OBJECTIVE: Xuebijing injection has been recommended as a therapeutic approach for individuals with severe and critical COVID-19. This study aims to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR) with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19, and the effect of XBJ on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in different inflammatory states. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at Wuhan Union Hospital in China. COVID-19 patients admitted between November 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023 were included. In predicting prognosis for individuals with COVID-19, new inflammatory indicators were used, and their prognostic value was assessed by using Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Furthermore, a calculation was made to determine the cutoff value for NLPR. Relative risk and Cox regression models were used to examine the effects of Xuebijing injection on prognosis in patient cohorts that had been stratified by the NLPR cutoff. RESULTS: This research included 455 participants with COVID-19, with a mean age of 72 years. Several inflammatory indicators were found to be strongly correlated with prognosis, and NLPR shows the greatest predictive power. Patients with NLPR > 3.29 exhibited a mortality rate of 17.3%, which was 6.2 times higher than in patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29. Importantly, providing Xuebijing injection to patients with NLPR > 3.29 was associated with a lower risk of 60-day all-cause mortality. However, there was no discernible improvement in survival among patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29 who received Xuebijing injection. CONCLUSION NLPR is the most reliable inflammatory marker for predicting prognosis among individuals with COVID-19, and can accurately identify individuals who may benefit from Xuebijing injection. Please cite this article as: Liao M, Zhang LT, Bai LJ, Wang RY, Liu Y, Han J, Liu LH, Qi BL. Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 282-288.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Neutrophils ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Lymphocytes ; Blood Platelets ; Platelet Count ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult

This article reports the clinical features and gene mutation types of a large family with Nascimento form of syndromic X-linked intellectual developmental disorder (MRXSN), involving 9 individuals across 3 generations, and a literature review was conducted. In this family, 9 individuals had similar manifestations including mental retardation and unusual facies, and 4 of them had passed away. Genetic testing showed that the proband had the deletion of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene, which was inherited from the mother. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the proband and his uncle had the deletion of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene; the proband's mother, grandmother, and great-aunt had a heterozygous deletion of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene; the proband's father, sister, and aunt had a normal copy number of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene. The 34 patients reported in the literature had diverse clinical phenotypes, and UBE2A gene mutations (22/34, 65%) and large fragment deletions (12/34, 35%) were the main mutation types. Moderate to severe mental retardation (34/34, 100%), speech and language impairment (33/34, 97%), and unusual facies (32/34, 94%) were the main clinical manifestations of MRXSN patients. The disease has obvious phenotypic heterogeneity, and early diagnosis facilitates optimal prenatal and postnatal management to improve reproductive outcomes.
Humans ; Male ; Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/genetics* ; Female ; X-Linked Intellectual Disability/genetics* ; Gene Deletion ; Child ; Pedigree ; Child, Preschool ; Adult

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of achyranthes bidentata(AB)on sperm quality in mice with sper-matogenic disorder through the glycolytic metabolic pathway and its action mechanism.Methods:We equally randomized 40 Kun-ming mice into a normal control,a model control,a low-dose AB(3.5 g/kg)and a high-dose AB group(7.0 g/kg),and established the model of spermatogenic disorder in the latter three groups of mice by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin(30 mg/kg).Two days after modeling,we collected the testis and kidney tissues and blood samples from the mice for observation of the pathological changes in the testis tissue by HE staining,detection of perm motility with the sperm quality analyzer,examination of the apoptosis of testis cells by flow cytometry,measurement of the levels of testosterone(T),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and cata-lase(CAT)in the serum and testis tissue by ELISA,and determination of expressions of the key enzymes of glycolysis hexokinase Ⅱ(HK2),pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2),platelet phosphofructokinase(PFKP),lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)and the meiosis pro-teins REC8 and SCP3 by Western blot,and the mRNA expressions of glycolytic phosphofructokinase 1(PFK1),phosphoglycerate ki-nase 1(PGK1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1 β(IL-1β)by fluorescence quantitative PCR(FQ-PCR).Results:Compared with the model controls,the mice in the AB groups showed significant increases in the testis coefficient,kidney in-dex,sperm concentration,sperm motility,spermatogonia,primary spermatocytes,spermatids,sperm count and the serum T level(P＜0.05 orP＜0.01),but dramatic decreases in the apoptosis of testis cells and percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm(P＜0.01).Achyranthes bidentata also significantly elevated the levels of SOD and CAT,and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of MDA,TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and up-regulated the protein expressions of HK2,PKM2,PFKP,LDHA,REC8 and SCP3,and expressions of the glycolysis key genes Pfk1 and Pgk1(P＜0.05 orP＜0.01).Conclusion:Achyranthes bidentata ameliorates doxorubicin-induced spermatogenic disorder in mice by regulating the glycolytic pathway and reducing oxidative stress and the expressions of inflammatory factors.

Objective To obtain measurements of fetal four-chamber view and left and right ventricular shapes using two-dimensional speckle tracking,and to explore the clinical quantification of cardiac shape remodeling in small for gestational age(SGA)fetuses.Methods In this study,we prospectively collected data on singleton pregnancies from 28 to 39 weeks that were established in the archives of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University from May 2020 to Jul 2021.Fetuses eligible for inclusion criteria were randomly matched according to the ratio of estimated fetal weight(EFW)≥10th percentile(P10)∶EFWP90 in the apical segments of the left ventricle was greater in normal UAPI fetuses than that in low-risk fetuses(24.2%vs.14.3%,P=0.005);the SI of left ventricle in UAPI-normal SGA fetuses was greater in segments S1 to S22 than that of right ventricle with statistically significant difference(all P<0.05),while no significant difference was found between the SI of left and right ventricles in segments S23 and S24.Conclusion About one-fourth of SGA fetuses with normal UAPI have abnormally increased apical segments of the left ventricular SI,suggesting that cardiac remodeling with a predominantly"elongated"apical segments of the left ventricle precedes Doppler anomalies.

Objective To obtain measurements of fetal four-chamber view and left and right ventricular shapes using two-dimensional speckle tracking,and to explore the clinical quantification of cardiac shape remodeling in small for gestational age(SGA)fetuses.Methods In this study,we prospectively collected data on singleton pregnancies from 28 to 39 weeks that were established in the archives of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University from May 2020 to Jul 2021.Fetuses eligible for inclusion criteria were randomly matched according to the ratio of estimated fetal weight(EFW)≥10th percentile(P10)∶EFWP90 in the apical segments of the left ventricle was greater in normal UAPI fetuses than that in low-risk fetuses(24.2%vs.14.3%,P=0.005);the SI of left ventricle in UAPI-normal SGA fetuses was greater in segments S1 to S22 than that of right ventricle with statistically significant difference(all P<0.05),while no significant difference was found between the SI of left and right ventricles in segments S23 and S24.Conclusion About one-fourth of SGA fetuses with normal UAPI have abnormally increased apical segments of the left ventricular SI,suggesting that cardiac remodeling with a predominantly"elongated"apical segments of the left ventricle precedes Doppler anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes after acupoint application in patients with pharyngeal pain in a real-world settings, and analyze the characteristics of effective population and prescription characteristics of acupoint application. METHODS: Based on CHUNBO platform, patients with pharyngeal pain who were candidates for acupoint application on the basis of physician-evaluation, were enrolled in a nationwide, prospective, 69-week multicenter observational study from August 2020 to February 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the confounding factors and the association rules were used to analyze the characteristics of effective population and prescription characteristics of acupoint application. Outcome assessments included the disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain (within 3, 7, and 14 days), disappearance time of pharyngeal pain, as well as adverse events. RESULTS: Of 7,699 enrolled participants, 6,693 (86.9%) received acupoint application and 1,450 (21.7%) with non-acupoint application. After PSM, there were 1,004 patients each in the application group (AG) and non-application group (NAG). The disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain in the AG at 3, 7, and 14 days were all higher than those in the NAG (P<0.05). The disappearance time of pharyngeal pain in the AG were shorter than that in the NAG (logrank P<0.001, hazard ratio=1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.41-1.63). The median age of effective cases was 4 years, mainly 3-6 years old (40.21%). The disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain in the application group with tonsil diseases was 2.19 times higher than that in the NAG (P<0.05). The commonly used acupoints for the effective cases were Tiantu (RN 22), Shenque (RN 8) and Dazhui (DU 14). The commonly used herbs for the effective cases were Natrii sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and Herba Ephedrae. Among them, Natrii sulfas was applied to RN 8 most frequently (support 84.39%). A total of 1,324 (17.2%) patients experienced AEs, and mainly occurred in the AG, with significant difference in the incidence of AEs between goups (P<0.05). All AEs reported were the first grade, and the average regression days of AEs was 2.8 days. CONCLUSIONS Acupoint application in patients with pharyngeal pain resulted in improved effective rate and shortened duration, especially children aged 3-6 years old, and those with tonsil diseases. Acupoint of RN 22, RN 8 and DU 14, Natrii sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and Herba Ephedrae were the most commonly used herbs in the treatment of pharyngeal pain.
Child ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Acupuncture Points ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Prospective Studies ; Pain

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether monotropein has an anticancer effect and explore its potential mechanisms against colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental verification. METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential targets of monotropein against CRC. Cell counting kit assay, plate monoclonal assay and microscopic observation were used to investigate the antiproliferative effects of monotropein on CRC cells HCT116, HT29 and LoVo. Flow cytometry and scratch assay were used to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle, as well as cell migration, respectively in HCT116, HT29, and LoVo cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell migration, and the expression of proteins key to the Akt pathway. RESULTS: The Gene Ontology and Reactome enrichment analyses indicated that the anticancer potential of monotropein against CRC might be involved in multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. Among these pathways, RAC-beta serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1, Akt2), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42) were shown as the potential anticancer targets of monotropein against CRC. Molecular docking suggested that monotropein may interact with the 6 targets (Akt1, Akt2, CDK6, MMP9, EGFR, CDC42). Subsequently, cell activity of HCT116, HT29 and LoVo cell lines were significantly suppressed by monotropein (P<0.05). Furthermore, our research revealed that monotropein induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and increasing Bax, induced G₁-S cycle arrest in colorectal cancer by decreasing the expressions of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6, inhibited cell migration by suppressing the expressions of CDC42 and MMP9 (P<0.05), and might play an anticancer role through Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Monotropein exerts its antitumor effects primarily by arresting the cell cycle, causing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting cell migration. This indicates a high potential for developing novel medication for treating CRC.
Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Cell Cycle ; ErbB Receptors ; Apoptosis ; Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective To investigate how maternal MTR gene polymorphisms and their interactions with periconceptional folic acid supplementation are associated with the incidence of ventricular septal defects(VSD)in offspring.Methods A case-control study was conducted,recruiting 426 mothers of infants with VSD under one year old and 740 mothers of age-matched healthy infants.A questionnaire survey collected data on maternal exposures,and blood samples were analyzed for genetic polymorphisms.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to analyze the associations between genetic loci and VSD.Crossover analysis and logistic regression were utilized to examine the additive and multiplicative interactions between the loci and folic acid intake.Results The CT and TT genotypes of the maternal MTR gene at rs6668344 increased the susceptibility of offspring to VSD(P<0.05).The GC and CC genotypes at rs3768139,AG and GG at rs1050993,AT and TT at rs4659743,GG at rs3768142,and GT and TT at rs3820571 were associated with a decreased risk of VSD(P<0.05).The variations at rs6668344 demonstrated an antagonistic multiplicative interaction with folic acid supplementation in relation to VSD(P<0.05).Conclusions Maternal MTR gene polymorphisms significantly correlate with the incidence of VSD in offspring.Mothers with variations at rs6668344 can decrease the susceptibility to VSD in their offspring by supplementing with folic acid during the periconceptional period,suggesting the importance of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in genetically at-risk populations to prevent VSD in offspring.

Objective To explore the associations of parental smoking and alcohol consumption during the periconceptional period and their interactions with risk of congenital heart disease(CHD)in offspring.Methods The parents of children with simple CHD aged 0 to 1 year(n=683)were recruited as the case group,while the parents of healthy children aged 0 to 1 year(n=740)served as the control group.A case-control study was conducted,and a questionnaire was used to collect information on perinatal exposures.After controlling for relevant confounding factors using multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching,the associations of parental smoking and alcohol consumption during the periconceptional period and their interactions with CHD were examined,as well as the cumulative effects of smoking and drinking on CHD risk.Results Maternal active smoking(OR=2.91,95%CI:1.60-5.30),passive smoking(OR=1.94,95%CI:1.56-2.42),and alcohol consumption(OR=2.59,95%CI:1.89-3.54),as well as paternal smoking(OR=1.52;95%CI:1.22-1.90)and drinking(OR=1.48,95%CI:1.19-1.84),were associated with an increased risk of CHD in offspring.There was no interaction between parental smoking and drinking behaviors during the periconceptional period concerning the risk of CHD in offspring(P>0.05).The more parents'smoking and drinking behaviors during the perinatal pregnancy,the higher the risk of CHD in their offspring(OR=1.50,95%CI:1.36-1.65).Conclusions Parental smoking and alcohol consumption during the periconceptional period are associated with the occurrence of CHD in offspring,and there is a cumulative effect on CHD risk,suggesting that reducing tobacco and alcohol exposure during the periconceptional period may lower the incidence of CHD.

Objective To explore the effect of a multiple heat-preservation approach during the peri-operative period of hip arthroscopy on core body temperature,anesthesia recovery time and postopera-tive shivering.Methods Eighty patients who underwent arthroscopic acetabular labral repair between Jan-uary 2020 and June 2021 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,each of 40.During the perioperative period,both groups received routine nursing,while the ob-servation group was additionally provided with a series of heat-preservation measures including raising the room temperature,liquid heating and warm blanket insulation.The core body temperature was mon-itored by an axillary probe.Moreover,the perioperative core body temperature,anesthesia recovery time,and incidence of postoperative shivering were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant differences were found between the two groups in the preoperative core body temper-ature(P>0.05).However,the core body temperature of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group intraoperatively(36.2℃±0.2℃vs 35.9℃±0.2℃,P<0.001)and postoperatively(36.6℃±0.2℃vs 36.4℃±0.2℃,P<0.001),while the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia(<36.0℃)of the observation group was significantly lower than the latter(7.5%vs 70.0%,P<0.001).Meanwhile,the anesthesia recovery time[27.0(24.0,30.0)min vs 30.0(28.0,33.0)min,M(P25,P75),P<0.001]and incidence of postoperative shivering(7.5%vs 25.0%,P=0.034)in the observation group were significantly lower than the control group.Conclusion Adopting a multiple heat-preservation approach during the perioperative period of hip arthroscopy can help maintain the core body tempera-ture,shorten the anesthesia recovery time,and reduce the incidence of postoperative shivering.