ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets， and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution（TOPSIS）， in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers， and taking the detection results as variables， SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis（CA）， principal component analysis（PCA）， and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） to identify key components affecting the quality. Then， TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation， the method was found to be stable and reliable， and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin， puerarin， 3′-methoxy puerarin， daidzein， coptisine hydrochloride， epiberberine， jatrorrhizine hydrochloride， berberine hydrochloride， palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35， 24.88-42.32， 4.20-9.36， 4.33-7.60， 2.52-6.44， 0.93-4.10， 0.58-3.05， 10.68-22.92， 0.82-4.82， 11.73-60.16 mg·g^-1， respectively. Among them， puerarin， berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories， PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%， and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection（VIP） values>1.0， namely baicalin， 3′-hydroxy puerarin， coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride， which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index（C_i） values of different manufacturers were different. Among them， the C_i of manufacturer B was ranked higher， indicating potentially superior quality， while the C_i of manufacturer A was ranked lower， suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets， and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good， while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis， it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin， 3′-hydroxy puerarin， coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and cognitive dysfunction, and its mediating role between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive dysfunction. MethodsA case-control study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2021 at the Shanghai Yangpu District Central Hospital, China. A total of 193 subjects were recruited and divided into two groups based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normal control (NC) group (n=95) and cognitive impairment group (n=98). The prevalence of T2DM was determined on the basis of medical history, while mtDNAcn in peripheral blood samples was quantified using realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsUnivariate analyses revealed that the mean mtDNAcn in the cognitive impairment group was 0.76±0.37, significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.06±0.45) (P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that higher mtDNAcn was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (OR=0.315, 95%CI: 0.125‒0.795). Additionaly, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between mtDNAcn and the total MoCA score (r=0.381, P<0.01). Morever, T2DM history (OR=2.741, 95%CI: 1.002‒7.497) and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (OR=1.796, 95%CI: 1.190‒2.711) were identified as risk factors for cognitive impairment. Mediation analyses indicated that mtDNAcn served as a mediator between T2DM/HbA1c and the risk of cognitive impairment, with proportions of mediating effect of 9.04% and 9.18%, respectively. ConclusionPatients with mild and moderate cognitive impairment have significantly lower mtDNAcn than those with normal cognitive function. Reduced mtDNAcn is an influencing factor for cognitive dysfunction and may play a mediating role in the association between T2DM and mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P＜0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P＜0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P＜0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P＜0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.

Objective To analyze the efficacy of autologous tissue repair for rectocele through the perineal approach in treating constipation and fecal incontinence in patients.Methods From January 2021 to November 2022,23 female patients with symptomatic rectal protrusion were treated with perineal autologous tissue repair.Preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively,the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score(CCCS),Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score(CCIS),and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life(PAC-QOL)questionnaires were used to assess postoperative outcomes and quality of life.Results Among the 23 patients,with a median follow-up time of 12.6 months,CCCS decreased from 17.09±1.68 to 3.96±2.08(P＜0.05);CCIS decreased from 1.52±4.15 to 0.52±1.41(P＞0.05);PAC-QOL:physical discomfort decreased from 13.00±1.51 to 4.74±1.98;psychological discomfort decreased from 20.96±3.27 to 5.74±2.67;concern and anxiety decreased from 26.13±4.37 to 8.78±3.14;satisfaction decreased from 15.39±2.35 to 4.60±1.59(P＜0.05).All patients showed significant improvement in constipation and incontinence symptoms postoperatively,with no serious postoperative complications and a marked improvement in postoperative quality of life.Conclusion Rectocele repair with perineal approach using autologous tissue is an effective and safe method,avoiding potential potential complications associated with grafts.

AIM To establish the quantitative models for gallic acid,mononucleoside,loganin,resveratrol,and rhein in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture.METHODS HPLC was adopted in the content determination of various effective components,after which the near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 128 batches of samples and pretreatment was conducted,competitive adaptive reweighting sampling(CARS)algorithm was used for screening wavelength,partial least square method(PLS)regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There were no significant differences between the predicted values obtained by PLS models and measured values obtained by HPLC for various effective components(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION The quantitative models established by NIRS combined with chemometrics display good predictive performance,which can be used for the rapid determination of effective components in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture,and provide a reference for the rapid monitoring of other traditional Chinese medicine preparations in production processes.

AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P＜0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P＜0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P＜0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P＜0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.

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*

Viral infectious diseases, characterized by their intricate nature and wide-ranging diversity, pose substantial challenges in the domain of data management. The vast volume of data generated by these diseases, spanning from the molecular mechanisms within cells to large-scale epidemiological patterns, has surpassed the capabilities of traditional analytical methods. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, there is an urgent necessity for the optimization of these analytical methods to more effectively handle and utilize the information. Despite the rapid accumulation of data associated with viral infections, the lack of a comprehensive framework for integrating, selecting, and analyzing these datasets has left numerous researchers uncertain about which data to select, how to access it, and how to utilize it most effectively in their research.This review endeavors to fill these gaps by exploring the multifaceted nature of viral infectious diseases and summarizing relevant data across multiple levels, from the molecular details of pathogens to broad epidemiological trends. The scope extends from the micro-scale to the macro-scale, encompassing pathogens, hosts, and vectors. In addition to data summarization, this review thoroughly investigates various dataset sources. It also traces the historical evolution of data collection in the field of viral infectious diseases, highlighting the progress achieved over time. Simultaneously, it evaluates the current limitations that impede data utilization.Furthermore, we propose strategies to surmount these challenges, focusing on the development and application of advanced computational techniques, AI-driven models, and enhanced data integration practices. By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge, this review is designed to guide future research and contribute to more informed approaches in the surveillance, prevention, and control of viral infectious diseases, particularly within the context of the expanding big-data landscape.
Big Data ; Humans ; Virus Diseases/virology* ; Artificial Intelligence

OBJECTIVES: To report the development, validation, and findings of the Multi-dimensional Attention Rating Scale (MARS), a self-report tool crafted to evaluate six-dimension attention levels. METHODS: The MARS was developed based on Classical Test Theory (CTT). Totally 202 highly educated healthy adult participants were recruited for reliability and validity tests. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Structural validity was explored using principal component analysis. Criterion validity was analyzed by correlating MARS scores with the Toronto Hospital Alertness Test (THAT), the Attentional Control Scale (ACS), and the Attention Network Test (ANT). RESULTS: The MARS comprises 12 items spanning six distinct dimensions of attention: focused attention, sustained attention, shifting attention, selective attention, divided attention, and response inhibition.As assessed by six experts, the content validation index (CVI) was 0.95, the Cronbach's alpha for the MARS was 0.78, and the test-retest reliability was 0.81. Four factors were identified (cumulative variance contribution rate 68.79%). The total score of MARS was correlated positively with THAT (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) and ACS (r = 0.78, P < 0.01) and negatively with ANT's reaction time for alerting (r = -0.31, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS The MARS can reliably and validly assess six-dimension attention levels in real-world settings and is expected to be a new tool for assessing multi-dimensional attention impairments in different mental disorders.
Humans ; Adult ; Male ; Attention/physiology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Young Adult ; Psychometrics

AIM To establish the quantitative models for gallic acid,mononucleoside,loganin,resveratrol,and rhein in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture.METHODS HPLC was adopted in the content determination of various effective components,after which the near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 128 batches of samples and pretreatment was conducted,competitive adaptive reweighting sampling(CARS)algorithm was used for screening wavelength,partial least square method(PLS)regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There were no significant differences between the predicted values obtained by PLS models and measured values obtained by HPLC for various effective components(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION The quantitative models established by NIRS combined with chemometrics display good predictive performance,which can be used for the rapid determination of effective components in Yishen Xiezhuo Mixture,and provide a reference for the rapid monitoring of other traditional Chinese medicine preparations in production processes.