This paper aimed to use non-targeted urine metabolomics to reveal the potential biomarkers of toxicity in rats with hepatic injury induced by aqueous extracts of Dictamni Cortex(ADC). Forty-eight SD rats were randomly assigned to a blank group and high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose ADC groups, with 12 rats in each group(half male and half female), and they were administered orally for four weeks. The hepatic injury in SD rats was assessed by body weight, liver weight/index, biochemical index, L-glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA), and pathological alterations. The qPCR was utilized to determine the expression of metabolic enzymes in the liver and inflammatory factors. Differential metabolites were screened using principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), followed by a metabolic pathway analysis. The Mantel test was performed to assess differential metabolites and abnormally expressed biochemical indexes, obtaining potential biomarkers. The high-dose ADC group showed a decrease in body weight and an increase in liver weight and index, resulting in hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic steatosis. In addition, this group showed elevated levels of MDA, cytochrome P450(CYP) 3A1, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), as well as lower levels of alanine transaminase(ALT) and GSH. A total of 76 differential metabolites were screened from the blank and high-dose ADC groups, which were mainly involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism, pentose and glucuronic acid interconversion, galactose metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and other pathways. The Mantel test identified biomarkers of hepatotoxicity induced by ADC in SD rats, including glycineamideribotide, dIDP, and galactosylglycerol. In summary, ADC induced hepatotoxicity by disrupting glucose metabolism, ferroptosis, purine metabolism, and other pathways in rats, and glycineamideribotide, dIDP, and galactosylglycerol could be employed as the biomarkers of its toxicity.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Metabolomics ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Female ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism* ; Glutathione/metabolism* ; Humans

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective: To investigate the basic situation of pre-analytical quality management in blood station laboratories in North China, and to provide baseline data for promoting the homogenization and standardization of these pre-analytical processes in each blood station laboratory. Methods: A cross-sectional status survey was designed based on the quality management regulations of blood stations, ISO15189 standards and relevant quality management requirements. This survey covering various aspects including laboratory general situation, sample collection and temporary storage, transportation, reception, and quality continuous improvement situations. Data analysis was performed on the survey results of each laboratory. Results: All the 38 blood station laboratories in North China had established a pre-analytical quality management system framework and implemented basic pre-analytical quality control activities; however, there were differences in implementation. 1) Among the 12 basic quality items, 3 items were monitored by all the investigated laboratories (100%), 6 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 60%). There were no significant differences in the monitoring index among the three regions and among different types of laboratories (P>0.05). 2) Among the total of 26 items in the three key processes before testing (sample collection and storage, transportation, reception and processing), 12 items were monitored by all laboratories (100%), 11 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 75%). There were no significant differences in monitoring index among different regions and types of laboratories (P>0.05). Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for the gap analysis of the pre-analytical process quality management in 38 blood station laboratories across North China. It facilitates laboratories in identifying pre-analytical quality problems, resolving problems, preventing errors, and ensuring that the quality of blood samples before testing meets the established requirements. It lays a foundation for the homogenization of pre-analytical quality management in regional blood stations.

Objective: To determine the frequency and main reasons of unqualified samples by analyzing the quality of pre-analytical samples in blood stations in North China, thereby providing a reference and basis for gap analysis in the implementation of pre-analytical process quality management for participating laboratories and ensuring that only high-standard and high-quality blood samples proceed to testing. Methods: Data on the quality of pre-analytical samples from blood station laboratories in North China was collected via questionnaire. Statistical analysis were performed on: 1) the basic information of samples quality monitoring in the laboratories; 2) the distribution of the overall pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples and the pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples in each laboratory; 3) the distribution of reasons for sample disqualification. Results: 1) The overall pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples in blood station laboratories in North China was 4.55, with a total sigma level of 5.39σ. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles (P25, P50, P75) for the total unqualified rate were 0.00, 1.10 and 5.96, respectively. The corresponding percentiles for the Sigma level were 5.34σ, 5.71σ, and 6.00σ, respectively. The pre-analytical unqualified rate of serological and nucleic acid samples (4.89 vs 4.22) showed a significant difference (χ =9.575, P<0.05). 2) The average unqualified rate of samples in region A, B and C was 1.71, 9.50 and 12.64 (χ =1 590.721, P<0.05), and the sigma level was 5.66σ, 5.21σ and 5.16σ, respectively. 3) The main reasons for unqualified serological samples were chylous blood (72.65%), hemolysis (17.39%), abnormal hematocrit (5.80%), and insufficient volume (3.50%). The main reasons for the unqualified nucleic acid samples were chylous blood (78.26%), hemolysis (8.84%), failure to centrifuge as required (5.01%), abnormal hematocrit (4.66%), and insufficient volume (1.92%). Conclusion: In North China, the quality indicators for the pre-analytical processes in blood station laboratories are generally well-managed. Laboratories in region A outperformed the national average in pre-analytical specimen quality control. However, participating laboratories exhibit gaps in implementing pre-analytical quality management. Through effective analysis of pre-analytical process quality metrics and inter-laboratory comparisons, laboratories can identify discrepancies and address shortcomings. By establishing clear quality objectives, they can achieve continuous improvement and ensure the validity of test results.

Objective: To investigate the assessment criteria and subsequent handling practices of hemolytic and lipemic blood samples before testing in blood screening laboratories in North China, and to provide data to support the standardization of their management in blood station laboratories. Methods: Data on the preanalytical management of hemolytic and lipemic samples from 38 laboratories were collected. The details of management on the criteria and verificatioon for assessment, the assessment methods, and subsequent handling procedures of hemolytic and lipemic samples in blood station laboratories were analyzed. Results: 1) All 38 blood station laboratories monitored serological and nucleic acid samples for hemolysis and lipemia in pre-analytical phase. 2) The criteria and methods for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples varied among the laboratories of the 38 blood stations. 15 laboratories (39.47%) followed manufacturer's instructions, 9 laboratories (23.68%) formulated their own criteria, and 14 laboratories (36.84%) referred to the criteria of other laboratories. 16 laboratories (42.11%) verified the criteria for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples, with significant variations in verification rate across laboratories from different regions (P<0.05). For the assessment methods, visual inspection was used by 28 laboratories (73.68%) for hemolytic samples and by 27 laboratories (71.05%) for lipemic samples; the colorimetric card method was used by 10 laboratories (26.32%) for assessing both hemolytic and lipemic samples; the instrumental method was used by 1 laboratory (2.63%) for assessing lipemic samples.3) The handling procedures for hemolytic and lipemic samples varied significantly and followed a gradient distribution pattern among 38 laboratories (including accepting samples for testing, accepting samples for concession testing, re-collecting samples, and rejecting samples and halting testing). With increasing severity of hemolysis and lipemia, more laboratories halted testing, and relatively fewer laboratories accepted samples for normal testing. 5 laboratories (13.16%) applied different handling procedures on serological and nucleic acid samples. Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for analyzing gaps in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples during the preanalyical phase in blood station laboratories in North China. It enables laboratories to identify the problems and deficiencies in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples, to ensure preanalytical samples quality meets the established requirements, and to lay a foundation for promoting the homogenization and standardization of the regional sample quality management mode.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of early postural control disorders in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease(PD). Method:The sensory organization test(SOT),limits of stability(LOS),and adaptation test(ADT)were performed on 15 patients with early-stage PD and 10 healthy elderly patients using a dynamic and static balance training system. Result:Compared with the healthy group,in the SOT,early PD patients showed no significant differences in the comprehensive score of sensory organization,proprioceptive,visual,and visual dependence(P＞0.05).How-ever,there was a significant difference in vestibular balance control(P＜0.05).In the LOS,early PD patients exhibited decreased forward and backward max excursions(MXE)(P＜0.05),increased reaction time(RT)(P＜0.05),and decreased backward directional contro1(DCL)(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in for-ward DCL,left and right MXE,RT,DCL(P＞0.05).In the ADT,there were no significant differences in the incidence of the first fall and the incidence of the last four falls in PD patients and healthy groups in the for-ward and backward tilt tests(P＞0.05). Conclusion:Early PD elderly patients already have postural control disorders,particularly with decreased limits of stability in forward and backward directions and reduced ability to maintain balance using vestibular input.

This study was aimed at analyzing the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with Listeria monocyto-genes bacteremia,to provide evidence for its diagnosis and treatment.A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data for patients with L.monocytogenes bacteremia at Tangdu Hospital between September 2012 and April 2022.The data included age,sex,underlying diseases,treatments,and prognosis.Changes in indicators such as white blood cell(WBC)count,mono-cyte percentage,neutrophil percentage,monocyte/neutrophil ratio(M/N),C-reactive protein(CRP),and procalcitonin before and after treatment were statistically analyzed.Among the 32 patients with L.monocytogenes bacteremia,the average age was 31.9 years,and three patients were older than 65 years.The incidence rate was highest in summer(11 patients,34.4％),fol-lowed by spring(9 patients,28.1％).A total of 24 patients(75.0％)had underlying diseases.After accurate diagnosis,the treatment plans of 29 patients were adjusted to target antibacterial therapy consisting primarily of penicillins(17 patients,53.1％)and carbapenems(12 patients,37.5％).After treatment,the levels of neutrophils,lymphocytes,and CRP were signifi-cantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).A total of 29 patients(90.6％)improved and were discharged,one patient died,and two patients had poor prognosis.The primary risk factors for L.monocytogenes infection were autoimmune diseases,tumors,and pregnancy.Penicillin was the first choice effective empirical treatment for listeriosis.A clear diagnosis of the pathogen and appropriate choice of antibiotics were particularly important for the treatment of L.monocytogenes infection.

Objective: To understand the performance of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid detection in screening of contacts of COVID-19 cases in same flights and provide evidence for the effective screening of persons at high risk for the infection in domestic flights. Methods: The information of passengers who took same domestic flights with COVID-19 cases in China from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2022 were retrospectively collected,and χ² test was used to analyze positive nucleic acid detection rates in the passengers in different times before the onsets of the index cases, in different seat rows and in epidemic periods of different 2019-nCoV variants. Results: During the study period, a total of 433 index cases were identified among 23 548 passengers in 370 flights. Subsequently, 72 positive cases of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid were detected in the passengers, in whom 57 were accompanying persons of the index cases. Further analysis of the another 15 passengers who tested positive for the nucleic acid showed that 86.67% of them had onsets or positive detections within 3 days after the diagnosis of the index cases, and the boarding times were all within 4 days before the onsets of the index cases. The positive detection rate in the passengers who seated in first three rows before and after the index cases was 0.15% (95%CI: 0.08%-0.27%), significantly higher than in the passengers in other rows (0.04%, 95%CI: 0.02%-0.10%, P=0.007),and there was no significant difference in the positive detection rate among the passengers in each of the 3 rows before and after the index cases (P=0.577). No significant differences were found in the positive detection rate in the passengers, except the accompanying persons, among the epidemics caused by different 2019-nCoV variants (P=0.565). During the Omicron epidemic period, all the positive detections in the passengers, except the accompanying persons, were within 3 days before the onset of the index cases. Conclusions: The screening test of 2019-nCoV nucleic acid can be conducted in the passengers took the same flights within 4 days before the onsets of the index cases on board. Passengers who seated within 3 rows from the index cases can considered as the close contacts at high risk for 2019-nCoV, for whom screening should be conducted first and special managements are needed. The passengers in other rows can be classified as general risk persons for screening and management.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; China ; Nucleic Acids

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the age-stratified normal levels and age-related changes in the risk predictors of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) progression. A total of 4706 male participants aged 40 years or older in Zhengzhou (China) were enrolled. The values of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume (PV), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) significantly increased with age. Nonlinear relationships between age and IPSS scores ≥8 (P for nonlinearity = 0.046), PSA level ≥1.6 ng ml^-1, PV ≥31 ml, or PVR ≥39 ml (all P for nonlinearity <0.001) were observed. After the age of 61 years, the risk indicators related to BPH progression were positively correlated with age (odds ratio [OR] >1), regardless of the predictors of the IPSS score, PSA level, PV, or PVR; and the OR values increased gradually. Therefore, after the age of 61 years, the risk predictors related to BPH progression were positively correlated with age.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/diagnosis* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; East Asian People ; Risk Factors