Aromatic immunity in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is the medical knowledge accumulated in the process of people's struggling with diseases. It plays an important role in plague prevention, disease treatment, health preservation, and rehabilitation, and has profound TCM basic theoretical support and abundant modern scientific evidence. With the in-depth promotion of the Healthy China initiative and the succession of health needs in the post-COVID-19 era, how to practice the health concept of aromatic immunity in TCM and develop its health service resources with high quality has become an important proposition to be discussed urgently. This paper summarizes the cognitive process, puts forward the basic concept, discusses the scientific connotation and clinical application value, and looks forward to the future development trend of aromatic immunity in TCM, aiming to provide guidance for the development of great health products and promote the application of aromatic immunity in TCM in serving people's health.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Humans ; COVID-19/immunology* ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; SARS-CoV-2

OBJECTIVES: To compare serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and peak growth hormone (GH) levels between girls with isolated premature thelarche (IPT) and central precocious puberty (CPP), to construct a prediction model for progression from IPT to CPP, and to assess its diagnostic value. METHODS: Girls diagnosed with IPT (n=111) between January 2022 and August 2023 at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Hospital were retrospectively included. According to follow-up outcomes, participants were categorized into a CPP group (35 cases) and an IPT group (36 cases). A clinical prediction model for progression to CPP was constructed by multivariable logistic regression, and the contributions of IGF-1 and peak GH were evaluated. Restricted cubic spline analysis was used to assess the dose-response relationships of IGF-1 and peak GH with CPP. Decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate clinical utility. RESULTS: IGF-1 and peak GH were higher in the CPP group than in the IPT group (P<0.05). Compared with model 1 (without IGF-1 and peak GH), model 2 (with IGF-1 and peak GH) showed significantly higher area under the curve, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement (all P<0.05). Model 2 (χ 2=6.054, P=0.889) also demonstrated better goodness-of-fit than model 1 (χ 2=7.717, P=0.634). Nonlinear dose-response relationships were observed for peak GH and IGF-1 with CPP (P for overall trend <0.05; P for nonlinearity <0.05). Decision curve analysis indicated that combined prediction using IGF-1 and peak GH provided greater net benefit than either biomarker alone. CONCLUSIONS Peak GH and IGF-1 are closely associated with progression from IPT to CPP in girls. A clinical prediction model incorporating peak GH and IGF-1 can improve prediction of progression to CPP and yield higher net benefit.
Humans ; Female ; Puberty, Precocious/etiology* ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/analysis* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Human Growth Hormone/blood* ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Child, Preschool ; Logistic Models

Recent studies have indicated that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 51 (USP51), a novel deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that mediates protein degradation as part of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS), is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms and signaling networks involved in USP51-mediated regulation of malignant phenotypes remain largely unknown. The present study provides evidence of USP51's functions as the prominent DUB in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. At the molecular level, ectopic expression of USP51 stabilized the 78 kDa Glucose-Regulated Protein (GRP78) protein through deubiquitination, thereby increasing its expression and localization on the cell surface. Furthermore, the upregulation of cell surface GRP78 increased the activity of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), the main efflux pump of doxorubicin (DOX), ultimately decreasing its accumulation in TNBC cells and promoting the development of drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, we found significant correlations among USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 expression in TNBC patients with chemoresistance. Elevated USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 levels were also strongly associated with a poor patient prognosis. Importantly, we revealed an alternative intervention for specific pharmacological targeting of USP51 for TNBC cell chemosensitization. In conclusion, these findings collectively indicate that the USP51/GRP78/ABCB1 network is a key contributor to the malignant progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of TNBC cells, underscoring the pivotal role of USP51 as a novel therapeutic target for cancer management.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of total glucosides of paeony （TGP） on neurotoxicity induced by aqueous extract of Strychni Semen （SA） in mice and to explore its mechanism. MethodThirty-two male KM mice were randomly divided into normal group，SA group （19.5 mg·kg^-1），TGP group （225 mg·kg^-1），and SA+TGP group （SA 19.5 mg·kg^-1+TGP 225 mg·kg^-1）. The open field test and beam walking test were used to observe the behavioral changes in mice. Pathological changes in the Nissl bodies of the cerebral cortex were assessed through Nissl staining. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA），glutamate （Glu） in the mouse brain tissue，and serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze gene expression profiles in the brain tissue. Common differentially expressed genes （DEGs） underwent gene ontology （GO） and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） enrichment analyses. The mRNA expression levels of key targets were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the normal group，the SA group exhibited significant increases in side-to-side distance and average speed in the open field test，as well as increased walking time on the balance beam. The axons of cortical neurons were absent，and the levels of Glu and MDA in the brain tissue were significantly elevated （P<0.05，P<0.01），along with a notable increase in serum 5-HT levels （P<0.05）. In contrast to the SA group，the SA+TGP group significantly reduced the side-to-side distance，average speed，and balance beam walking time （P<0.05 or P<0.01）. The neuronal axons were clearly visible，and levels of 5-HT，Glu，and MDA were decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Transcriptome analysis indicated that TGP could regulate the glutamate receptor，ionotropic，N-methyl-D-aspartate 2a （GRIN2A）/phospholipase C β₁ （PLCB1）/protein kinase C，gamma （PRKCG） signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group，SA significantly decreased the expression of GRIN2A，PLCB1，and PRKCG genes in the mouse brain （P<0.01），while the mRNA levels of GRIN2A and PRKCG significantly increased after TGP administration （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionSA induces significant neurotoxicity in the mouse brain，and TGP significantly alleviates SA-induced neurological damage，potentially through the GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the cerebral small vascular disease (CSVD) total burden and the imaging markers and the degree of unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of patients with chronic unilateral MCA stenosis who underwent multimodal MRI from October 2015 to January 2019 in the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 261 patients were included, 187 males and 74 females. According to the degree of MCA stenosis, the patients were divided into 102 cases in severe stenosis-occlusion group (stenosis degree ≥70%) and 159 cases in mild-moderate stenosis group (stenosis degree <70%). CSVD imaging marker scores (including white matter hyperintensity, perivascular space, cerebral microbleed, and lacune of presumed vascular origin) were assessed according to the ?standards for reporting vascular changes on neuroimaging 1 in the 2 groups, and the CSVD total burden score was calculated. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the indicators between the two groups, and the CSVD total burden score and imaging marker scores were ultimately included in a multifactorial binary logistic regression to assess the association of CSVD imaging markers with severe stenosis-occlusion of the MCA after adjusting for vascular risk factors (age, gender, drinking, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease). Results:There were significant differences in the CSVD total burden, centrum semiovale perivascular space and lacune of presumed vascular origin score between the mild-to-moderate stenosis group and the severe stenosis-occlusion group (all P<0.05), and none of the differences in the remaining imaging marker scores were statistically significant (all P>0.05). Multivariate binary logistics regression analysis showed CSVD total burden score ( OR=1.300, 95% CI 1.047-1.613, P=0.017), centrum semiovale perivascular space score ( OR=2.099, 95% CI 1.540-2.860, P<0.001) and lacune of presumed vascular origin score ( OR=2.609, 95% CI 1.294-5.261, P=0.007) were independent associated with severe stenosis-occlusion of MCA. Conclusion:The higher CSVD total burden score, centrum semiovale perivascular space score and lacune of presumed vascular origin score are associated with severe stenosis-occlusion of MCA.

Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and β-lactam allergens in the combination of the two may be mainly regulated by PLD1, PLA2G12A and CYP1A1. The three upstream signal target proteins mainly activate the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, promote the degranulation of mast cells, release downstream endogenous inflammatory mediators, and induce PARs.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Objective:To study the clinicopathological features of Sjogren′s syndrome (SS) with liver injury and to improve the understanding of this disease.Methods:Forty-nine patients with SS complicated with liver injury were collected from Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2008 to January 2022. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, and all specimens were stained with HE. The histopathologic characteristics were observed and the pathologic indexes were graded. Immunohistochemical stains for CK7, CK19, CD38, MUM1 and CD10 were performed by EnVision method; and special histochemical stains for reticulin, Masson′s trichrome, Rhodanine, Prussian blue, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and D-PAS stains were conducted .Results:The age of patients ranged from 31 to 66 years, including 3 males and 46 females. SS combined with drug-induced liver injury was the most common (22 cases, 44.9%), followed by autoimmune liver disease (13 cases, 26.5%, including primary biliary cholangitis in eight cases, autoimmune hepatitis in 3 cases, and PBC-AIH overlap syndrome in 2 cases), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, 9 cases, 18.4%) and other lesions (5 cases, 10.2%; including 3 cases of nonspecific liver inflammation, 1 case of liver amyloidosis, and 1 case of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease). Among them, 28 cases (57.1%) were associated with obvious interlobular bile duct injury, mainly in SS combined with PBC group and drug-induced liver injury group. Twenty-three cases (46.9%) were associated with hepatocyte steatosis of varying degrees. In SS with autoimmune liver disease group, ISHAK score, degree of fibrosis bile duct injury, bile duct remodeling, lymphocyte infiltration of portal area, and plasma cell infiltration, MUM1 and CD38 expression; serum ALP and GGT, IgM; elevated globulin; positive AMA, proportion of AMA-M2 positive and IgM positive were all significantly higher than those in other groups(all P<0.05). Serum ALT, direct bilirubin and SSA positive ratio in SS combined with drug liver group were significantly higher than those in other groups(all P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol level in SS combined with PBC group ( P=0.006) and NALFD group ( P=0.011) were significantly higher than those in other groups ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The pathologic manifestations of SS patients with liver injury are varied. The inflammatory lesions of SS patients with autoimmune liver disease are the most serious, and the inflammatory lesions of SS patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-specific inflammation are mild. Comprehensive analysis of liver histopathologic changes and laboratory findings is helpful for the diagnosis of SS complicated with different types of liver injury.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective:To measure the magnetic field correction factor of reference ionization chamber in a 1.5 T magnetic field and to explore the response of the ionization chamber among different angles between magnetic field and ionization chamber axis.Methods:A home-made magnetic compatible one-dimensional water tank was used to measure the response of PTW30013 and IBA FC65-G in 7 MV photon beam of Elekta Unity with and without magnetic field. The ionizing current was collected by PTW UNIDOS Tango electrometer. The effective measurement point of ionization chamber was positioned to the isocenter of MR-linac using electronic portal image device. The influence on water absorbed dose of reference point was obtained by Monte Carlo calculations.Results:The response of ionization chambers in strong magnetic field was related to the angle between chamber axis and magnetic field. The response of ionization chamber was significantly affected in perpendicular magnetic field with a deviation up to 4.54% compared to parallel magnetic field. The deviation between the magnetic field correction factors measured for parallel or reverse-parallel was 0.03%-0.24%. The magnetic field correction factors for PTW30013 and FC65-G measured in parallel magnetic field were 0.9934±0.0077 and 0.9990±0.0076, respectively.Conclusions:This study experimentally verifies that positioning the ionization chamber axis parallel to the magnetic field direction in MR-linac reference dosimetry can minimize the magnetic field impact. The determined magnetic field correction factor and uncertainty in 1.5 T magnetic field can provide necessary data for establishing an MR-linac reference dosimetry protocol.