variant (P < 0.001). The levels of Hb, MCV, MCH, Hb A, and Hb F in neonates with abnormal Hb were lower than those in normal neonates, while the RDW-CV was higher than that in normal neonates, with statistical significantce (P < 0.05). The levels of RBC and Hb A in neonates with abnormal Hb were lower than those in neonates with α-thalassemia, while the level of MCH was higher than that in neonats with α-thalassemia, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The levels of Hb, MCV, MCH, and Hb A in parents of neonates with abnormal Hb were lower than those in normal adults, while the RDW-CV was higher than that in normal adults, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The abnormal Hb content of α-variant in the neonates is significantly higher than that of β-variant in the neonates in Guangzhou, which can help to presume whether it is α chain or β chain based on the abnormal Hb content, providing a reference for globin gene sequencing. Meanwhile, analysis of various hematological screening-related indicators in neonates in the early stage is beneficial for early warning of the occurrence of abnormal Hb combined with thalassemia, reducing missed diagnoses to a certain extent.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Genotype ; Hemoglobins, Abnormal/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; alpha-Thalassemia/epidemiology* ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Parents ; Female ; Male ; Fetal Blood

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

To analyze the host factors affecting the drug resistance of Helicobacter pylori (Hp).

Lipids,including fats(triglycerides)and lipoids(phospholipids and sterols),not only serve as an energy source for the body but also play a pivotal role throughout the reproductive process,particularly in the establishment and maintenance of early pregnancy.This encompasses the regulate of early embryonic development and uterine tolerance,and the facilitation of embryo implantation.Given the diversity of lipids,this review focuses on extensively studied lipid mediators such as polyunsaturated fatty acids,endocannabinoids,prostaglandins,lysophosphatidic acid,sphingolipids and steroid hormones.It systematically elaborates on the regulatory effects of fatty acid,phospholipid,and cholesterol metabolism on the formation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation,as well as the potential underlying mechanisms.The review aims to provide new insights and feasible intervention approaches for predicting and improving the outcomes of natural pregnancy and/or assisted reproductive technology.

Objective: To evaluate the safety of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: From November 2021 to May 2022, eligible participants aged 60 years and older were recruited in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, and a total of 2 461 participants were ultimately enrolled in this study. Each participant simultaneously received one dose of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The safety was observed within 28 days after vaccination. Safety information was collected through voluntary reporting and regular follow-ups. Results: All 2 461 participants completed the simultaneous administration of both vaccines and the safety follow-ups for 28 days after vaccination. The mean age of the participants was (70.66±6.18) years, with 54.61% (1 344) being male, and all participants were Han Chinese residents. About 22.51% (554) of the participants had underlying medical conditions. The overall incidence of adverse reactions within 0-28 days after simultaneous vaccination was 2.07% (51/2 461), mainly consisting of Grade 1 adverse reactions [1.83% (45/2 461)], with no reports of Grade 4 or higher adverse reactions or vaccine-related serious adverse events. The incidence of local adverse reactions was 0.98% (24/2 461), primarily presenting as pain at the injection site [0.93% (23/2 461)]. The incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.42% (35/2 461), with fever [0.85% (21/2 461)] being the main symptom. In the group with underlying medical conditions and the healthy group, their overall incidence of adverse reactions was 2.53% (14/554) and 1.94% (37/1 907), respectively. The incidence of local adverse reactions in the two groups was 1.62% (9/554) and 0.79% (15/1 907), respectively, and the incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.44% (8/554) and 1.42% (27/1 907), respectively, with no statistically significant differences between them (all P>0.05). Conclusion: It is safe for adults aged 60 years and older to receive quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at the same time.

Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.

Objective: To evaluate the safety of simultaneous administration of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: From November 2021 to May 2022, eligible participants aged 60 years and older were recruited in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, and a total of 2 461 participants were ultimately enrolled in this study. Each participant simultaneously received one dose of quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The safety was observed within 28 days after vaccination. Safety information was collected through voluntary reporting and regular follow-ups. Results: All 2 461 participants completed the simultaneous administration of both vaccines and the safety follow-ups for 28 days after vaccination. The mean age of the participants was (70.66±6.18) years, with 54.61% (1 344) being male, and all participants were Han Chinese residents. About 22.51% (554) of the participants had underlying medical conditions. The overall incidence of adverse reactions within 0-28 days after simultaneous vaccination was 2.07% (51/2 461), mainly consisting of Grade 1 adverse reactions [1.83% (45/2 461)], with no reports of Grade 4 or higher adverse reactions or vaccine-related serious adverse events. The incidence of local adverse reactions was 0.98% (24/2 461), primarily presenting as pain at the injection site [0.93% (23/2 461)]. The incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.42% (35/2 461), with fever [0.85% (21/2 461)] being the main symptom. In the group with underlying medical conditions and the healthy group, their overall incidence of adverse reactions was 2.53% (14/554) and 1.94% (37/1 907), respectively. The incidence of local adverse reactions in the two groups was 1.62% (9/554) and 0.79% (15/1 907), respectively, and the incidence of systemic adverse reactions was 1.44% (8/554) and 1.42% (27/1 907), respectively, with no statistically significant differences between them (all P>0.05). Conclusion: It is safe for adults aged 60 years and older to receive quadrivalent influenza split virion vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at the same time.

Objective To analyze the genetic subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance in the newly reported HIV-infected men in Guangxi. Methods The stratified random sampling method was employed to select the newly reported HIV-infected men aged≥50 years old in 14 cities of Guangxi from January to June in 2020.The pol gene of HIV-1 was amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced.The mutation sites associated with drug resistance and the degree of drug resistance were then analyzed. Results A total of 615 HIV-infected men were included in the study.The genetic subtypes of CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC accounted for 57.4% (353/615),17.1% (105/615),and 22.4% (138/615),respectively.The mutations associated with the resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI),non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI),and protease inhibitors occurred in 8 (1.3%),18 (2.9%),and 0 patients,respectively.M184V (0.7%) and K103N (1.8%) were the mutations with the highest occurrence rates for the resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs,respectively.Twenty-two (3.6%) patients were resistant to at least one type of inhibitors.Specifically,4 (0.7%),14 (2.3%),4 (0.7%),and 0 patients were resistant to NRTIs,NNRTIs,both NRTIs and NNRTIs,and protease inhibitors,respectively.The pretreatment resistance to NNRTIs had much higher frequency than that to NRTIs (2.9% vs.1.3%;χ²=3.929,P=0.047).The prevalence of pretreatment resistance to lamivudine,zidovudine,tenofovir,abacavir,rilpivirine,efavirenz,nevirapine,and lopinavir/ritonavir was 0.8%, 0.3%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.3%, 2.8%, 2.9%, and 0, respectively. Conclusions CRF01_AE,CRF07_BC,and CRF08_BC are the three major strains of HIV-infected men≥50 years old newly reported in Guangxi,2020,and the pretreatment drug resistance demonstrates low prevalence.
Male ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; HIV Infections/drug therapy* ; Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; Mutation ; HIV-1/genetics* ; Protease Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Genotype

The U6 promoter is an important element driving sgRNA transcription in the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Seven PqU6 promo-ter sequences were cloned from the gDNA of Panax quinquefolium, and the transcriptional activation ability of the seven promoters was studied. In this study, seven PqU6 promoter sequences with a length of about 1 300 bp were cloned from the adventitious roots of P. quinquefolium cultivated for 5 weeks. Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the sequence characteristics of PqU6 promoters, and the fusion expression vectors of GUS gene driven by PqU6-P were constructed. Tobacco leaves were transformed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method for activity detection. The seven PqU6 promoters were truncated from the 5'-end to reach 283, 287, 279, 289, 295, 289, and 283 bp, respectively. The vectors for detection of promoter activity were constructed with GUS as a reported gene and used to transform P. quinquefolium callus and tobacco leaves. The results showed that seven PqU6 promoter sequences(PqU6-1P to PqU6-7P) were cloned from the gDNA of P. quinquefolium, with the length ranged from 1 246 bp to 1 308 bp. Sequence comparison results showed that the seven PqU6 promoter sequences and the AtU6-P promoter all had USE and TATA boxes, which are essential elements affecting the transcriptional activity of the U6 promoter. The results of GUS staining and enzyme activity test showed that all the seven PqU6 promoters had transcriptional activity. The PqU6-7P with a length of 1 269 bp had the highest transcriptional activity, 1.31 times that of the positive control P-35S. When the seven PqU6 promoters were truncated from the 5'-end(PqU6-1PA to PqU6-7PA), their transcriptional activities were different in tobacco leaves and P. quinquefolium callus. The transcriptional activity of PqU6-7PA promoter(283 bp) was 1.59 times that of AtU6-P promoter(292 bp) when the recipient material was P. quinquefolium callus. The findings provide more ideal endogenous U6 promoters for CRISPR/Cas9 technology in ginseng and other medicinal plants.
Panax/genetics* ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Agrobacterium tumefaciens/genetics* ; Computational Biology ; Cloning, Molecular

AIM:To evaluate the agreement of corneal high-order aberrations from Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler and OPD-Scan Ⅲ wavefront aberrometers in myopic adults.METHODS:A prospective clinical study. A total of 92 adult patients(92 eyes)with myopia in the department of optometry, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June to August 2022 were enrolled. The third-order and fourth-order corneal aberrations at the pupil diameter of 4 and 6mm were measured by Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler, and OPD-Scan Ⅲ, respectively. The difference and agreement of the three aberrometers were evaluated.RESULTS: The measurements at 6mm pupil diameter were all greater than those at 4mm pupil diameter. Although there were no statistical differences in the measurements of Z-44、Z-24 by the three aberrometers at 4 pupil diameter(P>0.05), there were statistical differences in other measurements(P<0.05). The aberration results measured by the three aberrometers were statistically different at the 6mm pupil diameter(P<0.05). The 95% limit of agreement(95%LoA)of the measurements of higher-order aberration, including the third-order aberrations at 4mm pupil diameter and the third-order and fourth-order aberrations at 6mm pupil diameter(except for the Z-24)were greater than 0.1μm. The concordance correlation coefficient(Pc)was lower than 0.90, indicating a poor consistency. The correlation coefficients of corneal higher-order aberrations were significantly different among the three aberrometers at 4 and 6mm pupil diameter(r4mm=0.215～0.805, P4mm<0.05; r6mm=0.561～0.916, P6mm<0.001).CONCLUSION:There were significant differences in the measurements of the third- and fourth-order corneal aberrations at 4 and 6mm pupil diameter among Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler, and OPD-Scan Ⅲ, and the agreements were poor, so they are not interchangeably in clinical applications.